Edge Davao 7 Issue 34

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

tHE BESt. Edge Davao editor in chief Antonio M. Ajero receives the trophy for winning the “Best Edited Community Newspaper” award from Philippine Press Institute chairman and president Atty.

Jesus Dureza and former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos during the 18th Civic Journalism Community Awards last night held at Traders Hotel in Manila. Lean Daval Jr.

EDCA pACt nixED PHL being used for US interests in war?

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

MIlITANT group in Davao City criticized the signing of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippine government and United States of America.

Prof. Randy Ponteras, spokesperson of Akbayan in Davao City told reporters in a press conference last Wednesday at Trade Union Congress of the Philippines Hotel, that EDCA does not give a positive picture on the quest for peace in the country.

“As Mindanaoan gwapo ang mensahe on the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro na pahuman na ta sa giyera. Pero pag abot aning EDCA murag naay giyera nga mo abot? Murag mao toy mensahe,”Ponteras said.

FEDCA, 10

Edge Davao adjudged as ‘best edited newspaper’

By GREGORIO G. DElIGERO greg@edgedavao.net

WinnER. Former president Fidel V. Ramos, who graced yesterday night the 50th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards as the keynote speaker, poses with Edge Davao marketing executives Richard C. Ebona and Angelica R. Garcia. Also in photo is PPI chairman-president Atty. Jesus Dureza. Lean Daval Jr.

E

DGE DAVAO was adjudged as the “Best Edited Community Newspaper” in the 18th Civic Journalism Community Press Awards held

yesterday night in Manila coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) graced by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos

as the keynote speaker.

The awards, launched in 1996 and conferred annually on outstanding community newspapers,

FEDGE, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

OUtDOOR DECORS. A pottery store worker arranges these cartoon character-inspired outdoor decors crafted from clay in Matti, Digos City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Amendments in CCtV ordinance still pending

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council has yet to approve the proposed amendments in some provisions of the CCTV (closed-circuit television) Ordinance of the City with the unavailability of the main proponent.

The councilors are supposed to discuss the “Resolution to enact an ordinance amending paragraph 5, Section

9, of Ordinance No. 0407-12 series of 2012 entitled, an ordinance requiring all business establishments, whether commercial, industrial or financial institutions with a minimum capitalization of P3 million to install CCTV cameras.”

However, councilor Tomas J. Monteverde IV, the proponent was on domestic emergency leave.

Based on the draft resolution, the penalty prescribed by the existing ordinance for failure to save records of the surveillance, or voluntary submission of the tapes (P5,000) is too light hence susceptible to non-observance by covered establishments. But, they include on the penalty the revocation of business permits.

It says that the use of CCTV

cameras can act as a deterrent in potential commission of crime.

In the report of the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances, the amendatory ordinance is prompted right after series of consultations with the members of the local law enforcement, wherein station commanders on some

FAMEnDMEntS, 10

UM commemorates LABOR DAY graduation exercises 2,300 new workers A

CHAllENGE was posed to the more than 1, 000 recent graduates of the University of Mindanao by no less than the UM President himself, Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., to strive hard to earn the elusive P1 million incentive for topping national board exams.

In his address to the graduates during the traditional baccalaureate mass held on April 29, a day before the graduation itself, Dr. Torres posed the challenge not just for the hefty figure that a graduate of

UM can earn, but also for the distinction and satisfaction of topping a national examination and being recognized as the best in your chosen field.

This year’s crop is all the more promising with the awarding of the Presidential Award for the Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year as well as the GE Torres Excellence Award to Prince Rainier Yamyamin, who is decorated as this year’s Magna Cum laude with a degree in BS in

FUM, 10

hired-on-the-spot P

ARTIAl data available as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday showed that close to 2,300 new workers were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during the 2014 labor Day job fairs simultaneously conducted all over the country by the Department of labor and Employment.

The DOlE said that 1,779 applicants were hired for local

employment and 485 others for overseas placement.

According to Dominique Tutay, head of the DOlE’s Bureau of local Employment, the total number represented 13 percent of the 17,295 qualified job applicants who went to the 69 venues nationwide.

Of the 2,264 HOTS, there are 756 males and 855 fe-

F2,300, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014 internet photo

‘Bakwits’ return to talaingod; Army says pullout temporary M

ANOBO residents of Talaingod, Davao del Norte who have sought refuge in Davao City since April 4 owing to military operations in their area will finally be going home following an agreement for a troop pullout.

From May 1 to May 2, vehicles to be provided by the city government will bring them back to Talaingod.

The agreement came after a dialogue that lasted at least five hours between lumad leaders, local and military officials, and City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

The dialogue took place Tuesday night, April 29, in Grand Men Seng Hotel and livestreamed by groups supporting the evacuees.

The evacuees were represented by leaders of the Salugpungan Ta Tatanu Ig Kanogon (Unity in Defense of Ancestral land) and PASAKA (Confederation of lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao).

Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, Talaingod mayor Basilio libayao, 10th Infantry Division chief Major General Ariel Bernardo also attended.

The parties agreed that no armed military personnel would be allowed to escort the evacuees from Davao City to their respective villages. They will

also receive rice, noodles, canned goods and kitchen utensils from the social services offices of Talaingod and Davao del Norte province, aside from medical assessments in Talaingod prior to their return to their villages.

10th ID chief Major General Ariel Bernardo confirmed to MindaNews that troops will be pulled out of 10 sitios (sub-villages) identified by the Manobo leaders namely, Sitio Bayabas, Sazo, Pong-pong, Nasilaban, Dulyan, Nalubas, Bagang, lasakan, Sambolongan and Bogni.

He, however, clarified the pullout will only be “temporary” due to the alleged heavy presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area.

Hundreds of Manobos fled their homes for fear of getting caught in crossfire between the NPA and government troops.

Datu Doloman Dawsay, leader of the Talaingod Manobo said they left their village not only because of the military operations, which include “aerial bombings,” but also because the military tagged them as either NPA members or sympathizers.

Thirteen-year old “Kim-kim” (not his real name) alleged in an interview with MindaNews last April 11 that soldiers came to their house and con-

Sultan Kudarat

DiALOGUE. Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario discusses with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and 10th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo the points agreed on during a dialogue in Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City on April 29, 2014 with a group of Talaingod Manobos who have sought refuge in the city for almost a month now. [MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano] trolled their movements.

“If I’d go out of the house for the toilet, they’d follow me saying I might report to the NPA. They also told me that if I join the Army in order to have girls, it’s better that I did not get a job,” he said in Cebuano.

Col. Harold Cabreros, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade operating in Talaingod denied how-

ever the allegations of the residents during his presentation at the dialogue.

Cabreros said they are conducting “Peace and Development Outreach Program” in Talaingod in response to the growing presence of the NPA. He appealed to the NPA to “stop the exploitation of the indigenous peoples and to abandon armed struggle.”

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Duterte in a separate meeting said he believes in some of the aspirations of the NPA like land reform.

“But what I can’t agree with is armed struggle. I don’t want a bloodbath with fellow Filipinos,” he said in Cebuano.

Datu Dawsay said he was happy with the results of the dialogue but added their struggle was far from over.

Tribal leader Teody Mansumoy-at, who teaches literacy and numeracy in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod agreed with Datu Dawsay.

“We’re happy that we can now return, but we will continue protecting our ancestral domain, living culture and peaceful existence in Talaingod,” he said in Cebuano. [Toto Lozano/ MindaNews]

HE daily rotational brownouts in parts of Region 12 stretched to as high as eight hours on Thursday due to the worsening power supply shortage in the critical Mindanao grid.

Distribution utilities South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 1), South Cotabato 2 Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 2) and the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative separately announced extended rotational outages, which they blamed on the reduced power allocations from the National Power Corporation and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

Santiago Tudio, Socoteco 1 general manager, said the NGCP has cut down their daily power allocation earlier this week to around 17 to 20 megawatts (MW) as a result of the drastic reduction of the Mindanao grid’s system capacity.

As of Thursday morn-

ing, the NGCP listed the island’s system capacity at 922 MW or 314 MW short of the area’s system peak or power demand of 1,236 MW. Citing an advisory from the NPC and the NGCP, Tudio said such deficit was mainly caused by the continuing shutdown of the Steag State Power Corporation’s coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental and the emergency shutdown of the diesel plant of Therma Marine Inc. He said the generation capacities of the NPC’s Agus 2, Agus 4, Agus 6 and Pulangi 4 hydropower complexes further declined in the last several days due to the declining water levels at lake lanao and the river systems running them.

Such situation was triggered by the lack of rains and the prevailing intense warm weather in the area because of the summer season, he said.

Owing to this, Tudio said they were forced to implement at least three hours of daily rotational brownouts within their service area in the last three days.

He said electric cooperative has already been operating its leased 12 MW modular generator sets but they were not enough to contain the area’s deficit.

Socoteco 1, which lists a daily peak power demand of 34 to 38 MW, serves eight municipalities in South Cotabato, Koronadal City and lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat.

In Socoteco 2’s service area, the rotational brownouts have so far increased to three to four hours from the previous two hours and 30 minutes as a result of the worsening power shortage.

The electric cooperative serves this city, the entire Sarangani Province and the municipalities of Polomolok and Tupi in

South Cotabato.

In Sultan Kudarat province, Sukelco officials said they were forced to extend the area’s rotational brownouts from five to eight hours daily due to the power supply deficit.

Claudia Pondales, acting general manager of Sukelco, said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen that they were continually looking for some measures to address the power shortage in the area but noted that they were primarily dependent on the capacity of the Mindanao grid.

She said local power consumers should understand that the Mindanao grid has been facing a huge deficit in terms of power supply.

“Rest assured that we’ve been doing everything we can to address this problem and our focus right now is to bring in immediate solutions,” she said. [MindaNews]

PDEA arrest couple 8-hour brownouts hit parts of Region 12 for illegal drugs trade T A GENTS of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (PDEAARMM) have arrested a couple in a drug buybust operation in Sultan Kudarat province Wednesday, anti-narcotics agents said.

Felimon Ruiz, regional director of PDEA-ARMM, said the buy-bust operation was launched in Barangay Saliao, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and resulted in the arrest of Abdulla Delna suspected to be the supplier of prohibited drugs in the town of Esperanza.

His wife, Joan Pagla-

la, was also arrested during the raid where the raiding team seized heat-sealed sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” several unlicensed guns with ammunition and explosives.

The couple is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 and Republic Act 10165, or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.

The suspects are now detained at the PDEA-ARMM office in Cotabato City while appropriate charges are being readied against them. [PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY RDC 12 seeks extension of agri project operations EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

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HE Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 has urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to extend the operations of the Socsksargen Area Development Project Office (ADPO) for two more years or until 2016.

In a resolution, the council specifically asked Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to sustain the project office’s operations beyond the end of 2014, which was set as the end of the unit’s term of office based on DA’s approved rationalization plan.

“This council finds the continuing operation of the Socsksargen ADPO important in Region 12’s pursuit for inclusive growth and poverty reduction, particularly in the rural areas dominated by agriculture-based economic activities,” the resolution said.

Socsksargen ADPO, a special project unit of the DA, mainly coordinates, implements and monitors programs and projects in support of DA’s food security program as well as development plans and initiatives that complement with the government’s peace efforts.

The DA unit’s project area covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan

Kudarat and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan and Tacurong, which are all part of Region 12.

Arturo Valero, RDC-12 acting chair, said Socsksargen ADPO’s term initially expired on December 31, 2010 based on the provisions of Executive Order (EO) 507 issued on February 15, 2006.

But it was extended by President Benigno S. Aquino III until December 31, 2016 by virtue of EO No. 16 issued on December 21, 2011.

The President issued the order “in view of the continuing need to fasttrack the construction of vital infrastructure (airports, seaports, fishports, irrigation facilities and road networks) and to sustain regional efforts particularly in the implementation of food security and key development plans and programs in support for peace and development in Mindanao.”

Due to the approval of DA’s rationalization Plan, Valero said Sec. Alcala issued a memorandum reducing the term of office of the Socsksargen ADPO from 2016 to 2014.

The official said the Socsksargen board’s executive committee recently passed a resolution “opposing the

JOB FAiR 2014. The Department of Labor and Employment XI marked this year’s Labor Day celebration with a Job Fair. Cutting the ribbon to mark the Job Fair opening at SM City Davao Annex Event Center are DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Joffrey Suyao (6th from the left, back row), City Council Committee Chair on Labor and Employment Counc. January Duterte(7th) and SM City Davao Mall Manager Lynette Lopez (8th). Also in the photo are (back row) SM Lanang Premier HR Manager Maria Cecille Miñoza, SM City Davao HR Manager Karleine Del Mundo, SM Supermalls HR Regional Manager Sandra Elecerio, OWWA Regional Director Zenobia Caro, SM City Davao Asst. Mall Manager Engr. Warren Rey Bautista and POEA Regional Director Carolina Agdamag. There are 53 SM malls supporting the Job Fair nationwide. phasing out” of the project office by the end of the year and its mainstreaming under the DA Regional Field Office 12 starting next year.

He said the board strongly recommended the continued implementation

of EO 16, which extended the unit’s operations until 2016.

Valero said such resolution was unanimously supported by key local chief executives and the private sector of areas covered by

the unit.

Its signatories include Gov. Emmylou J. Talino-Mendoza of North Cotabato, Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes of South Cotabato, Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan

Kudarat, Gov. Steve Chiongbion Solon of Sarangani, Mayor Ronnel Rivera of this city and Raul Josefino Miguel of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he added.

[MindaNews]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

Mindanao-north Sulawesi, indonesia sea route to open this month- -MinDA T

RADE and economic ties between Mindanao and Indonesia expect to get further boost with the opening of the Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung sea route this month that will operationalize shipping services between Mindanao and North Sulawesi.

An agreement to operationalize the shipping service was sealed in Jakarta on April 11 by the representatives of the Indonesian shipping line PT Kanaka, the North Minahasa Chamber of Commerce of Indonesia, Philippine-based cargo company ARREE Freight Express and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce.

The sea route has expanded to include Tahuna, a fishing and trading center in Sangir Talaud group of islands in the province of North Sulawesi, situated in between Bitung and General Santos City.

In the agreement, PT Kanaka will provide shipping services to the route with its conventional cargo-type vessel with a 120 TEU capacity. ARREE Freight Express on the other hand will handle the cargo consolidation requirements for the shipping route.

“We have always looked into this route as one of the cheapest and fastest ways to transport goods from Mindanao to Indonesia, and vice versa,” said Dr. Malou Monteverde, former president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and one of the primary proponents of the sea route.

The shipping service is also seen to significantly increase trade and economic relations not just between the two countries, but in the entire Brunei

Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Monteverde added that the vessel is initially expected to ply the route twice a month.

Among the products eyed

by Mindanao traders to export to Indonesia through the new shipping service are canned beverage, fresh and dried tropical fruits, processed coconut, corn feeds, construction supplies, meat, poultry, and fish products.

Currently, sea links that connect Mindanao to Indonesia have to pass through Manila and Jakarta before reaching the provinces of North Sulawesi.

Monteverde said that the new link will allow the direct exchange of goods between Mindanao and Indonesia through a less costly and more proximate route.

Prior to the commencement of this route, consumer items for East Indonesia are usually sourced from Jakarta, almost a thousand nautical miles from North Sulawesi. The direct sea route is estimated to span only 350-nautical miles. Tahuna was added to the route due to the area’s strategic location and its significant contribution to trading activities.

“We commend the continuous efforts of the private sector in making this route possible, which will significantly cut shipping costs and thereby allow our small and medium entrepreneurs to engage in international trading between these two points in the BIMP-EAGA,” said luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Philippine signing minister for BIMP-EAGA. Antonino added that the

nEW SHippinG ROUtE. Seen to increase trade between Indonesia and the Philippines, the Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung sea route which will open next month will formalize shipping services between Mindanao and North Sulawesi, two key island-provinces in the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Are (BIMP-EAGA). The opening of the shipping route is also seen to boost trade growth within the economic sub-region and encourage entrepreneurs to engage into international trade business. private sector-led sea route is identified as a priority route under the masterplan on ASEAN connectivity, and is seen to strongly contribute to efforts towards ASEAN integration.

Currently, shipping companies that provide services to areas covered by BIMP-EAGA are given 50 percent discount on port and dockages fees as part of the incentives for serving within the sub-region.

As part of the Philippine ini-

tiatives for ASEAN integration, the development of the route is also supported by various national line agencies including the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Communication, the Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Bureau of Customs, including transport security offices.

In a feasibility study conducted by the Japan Internation-

al Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2012, the Gensan-Bitung route was selected as one of the pilot areas for a roll-on roll-off operation within BIMP-EAGA. The study also highlighted that the route can be dedicated to a freight service once shipping service requirements are in place.

Another study made by the Research Education and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation in 2010 cited that

the North Sulawesi-Mindanao sea link offers strong potentials for international trade and commerce between Indonesia and the Philippines since it offers a proximate channel for the shipment of goods.

“The opening of this sea route concretizes our long-running efforts to establish a shipping link between Mindanao and North Sulawesi,” said Eko Hartono, Indonesian Consul General to Davao.

HE Social Security System (SSS) marked another banner year in 2013, highlighted by the sustained growth both in net income and assets. Net income for 2013 was P38 billion, registering an increase of six percent from P36 billion in 2012, while total assets likewise grew by six percent to P385 billion.

May Catherine Ciriaco, SSS Vice President for Management Services and Planning, credited the increase to improved financial operations as reflected by the 9.3 percent jump in contribution collections that for the first time surpassed the century mark at P103 billion.

“Investment and other income stood at P34.4 billion, up by 1.5 percent from P33.9 billion in 2012 despite the low interest rate scenario and volatility in the financial market.

SSS’ 8.7 percent return on investment continues to outperform market benchmarks such as the four percent 10-year T-bond rate and 0.7 percent 364-day Treasury bill rate,”

Ciriaco noted.

SSS benefit releases totaled P91 billion, with over half of which or P49 billion paid for retirement claims, and about one-third or P30 billion disbursed to survivors of deceased members. Payments for maternity, which totaled P4 billion, and retirement posted the highest rates of increase among SSS benefit types last year at 12.6 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively.

The contribution-benefit surplus --- or the positive difference between collected contributions and disbursed benefits --- grew by 16 percent to P12 billion. The 2013 surplus marked a five-year high, and was six times more than the P2 billion surplus in 2010.

Ciriaco said prudent management of operating and capital expenditures led to improved SSS operating efficiency despite higher transaction levels, greater number of members served and increased SSS presence locally and overseas.

“SSS operating expenses in 2013 reached only P7.6 billion, which was relatively flat compared to 2012. More significantly, spending for SSS operations in 2013 represented only 57 percent of our allowed charter limit, even as we were able to reach out to more members and handle a heavier transaction load last year,” she added.

Transaction volume swelled by 6.4 percent to 33.7 million last year from 31.7 million in 2012, with contribution-related transactions, accounting for half of the 2013 total. The growth in SSS transactions is in step with the 4.3 percent growth in SSS coverage to 30.7 million individual members, while the number of registered employers totaled about 912,000 by end-2013.

To provide members greater convenience and easier access to SSS services and facilities, the agency last year opened a total of 21 local offices nationwide – namely three new branches at

Panabo (Davao), Guadalupe (Makati City) and Congressional (Quezon City), as well as 18 rent-free SSS Service Offices located in 17 malls and one inside the Muntinlupa City Hall.

“To reach out to overseas Filipino workers, SSS opened two foreign representative offices for Filipino communities in Macau and Bahrain that have a high concentration of migrant workers. We also deployed more roving SSS officers to bolster our coverage activities in the Middle East, Europe and Asia and encourage OFWs to register or re-activate their SSS membership,” Ciriaco explained.

Members also benefited from the six-day work week implemented by all SSS branches from October to December 2013, as well as the special Saturday schedule of all SSS offices in June 2013 to accommodate household employers and domestic workers complying with the Batas Kasambahay enacted last year.

Passage of pro-labor SSS achieves another banner year in 2013 laws needed- -Drilon T S

ENATE President Franklin M. Drilon vowed yesterday that the Senate would work double time in enacting pro-worker legislation that will provide relief to the Philippine workforce and help improve their economic condition.

“As a gift to the millions of dedicated workers both from the public and private sectors, we commit to work on the immediate passage of various pending measures that will have a direct and significant impact to their lives,” said Drilon, a former labor secretary Drilon said that among the pending measures which will receive “urgent legislative attention” is the bill (Senate Bill No. 256) which seeks to raise the tax exemption limit on the 13th month pay and other work benefits of all workers in the public and private sector.

He added that the Senate is eyeing to pass the pro-labor bill within the year: “We will work double time in making sure that this piece of legislation will be enacted into law at the soonest in order to assist our workers in dealing with the effect of inflation, and to boost their morale and give them a renewed inspiration to excel in their works.”

He thus urged the appropriate Senate committee to fast-track the hearing on Senate Bill No. 256, authored

by Senate Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, so that it can immediately be discussed on the floor.

The Senate intends to raise the exclusion limit on an individual’s 13th month pay and other work benefits from income taxation from the current imposed limit of P30,000 to P75,000, according to Drilon.

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

Mild El niño to occur this June - DOSt T

HE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced Thursday that a mild El Niño is likely to occur this June.

Mario Montejo, DOST Secretary, said that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is now closely monitoring theoceanic and atmospheric conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean that could lead to a possible development of an El Niño this year.

“We foresee the onset of El Niño in June to peak during the last quarter of 2014,” he said.

PAGASA has recorded a significant increase in the sea surface temperature anomaly from 0.2 degrees Centigrade to 0.4 degrees Centigrade, an unusually warm ocean temperature in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

“El Niño is a natural climate variability,” climatologist Annaliza Solis said.

The looming El Niño may persist for the next nine months or the first quarter of 2015, Montejo said.

“Of course, the El Niño would affect the normal rain-

fall pattern resulting in reduced rainfall amount,” he added.

Dry spell in different parts of the country may be felt, he noted.

Despite an El Niño occurrence, Montejo said the country would still experience the normal number of typhoons, but would cause their behavior to become erratic affecting their tracks and intensity.

Richard Orendain, PAGASA’s hydrologist, said the water elevation of Bulacan’s Angat Dam that supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s potable drinking water, would go down at its critical level in August due to the impact of the dry spell to be brought about by the El Niño.

“Of all the major dams, only Angat Dam has continued to remain low,” he added.

Orendain said Angat Dam’s elevation could even dip to as low as 176.75 meters and 154.30 meters based on the bureau’s scenario 1 and scenario 2 forecasts, respectively.”

Angat Dam’s level dropped to 157.56 meters during an El Niño in July 2010. [PNA]

Google asked to develop app on disaster risks

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ENATOR loren legarda on Wednesday asked search engine company Google’s developers to consider creating an application that would identify disaster risks in certain areas, collating information available from national government agencies.

Speaking at Google’s crisis response summit at the SMX Convention Center, legarda said Google would be in the best position to create a tool as it is already working with governments around the world through its products.

The senator cited Barangay Andap in Compostela Valley, which was hit by typhoon Pablo in December 2012, and said the deaths in the barangay could have been avoided had the government been aware of flood hazards in the area.

“Google’s partnership with the government must be increased and must endure,” she said.

She cited the government had developed tools such as the Department of Science and Technology’s Project NOAH, which can give users an image of flood-prone areas in the country. legarda said the creation of a “risk finder” application would enable government agencies and other users to make sound management decisions regarding the use of potentially hazard-prone areas.

She said Google could

avail of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s identified risk and vulnerability areas as well as existing multi-hazard risk assessment documents from a study conducted by AusAID. legarda, who chairs the Senate committee on climate change, said her office could provide data from studies they conducted.

She said Google should create the app and include data on landslides and earthquakes.

“This is not just for earthquakes,” legarda said.

“You can use this to build schools. You can do this for agriculture, for farmers and fisherfolk.”

Meryl Stone, partner development manager at Google, said the company’s Person Finder application has already been used in disasters such as after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the Visayas in November last year.

She said the search engine company was already planning to partner with the Philippine government in creating a Google Public Alerts program that would give the government a direct line to its citizens regarding important announcements, especially during times of disasters.

“We believe that information should be out there in the internet and that people don’t have to go to a specific website to get information,” Stone said.

[MindaNews]

ARCHEOLOGiCAL SitE. Archeologists from the University of the Philippines sift through the Spanish brick making kiln archeological site in Alubijid town, Misamis Oriental on May 1, 2014. The kiln locally known as “hurnal” was built in 1890 and supplied bricks to churches in Misamis Oriental and as far away as Bohol. [MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo]

Good weather continues to prevail until the weekend G

OOD weather is expected to prevail in the country for the next three days as the ridge of a high pressure area continues to be the dominant weather system, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada said that a high-pressure area (HPA) is the opposite of low pressure area that brings

warm and humid weather in the country during summer.

Cada explained that luzon was experiencing a heat surge because of the ridge of a high pressure area prevailing over the northern part of the region.

However, Cada said that still expect possible afternoon or evening rains due to localized thunderstorms or convections as the whole country will continue to experience sunny to partly cloudy skies.

He added that during

weekend, the country will continue to be spared from cyclones until Sunday.

Cada also said that expect one to two tropical cyclone to affect the country for the month of May. Metro Manila may have a temperature range of 24 to 34 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Wednesday temperatures in Metro Manila rose to a high of 34.5 degrees Celsius at 3:00 p.m., and was coolest at 6 a.m. at 24 degrees.

On Wednesday, the high-

est temperature was recorded at 36.8 degrees Celsius in NAIA followed by Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija with 36.5 and Tuguegarao, Cagayan with 36.

In Visayas region, Tagbilaran, Bohol recorded 33.5 degrees Celsius followed by 32 degrees Celsius at Mactan, Cebu.

In the Mindanao area, Cotabato with 35.9 followed

by Zamboanga at 35 degrees Celsius and General Santos City with 34.5. [PNA]

mainly promote the revival of Bulok Creek, which traverses the main commercial district of Koronadal City.

“Our main goal is to revive the creek and establish a cleaner, safer and healthier environment within the areas that it covers,” lanto said in a press conference.

The official called on local stakeholders to support their initiative, especially the fund raising campaign for the creek’s revival.

She said they opted to organize a fun run, which will be staged as part of the Earth

Day celebration in June, so they can reach out to various sectors within the locality.

Through the activity, she said they’re hoping to generate more support for their information and education campaign about the importance of keeping the creek clean and implementing proper solid waste management in the area.

Aside from these efforts, lanto said they will continue with their cleanup activities at the creek in coordination with concerned barangays and other sectors.

“We need to prevent people from throwing their garbage at the creek as they would eventually cause flooding and health problems,” she said.

“We just would like to enjoin all sectors in this endeavor and make people understand that we are just trying to make our community safe,” lanto added. last year, EMB-12 launched the “adopt-estero” program in coordination with the city government and local businesses to help maintain the creek’s cleanliness.[PNA]

EMB 12 sets massive fund campaign for rehab of critical creek in Koronadal City T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 12 will launch a massive campaign to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the critical Bulok Creek in Koronadal City.

Ma. Socorro lanto, EMB Region 12 director, said Thursday they are currently organizing a fun run to jumpstart the series of planned fund drives, which will be assisted by the city government of Koronadal and other local stakeholders.

She said the fun run will

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

EDITORIAL

Is EDCA constitutional?

T

he recent state visit of US President Barrack Obama to the Philippines is not without a controversy. Only that the controversy that’s tagged along with this recent presidential visit actually happened a day before the American leader blew into town.

Call it the EDCA constitutionality question.

On April 28, 2014, hours before the arrival of President Obama for, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or simply EDCA. This agreement gives US troops greater access to Philippine military facilities and allows the US to construct facilities, upgrade infrastructure, and store defense and disaster preparedness equipment.

After the signing, Goldberg stressed that the US does not intend to set up military bases in the Philippines, and that buildings and infrastructure that will be built will become Philippine property. For his part, Gazmin said the deal reflects a maturing relationship between the allies. let us buy that for now.

However, the EDCA signing came with a challenge to its constitutionality. lawmakers jumped on the gun and assailed the said negotiations for lacking transparency, and questioned the timing of the signing of the defense pact. The reacting lawmakers included Senator Miriam Santiago, a constitutional law expert, and former Senator Joker Arroyo.

The feisty Senator Santiago believes that without Senate approval, EDCA indicates bad faith. Arroyo agreed with Santiago and further

EDGEDAVAO

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went on that the Philippines got nothing out of the deal.

The question is: Without Senate approval, is the EDCA constitutional?

According to our constitution, all treaties must be must be subject to congressional and public scrutiny.

Malacañang defended the signing saying the deal fully abides by the Constitution, and does not require Senate approval as it merely implements past treaties, referring to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) entered into previously between the Philippines and the United States.

Curiously, the EDCA was made public only a day after it was signed.

Its supporters said that the Philippines will benefit through better military equipment and humanitarian assistance on disaster response and emphasized that there is no price tag for security. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, chairman of the Senate defense committee, also sided with the EDCA calling it a security blanket for the Philippines.

Is there something behind the EDCA for the public not to know of the impending agreement before it was even signed? It’s intriguing to be told only of the agreement a day after it was signed where normally agreements such us that involving security, defense and military are of such delicate nature that calls for transparency and public scrutiny.

Perhaps, the EDCA’s constitutionality is better off tested at the proper forum and where it is ripe for legal challenge. Otherwise, it will open the floodgates for more “insertions” to previous agreements in the guise of legitimate annexes and riders.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLOREnCE ManagerS. ViLLARin

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Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

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ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

Rising exasperation

T

IGHTENING ON ABUSIVE, UNDISCIPlINED PUJ DRIVERS AND COMMUTERS – People who don’t know Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte may not understand his expressive reaction after he learned that many public utility jeep (PUJ) and taxi drivers still continue to violate even the simplest traffic rules and regulations. It only goes to show that he never hesitated to advocate the cause of the majority.

This time he stayed focus on going after abusive and undisciplined PUJ drivers after submitting a proposal to the city council two weeks ago allocating a single lane for PUJs aimed at easing out insane traffic gridlock. He could not hide his exasperation upon learning that many drivers have the rudeness to either load or unload passengers even in the middle of the streets.

The ridiculous is well known: Insensible commuters likewise are part of the traffic problem. They want to take a ride whenever they want to and as they please.

This prompted the vice mayor to decide on putting a stop to the bad riding habit by proposing to install iron railings along busy intersections to prevent drivers from picking up passengers in undesignated loading and unloading zones.

Drivers and commuters compounded the city’s traffic congestion by imposing their own will – sort of foisting their personal traffic rules. It is only fair, that regardless of the reasons that make drivers habitual traffic violators, they must also be held accountable for, essentially, causing chaos in the streets.

The good news is that we have a city official who is looking into the welfare of the masses of our people by tightening on abusive and undisciplined drivers, imposing all sorts of restrictions. We’re glad in this respect that Vice Mayor Pulong now

T

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

proposes to crack down on habitual traffic violators.

T H E BREWING EDCA CONTROVERSY – By signing the a deal called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA, U.S. President Barack Obama promised to provide the Philippines and its people with protection and support in the event a confrontational conflict escalates as a result of sea border dispute in the West Philippine Sea. In exchange, the Aquino administration agreed the use of government military bases by American troops, jet fighters, warships and war armaments.

On the day the agreement was signed, Mr. Obama assured the government and the rest of countries in the Pacific Rim that the deal was the first step on the road to a “balance military presence” in the region.

In the past few years, it’s become painfully obvious that the country’s road to peace and security in the West Philippine Sea was a dead end.

Instead of solving the sea border dispute in a proper forum, China today is more aggressive, heavily armed and dangerous than ever before – pursuing its expansionist ambition. But underlying hopes that the stand-off in the West Philippine Sea can be defused with negotiations is a growing sense of futility.

Others, particularly the left-leaning organizations and militant hardliners, the strongest and steadfast protesters against EDCA have concluded that U.S. military

presence in the country would only ensure the situation to worsen. More than that, our impoverished country becomes a generous host by giving the U.S. forces effortless access to our military facilities unrestricted, yes folks – and for free.

Given the burgeoning costs and complexities involved in the U.S. effort to establish a temporary base in the country even in routinary basis is something that has to get the nod from Congress. The fact that EDCA doesn’t have a concurrence from the legislature and at the same time being discuss and criticize at all is evidence of a rising exasperation with the Aquino administration.

However, there are two theories of the brewing controversy. Some lawmakers say the deal violates some provisions of the Constitution therefore it is unconstitutional. On the other hand, some defended the EDCA in the firm belief that the deal is within the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement therefore there is no need of a concurrence from Congress.

Meanwhile, political strategists are expecting a long process for settlement of the dispute in the West Philippine Sea rather than being too optimistic about the EDCA deal. Because of the antipathy between Manila and Beijing, negotiations could last years. But some believe the conflict will simmer down and might be over before they even begin the talks.

Of course, persistent critics are pessimistic still. They worry the Americans are only displaying their military might to show that they are here to protect the country and its people from imminent danger posed by the aggressiveness of China, but wouldn’t mind seeing the talks, if there’s any, break down.

How Labor Day was born

HE whole world celebrates Thursday the 124th labor Day in honoring workers and their achievements which originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

RJ Javellana, one of the convenors of Union of Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) recalls how labor Day emerged in 1890 and had been recognized by several countries across the globe.

He said that sometime in the late 19th century at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12 hours daily, seven days a week in order to eke out a basic living.

Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

Javellana told UFCC forum attendees at the Kamayan Restaurant in Quezon City, people of all ages during that time particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing rapidly increased, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal.

SPECIAl FEATURE

By Sammy F. martin They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed.

Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first labor Day parade in U.S. history.

He recalled that the idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it. Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when a watershed moment in American labor history brought workers’ rights squarely into the public’s view. On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago, Illinois went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives.

On June 26, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a

boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers.

In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. More than a century later, the true founder of labor Day has yet to be identified.

According to Javellana, then labor leaders – George Engel, Adolf Fisher, Albert Richard Parsons and August Spies who spearheaded a series of labor protests were arrested by the government and placed behind bars where they reportedly perished to threaten their followers that they will suffer the same if they do not behave.

Insteadof fear reigning on them, they continued protesting until the government gave in and slashed the 12-hour work to eight and giving them a day off.

Inspired by this movement, European countries like Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia and countries from South America like Mexico, Argentina and Cuba adopted labor Day which is now universally celebrated on May 1 of every year. [PNA]

9

time to get serious about autonomy, especially in Mindanao WORM’S EYEVIEW By manny ValdehueSa

I

(Conclusion)

t turns the poor and less educated into willing victims of exploitation and dependency.

This voter dependency enables trapos to keep a stranglehold on the political system. Their control of the system’s primal base enables them to shape the manners, customs and political behavior of society-at-large. Whatever attitudes, values, standards, or practices they implant into our neighborhoods become those of the nation.

Since they have been at this game for so long, it is no surprise that the political system marches to their tune.

Meanwhile, no one bothers to offer a different marching tune; no one orients the community about the law, or calls the attention of officials about what they’re doing wrong. No one tells the neighbors about their role in assuring good governance as per the local Government Code.

This knowledge deficit accounts for why autonomy remains a joke and why the ideal of self-governance remains elusive to this day, more than a generation after the passage of the local Government Code.

Unaware of their sovereign power, people think the power is lodged at the municipal or city hall—as before when the barangay government had no significant authority or resources. It is a perception reinforced by barangay officials who view the municipal or city officials as their bosses. They don’t know or don’t want to believe that the power is with the sovereign citizens in their neighborhoods.

Hence, instead of democracy (government by the people) the barangay is ruled by a few people, an oligarchy—misleaders instead of true leaders.

Reforming this attitude, amending the behavior of the polity, is not an easy task. But it is attainable if autonomy or self-governance is institutionalized in the barangay, which is the level of the grassroots. People (especially the educated or the professional) must learn that the term “grassroots” includes them—since every Filipino lives in a barangay.

Even a small current of people power at this level, a gentle but sustained dose of sovereignty, would remedy the dysfunctional behavior of government starting at the base of the republic. It will reorient the political system properly (with sovereignty starting from below) since the upper levels of government get their mandate and authority from barangay voters.

Social change, behavior modification, or reengineering is difficult and slow, but it is manageable on the scale of the barangay. Reform-minded people just have to act out their convictions and learn to assert their sovereignty. To do so, even in small doses, through hands-on practice and experience of democracy, is the surest way to effect reforms and introduce societal change.

Who was it who said that “every particle of sovereignty counts to the overall picture of sovereignty?”

[Manny among others is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at Development Academy of Philippines, member of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, vice chair of Local Government Academy, member of the Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@gmail.com]

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

EDCA...FFROM 1

pROMO. These ladies conduct a promotional spree for a telecommunications company’s special offer in a foot traffic-rich area in downtown Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Amendments... FFROM 2 business establishments who did not voluntarily submit their footages due to fear that the same may affect their reputation.

The report states that during the committee hearing Barangay Captain Allan P. Simo-Ag of lasang, Bunawan district, who is also the representative of councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr., explained that the purpose of the amendment is to impose stricter implementation of the ordinance.

The committee chairman made some queries regarding the constitutionality of the provision relative to the revocation or non-renewal of permits in the amendment. Simo-Ag said that the sanction of revocation is already given on

the paragraphs 1 and 2, section 9 of the existing ordinance and it was already settled during it passage last 2012. He stressed that in case of failure to save and voluntary submission of surveillance tapes, discs or media, the observance of due process will be the utmost consideration. lawyer lawrence P. Bantiding, officer-in-charge of Business Bureau, clarified that the revocation of permits of a business establishment fails to follow local ordinances are already indicated at the back of the issued permit. last year, City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 24 Series of 2013 requiring all the establishments to install CCTV

cameras to all business establishments after the twin bombing incident last September 16, 2013 in cinemas of two malls in the city.

It was issued for immediate adoption of measures designed to prevent or stop terrorism or all forms of criminality and the identification of the perpetrators of the bombing and criminal acts for the common good.

The EO mandates all commercial centers in the city to install high-end and high definition cameras to the entrance and exit points of their premises. It states that the cameras should be positioned within the eye level of an averaged-height person to ensure facial and physical identity

of everyone who enters and leaves the establishment.

On Dec. 4, 2012, the ordinance was approved by the 16th city council, requiring all establishments, ‘whether commercial, industrial or financial’ institutions with a minimum capitalization of P3 million.

The approval of the ordinance was in line with the city government’s campaign to minimize crime.

It requires all establishments such as banks, pawnshops, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels and inns, educational institutions, hospitals, cockpits, private transport terminals (land, air, sea) operating in the city to install CCTV cameras in public and common area.

Electrical Engineering.

Joining him with academic honors are cum laudes Ivy Saure and Jennifer Balais, BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management; Nelson Cawa and Amarose Jayne Busalla, Bachelor of Secondary Education- English; and Karla laine Tizon, BS in Accountancy.

The University also placed honors on students Aliely May Alvaira, graduating with a degree in BS in Chemical Engineering earning the 2014 University leadership Award.

Joining her in this special distinction is Dante Fuentes with the Institutional Award.

He is a graduate of the University in 1978 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce- Accounting and is pres-

ently the Vice President (Chief Compliance Officer) of Security Bank Corporation in Manila.

The University also placed Achievement Awards to its alumna who have distinctive accomplishments inside and outside of the school, with Julaila Ogwon, graduate in 2013 with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education- Generalist, as the 7th placer in the licensure Examination for Teacher (January 2014).

She is joined by Abygail Mae Dalipe, Bachelor of Elementary Education- Special Education; and Romel Gumobao – Bachelor of Elementary Education - Generalist, 8th placer in the same examinations. last year’s graduates Jessie

Jones Oquendo, BS in Electrical Engineering is recognized for placing eighth in the licensure exams for Registered Electrical Engineers held in February, with Hazelle Roxas, BS in Chemical Engineering placing 9th in the Registered Chemical Engineers examination.

Kevin Jayvee Bautista, a graduate of BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering, earned the distinction of being the only placer in the national exams for registered electronics engineers, held last December 2013.

Genevieve Nacario and her company are recognized for being the champion performers in the 2013 National CRISAA Dance Synergy.

Recently, the University

was also honored with the achievements of beauty pageant titlists Mary Jean lastimosa, an alumna with a degree in BS in Computer Engineering, and is awarded this year as the Most Distinguished Alumna for being crowned as the Binibing Pilipinas Universe.

Mutya ng PRISAA National Games 2014 Mary Joyce Villanueva is also recognized for her endeavor.

This year, a total of 1, 063 graduates; with the most coming from the College of Business and Administration Education at 247, will march to commemorate the day they exit the walls of UM equipped with the education and training to face their chosen field.

males for local employment and 141 males and 304 females for jobs overseas.

Those that are initially hired (local) landed jobs as factory workers and sales staff. Some of those hired for overseas jobs are going to work in Dubai, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

The DOlE also reported that 14,575 applicants are for further interview.

“This is not a band-aid

solution; may silbi ito dahil may mga naha-hire. Ibig sabihin, nakatutulong ito to address unemployment,” said labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Danilo Cruz reported that more than 150,000 job vacancies were offered in the May 1 job fairs nationwide with 1,120 companies participating in the annual event.

“We are conducting simul-

taneously 69 job fairs all over the country. The available number of vacancies is more than 150,000 jobs. There are 1,120 companies participating nationwide,” he said in an earlier interview.

He noted that the service and manufacturing sectors are offering more job vacancies together with the traditional ones such as call centers.

Aside from private com-

panies, government offices are also looking to hire employees. These include the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

For jobs overseas, the Middle East remains to be the number market for overseas employment, Cruz said, adding that there are also new markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

[PNA]

UM... FFROM 2

2,300...FFROM 2

Ponteras said that he noticed that the US government somehow used the Philippines for their interests in war.

“Mao na nga kinahanglan na dili magamit sa America ang Pilipinas sa iyang interest sa giyera. Kay dili man nato kinahanglan ug foreign intervention diri sa atong nasod,” he said.

Ponteras said that the dispute on the West Philippine Sea should be resolved in a diplomatic way and not through war.

“Sawa na ang taga mindanao sa giyera. Gusto na tag trabaho, gusto tag negosyo diri sa atoang lugar. Gusto ta maharuhay ang atong mga batan-on sa pageskwela. Hinaut na makita nato sa pipila ka mga adlawlabina nga na implement na ang Bangsamoro peace agreement,” he said.

The EDCA is an agreement between the Philippines and the United States which is en-

visioned to advance the implementation of the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). It is designed to promote between the Philippines and its defense treaty ally the United States the following:Interoperability, Capacity building towards AFP modernization, Strengthening AFP for external defense, Maritime Security, Maritime Domain Awareness and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

A recent Social Weather Station survey showed at least 7 out of 10 Filipinos support measures to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and that the Philippines may ask its partners in achieving this objective.

Under the EDCA, the Philippines is mandated to cooperate with its defense treaty ally in further strengthening their respective individual and collective defense capabilities.

was one of the highlights of the PPI’s golden year celebration.

In partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, the PPI--also known as the association of Philippine newspapers--continues to recognize the “outstanding contributions of the community press to the reconstruction of public life where ordinary folk have a strong voice in local affairs.”

The general criteria for judging include how the competing newspapers served as catalyst for community action during the year under review (2013) and coverage of issues that are relevant to community life and aspirations.

As “Best Edited Community Newspaper,” a newspaper must show excellence in coverage, content, writing and editing. It must demonstrate a high level of consistency in its quality of writing and reporting that empowers community members to think, observe or act on issues and concerns affecting their community.

According to the award’s citation, “Edge Davao demonstrated the highest standards in terms of creativity, quality, utility and style of writing that uphold the highest journalist standards and tradition. It presents with more consistency a strong and concise community relevant stories.”

“The style of writing is such that even as an article deals on local events it is never myopic and parochial in treatment because its perspective also transcends beyond the locality. As a whole, Edge Davao is a paragon of high quality journalism; a local newspaper that combines, in seamless meld, high quality writing and community value,” it said.

For this year’s awards, the screening process was managed by the prestigious Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication while the Board of Judges was chaired by Atty. Antonio ‘Tony’ la Vina, dean of the Ateneo de Manila School of Government and chair of the Philippine Press Council.

Edge Davao received cash prize and special trophy. It bested Sun.Star Baguio in luzon and Sun.Star Cebu in the Visayas, the other finalists which are both decades-old publications.

It also received three plaques of merit for being national finalist in the “Best Editorial Page,” “Best in Business and Economic Reporting,” and “Best in Photojournalism” categories.

The other winners are Cebu Daily News as “Best Editorial Page,” and “Best in Photojournalism,” The Visayan Daily Star of Bacolod as “Best in Business and Economic Reporting,” Sun. Star Davao as “Best in Environment Reporting,” and Sun.Star Baguio as “Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting.” Cebu Daily News also bagged the “Best Reporting on Disasters” (Coke Bayanihan Special Award).

Among the weekly community newspapers, the winners are Baguio Chronicle “Best Edited Community Newspaper,” and “Best in Editorial,” Business Week Mindanao as “Best in Business and Economic Reporting,” Baguio Midland Courier as “Best in Environmental Reporting” and “Best in Photojournalism,” Mindanao Cross as “Best in Culture Arts And History Reporting” and the Bohol Chronicle as “Best Reporting on Disasters” (Coke Bayanihan Special Award).

Edge...FFROM 1

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

11

Cyber threats back from the dead l

AST December Kaspersky lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, published its threat forecast for 2014.

Three months later, the experts found that all three of their ‘End user forecasts’ had already been confirmed.

They said that cybercriminals would target...

- your privacy, leading to greater popularity for VPN (virtual private network) services and Tor-anonymizers (The Onion Router). The number of people turning to the Darknet in an attempt to safeguard their personal data is indeed increasing.

But as well as benevolent users Tor continues to attract dark forces – anonymous networks can conceal malware activity, trading on illegal sites, and money laundering.

For example, in February Kaspersky experts detected the first Android Trojan that uses a domain in the .onion pseudo zone as a C&C (command and control).

- your money. The experts expected cybercriminals to continue developing tools to steal cash. This was confirmed by the detection of Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS. Waller.a in March.

It is capable of stealing money from QIWI electronic wallets belonging to the owners of infected smartphones. The Trojan current-

ly only targets Russian users, but it is capable of spreading anywhere where e-wallets are managed using text messages.

Cybercriminals also made use of some standard approaches such as spreading Trojans for mobiles that steal money with the help of malicious spam. And here the global reach is much greater – the Faketoken mobile banking Trojan, for example, has affected users in 55 countries, including users in Germany, Sweden, France, Italy, the UK and the US. • in Q1 the number of mobile banking Trojans almost doubled from 1321 to 2503 - your Bitcoins. The experts expected considerable growth in the number of attacks targeting Bitcoin users’ wallets, Bitcoin pools and stock exchanges.

In the first three months of the year there were lots of incidents that proved this prediction was correct.

Among the more newsworthy were the hack of Mt .Gox, one of the biggest bitcoin exchanges, the hacking of the personal blog and Reddit account of MtGox CEO Mark Karpeles and using them to post the MtGox2014leak.zip which actually turned out to be malware capable of searching for and stealing Bitcoin wallet files from victims.

Many in US believe they were hit by Heartbleed

M

ANY Americans scrambled to protect their personal information online after learning of the Heartbleed Internet flaw, and some believe their data was stolen, a survey showed Wednesday.

The Pew Research Center report found 39 percent of US Internet users took steps to protect their data such as changing passwords or cancelling accounts.

Six percent of the online users said they believed they lost data as a result of Heartbleed, Pew found.

The Heartbleed flaw, which was undetected for more than two years, allowed hackers snatch packets of data from working memory in computers, creating the po-

tential for them to steal passwords, encryption keys or other valuable information.

Most websites patched the flaw as part of a rush to allay concerns about the security of online information.

The Pew survey found mixed views on security of personal information online: Roughly half -- 46 percent -- said they believe their information is “somewhat secure,” while 23 percent said their data was “very secure” and 26 percent “not too secure” or “not at all secure.”

The survey found 60 percent of the American public had heard at least a little about Heartbleed, including 64 percent of Internet users. [AFP]

In a bid to boost their illicit earnings, cybercriminals infect computers and use their resources to generate more digital currency.

Trojan.Win32.Agent.aduro, the twelfth most frequently detected malicious object on the Internet in Q1, is an example of a Trojan used in this type of process.

The living Dead: the resurrection of cyber-espionage operations.

The first quarter also saw a major cyber-espionage incident: in February Kaspersky lab published a report on one of the most advanced threats at the current time named The Mask.

The main target was confidential information belonging to state agencies, embassies, energy companies, research institutes, private investment companies, as well as activists from 31 countries.

According to the researchers, the complexity of the toolset used by the attackers and several other factors suggest this could be a state-sponsored campaign.

“As well as new incidents, we saw the continuation of campaigns that had seemingly already ended.

For instance, after cybercriminals had shut down all the known command servers involved in the Icefog operation, we detected a Java version of the threat.

The previous attack had

primarily targeted organizations in South Korea and Japan, but the new version, judging by the IP addresses tracked, was only interested in US organizations,” commented Alexander Gostev, Chief Security Expert, Global Research and Analysis Team.

Q1 in figures • 33.2% of user computers worldwide were subjected to at least one web-based attack during the past three months – a decrease of 5.9 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

• 39% of neutralized web attacks were carried out using malicious web resources located in the US and Russia; the combined figure for the same two countries was 5 percentage points higher in Q1 2013.

They were followed by the Netherlands (10.8%), Germany (10.5%) and the UK (6.3%) • The proportion of threats targeting Android exceeded 99% of all mobile malware. Mobile malware increased by 1 percentage point over the quarter.

• At the end of 2013 Kaspersky lab’s collection of mobile malware stood at 189, 626, but in Q1 2014 alone 110 324 new malicious programs were added.

By the end of the quarter there were 299 950 samples in the collection.

The full report is available at securelist.com

Samsung on top in rapidly growing smartphone market S

OUTH Korea’s Samsung remained at the top of the rapidly growing smartphone market in early 2014 as Chinese rivals gained ground, a survey showed Wednesday.

The overall global smartphone market grew 28.6 percent from a year ago with 218.8 million units sold, according to the IDC survey. That was down 2.8 percent from the fourth quarter, with a seasonal impact on sales.

Samsung had a 30.2 percent market share, compared with 31.9 percent a year earlier.

Apple remained the number two global vendor at 15.5 percent,

which was down from 17.1 percent one year earlier.

Chinese firm Huawei held third place with a 4.7 percent global share, with year-over-year sales growth of 47 percent.

Fellow Chinese maker lenovo saw 63 percent sales growth and grabbed a share of 4.6 percent, ahead of South Korean lG’s 4.4 percent.

IDC expects 19 percent sales growth in smartphones this year, following the first billion-plus sales year in 2013.

IDC analyst Ramon llamas said he sees “sustained strong demand, driven by emerging mar-

kets, low-cost devices, and the proliferation of 4G networks.”

This suggests “another record-breaking quarter at the end of the year,” he added.

IDC research manager Melissa Chau said the smartphone market is being driven increasingly by China.

“The face of the smartphone market is changing rapidly to reflect the rise of its largest market, China, where a record 40 percent of the smartphones shipped worldwide in the first quarter were bound to Chinese consumers,” said Chau.

“In a quarter where global shipments declined sequentially, Chi-

na bucked the trend. The market benefited from its seasonal lunar New Year uptick, greater emphasis on 4G devices... and the official launch of Apple at China Mobile resulted in volumes a third higher than fourth quarter levels.”

The latest survey did not break down sales by operating system, but suggests that the Google Android system remains dominant, after grabbing roughly 80 percent of sales in late 2013.

Apple and Samsung are locked in a legal battle in the United States and elsewhere, with the US giant accusing its rival of infringing on patents.

[AFP]

12 ClASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Lunch at the Food Opera Good eats are often just around the corner and when at singapore’s orchard Road, the choices can be endless thanks to the many food courts that are a regular feature of the malls in the area and one such food court is Ion orchard’s interestingly named Food opera that is located at the lowest level of the mall.

Unlike the typical food courts in the Philippines, Food opera is a hyper interactive dining experience, with a touch of shabby chic and modern artwork for good measure. aside from the hawker stalls that are a regular feature of singapore, the food courts offer another inexpensive alternative for singaporean diners with stalls that offer singaporean and Chinese fare. There are also stalls that offer Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Japanese, and even taiwanese dishes as well. The sheer amount of choices and the smells whiffing in the air assault my being. after taking everything in and walking around to see what I fancy I finally settled on some Fish Balls in soup and served with a side of noodles in a spicy sauce from Li Xin teochew Fish Ball Noodle stand. Much different from the commercially available fish balls we have locally, the hand-made fish balls had lots of meaty fish flavour with a texture that was like biting into perfectly cooked shrimp. The side of spicy noodles adding a punch to an already delicious dish.

Wanting to veer away from the usual chicken rice, I decided to try some Chicken Wings from Good Luck BBQ Chicken Wings since I observed that the queues in front

Ion Orchard’s Food Opera.

Teochew fish balls and noodles.

BBQ Chicken Wings.

All smiles with my BBQ Chicken Wing. of this stall gets long once with your hands make the some wings are finished BBQ Chicken Wings a degrilling. licious, fun, and filling exFinally getting my perience. wings on the table, I was and the best part of eatglad that I did try it. a ing at the Food opera, or deceptively simple dish, at any singaporean food biting into a crisp and court for that matter, are fatty chicken wing was the relatively inexpensive like biting into a slice of prices of the food being bacon, heaven! The ren- served which is welcome dered skin of the chicken treat for every traveller. was smoky yet sweet with Follow me on Instagram a caramelised coat and or on Twitter at @kenneththe meat of the wing was kingong for more travel stosucculent and tender. add ries, foodie finds, and hapinto the mix the fact that penings in, around, and you need to eat the wings beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! uP AnD AbOut

Job Fair to be held at SM Supermalls this Labor Day JOb hunting is undeniably a challenging experience and although technology and social media provide many tools to connect applicants to potential employers, a call for an appointment is not always guaranteed. to address this issue, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), together with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), will hold the biggest Job Fair of the year on Labor Day, May 1, 2014 at all SM Supermalls nationwide. this event will allow jobseekers to explore from various job opportunities, be interviewed by potential employers, and even get hired on the same day.

SM Supermalls, being home to over 300, 000 employees, continues to make efforts in providing jobs to the growing Filipino workforce. Coming from a huge success last year in which 2,400 companies joined and 394,000 jobs were offered, this year’s Job Fair is expected to be as successful. in Davao, SM malls will give jobseekers the opportunity to get access to job vacancies on May 1. the Event Center of the Annex, SM City Davao will be the venue for the biggest Job Fair in Region Xi, which will gather 10,000 job openings for both local and overseas employment. the said Job Fair is in partnership with DOLE Region Xi, AMA Computer Learning Center and PLDt. Prior to the event, a Mini Job Fair and preregistration is ongoing at the 2nd floor of the Annex to accommodate early applicants.

On the same day, SM Lanang Premier will also be putting up a dropbox at the upper ground Level, where jobseekers can submit their resumes. the dropbox will be made available until May 4 to accommodate spillover of applications from the May 1 Job Fair. to provide easy reference for jobseekers, a list of job vacancies from the mall’s tenants and affiliates will be posted as well. in general Santos City, SM City general Santos and DOLE Region Xii will be having a Job Fair on Labor Day at trade halls 1 and 2, from 9 am to 5 pm. in addition, the World of Work Fair (WWF) at the 3rd floor bridgeway and the industry-Academe Forum at the trade hall Meeting Room will also be conducted simultaneously by DOLE Region Xii as supporting activities for the Job Fair. Food sponsors for the event are Chowking and greenwich. be sure not to miss this big opportunity this coming Labor Day. Ready your resumes, dress to impress, and go to the nearest SM malls near you.

For a complete list of the 53 participating malls and drop boxes for the Job Fair, please visit www. smsupermalls.com or www. facebook.com/smsupermalls.

Smart ‘Live All Out’ Summer heats up ‘LaBoracay’ weekend SMARt subscribers heading to boracay this Labor Day weekend are in for the ultimate summer experience as Smart ‘Live All Out’ Summer edition offers special access to the hottest events and exclusive perks on what is now dubbed as Asia’s 24/7 party island.

From April 30 to May 4, a total of 11 summer parties will bear the Smart ‘Live All Out’ Summer brand of grand partying, featuring sights and sounds guaranteed to keep everyone on his feet all night and make a lasting mark on a much anticipated getaway.

On top of these events is the SunKissed boracay, a series of four parties at the Pearl of the Pacific from May 1 to 4, featuring the hottest international beatmakers, such as DJs Alvaro, Amely and Mia, along with an impressive list of homegrown DJs like Ace Ramos, the Zombettes, Marc Marasigan, Deuce Manila, travis Monsod, and Katsy Lee, among many others.

Smart subscribers may get access to the much coveted SunKissed boracay mosh pit area plus a free drink just by loading their devices at designated Smart booths on the island: Smart Prepaid subscribers only need to load up PhP300 and register to All-in 99 or LtE 50, while Smart bro users only need to show their device and Smart bro SiM plus load up PhP 300.

On the other hand, Smart Postpaid and infinity subscribers may get these perks by heading to the Smart Postpaid booths and simply texting REWARDS LAO bORA to 9800 for free.

Aside from Sunkissed boracay, also bearing the Smart ‘Live All Out’ Summer trademark of epic partying are: Sunkissed Starworld Party at Club Epic (April 30); Son of the beach Party at Club Epic, the Plunge Pool Party at tides hotel, and boracay Sand Dance Festival 2014 at White house beach Resort (May 1); Sun Dazed 2014 ViP Foam Party Series at the tides hotel (May 2); groove Foam Party at the tides hotel on (May 3) and El hombre’s Summer hangover at White house beach Resort (May 4).

For more information and updates, check out Smart.com.ph/ liveallout and follow @SMARTCares on Twitter and Instagram.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

SM Davao holds PET EXPO: Canine Series Launches Pet Friendly Mall campaign

sM City davao’s Pet eXPo: Canine series was held last april 24-27 at the annex event Center. over a hundred dogs strut their stuff as different breeds were showcased at the Pitbull and dog Conformation last april 24 & 25. shoppers were treated to a very entertaining dog olympics and informative Pet training seminars last april 26 & 27.

Free dog vaccination was also conducted by the City Veterinarian’s office.

at the Pet training, renowned dog behaviour counsellor Jojo Isorena talked about the psychology of dogs while Mr Ryan ong Cabahug proudly demonstrated his dog training skills with his pet amiga.

“The dogs perfectly know how to become dogs. They need pet owners to train them. This ensures that dogs do not become nuisance in the homes as well as cause inconvenience to the neighbours,” Isorena shares.

In 2009 Jojo established Betterdog Canine Behavior Center, the first professional training facility in the Philippines that educates owners in building better relationships with their dogs through positive training methods.

Cabahug shared his fascination with aspins

(asong Pinoy), “They are very intelligent and relatively easy to train.”

Isorena added that he finds aspins very sociable.

This is why he employs 3 aspins in his facility to teach problematic canines “dog social skills”. on the same occasion, sM City davao was launched as a “Petfriendly” mall. The mall unveiled their new facility which promotes responsible pet ownership.

Pet waste stations will be

deployed around the mall for the convenience of the pet owners.

“We welcome pets in our mall. In due consideration of other shoppers, we encourage pet owners to put their dogs in carriers or bags when inside the mall. When outside, they may have them walk or run around with a leash,” sM City davao mall manager Lynette Lopez said.

The event was supported by the davao City

Veterinarian’s office, Philippine dog athletics association, Philippine Canine Club Inc., davao Canine exhibitors Club, davao agility Unified Group, and Clusterstorm Kennel Club. It is also made possible by PetCo, Homecrest and Bosch.

For event inquiries, call 297.6998 local 126. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter and @ smdavao on Instagram for event and promo updates.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

EntERtAinMEnt

Sen. Chiz confirms marriage Photo of plans with Heart the day

DESPitE the parents of heart Evangelista’s public disapproval of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero for their daughter, the senator still confirmed his intention of marrying the actress. “i really want to marry her. i’m just fixing some things and i hope to seal our relationship as soon as it’s done,” Sen. Chiz shares in “tapatan ni tunying” airing this thursday (May 1).

Rumor has it that the two are already set to wed next year. the senator currently works on the church annulment of his marriage with estranged wife Christine Flores.

Sen. Chiz says he is very happy and content, and that his two-year relationship with the actress cannot be compared with any of his previous relationships. “i found what i’ve been looking for. So definitely i can’t compare my happiness to anything else. this is the first time i’ve felt this,” he reveals.

EvEryOnE has the desire to get that “ideal” summer body and that was the challenge given to John Lloyd Cruz for a tuna brand.

Given 42 days, the matinee idol was able to shed 18 lbs and plans to continue shedding some more and this photo from StarMagic’s Instagram account shows it.

He clarified however that he is not after bulky muscles or sixpack abs but want to achieve a more healthier lifestyle with the body as a secondary result. Kudos to you Lloydie and keep it up!

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, celebrity stylist Liz uy finally speaks up on her rumored romance with President noynoy Aquino.

Liz denies that she had a short-lived romance with the president. So how is Liz’ love life now? “they say my job is my boyfriend. i don’t have enough time to be in a rela-

tionship because of my hectic schedule,” she says.

Liz shares that despite her success, she would be willing to give up everything for love under one condition. “if i gave up everything for someone, i would make sure he’s worth the sacrifice,” she tells.

Aside from their controversial relationships, Sen.

Chiz and Liz will also talk about their career and families in the episode.

Don’t miss “Tapatan ni Tunying” (TNT) this Thursday (May 1), on its new timeslot at 4PM on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For updates, follow @ TNTunying on Twitter and Instagram, or like its Facebook page www.facebook.com/ TNTunying.

Summer beauty must-haves in ‘Mars’ tAKE a break from work and spend a relaxing night as comedienne Marissa Sanchez and Fabio ide visit MARS this thursday on gMA news tV. the Labor Day episode of MARS will feature how to create summer beauty must-haves on Momergency segment plus list down ingredients for homemade body mist and waxing gel.

On MARS Sharing group, learn how to harness one’s ESP in finding a lost possession with the help of a guest

psychic.

Meanwhile, enjoy a healthy version of dinuguan as the owner of a vegetarian restaurant reveals her secret recipe! And get that beach body that most people dream of as MARS features the rotator cuff workout. hosted by Camille Prats and Suzi Abrera, MARS airs from Mondays to Fridays at 7pm on gMA news tV with updates on Facebook @ MARSnEWStV and on twitter @ MARS_gMAnEWStV.

Jodie Foster & Alexandra Hedison step out for first time together since weekend wedding JODiE FOStER and Alexandra hedison may have just gotten married, but that doesn’t mean they’re on a honeymoon. not only was the Oscar winner spotted shopping in West hollywood yesterday, but E! news exclusively revealed that the newlyweds made their first public appearance since their wedding later in the day at the ViP preview of the Paris Photo Los Angeles. hedison is a photographer who has shown in the u.S. and in Europe. the couple, whose wed-

ding took place in L.A. this past weekend, spent a few hours touring the exhibit. “they held hands while walking through the show,” a

source said. they also ran into and chatted with Jamie Lee Curtis and spent a considerable amount of time at unedited!:

the LAPD Photo Archives, one of the 81 exhibitors in the show.

Foster and hedison were first romantically linked last summer and by September a source was telling us that their relationship was “pretty serious.” “they’re totally in love,” the source said.

Also at Paris Photo Los Angeles was brad Pitt, who also spent several hours there but reportedly didn’t run into Foster and hedison. he did however cross paths with his troy costar Orlando bloom and his adorable son Flynn.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 3D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

12:30 | 3:30 | 7:00 (reserved) | 10:00 LFS

DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heussaff PG 13

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

R-16 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 (reserved) | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 33 • THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

FOOD

Summer love: Paella negra

I have had my fair share of paella experiences inside the kitchen. From burned wrists to cut fingers, there already exists a love and hate relationship between us. Kidding aside, even before culinary school, I have already been intrigued and curious of this beautiful and bountiful dining star. Hence, when the time came, I was one happy fan to oblige a tedious but gastronomically rewarding task ahead. a little bit of trivia on the Paella: • It is a Valencian rice dish that originated in the mid19th century near a lagoon in Valencia, on the east coast of spain.

• Although many view paella as spain’s national dish, most spaniards consider it to be a regional Valencian dish. In turn, Valencians regard paella as one of their identifying symbols.

• There are three widely known types of paella: Valencian paella (spanish: paella valenciana), seafood paella (spanish: paella de marisco) and mixed paella (spanish: paella mixta), but there are many others as well.

• Most paella chefs use calasparra or bomba rices for this dish. other key ingredients include saffron and olive oil. of its varieties, I love the Paella Negra because of its myriad spices and bursting flavors. More so, the black-

ness of the dish makes me quiver with anticipation – something that would make you think twice before digging in.

In the metro, I love the paella negra from Tiny Kitchen and Bellito’s. You could really taste the rich, velvety texture o the dish without any after taste.

Before we all drool and crave for that one plateful of paella, here’s my take on this classic gastronomical indulgence that has made its way into our hearts – and stomachs. enjoy!

Ingredients:

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

The Paella negra of Tiny Kitchen.

1 cup fragrant rice 1 cup malagkit rice 1/2 kilo medium size shrimp, shelled blanched 3 pcs. big squid, blanched, cut into rings 3 ink sacks from the squid, diluted in 1/2 cup water 4 pcs. small size crabs, cooked, cut in half 1/2 kilo clams and/or mussels, boiled 1 red bell pepper, cut into strip 1/2 head garlic, chopped 1 medium size onion, chopped 1 pc. roasted bell pepper, chopped 1 cup tomato sauce 1/2 cup green peas, boiled cooking oil salt and pepper kalamansi 3 pcs. hard boiled eggs, cut into wedges Cooking procedure: In a big pot, sauté garlic and onion. add in tomato and roasted bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes. stir constantly. add 1/2 cup of tepid water and continue to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and turn into an oily thick sauce. add in squid ink, fragrant rice and malagkit.

You have to stir until the rice is coated and infused with the sauce and tinted with the ink. add 4-6 cups of water and cook rice making sure to stir occasionally. add more water if necessary.

When done, add in green peas and arrange cooked seafood on top.

Cover and leave the rice

to finish cooking in the steam for 20 to 30 minutes. transfer black paella in a platter, arrange seafood on top, drizzle with kalamansi juice and garnish with wedges of hard boiled eggs.

Prepare this delicious meal for a picnic on the patio or a simple gathering with family and friends.

You can mix and match your seafood for a more personal touch.

Be a part of Davao’s

Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. Email me at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject:RoyalChef) or follow me on instagram (herroyalheiress)!

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

Dolefil vows to reach goal on community responsibility

D

OlE Philippines Inc. (Dolefil) is bent on reaching its end-goal for community development and environment protection under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in Mindanao.

Taking pride of its long history of community service, Dolefil has offering in the fields of education, health, family welfare, peace-keeping, livelihood and environment, said lawyer Melquiades Hernandez, Director for Dolefil Corporate Affairs Division.

He cited the green clause in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which says, “The union shall support the Company’s Adopt-a-River and Gully Tree Planting Program, as it agrees that all its members shall plant and sustain the growth of 10 trees every year for the lifetime of the CBA.” Since September 2011, there have been 34 batches of tree planting sessions and planted a total of 112,150 seedlings (bamboo and forest trees) through the participation of more than 4,000 volunteers, he said.

The “5ingkowelahan” is another project of Dolefil in partnership with the labor

union, Dolefil employees, and its business partners aimed at helping build classrooms for public schools in Region XII. In 2013, Dolefil and its partners have turned over one school building to two schools in South Cotabato.

Under the Chairs for Trees program, Dolefil donates school chairs and church pews to different public schools and institutions that were fabricated by a local cooperative from the Company’s wooden pallets.

As a reciprocating action, the beneficiaries are required to plant and grow trees to help protect the environment.

The seedlings are also donated by Dolefil to thebeneficiaries sourced from a local cooperative composed of women members; thereby, also providing them a sustainable source of livelihood.

Through the Chairs-forTrees Project, Dolefil has donated more than 60,000 chairs to schools, daycare centers, and churches.

The Kapit-Bisig Para sa Kabataan (Alliance for Children) is a comprehensive health program which has so far benefited more than 20,000 malnourished indi-

gent children and their parents.

The program components include stool examination/deworming, supplemental feeding, health education, backyard gardening, livelihood projects, and micro-nutrient supplementation, among others.

Meanwhile, Hernandez described Alay Gabay Para sa Maginhawang Buhay as a very touching CSR program of Dolefil.

Done in partnership with the Mahintana Foundation and other stakeholders, Dolefil’s “Alay Gabay” program aims to provide mobility to our differently-abled countrymen through the donation of wheelchairs to beneficiaries in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani and cities of General Santos and Koronadal. The program has distributed more than 2,700 wheelchairs, he said.

Other programs include the Gully Tree Planting, Medical and Surgical Missions, Market Bags, Adopt-a-School & Piñaskuhan Para sa Kabataan, Dolefil Food Day, Polomolok Task Force Kalusugan, Road Safety Program and the Growership Program, he said. [PNA]

14

EDGEDAVAO

MOTORING Buggies and Bikes in Phuket VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

By NEIlWIN JOSEPH l. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

M

y latest adventure brought me to Phuket, an island paradise without boundaries in Thailand.

The itinerary is supposed to be filled with a lot of water adventures but I got to squeeze in some motoring side trips.

First stop was the Nicky’s Handlebars—a bar-hotel in downtown Patong City famous as the hub of Harley Davidson bikers. I was shown around by one of the English-speaking waiters who walked me through the narrow but Harley-filled compound.

The bar and hotel is bike and car-inspired and there’s a regular Harley Tour where you can join the ride by renting a Harley. Not bad.

And then there’s the

buggy adventure on the outback of Patong. You can pick an adventure and your choice of ATB or ATVS. Most popular among the all-terrain bikers are the Polaris 125s. I picked a buggy for me and the wifey and we rolled into the highland adventure snaking through bumpy roads through the mini forest. It got a little dusty that time and the elephants could pose some hazards while driving.

Again, this one made my day.

Next on the planner was a day on the kart racetrack. But that will have to wait.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

Spurs take 3-2 lead over Mavs

S

AN ANTONIO (AP) — Tony Parker was nursing a sprained left ankle and playing a critical playoff game on no sleep only hours after the birth of his first child.

It was the perfect formula for a resurgent performance from the San Antonio Spurs point guard.

Parker had 23 points and five assists and San Antonio never trailed in a 109103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the first-round series.

"Coming into the game I told him this is perfect for you," Spurs forward Tim Duncan said. "This is what he does in situations like this where he doesn't get a lot of sleep or is in a stressful situation. He always seems to play better. I somewhat expected it from him.

"He was really excited before the game. Obviously, he was really excited to have his son here and wanted to get this game really badly not only for his son but for the situation and the timing of it. He was really focused and it was good for us."

Parker's rebirth put San Antonio on the verge of closing out a tense series against its intrastate rival with Game 6 set for Friday in Dallas.

Vince Carter scored 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting for the Mavericks.

Carter's 3-pointer with 3 minutes left pulled Dallas within 98-94 but Parker followed a minute later with his only 3-pointer of the game for a 101-94 advantage, punctuating the shot with a loud scream.

His son Josh was born early in the morning to his fiancee Axelle Francine.

"It was crazy, 'cause it happened last night, late," Parker said. "I didn't sleep.

I basically didn't sleep the whole night and just played on adrenaline today.

"I'm a happy man right now."

After shooting 5 for 14 in scoring just 10 points in San Antonio's Game 4 victory, Parker responded with a frantic start. He mixed in three driving layups and two mid-range jumpers to start the game making 5 of his first 7 shots.

Parker's drives helped the Spurs' struggling offense maintain a consistent rhythm for the first time in the series.

Manu Ginobili had 19 points and Tiago Splitter added 17 points and 12 rebounds as San Antonio regained home-court advantage. Duncan added 16 points and 12 rebounds and Kawhi leonard had 15 points for the Spurs.

After averaging 16 points in the series' first four games, Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki found the stroke in scoring 26 points on 10-for-20 shooting. But it wasn't enough to overcome Parker and the Spurs returning to form.

"Vince shot the ball incredibly, Dirk found his rhythm and really made some tough shots," Duncan said. "But we were able to counter that offensively by moving the ball, hitting the glass, getting into the paint and getting some easy stuff for ourselves and loosen it up."

San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker, right, of France, knocks the ball away from Dallas Mavericks' Jose Calderon, left, of Spain, during the first half of Game 5 of the opening-round NBA basketball playoff

Raptors hang on Rockets stay alive T

HE first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs has already seen some crazy finishes involving everything from four-point plays and buzzer-beaters. The end of Game 5 between the No. 3 seed Toronto Raptors and No. 6 seed Brooklyn Nets nearly qualified as an entirely different level of insane,

because it almost featured one of the biggest mistakes in NBA history.

With six seconds left in regulation and the Raptors up 115-112, the Nets inbounded to big man Andray Blatche intending to set up a potential game-tying shot.

However, the Raptors intelligently fouled Blatche with his back

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, left, reacts with teammate Terrence Ross, right, as they play against the Brooklyn Nets

turned to the basket, ensuring that he could not force up a shot for three free throws and forcing him into either missing the second shot intentionally or having the Nets execute a miracle play on their next possession with no timeouts to move the ball into the frontcourt.

Blatche hit the first free throw and missed the second, apparently by accident. luckily for the Nets, Shaun livingston swooped in to grab the rebound and quickly tap the ball out to Blatche, giving the team several options with approximately 4.3 seconds on the clock.

That's when everything got really weird (video via The Brooklyn Game):

D

WIGHT Howard scored 22 points and pulled down 18 rebounds as the Houston Rockets stayed alive in the NBA playoffs with a 108-98 victory over Portland.

Houston came into the contest trailing 3-1 in the tight series, in which three of the first four games went to overtime.

Wednesday's game was also close, but Houston closed it out with an 8-0 scoring run to narrow the gap in the series to 3-2.

The Blazers will try again to close it out when they host game six on Friday.

"We've been good at home all year, so now, go back home and take care of business," Portland's laMarcus Aldridge said.

Rockets star James Harden endured another tough shooting night, but came through with some key baskets down the stretch.

Harden missed nine of

his first 12 shots, but scored eight of his 17 points in the final four minutes.

Jeremy lin chipped in 21 points and Chandler Parsons added 20 for the Rockets, who out-scored Portland in the paint by a 60-40 margin.

Wesley Matthews scored a game-high 27 points, and Damian lillard added 26 with eight rebounds and seven assists for the Trail Blazers, whose reserves contributed only five points.

Aldridge, who came in averaging over 35 points per game in the series, finished with just eight on 3-of-12 shooting.

"They made plays," Aldridge said. "We had opportunities to make shots. We didn't make certain shots that we needed. We didn't get the big stops down the stretch."

The winners of the series will face either the San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks in the second

round.

The Spurs pushed the Mavericks to the brink of elimination with a 109-103 victory in San Antonio on Wednesday.

The victory gave the Spurs a 3-2 lead in a series in which they had trailed 1-2.

The Spurs will try to seal the victory in game six on Friday in Dallas.

Point guard Tony Parker led the Spurs with 23 points, despite playing on a sprained left ankle that had his participation in doubt until Wednesday.

Parker was also a little short of sleep. He'd been up most of the night awaiting the birth of his first child, a son who was welcomed by Parker and his fiancee early Wednesday morning.

Tiago Splitter and Tim Duncan contributed double-doubles for San Antonio, Splitter recording 17 points and 12 rebounds and Duncan posting 16 points with 12 rebounds.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

StALKinG. Ryan Arana of Rain or Shine (light) moves past KG Canaleta of Talk N Text (dark) in the PBA quarterfinals between the Tropang Texters and the Elasto Painters on Wednesday night.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 2-3, 2014 RESiGnED. In this Feb. 21, 2014, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni yells at referees during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in Los Angeles.

Lakers coach resigns

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OS ANGElES (AP) — los Angeles lakers coach Mike D’Antoni resigned Wednesday after less than two seasons on the job.

Team spokesman John Black confirmed D’Antoni’s resignation, ending the brief tenure of the lakers’ fourth head coach in less than three years.

D’Antoni went 67-87 after taking over the lakers early in the 2012-13 season. He replaced the fired Mike Brown, who lasted just 71 games after replacing 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson in 2011.

The injury-plagued lakers were 27-55 this season, their worst campaign in more than 50 years and the second-worst winning percentage in franchise history.

With Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol sitting out large chunks of the season while the lakers lost an NBA-worst 319 man-games to injuries, the 16-time NBA champion franchise missed the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons and only the third time in 38 years.

“Given the circumstances, I don’t know that anybody could have done

a better job than Mike did the past two seasons,” lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. “On behalf of the lakers, we thank Mike for the work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude that he brought to the team every day. We wish him the best of luck.”

The 62-year-old D’Antoni had one year left on his contract, but wanted the lakers to pick up his option year for 2015-16 to have any chance of success. The lakers apparently refused, leading to D’Antoni’s resignation.

D’Antoni walked away from a $4 million payday for next season, although he may receive a portion of that money as severance.

A phone message left for D’Antoni wasn’t immediately returned.

Despite the lakers’ injuries on a roster consisting mostly of players on oneyear contracts, los Angeles fans largely directed their anger during a rare down season toward D’Antoni. lakers great Magic Johnson, who was sharply critical of D’Antoni’s coaching style, hailed the news on his Twitter account.

Pacquaio to lead Palarong Pambansa opening

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ilipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will lead the star-studded opening ceremony of the prestigious Palarong Pambansa on Monday at the sprawling laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, laguna. laguna Gov. Jeorge Ejercito Estregan said Pacquiao has accepted the invitation to join first Filipino Winter Olympian Michael Martinez, TV and movie actor and former Palaro swimmer Enchong Dy, basketball star James Yap and De la Salle track and field team captain Jericho Estregan in the torch lighting. ”We five runners will run 70 meters each during the Palaro torch relay with Pacquiao to light the Palaro flame,” Gov. Estregan

announced in a press conference at the SM mall in Calamba City late Wednesday night.

Estregan announced also that former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada along with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin luistro and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva will grace the event. ”It’s a dream come true for us to host this Palarong Pambansa, the country’s Olympic Games to be participated by 11,200 elementary and high school student athletes from all the 17 regions and 80 provinces of the country,” the laguna governor said.