Edge Davao 8 Issue 15

Page 1

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FOR RECYCLING. A junk shop worker sorts out a load of cardboard boxes collected from different establishments along Quezon Boulevard in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

AFP NOT LETTING GUARD DOWN

Military prepared for NPA attack despite Rody assurance By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

1

0TH Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año said the military is not letting its guards down for any security threats during the 2015 Palarong Pambansa despite the assurance made by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte that there will be no terror threat during the week-long national games in Davao del Norte. Año that there are no assurance that there will be no Military encounter against New People’s Army (NPA) during the duration of the

Palaro where some 17,000 delegates and tourists are expected to converge for the biggest sports conclave in the country. Earlier, Mayor Duterte asked the NPA and the Military to avoid encounters during the event for the security of the athletes who will join the event. Año said that although they respect the word of Mayor Duterte, he still cannot guarantee that there will be no encounters during the May 3-9 event at Davao del Norte.

“We respect and welcome the words of Mayor Duterte, however there are some units from the NPA who doesn’t follow the order of their leaders,” he said. “Even before na may month long na ceasefire ang AFP tyaka NPA, mag mga nangyayari parin na pag labag sa ceasefire, so we cannot guarantee,” added the two star general. The miklitary official also said that with or without the commitment of the rebel

FAFP, 10

PRO 11 ready to secure Palaro By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 is ready to secure all the delegates of PalarongPambansa 2015 that will be held in Tagum City Davao Del Norte. “Kung tatanungin natin how ready are we? Ready naman kami,” PRO 11 regional director Chief Superintendent Wendy G. Rosario said in an interview.

FPRO 11, 10

INSIDE EDGE DAVAO BOXER FACES FIGHT OF HIS LIFE Sports P15


2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EARTH DAY PROTEST. A progressive group member fixes the effigies President Aquino and Uncle Sam atop a wooden cart before the start of yesterday’s Earth Day protest march along Roxas Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

3 DavNor cops involved in drugs By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

P

OLICE Regional Office (PRO) 11 deputy regional director for operation Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino said police are monitoring three Davao del Norte police officers who are involved in drugs. In a press conference yesterday, Aquino said the three police officers were placed under sur-

veillance since the Barangay Madaum, Tagum City raid last April 14. Aquino said two of the three police officers already have drug related cases even before the surveillance started. Aquino, however, clarified that the three police officers have no involvement in the April 14 drug raid.

He said the three are suspected of being involved in recycling drug evidence. “Hindi involved yung tatlo sa pag tip dun sa Madaum raid, they are more involved in recycling drugs,” he added. Aquino gave assurance that PRO 11 will not tolerate the illegal activities of their fellow offi-

cers. “Policemen are ready to arrest their co-policemen and even the military if proven that they are involved in illegal activities such as drugs,” he said. Meanwhile, Aquino said the April 14 drug raid in Barangay Madaum had been compromised when a police officer, identified as PO2 Domijun Valleser,

leaked information on the raid to the suspects before it was mounted. Valleser also faces administrative and criminal charges for hiding evidence in the drug raid operation. Aquino said Valleser will be dismissed from the service. Police officers raided Barangay Madaum on

April 14 on the strength of 12 warrants of arrest. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight persons and the death of one suspect. Police recovered 14 firearms, 15 undocumented motorcycles, and 150 grams of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with an estimated value of P1.35 million.

Librado-Yap’s Earth Day message: Save the women Zambo crop damage due

to dry spell soars to P140M

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Councilor Leah Librado-Yap urged the public to help protect not just the environment but also women’s rights in celebration of Earth Day. In a statement, Librado-Yap said women are most vulnerable from climate change and other environmental disasters. “Not only because of the impact brought about by disasters and calamities but also because of the fact that majority of women’s livelihood in the country rely on our natural re-

sources like farming, fishing, and vending,” she said. Librado-Yap said the people should have to give significance to the environment and take measures to protect and preserve whatever resources we still have. She said in Davao City, the position of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte against mining remains consistent. She acknowledged that more needs to be done in terms of mitigating the impact of climate change and protecting the

environment. “In celebrating Earth Day, I am standing to bring to the attention of the public especially among government agencies concerned, that people, especially those who are the closest to nature, the farmers and the lumads are the most precious among the gifts of the earth. Thus, their human rights and the environment must be protected, at all costs,” Librado-Yap said. Meanwhile, City Council committee on environment and natural re-

sources chair councilor Leonardo R. Avila called for the reduction of energy consumption, support for environmental education, recycling, and waste reduction to help the environment. “I hope you all do your share of giving back to Mother Earth,” he said. Avila said the people should plant something organic, perennial or what is suitable in a certain area. “You can even plant something indoors, in a container,” he said.

T

HE City Agriculturist disclosed that the damage to agricultural and fishery products due to the prolonged dry spell had further soared to P140.8 million as of April 8. As of March 31, damage was estimated at P132.54 million. City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat disclosed that so far 10,270 hectares of agricultural lands and fishponds were damaged. He disclosed that 8,458.3 of the 10,270 hectares (82.4 percent) still have chances of recovery while the rest have none. Palacat said the crops affected include rice, banana, assorted vegetables, rubber,

cassava, corn, and even mango and coconut trees, aside from the fishponds. He said the destruction was not only caused by the dry spell but also by the increasing number of grass fire incidents in rural areas. The damage, he said, is widespread, covering the different agricultural districts of Tumaga, Ayala, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan and Vitali. He said they are continuously monitoring the water levels of the different irrigation systems in the city. Earlier, Palacat’s office monitored that nine of the total 25 irrigation dams have dried up, six are in critical condition while 10 are below the normal water level.


VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Advincula to UPMin: Compensate settlers By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

D

AVAO City Councilor Victorio Advincula Jr. urged the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) to give just compensation to the settlers within its property in Mintal as soon as the latter are removed from the 20-hectare area where the proposed City Sports Complex will be built. In an interview, Advincula said UPMin should both pay for the improvements and compensate the settlers for the land that would be taken from them since they are the ones who first lived in the area before the school was established in 1995. “The problem there... Ang gusto himoon sa UPMindanao, correct me if I’m wrong, is bayaran lang ang ilang improvement. Pero ang yuta na ilang naokupar it is because na-award na daw sa goberno sa ilaha wala na (What UPMindanao wants to do, correct me

if I’m wrong, is to pay only for the improvements. But they will not pay for the land which has been occupied since it has already been awarded by the government to them),” Advincula said. He said majority of the settlers in the area occupy up to two hectares of land, which is also the source of their livelihood. “They make their living out of the land. They can’t do that with 150 square meters that would be awarded to them as relocation. They cannot plant in an area that small,” he said Advincula said just compensation will help the settlers find another source of livelihood. He said based on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with UPMin and Board of Liquidators signed in 1998, the school will be the one to relocate and compensate the settlers.

Water system, other projects up in NorCot amid dry spell

A

MIDST a drought hitting North Cotabato that has been taking its toll on agricultural products, the provincial government here has completed a water system project that will provide safe drinking water and cushion the impact of dry spell, officials said yesterday. North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza spearheaded the turnover of water systems in nine villages, five covered courts, two rural health building expansions, and a barangay health station. Mendoza and other local officials toured different areas to conduct turn over ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday. The villages that now benefit from covered courts worth P1.5M each include Sinapangan, Grebona, Kapayawi, Sinawilan and Ulamian all in the Municipality of Libungan. After the program, provincial officials went to Tulunan town and handed over a rural health building expansion project worth P3.5-M in Barangay Poblacion followed by the turn over of another rural health building expansion project in Barangay Poblacion, Arakan worth P1-M both with medical equipment. The officials then headed to Barangay Naje, Arakan for the turnover of a water system installation of a 5.34 kilometer-main pipeline worth P6-M. Mendoza said the water system which was funded by the provincial government and

Arakan town LGU through a counterpart scheme of P3-M each extends up to the adjacent village of Doroluman and will be benefited by hundreds of families. The governor also went to the village of Dagupan in Kabacan for the turnover of a barangay health station worth P1-M. The projects utilize a total of P13 million funds from the provincial government and P3 million from Arakan LGU benefiting all recipient barangays. “These projects are all aimed to uplift the living conditions of the constituents and were also the result of effective coordination between the provincial government, LGU’s and the barangay officials,” she said. With its useful functions and purposes, the covered courts, rural and barangay health stations and the water system, the governor passed on to the nine villages in Libungan, Tulunan, Arakan and Kabacan are expected to improve the performance of concerned village officials and individuals. For instance, the covered courts are ideal venues for barangay assemblies, programs, sports and cultural activities among others and the health stations are requisite to maintain good health in the community and on the other hand, the water system would spare many families from water contamination and avoid getting sick. Beneficiaries said that the

FWATER, 10

TRASH TO CASH. SM Lanang Premier mall manager Engr. Mary Therese T. Lapeña-Manalo (left) and forester Ruby Bie, chief of the Ecological Solid Waste Management section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11’s Environmental Management Bureau, weigh in used

newspapers to kick off the “Trash to Cash” project in time for the Earth Day celebration at the mall’s parking ground yesterday. Trash for cash is a recycling market concept where people can trade or sell their trash to scrap buyers and convert it cash. Lean Daval Jr.


4

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

POLICE DEPLOYMENT. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 deputy regional director for operations Senior Superintendent Aaron N. Aquino (left) bares that 1,500 police personnel will be deployed in Tagum City as part of the security measures for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

At right is Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) public information officer Captain Alberto Caber. The two were guests in the AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing at Task Force Davao headquarter in Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

SECURE. Major General Eduardo M. Año (right), commander of 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, says there are more than enough forces to secure the delegates of the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2015 in Tagum

City, Davao del Norte. Año and Task Force Davao Commander Col. Macairog S. Alberto (left) graced yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing at Task Force Davao headquarter in Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Ranking NPA leader T falls in Surigao City

Palace: 2016 election must push through

A

RANKING New People’s Army (NPA) leader was arrested here Sunday by joint elements of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), military reports said. In a press statement, Maj. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division, said Bonifacio Mausisa Platil alias “Ka Thaddeus Anob Uray/ Tado/Tansyong/Jeffrey,” was arrested by virtue of a war-

15-min power interruptions sked April 24

D

AVAO Light and Power Co. will conduct two 15-minute power interruptions on April 24, Friday affecting customers connected to its Buhangin Feeder 2 and Bajada Feeder 3. Communication Officer Rossano Luga said that the scheduled outages are necessary to facilitate line upgrading works and guy installation on Davao Light’s Buhangin Feeder 2 line. To keep the power interruptions at its barest minimum, loads from Buhangin Feeder 2 will be transferred to Bajada Feeder 3 for 15-minutes only anytime between 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.. Normalization or return of loads back to its normal set up will be anytime between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. still for 15-minutes only. Customers affected by these service disruptions are

rant of arrest supposedly for murder, multiple attempted murder and attempted murder. He said that Platil, the second deputy secretary of Sub-Regional Command Sentro De Grabidad “Westland” (SRC Westland) under the North Eastern Mindanao Committee, was arrested around 4:40 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Luna here. Uy said that Platil was responsible for killings, eco-

nomic sabotages, and land mine explosions in Sibagat and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur, RT Romualdez and Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte, and in the eastern part of Butuan City. Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, 4ID commander, congratulated the soldiers and the CIDG personnel for Platil’s arrest. The general refers to Platil as “a fugitive of the law and destroyer of hopes in

Caraga.” “For those who were victimized, especially those who were killed by this criminal, we are one step closer in achieving justice,” he said. Lactao thanked the people “for giving us timely and relevant information on the whereabouts of this criminal.” Platil was brought to the CIDG in Butuan City for proper disposition. Roel Catoto/ MindaNews

HE Palace said the May 2016 general elections must push through despite the scrapping of a deal on the repair of voting machines, which could disrupt election preparations. “The election should push through. It is constitutionally mandated and everybody should comply with the Constitution. We are very certain that the Comelec (Commission on Elections) is very aware of its mandated role of making sure that elections happen in 2016,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters during Wednesday’s press briefing in Malacañang. Lacierda was responding

to questions regarding concerns that next year’s election could be postponed after the Supreme Court nullified the PHP268.8 million contract between the Comelec and Smartmatic-Total Information Management for the repair of 82,000 voting machines. According to the Supreme Court, the Comelec had violated the procurement law when it directly hired Smartmatic-TIM for the maintenance of the voting machines instead of holding a public bidding. “We have an existing law on automated elections, so we expect Comelec to comply with all existing laws,” Lacierda said.

she said. “We just really have to actively seek out for them so that they will be recognized and be an inspiration to others.” The Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI), organizer of the one of the oldest search, is targeting about 100 nominations from different parts of the country. “We’re targeting to have 10 awardees this year,” Cruz said. “They will be awarded by the president himself in the Malacañang on August 31.” TOYM started on April 6, 1959 as a chapter project of the Manila Jaycees. On the same year, the Philippine Jaycees formally adopted it as a premier national project. Over the years, TOYM

has become an institution, having developed a reputation for its selectiveness of outstanding individuals upon whom the awards is conferred. TOYM aims to give national recognition to young men and women, whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of their countrymen, as well as to the advancement of their fields of endeavor. This year, TOYM will extensively promote the search online especially through the social media. With this, the organizers hope that the search will have a broader reach and will widen the playing field.

FPALACE, 10

Young Mindanawons urged to join TOYM By CHENEEN R. CAPON

those from Buhangin Flyover going to Mandug. This includes Ladislawa Vill., San Pedro Vill., Spring Valley, Pag-Asa Homes, San Isidro-Santol St. (Buhangin), Balite, Panorama Homes, Tigatto, Juliville Subd., DDF Vill., Deca Homes Tigatto and Indangan, Callawa, Indangan, Molave Homes, Millenium Homes, Bo. Conception, Acacia, Sand Vill., Sison Subd., Villa Park Subd., Holy Trinity Subd. and Pioneer Subdivision. Also affected are customers in Cabantian which includes CountryVill Executive Homes, Holy Trinity Vill., ,Bacahoa Subdivision, Emilia Homes Subdivision, Victor’s Executive Homes, Cecilia Heights, Emily Homes, DECA Homes, Joyful Subdivision at Communal Road., Emily Homes, Country Homes, Soraya Homes, Green Orchard Village, Illuminada Estates,

F15-MIN, 10

Y

crc@edgedavao.net

OUNG Mindanawons are being encouraged to participate in the 2015 search for The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines, an annual search for Filipinos between 18 and 40 years old who best exemplify excellence amidst global competitiveness. “For the past 55 years, there have been small participation from this part of the country,” TOYM executive director Larry Cruz said during the Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. “There have been 463 awardees but only 10 come from Mindanao.” Among the awardees from Mindanao were musician Joey Ayala,

Philippine Eagle Foundation executive director Dr. Dennis Salvador, world boxing champion Manny Paquiao, and former House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Frances Puyod, TOYM Area 5 commissioner of the search committee, attributed the low level of Mindanao participation in the search to low level of public awareness on TOYM and the fear of people here to bid. “It’s necessary for interested individuals to fill out bid forms,” she said. She said self-nomination is also encouraged. “I am quite positive that Mindanao is replete with individuals who embody excellence in their respective fields,”


5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

MinDA to push Davao-Manado flights By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

T

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will be pushing for the enhancement of certain air and sea linkages between the Philippines and the rest of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) in the upcoming 11th BIMP-EAGA summit in Indonesia next week. “We will be pushing for the reestablishment of direct

flights such as Davao-Manado and Zamboanga-Sandakan route for air linkage and Brook Points in the Southern Tip of Palawan-Lubukan, Indonesia,” MinDA director for investment promotions and public relations Romeo Montenegro said. Speaking in yesterday’s Club 888 media forum, Montenegro said air and sea connectivity are essential to boost the trade and commerce among member coun-

Power cooperatives nix Mt. Apo plant rate hike

M

EMBERS of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) are opposing the P5.37 per kilowatt hour (kwH) provisional power rate approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Kidapawan City. AMRECO president Sergio Dagooc said the transfer of ownership and management of the formerly state-owned power plant to FDC Misamis has given additional burden to contracting electric cooperatives (EC) because of the rate increase. As reflected in the March power bill of the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (BUSECO), the rate increased from P3 to P5.37/kwH. Prior to February 2015, the generation of Mt Apo 1 and 2 geothermal plants was sold to consumers at a bundled rate of P3/kwH. “The additional P2.37 was said to be the administrative charge imposed by the new owner of Mt. Apo,” Dagooc said during a press conference at the Gran Men Seng Hotel on Tuesday. He said the additional administrative charge of Mt. Apo has no legal basis since only charges on generation, transmission, system loss, and distribution metering are allowed. “This additional charge

prompted electric cooperatives to increase their charges to their consumers,” he added. In any electric bill, consumers have to pay different charges such as generation, transmission, and system loss, but for customers of distribution companies and electric cooperative contracting to Mt. Apo, they have to pay the additional administrative charge. Dagooc said it is not the choice of ECs to pass on the charges to consumers because they are just “collectors.” “The problem with this is that consumers blame cooperatives for high rates but it’s the additional charges passed by generation utilities that makes power rates higher,” he said. Distribution utilities and electric cooperatives can only charge consumers through the distribution metering charge which do not increase immediately compared to generation charge. Aside from higher power rate, Dagooc also said there is also a problem with the lack of transparency of the bidding process for the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant. “We didn’t know that Mt Apo was already for bidding last year. It only came to us that it has a new administration,” he added. He also said the privatization of state-owned power plants only led to higher pow-

FPOWER, 10

able for tourists and investors while the sea links will be for transshipment of cargoes and other goods. Montenegro said when established, these linkages would lower the cost of transportation with discounts of P1,600 in travel tax when traveling to Philippines. “This is one of the mechanism of Philippines to attract movement within BIMP-EAGA,” he added. Air companies can also

WEEKEND MARKET. Rick Campos, project manager of South Park Weekend Market, an outdoor food market which will be joined by a wide array of exhibitors and sellers of food products, promotes the upcoming opening

avail the 50 percent discount in airport operation cost. Montenegro also said the government of the Philippines is already strategizing on how the load factor will be stabilized once these proposed linkages are implemented. He said aside from promoting Mindanao and Palawan as an investment area, tour packages should be developed between BIMP-EAGA members to ensure sus-

tainable load factor. The Davao-Manado route was halted in 2008 due to lack of passenger load. There have been initiatives to revive the Davao-Manado route but only chartered flights between the two cities were done. “We need to have regular direct and not only chartered flights between Davao and Manado because it will be cheaper and more accessible,” Montenegro said.

of Davao City’s newest hang out hub at Market Basket Damosa on April 24. Campos was a guest in yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

South Park Weekend Market, April 24 - May 31

A

BOUT 50 exhibitors, mostly coming from the food sector in Davao City, will participate in the first South Park Weekend Market at the open ground of Damosa Market Basket starting on April 24 until May 31. “More than 30 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation while we’re still waiting for others,” South Park project manager Rick Campos said during the Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Aside from the food ex-

hibitors, there will be also participants who will showcase their arts and crafts products in the weekend market. The South Park weekend market is a weekend lifestyle market which will open be open from 5 p.m. to midnight every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The seven-weekend event will be mostly participated in by young entrepreneurs and professionals who only have time on weekends to do their businesses, Campos said. “This is the right venue

for young and new entrepreneurs who still don’t have huge capital and for those who are still testing the market,” he added. He said producers and vendors of organic vegetables and fruit were also invited to sell their products to exhibit goers. The market is also open to companies and organizations for venues of their marketing activities in exchange for sponsorship, he said. Aside from exhibit, there will be also live entertain-

ment from invited bands and outdoor cinema throughout the duration of the event. “South Park is a venue for people to relax and unwind with great shopping finds, good food, and quality entertainment at the end of the week,” Campos said. South Park was conceptualized and organized by Dumoresources Corporation with the support of Damosa Land Inc. Part of the proceeds will go to chosen charitable institutions. CHENEEN R. CAPON

of businessmen and top professionals. Dr. Ong tackled Alzheimer’s disease and related maladies that afflict mostly senior citizens. “There was this businessman from the north who likes to go cockfighting,” he recalled. “There in the north when they bring money, they put it in a ‘bayong’.” “One day he brought a bayong full of money, but instead

of going to the cockfight, he went to the airport and started distributing all the money to the people coming out of the airport,” Ong said. In Davao City, a former president of a lawyers’ association would come out of his home in the morning and give oodles of money to everybody he meets on the road to the consternation of the caregiver and members of his family.

Another patient, this time also a cockfight aficionado in his salad days, would angrily collect imagined debts from everybody he sees. “So, one advice once your family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to start supervising the patients and not to give them anymore the liberty to handle financial matters because it’s really a problem,” Ong said.

“I’m currently handling a case diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease but still allowed to handle money,” he said, “so, everyday her routine is to go to the bank and withdraw money and look for a lot to buy.” Ong said that more and more cases of mild dementia progressing to Alzheimr’s will affect Filipinos, since the coun-

Alzheimer patients can’t handle money matters, says neurologist

L

Dr. Marcus Ong

tries. “It will be much easier for investors and businessmen to travel around BIMP-EAGA if there will be more connectivity,” he said. “Direct flights will accelerate foreign investment.” Montenegro said it is not only investments in Mindanao and Palawan that will pour in but also foreign tourist from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The air links will be suit-

ACK of capacity to handle financial matters is one of the major problems associated with people afflicted with mild to moderate dementia. This was revealed by Dr. Marcus Ong, a neurologist and medical director of the Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital, in a speech Tuesday before members of the Rotary Club of East Davao, composed

FALZHEIMER, 10


6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

Megaworld PH’s outstanding developer M

EGAWORLD, the Philippines’ leader and pioneer developer of integrated urban townships and the top BPO office landlord and developer, emerged to be this year’s most awarded company in the 2015 Property & Real Estate Awards recently held at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City. Organized by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Philippines chapter, the awards were given to property developers that established proven track records and remarkable performances in the country’s real

estate industry. Megaworld received the most coveted “Overall Outstanding Developer” for pioneering and innovating the LIVE-WORK-PLAY lifestyle concept into its developments. This kind of “lifestyle development” in the Philippine property sector has served as a model of other mixed-use developments in the country. Megaworld’s success is now a testament of world-class Filipino ingenuity and excellence in the country’s real estate industry. Megaworld chairman and CEO Dr. Andrew L. Tan was named “Property Man of

the Year” for his outstanding contribution in the Philippine real estate industry. FIABCI recognized Dr. Tan’s vision in creating sustainable communities that allow Filipinos to live, work, play and learn -- the concept that Megaworld pioneered and introduced to the Philippines 26 years ago. Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Tan has turned Megaworld into a real estate giant and one of the most admired companies in the Philippines today. Aside from the two major awards, the company also bagged the “Outstanding Developer for Office” for

its 8 Campus Place, the first Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold-certified office building for Business Process Outsourcing companies located in McKinley Hill Township in Fort Bonifacio; and the “Outstanding Developer for Townships/Mixed-use Communities” for Eastwood City, the country’s first PEZA accredited cyberpark for Information Technology-Business Process and Outsourcing (IT-BPO). “We build cities within cities. We establish CBDs from one city to another. We help businesses grow as they provide more jobs for more Fili-

pinos. We help build people’s dreams for a better life in every community that we create. This is the future of the Philippine real estate industry,” says Dr. Andrew L. Tan, Megaworld chairman and CEO. The 2015 Property & Real Estate Awards is FIABCI’s first in the Philippines and was attended by hundreds of property and home developers, contractors, realtors, brokers from the Asia Pacific region as well as government officials of the Philippines. Megaworld is the country’s leading real estate developer that has 17 urban integrated townships in its port-

trade as one of the engines of its growth. ASEAN has to be confident of its power to consume, given that it is the third largest if it were treated as one country, that has one of the youngest populations in the world, and especially that it has been one of the most stable economies in terms of price stability.

DBM releases P1.2 B for rehab of MRT-3 A

S part of efforts to improve the country’s railway systems and address the needs of the riding public, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.207 billion to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to cover the rehabilitation and the capacity extension of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The rehabilitation of the MRT-3

has been a long time coming, especially in the wake of past challenges faced by MRT commuters. But the release of funds to rehabilitate the MRT3 will go a long way in improving not only the capacity of the mass transit system but the overall user experience.” Chargeable against the FY 2014 Supplemental Appropriations, the P1.207-billion fund will cover not only the rehabilitation and the capacity extension of the MRT-3, but also replace the existing

signaling system as well as the rehabilitate the escalators and elevators of the MRT-3 stations. The amount is broken down as follows: Of the P1.2 billion, about P900 million will be used to replace and or upgrade the existing signaling system due to obsolescence and in line with capacity extension; P167.16 million for the procurement of rail-grinding machine to repair the damaged MRT-3 tracks due to

stamping and shelling; P90 million for the procurement of Overhead cantenary System (OCS) Unimog; and P50 million for the upgrade of the Conveyance system which involves the procurement for the modernization of 12 unit elevators for various MRT-3 stations. Abad said, “With the rehabilitation of the MRT-3 in the offing, we can now offer not only better transport services to the public to but also

R

continues to grow everywhere, including in Russia despite Western sanctions, while Chinese demand has stagnated and Iranian oil could soon return to the world market as part of nuclear deal between Tehran and Sextet of international mediators, Dudley noted.

“Lower for longer if the way you’d describe our view,” he said. BP will postpone some of its exploration projects while oil prices remain at the current level, Dudley noted. However, the company will continue drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, developing a major gas project

in Egypt and an Alaska LNG (liquefied natural gas) project. Dudley also said he does not rule out new investment in Russia’s energy sector. All projects have to be “super competitive” amid capital reductions made in response to lower oil prices, Dudley said. (PNA/TASS)

FDBM, 10

Oil prices unlikely to rebound in near future

OBERT Dudley, CEO of oil and gas giant BP, has said on Tuesday current oil price is unlikely to change significantly soon. There are no reasons for “oil price rebound,” Dudley told the annual international conference IHS Energy CERAWeek in Houston. Production

FMEGAWORLD, 10

Ayala Land plans to build mall bigger than SM MOA

P WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM. Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima (left) shakes hands with Adi B. Godrej, chairman of The Godrej Group and Godrej Industries in India, at the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Jakarta. Purisima explained that given the slowing of growth of our major trading partners like China, ASEAN must look at intra-regional

folio with 712,000 square meters of office spaces for IT-BPO and traditional companies. For 25 years, the company has come a long way to remain unprecedented in pioneering LIVE-WORK-PLAYLEARN lifestyle concept to its world-class mixed-use development known as townships. It is the same urban landscape formula that set a benchmark of integrated development in the country. The company has recently launched two townships in Bacolod, Northill Gateway (53 hectares) and The Upper East (34 hectares) and three more

ARAÑAQUE City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez announced that Ayala Land Inc., the property development arm of the Ayala group, has joined the action at the Pagcor Entertainment City in Parañaque with its plan to build a huge mall complex, a BPO center and a hotel within a nine-hectare property. Olivarez said the decision of Ayala Land to invest in Parañaque was a huge vote of confidence for the city, which in 2014 was adjudged the country’s most competitive city in terms of economic dynamism and was dubbed the Mega City by the Bay. “This is another affirmation of Parañaque’s emergence as a new economic and business hub,” he said. “We welcome with open arms Ayala Land’s investment which we estimate should create at least 10,000 new jobs for our people and help sustain the country’s robust economic growth.” According to documents filed with the city government, Ayala Land filed an application for a locational clearance with the city’s Local Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals for its Entertainment City project, which is entirely within the jurisdiction of Barangay Tambo in Parañaque. The application was swiftly approved by the board last week, Olivarez said. The mayor said the Ayala decision proved that his administration’s “Invest in Parañaque” program, which is aimed at attracting more quality, long-term investments that create stable jobs, is beginning to yield dividends. He said more businesses have expressed similar interest to locate in Parañaque in the coming months. For her part, Atty. Melanie

S. Malaya, head of the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office and a member of the board, said Ayala Land’s specific application was for the construction of a mall along Macapagal Avenue, which she said would be bigger than the nearby SM Mall of Asia complex. The MOA is listed as having 407,000 sq meter in gross floor area. The BPLO chief said the mall would become Parañaque’s biggest mall and was seen to compete head on with the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. She said the Ayala group has secured a 45-year lease for the 9.2 hectare property from the Wenceslao group, owner of the ASEANA Business Park complex, for the project. The property is located right across the new City of Dreams Manila, a casino and hotel complex also owned by the SM group in partnership with the Melco Crown group of Macau. Ayala Land would also develop a BPO center and a 12-storey hotel with at least 325 rooms within the leased property, Malaya added. The entry of the Ayala group at the Entertainment City effectively brings together all the country’s biggest property developers in the area, which already has two casino complexes in operation: The City of Dreams of the SM group and the Solaire Resorts and Casino of port mogul Enrique Razon. Two other casinos are currently being built at the Entertainment City: The Bayshore City Resorts World of Travellers International Group, a joint venture between Filipino tycoon Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc. and the Genting group of Malaysia, and Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada’s Manila Bay Resorts project. (PNA)


INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Pomelo cuisine: Vikings features Davao’s iconic fruit

In support of the Department of Tourism’s Visit Davao Fun Sale Campaign as well as Visit Philippines 2015’s Madrid Fusion, SM Lanang Premier launched its Pomelo Festival. Together with the festivities Vikings Luxury Buffet unveiled its special pomelo dishes. The all-new appetisers, entrees, and deserts were recently unveiled at a special media food tasting event held by the restaurant to taste Vikings’ corporate executive chef Anthony “Anton” Lanuza’s latest creations. To say that I was curious was an understatement as I recalled that when heat is added to pomelo, it looses its tart and sweet flavour and becomes bitter and unappetising, and cooking entails lots of heat. I was relieved once the dishes started coming out and each tasted fantastic. For starters chef Anton served his version of Kwek-kwek. Hard boiled quail eggs, battered and fried paired with pomelo sac infused vinegar. The addition of fresh bits of pomelo added a sweet fruity finish to the muchloved street food. A fresh and fruity Thai-style

Shrimp and Pomelo salad followed. The shrimps were lightly seasoned with the citrus flavour of the pomelo elevating the healthy fish appetiser. There were two entrees that were served for the food tasting, one was a Baked Salmon with Shallot and Pomelo Sauce and Roast Beef Ribs. The baked salmon was perfectly cooked with the shallot and pomelo sauce adding a rich earthy finish. What surprised me though was the Roast Beef Ribs which

Shrimp and Pomelo Salad. was topped with lots of pomelo sacs and garlic. The ribs were tender and sweet with the bright citrus notes of the pomelo and earthy garlic adding a nice finish to every bite. To cap the meal, the group was served sweet pomelo sherbet that was paired with a cone made of bibingka and stuffed with salted egg. The combination was utterly delightful with the sweet and salty taste of the dessert playing with my tastebuds. Vikings’ manager Arvin Dizon says that the pomelo dishes will be part of their daily luxury buffet for the duration of the Pomelo Festival from April 10 all the way to May 17 so that everyone can visit Vikings to have a taste. Chef Anton will also

The Vikings team led by Arvin Dizon (second from left) and Chef Anton Lanuza (third from left).

hold a cooking demo using pomelo at SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court for the Pomelo Festival

on April 25 and 26. Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @ kennethkingong for more

travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

Vikings’ version of Kwek-kwek.

Roast Beef Ribs.

Baked Salmon with Shallot and Pomelo Sauce.

Pomelo Sherbet with Bibingka Crepe and Salted Egg.


EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

FOOD

Filipino Cuisine with a twist at Balik Bukid

A DISH cooked with love is more than just a food on the plate. To state, such are reminiscent of beautiful memories that not only satisfy our yearning for good food but more so, allow us to create new memories of today.

Balik Bukid is more than just a restaurant that serves fusion Filipino dishes. It is a one of a kind dining place that takes you back in the past. Step inside and you’ll be transported into the story of your childhood. From every corner, you’ll be reminded – from native interiors, local household favourites and toys that will make you smile from ear to ear. True, everything about Balik Bukid is beautiful. The rustic outside and inviting inside is most definitely worth every centavo. Not to mention, their welcoming staff that never fails to make your whole stay comfortable until the moment you ask for your bill. Their food is a different story. The smell

alone is invigorating and at the same time captivating to all your senses. I love the bucolic presentation and the colours that come with it. From the smallest of detail on the plate to the star of the dish, you’ll surely have a delicious time munching. Personally, I fell in love with their freshly baked bread with kesong puti spread. The bread was spot on – it was crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. With or without spread, the bread is perfect. Speaking of spread, their kesong puti was heaven on earth --it tasted salty, sour and sweet at the same time. A true delicious Filipino appetizer! As an adobo lover, I crave for one that is cooked with the basic ingredients and juicy

Freshly baked bread with kesong puti spread.

Balik Bukid’s version of bistek -- the Biikstek with yellow rice. at the same time. Although their version was more than what I was craving for, I found it delicious and full of surprises. I love that the dish had levels of texture and flavours. Not to mention, the egg and tomato on the side added a notch on the whole dining experience. It was a perfect adobo spinoff. Dessert came in three’s. The meal was simple but was full of texture. Their famous homemade ice cream is something that you must

not miss. Personally, I love their tablea ice cream – with bits of tablea and bursting with dark chocolate goodness, it was a perfect end to a delicious meal. Not to mention, a different take on local favourites! Balik Bukid is located Quimpo Boulevard near Marina Tuna and Ella Eting’s restaurant. Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Follow and tag me on instagram (@ herroyalheiress) for your delicious food finds!

Their delicious version of adobo.

SM City General Santos gives away Php12 Million Shopping Rewards GREAT NEWS for shoppers in and around General Santos City!

SM City General Santos offers a yearlong awash-in-cash promo that they have dubbed 12 Million Shopping Rewards for all their Shoppers. This promo is exclusively at SM City General Santos only and will run from April 21, 2015 to March 21, 2016! One great thing about it is that for a shopper to participate, only a minimum single purchase of P500 from all mall tenants and affiliates is required to earn ONE RAFFLE ENTRY! Please note however, that the receipt is to be redeemed on the day it was purchased, and is not acceptable on different dates. Simply redeem the receipt at the designated redemption area. The awesome part is, there will be a weekly draw for

the promo with a total of 150 winners drawn each week, consisting of: 125 winners for P1000 Gift Certificates and 25 winners for P5000 Gift Certificates. In case that a shopper won more than 5 times, the maximum winning amount is to be given away. So, each customer can win as much as P250, 000 worth of Gift Certificates on the weekly e-raffle. SM Gift Certificates can be used in all SM Malls, and SM Affiliates nationwide. (Watsons, SM Supermarket, The SM Store, Toy Kingdom, SM Appliance, Surplus, Savemore, Hypermarket, Ace Hardware) Simply pay/present the GC at the cashier/counter. For updates and inquiries, you may check SM City General Santos (Official) on Facebook or call (083) 878-0667.


VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Chinita Princess: Kim Chiu’s first solo album in eight years

PRIMETIME drama princess Kim Chiu has finally returned to recording with a new album titled “Chinita Princess,” which will be released nationwide by Star Music on April 27.

The new album marks Kim’s first solo release since her 2007 hit album “Gwa Ai Di.” According to her, “Chinita Princess” is a reflection of her optimism, a result of looking at life from a positive perspective. She also dedicates her long-awaited album to her fans, young boys and girls, and those who are young-at-heart. The tracklist of “Chi-

nita Princess,” produced by Rox Santos, includes her latest single “Mr. Right,” “Darating Din,” a revival of Myrus’ “Wala Man Sa’Yo Ang Lahat,” “Say We Don’t Care,” “Express Yourself,” and “Someday (Crazy Love),” a remake of her 2007 hit. Minus one versions of the songs are also part of the album. “Chinita Princess” is now available at all record bars nationwide for only P199. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via leading record stores all over the country and in online music stores such as iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, and Starmusic.ph. For more informa-

tion, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.

com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram. com/Starmusicph.

Rita Daniela launches first ever solo album GMA Artist Center star Rita Daniela launched her selftitled album yesterday, April 20, at the GMA Network Center Executive Lounge. The sweet and charming singer-turned TV/ Film actress is now ready to conquer the stage as a fierce and matured performer. RITA DANIELA is an extended play (EP) that contains 6 songs including her carrier single entitled “I’m Flying High”, as well as the backing tracks (or minus one) of these songs. She recently finished filming the carrier single’s music video, which will be

available for viewing in the coming weeks. Track list includes Fallin’, a revival of Janno Gibbs’ version, Ihip ng Hangin, used as Seasons of Love theme song, and Di Lang Ikaw, which is an original composition of Rita with her vocals used as back up. The album’s digital format was initially released worldwide last April 12, and is available on OPM2GO, Deezer, iTunes, and Amazon. RITA DANIELA is released under GMA Records with CDs now available in Astroplus, Astro Vision, Odyssey Music and Video, The Landmark, and SM Music and Video outlets for Php.199.00.

Delectable day-to-day dishes in Idol sa Kusina LOOKING for more exciting ways to prepare typical day-to-day dishes? Tune in this Sunday as Chef Boy Logro, Bettinna Carlos, and Kapuso Diva Maricris Garcia show viewers how to bring ordinary, daily dishes to the next level!

Give the usual Tokwa’t Baboy a twist and turn it into a Sizzling Tofu and Mushroom in Cream Sauce dish. Make the typical fried chicken for

the kids more exciting by preparing some Butter Fried Chicken with Fried Garlic Bits. Transform the bitter Ginisang Ampalaya better by whipping up some Ampalaya con Carne with Cashew Nuts. Even boring drinks can be made refreshing by serving some Green Tea Cooler with Buko and Pinipig! Family dining only gets more fun with these wonderful recipes in Idol sa Kusina airing this Sunday, April 26, 7:15PM on GMA News TV.

April 23-28, 2015

FURIOUS 7 Vin Diesel, Paul Walker PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3D Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth PG

12:00 | 3:05 | 6:10 | 9:15 LFS

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth PG

R-16

11:15 | 2:20 | 5:25 | 8:30 LFS

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth PG

12:45 | 3:50 | 6:55 | 10:00 LFS


EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EVENT

Easter egg-hunting at The Royal Mandaya Hotel The Royal Mandaya Hotel put up another fun-filled Easter Sunday family party treat last April 5 at the Royal Ballroom.

Never ceasing to provide the most memorable family-oriented events, Davao City’s preferred luxury hotel address capped the Lenten celebration with an Easter Sunday experience of a lifetime. Kids were greeted with a movie viewing of recent hit “Big Hero 6” before they marched in with their faces festively painted and ready for the rest of the activities like egg crayon coloring and egg painting, fun games, magic show and balloon twisting. Game booths were also set up for the children and contests for basket decorating, Easter bunny

and the highlight of it all, the Easter egg hunt. Attached are the pictures of our Easter event last Sunday, April 05 at our Royal Ballroom. Joan Camus ran away with the most number of eggs in the 3-7 years old category, Evannah Paula Dango and Oliver Villa-Abrille in the 8-12 years old category, Ian Sardeno

for the golden egg in the 3-7 years old group and Yuan Andre Moreno and Miguel Paolo Cabrera in the 8-12 group. The most-coveted Mandaya Egg was found by Emerald Villagonza for the 3-7 years old bracket and Quincy Marie Wong and Marife Sumabong for the 8-12 bracket. (NJB)

Easter egg hunting

Kids at easter basket making


7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

There’s money in raising small ruminants Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HE world ruminant comes from the Latin “ruminare,” which means “to chew over again.” Ruminants are mammals that are able to acquire nutrients from plantbased food by fermenting it in a specialized stomach prior to digestion, principally through bacterial actions. In the Philippines, two of most popular small ruminants are goats and sheep. Both are part of farming in the country. But among these two, goats are on the top list. “Goats are very popular among Filipinos because they require low initial capital investment, fit the smallhold farm conditions, and multiply fast,” explained the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) in its investment briefer. “Culturally, goats are integral to every special occasion such as birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and fiestas. Hence, they command a higher price compared with other meats in the market.” Goats require low maintenance because they eat tree leaves, grasses, weeds, and agricultural by-products. “Goats require less feed than cows and carabaos,” said Roy C. Alimoane, a livestock specialist and director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. About 10 native goats can be fed on the feedstuffs sufficient for one cattle. And about 6-7 purebred dairy goats can be fed on the feedstuffs adequate for one dairy cow. “Although a goat is small, she can produce as much as four liters of milk a day if she is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements,” Alimoane said. In a study conducted by a government agency, it was found out that goats are multi-purpose ruminants producing 58.4 percent milk, 35.6 percent meat, and 4.3 percent hide, and 1.7 percent fiber. According to them, these small ruminants can provide the answer to improve nutritional requirements of the predominantly rural farm families scattered all over the archipelago. As goat production requires low initial investment and small risks compared to other livestock, it is therefore an attractive undertaking among resource-poor families. In addition, women and children can

raise the animals, making it a sound option to augment the country’s programs on livelihood. Goats provide livelihood to about 15 million Filipinos across the country, according to PCARRD. In Mindanao, goat farming is considered a “sunshine industry.” The country’s second largest island has a large Muslim population and goat meat is considered Halal food. There is also a big demand in the international market, particularly the Middle East. In Davao City, more and more people are raising goats in their farms. Take the case of Darwin Tinasas, a young marine engineering graduate who decided to raise goats as his main business. He does not only raise goats in his own farm, he also disperses breeders to farmers who would like to raise the ruminants. Aside from providing him a steady income from the milk and sales of breeding stocks, he discovered one thing about the animals. “Their manure is a good source of fertilizer,” he said. His stock of about 300 goats provides organic fertilizer for his four farms in Davao City. He plants rice, and grows pomelo, coconuts, durian and other fruits on 30 hectares. The popularity of raising goats has given the MBRLC an impetus to develop a farming system that integrates goat raising into its original Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1). It is called Simple Agro-Livestock Technology or SALT 2. Under the SALT 2 scheme, 40 percent of the farm’s land is devoted to agricultural crops (like citrus, black pepper, beans, and corn), 40 percent to livestock (particularly goats), and 20 percent to forestry (mostly fruit trees and various nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs). “Our model farm is only one-half hectare,” says Alimoane. Instead of raising cattle, which requires a land area of one hectare per animal, MBRLC recommends goats. “Although a goat is small, she can produce as much as four liters of milk every day if she is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements,” he says. In SALT 2, 12 does and one buck are raised. The buck is separated from the does so that when it is time to milk the does,

Sheep

the milk won’t “catch” the “goaty smell” of the buck. During breeding, a doe is brought to the cottage of the buck. The manure is utilized as fertilizer for the forage and the crops. As it follows the original SALT system, hedgerows of various nitrogen fixing trees are planted all over the farm. At the lower portion, more forage crops are planted. The forages and hedgerows are cut every now and then and the cuttings are used as feed for goats. The goat manure is utilized as fertilizer for the forages and agricultural crops (which are planted at the upper portion of the farm). Studies have shown that goat manure contains 1.5 percent of nitrogen, 1.2 percent of potassium, and 0.5 percent of

Goats

A flock of sheep phosphorus. There is money in goat’s milk. At the MBRLC, fresh milk is sold at P19 (330 milligrams), 26 (500 milligrams), and 50 (one liter). When mixed with chocolate and little sugar, the cost is P22, P33, and P60, respectively. “With fresh goat’s milk, you can be sure that the milk your child is taking is free from harmful chemicals,” Alimoane declares. Raising goats can also help ease milk importation. A report released by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) showed that imports on milk and dairy products decreased by around 6 percent -- from 319.17 million kilograms in 2010 to 300.68 million kilograms in 2011. But the country’s total daily import bill rose from US$729.03 million in 2010 to US$847.68 million in 2011. Another small ruminant that Filipinos should take a closer look is sheep. “The animals are generally held in low esteem,” wrote Dr. Jose Rizal in 1903. Sadly, this observation of the country’s national hero still

holds true even today. Statistics from the Department of Agriculture have shown that the Philippine sheep population in 1903 totaled 30,428. In 1935, it grew to 140,041 head, but went down drastically to 26,000 head years later. What’s the reason for the underdevelopment of the sheep industry in the Philippines despite the animal’s enormous economic potential? “Sheep as a commodity had very low priority as far as research and development were concerned,” explained Dr. Patricio Faylon, when he was still the director of the PCAARRD’s Livestock Research Division. Sheep and goats are closely related as both are in the subfamily Caprinae. But they are separate species, so hybrids rarely occur, and are always infertile. A hybrid of a ewe and a buck (a male goat) is called a sheep-goat hybrid (only a single such animal has been confirmed). In the Philippines, sheep

Milking goats

has a long history. It was introduced here during the Spanish era. In fact, the sheep we call “native” today is really the Spanish Merino brought to the country by the Spaniards during the Galleon Trade between Mexico and the Philippines. Raising sheep became quite popular by the mid-1930s. But due to the breeders’ lack of knowledge on the scientific rearing of the sheep, the health of the country’s stock deteriorated and population dwindled steadily. Animal experts are urging Filipinos to raise more sheep. It’s a better animal to raise than goat, they claim. What are the advantages of raising sheep over other animals, particularly goats? According to some farmers, sheep is one of the most productive and economical animals that Filipinos can raise. One farmer even compared the two small ruminants: “The goats were unruly, ate the bark of my trees, and did not multiply enough. On the other hand, the sheep are quiet, docile, and multiply rapidly.” Unlike goats, which are browsing animals, sheep are grazers that like to feed on short grass. Sheep are extremely hard animals that can survive with little or no care. Newborn lambs, for instance, do not need any human intervention to survive. The only care practiced by some sheep farmers on the newborn is to apply tincture of iodine on their navel to prevent infection of the umbilical cord. Sheep has been found to be more resistant to parasites, both internal and external, and respiratory diseases than goats. They can, in addition, better stand inclement weather, including typhoons. Sheep, even those with a low dressing percentage, can produce more meat than goats. “Since mutton (the sheep of the meat) can replace beef, carabeef, or pork in the Filipino diet,

sheep production on a granted scale at the backyard level by millions of small farmers could help meet the people’s increasing need for quality meat and meat products,” Alimoane said. Nilo Casas is an avid goat raiser who is very much convinced that there is money in raising sheep. He maintains two sheep and goat farms. One is an 18 hectare farm in Masbate and the other, a smaller 5-hectare farm in Kawit, Cavite where all his ruminants roam freely to pasture in verdant grasslands. According to him, the demand peaks for sheep is during Christmas and Muslim holidays and when the Arab communities in the Philippines have their own celebrations. For Arabs, Casas said they buy only live sheep from him and they want it complete with ears and tail. Another market is the growing number of overseas-based Filipino engineers who have already acquired the habit of cooking and eating mutton which they have acquired during the years they have stayed in various Arab countries. In an article circulated by Philippine News Agency, Casas admitted he was able to earn more than a million pesos for selling 275 heads of sheep alone. “Imagine this,” Casas was quoted as saying, “just say you have 50 heads of sheep. If you could sell that at P4,000 each— that’s already P200,000. How much does a Filipino domestic helper in other countries earn – P35,000 a month? They could just come back here and raise sheep!” Through the years, he has raised imported breeds, whose prices range between P25,000 and P35,000 per head. They are raised primarily for their meat, unlike in other countries, where some sheep are also raised for their good quality wool. In just a span of three to five months after birth, the sheep are sold live at prices ranging between P3,000 and P4,000. He sells his ewes for P5,000.


8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EDITORIAL

Expression

T

HE ART scene is finally percolating with more than just hohum happenings. The Tabula Rasa group’s offering of free art workshops at SM City Davao Annex on April 24, 1-4pm, and April 26 is particularly laudable. There are five workshops to choose from—1. Still life, 2. Portrait, 3. Landscape, 4. Life drawing, 5. Sculpture. Students should bring their own materials. Workshops 1 to 4 will require a sketch pad and drawing pencils (HB and B6). Sculpture class (workshop 5) will require at least a half-kilo of modeling clay. Slots are limited to 20 students per workshop program. Registration for the workshops is now accommodated at the Tabula Rasa exhibit desk at SM City Davao Annex. The workshops will be supervised by artists Bai Manginsay, Brando Cedeño, Daryl Escallar, Dinky Munda, and UP Mindanao

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village. Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

professor Teody Boylie “Bong” Perez. The group ought to be congratulated for coming up with this novel idea. The art workshops will not just take the students away from the streets and idleness, sometimes called “the workshop of the devil,” it will introduce them to some forms of art. Art is all about expression, expression of one’s feeling and opinions, something that separates humans from animals. As one sage aptly said, we need this kind of human activity in this age of budget cuts and gadgets-crazy society, now being challenged by the emergence of brutal nihilists. The activity, especially the art exhibits that are part of it, is definitely appreciated by the malling crowd. More than this, hopefully this will convince our political and business leaders to fully support this and other cultural undertakings in our city.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND P. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 Tel: (088) 852-4894 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509


EDGEDAVAO

T

HE proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is really a step towards reconciliation, the smoothing out of historic grievances, differences, even enmity, of fraternal peoples. It calls on us to draw a social contract that we never got around to formulating. So it is fitting that we should focus on its contents and its process as Congress goes about its task. We should view the BBL as the long-overdue platform we needed to effect the paradigm shift long hoped-for in Mindanao. The noise and dissonant voices heard in the course of its formulation was entirely expected and understandable. Substantive, not cosmetic, change was, is, called for. New arrangements are needed, not just a change in image or form but in essence. ***** In the course of formulation, the interplay of ideas, ideals, and preferences—not to mention biases and misguided views—necessarily came into play, as did tough questions. Will armed conflict cease? How will the agony, the misery, and the displacement of lives and communities end? Is peace possible without breakup?

THE greatest discovery of my generation,” said William James, a psychologist, “is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.” Who never heard the name Thomas Alva Edison? In his lifetime, he had invented about 1,093 things – making him as the person with more patents than any other person in the world. While most people credit his ability to creative genius, he credited it to hard work. “Genius,” Edison once said, “is ninety-nine percent perspiration and one percent inspiration.” That’s true but there’s a third factor: his positive attitude. At one time, he exclaimed to an assistant marveling at the bewildering total of his failures – 50,000 experiments before he succeeded with a new storage battery: “Results? Why man, I have gotten lots of results. I now know 50,000 things that won’t work.” Edison was an optimist who saw the best in everything. “If we did all the things we were capable of doing,” he pointed out, “we would literally astound ourselves.” We are what we think. Our mind has complete power over us. “If you have the will to win, you have achieved half your success; if you don’t, you have achieved half your failure,” David Ambrose said. A lot of people succeed in life because of their positive outlook in life. Our attitude of looking at the brighter side can really makes a difference. “The winner’s edge is not in a gifted birth, a high IQ, or in talent,” family life expert Dennis

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

BBL seals a partnership of equals THE WORM’S EYEVIEW BY MANNY VALDEHUESA Ultimately, all it boils down to is anxiety about change, accepting it, and adjusting to it. Of course there has always been fratricidal war and “rido” and bloodshed. But change is the hallmark of civilization and development. Nothing new there. So let change begin! Meanwhile, we keep vigil, watch, and hope for a longer freeze in hostilities and antagonisms until the venom of resentments and distrust melt away. At the same time, we also keep an eye on where personal ambition might lead—the ambition of those who seek to benefit from secession; ambition that admits of no limit in blood, sweat, or tears. ***** But always we must ask the important questions. On the new relationships for instance: Will relations under the BBL be marked by candor, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law? There’ve been too much deception and skullduggery in the region. Will democracy and the democrat-

ic process be the mode of social action among the peoples of Mindanao; no longer warfare, sabotage, or violence? The credulity of the BBL hangs on the answers to these questions. Cynicism and distrust we must also worry about; many think the process is just a negotiating strategy, a tactical maneuver on the road to secession or independence. The hope of course is that this is the road that marks the beginning of the end of armed strife and confrontation—an eventuality which hinges on whether the MILF has abandoned secession as its true objective. We hope at least that it gives up violence and armed struggle— which we shall know when it’s time to disarm and decommission the ranks, the sine qua non for peace. ***** Lots of words have been uttered already, ample rhetoric employed, to get to this point in the negotiations. When will it go beyond words? When will they walk the talk and back it with deeds, to signify peace at hand? Enough now of posturing! As for moderating the social temperature, has the MILF initiated confidence-building measures to reassure us (not just counterpart negotiators) that

they are into this in earnest? It’s a relevant question still; because many still act and sound like: “If you want peace, prepare for war!” They haven’t really proffered credible assurances of peace. It’s fair to ask assurances when one is being asked to take a leap of faith, something tangible to latch onto, even an abstract commitment, to give people hope. In other words, what will make people more confident in embracing the Bangsamoro and celebrate goodwill and solidarity with them so that all Mindanaons will be bound as partners in nation-building, held together at last by a social contract they never had. Then will the BBL seal a partnership of equals—sovereign citizens of an invigorated Republic. Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. An author of books on governance, he is chairman/convenor ofGising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com

get tired of staring at the plywood box every night.” The speaker was Darryl F. Zanuck, then head of 20th Century Fox. Describing the telephone, the president of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes, exclaimed: “That’s an amazing invention. But who would ever want to use one of them?” Buddha reminded, “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” “When it is dark enough,” Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “men see stars.” This statement reminded me of a piece written by Ron Mehl. It was a story of a strong man facing an enemy beyond his strength. His young wife had become gravely ill, then suddenly passed away, leaving the big man alone with a wide-eyed, flaxen-haired girl, not quite five years old. After the burial, one of the neighbors told him, “Please bring your little girl and stay with us for several days. You shouldn’t go back home just yet.” The man replied, “Thank you for the kind offer. But we need to go back home – where she was. My baby and I must face this.” So the father and child returned to what now seemed an empty, lifeless home. The father brought his daughter’s little bed into his room, so they could face the first dark night together. As the minutes slipped by that night, the young girl was having a dreadful time

trying to sleep – and so was her father. What could pierce a man’s heart deeper than a child sobbing for a mother who would never come back? Long into the night, the little one continued to weep. The father reached down into her bed and tried to comfort her as best he could. After a while, the little girl managed to stop crying – but only out of sorrow for her father. Thinking his daughter was asleep, the father look up and said brokenly, “I trust You, Father, but… it’s as dark as midnight!” Hearing her father’s prayer, the little girl started to cry again. “I thought you were asleep,” he said. The daughter answered, “Papa, I did try. I was sorry for you. I did try. But – I couldn’t go to sleep. Papa, did you ever know it could be so dark? Why Papa? I can’t even see you, it’s so dark.” Then, through her tears, the little girl whispered, “But you love me even if it’s dark – don’t you, Papa? You love me even if I don’t see you, don’t you, Papa?” For an answer, the father reached across with his massive hands, lifted his little girl out of her bed, brought her over onto his chest, and held her, until at least she fell asleep. When she was finally quiet, he began to pray. He took his little daughter’s cry to him, and passed it up to God. “Father, it’s dark as midnight and I can’t see You at all. But You love me, even when it’s dark and I can’t see, don’t You?” Art Linkletter summed it up: “Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”

The power of positive thinking

Waitley once THINK ON THESE! explained. “The winner’s edge is all in the attitude, not aptitude. Attitude is the criterion for success.” Psychologist Victor Frankl be- Henrylito D. Tacio lieved so, too. henrytacio@gmail.com “The last of our human freedoms is to choose our attitude in any given circumstances,” he said. He knew the truth of that statement. He survived imprisonment in a Nazi death camp, and throughout his ordeal, he wouldn’t allow his attitude to deteriorate. Never give up. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up,” Edison commented. If you think life is unbearable, think positively. A positive attitude is every bit as important to success as anything else. It’s important, too, to remember that optimism – like actions – speaks louder than words. Many enormously successful people have bent over backwards to appear prudent – belittling even themselves or their own achievements – without ever slowing down in their pursuit of excellence. In 1946, a prominent man said, “Video won’t hold any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon


10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

Water... FROM 3

POWER TALK. Mindanao Development Authority’s office of Investment Promotions and Public Affairs director Romeo Montenegro explains to members of local media the current power situation in Mindanao and gives the details of the 11th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-

Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) summit in Lankawi, Malaysia next week during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

PRO 11... FROM 1

AFP... FROM 1

Rosario said the PRO 11 will give an augmentation force from Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB). “Ang augmentation coming from the region only is more or less 350 (The augmentation coming from the region only is more or less 350),” he said. He said aside from RPSB, there are personnel from national support units such as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 11, Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 11 andMaritime Police in securing the events. Rosario said there around 1000 personnel including the troops from the 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He said he told Davao Del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO) director Senior Superintendent Samuel Gadingan the PRO 11 can still provide additional forces if needed. Police trainees may also be deployed as reinforcement. Rosario said he has ordered all police personnel to employ strict checkpoints usually done during elections. “So, all exit and entry points including the stations will conduct checkpoints,” Rosario said. “Yan lang naman ang pwede nating gawin na maging seryoso sa checkpoints kasi

Palace... FROM 4

ang subjects naman natin are the lawless elements (That is the thing we can do, to be serious in the checkpoints because our subjects here are the lawless elements),” he added. Rosario said Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has asked PRO 11 to ensure the security of the delegates and other visitors while the event is ongoing. PRO 11, according to Del Rosario, is anticipating that the athletes along with their families will possibly go to other places of interest around the region. Rosario said that so far the PRO 11, he has not received any reports of threat that will disrupt the conduct of the annual sporting event in the country. Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairman Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R.Duterte said he will allow checkpoints in some part of Davao del Norte and asked the motorist to follow what the security forces order them during the checkpoint. He reiterated, however, that the military and police should follow protocols and not violate human rights at the checkpoints. Duterte said he will take full responsibility for the security forces’ conduct.

“As to the technical concerns, we will leave it with Comelec to make sure how to operationalize the 2016 elections in the light of the Supreme Court decision,” he said.

Under the Constitution, the presidential and vice presidential elections occur every second Monday of May, every sixth year after May 1992. (PNA)

Suraya Homes, Northcrest Subdivision and Amakan Vill.. Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all ef-

forts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

15-min... FROM 4

groups that there will be no atrocities during the event, the Army will still prepare themselves to prevent unnecessary encounters. On Monday, Duterte assured all participants of the upcoming Palarong Pambansa that there will be no disruption from the NPA during the entire event. “I am 100 percent that they will not do any harm. They do not want to do it to me,” he said. Duterte said that the rebels are even welcome to Davao del Norte to watch the entire event.

The mayor is known to be in communication with the NPA and has been even secured the release of several “prisoners of war.” He also said as Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chair, he can assure the safety of all participants and the entire Region 11. But while he said that he expects nothing bad to happen, he is “always prepare for anything.” Over two thousand Military personnel are tasked to secure Davao del Norte and the entire Outer Security of the venue.

alleviate their concerns over safety and security. This, in turn, may help ease the traffic situation in the metro as motorists can now take the public transport system instead of using their vehicles to drive to their destinations.” The funds allotted to the rehabilitation of the MRT-3 was part of the P22.47-billion Supplemental Budget, which was passed last December 2014. The Supplemental Budget also funded the construction of a new Bohol Provincial Capitol building by the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to replace the old provincial capitol building damaged by an earthquake in 2013; the building of fishports, lighthouses, and seawalls by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA); The implementation of the North Triangle Relocation Plan by the National Housing Authority (NHA) that benefited informal settler families (ISFs); and the Operational Transformation Plan of the Philippine National Police (PNP). (PNA)

service representative – a Sharp specialist – to anticipate what the customer needs at any given moment. The Omotenashi mindset focuses on the small details that make a big difference – whether it’s arriving five minutes earlier for a product pickup for repair, or following a week repair; the 1-1-1 initiative, which promises a 1-hour revert, 1-day response, and 1-week repair; the 48hour instillation guarantee

for split-type air conditioners; and the 10-year warranty on all no-frost refrigerators. With the opening of the newly-renovated Davao service center and the launch of the Omotenashi customer service thrust, Sharp’s goal is to strengthen its thrust in providing innovations to the Filipinos to make daily life better and easier. Visit the new SHARP Service Center at Sobrecarey Street, Obrero, Davao City.

DBM... FROM 6

Sharp... FROM 12

projects have brought a big positive impact to their lives especially those in far-flung villages who availed of infrastructure, health and livelihood projects. During the turnover programs, Mendoza said that the provincial government through its respective departments and offices will implement more programs and projects. She acknowledged the support of the local chief executives of Libungan, Arakan, Tulunan and Kabacan as well as the village officials of the recipient barangays for adhering to the advocacy of “Serbisyong Totoo.” “My sincerest thanks and commendation to our local

leaders for believing that if we work together we will achieve further,” said the governor. She likewise thanked the board members of the three districts of North Cotabato for actively engaging themselves not only in creating laws or ordinances but also in programs and projects implementations. “I see empowered board members who are all dynamic and truthfully serve the people of Cotabato,” the governor added. She then appealed to all Cotabateños to continue supporting the program and projects of her administration to ensure more progress and development in the province. (PNA)

er rate because investors are trying to cover their expenses. Under the EPIRA law, all state-owned power generations should be privatized except the Agus-Pulangi Hydro Power Complexes in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon, respectively.

Meanwhile, Mindanao Development Authority director for investment promotions and public relations Romeo Montenegro said the power rate passed on by FDC Misamis can still change since it is still being assessed by the ERC. CHENEEN R. CAPON

try’s population is getting older and older. He said at age 80, the chance of getting dementia is almost 50 percent. Ong said that trillions of dollars have been spent on the treatment of dementia and related diseases, but there is no clear cure for the malady although there are medicines also developed to manage stages of dementia. He, however, said that major studies have shown the disease can be prevented by being active physically and mentally, and a diet full of anti-oxidants, such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and omega 3. “If you have that in your

diet, exercise every day, use your mind every day, that is the best protection,” the neurologist told the Rotarians. “So the thing recommended now is the so-called Mediterranean diet,” he said. “That’s basically olive oil, fish, vegetables, and maybe a glass of wine, no more.” Excessive alcohol is a no-no to normal persons and those who have suffered stroke, as they are prone to suffer mild cognitive impairment (MCI), progressing to dementia and finally Alzheimer’s, Ong said in an earlier talk on the subject, this time with members of the Ambassador Club Davao. ANTONIO M. AJERO

townships are underway to bring a total of 20 townships in its portfolio by end of 2015. Last year, the company introduced five townships in its portfolio covering almost 1,000 hectares of land. These include Woodside City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Pinas City (62 hectares) and Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares). Other townships include Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares), which is the home of Resorts World Manila; McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes

Town Center (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio; The Mactan Newtown in Cebu (28.8 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo (72 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares) and Twin Lakes in Tagaytay (1,300 hectares) of Global-Estate Resorts Inc. Megaworld chairman and CEO Andrew Tan (third from left) receives several awards from International Real Estate Federation officials (from left) Florentino Dulalia, FIABCI-Philippines chairman; Pedro Tario, FIABCI-Philippines vice chairman; Robyn Waters, FIABCI world president; and Felino Palafox, FIABCI-Philippines president during the organization’s awards night at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City.

Power... FROM 5

Alzheimer... FROM 5

Megaworld... FROM 6


11 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

Doctors decry state of trauma care in PH Death toll, economic burden underscore urgency of improved trauma care

T

RAUMA patients who arrive at the emergency room after sustaining a gunshot or stab wound now have a better chance at survival with a new generation of surgeons who have undergone advanced trauma care training.

“Not many surgeons want to do trauma because the work is hard—people die, and it’s high-risk. This is exactly why continuous training needs to be a cornerstone of trauma care in the Philippines,” said former DOH undersecretary Dr. Ted Herbosa during the second Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) course held recently at the Philippine College of Surgeons and in the Philippine Heart Center. The DSTC is an international set of standards for trauma care instituted by the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) with practitioners in over 65 countries. The course is partly organized by Aesculap Academy, the education arm of B. Braun Medical Supplies, a leading global healthcare company, and the Philippine Society for the Surgery of Trauma (PSST). According to the Department of Health (DOH), injuries from trauma claims up to 36,000 lives in the Philippines each year. Even worse, the brunt of these injuries occurs among young adults. “The economic burden is heavier than cancer, yet everybody else is more scared of cancer,” described Dr. Herbosa. “If you’re married, have three children, and a job, once you get hit by a truck, you’ll have a family that becomes poor.” Bolstering local surgeons’ expertise represents an essential step towards curbing the number of trauma-related death in the country. Despite being one of only three countries in Southeast Asia along with Singapore and Malaysia with DSTC accreditation, the Philippines continues to struggle with the treatment of traumatic injuries as no local standards are currently in place. Building on decades of accumulated expertise Most medical professionals undergo training on Advanced Trauma Life Support, as developed by the American

College of Surgeons (ACS), and have working knowledge in trauma care. Surgeons, however, are left in need of a trauma-specific approach to surgical intervention. The ACS later went on to develop DSTC to give surgeons a benchmark for trauma treatment. The method has steadily gained local traction with at least 26 participants since the PSST’s course offerings started in the country. Helmed by Herbosa and the group’s country director, Dr. Joel Macalino, PSST has been helping organize the course since 2014. Macalino, along with his fellow instructors, facilitates DSTC courses as unpaid volunteers. The group hopes to give back to the medical community by using their years of experience to bring local trauma care up to par with international standards. Event organizers are currently exploring the possibility of taking the course to Cebu and Davao. The group is also considering a possible collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Trauma care as social responsibility Trauma cases were tremendously risky before standards like ATLS and DSTC were introduced and instituted. Hospital transfers due to inadequate conditions for trauma care were commonplace, a fact Herbosa remembers clearly: “The number one story is of patients who get run over and passed on from one hospital to another until they eventually die.” Those who do end up getting treatment usually bear the cost of having one of the country’s few trauma specialists work on their injury. “If you’re not insured and you’re operated on in a hospital with all these equipment, it gets very expensive. You would be buried in debt.” Herbosa says. The need for affordable access to quality trauma care was a large motivating factor behind the PSST’s push for standardized trauma intervention, to which Herbosa remarks: “If you end up going

Surgeons conducting a trauma care simulation for the 2nd annual DSTC training course at the Philippine Heart Center.

Dr. Ted Herbosa, far right, overseeing the 2nd annual DSTC training course at the Philippine Heart Center. to more established specialists, you might end up having to pay a lot. That’s why we’re training younger people.” DSTC’s training modules About Aesculap Academy Founded in 1995 under the B. Braun Group, the Aesculap Academy is seen as an important forum for medical training and further professional education around the world. It works with an interdisciplinary, independent and international approach and strives for long-term partnerships. Thanks to tailored and interrelated modules, the participants can continually develop and build up their knowledge and skills throughout their career. The benefits are not only to be a competent staff member but also

cover crucial trauma care procedures that seek to control haemorrhaging, and address thoracic, cardiac, and abdominal injuries among a whole

host of others to prevent any unnecessary loss of life. When asked about what the measure of success is for the course, Herbosa opti-

to be well prepared for their daily work and future tasks. Hands-on trainings with modern methods of treatment and therapy, international symposia and the latest management seminars of the health care policy are being offered by the Aesculap Academy in order to fully cater the needs of the modern medicine.

nies. Although established in the Philippines only in 1985, B. Braun’s experience in the healthcare industry is backed by 175 years of continuous pioneering and innovative breakthroughs developed and implemented by its mother company B. Braun Melsungen AG, along with subsidiaries in over 60 countries. B. Braun started in the Philippines with just one operating division, retailing sutures and disposables. On its 28th year in the country, with a strong and driven sales force and service team, it is almost a one-stop healthcare com-

About B. Braun Medical Supplies, Inc. 25 years of Sharing Expertise in the Philippines B. Braun Medical Supplies, Inc. is one of the country’s top healthcare compa-

mistically responded: “If Joel (Macalino) and I enter an operating room and the surgeon is DSTC certified, then it’s a success.” pany offering quality and cutting-edge health care products such as infusion solutions and devices, IV cannula, sutures, surgical instruments, value added drugs, regional anesthesia and clinical nutrition. B. Braun draws its innovative strength from the guiding principle “Sharing Expertise” which cultivates the exchange of information and experience both within the company and more importantly, with practitioners in the hospitals. “Sharing Expertise” is the promise that holds true for B. Braun employees and their customers.


12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

Sharp introduces Omotenashi service thrust

T

AirAsia offers P1 seat sale for Manila-Hong Kong

A

IRASIA Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years, yesterday announced it will start flights between Manila and Hong Kong on 8 May 2015 with 4x flights weekly or every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Introductory seat sale of P1.00 one way (base fare only) from Manila

are available now at www. airasia.com for guests traveling from 8 May to 23 October 2015. “We are opening Manila-Hong Kong route as part of our commitment to give passengers especially our Filipino overseas workers and leisure travellers more choices, better value and only the best, quality service at super low fares,” AirAsia Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer Joy Cañeba saidGuests can also book their promo

flights via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as its mobile site mobile.airasia. com. “Take advantage of the summer break and AirAsia’s low fares by traveling to Hong Kong where food and shopping are not only major attractions but wonderful experiences,” Cañeba added. Discover more of Hong Kong and the Philippines by downloading AirAsia’s travel guides at http://

troducing the taste of Filipino cuisine to foreign diners,” Trota added. The store opening last month is part of an ongoing partnership between Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI) and Foodmark, LLC Group, the company responsible for developing the franchise in the Middle East. According to Trota, the key to entering any country is finding the right partner. “They bring in valuable market insights and established business relationships, both of which are critical for success,” he said. For the next phase of its international expansion, Max’s is looking to open its first store in Qatar as well as two branches in other locations in UAE under the Foodmark group. Meanwhile, new stores are set to open this month in Scarborough, Canada and Daly City in the United States

(US). New stores in Canada and US In the last five years, Max’s Restaurant has setup three branches in Canada and a fourth store is slated to open this month in Scarborough, Ontario. “Filipinos in Canada have welcomed Max’s with open arms,” Trota said. “Even more, they proudly bring their Canadian friends and co-workers to the restaurant to share a piece of home.” Located along Markham Road, the new store will offer dine-in and take-out to complement other stores inOntario, which offer functions. The all-time Filipino favorite is also set to open a branch in Daly City, California, marking its 10th store in the US. This store is located along Gellert Boulevard, which is known for being a commercial area with high foot traffic. Filipino pride

Max’s opens 4th store in UAE

M

AX’S Restaurant, one of the country’s alltime favorite dining traditions, recently opened a new store in Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, marking the local franchise’s fourth store in the country. “We are proud to bring Max’s unique flavor of Filipino hospitality to more casual diners in UAE (United Arab Emirates),” said Robert Trota, President and CEO of the Max’s Group. “Each time we open a store abroad, it is like hoisting a Philippine flag.” Located in the garden city of Al Ain, the newly opened restaurant is expected to attract a growing community of Filipinos largely composed of overseas workers and their families. “We want to give these hard-working Pinoys a taste of home, which they have surely missed. At the same time, we get the opportunity to open new markets by in-

www.airasia.com/travelguides. The travel guides are free and include essential travel information at each domestic destination such as accommodation, transport and the mustsee’s and must-do’s. For more updates on AirAsia’s latest news, as well as promotions, activities and contests, connect with them via Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh). With the addition of its newest stores, Max’s Restaurant now has 16 international branches. “This is a great source of pride for us—not just as restaurateurs but also

hrough the years, Sharp has been known for coming up with innovative and affordable home appliances that made our lives easier and simpler. But really, what truly sets Sharp apart from many consumer electronic brands is the way it gives top priority to after-sales service. Sharp customers know that buying a Sharp product guarantees that there’ a certified service center nearby – one of over one hundred Sharp service centers nationwide – ready to help them with product concerns and repairs. And to reinforce this, Sharp gives value to their costumers by expanding its nationwide reach. Last week, the newest concept service center was launched in Davao City, where a costumer service thrust that pays tribute Japanese heritage called Omotenashi was introduced. The newly renovated service center in Davao carries the look that Sharp is planning to execute for the rest of its service centers. Currently, there are 142 authorized service centers and 22 service centers which they own and control. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang opened

the new branch along with four VIP executives from SHARP. With this grand opening of the newly renovated service center , Sharp aims to level up in terms of after-sales service, especially with the introduction of Omotenashi, which in turn is seen as a way of improving the standards of service in the country. Omotenashi, is the Japanese word for “hospitality” – but it means more than that. For the Japanese, Omotenashi is the only way to treat a guess or a customer. It is reflected in many of there traditions – the tea ceremony is a particularly vivid example of the practice. A traditional tea ceremony in japan is meticulously planned according to the event, the season, and guests in attendance. Each step that goes into preparing that tea in carefully performed in front of the guests. For the Japanese, service is an art form. With the tagline, “Service Beyond Expectation”, Omotenashi by Sharp is all about recreating the Japanese style of hospitality which entails a great deal empathy and respect for the customer. This allows a customer

as Filipinos. Our homegrown brand can go head-to-head with the best in the world,” Trota said. “To think that not so long ago, my grandparents were

just teaching me how to make our chicken recipes at home. Today, we are serving the very same food to Americans, Canadians and Middle Easterners,” he added.

FSHARP, 10


VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

5 captured in Bukidnon gunfight F

IVE armed suspects were captured Tuesday after engaging the police in a firefight in the outskirts of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, a police officer said Wednesday. In a report reaching here, the police said there were no casualties or injuries on either side. Recovered from the

five suspects were firearms and 13 motorcycles. The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has not released statements to acknowledge that the armed men are NPA members, the police said. Insp. Jiselle Longakit, spokesperson of the Bukidnon provincial police, identified the suspects as Joel Nunez, 31,

Rodolfo Matanod, 33, Marlon Calapuan, 25, Antonio Rejas, 59, and Rolando Bajarias, 22, all of Valencia City, Bukidnon. Longakit said that the armed skirmishes took place in the village of Cabangahan, Malaybalay City, Tuesday afternoon. The police operatives responded when informed about the pres-

ence of an armed group and suspicious motorcycle riding men in the sugarcane plantation in the area, Longakit said. She said that the police seized 13 motorcycles and recovered firearms, a.45 caliber pistol, an improvised shotgun, a revolver, and an unknown caliber in the plantation area after the armed en-

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS. MONICO REBUYON and TEOFILA CALACAT has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among their heirs per Doc. No.61; Page No.61; Book No. IX; Series of 2012, of the NOTARY PUBLIC OSCAR S. AQUINO 4/16.23.30

counter. Longakit said that an informant told police that the presence of the group and dozens of motorcycles incited suspicion among residents in the area, prompting the police to conduct an operation. She said the captured suspects underwent the normal police proce-

dures in the conduct of arrest by sending them to the hospital for medical checkups and to the police crime laboratory for paraffin test and firearm examination. The captured suspects are now in the custody at the Bukidnon police headquarters pending the filing of the appropriate cases against them. (PNA)

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21085158 under Loyola Plan Contract No(s). 10080694-0 issued to TEODORO S. TORILLA FINAL CONTRACT/POLICY NO. 821694-7 issued to TEODORO S. TORILLA were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 4/23,30/5/7

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21103564 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 1883473/NNN430005942 issued to CLARO C. SUSTITUIDO, Jr. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

3/23/30/5/7


14 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

GO BOLD

GO COLOUR

• All text • Telephone Number (bigger point size) • Bold Header Price: 100.00

VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

ADD-ON

• Background • Text Price: 175.00

• Pictures/Logos • Graphic Elements Price: 230.00

DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

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

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509


VOL. 8 ISSUE 15 • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Davao’s Petalcorin faces fight of his life

W

BA light flyweight champion Randy “Razor” Petalcorin of Davao City faces what his co-manager Peter Maniatis, multi-titled Australian promoter described as “the fight of his life” against China’s Ma Yi Ming in his first title defense on Friday. Maniatis and co-manager of Petalcorin Jim Claude Manangquil of General Santos City, said Petalcorin had sparred a total of 118 rounds and right now weighs exactly 108 pounds which is the light flyweight limit. Maniatis said Petalcorin would have some “light training” on Wednesday as he prepares for what Maniatis said would be “a coming out party for the talented southpaw.”

Maniatis described 34 year old southpaw Yi Ming who has a record of 12-5 with 7 knockouts as a “hard guy to beat” and said “it’s an important fight for Randy.” He is coming off a comfortable ten round decision over veteran Tommy Seran. Maniatis said the 23 year old Petalcorin who is also a southpaw has a record of 22-22 with 17 knockouts and won the WBA Interim title with a rousing 7th round TKO of Panama’s Walter Tello last August 28, 2014. He said trainer Renie Gabawa is “very happy” and pointed out “Randy is 100 percent fit.” Co-manager Manangquil picked the sparring partners of Petalcorin and mapped out his

training program. By all accounts Ma Yi Ming has had a very good training camp in the mountains of Dalian, China and worked with some tough sparring partners with Maniatis indicating that Petalcorin “will be on his toes ready for anything Ma Ying throws at him on Friday night.” A regular visitor to the Philippines who hosts the popular “Ringside” show on SEN Radio in Australia believes “this will be a statement fight for Randy and I know how good he can be and really believe he can be the next star of world boxing in the lighter weights.” Maniatis also thanked Top Rank and the SECA Group as well as Ultratune CEO Sean Buckley, the sponsor of Petalcorin.

Rivera with 197. De Jose and Grace Bermudez shared the limelight by topping the Executive division. The results in the Youth Division: BOY’S 7-9 – 1st - Justin Estero-Zamba (169), 2nd – Homer Amsirabe-Daciba (168) BOY’S 10-12 – 1st Josh Eisley Sapaih-Zamba (229), 2nd – Michael Jay Juezan-Daciba (203), 3rd – Roy Cabnel-Daciba (173), 4th – Franz Franco Juezan-Daciba (160) BOYS 13-14 – 1st – Michael Angelo Castillo-Daciba (180), 2nd – Russel Mord Vianan-Daciba (177), 3rd – Patrick Lance Aranas-Daciba (162), 4th – Johann Telesforo-Daciba (153). BOYS 15-16 – 1st – Carlo Tendoro-Daciba (222), 1st Rey Allen Cabrera-Daciba (215), 3rd – Andrei Subido-Daciba (187), 4th – Peary John Bucao-Daciba (185). BOYS 17-18 – 1st – Michael Jay Pepito-Daciba (205), 2nd – David Shem Cal-

ida-Daciba (194), 3rd – Joemar Yorong-Daciba (173), 4th – Ivan Boga-Daciba (167) GIRLS 7-9 – 1st – Lavritz Ginoo-Iligan (180), 2nd – Claudia Libres-Daciba (148) GIRLS 10-12 – 1st- Danielle Shayne Libres-Daciba (158), 2nd-Cielo Castillo-Zamba (158), 3rd – Marie Angelica Tadina-Coproba (153), 4th – Dimple Oliveros-Daciba (151) GIRLS 13-14 – 1st – Gabrini Ginoo-Ilciba (196) 2nd – Ericha Anne dela Cruz-Daciba (177) 3rd – Jane Charise Pepito-Daciba (177) 4th – Alayda Kandula-Ilciba (173) GIRLS 15-16 – 1st – Brendel Pantonial-Daciba (183) 2nd – Ellaren Mhae Tumapon-Daciba (180) 3rd – Ariana Kissa Saro-Daciba (170) 4th – Janrale Joy Cabagbag-Daciba (167) GIRLS 17-18 – 1ST – Jesseca Tinoy –Daciba (205) 2nd – Ruellyn Orcilada-Daciba (178) 3rd – Eloisa Aninon-Daciba (176) 4th – Richelle Mangubat –Daciba (174)

“That’s a very well-coached team. Very well-coached, very well-prepared,” James told TNT’s Rachel Nichols after the game. “For us being a new group together, we’re learning on the fly. I think being down, being able to come back, face a little adversity, I think it’s good for us. We can make a couple more mistakes at home than we can on the road, and we can’t play how we’ve played in Game 1 and Game 2 come Thursday in Boston.” James scored 15 of his gamehigh 30 points in the fourth quarter, with Irving pouring in nine of his 26 in the frame. They outscored the Celtics 24-21 in the final frame by themselves, with James bouncing back from a sluggish start to take control down the stretch. “[My teammates] needed me to be a leader [in the fourth quarter] and that’s all I tried to do,” said James, who made 11 of his 22 field-goal attempts to go with nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks alongside

six turnovers in 42 minutes. “Tried to score, tried to rebound, tried to assist. I’ve got 11 turnovers in two games. I need to clean that up — that’s 5 1/2 per game, that’s not good, I’ve got to clean that up — but I just try to do whatever this team needs to help them win.” While James started slowly for the second straight game, Irving picked up right where he left off in his sensational Game 1. The All-Star point guard scored nine points on 4-for-6 shooting in the first quarter, teaming with center Timofey Mozgov (eight points and three blocks in 9 1/2 minutes) to keep the Cavs’ offense afloat as James, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith combined for just six points on nine shots in the first. But while Irving and Mozgov were cooking, the Celtics were making their presence felt with hard-nosed defense, working to deny the ball and plug up passing lanes. Boston created four Cleveland in the first 6 1/2 minutes to take an early 16-8 lead behind

WBA light flyweight champion Randy “Razor” Petalcorin of Davao City is shown in a recent fight.

Daciba’s Fordaliza, Largo cop seniors’titles

D

AVAO City’s Bobby Fordaliza and Edna Largo emerged Senior division champions in the on-going 38th FEDBOP Grand National Duckpin Bowling tournament at the Dover Mega Lanes in Davao City. Fordaliza of the host Davao City Bowlers Association (Daciba) carded 272 pinfalls to top the men’s division. Sergio Digamon of Kidapawan City Bowlers Association (Kidciba) finished second with 271. Daciba’s Berting Gorgonio took third at 262 followed by Roseller Enriquez (235). FEDBOP president (234) placed sixth followed by Daciba’s Gerry Farin (230), Butuan’s Boy Cuarez (229), Iligan’s Jun Catorza (228), Martin Fampos (228), Butuan’s Cel del Jose (227), Daciba’s Dats Datuharon (226) and William Bolotano (223). Largo, on the other hand, shot 210 pinfalls to rule the ladies’ division. Second was Jane Malinao with 204 followed by Zamboanga’s Nitz

T

Rody tells bowlers importance of peace

C

ITY Mayor Rodrigo Duterte urged the organizers and participants of the on-going 38th FEDBOP Grand National Convention and Duckpin Bowling tournament to support the federal form of government in the country. “This is the key to prosperity, peace and development in the country especially in Mindanao,” said Duterte during the welcome dinner and fellowship night of the Federation of Duckpin Bowlers of the Phils.

(Fedbop) bowling teams held Monday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. Duterte, who reiterated that he is not campaigning for presidency in the 2016 elections, but only going around the country to promote and explain their federalism movement. “Thru this federal form of government, we can achieve peace here in Mindanao,” said Duterte. Duterte, a former fiscal,

vice mayor and congressman of Davao City, said that he just wants to have peace and order in his beloved city. Duterte said that he also supports the passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law if this is the only way to have peace here in Mindanao. Fedbop national president Emie Orteza thanked Duterte and vowed to support the federal movement and mayor if he decides to run for president in the 2016 elections.

LeBron, Kyrie lead Cavs past Celtics for a 2-0 lead

HROUGH eight quarters of postseason action, we’ve yet to see the best that the Cleveland Cavaliers have to offer on a consistent basis. We have, though, seen All-Star surges from their two top guns, and so far, that’s been enough. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving combined for 56 points, including the Cavs’ final 28 points overall, on Tuesday, leading the way to a 99-91 win in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series against the seventh-seeded Celtics. Once again, Brad Stevens’ club came out ready to play, making a concerted effort to press Cleveland’s ball-handlers defensively, contest everything and take the fight right to the heavily favored Cavs. But despite missing 22 of their 29 3-point shots and committing 18 turnovers that led to 22 Celtics points, the Cavs were able to hold on behind the scoring prowess of James and Irving to take a commanding 2-0 lead with the stage set to shift to Boston.

Lebron James (23) scored a game-high 30 points for the Cavs. hot starts from center Tyler Zeller and rookie guard Marcus Smart. Cleveland would regain its footing with a flurry of buckets

— one Kyrie layup out of the pick-and-roll, another off a fastbreak dime from LeBron, and a pair of Mozgov dunks — but the Celtics rode hard work on the

glass (seven offensive rebounds, 12 second-chance points) and opportunistic play off Cleveland cough-ups to a 26-25 lead after 12 minutes.


16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE15 15• THURSDAY, • THURSDAY,APRIL APRIL23, 23,2015 2015

TAKING CHARGE Lebron, Kyrie lead Cavs to 2-0 lead Story on page 15

TODAY’S SPORTS

Davao’s Petalcorin faces fight of his life Rody tells bowlers importance of peace


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.