Edge Davao 8 Issue 161

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MORE THAN A SELFIE. A woman who was goaded by friends to have a selfie with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte instead asks the popular mayor for a kiss.

Lean Daval Jr.

HACKED

Mobile numbers of Zarate, Colmenares used for doleouts scheme

By JON JOAQUIN jon@edgedavao.net

T

HE mobile phone accounts of Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate of Davao City and Neri Colmenares were allegedly hacked by still unidentified persons yesterday.

Colmenares, who is running for senator, issued a statement yesterday saying his cell phone line had been hacked and used to send out text messages.

He said the texts contained messages that announced an event with the promise of P5,000 and one sack of rice for each family that attends.

He said the texts contained the following messages: “JuanforAll AllforJuan May Aldub event tayo bukas sa grandstand sa GHQ.” “Meron tayong matatanggap na sopamil kay Neri Colmenares tag 5,000 kada pamilya at 1 sakong bigas.”

“This is not true and I think that there is an organized move to discredit me and use black propaganda against me and Bayan Muna,” Colmenares said.

For his part, Zarate said at around 10:12 a.m. yesterday his Globe mobile phone

“started receiving text messages from unknown numbers inquiring or responding about text messages that I allegedly sent.”

“I inquired about the said messages supposedly sent to them, and these were the ones forwarded to me: 1. “Meron tayong mattangap na supamil galling kay neri kolemenares tag 5 tawsand kada pamilya at 1 sako bigas.”

2. “Puede daw natin kunin kay ka jerom at toni mamaya.”

“It appears now that my mobile phone and that of Rep. Colmenares were hacked/

cloned and being used by unscrupulous person or persons to send malicious messages,” Zarate said.

He said the messages “were clearly sent not only to sow confusion or even hatred but more to deliberately malign our respective names and reputation, including that of our party, Bayan Muna.”

“This is not just a simple prank attack but a systematic one calculated to inflict damage and prejudice. This vile act will not succeed. My apologies but please ignore those messages. Salamat,” Zarate said.

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Saludar gets title shot against Japanese

P14

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

NLRC vows to decide cases in six months N

ATIONAL Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) 11 regional director lawyer Elbert C. Restauro yesterday said all labor cases filed before the office will be decided on within six months.

Restauro made the vow during yesterday’s press conference of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 at theRitz Hotel by Garden Oases.

“We are maintaining a cycle time of six months,” he said.

Restauro said the national office has a period of nine months to dispose cases but

they found that the NLRC 11 could decide earlier and can immediately act on the complainants’ claim.

“Basically, the processing time of our NLRC is six months on the time of filing,” he said.

Restauro said from January to October of this year, his office received 1,012 labor cases, and 90 cases are related to Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) claim.

Restauro said of the total cases filed, 700 cases were already decided, with 70 percent of the total cases in favor of the laborers. The employers

Photo contest to showcase vulnerability of Shrine Hills

T

HE newly re-zoned Matina Shrine Hills in Davao City will be the focus of a photography contest organized by the Save Davao Shrine Hills Advocates, a local network of groups and communities lobbying to protect and rehabilitate the Shrine Hills.

“This photo contest will highlight aspects of the beauty and vulnerability of Shrine Hills as a protected green space that is accessible for all citizens of Davao City,” said network spokesperson Norma Javellana.

The hilltop, located west of

NEW REQUIREMENTS. A man uses his mobile phone to take photographs

F NLRC, 10 of the new requirements posted inside the Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Davao River and bordering the Matina-Pangi and Davao River watersheds, was reclassified by the Davao City Council into an Urban Ecological Enhancement Subzone in 2013. The area will be ecologically enhanced by the city as part of its pro-active approach towards risk reduction management against flooding and landslides.

Javellana said that part of the contest objectives is to introduce Shrine Hills to the public as an integral component in the city’s urban landscape

F PHOTO, 10

11 satellite office at SM City Davao to help inform other professional driver’s license holders by posting it in his Facebook account. The agency now

requires professional driver’s license holders to submit clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) when renewing their licenses. Lean Daval Jr.

‘Tanim bala’ victims urged to file charges

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 11 urged all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have fallen victim to “tanim bala” or “laglag bala” to report the incident to

its office for appropriate assistance.

Speaking at the press conference of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) at Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases yesterday, OWWA 11 region-

al director Eduardo E. Bellido said so far, his office has not yet recorded an OFW from Region 11 having been victimized by the alleged modus at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) since no

complaints have been filed.

“If you have complaints we will attend to that,” Bellido said.

Bellido said his office can be reached through mobile

Calderon na atong istoryahon ang presidente sa Liga ng mga Barangay (Association of Barangay Captains [ABC]) bahin atong mga motorsiklo na wala pa narehistro (Calderon asked me to request the ABC president to address the problem of unregistered motorcycles in the barangays),” Paolo said in yesterday’s Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong.

Paolo said Calderon told him it is already a “trend” every Christmas season for LTO enforcers to apprehend more

violators.

“Luoy pud ang mga tao sa sige’g dakop, tapos sige pud og lukat sa ilang motor, tapos wala na nuoy kwarta para sa pasko tungod sa kadako sa penalty (It’s unfortunate because each time they get apprehended they have to reclaim their motorcycle, which leaves them with no money for Christmas),” he said.

Paolo said motorcycle owners really suffer because the penalty is P20,000 for

F TANIM, 10

Paolo tells barangay caps to meet owners of unregistered motorbikes

D

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte yesterday asked the barangay captains in the city to meet with motorcycle owners in their area who have units that are not registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11.

This after LTO 11 operations head Eleanor Calderon called the vice mayor requesting for intervention because of a series of apprehensions of unregistered motorcycles.

“Nagkastorya mi ni Ma’am

F PAOLO, 10

REGISTRATION PROBLEMS. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte urges barangay captains in the city to meet with motorcycle owners in their area who have units that are not registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

UCPB in Surigao robbed T

Police investigators in the crime scene.

Bautista for mall voting

S

URIGAO CITY - THE local branch of the United Coconut Planters Bank lost a still undetermined amount of money to four armed robbers on Monday morning.

The robbers ordered the bank’s security guards at the entrance to drop on the floor and disarmed one of them before declaring a robbery at past 9am.

UCPB is located at along San Nicolas Street corner Diez Street and five blocks away from the city police station.

Supt. Veraque Acosta, city police chief, said they were trying to identify the suspects based on the footage of the bank’s closed circuit television.

Police Inspector Joel Cabanes, head of the intelligence section, told MindaNews the robbers swiftly carried out the heist.

“It was properly executed, it just took them a minute,” Cabanes said.

Cabanes said no one was hurt during the robbery as security guards were held at gun point.

“They grabbed the money at the bank counter table and left the bank,” he added.

He said the money contained in two bags had come from one depositor, which he could not name at the moment.

The suspects fled using two single motorcycles.

Cabanes said the robbers did not bother the other clients in the bank.

A police outpost is located across the bank, but the policemen assigned there were attending the flag-raising ceremony at the city hall at the time of the incident.

Bank manager Allaniel O. Bumanglag said he was scared to death by the commotion at the entrance. He thought the robbers would enter his office and force him to open the vault.

“It did not happen, they were just after the two bags,” he said.

Bumanglag said he could not divulge yet as to how much money the robbers took

away.

“I don’t have a go signal from the head office to issue detailed incident report. One thing is certain that business will go as usual at one o’clock this afternoon,” he said.

Lanchelot Balaba, one of the bank’s security guards said the robbery took just a minute.

Traumatized, Balaba said it was his first to experience being victimized by robbers in his 26 years as a bank security guard.

Several meters away from the bank, the shotgun owned by his fellow security guard was thrown into the roadside by the fleeing robbers. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is following the law as far as the plan to allow voting in malls.

In a press briefing, Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said that the plan to conduct mall voting has legal basis.

“Article 9 of the 1987 Constitution states that Comelec is empowered to determine polling precincts, the location of polling precincts,” he said at the dry run of the mall voting activity held at the Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City on Monday.

Bautista added, “Our Law Department has come out already with a legal opinion on mall voting... We are not just trying to implement a statutory directory. We are actually trying to enforce a constitutional provision.”

Earlier, the poll body has created technical working

group (TWG) to study assess the legal and operational issues as regards to the plan mall voting in the May 2016 polls.

Section 42 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) provides that appropriate private buildings may be designated as polling places “in case there is no public school or other public building that can be used as polling places”.

Bautista noted that they were looking on ways to improve the accessibility of polling precincts for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, in accordance with provisions of Republic Act No. 10366, which authorizes the Comelec to establish accessible polling places for PWDs and senior citizens.

“Lahat ng botante ay dapat nating tulungan. Alam natin na may mga ibang botante na because of their conditions,

F BAUTISTA, 10

Año to visit Mindanao units

P FILE A COMPLAINT. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 11 director Eduardo E. Bellido (left) urges Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to file complaints if they get victimized by the alleged “tanim-bala” modus at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Bellido, together with the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 director Joffrey M. Suyao (right), interacted with members of Davao City media during the DOLE-RCC (Regional Coordinating Committee) 11 press briefing at Ritz Hotel yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

HILIPPIN Army (PA) head Lieutenant General Eduardo M. Año will be visiting Army forces in Mindanao on November 11 to 13.

He is expected to visit the troops in Maguindanao, Zamboanga and Jolo as part of his responsibility to engage his men, particularly those in the frontlines.

PA spokesperson Colonel Benjamin Hao said Año’s visit is part of the latter’s efforts to reach out to the Army’s various units, its officers and personnel and to ensure that they properly function as mandated, as the organization continuously pursues transformation.

Año is expected to talk with the troops to discuss the current thrusts of the PA. He is also expected to congratulate the soldiers, whose efforts were instrumental in the success of the Army’s bid for Islands of Good Governance.

Being recognized as Islands of Good Governance by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia means the PA has already institutionalized good governance within the organization.

Año also intends to address the needs and requirements of the field units so they can efficiently and effectively perform their mandated tasks.

(PNA)

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

DAR turns over P49.6-M projects T

SPECIAL FORCES. Special Forces operatives of the Philippine Army take a noontime rest at a sari-sari store in Brgy. San Vicente, Baungon, Bukidnon on Friday, November 6, 2015. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

ANDAG CITY - THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over PHP49.6-million worth of infrastructure projects in Barobo, Surigao del Sur to improve the quality of lives of farmers and residents in the municipality.

DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang said the multi-million project, funded under the DAR-Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Project Phase III (ARISP-III), includes a seven-kilometer NRJ Dughan-Javier farm-to-market road improvement and construction of a 36.8 meter flatslab bridge.

“The projects are expected to benefit 834 agrarian reform beneficiaries and thousand other residents of Barangays Dughan, San Jose and Javier, all of Barobo, Surigao Sur,” Ragandang said.

Ragandang thanked the

local government units, both provincial and municipal, for their support especially in generating the local government’s counterpart.

“Indeed, the counterpart of the local government is essential in realizing these big projects,” she said.

The turnover ceremony was attended by Surigao Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel, DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang, Barobo Mayor Felixberto Urbiztondo, ARISP Assistant-National Project Manager Henry Zapata, National Project Engineer Mel Lamboon, Assistant Regional Director Daylinda Narisma and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Benjamin Mataksil.

Pimentel lauded the DAR for its efforts and concern to the residents of the municipality and advised project beneficiaries to take good care of the project. (PNA)

ATI CITY - Aiming at strengthening disaster risk reduction and management down to the barangay level, the Provincial Government together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office recently gave awards to the best prepared barangays in the City of Mati.

Hailed as the Best Prepared Barangay is the village of Tamisan receiving a cash prize of P30,000. Named first runner up is Barangay Mayo receiving a cash award of P20,000 while sharing the second runner-up spot are the villages of Tagabakid, Dahican, Sainz, and Mamali, with cash prizes of P10,000 each.

Piloted in the City of Mati, this search, which is touted as a special project, was conceptualized by the DILG and the Development Academy of the Philippines and was funded by the Provincial Government and the City Government of Mati

in order to boost disaster preparedness down to the grassroots level.

With the project’s ultimate aim to have zero casualty and minimal damages to properties when calamities strike, a thorough selection process was undertaken by conducting an onsite monitoring and evaluation in the barangays.

Upon inspection, the DILG reported that all 26 barangays in the City of Mati have their own fully-functional Barangay Disaster Operations Center.

“They have already identified their own evacuation centers and the residents know where to go in times of disasters,” said DILG Provincial Office Outcome Manager Orle A. Cabaobao.

In the initial stage of the project, various disaster management trainings were conducted in the barangays as well as distribution of emergency disaster signage to be posted in their centers.

2 South Cotabato towns DO barangays recognized watched for chikungunya forMdisaster preparedness G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY - Health personnel in South Cotabato province are closely monitoring at least two municipalities due to the emergence of confirmed cases of the chikungunya disease in the last several weeks.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) chief, said Tuesday they have intensified their disease surveillance activities in T’boli and Polomolok towns after two persons have already tested positive of chikungunya.

He said the confirmed chikungunya cases were from Poblacion in T’boli and Poblacion in Polomolok.

“Our surveillance activities are currently ongoing and we’re doing everything to prevent another chikungunya outbreak,” he said in a media forum.

Aturdido was referring to the outbreak of the viral disease in June 2013 in Koronadal City and Tampakan town that affected around 700 residents.

The chikungunya cases were reported in Barangay Kipalbig in Tampakan town, which was placed under the state of calamity due to the rising incidence of the disease then.

Cecile Lorenzo, IPHO’s disease surveillance officer, said the chikungunya cases were initially monitored in

T’boli town late last month.

She said eight persons in Barangay Poblacion exhibited symptoms of suspected chikungunya but only one of them later tested positive of the disease.

In Polomolok, she said four suspected cases were treated in Barangay Poblacion and one of them also tested positive of chikungunya.

“There was a clustering of cases in both areas so we immediately intervened as it could lead to possible outbreaks,” she told PNA. Lorenzo said the situation in both areas is already considered under control but they sustained their surveillance activities for possible new cases that might emerge.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Media Center, chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes and causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rashes.

The disease, the WHO said, “shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.”

It added that there is “no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.”

“The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya,” it said. (PNA)

RDC-12 streamlines livelihood, entrepreneurship initiatives G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 is pushing for the harmonization of various government-supported livelihood and entrepreneurship programs and projects (LEP) in the region in a bid to enhance their implementation and ensure greater impact.

Arturo Valero, acting RDC12 chairperson, said Tuesday they are currently formulating a framework that will rationalize the rollout of the LEPs by regional line agencies (RLA), state colleges and universities (SUC) and local government units (LGU) within the region’s four provinces and five cities.

He said they have created a regional Technical Working Group on the LEP (TWG-LEP) to spearhead the creation of the planned framework.

Valero said the framework

will serve as a guide in the offering of the LEPs and in the identification of their beneficiaries.

It will also determine which programs and projects will be considered as livelihood or entrepreneurship, he said.

“The framework will mainly address the overlapping coverage of the existing LEPs and their beneficiaries,” he said in a statement.

Alfredo Hebrona Jr., TWGLEP chairperson, said the initiative is in response to concerns regarding the duplication of livelihood and entrepreneurship programs, projects and activities in the budget proposals of several RLAs, SUCs and LGUs. “With the end in view of distributing benefits to a greater number of people and maximizing the use of available resources, we need to review and find ways by which the limited resources of the government

are put into proper and rational use,” he said.

The TWG initially conducted a workshop for RLAs, SUCs and LGUs to facilitate the formulation of the framework.

The activity covered sessions and discussions on the enterprise development process and existing guidelines on the implementation of the LEPs. Ma. Luisa Lee, training and entrepreneurship education division head of the University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries, said there is a need for the LEP implementers to properly classify the livelihood and entrepreneurship initiatives.

“Livelihood is different from entrepreneurship. Livelihood is about making a living that involves one’s capabilities, assets, incomes and various activities to secure the necessities of life. On the other hand, entre-

preneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond resources controlled,” explained Lee, who facilitated the workshop.

She recommended the adoption of a regional framework that contains the four pillars of livelihood and enterprise and their corresponding enabling systems.

It covers the creation of a business environment that makes the LGUs as lead enablers and opening of more access to financing, with the financial institutions as the enabling system, she said.

Lee said there should be proper access to the markets for entrepreneurship programs and with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as enabler as well as productivity and efficiency improvements through the academe and the Department of Science and Technology. (PNA)

F DO, 10

GenSan to expand public employment services

T

HE city government is planning to expand next year the coverage of its public employment services program in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Nurhasan Juanday, chief of the city’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO), said Tuesday they are currently working on various strategies to further the program’s implementation in the city.

He said they are mainly targeting to improve the city’s accomplishments in line with the initiative after it was cited by DOLE as the region’s top performer in the last two years.

The city’s PESO specifically received a citation in last month’s 15th PESO Congress

in Manila for its improved performance, he said.

Juanday said DOLE-12 had nominated the city PESO for the 2014 National Best PESO Award under the highly urbanized city category.

“We were chosen as Region 12’s nominee for the national award among 60 other PESOs and that was the basis of the citation,” he said, adding that only 30 PESOs in the country received the citation award.

The citation award mainly recognizes the city’s “wholehearted and unwavering support” in the promotion and delivery of DOLE’s employment program.

The award was based on the selection of the city as

F GENSAN, 10

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Mindanao eyed as manufacturing hub

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

TAKEHOLDERS of the rubber industry are positioning Mindanao as the manufacturing hub in the country.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said Mindanao has a huge potential for rubber production.

Maglaya said Mindanao would benefit from the rubber industry in job geberation from operating nurseries to processing and marketing.

Datuk Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin S.A. Kadir, secretary general of the Kuala Lumpur-based International Rubber Research and Development Board, said Mindanao is blessed with vast fertile land.

Kadir said in a press conference for the 2nd Philippine Rubber Investment and Market Encounter 2015 at the SMX Davao Convention Center that the future for the country’s rubber industry is “bright” despite the efforts to improve the sector just started in 2012 at the hype of the rubber industry in the world market.

Mindanao’s rubber production is accounted for 99 percent of the country natural rubber production totaling to 444,807.74 metric tons (MT) in 2013.

Data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed that Mindanao has more than 183,000 hectares scattered all over Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Soccksargen, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Mindanao is producing 99 percent of the more than 400,000 MT rubber yield in the Philippines.

The Philippines exported 111,000 MT in 2012, only about one percent of the world supply just like Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

Although the Philippines is one of the rubber producing and exporting countries in Asia, the country’s produce is not enough to supply even the local demand.

“We are relying on importing rubber products from Thailand and Indonesia rather than processing our own,” DTI national Rubber Industry Cluster champion Sitti Amina M. Jain said in the same press conference.

For instance, Japanese tire manufacturer Yokohama is sourcing its material from local rubber producers.

MATINA ENCLAVES. Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) reported Only six percent of Yo- the recebt construction update for the construction of The Residences 1 kohama’s demand is locally building of the Matina Enclaves. Construction of the first condominium FMINDANAO, 10 building is now in the phase involving preparation of steel reinforcement

for beam, column and slab on the 2nd residential floor for the 8-storey condominium building and preparation of the column and beam of the 1st floor residential. There is also an ongoing concrete pouring of slab and beam for 2nd Floor Residential Building from Grid E-J Line 3-4.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Fund to stabilize rubber price

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

M

crc@edgedavao.net

EMBER countries of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) are eyeing the formulation of a fund that will help stabilize rubber price affected by the demand of major economies like China.

“China is a driving force in the movement of price of natural rubber in the world market,” ANRPC secretary general Sheela Thomas said in a press conference for

the 2nd Philippine Rubber Investments and Marketing Encounter at the SMX Davao Convention Center yesterday.

China consumes 35 percent of rubber production of the world. Seventy percent of the country’s production goes to theautomotive industry.

But, the industry projected that the demand for rubber products of China is projected to grow by 8.8 percent

Pag-IBIG, Teleperformance give better customer service

P

AG-IBIG Fund has partnered with Teleperformance, the world’s leading provider of outsourced customer experience management services, to provide the housing agency customer service solutions and customer relations management (CRM).

The Pag-IBIG Fund-Teleperformance partnership was established with the ceremonial signing of the two-year service contract at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The signing was led by Pag-IBIG Fund President and CEO Atty.

Darlene Marie B. Berberabe and Teleperformance Managing Director Travis Coates.

“Our move to acquire the services of Teleperformance is part of our efforts to bring bigger, better, and faster service to our 15.6 million members. Our contact center will now have more lines to accommodate more calls. We also have more agents, about 150 of them, to answer our members’ queries. We have a broad membership base and many of them work over-

seas. That’s why we enhanced our services so that members can reach us wherever they are, at any time of the day,” Atty.

Berberabe said. Pag-IBIG, in outsourcing its call center, followed the public bidding process required of government agencies.

With the contract in place, Pag-IBIG Fund can leverage Teleperformance’s robust, state-of-theart and cost-efficient CRM solutions to provide its members 24/7 access to their Pag-IBIG accounts and answer members’ queries on their savings, the status of their housing loans or short-term loans and verification of amortization of their housing loan and shortterm loans.

Likewise, Pag-IBIG Fund will be able to utilize Teleperformance’s multi-channel services such as voice call, email, and chat to cater, not only to customers in the Philippines, but also to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

Teleperformance will also offer its services in various languages such as English, Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan, and Cebuano.

Manufacturing sector sustains growth in September 2015

T

HE Philippine manufacturing sector sustained its growth in September 2015 on the back of robust demand and improvements in tobacco, transport equipment, and construction activity, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for September 2015, the manufacturing sector’s Volume of Production Index increased by 3.5 percent, nearly doubling its record of 1.9 percent in August 2015. But this is lower than the 4.7 percent growth it posted in the same month in 2014, and with its three-month moving average posting a 1.8 percent increase.

“We expect the manufacturing sector to further gain strength due to the holiday season and the approaching May 2016 elections. This makes business leaders anticipate increased orders and sales, which will boost both the production and sales of manufactured goods,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

“Also, with an improved pace of government spending, low production costs, declining oil prices and the steady inflow of remittances from overseas Filipino workers, this will form

a favorable growth momentum of the manufacturing sector for 2016,” he added.

On the other hand, the Value of Production Index declined more slowly by 4.8 percent compared with 6.1 percent in August 2015. Thus, the decline of its three-month moving average slowed down at 5.9 percent from a 6.6 percent drop in August 2015.

For consumer goods, tobacco and beverages both turned in double-digit growth rates, with the former posting a 29.2-percent growth in volume and 30.4-percent growth in value of net sales. Beverages grew by 21.4 percent in volume and by and 32.2 percent in value of net sales. On the other hand, the food subsector continues to suffer in both value and volume of net sales due to the persisting dry spell brought about by the El Niño.

“We must strengthen the linkages of all production sectors through the implementation of the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy that will guide the effective integration of the agriculture, industry and services sectors to ensure sustained growth and resiliency of the economy to external and internal shocks,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

annually until 2017.

PRIME magazine revealed that the increase in the demand of China is “driven by the healthy growth in manufacturing particularly in industrial machinery and motor vehicles industries; strong demand gains for both consumer vehicles; and continuing shift in tire products.

Meanwhile, Thomas said the price stabilization fund is “expected to help small farm-

ers in the rubber industry to survive in the years of adversity.”

She said small farmers, who are 90 percent of the rubber producers, can contribute to the fund since they are the most affected in the supply chain.

The association, which the Philippines is a member since 2010, recorded that the current price of technically specified rubber (TSR) is only pegged at P60 to P65

per kilogram,lower compared than the P170-P180 price in 2010 to 2011.

Philippine Rubber Industry Association president Rhodora Medalla said the more tha 50 percent drop in price affect both the farmers and processors.

“We cannot just increase theprice of rubber,” Medalla said.

The lower price of synthetic rubber, she said, also affect the buying price of

natural rubber as well as the high supply of natural rubber.

Medalla added that producers here should have village processing facilities that can increase the value of rubber products instead of selling it as raw material to manufacturers.

Farmers can diversify in mabufacturing rubber-based products aside from tire, according to her.

There are 49,000 rubber products aside from tires.

PARTNERSHIP. Mike Lytle, Teleperformance executive vice president for operations, Atty. Robert John Cosico, Pag-IBIG Fund SVP for administrative services sector and chief legal counsel, Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, Pag-IBIG Fund President and CEO, Travis Coates, Teleperformance managing

director, Ophelia Dela Cerna, deputy chief executive officer member services cluster, and Joseph Edward Dy, Teleperformance vice president for operations (from left) lead the ceremonial contract signing between Pag-IBIG Fund and Teleperformance.

HE FAMILY of the late Francisco B. Bangoy, owner of the old Davao international airport, has not abandoned its claim over the prime property located in barangay Sasa in Davao City.

This was learned from former Sasa barangay captain Mario Reta, great grandson of Francisco Bangoy, who said that their clan has for the nth time recently asked government authorities to the return the 40-hectare land to the family since there is no deed of sale or donation covering the area.

The Bangoy clan sent a

letter last Aug. 20 to Agnes B. Udang, then the Davao airport area manager, inquiring about the reported memorandum of agreement among the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Tourism Investment and Enterprise Zone Authority, and a contractor for a project that would develop the old airport into a tourism-cultural site.

“There is no legal basis for the government to continue occupying the property,” Reta said.

As one of the owners of the property, Reta said it is his right to request such doc-

uments in order to protect his interest, adding that “the heirs of Bangoy already informed your good office of their rightful claim over the said property.”

Udang, however, failed to respond to Reta’s letter as she was relieved from her post in September by CAAP Director General William K. Hotchkiss III following complaints over her failure to address the air-conditioning problem at the airport terminal.

Efren N. Nagrama, Udang’s replacement, has yet to send a reply as well.

The heirs of Bangoy, who

died in 1935, first raised their claim in 1998 when the late Vicente B. Pichon informed then Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) deputy secretary Carlos F. Tanega that the area was part of the family’s 423.5-hectare property.

The heirs did not receive a reply from Tanega.

On Sept. 20, 2000, the claimants again brought up their demand before then DoTC secretary Vicente C. Rivera Jr. At the time, construction of the new airport, called the Francisco Bangoy Interna-

is expected to be released by the national office next year.

He said many establishments have already applied for accreditation in the past two months. The application, he said, is available online.

But, the agency cannot release the lists of star-rated establishments because many have appealed thus extending the deadline.

“Many of the assessed establishments already knew their star-rating and some would like to improve it further to get a higher notch,” Alabado said, adding some would like to make up with their de-

ficiency.

Currently, the region uses the deluxe, first class, and standard rating in assessing the hotels operating in the city.

Earlier, DOT undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. said international accommodation assessors have visited the country to conduct assessment last year.

Boncato said during the evaluation, small and big hotels need to answer 286 questions regarding their services to their guests, facilities such as parking space, lounge, and swimming pool.

The total points that will

be earned by the hotel will determine its star rating, Boncato said. Foreign assessors will make the rating of each hotel ranging from one-star to fivestar.

The DOT said in a press statement that the international assessment is projects to be implemented under the $7.1-million assistance funded by the Canadian Government and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“Through tourism accreditation, local and foreign visitors can be assured that their hotel or resort is committed

Bangoys claim over old Davao airport active T F BANGOYS, 10

Accommodation establishments given until March to comply with DOT 11 requirements

H

OTELS and accommodation establishments in the Davao Region are given until March next year to comply with the requirements of the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 accreditation for the star-rating system.

“An estimated of 400 hotels and accommodation establishments in the Davao region are now being assessed and audited by the DOT,” DOT 11 regional director Roberto Alabado III said.

Alabado, gracing the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex Monday, said the result of the assessment for the star-rating

F ACCOMMODATION, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Abreeza Mall ushers in Christmas season with a bang ABREEZA MALL exalts the joys of Christmas traditions this year, and it invites Davaoeños to share in its celebration with a huge sale and a concert by the iconic singer behind one of the country’s classic Christmas anthems.

From November 13 to 15, Abreeza Mall and BPI let shoppers kick off their holiday shopping at the Amore Pre-Holiday Sale, a mall-wide sale offering discounts of up to 70%. On November 14, 5pm at the Activity Center, Jose Mari Chan, the voice behind “Christmas in Our Hearts,” invites everyone to feel the spirit of the season at Abreeza Mall’s Christmas Launch, a free event during which the mall’s Christmas tree will be lit up for the first time. Customers who buy copies of Jose Mari Chan’s album will get the chance to meet and greet the OPM icon.

The weekend also offers shoppers more to look forward to with extended mall hours of up to 10pm on November 13 and 14.

On November 22, Abreeza Mall further heightens the holiday mood with Frankly Speaking, a free pre-Christmas jazz musical featuring the timeless songs of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra. Frankly Speaking boasts performances by dancer and musician Omar Edwards, guest singer JC Santos, and Steps Dance Project, with director James Laforteza at the helm. A free tap dancing workshop with Omar Edwards for the first 20 customers takes place at 4pm, while the show proper starts at 6pm.

Abreeza Mall showers customers with even more gifts this season through Holiday Giveaway with Silkair, a promo which presents vacation and recreational prizes up for

grabs—including a trip for four to Singapore. Ongoing from November 13, 2015 to January 3, 2016, shoppers can join the raffle by presenting a single receipt purchase worth at least P500 from any Abreeza Mall store or Robinsons Department Store or P1,000 from Robinsons Supermarket at the Main Concierge.

Giving customers more reason to do their holiday shopping at Abreeza Mall is the Payday Treats promo, which launched on March 16 this year and is now on its final two months.

On November 16 and 30 and on December 16 and 30, shoppers still have the chance to win a P10,000-worth shopping spree when they present a single receipt purchase worth P300 from any Abreeza Mall store or Robinsons Department Store or P500 from Robinsons Supermarket at the Main Concierge.

Abreeza Mall encourages everyone to spread the holiday cheer by sharing what they love at the mall—from shopping treats to delicious feasts, from live holiday entertainment to unforgettable bonding moments—by posting photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtags #lovemall and #AbreezaMall.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

EVENT

Abreeza, M Magazine, and fashion photography THE LATEST instalment of Abreeza’s monthly Fashion Forum held on October 29, 2015 shed light on what really goes into creating breathtaking fashion photos and editorials.

Two speakers graced the forum to enlighten a gathering of members of the media, bloggers, photographers, and students on how to handle a fashion photo shoot. Present to discuss basic fashion photography was multiawarded photojournalist

and Fujifilm Philippines official product evangelist Jojie Alcantara, who shared the basics in preparing and carrying out a fashion shoot. Meanwhile, schooling guests on fashion shoot styling and makeup was M Magazine Fashion and Beauty Editor Otoi Mercado. Also an in-demand makeup artist and a former fashion designer, Otoi’s works as stylist and makeup artist for different fashion editorials published in M Magazine were on display at the venue.

Abreeza Mall and M Magazine also took the opportunity to announce their partnership for the Abreeza Fashion Forum this quarter. Through this partnership, Abreeza Mall and M Magazine will work together to feature notable fashion stories and conduct informative talks with the goal of ultimately spreading a stronger style

consciousness in Davao City. M Magazine has recently revamped its look via a new logo, and readers can see it for themselves when they grab a copy of the upcoming issue as it hits bookstores and magazine stands this November.

The event was supported by Fujifilm Philippines and photography store Colours, which is located at Abreeza Mall’s Third Floor.

Launched in 2014, the Abreeza Fashion Forum is a monthly convergence of fashion and lifestyle press,

bloggers, designers, insiders, students, and enthusiasts that serves as a platform for the discussion and promotion of notable trends, projects, personalities, brands, ideas, and more.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

UP AND ABOUT

SilkAir adds additional flights to Singapore SILKAIR, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, announces additional flights to Singapore from Davao starting December 2, 2015 to March 26, 2016 and will operate every Wednesday (MI 562, direct to Singapore from Davao) and Saturday (MI 582 via Cebu). With the additional flights, Davao will have nine weekly flights to Singapore.

Flight MI 562 will use SilkAir’s airbus 320 with a maximum capacity of 150 seats,

twelve on business class and 138 on economy class. The rest of the flights will be operating on SilkAir’s new Boeing 737-800, with maximum capacity of 162 seats, twelve on business class and 150 on economy class.

These new flights are very ideal for passengers connecting to Europe and Australia which normally departs from Singapore around midnight until around 0230. Coming back into Davao, it also presents new opportunities to connect with flights arriving from most of the South East Asian countries, such as flights

from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Jakarta, Medan and Phuket.

Leisure travellers to Singapore will also love the option to return on a later flight schedule instead on the regular 0900 departure from Singapore.

SilkAir currently has a fleet of 28 aircrafts -- eleven A320, five A319 and twelve B737800. SilkAir also has one of youngest fleet in the industry with an average fleet age of four years, as of 01 Sep 2015.

For more information or booking, you may check out www.silkair.com or visit their Davao reservations office at the 6th floor of Pryce Tower.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Richard and Dawn, JC and Jessy, team up for teleserye comeback WHEN all the love and trust are gone, can a family still pick up the pieces and rebuild a shattered home?

From the makers of top-caliber family dramas, ABS-CBN tells the heartfelt story of a daughter who would do whatever it takes to fix her family in the newest powerhouse primetime drama “You’re Me Home” premiering this November 9.

Get to know the Fontanilla family in the eyes of eldest daughter Grace Fontanilla (Jessy Mendiola). After many years of living in simplicity, the lives of the Fontanillas suddenly changed when Gabriel (Richard Gomez) handled the frustrated homicide case against Christian Vergara (JC De Vera), son of a powerful senator (Tonton Gutierrez). With their new and luxurious lifestyle, then 12-year old Grace realized that her dad and mom Marian (Dawn Zulueta) had no time for them anymore, thus turned rebellious.

One night, she left

Carino, and Raikko Mateo. “You’re My Home” is directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and is produced by Star Creatives led by business unit head Malou Santos. Its creative team is led by

the house to be with her friends, and her brother Rahm together with the house help ran after her, leaving Vince alone inside the house.

Shortly after, the Fontanillas learned about the shocking news that will change their lives and test their family--- Vince is missing.

Twelve years later, the Fontanillas face the consequences of Vince’s disappearance. Marian and Gabriel are no longer together. Marian focused her time and strength on putting up her own

clothing line while Gabriel found comfort in the arms of Roni (Lara Quigaman), the police officer who handled the kidnapping case. Rahm (Sam Concepcion), at an early age, already has a son and a wife while Grace continues to move on with life, still blaming herself for what happened.

Fate then comes into play as Grace crosses paths with Vince (Paul Salas). As Vince returns to their lives, will the Fontanillas become one whole family again? Can

creative manager and “MMK” headwriter Arah Jell Badayos.

Don’t miss the premiere of “You’re My Home” this November 9 on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

Marian and Gabriel give love another chance?

Can Rahm accept his brother despite the jealousy he is feeling? What if Grace falls in love Christian, the very man who got convicted for the kidnapping of her brother? Is her love for her family stronger than her love for Christian?

What is the truth behind Vince’s disappearance?

Also included in the cast are Assunta De Rossi, Jobelle Salvador, Mika Dela Cruz, Minnie Aguilar, Peewee O’Hara, Belle Mariano, Bugoy

Christian Bautista marks a musical milestone CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA performed in Houston, Texas’ most prestigious open theater, The Miller Outdoor Theater, recently, making him the first Filipino singer to do a full show in the 85-year-old venue.

The venue’s managing director Cissy Segall Davis with the help of KMPArtists agents Kristopher Mcdowell & Andrew Delicata, scouted many acts this year to celebrate its 85th anniversary and selected Asia’s Balladeer Christian Bautista who headlined an evening of romantic ballads and Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

November 6 – 10, 2015

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood R13

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

SPECTRE Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes

What made the concert extra-special for Christian that he was backed up by some of the best American musicians: Tommy King from Maroon 5, Renee Olstead’s husband and

keyboard player for Renee Olstead, Jelando Johnson bass player for George Duke, Marion Medows & Kim Waters, Robert Perkins drummer for Michael Buble, Jay Leno, Late Night with

David Letterman & Toni Braxton, Greg Petito lead guitarist for Katherine Mcphee, Chita Rivera & Andy Bell, Peter Smith Keyboard player for Molly Ringwald and Natalie Cole.

PG

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

EVERYDAY I LOVE YOU Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Gerald Anderson G

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

GOOSEBUMPS Halston Sage, Jack Black, Amy Ryan PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

EVENT

MX3 takes over

AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM, the capital city of the Netherlands, is defined its beauty by its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades.

These are the legacies of the 17th-century. The Old City turned into the commercial capital of the Netherlands and became one of the top financial centers of Europe. Amsterdam is considered the Alpha World City by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group. The Dutch Cheese Tale is more than just a savor of a unique ancient and deep sweet savory taste but of an old Amsterdam story made alive from generation to generation, where from an artless dam of river turning into the most important ports of the world making it one of the UNESCO World Heritage

List. It was a tale unfolded and discovered by the visiting MX3 Team. It was a joyful and blessed experience for the MX3 family and team.

The visit in the seemingly old yet contemporary City was a reunion with the Global Pinoy in Amsterdam. The Filipinos and

foreign onlookers swarmed the Amsterdam volleyball stadium on September 27, 2015 to relax, enjoy and witness the Filipino artists displayed their talents.

The DMI-MX3 Company never lost tracked of its mission to share and care. It continuously demonstrated generous act of

letting thousands of people received product gifts. Five thousand Filipinos all the way from Paris, Belgium, Germany, London – as some to mention, have trailed the event and welcomed DMI Medical Supply as the team opened the event with a game. A unique game entitled ‘Sakit Mo I-Arte Mo’ hosted by star-comedian Pooh and Dr. Ed Bien of MX3; the game became a one-big-bang to the joyful audience as they cheer for their desired winner. Matter of factly: MX3 products keep these illnesses away. After the game, the hosts explained to the audience how taking MX3 regularly may help prevent those illnesses.

Winners were given MX3 giveaways and t-shirts.

As result, the DMI-MX3 Team never failed to receive truthful testimonials from the

audiences. Until today, the spirit of the visit is still alive as they continuously sent their testimonies on emails and other social media and/or posting it on the MX3 website for their feedback and commendations on the MX3 products. The exciting day were fuelled-up as Kapamilya stars Bea Alonzo, Maja Salvador, Enchong Dee and Paulo Avelino serenaded and thrilled them.

Truly, it was a fun day for the Pinoys who again experience home away from home. The gathering has nourished the longing of our Global Kababayans. Let us continue to keep in touch and pray for our OFW’s.

MX3 Team salutes our present heroes.

For more information about the MX3 Products, visit MX3 website at www.mx3.ph or call/ text 0918-8888-693.

EDGEDAVAO

L

ONG before the colonists introduced their own concepts of money or currency to Filipinos, the lumads, including the natives of Davao gulf, aside from the customary barter of merchandise, used gold in varying degrees of refinement.

Popular among the natives as medium of exchange, including the Manobos of Agusan, the Butuanons, and the Cebuanos, is the bulawan, or gold, or the sinubong, defined as rose gold or pink gold, which was preferred for use in jewelry.

This form of currency was called by the Spaniards as piloncitos, which are “small beadlike gold bits recognized as the earliest coin of the ancient peoples of the Philippines, and gold barter rings.”

Gold-panning and goldsmithing were thriving occupations when the Europeans arrived in the islands. From Luzon to Mindanao, Spanish chronicles, commencing with the accounts logged by Antonio Pigafetta, the diarist of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, recorded first-hand impressions on the availability of gold. This valuable mineral was part of ancient Filipino ornament, jewelry, finery, and customs.

Gold terms In the Boxer Codex, the value of the mineral was well documented.

A colonial gold account, the report of Andres Mirandaola, administrator of the royal properties in the islands, which was sent to King Philip of Spain on September 8, 1573, related that a bislin was worth two pesos a tael, which is “one and one eighth ounces.” In contrast,

L

AST Saturday, at around 1:33 in the morning, I was awakened by a strong earthquake that hit Davao City. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake that struck 14 kilometers northwest of the city had a magnitude of 4.7 and was tectonic in origin.

It was so strong that, as my friend said, he was like “giduyan.” On the other hand, a former colleague said that he was so terrified that he could not move from his bed. Immediately thereafter, I checked my Facebook account. I read several posts about the earthquake.

But one post that really caught my attention was this: “Every time there’s an earthquake, it thoroughly amazes me how many people scramble to find their phones to announce the earthquake via social media.

Dude, it’s an earthquake. The earth announced it already.”

Earthquake is one of the natural disasters that no man can ever control. There is no way science can tell specifically when an earthquake strikes. Unlike volcano eruption, which can be monitored, earthquake has no specific signs.

But records from history can give us some glimpse. After all, history repeats itself especially in the case of earthquakes. And yes, Davao City, the country’s largest city, is ripe for another big earthquake.

According to Desiderio Cabanlit, Phivolcs regional director in Southern Mindanao, the city will not be spared from the destruction of a big earthquake that may be triggered by the Surigao-Mati fault.

The new active fault line was discovered recently by geologists as Phivolcs updated its 10-year old fault map. It stretches from Surigao City to Mati City in Davao Oriental and has a distance of 320 kilometers.

“A big earthquake as strong as, if not even stronger than, the so-called ‘Big One’ that Metro

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Currencies of the Lumads HISTORY OF DAVAO

BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA “bislig (hardened, petrified) suggests the stony hardness of the base mixture of 12-karat gold” at a time when gold dust was used as a form of currency that was weighed out using little weights.

Interestingly, the gold-trading terms used during this time were synonymous and understandable throughout the islands.

According to Martin Castanos, Spanish procurator-general in the Philippines (16091616), a bislin (or bislig) was the equivalent of 9 to 9.5 carats and was sold for three pesos per tael, the equivalent of 38 grams.

The earliest mention of bislig was in the 1628 Bicolano lexicon which described bislig as “Oro muy fino, que tiene mucha mezcla” (mixture that has a lot of fine gold). In the 1849 Ilocano dictionary, bislig was defined as (1) cubierto de oro (covered with gold) and (2) as dorado por de fuera or ‘golden on the outside’ (browned out).

In the 1860 edition of the Tagala vocabulario, bislig was entered as a gold weight, the equivalent of 8 carats (oro de ocho quilates).

It was, however, less precious than the ginugilan (22 carats), hilapo (22), palambo (22), wasay (22), urimbuo (18), panika (16), panikang bata (14), lingginging (12), and lingginging bata (10).

Memoranda of 1580 A fascinating discussion that supports the gold narrative is the observation of Peter

Schreurs, MSC, in Caraga Antigua that the terms ‘bizlin’ and ‘linguinguin,’ mining terminologies popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, are noticeably similar to Bislig and Lingig, two towns in Surigao del Sur which, in the Augustinian Memoranda of 1580, were parts of an area collectively known as the “chief mines.”

The priest argued that old variations of Bislig, namely Bezlin and Bislin, can also be found in old Spanish accounts, and Linguib, Linguid, and Lunguib for Lingig. This is backed by an early report found in the 55-volume ‘The Philippine Islands (1493-1898)’: “The kinds of gold that are found among the natives of the city and vicinity of Manila are: Bizlin, which is worth two pesos a tael. The weight of a tael is one and one-eighth ounces.

The second kind is Malubay, and the third is Linguinguin. These are the kinds of gold with which the natives trade and barter. The Malubay gold is worth the same as the Bizlin. The [native Filipinos] call it panica. There is another finer kind of gold which they call ylapo and another which they call guinuguran. From what I have heard this last is the standard, because in assay it is equal to the wrought gold of Spanish jewelry.”

In other reports bislig was cited as being superior to the sauyin, although its weight is one of the lowest in the schedule of carats. More superior to bislig, the equivalent to eight carat, were the ginugilan (22 carats), hilapo (22), palambo (22), wasay (22), urimbuo (18), panika (16), panikang bata (14), lingginging (12), and lingginging bata (10).

Other currencies

When earth trembles

Manilans are preparing for THINK ON THESE! is a possibility in Davao City in the immediate future,” wrote Antonio M. Ajero, editor-inchief of EDGE Davao, who attended the press briefing that was Henrylito D. Tacio convened by the Philippine henrytacio@gmail.com Information Agency.

Based on the recent Phivolcs study, it was found that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Compostela Valley in 1893. On April 15, 1924, another earthquake with 8.3 magnitude happened somewhere in Sigaboy, now known as Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental.

Cabanlit explained that should an earthquake with an intensity of 7.2 may happen again in Compostela Valley, Davao will immediately feel a “7.0 to 7.1 magnitude and ground shaking could reach (the city) in less than one minute.”

Aside from those mentioned earlier, there were other major earthquakes that rocked Mindanao, according to data from Phivolcs.

On August 16, 1976, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0, with epicenter traced to the Celebes Sea, triggered a tsunami in Moro Gulf.

A major aftershock was recorded to have a magnitude of 6.8.

A magnitude of 7.6 earthquake struck Lanao on April 1955 that killed 400 people.

The intensity recorded in Dansalan was 8.0; in Dipolog and Ozamiz, 7.0; and in Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay, 6.0. A 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Southern and Central

Mindanao on March 7, 2002 killed 11 people.

“For the last 35 years, the Philippines had been affected by 10 earthquakes with magnitude greater than 7.0,” said a fact sheet circulated by Phivolcs. “Hence, the likelihood of these destructive earthquakes occurring again in the future is indeed very strong.”

Several studies pointed out the Philippine archipelago lies between two major tectonic plates, the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Phivolcs says the Philippine Sea Plate is moving towards the Philippine Archipelago at the rate of about 7 centimeters per year. The Eurasian Plate is being subducted along western side of Luzon and Mindoro at the rate of 3 centimeters per year except on Mindoro and northwest of Zamboanga where collision is taking place.

“At the intersection of these two plates is found the Philippine Fault Zone which decouples the northwestward motion of the Pacific with the southwestward motion of the Eurasian Plate,” Phivolcs explains. “Movements along other active faults are responsible for the present-day high seismicity of the Philippine Archipelago.”

Every day, at least 5 earthquakes occur in the country. According to the Grolier Encyclopedia, about 6,000 earthquakes are detected throughout the world each year. Of this, 5,500 are either too small or too far from populated areas to be felt directly. Another 450 are felt but cause no damage while 35 cause only minor damage. The remaining 15, however, can exact great toll sin death and suffering, besides heavily damaging houses, buildings, and other structures.

An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor), according to a monograph circulated by the Phivolcs, “is feeble shaking to violent trembling of the ground produced by the sudden displacement of rocks or rock materials below the earth’s surface.”

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Indigenous currency was not limited to gold. Silver, which the Spaniards called teston, was also in use as main monetary unit. With the prosperity of the Galleon Trade, the colonists introduced the Mexican pesos. Then there was the peseta, the Spanish currency.

Actually, the earliest coins brought in by the galleons were the cobs or macuquinas, sourced from Mexico and other Spanish colonies. The colonists also introduced the silver dos mundos (pillar dollar) and the barilla (corrupted into barya), a bronze or copper coin worth one centavo. The latter was the first coin minted in the country.

When El Banco Banco Español-Filipinas de Isabel II, now known as the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), was opened on August 1, 1851, the pesos fuerte was introduced, making it the first dominant paper money in the islands.

A decade later, the Casa de Moneda de Manila minted the first gold coins, with ‘Filipinas’ inscribed on them. These were alternately called Isabelinas and Alfonsinos.

When the Americans arrived, they introduced a new monetary scheme based on gold, also known as the gold peso, which was half the value of the American dollar in the early 1900’s. It was in use until 1949.

By 1903, the American government issued silver certificates in two-peso, five-peso and ten-peso denominations, each bearing the portrait of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

In 1964, in response to public perception of the currency’s stability, the Philippine peso was floated, which made it dependent on the global currency movement. Three years later, the peso was Tagalized to ‘piso.’

The destructive effects of earthquakes are due mainly to intense ground shaking or vibration. “Because of severe ground shaking, low and tall buildings, towers and posts may tilt, split, topple or collapse, foundation of roads, railroad tracks and bridges may break, water pipes and other utility installations may get dislocated, dams and similar structures may break and cause flooding, and other forms of mass movement may be generated,” Phivolcs explains.

Liquefaction, the process where particles of loosely consolidated and water-saturated deposits of fine sand are rearranged into more compact state, can also occur. Liquefaction prone areas can be found in beach zones, sand spits, sand bars, wide coastal plains, deltaic plains, floodplains, and former or existing marshlands and swamplands.

Many strong earthquakes originate along faults that break the earth’s rigid crust. Called ground rupture, it is a deformation on the ground that marks the intersection of the fault plane with the earth’s surface.

Landslides, the downward movement of slope materials either slowly or quickly, are most likely to happen. Hilly and mountainous areas, escarpments, and steep river banks, sea cliffs and other steep slopes are prone to landslides.

Earthquakes can also cause tsunamis.

“Tsunamis are giant sea waves generated mostly by submarine earthquakes,” Phivolcs says. “Not all submarine earthquakes, however, can cause tsunamis to occur.”

“The only way to avoid disasters caused by earthquakes is to prepare for them,” wrote Maria Elena Paterno in her book Earthquake!

This must be the reason why Phivolcs urged every Filipinos to evaluate the structural soundness of home, office and buildings they frequent. “Determine the safest areas both inside and outside,” Phivolcs said.

10 NEWS NLRC... FROM 2

need to pay the claims of the employee, he added.

He said the two oldest cases date back to March 2015, adding his office could not easily hand down a verdict due to lack of procedural requirements.

Restauro said his office has 312 pending cases, of which 12 are OFW cases.

He said the usual complaints filed in his office are illegal termination coupled with underpayment of salaries and violation of other

employment benefits.

Restauro said for the OFWs, the complaints are against the recruiters and foreign employers with the same nature with the local employees.

He said under the law, foreign employers are liable for any complaint.

“If there is an award (claims) in favor of the OFW we will claim it against the recruitment agency,” he said.

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

that needs to be protected and developed as part of wider vision of a Green Davao City.

“Shrine Hills has lots of potential for nature trekking and other eco-tourist activities. But at the same time, because its soil is highly porous and underlain with limestone, infrastructure development must be regulated to protect the communities living below the hills from landslides and soil erosion,” she pointed out.

“We hope that through this contest, Dabawenyos will be more aware of the need to protect and rehabilitate this part of the watershed closest to the city,” Javellana said.

The contest is open to all amateur and professional photographers and hobbyists living in Davao City. Photographs must be recently shot and an original work of the participant. Entries must be color printed in 8 x 12 inches and unmounted. Photos that

are digitally enhanced will be disqualified.

Each entrant can submit 3 photographs, with a caption or title for each of the entries.

The entry should also include the specific location in Shrine Hills where the photo was taken.

Entries should be submitted in CDs or USB to Ecoteneo, Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus, Davao City.

Deadline of submission of entries is on November 16, 2015.

Additional information about the contest can be accessed at the Facebook public page: Greening Davao City Shrine Hills.

The contest is co-organized by Ecoteneo, Davao Peoples Photographers Inc (DPPI), Ateneo de Davao University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (ADDU- UCEAC) and the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS).- Contributed

number 0917-701-1135.

He said his office conducted a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for all departing OFWs on November 9 to orient them on the do’s and don’ts in the airports.

Bellido said he reminded all the departing OFWs not to keep or bring bullets as amulets or souvenir in their luggage to avoid delays and possible criminal charges.

He said he also warned OFWs to watch their luggage

vigilantly while in the process of examination in the x-ray machines.

“They should be vigilant and alert if they are already in the airport so that they will not be victimized by the modus,” he said.

Bellido said all departing OFWs were given copies of the advisory as a reminder.

He said based on the last year’s record, a total of 32,000 OFWs from Region 11 left the country.

best program implementer in Region 12 of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and the outstanding performance of the city’s PESO manager in the delivery of employment programs and services.

Juanday said the city government is presently the top implementer of the SPES among local government units in Region 12.

He said the local government has allocated a total of PHP4 million in counterpart

funds this year for the implementation of SPES. Meantime, Juanday said they have set a series of activities in line with the 20th anniversary of the city’s PESO on Dec. 21.

He said they will initially launch a jobs fair on Nov. 20 as a prelude to the celebration.

He said the the lined up activities are feeding programs, distribution of livelihood starter kits, free haircut, tree planting, and a tribute and thanksgiving celebration. (PNA)

sourced in 2006, although this increased to 32 percent in 2012.

“There’s so much demand even in the local demand,” Jain said.

However, the challenge to produce quality natural rubber and lack of planting material posed threat to the industry.

Philippine Rubber Industry Association preisent Rhodora Medalla said the development of the industry would depend on the knowledge of farmers on value adding their products as well as the participation of different goverbement agencies and the private sector.

Photo... FROM 2

Tanim... FROM 2

GenSan... FROM 4

Mindanao... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

STAT QUIZ. Participants from different colleges and universities in Davao City fill up the entry forms before the start of the 24th Philippine Statistics Quiz regional elimination at The Ritz hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Paolo... FROM 2

driving an unregistered vehicle.

The vice mayor urged all the barangay captains to set a schedule to convene all motorcycle owners so that the LTO can help them register their units.

“Naplano na unta sila na magdakop na pero, instead na

magdakop sila ilaha na lang daw atimanon ang mga tao (The LTO has already planned for an operation to apprehend violators, but instead they will help the people to register their motorcycles),” he said.

Paolo said Calderon told him that an increase in apprehensions is a problem because

there is no space at the LTO impounding area in front of SM City Davao in Ecoland.

“Kung magsige silag impound og motor, asa nila ibutang sa kadgahan (If they keep on impounding motorcyles, where will they place them?),” he said. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

mas nangangailangan ng tulong. In which case, itong aming mall voting project ang primary consideration diyan ay ang ating vulnerable sector.

We want this election to be as inclusive as possible. And we want every voter to have an opportunity to exercise his or her right of suffrage,” the poll body chief said.

Meanwhile, Megaworld

First Vice President Kevin Tan expressed support on the activity of the Comelec, particularly the mall voting project.

“With our world-class malls and facilities, we are more than ready to provide utmost convenience and ensure the safety of voters looking to exercise their right to vote,” he said.

Apart from Eastwood

Mall, Megaworld Corp. also offered to host voting centers in its townships such as McKinley Hill and Uptown Bonifacio in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Under the plan, the Comelec is looking to transfer 1 to 4 precincts with 800 to 900 registered voters in malls adjacent to a school in a city or municipality. (PNA)

While tapping the full participation of the communities, the DILG said this project has also become a good venue for collaboration as various local offices, councils and national government agencies have worked hand in hand in its implementation.

Having seen the project’s success in terms of collaboration, it was awarded the Most Collaborative Special Project conferred by the Development Academy of the Philippines on July 2015. Furthermore, five other municipalities in the province have also started to

replicate the project to enthuse barangay governments in making disaster preparedness a priority.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon lauded the DILG Provincial Office for initiating the search. She noted it as an effective tool in increasing level of awareness and participation of the communities towards disaster preparedness.

She likewise congratulated the awardee barangays, saying this is a testament of their good leadership.

“We really need to push aggressively our programs

for disaster preparedness not only within the community but down to the household level as disaster preparedness is our important thrust amidst the current changes in our climate.”

DILG Provincial Director Yvette T. Sunga said the project had not only measured the preparedness of the barangays but also assess the balance in the governance in the barangay level, particularly the Barangay Governance Performance Management System. By KL Deloso/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

tional Airport, had started and was completed in 2003.

In the letter to Secretary Rivera, the heirs pointed out that they inherited the property and that there is no document that would prove that the Bangoy couple turned over the ownership of the land to the government.

Mrs. Bangoy registered

the property on May 28, 1937 and the following year, she and her children secured a transfer certificate of title to them. They then subdivided the property into three, one of which covers the airport area in question.

According to Reta, the heirs are ready to take legal action, claiming to have “every

reason to take the option of seeking judicial intervention to remove any cloud over their title to the said property by reason of the occupancy thereof by the government without any legal basis and thereby reacquire the property, possession thereof, in addition to the compensation for the use thereof.” AMA

to service quality and professionalism. Accreditation plays an important role in the field of global competitiveness to gain the confidence of the international traveling community,” ADB program manager Kelly Bird said in a statement.

The assessment will target on the service, hospitality, efficiency, and food provided by the pilot hotels and resorts aide from focusing on the quality of facilities The accommodation establishments will also be grad-

ed according to their environmental practices, comparative review against international quality assurance systems, and overall guest experience from their arrival until their departure, it said. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Bautista... FROM 3

DO... FROM 4

Bangoys... FROM 6

Accommodation... FROM 6

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

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

Case No. 2010-XI-00236 REMEDIOS MORAS, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service on the route: SASA VIA R. CASTILLO with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 7, 2016. In the petition filed on November 3, 2015, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on NOVEMBER 24, 2015 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 3rd day of November 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

20 schools enter DCWD’s extempo speaking semis G

Globe board Okays cash dividend of P20.75/share

T

WENTY out of 72 schools that participated in Davao City Water District’s Extemporaneous Speaking Contest qualified for the semifinals based on the four-batch eliminations held on November 4 and 5 at Lispher Inn. The schools are Davao Central College, Brainworks School, Inc., St. Augustine International School, Erico T. Nograles National High School (NHS), Christian Colleges of Southeast Asia, Holy Child School of Davao Cabantian Campus, Holy Cross College of Calinan, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, University of the Immaculate Conception, Colegio de San Ignacio, Davao City NHS, Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus, Sto. Niño NHS, San Pedro College Basic Education Dept., Doña Carmen Denia NHS, Holy Child School of Davao Mintal Campus, Lamb of God SPED Academy, Gorgonio Tajo Sr. NHS, Daniel R. Aguinaldo NHS and Amigo School of Calinan, Inc. The contest, which is on its 15th year is part of the activities of DCWD, lead agency of the Water Consciousness Month celebration. This year’s theme is “Huwag Patalo sa El Niño, Tubig Tipirin

DCWD’S 15th Citywide Extemporaneous Speaking Contest. Based on the four-batch eliminations held on November 4 and 5, 20 schools qualify for the semis slated on November 20 at SM City Davao Annex.

Mo.” On November 20 at SM City Davao Annex, the 20 schools will see action in the semifinals wherein the top three speakers will be chosen to advance to the finals and answer a common question that will determine the best extemporaneous speaker

amongst all.

Among the other activities lined up throughout November are the 15th DCWD Goes to School Project in GSIS Heights Elementary School (ES) on the 13th, Mintal ES on the 18th and Teofilo Fernandez ES on the 25th; and the 21st On-the-Spot Poster Mak-

ing Contest to be participated in by 80 elementary students on the 27th.

The celebration of November as Water Consciousness Month in Davao City is based on Proclamation No. 12 issued by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on September 27, 2001. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

McDonald’s meal.

“Through the years, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola remain to be the classic go-to choice of Filipinos. We are proud and happy that customers grew up loving and sharing McDonald’s burgers, French fries, and Coca-Cola with their family and friends,” said McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang.

McDonald’s and Coca-Cola continue the tradition of spreading timeless happi-

ness to customers with the Coca-Cola Signature Glass Collection, which inspired by the evolution of the iconic Coca-Cola contour bottle.

There are six designs to collect, each is embossed with the Coca-Cola logo and is datestamped, representing the imagery and advertising of the following periods—1899, 1916, 1955, 1961, 1994, and 2015.

All glasses take the shape of the iconic contour bottle and

are offered in the Coca-Cola bottle’s original Georgia green color.

Collect all six designs only at McDonald’s via Dine-In, Drive-Thru, or McDelivery via 86-2-86, www.mcdelivery. com.ph, or the McDo PH app, all day, including breakfast hours. Share your collection at McDonald’s official Facebook page, www.facebook. com/mcdo.ph, or by tagging @ McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

McDonald’s launches 2015 Coca-Cola glasses

T

WO of the world’s most loved companies once again go hand-in-hand to serve more smiles and everyday happiness to customers through the 2015 Coca-Cola Glass Collection.

Now on the program’s 8th year, McDonald’s launches the 2015 Coca-Cola Glasses, available in all McDonald’s restaurants nationwide starting October 30. To collect the limited-edition glasses, customers simply have to add P29 to any

lobe Telecom said its board approved the declaration of a fourth quarter cash dividend of P20.75 per share for common shares following the strong financial performance in the January-September period.

The dividend will be paid to shareholders on record as of November 24, 2015, with payment date on December 4, 2015.

The aggregate fourth quarter cash dividend payment is aboutP2.75 billion and on an annualized basis, represents about 76 percent of2014 core net income, said newly-appointed Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal, previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

“This brings year-to-date total shareholder return to 35.4 percent, with dividend yield estimated at 3.6 percent based on the closing share price of P2,280/share as of October 30,2015, representing a share price appreciation of 31.8 percent” Larrazabal said in a statement.

Globe Telecom generated in the January to September period fresh record revenues of P83.4 billion, 15 percent higher than the P72.7 billion reported a year ago, due to the strong growth of data across all segments and the consolidation of the results of Bayan Telecommunications in the third quarter of the year. The company’s remarkable growth also drew support from sus-

tained customer increases on both mobile and broadband and the rising demand for mobile data, driven by products and services that cater to the growing demand for quality digital content. Net of Bayan’s revenues, Globe Telecom’s consolidated service revenues of P82.0 billion were still up a solid 13 percent from the same period last year.

Globe also reported it booked a net profit of P14.1 billion in the nine months to September, 34 percent higher against the net profit reported in the same period last year while core net profit reached P12.7 billion a 10 percent jump from the P11.6 billion reported in same period of 2014.

Excluding Bayan’s third quarter results, Globe Telecom’s net profit and core net profit as of end-September of 2015 still grew robustly by 31 percent and 9 percent, respectively, from the same period in 2014.

The board of directors of Globe also approved the declaration of cash dividend for holders of voting preferred shares. The dividend is also payable on December 4, 2015, for shareholders on record as of November 24, 2015. The amount of cash dividend will be based on the average 30day PDST-R2 as computed by the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEX) plus 2 percent. The aggregate dividend payment for the voting preferred shares is about P33 million.

Sun Cellular offers discounts to Takatack online shoppers

S

UN Cellular’s prepaid subscribers are in for a treat. By simply making text inquiries or subscribing to a promo via Sun’s easy-access menu, they will get a P400 discount when they shop at Takatack, the country’s largest online marketplace.

There are two easy steps to get discounts under the Sun Cares Shopping Spree promo. First, you must register for free by texting SUNCARES <space> FULL NAME/ COMPLETE ADDRESS to 6771 (Example: SUNCARES PAT SY/123 Apple St., Makati City) Then you should complete either of the following self-care transactions: a) Text SUNSAGOT PREPAID to 1200 for free, and complete 5 transactions. Sun Sagot is a 24/7 text hotline that responds to inquiries on Sun’s products and services.

OR b) Subscribe to any Sun promo by calling *247#. This is an easy-access menu that lets subscribers browse through various Sun of-

fers and customer service transactions.

Within 24 hours, you will receive a discount coupon code via SMS. You can use this code to avail of a P400 discount when you make a minimum purchase of P1,000 at www.takatack.com. Get that dress, accessory, or gadget at P400 off!

The Sun Cares Shopping Spree promo runs until January 31, 2016.

“To serve our customers better, Sun has launched services that allow them to complete various aftersales transactions easily, quickly, and at no cost. With just a few clicks, they can get answers to their inquiries and learn about our promos and services,” said Smart customer support innovation head Maricris Crisostomo.

“On top of these innovations, we have also launched several rewards programs and promos as a way of thanking customers for their continued trust in our services,” she added.

For more information, please visit suncellular.com. ph/suncares or text SUNCARES to 1200 for free.

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

Advertise with Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

13 MOTORING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

TIGHT CONTEST

Search for 2015 PH’s Car of the Year enters final stages

A

NOTHER 19 vehicles went through the Car Awards Group, Inc.’s (CAGI) testfest last October 27, 2015 at the Fontana Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. This third testing day brought the award giving body one-step closer in the search for the 2015 Car of the Year – Philippines (COTY – P) and Truck of Year Philippines (TOTY – P).

As per procedure, all entries were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative tests. Qualitative testing have CAGI members rate each vehicle according to criteria such as design, fit and finish, ergonomics, comfort, and driving dynamics. The Quantitative tests, on the other hand, are conducted by the CAGI Technical Team to measure the vehicle’s performance on a safe closed track.

VBox is internationally recognized as a quality standard in automotive testing.

Adding to the list of entries were nominees from Chevrolet, Ford, Haima, Kia, Isuzu, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata, and Volkswagen.

Freshly launched earlier in the month, the all-new Trax is Chevrolet’s lone entry this year. Meanwhile, returning for another day of testing were Ford with the all-new Mustang 5.0 V8 Premium; and Haima with the Haima 2 1.5 GLS C-Sport MT. Kia’s entry-list consisted of the

Sorrento, Carnival, and the Forte in sedan, hatchback, and coupe forms.

Isuzu entered the updated Mu-X and D-Max that now has a more powerful 3.0 VGS engine, while Subaru is vying for a win with the WRX 2.0 MT, Legacy 2.5i S, and Outback. Suzuki and Tata also

made a second appearance at the testfest with the Celerio GL MT, and Xenon 4x2 MT, respectively. Finally, Volkswagen’s nominees are the Polo Hatch and Golf GTI. “CAGI is overwhelmed by the number of cars available for testing from the car manufacturers and distribu-

tors. If you plan to buy a car soon, the COTY Awards on November 13 will identify the best car available on a category and overall basis.

And if you already bought a car, the COTY Awards will tell you if you already chose the best” said Robby Consunji, president of the Car Awards

Group, Inc. With these entries, the number of vehicles vying for the coveted awards has now reached 63 nominees. CAGI has also scheduled an extra testing day to accommodate the sheer number of entries this year before the awards night on November 13.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

VIC, THE VICIOUS Saludar gets world title shot against Japanese foe

W

BO Asia-Pacific minimumweight champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar of South Cotabato is headed for a coveted world title shot this December against Japanese phenom and WBO minimumweight champion Kosei Tanaka.

Philboxing editor Dong Secuya had previously reported during his coverage of the 28th WBO convention held in Florida that during the Ratings Committee discussions, it was announced that Saludar is set to for his title challenge on December 31 in Nagoya.

The 25 year old Saludar (11 W (9KO’s)-1L) captured his WBO regional belt by TKO in the first round against Rizky Pratama of Indonesia last September 9. He was an amateur standout and a bronze medalist in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Tanaka (5-0, 2KO’s) set a new Japanese record for the fewest fights to win the Oriental title when he beat Ryuji Hara last year for the OPBF minimumweight crown. He would go on to set another Japan record – the shortest route to a world title – when he acquired the vacant WBO 105 lb division title by beating Mexican Julian Yedras by

held in Subic. Bornea, who is a former bronze medalist in the World Youth Championships, edged Tanaka, 15-13, in their light flyweight match.

Bornea is also presently fighting as a professional but

he has not yet reached the same lofty heights as Tanaka.

Saludar is trained by Benny dela Peña, who had a string of success in Japan when he was the trainer of Jess Maca, who held the

OPBF bantamweight title in 1998 to 2002 and registered a series of title defenses in the Land of the Rising Sun. Dela Peña has also handled current fighters like Jun Doliguez, Drian Francisco and Al Sabaupan.

Saludar had his pro debut in a Pinoy Pride event held at the Solaire Resort and Casino in 2013. Saludar beat Juanito Hondante by first round TKO on the undercard of Merlito Sabillo’s successful WBO minimumwieght title defense against Colombian Jorle Estrada. Sabillo would lose to Mexican Francisco Rodriguez, who would vacate the title.

Katsunari Takayama of Japan would win the vacant crown but the title was vacated again this year paving the way for Tanaka’s historic win.

Last July, Saludar fought on another Pinoy Pride undercard in Cebu City and he stopped Michael Kaibigan in four rounds (top photo).

This fight card was headlined

by Donnie Nietes retaining his WBO light flyweight title against Francisco Rodriguez.

Saludar’s only loss was in his third pro fight when he injured his hand against Powell Balaba in Cagayan de Oro City.

ORMER International Boxing Federation (IBF) Youth super flyweight champion Aston “Mighty” Palicte will take on ex-WBO Oriental light flyweight champion Vergilio “Maton” Silvano in the main event of Tibay ng Pinoy XI on November 13 at 4 p.m. at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig.

“Palicte and Silvano will fight for 12 rounds and at stake will be the vacant WBO Oriental super flyweight title,” said matchmaker-promoter Joven Jimenez of the MP Promotions USA.

Palicte, 24, is regarded as one of the most promising fighters of the MP Gym in Davao City under eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao’s assistant trainer Raides “Nonoy” Neri.

Palicte has a record of 17 knockouts in 19 wins with only one loss. Palicte, a native of Bago City, Negros Occidental previously won a 4th round technical knockout against Fernando Ocon last Aug. 14 at the SM City Davao.

Silvano, 25, also has an impressive record of 20-51 with 12 knockouts. The

southpaw from Omega Gym in Cebu won the vacant WBO Oriental light flyweight title with a unanimous 12-round decision over Jetly Purisima of General Santos City on September 7, 2013 before dropping a twelve round decision to Katsunari Takayama in an IBF minimum weight title fight on December 3, 2013.

Silvano previously won by a 4th round stoppage over Ryan Tampus last Feb. 2, 2015 to capture the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) flyweight crown at the Dalaguete Sports Center in Cebu.

Pitted in the main supporting bout is a non-title fight between reigning WBC Asian Boxing Council and Philippine super lightweight champion Adones “Ironman” Cabalquinto (21-0-0) of Davao and Al “The Machine Gun” Rivera (13-2-0) of Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

A total of nine pairs will see action in the boxing promotion set to start at 4 p.m.

Admission is free to the public.

“As usual, libre na naman para sa lahat ng tao ang pa boxing ni Congressman Manny Pacquiao,” said Jimenez.

ILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin hopes to make do with the current once-a-week practice schedule of the national team that’s preparing for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next July.

While admitting he would’ve wanted more than the Monday-only practices, the Amreican-Kiwi mentor is content that that, at least,

they have a regular schedule for seven months before they finally have one month and a half straight of practices leading up to the tournament.

“Not as much as I would do with two-a-week and certainly not as much as I would do with ten-a-week,” Baldwin said when asked what he can achieve with the current setup. “But we’ll

take it.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with the guys,” he added. “All progress is important progress.

Although we will not be going at a rabbit’s pace forward, we’ll be something better than a snail’s pace.”

Baldwin said it depends on the pool members on how fast they will develop.

“Now, we’ve got them in

the gym and on the court,” the veteran internationalist said. “They are distracted and that’s only right and fair and it’s a high priority for them, but this is the compromise the PBA is making for Gilas and Gilas is making for the PBA and it’s fair.”

“We’re going to make the most of it,” he added. “There are a lot better scenarios, but we’ll take this one.”

TITLE SHOT. WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar of South Cotabato is headed for a coveted world title shot this December against Japanese phenom and WBO minimumweight champion Kosei Tanaka. unanimous decision last May in Aichi, Japan in only his fifth pro fight.

The 20 year old Tanaka will be making his first title defense.

It is a little known fact

that Tanaka saw action in the Philippines two years ago.

When he was an amateur, Tanaka lost to Jade Bornea in the finals of the the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships

Tibay ng Pinoy XI at Fort Bonifacio

F

YOUNG WINNER. Zeus Sara shows his trophy won during the recent Jun Canedo Golf Memorial tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Boy Lim

Baldwin to maximize training camp G

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

SPORTS 15

Spurs too strong for skidding Kings K

AWHI Leonard scored 24 points, Tim Duncan had 11 points and 14 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Sacramento Kings, 106-88, on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

The Spurs pulled away in the fourth quarter to win their second straight and fifth in six games since dropping their season-opener to Oklahoma City.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points and nine rebounds, Tony Parker had 13 points and the Spurs outscored the Kings 34-19 in the fourth quarter.

The Spurs shot 53 percent.

DeMarcus Cousins had 21 points and 12 rebounds in his return to the lineup but the Kings dropped their sixth straight game. Ex-Spur Marco Belinelli had 17 points, Omri Casspi had 16 and Rajon Ron-

do had nine points and 12 assists.

The Kings have used seven different starting lineups through eight games. Cousins (Achilles tendon strain) missed the previous four games, all losses.

With the scored tied at 55 in the third quarter, the Spurs ran off 11 straight points. But Cousins had 13 points and converted 9 of 12 free throws in the period, helping pull the Kings to within 72-69 going into the fourth.

Cousins picked up his first technical foul of the season with 13 seconds left in the first half. He was called for a personal foul, and on his way to the bench, he yelled an expletive at referee Ben Taylor.

San Antonio has defeated the Kings six straight and 25 of their last 27 meetings.

FADEAWAY. LaMarcus Aldridge has 16 points and nine rebounds, while DeMarcus Cousins comes up with 21 and 12. AP

ONE FINAL OLYMPIC STINT K

OBE Bryant sounds like someone who wants to play beyond this season — if only for a few months.

Bryant said on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) that he still wants to be part of the team that USA Basketball will send to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a tournament that theoretically could mark the end of his competitive basketball career if he retires at the conclusion of this NBA season. Bryant helped the US win gold at the 2008 Beijing Games and 2012 London Games.

“It would mean the world to me to be around those guys,” Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I think

to be able to have a chance to continue the relationship that I already have with most of those guys, talking and just kind of being around each other and understanding that this is it, it’s just us being together, that would be fun.”

Bryant is in his 20th season with the Lakers, and questions have been rampant for some time whether this NBA year will be his last. Bryant has suggested that he’s leaning in that direction, though has stopped short of making a true retirement announcement.

The notion of Bryant being on the Olympic team started being bandied about in earnest in August,

when USA Basket-

ball chairman Jerry Colangelo revealed that he had spoken with the five-time NBA champion — who previously said he wouldn’t play in Rio — about the potential of being on the team. The 12 players on the list for Rio is expected to be revealed in June.

“How I feel now is that I feel like I can add value from a leadership perspective and a defensive perspective,” Bryant said.

“I can still move extremely well defensively.”

Bryant will turn 38 two days after the gold-medal game in Rio. He has been on five different USA Basketball national teams, with those teams combining to go 36-0 in internation-

al competition. If he is picked for Rio, he and other veterans like LeBron James, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony would have a chance at becoming the first U.S. men to win Olympic basketball gold three times.

“I would like to play,” Bryant said. “I think it’d be awesome. A beautiful experience. I’m a global kid. I grew up in Italy, I know a lot of athletes from different parts of the world, from different sports. It’d be great to play in that environment.”

Bryant is the third-leading scorer in NBA history. He’s averaging 16.5 points per game so far this season, and he and the Lakers visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

16

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 161 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015