Edge Davao 8 Issue 136

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

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Serving a seamless society

READY TO RUN Laviña hints at weekend for Rody’s declaration

By JON JOAQUIN jon@edgedavao.net

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte may make his announcement to run for president this weekend, sources close to the mayor told EDGE Davao.

“If he decides and declares, he could do so before the start of the filing period starting on Monday or he could opt to file directly next week. He is the game-changer everyone is waiting for,” Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said.

The period for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is on October 12 to 16.

Laviña, however, emphasized that no one knows categorically what the mayor’s final

decision is except for Duterte himself.

“If he declares before the filing period, that (announcement) can be between now and Sunday,” he said.

Laviña also could not say where the announcement would be

FREADY, 10

READY? Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is set to announce his presidential bid anytime this week, according to sources close to the mayor. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

HALF MAST. Police operatives watch as the Philippine flag flies half-mast at Camp Leonor Domingo yesterday in honor of fallen Senior Police Officer 1 Vivencio Vertudazo, who was killed by Batang District Hall Gang members in Toril, Davao City on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.

DCPO crime solution efficiency rate rises

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has recorded an increase in its crime solution efficiency (CSE) rate in the third quarter this year.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said the city police got a CSE rate of 83.25 percent of the 3,493 total crimes, which is higher than the 52.076 percent of 7,850 crimes during the same period last year.

“The work of our police is continuous especially now in 2015 that we have em-

phasized our anti-criminality campaign in Davao City,” she said.

Driz said the 31-percent difference from last year’s CSE rate for the same period shows the hard work of DCPO in immediately solving crimes.

Driz said the CSE rate is broken down into non-index and index crimes.

The non-index crime solution rose to 92 percent of the total 2,551 for this quarter, compared with 62.66 percent of the 5,200 crimes from last year’s rate during the same period.

FDCPO, 10

Manhunt still on for 3rd man in cop slay

Cops probe man’s role in IGaCoS kidnapping

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Oceanview is reviewing close circuit television (CCTV) footage to verify if one of the arrested suspects pinpointed

by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte was present during the kidnapping of a Filipina and three foreigners in a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).

“We are checking the footage if he was really there and

we are keeping in touch with other witnesses for possible identification,” Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera said in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Media Briefing at The Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases.

Duterte had earlier said based on intelligence reports, Bandajar Adona alias Banon, who hails from Barangay Matiao, Pantukan, Compostela Valley, was seen in the resort’s

CCTV footage taking the victims out of the resort on September 21.

Rivera said the SITG will check the CCTV footage to see if Adona was indeed one of the 11 armed men who took the victims Kjartan Sekkinstad, a Norweigian national and the operations manager of the resort, Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, and Marithes Flor, live-in partner of Hall.

“If he (Adona) was there,

we can strengthen our case against him,” he added.

Rivera said the SITG is thankful to the mayor for sharing information.

“Nagapasalamat ta na naga-abot na sa atoa kay nakatabang na sa imbestigasyon nato (We are thankful that information surfaced because it is helping a lot in our investigation),” he said.

Rivera said Adona and an-

FCOPS, 10

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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MANHUNT operation still ongoing against the third of three people who allegedly killed a police officer in Toril, Davao City on Monday.

In a press conference yesterday, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Chief inspector Milgrace Driz said the police are hunting for against Romeo Cayo, who escaped during the hot pursuit operation by Toril Police Station on Tuesday morning in which

his companions, brothers Nelson and Paulino Gadiane, were killed.

Police were about to arrest the three in Agton Street in Toril Poblacion at around 10:30 a.m. on October 6 but Nelson Gadiane drew his .38 caliber revolver, prompting the police to fire back and kill the two brothers.

The three were tagged as being behind the killing of Senior Police Officer (SPO)1

FMANHUNT, 10

TANDEM? Supporters of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano have created posters like this for their possible team-up in the 2016 presidential election. Duterte had earlier said he is allowin Cayetano to use his name since they are friends. Photo from the Duterte-Cayetano Facebook page.

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

ABDUCTION REPORT. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera says the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Oceanview will check closed circuit television (CCTV) footage to see if Bandajar Adona alias Banon was one of the 11 armed men who kidnapped a Filipina and three foreigners in a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). Rivera gave the updates in yesterday’s AFPPNP Media Briefing at The Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases. Lean Daval Jr.

UPDATES. 10O1st Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Macairog Alberto gives reporters updates on the abduction of two soldiers by members of the New People’s Army (NPA). Alberto graced yesterday’s AFP-PNP Media Briefing at The Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases. Lean Daval Jr.

Samal leaders want RDR to run for mayor C

GETTING BETTER. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz says the crime solution efficiency rate on the third quarter of 2015 increased. Driz was a guest in the AFPPNP Media Briefing at The Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Councilor bats for traffic solutions as early as now

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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EMBERS of the business community, political ward leaders and influential residents of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) have rallied behind the movement to convince Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario to run for mayor of the island city in 2016.

Del Rosario, who’s had decades of experience as executive of a Anflocor, Minanao’s biggest business conglomerate, member of Congress, Cabinet secretary and local government unit (LGU) chief, is in his last term as provincial governor.

He has been a resident of Babak, one of the three districts of island city, where his family owns a rural bank, for years now.

Mario Reta, managing owner of Isla Reta Resort in Talikud Island, said the movement to draft del Rosario for city mayor had started as ear-

ly as last year, and is now gathering momentum as the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy is fast approaching.

Reta, who is chairman of the Talikud Island Tourism Council, said he had seen del Rosario working up close together with other private sector representing civil society groups in various muli-sectoral endeavors is impressed

by Del Rosario’s integrity and clear visions not only for the province but for the Davao region as well.

Ayuste, who manages Punta Del Sol Resort in Penaplata and chairman of the Davao del Norte Provincial Tourism Council, said island residents who want del Rosario to be mayor “hunger for development and meaningful change.”

On the other hand, Pastor “Jun” Lozada Jr., an engineer who owns Mahan Beach Resort in Caliclic, Babak District,

Lawyer dies in ‘accidental shooting’inside own car

and president of the IGaCoS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and also leader of the Samal Mango Growers Association, said islanders are hoping “Gov. Dolfo” decides to take active part in the island’s actual governance so their dreams for the island would be realized.

“We are praying that Gov Dolfo would become the next mayor of IGaCoS; it will simplify the political scene here,” Lozada said.”At last, IGaCoS will have the right direction),” he said.

Lozada said that the islanders are excited about Governor del Rosario’s plans for Samal but they fear that they will not be realized if the outgoing governor will not be the city mayor.

Ayuste said that the political camp of Vice Mayor Al David T. Uy is waiting for the final decision of Governor del Rosario before the group makes

its own move.

In a conversation with businessmen and civic leaders in Davao City a few months back, Jimmy Uy, father of the vice mayor, said his family is willing to give way to del Rosario if the outgoing governor decides to run for mayor.

Jimmy said his family’s close political and business ties with the (Don Antonio O.) Floirendo family, his namesake former Rep. Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr. and Governor del Rosario date back to four decades ago, when his father, David, was mayor of Babak, one of the three muinicipalities then composing Samal before it was created into IGaCoS by a law proposed

by Del Rosario in the House of Representatives and then senator Alberto Romulo in the Senate.

Uy said that his son Al David is still young and could wait for his own time.

abf@edgedavao.net

OUNCILOR Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo is asking the city government to revisit the various studies that have been done on Davao City’s traffic congestion in order to come up with solutions to the worsening traffic situation.

“Several studies have been made on the traffic situation in the city and several solutions have been eyed.

These studies were conducted a long time ago and up to now, we are still empty-handed, not knowing if we can expect a future like EDSA or if we will be able to thwart this challenge through proper planning,” Zozobrado-Nagayo said.

She said a study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) showed that traffic can result in economic losses, among them the foregone wages of those who are caught in traffic most of the time.

“In fact, PIDS reported that the opportunity cost of passengers caught in traffic

amounts to P4.56 billion a year (nationwide),” she said.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has said traffic congestion in the country amounted to losses of P2.4 billion daily in 2012.

“JICA said traffic will cost the Philippines up to P6 billion a day by 2030 and such amount would continue to increase if an appropriate solution is not found,” she said.

She said among the various factors that add up to the cost of traffic are value of time lost due to delay, fuel costs, vehicle operating costs, impact on health and greenhouse gas emissions.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said more cars on the road could also mean an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and consequently an increase in health costs.

“JICA also reported that greenhouse gas emissions are expected to increase to 5.72 million tons a year in

FCOUNCILOR, 10

By H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

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IRCUMSTANCES surrounding the death Tuesday of a lawyer in Malaybalay City have remained unclear as police were yet to locate and get the statement of one of his two companions at the time of the incident.

Atty. Pepito Suello, a lawyer from Cebu who also had a residence at NHA Phase 3 Subdivision in Barangay Casisang here, died in what local police initially described as “accidental shooting” inside his car at around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

In an interview Wednesday morning with dxDB-Malaybalay, city police director

Superintendent Henry Dampal explained they saw no indications that he was shot from outside.

Suello said that at the time of the incident, Suello was driving his car along with Atty. Alvie Damasco and one Fernando Makalintal from his house in NHA Phase 3. Damasco and Suello belonged to the same law firm.

Dampal quoted Damasco as saying that about a hundred meters away from Suello’s house he felt like sleeping when he heard gunshots and noticed that the car was

OLD TO NEW. Old and dilapidated electric posts are replaced with metal posts by the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) linemen along Km. 9 FLAWYER, 10 FROM Sasa, Davao City as part of the continuing rehabilitation project of the company. Lean Daval Jr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Alejo, BOC brass to meet on X-ray Reopening of unused Customs facility ordered T

HE ANTI-CORRUPTION group of Fr. Alberto “Pareng Bert” Alejo is scheduled to meet with high-ranking officials of the Bureau of Customs on the fate of the P250-million huge x-ray machine which has been rendered useless for five years now after it was illegally padlocked by a former customs collector who was later dismissed from service.

Fr, Alejo, who heads the anti-corruption group “EHEM” said he will met

with Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and Deputy Commissioner Jessie Dellosa sometime next week to discuss how to expedite the resumption of the operation of the Designated Examination Area (DEA) inside the Aquarius Container Yard (ACY) in the vicinity of the Sasa Port Area in Davao City. The DEA houses the giant x-ray machine intended to scan incoming containers to determine whether they are carrying smuggled/misdeclared or an-

ti-social cargoes such as firearms and illegal drugs.

The x-ray machine in the DEA had been responsible for increasing the import tax collections of the Davao Port Customs Office when it was still operating. It was also effective in detecting smuggled goods.

Renewed interest in the DEA and the x-ray machie which had become a virtual white elephant when it was ordered reopened by Commissioner Lina during his vis-

it sometime in August.

The expensive machine had not been in use for five years now after the DEA was illegally closed by a former customs collector who was dismissed by the Ombudsman as a result.

Commissioner Lina issued the verbal order for its reopening to acting Davao Customs Collector Ricardo Butalid.

However, Butalid initiated to conduct consultation with firms involved in the

PICKINGUP. Sales of tuna in Davao City’s public markets are starting to pick up again after being affected by the controversy of tuna laced with pig’s blood last month. Lean Daval Jr.

Water interruption hits Davao areas

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

EVERAL areas in Davao City experienced water interruption for more than four hours following the tripping off of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Davao-Digos 69kV line at 07:45 p.m. Tuesday night.

This has caused service disruptions to areas served

by Davao Light’s Puan and Dumoy substations.

The Davao City Water District (DCWD), in its Facebook

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page posted that affected areas include the entire areas served by Dumoy, Toril and Lubogan water supply systema, and immediate environs Toril, Puan, Ulas, Talomo, Bangkal, Matina, Diversion Road, downtown area, Obrero, Marfori, El Rio, Bacaca, Circumferential Road, Bajada, Lanang, Agdao, Sasa, Buhangin and areas served by the Dumoy Water Supply System in Panacan.

“The water interruption

lasted up to 11:45,” DCWD spokesperson Bernado Delima Jr. told EDGE Davao yesterday.

“During that period, DCWD’s 36 wells in Dumoy and Toril were not operational as well,” Delima said.

He said although “water operation resumed at 12 midnight, far areas such as Mamay, Lanang, Pampanga, and Sasa are still experiencing low water pressure to no water.

Delima said full recov-

ery is expected to resume Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Davao Light Power Co. (DLPC) assistant vice president for reputation enhancement Rossano C. Luga said the power interruption, which started at 7:32 p.m., has affected customers from Talomo Bridge up to the entire areas of Puan, Dumoy and Toril Proper.

“Under a heavy downpour with lightning and thunder,

FWATER, 10

import-export business, customs brokers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.

Butalid’s recommendation is now being awaited since his consultations have been completed almost two months ago.

The ACY (container yard) owned by businessman Rodolfo Reta was contracted by the Bureau of Customs in 2009 to house exclusively the designated examination area for 25 years.

The multi-million x-ray machine installed in the DEA is reportedly one of the more than two dozen x-ray machines worth $2.5 million dollars each. The machines were part of a $75-million loan from China for installation in Davao and the rest of the country’s 10 biggest seaports.

According to Senator Ralph Recto, chairman of the Senate finance sub-committee, the government had allotted an additional P298 million for

EARL Farm Beach Resort is planning to build a convention facility which could accommodate about 300 people.

Resort general manager Josu Mikel Villaverde said the facility will be designed by renowned architectural firm Manosa and Associates.

The convention center can be divided for smaller functions. At present the resort has no indoor facility of its kind, according to Villaverde.

The convention center is part of a P200 to P300 million development plan of the resort which is located in Barangay Kaputian in the Island Garden City of Samal.

Aside from the convention center, the resort will be building more rooms, renovation of existing ones, expansion of the kitchen, a new floating restaurant and brand-new trimarans to transport guests from the Davao City mainland.

Villaverde said currently the Samal Houses are undergoing renovation and is 70% completed. The Samal

Houses, which are modeled after tilt shelters of the sea-faring Samal tribes is a hit among foreign guests as they provide unobstructed view of the sea.

Also on the drawing board is a Badjao Floating Restaurant which offers grilled seafood specialties.

Villaverde said that he remains bullish about the business despite the recent kidnapping incident in Holiday Oceanview Resort in Barangay Camudmud in Samal where gunmen stormed the resort’s marina and abducted 3 foreigners and one Filipina.

The resort manager said they had six to seven cancellations after the incident.

“There were more cancellations because of the typhoon in Manila than because of the kidnapping incident.” Villaverde said.

He added that many of the resort’s guests are foreigners. The resort currently has a 40 to 50% occupancy rate and they are expecting it to grow with the end of the lean season. (PIA/RG Alama)

FALEJO, 10

Samal resort eyes convention facility P

Win a Suzuki Vitara at SM City Davao 3 Day Sale

HE grandest sale event in the south returns as SM City Davao opens its doors for its 3 Day Sale on October 16, 17 and 18. Up to 70% discount on great selections and a number of shopping rewards await shoppers on the 3 Day Sale.

Get a chance to drive home a brand new Suzuki Grand Vitara with every P 1,000 worth of official receipt from any mall tenant on Friday. Double your chances of winning for purchases made from Saturday to Sunday. Simply present proofs of purchase at the redemption

booths located at the Ground Floor of the Main Mall, fill out the raffle coupons and drop the coupons at the designated drop boxes. Raffle draw will be on Sunday at 9:30 PM. Enjoy extended shopping hours up to 12 MN on Friday and Saturday, and until 10 PM on Sunday. At 9AM to 12NN on Friday, SM Advantage, Prestige and BDO Rewards cardholders can enjoy up to additional 10% markdown on all items from SM affiliate stores during the SMAC Sale.

Get P500 worth of SM Gift Certificates for every mini-

mum single receipt purchase worth P5,000 during the Saturday and Sunday Specials from 11AM – 3PM! The fun continues all day on 3 Day Sale with the Red Light Sale. Watch out for the red light and get freebies or additional discounts from featured shops. Featured tenants of the hour will be announced through the mall’s Facebook Page.

Gear up for an awesome shopping weekend experience!

Head to SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale on October 16, 17 and 18.

For 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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

5

For the love of chocolate When life throws you lemons, make some pie.

TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Us, we change the game.

The only thing constant in this world is change.

That said, EDGE Davao is consistently pushing itself to ride the winds of change.

With this young organization’s battlecry “Change the game”, we are again blazing the trail amidst the autobahn speeds of developing technology by going to the social media platform to advance our coverage.

Two weeks ago, we posted the “Crying Lady” photo on our Facebook page and it generated nearly 200,000 views in 24 hours. On Monday, as we took to the social media our coverage on the much-anticipated “Announcement II” of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, a series of posts reached over 100,000 in a matter of minutes leading up to the press conference. In sum, over 200,000 were reached in those hours of “Announcement II” where Mayor Duterte reiterated he is not running for President and is considering reelection for Mayor if his daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio decide not to run.

The numbers speak for the reach of this coverage from our print copy to our online content and we intend to intensify our push towards the optimization of our news reach in the social media platform where the battle has shifted.

These days, most news organizations are taking their content to the social media which has proven to be the most accessible vehicle for news content.

Let’s face it, the game has shifted.

If one has to be in the thick of the fight, one’s presence in this platform would spell the difference. This is where the real demographics are measurable and tangible, not to mention relevant and not limited to a few respondents only of a particular segment.

EDGE DAVAO EDITORIAL, SEPT. 23, 2015

It’s a no-brainer. Hundred thousand views can’t be wrong.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Blazing the trail in innovative journalism.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

RDC endorses roadmap for El Niño

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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HE Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 endorsed the inputs of El Niño Task Force Davao Region, including the P95-million El Niño Mitigation Plan of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 to the Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Niño (RAIN) during a meeting last September 22.

“RAIN has already endorsed the inputs of the task force to the Office of the President, National Economic

and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” DA 11 regional director Remelyn Recoter told EDGE Davao yesterday.

Recoter earlier said that programs under the DA 11 mitigation plan covers effective water management, provision of open-source pumps, small farm reservoirs and spring development, cloud seeding, distribution of seeds/planting materials,

P36.7M earmarked for Serbisyo Caravan

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AVAO CITY - “We are set to release a total of P36,743,813.00worth of services and programs on Friday for the 17th leg of the ARENA XI Serbisyo Caravan slated in Barangay Ngan, Compostela town,” said Director Priscilla N. Razon of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Among the Department’s programs are Sustainable Livelihood, Social Pension, Pantawid Pamilya and Kalahi-CIDSS. “We will also handover 4100 family food packs, educational supplies, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs and crutches,” Director Razon said.

Through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, DSWD will implement CashFor-Work for beneficiaries of

Modified Conditional Cash Transfer in the barangay, Director Razon said.

Moreover, the 17 Kalahi-CIDSS sub-projects being implemented in the town include community activity centers, double-barrel box culvert, 3-classroom high school buildings, 2-classroom elementary school buildings, potable water system, and a multi-purpose building, she added.

ARENA XI or Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI is composed of heads and assistant heads of regional offices of national government agencies based in Davao City.

It was organized sometime in 1978.

ARENA XI has been actively involved in the delivery of basic government services

FP36.7M, 10

PureGold opening gives jobs to Cotabato residents

A

S one of the biggest local investments is set to open in November this year, more job opportunities are being made available for residents here.

PureGold Incorporated, one of the biggest hypermarket franchises in the country, is currently on the process of hiring some 250 employees, accepting both direct and indirect job applications.

“Our entire workforce from managers to utility men would be coming from the city,” said Ferdinand Binluan, area manager of PureGold Mindanao.

He said all job applications are coursed through the city’s PESO office to make sure applicants are from this city and are prioritized on the job vacancy slots.

“We are using such approach to blend to the local culture and be able to reach more would-be customers,” Binluan stressed.

The conglomerate opened its hiring process since Oct. 5 at the city hall lobby here in coordination with the local PESO

office.

Cotabato City is the first urban center in Region 12 to have a PureGold outlet. PureGold has 241 branches nationwide, six of which are in other parts of Mindanao.

Aside from this city, the region includes the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and the cities therein of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos in its territorial zone.

The mall’s building is currently undergoing final phase of completion along Quezon Avenue here.

Early on, the management of the homegrown Alnor Business and Hotel Complex also opened its four-storey mall nestled inside its 10-hectare estate.

In addition, the Centro Department Store also opened its branch here late last month.

Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said the Koronadal City-based KCC firm has also scheduled to resume construction of its mall along Jose Lim Sr. Street here soon. (PNA)

and conduct of IEC, among others.

Aside from the mitigation plan of DA 11, the RDC 11 also endorsed the inputs provided by the local governments of Davao City and Davao del Norte also focused on interventions for irrigation in affected areas and countermeasures to lessen the impact of the expected dry spell to ensure that the unique concerns of the provinces are considered, the El

Niño Task Force Secretariat requested action plans of local government units and regional line agencies to mitigate El Niño impact.

Meanwhile, a statement from the NEDA said “RAIN is the proposed national roadmap to address the impact of El Niño, particularly on food security, energy security, health and public safety.”

The roadmap was crafted by the Cabinet-level El Niño Task Force which is headed

RECOGNTION. SSS President and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. (second from right) and Social Security Commission chair Juan Santos (second from left) present the SSS Special Citation to PNB representatives, including chairperson Florencia Tarriela (third from left), executive vice president

by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan, with members coming from the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Agriculture, and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM).

Other key action made by RDC during its 3rd quarter

meeting was the approval of the Annual Investment Program (AIP) Guidelines for CY 2017. The Council also decided to convene its Executive Committee in October to discuss important concerns regarding the Sasa Port Modernization Project.

The Council passed a total of thirty (30) resolutions, covering various regional development matters, as well as some organizational concerns. (CRC/ with PR)

Jovencio Hernandez (third from right) and senior vice president (SVP) Elisa Cua (center). Also in photo were SSS SVP for Accounts Management Group and Balikat ng Bayan Awards Committee chairperson Judy Frances See (left) and SSS SVP for National Capital Region Operations Group Jose Bautista (right).

SSS cites PNB for consistent performance

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HE Social Security System (SSS) named the Philippine National Bank (PNB) as one of this year’s recipients of the SSS Balikat ng Bayan Special Citation as an SSS paying commercial bank during the awarding ceremonies held last Sep-

tember 18 at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall of the SSS main office in Diliman, Quezon City.

PNB was lauded for its consistent delivery of services to a huge number of SSS pensioners and employers, as well as for its wide network of branches

that disburse SSS benefits.

In 2007, PNB was elevated to the SSS Balikat ng Bayan Hall of Fame after winning as Best Paying Commercial Bank for five straight years.

Over 650,000 pensioners, about one-third of the total number of SSS

up to 65 meters into the water and perform up to 40 moves per hour. With a maximum lift height of 46 meters, the QCs are capable of servicing 18,000-TEU Triple E class vessels.

The RTGs, on the other hand, feature single spreader lifts and a 41-ton capacity. Estimated to cost around USD50 million, the equipment purchase is part of ICTSI’s USD545 million total investment in the Port of Buenaventura.

Development of the AMCT is divided into three phases.

The first phase, which is slated for completion by April next year, will yield an annual

capacity of around 600,000 TEUs. First phase development includes a 600-meter berth length with a 14.5-meter controlling depth, an 11-hectare container yard, a 250-meter coal bulk dock, conveyor belt-equipped silos and a 21-kilometer access road leading to the terminal. It also includes the construction of warehouses and inspection areas, as well as the deployment of automation and other stateof-the-art port technologies.

In July 2007, ICTSI won the 30-year concession for the construction and operation of a container terminal and grains and coal-handling fa-

pensioners, receive their SSS pensions through their PNB accounts every month.

As of 2014, PNB has 656 branches and 849 automated teller machines all over the country, as well as 77 branches and offices overseas.

ICTSI Colombia gears for start in 2016 S OCIEDAD Puerto Industrial de Aguadulce S.A. (SPIA), a unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) in Colombia, recently received four super post Panamax quay cranes (QC) and five rubber-tired gantries (RTG) as it enters the final stage of preparation for the operational launch in 2016 of the Aguadulce Multi-User Container Terminal (AMCT) at the Port of Buenaventura, Colombia.

Manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC), the QCs have an individual lifting capacity of 60 tons, and feature twin lift spreaders. They can reach

cility at the Port of Buenaventura. ICTSI acquired stakes in two Panamanian companies to gain effective control of SPIA, which owns 240 hectares of land in the Aguadulce Peninsula and its surroundings.

In 2013, ICTSI and PSA International Pte. Ltd of Singapore entered into an agreement to jointly develop and operate the container terminal and its ancillary facilities.

Upon completion, the Greenfield project is expected to become a catalyst for Colombian trade growth.

SPIA staff and officials welcome the arrival of the terminal’s first four quay cranes.

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

On top at

20 and aiming

higher

CAMELLA DAVAO capped off 20 successful years with a party fit for A-listers.

In a Hollywood themed awards night and party, Camella celebrated its two decades of dominance in the real estate industry in a glitzy affair at the Royal Mandaya Hotel last September 30.

Garbed in costumes of popular Hollywood movies and animated characters, Camella officers and staff feted their brokers, contractors, guests, and business partners in a night of recognition and entertainment.

The “17 Again Award” was handed out to those who have been their brokers or property professionals for the past 17 years or more, a loyalty highly valued by Camella.

These are Elvira Arce, Myrna Dumuk, Teresita Gonzaga, and Teresa Lozano. The “Jumper Award” was given to Fritzie Joy Gepolio as the staff who has served the most number of departments in Camella.

The “Fantastic 4 Award” was bestowed

to BDO as the bank with the most loan releases, to MHI as the contractor with the most units built, to Goldstar as the most efficient supplier of the year, and to Helen’s Kitchen as the most accommodating caterer/ food supplier. The “Big Heroes Award” was conferred to Marialita Pamonag as the most loyal horizontal buyer and to Leuer Ricardo as the most loyal vertical buyer.

Finalists of the ‘Damang-dama ang Saya sa Camella’ dance contest also performed during the program, and the winning group, Bahandi, bagged the grand prize. Their dance routine to the tune of Camella’s new

CAMELLA A4

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FOOD

Bodegera Cafe Chinatown’s secret sweet spot FOODIES as we are, we always crave and yearn for flavours, textures and depths in whatever we eat. We like to experience a number of things in one bite – sweet, savory, bitter, sour and all that there is to identify. At Bodegera Café, everything is made available.

Bodegera Café is a quaint and cozy restaurant/café located in Chinatown at the ground floor of Homitori Davao (a dormitel perfect for budget travelers visiting the city) along Sta. Ana Avenue, Bodegera is any foodie’s perfect sweet escape. Not just because of their many sweet treats, at Bodegera, you’ll most definitely feel right at home minus the stress of everyday life.

Foremost, Bodegera was an offshoot of the need to have a relaxing place for the in-house Homitori guests. In truth, there are but a limited cafes within the vicinity hence the perfect solution to an impending need. It’s not as commercialized but it has since been flocked by many to relax

and spend a night of serenity and flavors.

Like the Homiroti, Bodegera is very clean and wellmaintained. It is not intimidating thus you can always expect a memorable time whenever you are here. More so, Bodegera is homey and cozy that you’ll want this to be part of your weekly repertoire.

The café has a very welcoming ambiance. Its antiquated theme is so cozy that you’ll forget time even existed. Personally, I love how inviting the place is. The bookie in me is just as excited as the foodie in me. And that’s just the place.

Food wise, Bodegera is but a true hidden gem waiting to be explored. Their menu might be minimal but the taste of everything they serve

Like the Homiroti, Bodegera is very clean and well-maintained.

It is not intimidating thus you can always expect a memorable time whenever you are here. is guaranteed to make you smile from ear to ear. They have an array of cakes, cupcakes and shot glass filled with sweet delights.

Their selection is not as extensive as that of other cafes but they sure know how to satisfy your-any-day-sweet-craving. Must try is their Braso de

Mercedes – it’s fluffy, creamy and just the right sweetness.

Their cake loaf with cherries and chocolate is also a must try. Personally, I love the cakes from Bodegera because they are not too sweet and pairs well with either a hot or cold beverage (must try their Java Mint!). Exciting, right?

They’re not only about cakes and pastries; they too serve plates of al dente pasta and sandwiches that will have you wanting for more. Their pasta is very rich and creamy and bursting with flavors.

Personally, I love the brown sauce and the spicy kick in the end. The mushroom adds another depth to the already savory taste. For the sandwich, it’s literally filled to the brim – something that other cafes don’t have.

Bodegera Café is located at F. Bangoy Street corner Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City For orders and reservations, call them at 082 295 2969 or 082 295 2971. Email: homitoridvo@gmail.com. Website: www.homitori.com Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. I’m on instagram @herroyalheiress.

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Going English:

Afternoon high tea at the Marco Polo Davao from Thursday to Saturday from 2:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon for only Php550 net good for two which is a bargain if you ask me.

Reservations can be made by calling *82) 2210881 local 7608 or via

WHETHER rushing to complete that project before its deadline or cramming for that exam, The world we live in today is a blur of activities.

That like on Instagram can very well lead to browsing what your friends also liked and a few more moments to review who liked your posts. Time zooms by when we answer that important email or reply to a post on FaceBook.

It is no wonder slowing down for a break is now fast becoming a basic need for urbanites who need to relax, and recollect their composure and there is nothing more civilised and relaxing than having traditional English high tea. Recognising that need, the Marco Polo Davao went back to its roots in Hong Kong by introducing their English Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge.

“We are introducing a new way of spending afternoons in the hotel,” said Marco Polo Davao executive sous chef Alex Destriza while presenting the tea pairings “This new culinary promotion redefines your regular afternoon social in the hotel; may it be for business or leisure.”

The Marco Polo Davao’s English Afternoon Tea set includes a set of elegant pastries such as Mango Panna Cotta, Napoleons, and a moist Chocolate cake done by the hotel’s pastry chefs as well as dainty savoury sandwich-

email at fb-sec@marcopolodavao.com.

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

Buttery and crumbly scones. es such as Home-smoked salmon sesame croissant, Kesong puti and tomato on mini pandesal bread, Ham and cheese croissant, and Chicken salad, tomato and avocado on wheat bread.

What excited me was their scones that come in both traditional raisin and dried mango variants paired with sides of Lemon curd, whipping cream and fruit jam. The scones were rich and buttery yet were light and crumbly with a nice tartness thanks to the dried mango and raisins. A patting of whipping cream, lemon curd and fruit jam heightened the flavours of the scones.

The savouries and sweet are all served in an elegant tower and all pair well with the various teas offered. One can choose from Japanese Green Tea, Earl Grey, Pure Camomile, English Breakfast, Pure Peppermint, Four Red Fruit, and Apple, Cinnamon, and Raisin teas. I would suggest going for the Earl Grey tea, its lightly lemony flavour really helps brighten up the both the sandwiches as well as the sweets.

With the Marco Polo Lobby Lounge now serving high tea, one can now finally sit down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of life. Of course high tea can also be a way to have a power meeting away from the noise of the urban hustle.

Marco Polo Davao’s afternoon tea set is available at the Lobby Lounge

One can choose from a many tea options. I choose Earl Grey for its lemony aroma and flavour.

October 8 – 13, 2015

FELIX MANALO Dennis Trillo PG

11:15 | 2:30 | 5:45 | 9:00 LFS

FELIX MANALO Dennis Trillo PG

12:15 | 3:30 | 6:45 | 10:00 LFS

PAN Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller PG

R-16

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

ETIQUETTE FOR MISTRESSES/ THE MARTIAN

Savories and sweets come on a three-tiered tower.

Kris Aquino, Kim Chiu, Claudine Barretto / Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain R13/PG

12:00 | 2:15 LFS / 4:30 | 7:15 | 10:00 LFS

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EVENT

CAMELLA A1 song, “Damangdama” will become Camella Davao’s official dance step for the song.

In his rousing speech, Camella Southern Mindanao Cluster Head Marlon Nino B. Escalicas, thanked all their brokers and business partners for helping place Camella on top of the real estate industry in the region. He also announced upcoming new projects that will further excite the industry.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

7 ENVIRONMENT

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Understanding volcanoes Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HE last time it erupted was about 450 years ago. At the long span of time, people in Zambales province had almost forgotten that Mount Pinatubo was a volcano.

After all, the Pinatubo mountain was lush and teeming with trees. Farmers were planting various crops as the soil was fertile. Some people lived on the slopes of the mountain, but most settled in the nutrient-laden flatlands.

Then the sleeping giant awoke and changed the lives of the people living near the volcano. Mount Pinatubo stood at 1,780 meters before it erupted on June 9, 1991.

After the eruption, the volcano was reduced to only 1,400 meters. A chunk of more than 300 meters was sliced off the top.

During the eruption, volcanic ash and hot sand rained down in thick sheets over many towns, blanketing the rooftops of houses. But most of the erupted materials were deposited on the slopes of Mount Pinatubo.

But disaster did not end after the eruption. Dislodged by rain, lahar (volcanic ash) washed away bridges and engulfed more lands. More than four thousand people have been killed by mudflows since the volcano erupted.

Mount Pinatubo is just one of the 200 volcanoes found in the Philippines. . The country is located in what scientists call the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a halo of seismic hotspots around the Pacific Ocean.

In fact, the Philippines has more than 7,100 islands.

However, most of these islands are of volcanic origin.

Fortunately, of the many volcanoes found in the country, only 21 volcanoes are considered active.

A volcano is considered active if it has erupted sometime within the last 600 years.

If a volcano has not erupted in 600 years, it is regarded as inactive (dormant). There are also volcanoes which are considered extinct.

“It is difficult to distinguish an extinct volcano from a dormant one,” an American volcano expert says. Extinct volcanoes are those that scientists consider unlikely to erupt again, because the volcano no longer has a lava supply. Examples of extinct volcanoes are many volcanoes on the Hawaiian. Edinburgh Cas-

tle in Scotland is famously located atop an extinct volcano.

Aside from Pinatubo, the active volcanoes in the country, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) are Mayon in Legazpi City; Taal in Talisay, Batangas; Canlaon in Negros Oriental; Bulusan in Sorsogon; Smith, Didicas, Babuyan Claro and Camiguin de Babuyanes, all in Babuyan Island Group; Cagua in Cagayan; Banahaw in Laguna/Quezon; Iriga in Camarines Sur; Biliran in Biliran; and Iraya in Batanes.

In Mindanao, the active volcanoes are: Ragang and Matutum, both in Cotabato; Hibok-Hibok in Mambajao, Camiguin; Calayo in Valencia, Bukidnon; Bud Dajo on Jolo Island; Musuan in Bukidnon; and Makaturing in Lanao.

The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful volcanoes. Mount Mayon in Albay is world famous for its near-perfect cone. It has erupted almost 50 times. Its most violent and destructive eruption was in 1814, its ash and mudflows burying villages and towns around it.

Taal Volcano is located inside a lake that is itself a collapsed prehistoric volcano.

It is considered “one of the lower (400 meters above sea level) but among the deadliest in the world.” In fact, it is listed as one of the 16 Decade Volcanoes identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior.

With an altitude of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet), Mount Apo is indeed the country’s highest mountain. “A potentially-active volcano” is how some experts called Mount Apo. The date of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historical times.

Among the most historical volcanoes in the country are Mount Canlaon and Mount Hibok-Hibok. Mount Canlaon, the only active volcano in the Visayas, has erupted 14 times. Its last eruption was during June to September 1978.

Mount Hibok-Hibok (it is called such because, people say, the ground shakes when you step on it) is also known as Catarman. Its most recent eruption was on December 4 and 6, 1953. Earlier eruptions were reported in 1897 and during 1848-1852.

The word “volcano” is

Mayon volcano derived from the name of Vulcano, a volcanic island in the Aeolian Islands of Italy whose name in turn originates from Vulcan, the name of a god of fire in Roman mythology.

Many ancient accounts ascribe volcanic eruptions to supernatural causes, such as the actions of gods or demigods.

To the ancient Greeks, volcanoes’ capricious power could only be explained as acts of the gods, while 16th/17th-century German astronomer Johannes Kepler believed they were ducts for the Earth’s tears. One early idea counter to this was proposed by Jesuit Athanasius Kircher, who witnessed eruptions of Mount Etna and Stromboli, then visited the crater of Vesuvius and published his view of an Earth with a central fire connected to numerous others caused by the burning of sulfur, bitumen and coal.

Actually, a volcano is a vent in the Earth from which molten rock (called magma)

Taal volcano

and gas erupt. The molten rock that erupts from the volcano (known as lava) forms a hill or mountain around the vent. The lava may flow out as a viscous liquid, or it may explode from the vent as solid or liquid particles.

Magmas with high gas and high viscosities are usually more explosive than those flowing from shield volcanoes.

In many instances, these gasrich magmas, experts say, are blown high into the air during an eruption. The magma falls as volcanic bombs, which accumulate around the vent and form steep-sided but relatively small cinder cones.

Most of the tallest volcanoes are composite volcanoes or stratovolcanoes. These form from a cycle of quiet eruptions of fluid lava followed by explosive eruptions of viscous lava. The fluid lava creates an erosion-resistant shell over the explosive debris, forming strong, steep-sided volcanic

cones.

While volcanoes can be dangerous, they are not always destructive. After several years, volcanic ashes and other materials ejected in an eruption become fertile soil. The land then becomes a good area for farming.

Recently, volcanic areas have become important sources of geothermal energy. In fact, the Philippines is one of the very few countries in the world which use geothermal power plants.

Although geologists are known to study the Earth, they also observe volcanoes.

With the aid of seismographs and other instruments, they can predict volcanic eruptions weeks or even months ahead.

Philvolcs is the government agency dedicated to provide information on the activities of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, as well as other specialized information and services primarily

Mount Apo

for the protection of life and property and in support of economic, productivity, and sustainable development. It is one of the service agencies of the Department of Science and Technology.

Currently, the Philippines has a total of 65 seismic stations, 29 of which are manned, 30 are unmanned, and 6 volcano stations. The central operating station is located at Philvolcs main office in Diliman, Quezon City. All information is received at the Data Receiving Center, which is operated 24/7 by the Seismological Observation and Prediction Division.

“Like ghost and monsters, volcanoes can be scary when they erupt. They rumble, shake and spit out fire, steam, ashes, and rocks. But unlike ghosts and monsters, volcanoes are of this world. As such, they can be studied and understood,” said Dr. Raymundo S. Punongbayan, who headed Philvocs from 1982 to 2003.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

D

Genuine call

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte could not have said it better when, during his recent television program, he admitted feeling tremendous pressure from the people for him to run for president in the 2016 election.

The mayor himself knows full well that the clamor for him to seek the presidency – from Mindanao to Visayas and all the way to Luzon – is for real.

When Duterte asked for more time to arrive at a final decision after that huge rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta almost two weeks ago where people braved the heat and rain just to voice out their sentiments, he was indeed facing tremendous pressure from his countrymen. Only days before, Duterte had called for a late night press conference at a downtown hotel to make the “final” announcement that he was not running, but the people responded by rushing in droves to Luneta to press him to change his mind. Apparently touched by the scene in Luneta and the support extended

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by his countrymen, Duterte could not help but send a message thanking the people for their effort and promising them he would have to do a “final soul-searching” before making a decision.

The Luneta event was not the first and certainly not the last of gatherings for people to express their support to the popular mayor and sustain their call for him to run for president.

One female supporter from Parañaque, out of desperation, even came all the way to Davao to practically beg Duterte to reconsider his decision by kneeling in front of him. A woman was also seen crying unabashedly at the press conference when Duterte announced that he had no interest in joining the presidential race. All these are real expressions of a people who are frustrated at the current crop of candidates.

So, with the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (CO) only days away, the nation waits with bated breath on what Duterte’s final decision will be.

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

How social media is changing the rules and roles of public discourse

I

T’S pretty obvious that we are living in strange and exciting times. The world is getting smaller by the minute, age-old traditions are being overhauled, and what we previously thought were stable realities are now constantly shifting and changing in ways that make them unrecognizable from one technological upheaval to the next.

Yet through all these, one thing has remained constant: the central role a globalizing media in sharing ideas, influencing opinions, changing perceptions, and generally being the primary means for expressing the varied and often disparate voices that are now clamoring to be heard. Aided by advances in technology, particularly the spread of digital social networks, media has been instrumental in changing our lives in ways that would not have been possible only a decade ago.

Today’s socially-driven media has allowed people all over the world to achieve great things. From starting revolutions and toppling dictators, to exposing greed and abuse at the highest levels of government and the corporate world, we have used this new found communal power to change our world for the better.

But while some of us were busy pushing one end of the spectrum towards utopia, others were working overtime in exploring how this new medium can be exploited, corrupted, and manipulated towards less noble ends.

Such is the birth of cyber-bullying and the mob mentality that destroyed the life of people like Justine Sacco, data hacks, and the phenomenon that was the Fappening, idiotic posts and

“M

AR must be muttering to himself, with friends like these, who needs enemies? And people must be asking, ‘Mar, tell me who your friends are, and we’ll tell you who you are,’” former lawmaker and activist Walden Bello was quoted as saying by the Philippine Daily Inquirer recently.

Mar refers to Mar Roxas, the former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas who is running for president in the forthcoming election. Walden said those words after the Liberal Party lewd show fiasco.

No, today’s topic has nothing to do with the imbroglio. But rather, it is about friends and friendship.

If you find a person who has only one friend, don’t pity him. Instead feel sorry for someone who has a thousand acquaintances. “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one good friend, you’re more than lucky,” S.E. Hinton once said.

Because once you find a true friend, it will be forever. Robert Alan said it well when he wrote: “The rain may be falling hard outside, but your smile makes it all alright. I’m so glad that you’re my friend. I know our friendship will never end.”

Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers the world has ever known, also said: “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”

“Remember,” Cindy Lew reminds, “the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.” How true.

For he “who finds a faithful friend,” a Jewish saying states, “finds a treasure.”

I have known some people who have no true friend. The reason is that they judge the outside appearance of a person, not what is inside. Value a person for what he is and not what he has.

comments that have become staple fodder for late night monologues, and truly it is for not lack of trying that we have yet to plumb the bottom of this cesspool.

Aside from the ability to share ideas faster than the speed of thought, another effect this new media has had on people is the increased desire to question everything. We no longer act like ostriches, looking up into the heavens, gaping mouths slowly filling up with rainwater until we drown in our own passive stupidity. We have become the opposite. We now question everything and everyone. This includes ourselves and our own place in this rapidly changing world.

In all this, media, in its all encompassing form that includes both traditional and social, have been the primary pipeline for discourse and social transformation. It has therefore become the frontline in the multi-sided war between contending perspectives, interests, and value systems. Where the ultimate goal of those who participate is to establish a hegemony of ideas that paints the world with their colors.

And it is within the context of this new me-

dia reality that PR practitioners, social media marketers, and other sources of media content now have to start developing new strategies to reach and influence the public. Only with the added complexity of their audiences being able to reach them at any time as well. Gone are the days when communication programs can be crafted in a vacuum, away from the noisome crowd, perfected until ready for the perfectly timed roll-out. Today, the audience has become as much the author as anyone else is.

--On Social Media and Brand Development A recent New York Times article on employee working conditions at Amazon has shifted some of the focus of brand building from company generated marketing and public relations efforts to the role of the employees in building the brand. All of a sudden the employees, who are often cast as bit players in the theater of the corporate world, have become the stars in this public relations saga (or is it farce?).

Since the story first hit the stands, I have seen numerous articles about Amazon and its corporate culture. This will not be one of those.

What I find more interesting is the way social media, or at least the portion of it interested in things like these, seemed to have moved with just this one story. All of a sudden, there has been a spike on postings relating to the importance of employees in the whole marketing, social media, brand development process. How culture affects brands. And ways to engage with employees and make them part of the company’s narrative process.

The ability of certain topics to rapidly refo-

cus the entire conversation, for me, shows how precariously balanced this whole social media thing is. Apply a degree of force on one side and the whole thing has the capacity to tip over.

This reminds me of an accident involving a ferry somewhere in the Philippines. Being an archipelago, a lot of the travel people do involves riding big-ish outrigger boats to get from one island to another. In this particular instance, many of the passengers were on the roof-cum-upper deck of the boat when a sudden squall forced them to duck inside. Unfortunately since the rain was coming from one side, everyone rushed to the opposite, altering the boat’s balance and causing it to flip. There were many casualties.

In the case of the Amazon and the rapid movement of the focus of opinions from one topic to the next, it exposes a certain vulnerability of the system to be manipulated, and for people to act like lemmings. Or rats following a piper. Not that I think it would be easy, but it seems quite possible that it can be done.

This for me is a very scary proposition because, while the power of social media to shift perceptions is pretty well established, the rules governing individual responsibility and accountability still aren’t. The relative anonymity of the internet practically ensures that there will also be a higher degree of viciousness among those who share their opinions.

But unlike the less connected world of the past in which these opinions had little or no chance to find each other, let alone mate, have a family, and multiply ad infinitum, ad naseaum, now they can, they have, and continually will.

Allow me to share this story THINK ON THESE! sent to me via electronic mail: A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves, he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls.

It was like someone had rolled Henrylito D. Tacio clay balls and henrytacio@gmail.com left them out in the sun to bake.

They didn’t look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him.

As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of pesos worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.

Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of pesos in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

As a sort of comparison, the e-mail explained: “It’s like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn’t look like much from the outside. It isn’t always beautiful or

sparkling, so we discount it.

“We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.”

In other words, there is a hidden treasure in each of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. As such, we have to see each person the way God sees them.

Henri J.M. Nouwen, in Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life, wrote: “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”

What a friend, indeed. “Friendship, my definition, is built on two things: respect and trust,” Stieg Larsson said in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. “Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don’t have trust, the friendship will crumble.”

American journalist and photographer Jon Katz has this belief: “I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you.

Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted.

Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.”

Another American author and writer James Lecesne thinks so too. “This is how it works,” he said. “I love the people in my life, and I do for my friends whatever they need me to do for them, again and again, as many times as is necessary.

For example, in your case you always forgot who you are and how much you’re loved. So what I do for you as your friend is remind you who you are and tell you how much I love you. And this isn’t any kind of burden for me, because I love who you are very much. Every time I remind you, I get to remember with you, which is my pleasure.”

Now, find a friend – a true friend. An unknown author penned this statement: “Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it.

Someone who makes you laugh until you can’t stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship.

“When you’re down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end.”

The friends connection

10 NEWS READY... FROM 1

made. He said it could be in Davao City or the so-called “Ground Zero” in Tacloban City where supertyphoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in 2013.

It was Duterte’s trip to Tacloban to bring relief supplies that first brought him to national attention as a possible presidential candidate for his non-traditional style of leadership.

Unlike other politicians, Duterte did not promote his name but simply did what he could do to help survivors. The relief goods he and his team

brought also bore the name of Davao City, not his own.

Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told EDGE Davao Duterte could make the announcement either on Saturday or Sunday (October 10 or 11) in Davao City.

The source, however, emphasized that the final decision still lies with Duterte and that not even his closest advisers know what he would do.

“Only Duterte knows. His closest advisers are not privy as of now,” the source said.

Driz said the total of 942 index crimes had a case solution efficiency rate of 59.55, compared with 35.57 percent of the 2,650 crimes last year.

Non-index crimes refer to crimes against person and property such as murder, homicide, theft, robbery, physical injuries and others, while non index crimes are violations of special laws like the Dangerous Drugs Act and Anti-Smoking Law. Driz said based on police records, the leading index crime is crime against property with 595, while crime against person had 347.

For crime against property, theft ranked first with 464, followed by robbery with 123, carnapping with 7, and cattle rustling with only one.

For crime against persons, physical injuries ranked first with 225, followed by rape with 66, murder with 50, and homicide with 6.

For the non-index crime, the violation on special laws had the most of number of violations with 1,485.

The city recorded 6,869 crime volume from January to June this year, lower than the 8,397 crimes recorded in the same period last year.

DCPO... FROM 2

Cops... FROM 2

other suspect, Tirso O. Lugnasin of Olaycon, Monkayo, Composetla Valley Province, are just “persons of interest” so far.

The two were arrested last Sunday in Bunawan through OPLAN Pagtutugis by operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 11.

Rivera said the two were arrested due to existing warrants of arrest against them and not directly because of the kidnapping incident.

He said police have received information about the involvement of Adona and Lugnasin in the Samal kidnapping but cannot charge them for it yet in the absence of evidence.

“We can call them persons of interest because we have received information of their possible involvement. But they

were arrested because of the existing warrant of arrest. It’s a different case,” Rivera said.

He said the CIDG recovered a .38 caliber revolver and a fragmentation grenade from the possession of Lugnasin while a .45 caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade were taken from Adona.

Rivera said Adona has pending warrants of arrest in Compostela Valley Regional Trial Court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and murder.

Rivera said the two were submitted for inquest proceedings last Monday before the Davao City Prosecution Office for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10591or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Act and RA 9516 or illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

the machines’ upkeep.

The Davao x-ray machine was rendered inutile when former Customs collector Anju Nereo Castigador ordered it closed in connection with a multi-million peso rice smuggling attempt for which Castigador and an assistant

wharfinger were ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman.

Aside from being fired from work “for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” Castigador is now facing a criminal case before the Regional Trial Court.

in depressed communities in South Eastern Mindanao through its “Serbisyo Caravan” project, reaching out to as far as the municipalities of Boston in Davao Oriental, Don Marcelino and Sarangani in Davao Occidental, Kapalong in Davao del Norte, Paquibato District in Davao City, Maco

in Compostela Valley, and recently in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte which was attended by Cabinet Secretaries.

The group likewise initiated the inter-agency quarterly flag raising ceremony at People’s Park, conduct of quarterly lecture series, and annual sports festival. (DSWD)

Alejo... FROM 4

P36.7M... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

Former senator Arroyo passes away at 88

F

ORMER senator Joker Arroyo has died while reportedly undergoing open heart surgery in the United States. He was 88 years old.

The family has yet to issue an official statement confirming the death of Arroyo but several senators have already issued reactions. ”In our next Wednesday Group dinner, we will raise a glass to you,” Senator Ralph Recto said in a press statement.

Arroyo and Recto were members of the now defunct Wednesday Group that also include former Senators Manny Villar, Noli ‘Kabayan’ de Castro and Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan. ”Joker earned sobriquets in his storied life. The Great Dissenter. The Maverick. The Defender. He was even called The Scrooge for his economical use of office funds,” Recto said. ”But there was one area he didn’t scrimp on. And that was offering his sharp legal mind, for free, to those who need it most but can afford it least. If he had a good heart, it was because his favorite form of exercise was to bend down and pull someone out of the gutter,” he added.

Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara posted his reaction on Twitter: “RIP ex Senator Joker Arroyo, Dios Mabalos (goodbye).” ”For the younger generation who may not be aware of

Sen. Joker's contributions to nation-building, they should know that he fought for the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. He fought in the courts and in the streets for the restoration of our civil and political rights which we enjoy today,” Angara said in a separate press statement.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said “that’s terrible news” upon learning Arroyo’s death from the media.

Later, Marcos issued a press statement to express his condolences to the bereaved family his former colleague. ”I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of Joker Arroyo’s passing. I value greatly my time spent with him in the Senate. Considering where we came from, we often found ourselves in agreement over political questions. I think because of this, I dare say that we eventually became friends.

My prayers and thoughts are with his family as they suffer through this great loss,” Marcos said.

Arroyo was one of the key figures in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos’ father, the late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos.

Rumors about Arroyo’s death have been circulating in the Senate media since Monday.

Arroyo, a human rights lawyer, served as member of

Manhunt... FROM 2

the Philippine Senate for two consecutive terms in 2001 and 2007 before he quit politics in 2013.

He also served as congressman of Makati for nine years and as executive secretary of the late former President Corazon Aquino, mother of the incumbent President Benigno Aquino III. Arroyo was born January 5, 1927 in Naga, Camarines Sur where he finished his primary and secondary education in Naga before getting a scholarship in the University of the Philippines.

A graduate of the UP College of Law and the Ateneo de Manila, Arroyo earned the public recognition when he challenged before the Supreme Court (SC) the constitutionality of Proclamation No. 1081 imposing martial law.

Based on the his Senate profile, Arroyo handled more human rights cases than any other lawyer did from 19721986.

He defended various political detainees including President Aquino’s farther, the Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr, Eugenio Lopez, Jr., Serge Osmeña III, Jose Ma. Sison, Jovito Salonga, Nene Pimentel, Eva Kalaw, Renato Tañada, Eduardo Olaguer and many others.

He was also a lead prosecutor during the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada in December 2000. (PNA)

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Case No. 2010-XI-00960 AIDA T. TAÑEZA, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: CALINAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 22, 2016. In the petition filed on September 28, 2015, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 19, 2015 at 09:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

Vivencio Vertudazo, who was stabbed in the neck at around 8:10 p.m. on October 5 in front of the Toril District Hall.

Driz said police are already preparing to file charges against Cayo.

“For now, still manhunt operation pa rin tayo against

Cayo. There is no truth to reports that Toril police have already arrested him,” Driz said.

Despite the killing of Vertudazo, Driz said there were no lapses on the part of Toril Police Station.

“There are no lapses, only lessons learned. No one

could have expected the incident especially because there were other police officers in the area and the police station was close,” she said.

With the killing of Vertudazo, the Philippine flag at the DCPO grounds has been put on half mast as a sign of mourning.

swerving out of control.

Damasco took over the wheel and brought Suello to the Malaybalay General Polymedic Hospital, the police official said, adding the victim sustained gunshot wounds in the head and breast.

He said Damasco had given an initial statement on the

incident and volunteered to undergo a paraffin test. Makalintal, however, remained “at large.”

He said he sent some policemen to Impasugong, Bukidnon where Makalintal, who reportedly hails from Batangas, has a temporary residence but they failed to locate him.

Dampal said they recovered spent shells of a 9mm pistol and a 380 pistol in Suello’s bag inside the car. No 9mm pistol was found.

The police official clarified they initially called it “accidental shooting” since the two lawyers were said to be close and belonged to the same law

firm. He added they can only give a complete picture of the incident once they get the statement of Makalintal.

He said they have asked Makalintal’s mother to convince her son to submit himself to an investigation. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno/MindaNews)

2030, compared to 4.7 million tons a year in 2012,” she said.

She said Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has espoused a simple railway system for the city but his proposal was often turned down because according to some national government agencies, “we still do not need the railway.”

“But as the mayor said, if we wait five or ten years from now to build the railway then we would be caught unprepared,” she said.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said

the city should also revisit the Traffic Code ordinance and come up with solutions to the worsening traffic situation.

“In the process, maybe we can conduct another consultation involving various sectors of society to see if the time is indeed ripe for a railway system, or if not, another mode or system of public transportation for the city, or even, construction of fly overs, road widening or improvement of our road networks,” she said.

the NGCP and the Davao Light linemen conducted simultaneous line survey in the vast areas of Mintal, Bago Oshiro, Toril up to Darong to determine the cause of the problem,” Luga said in a statement.

After a thorough line survey by both Davao Light and the NGCP, it has been found that the cause of the emergency shutdown of NGCP’s Davao-Digos 69kV line was due to a broken post insulator at UP Mindanao in Bago Oshiro, Luga explained.

“At 10:16 p.m., Davao Light was able to conduct full resto-

ration of power in the affected areas. This was after transferring the loads of Dumoy and Puan substations from the affected NGCP Digos 69kV line to Davao Light-owned Davao Line 1,” Luga said.

The NGCP also reported that the broken post insulator was already repaired and that the affected Digos 69kV line was restored at 11:48 p.m..

In the same statement, the Davao Light deeply apologizes to its customers for the inconvenience brought about by this power interruption which is beyond its control.

Lawyer... FROM 3

Councilor... FROM 3

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 28th day of September 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

Water... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

telecom pillar writes Globe disconnects 30K numbers Phl book on industry evolution for sending spam/scam messages G G

By JON JOAQUIN jon@edgedavao.net

LOBE Telecom yesterday said it has disconnected from service close to 30,000 prepaid numbers found to be consistent source of spam and scam text messages.

In a statement, Globe said this is part of its intensified efforts to eliminate “unsolicited and annoying messages.”

According to the telco, the numbers blocked from the Globe network were subject of complaints reported through the website www.globe.com.ph/ stopspam where customers are simply required to provide all the details of spam and scam messages they received on their mobile devices.

Numbers that are reported to be a constant source of spam messages are then disconnected from service.

Globe said the numbers were also identified via an automated filtering system implemented to keep its customers from receiving scam and spam messages.

Globe said it recently expanded the coverage of this functionality and the system now covers majority of the company’s 2.3 million postpaid customers.

The telco’s measures against scams are especially important as the number of its mobile customers

P

&A Grant Thornton recently opened its new learning center designed to help unlock the potential for growth of the company’s people, its clients, markets, and the community as a venue for innovation, continuous learning and professional development.

Called P&A Grant Thornton Academy, the new learning center aims to cultivate and foster solidarity amongst P&A’s employees through trainings and seminars, and leaning towards progress and innovation.

The center’s blessing was attended by CEO Marivic Españo, COO Jun Cuaresma, and partners Christopher Ferareza, Atty. Lea Roque, Mai

reached 48.4 million at the end of the first half, a 13 percent rise from 42.7 million a year earlier.

Text scams take many forms. The most prevalent is the one in which customers are told that a certain amount, usually P300, had been accidentally deducted from their prepaid account but that it can be returned by texting “300” to an 11-digit number staring with “2.”

In Globe, “2” is the prefix for its “share-a-load” service, which means the victims actually send P300 to the scammer.

Globe Chief Information Security Officer Anton Bonifacio said a total of 29,347 numbers were blocked from the service since July last year.

Of the number, a total of 24,787 numbers were disconnected for sending scam messages while 4,560 numbers were barred from using the Globe network for sending spam messages.

“Globe will never allow the use of its network by individuals who want to take advantage of our customers.

As Globe steps up its campaign to purge its network of spam and scam messages, we expect this number to increase further moving forward,” Bonifacio said.

Bonifacio said following an information drive launched early last year to

educate its customers on how to deal with irritating text spams, Globe also operationalized a filtering mechanism that keeps customers from receiving scam/spam messages.

So far, he said, Globe already blocked a total of 30.8 million spam and scam text messages. He said the system prevents the transmittal of scam messages to mobile devices and has substantially reduced the number of text scams/spams going through the Globe network.

Bonifacio said the volume of messages blocked by the network filtering system averages about 90,000 a day.

It reached a peak of around 200,000 in July this year.

“The filtering mechanism can be reconfigured to address the kind of spam and scam messages that goes through the Globe network. Recently, bulk of spam and scam messages delivered to Globe customers originate from SIM cards of competition (with prefixes 0922, 0943),” he said.

LOBE chief legal counsel and senior advisor Rodolfo A. Salalima, a recognized authority in the field of telecommunications law, is launching a new book that aims to help provide understanding on the current communications technologies that help shape the change in people’s lives and lifestyles Titled “Telecommunications in the Information Revolution,” Salalima’s book is a compilation of the law and jurisprudence on telecommunications and of insights on the evolving language and fundamental issues of the Internet revolution.

It is also a textbook filled with legal commentary for law students and as a reference material for industry practitioners and non-lawyers.

According to Salalima, the book is an attempt to make it easier for ordinary readers to comprehend current technologies on telecommunications, broadcasts, and disruptive innovations.

“I hope that this may help influence others in understanding these technologies or contribute in the utilization of these technologies not only as tools for better social networking and communications but also, for nation building and growth,” he said.

Salalima is a recognized authority in the field of telecommunications law and is one of the principal authors of the NTC rules of procedure. He is on the roster of lecturers in the Supreme Court’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program for lawyers and has served as resource person and Philippine delegate in various local and international fora.

P&A Grant Thornton opens learning center

Globe Chief Legal Counsel and Senior Advisor Rodolfo A. Salalima

Aside from being chief legal counsel and spokesperson of Globe, Salalima is also president of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators and vice chair of the International Telecommunication Union Council working group for the amendment of the ITU Constitution and Convention where he represents the Asia-Pacific region.

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, who is Chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy, expressed appreciation for Atty. Salalima’s new book.

“He has done us all a good turn once again. I am delighted to see him produce another masterpiece. This book on Telecommunications in the Information Revolution is vintage RAS, a handy source of practical advice as well as a thorough treatment of the subject,” Azcuna said.

The book launch will happen at the Radiate Room, the Loft of the Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on October 9, 2015.

The book is available at the UP Law Center, Malcolm Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Sigue-Bisnar, and Mhycke Gallego.

P&A is a leading professional services firm that provides value-added services to clients through a client-caring team of audit, tax and business professionals who utilize leading-edge systems and technology and are guided by the highest standards of quality, integrity and competence.

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organizations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms.

These firms help dynamic organisations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, actionable advice through a broad LEARNING CENTER. P&A Grant Thornton CEO Marivic Españo (third from right) is accompanied by (from left) COO Jun Cuaresma and partners Christopher range of services.

Ferareza, Atty. Lea Roque, Mai Sigue-Bisnar, and Mhycke Gallego after the blessing of the new learning centre named P&A Grant Thornton Academy.

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

ZION Is in need of:

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

DCWD: Water service interruptions Oct. 9 ACCUPRINT AVAO City Water Dis- Club, Mountain Dew Village, ruption is needed to give way trict has scheduled two Insular Village I and II, portion to the installation / tapping PUBLISHING, INC. separate sets of water of Fortune Homes, portion of of the 400mm diameter steel

MACHINE OPERATOR (Printing Press)

Qualifications:

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year

Send application letter & resume to: HR Supervisor ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

D

service interruption on October 9 to give way to completion of service improvement projects.

First set is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Affected are these areas in Agdao: R. Castillo Ave. (from San Miguel Drive to corner JP Laurel Ave.), San Miguel Village, Purok Sto. Niño Pelayo, Nagsil, Mintrade, South San Juan, Ubalde Village, Fatima Village, North San Juan, Davao Farms Subd., Bayside Village, Alcantara & Sons and Arroyo Street; Lanang: Lizada Village, Beach Side Homes, Ramos Village, Villa de Davao Subd., Lanang Beach

Nova Tierra Village, Lapanday Subd., portion of Mangga Street, portion of Belen Road, portion of Davao – Agusan Road (from corner JP Laurel Avenue to Panacan Avenue); Sasa and Panacan: Old Airport Road, Doña Paz Subd., Bangoy Elementary School, Hacienda Village, Doña Aurella Village, Marla Subd., Lougemar Subd., Flying V Gas Station, Vicente Pichon Subd., Doña Salud Subd., Philippine Port Authority, Pakiputan Wharf, Sasa Public Market, ICSAMA, Kms. 10, 11 and 12, and Landmark I. This water service inter-

ERRATUM

In the October 1, 2015 edition of Edge Davao, Ordinance No. 033315, Series of 2015 of the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod had certain errors inadvertently printed.

In the name of Councilor Rene Elias C. Lopez, “Elias” was misspelled as “Ellis”. On the other hand, the first letter of “Mary” in the name of Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte was not capitalized.

Our sincere apologies.

The Editors

pipe at R. Castillo Avenue, Ubalde Village in Agdao for preventive maintenance purposes.

Second set is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting these areas in Calinan: portion of Villafuerte Street (from Calinan Gallera to Dacudao), Dacudao and Palarca Village.

DCWD crew will tap the newly installed 100mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 200mm diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Purok 15, Dominga Village in Calinan. Once completed, said project will allow for accommodation of additional service connections.

DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

R.O.X presents Mapawa Trail Running 101 GET READY for one of the most exciting outdoor competitions of the year as Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.) presents the Mapawa Trail Run, happening on October 25, 2015 at Mapawa Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro.

Pegged as one of the biggest and most exciting outdoor events of the year, the Mapawa Trail Run will be offering various race levels – 42K, 22K, 11K, and 6K to best cater to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want to participate in the race.

Aside from the great location and the challenging trails offered, the Mapawa Trail Run is also pegged as a “green run”, wherein participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration gear as disposable cups and water bottles will not be provided at the hydration booths in the venue.

This way, participants will be able to better appreciate the beauty of the country’s natural wonders and actively take part in its protection and conservation.

But as the race offers something unique for everyone, R.O.X. also sees this as a great opportunity to get people to have a

better appreciation of the environment aside from offering a unique trail running experience.

In line with this, R.O.X. which houses the biggest selection of outdoor brands in Southeast Asia wants trail runners that would be participating in the race to strictly adhere to the rule of trail running as well as make sure to bring these trail essentials: windbreaker jacket, hydration pack, hydration belt, hydration bottle, trail running shoes, quick dry apparel, compression apparel, caps /visor, lightweight towels, trail food, energy bars, headlamp, blinker, trekking pole, whistle, and socks.

All these are considered as must-haves for an event such as this especially to ensure each participant’s safety during the race.

But more than just having the right gear, R.O.X. also wants the participants of the race as well as those who are interested to join, to take proper precaution for such a physical challenge. Hence, the brand just held its Trail Running 101 last October 3, 2015 in Mapawa Nature Park.

Given that one of the brand’s advocacies is to actively promote the beauty of the outdoors and en-

gage in physical activities that would make one go outside, the class was filled with insightful and useful tips on how to become a good trail runner by the experts – Dax Ang of Davao Adventure Xtreme and Erwin Emata of Everest Outdoors.

Registration for the R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Run will be until October 15, 2015 through selected R.O.X. stores (R.O.X. Abreeza, R.O.X. Centrio, R.O.X. Ayala Cebu, R.O.X. Bacolod and R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street) and online – runnersrunner.com.

R.O.X. is owned and operated by the Primer Group of Companies, Asia’s next retail giant.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 136 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

BACK TO THE BEACH Alyssa plays beach volley in UAAP A

FTER the disappointment of losing to National University in the Shakey’s V-League finals, Ateneo Lady Eagles star Alyssa Valdez is heading to the beach.

But it’s not what you think.

The popular Ateneo spiker is set to make a comeback in beach volleyball, teaming up with Bea Tan to represent the school in the UAAP tournament which kicks off on Saturday at University of the

East Caloocan.

The 22-year old is a backto-back MVP in the league in the indoor, six-a-side game, but Ateneo will be the underdog in a beach volleyball field led by defending champion University of Santo Tomas pair of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera.

“Maputi pa po ‘to, wag kayong mang-judge,” Valdez kidded about her complexion when asked about her return to beach volleyball. “I’m playing with Bea again this

week. I hope makapag-focus naman sa beach volleyball.”

Valdez has been very preoccupied with the sixa-side game. She led Ateneo to a second successive UAAP title in March, joined the national team that competed in the Asian Under-23 in May, flew the flag in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in June and played in the Shakey’s V-League since.

That’s why she admitted not knowing what to expect in her return to the game.

“Hindi ko po alam. But I heard, we heard, well every year naman na competitive din talaga,” she said. “’Yung mga teams kasi they really recruit players for beach volleyball talaga.”

Valdez said this is not the first time she would be playing in the UAAP beach volleyball tournament, recalling a stint she had with Ateneo three years ago.

But one thing sure, she will not be as prepared as the others.

through with 26 points as the City Hall dribblers took a 2 – 1 lead in this year’s friendly series.

John Flores chipped in 16 baskets as Joel Aberilla added 12 for the CMO which scored a back-to-back a win after losing the series opener.

Four players made double digits for the IBP led by the 15 points output of Chok Cadiogan.

Adrian Paguican scored 13 as Gil Ciudadano and Ongkiko had 10 apiece for the Davao lawyers.

The City Hall dribblers played steadier in the end game as they shot and defended well in the winding seconds.

It was a close game all throughout with both teams marking lethal offensive firepower that made the en-

counter much more exciting than expected.

Box scores: CMO – 73 Go 26, Flores 16, Aberilla 12, Cloribel 6, Rosal 4, Reyes 3, Peloton 2, Poliquit 2, Casan 2 IBP – 69 Cadiogan 15, Paguican 13, Ongkiko10, Ciudadano 10, Casquejo 7, Dela Victoria 6, Carpio 3, Rañon 3, Salcedo 2, Galas 0, Rubi 0, Baguio 0, Pepito 0

pionship, while Day won the year’s final major and his win at last month’s BMW Championship was his fourth win in six starts.

When asked if he would be interested in taking on Spieth on the final day of Presidents Cup competition on Sunday, Day said there would be huge interest in that potential clash but team strategy could get in the way.

“I think a lot of people around the world are interested to see if that will happen,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“It would be a lot of fun playing

against Jordan, but then again I’m not too sure what the strategy is with that.”

The 11th Presidents Cup, a biennial team golf competition putting the United States against a team of international players minus Europeans, begins on Thursday at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon.

After three days of foursomes and four ball team play, the competition goes into a singles format on Sunday with all 12 players from each team taking on an opponent.

The matchups will be de-

cided by U.S. captain Jay Haas and Internationals skipper Nick Price, who will sit across a table from each other and try not to blink first.

“Will they hold Jordan to wait for my name, or will captain Price hold my name for Jordan? Or maybe he wants me to go out early and get a point up,” said Day. “It all depends on where the points are, how everyone is playing ... and from there make that decision who I’ll play against. But I think it would be a lot of fun. We’ve both played pretty good golf (this year).”

Go leads CMO over IBP 73-69 C

ITY Mayors Office rode to the striking performance of ace gunner Christopher “Bong” Go to hack out a 73 – 69 win over IBP Davao in their basketball friendly game on Monday night at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Go, the sweet-shooting executive assistant of Mayors Rodrigo Duterte, came

“ I guess it’s going to be competitive. Nahihiya nga ako kay Bea kasi she really trains every day and I can’t train kasi we have to focus on (the Shakey’s V-League) Finals,” she added.

“Sana maka-contribute lang sa ako sa beach volleyball this year.”

ALYSSA AT THE BEACH. Alyssa Valdez will team up with Bea Tan in the UAAP beach volleyball competitions.

Day keen on Presidents Cup showdown with Spieth

J

ASON Day would relish the chance to go head-to-head with world No. 1 Jordan Spieth in the Presidents Cup but the Australian hotshot knows the showdown may not materialize as team tactics take precedence over individual glory.

Day and Spieth electrified the Tour this year with their budding rivalry played out on the grandest of stages.

American Spieth claimed two majors among his five wins, ending his 2015 campaign in triumphant style at the season-ending Tour Cham-

USUAL NUMBERS. Bong Go was limited to “only” 26 points against IBP.

Pacquiao graces AIBA opening

B

LADIES TAKE FLIGHT. The 10th Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub team golf tournament gets underway after the team captains meeting and ceremonial tee off at the Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club (NOGCC) in Bacolod with 18 ladies golf teams participating in the three-day golf fest. Photo shows the gesture of unity by the teams and organizing committee officials, including

(front row from left) Henry Arabelo, tournament director; Ismael Augusto Gozon, PAL Senior VP for Operations; Dina May Flores, PAL VP & tournament executive committee chairperson; Joanne Reyes, general manager – NOGCC; Ria Domingo, VP – Marketing; Leni Cabili, team captain – Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club; and Genaro Velasquez, PAL Senior Asst. VP for International Sales.

OXING star Manny Pacquiao will attend the World Boxing Championships which got underway on Monday in this Gulf nation.

No less than International Boxing Federation (AIBA) president Dr. Ching Kuo Wu made the announcement during his meeting with national federation heads from 73 countries at the Ezdan Hotel and Suites here.

Wu said he relayed his invitation to Pacquiao through ABAP executive director Ed Picson, who personally brought the invitation letter to General Santos City mid-September and presented it to the eight-time world division champion himself at his Gensan residence.

“Manny was excited about the prospect of seeing the

world’s best Olympic-style boxers in action and immediately expressed interest in attending,” said Picson.

Upon consulting his schedule however, the Filipino boxing icon who recently announced his intention to run for Senator next year, found that he had several commitments in the period October 6-15. He found only one available day (October 8) and decided to go for it.

“I really want to be there to see for myself the Olympic hopefuls from all over the world, but more importantly to give support to our two boxers competing there - Rogen Ladon and Eumir Felix Marcial. It will also give me an opportunity to visit our 200,000 kababayans who work there,” said the 36 year old congressman from Saranggani Province.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports Davao Kendo Club founder Johnny Teofilo Lardera Jr. in action.

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE136 136• THURSDAY, • THURSDAY,OCTOBER OCTOBER8,8,2015 2015

BREAKTHROUGH Davao Kendo Club bets shine

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

HE Japanese martial art of Kendo has snowballed in Davao City and it didn’t take time before the newly-formed Davao Kendo Club would start reaping the rewards of their sacrifice.

Davao Kendo Club founder Johnny Teofilo Lardera Jr. bared the team’s recent success in the just-concluded Gasshuku 205 held at the Assumption College in Antipolo, Rizal.

Third Dan Japanese Matsuda Kazuya, an assistant instructor of DKC, placed third in the Yudansha (Dan holder) category.

Lardera said the club also sent four teams composed of five Kendo practitioners in the Mudansha (non-Dan category).

Team A, composed of Xylia Alzate, Al June Metilla, Johnny Lardera Jr., Paul Minoza and Jasper Lardera finished with one win and

a loss. Team B equaled that feat with a squad made up of Yan Salvosa, Jesh Juson, Kaye Llaneza, Rubylyn Lardera and Janilyn Fe Lardera.

Teams C and D weren’t as lucky as they succumbed to two defeats. Team C was bannered by Roman Santiago, Jherand Cayanong, Alain Pedronio, Juliebeth Diano and Venus Cabahug while Team D had Rober Carabuena, Edeah Brilliantes, Reida Renovilla, Reu Mooc, Amy Pamat and substitute Fil Divino.

DKC also sent three members, who are still Non Bogu (Beginners Class) - Jan Chua, Jesusa Dy and Lucky Gabriel.

“We participated last October 3 and 4 for a Kendo event named Gasshuku 2015 that consists of all clubs in the Philippines namely UP Kendo Club, Iga Kendo Club, Manila Kendo Club and Iloilo Kendo Club,”

said Lardera Jr. in a message to Edge Davao.

“Our main objective was really just to gain experience from the tournament,” he added.

DKC, the first known Kendo club in Mindanao, was founded last May 31, 2014 by 37-year old Lardera together with head instructor Sensei Philip Lim, also a 3rd Dan and Korean.

Among DKC’s founding students were 21-year old Jasper John Lardera and 24year old Janilyn Fe Lardera.

Jasper made an impact after topping the Bogo Class and Spirit Award (Best Player) while Johnny took home a silver medal in their very first tournament appearance.

Lardera Jr. said the DKC members practice at the Fairlanes Martial Arts Center of Fairlanes Bowling Alley along Torres St. every Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.