Edge Davao 8 Issue 195 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

THE GREEN CHAMPION Councilor Leo Avila leaves behind a rich legacy

Photo by Lean Daval Jr.

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

THE GREEN CHAMPION Councilor Leo Avila leaves behind a rich legacy By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

He will be remembered by his deeds done for the City and will fill a good space of this City’s rich political history

“W

HAT matters most is faith working through love. It is my wish to bring joy and happiness to people and to make great things happen, starting in Davao.” This was the belief of Davao City Council’s green champion, councilor Leonardo “Happy LA” Avila III, who passed away last week. Avila’s son Lester said the whole family willl really miss him especially during breakfast time. When his father was still alive, all members of the family were required to be at the table during breakfast because it was the only time of the day they could all be to-

gether. “Every day, no matter how hectic the schedule we had or how busy we were, he would always insist that we to join breakfast,” he said. “Kapag breakfast, kahit anong oras pa siyang umuwi or kahit anong oras kaming umuwi, even if we arrived home at dawn, we still need to wake up in the morning for the breakfast.” Lester said his father allocated time for the family even though his schedule as councilor was very hectic. He was a very loving, understanding, and supportive of his children. “He never dictated what he wanted for us to do. He always understood us and he was always there to guide us,” he said. Lester said before his father got sick, he was preparing for the 2016 local election to extend his public service to the people of Davao City. His father had a 10-year plan for his career as councilor and was thinking of more legislation needed to be enacted in the city. For Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte, Avila was a dedicated public servant and a loving father and husband. In his Facebook page, Paolo said as a city councilor, Avila enacted landmark ordinances and selflessly served the city the best way he can. “He will be remembered by his deeds done for the City and will fill a good space of this City’s rich political history,” he said. For Davao City third

district Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, Avila was a “workaholic” who was always committed to his job for the people. “He really worked hard and was committed to perform his duties as councilor,” Ungab told EDGE Davao in an interview. Ungab said Avila could wake up as early as 4:00 a.m. just to visit the environment conservation areas in the city. He said the late councilor did not concentrate on the first district and was part of environment issues all over the city. “I heard him once say that our service, especially environmental, do not end in the district that we serve,” Ungab said. For former vice Mayor Luis Bonguyan, Avila was one of the topnotch city councilors during his time. In an interview with EDGE Davao, Bonguyan said Avila passed many ordinances and resolutions that benefited the city. “Sayang si Leo, pwede pa unta siya maka-abot og vice mayor or congressman,” he said. IDIS (Interface Development Interventions),” IDIS executive director Mary Ann Fuertes said Avila was a passionate, approachable, and studious man whose presence made the job of environment advocates easier. Fuerte said Avila was a strong partner of IDIS in its advocacies for the preservation and protection of the environment. “He was one of city’s first champions for a greener Davao. At a time when environmental issues did not yet figure prominently in the lens

of our city’s policymakers, he set the tone and agenda for the City Council to look into protecting our watersheds as a way of ensuring a greener future for Davao City,” she added. IDIS Board of Trustee and environmental lawyer Mon Salas underscored the importance of the legislation that Avila pushed to ensure that the environment will be protected. “Leo has been a good partner of environment CSOs pushing for a sustainable Davao City. While he faced challenges and resorted to compromises, Leo strongly worked to make Davao as green as possible through the ordinances he advocated in the City Council. These local laws will be his lasting legacies,” Salas said. IDIS Advocacy Coordinator Chinkie Pelino said before his illness, Avila was working with IDIS on the formulation of the Environment Code of Davao City. “We have always admired his positive outlook in dealing with various environmental issues and concerns. Even in the face of serious environmental threats, sir Leo always reminded us to be calm and positive. He may have passed away but the environmental work goes on. We will help finish the Environment Code in his honor,” Pelino said. For Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) board member and senatorial aspirant Risa Hontiveros, Avila was a strong ally especially on the issue of environment. She said Avila was an inspiration to the Akbayan party when he

became a member because of his advocacy. According to the official Davao City website (davaocity. gov.ph), Avila left a rich legacy of legislations addressing the environment and welfare concerns of the city. One of his legislation was the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code in 1994, the first in the country which later served as the model for similar legislation in other local government units. For this contribution, he was cited in the 2001 Institutionalizing Child-Friendly Governance, a GalingPook Foundation’s annual recognition for exemplary local governance projects. The website says Avila pushed for the ban of aerial spraying as an agricultural practice; the protection of Davao’s rich marine life and the livelihood of the fisherfolks through the fisheries code and the marine protected area ordinance; the maximization of the city’s natural resources through the rainwater ordinance and the watershed code; and ensuring a healthy environment through the solid waste management, the septage and sewage management and the anti-smoke belching ordinances. He capped his last semester as a Councilor by bringing to the last phase of the legislative process the following ordinances: the Elderly Welfare Code, and the Organic Agriculture Ordinance. His death has challenged many advocates to continue his work as he himself believed much needed to be done to make this city – and the world – a better place.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

CHRISTMAS GREETING. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte extends his warm Christmas greetings to thousands of Dabawenyos who attended his annual Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan in Taal, Bangkal on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Suspect killed AFP to NPA: Honor ceasefire in drug buy-bust By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

35-YEAR-OLD suspect was killed in a shootout after he resisted arrest in a buy-bust operation 10 a.m. on Thursday at Sun City in Panacan, Davao City. The suspect was identified as Manuel Rey “Dogie” T. Apolinares, a resident of Bolinao Site, Km. 12, Sasa, this city. The Sasa Police Station conducted an intel operation upon receiving a report from an informant to validate the suspect’s illegal drug transactions. A buy-bust operation was then set up earlier at the Old Airport in Sasa, but Apolinares later moved the supposed transaction to Sun City.

When he found out that he was transacting to a poseur buyer, he immediately drew his gun and fired at the arresting authorities, which prompted them to retaliate and fire back at the suspect, killing him immediately. Police recovered from the suspect’s possession the buy-bust money worth P500, two medium-sized sachets containing shabu, four yellow and green lighters, color green sling bag, three pieces rolled aluminum foil, and a caliber .38 revolver with two cartridges and three bullets. The remains of the suspects were brought to Rivera Funeral Homes. Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called on the New People’s Army (NPA) to abide by the ceasefire declared by both sides for the holidays. This after the harassment perpetrated by the NPA against two military detachments and a community security patrol on December 23. In a statement, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said the NPA harassed a military detachment in Bitaugan, San Miguel,

1&2 was also bombed. “The tower was damaged but did not topple,” Capulong said. She said these were the 14th and 15th towers attacked for this year. Capulong said the toppling of tower 25 led to the isolation of government-owned generating facilities, the Agus 1 & 2 Hydro Electric Plants. “As a result, 58MW was lost from the grid, aggravating the existing power shortage in Mindanao,” she said. Capulong said the NGCP is calling on the public to report any suspicious activities at or around its facilities to prevent further bombing-related power interruptions. On December 23, tow-

F2 NGCP, 12

Surigao del Sur around 9:20 a.m. and another detachment in White Kulaman, Bukidnon at 6:15 p.m. After the detachments, the NPA attacked soldiers who were on community security patrol in Sumimao, Paquibato District. “These attacks happened as the EastMinCom suspended its deliberate offensive operations in adherence to the 12-day Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO),” the statement said.

It said that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Tuesday last week declared a ceasefire beginning 12:01 am of December 23, 2015, up to 11:59 pm of January 3, 2016. “With the ceasefire declaration, the CPP has directed all NPA units and militias to refrain from conducting offensive operations against the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. On the

other hand, the government declared the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the NPA for the same period as the NPA ceasefire,” the EastMinCom said. It said the latest harassments during the holiday season “only indicates that the CPP leadership has no control over the NPA.” “These attacks also show that the NPA cannot be trusted to fulfill its commitments,” the EastMinCom statement said.

es chased the attackers in the mountains of adjoining towns of Esperanza and Abdullah Sangki. Four firearms of slain bandits were recovered by pursuing forces. Army bomb disposal teams also defused four improvised bombs left by BIFF in and around the area where the civilians were killed. Lt. Colonel Ricky Bunayog, 33rd Infantry Battalion Commander, said about 300 men carried the attacks and are now the subject of massive manhunt. “We already warned the civilians in areas identified to be vulnerable to BIFF atrocities, I hope they will cooperate with the security sectors,” Petinglay told Radio DXMS-AM. Almost simultaneously, separate band of BIFF attacked Barangay Simsiman, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Christmas Eve. Led by Commander

Alamada Abonawas, the BIFF fired a rifle grenade toward the house of Robert Lerado, village councilman of Barangay Simsiman, killing him on the spot, raising the death toll to 13, nine civilians and four BIFF. After attacking villages in the borders of Maguidnanao and Sultan Kudarat, the BIFF also stormed the village of Malagakit, also in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, firing at a Catholic chapel where a midnight mass was on going. Churchgoers scampered for safety but nobody was hurt. Also on December 24, at about 9 p.m. another group of BIFF stormed a detachment of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao. No casualty was reported. Colonel Bunayog said government forces had difficulty retrieving the remains of slain

farmers due to improvised bombs planted by BIFF before fleeing. “One of the field commanders of the BIFF was killed that is why they were so brutal on civilians,” Bunayog said. Bunayog said the fatalities were all civilian farmers and not para-military troops as claimed by the BIFF. Capt. Petinglay assured the national highways linking Cotabato City to Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City to Davao remained passable and safe. Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chief government peace negotiator, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the families of the slain civilians. “We commiserate with the families of the nine civilians who were summarily executed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in separate incidents over the

Army hunts down BIFF in rampage that killed 13

2 NGCP towers T in NC, LS bombed WO transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) were bombed on Christmas Eve by still unidentified men. NGCP Southern Mindanao regional corporate communications head Milfrance Capulong said the transmission lines in Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato were bombed by “lawless groups” on December 24. Capulong said tower 25 located in Gandamatu, Ramain, Lanao del Sur along NGCP’s Agus2-Kibawe 138 KV line was bombed at 10:47 p.m. After 15 minutes, tower 95 located in the vicinity of Barangay Aroman, Carmen, North Cotabato along NGCP’s Kibawe-Kabacan 138 KV lines

abf@edgedavao.net

HE military here has condemned the atrocities carried out by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in three areas in Central Mindanao on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day even as it vowed to intensify manhunt against the bandits. Capt. Joanne Petinglay, spokesperson of 6th Infantry Division, said pursuit operations against the bandits would continue. She also appealed to citizens to help authorities thwart destabilization attempts. On Thursday, about 300 BIFF members simultaneously attacked villages in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and three communities in Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao, killing eight civilians they took as hostages when government forces responded. Four BIFF rebels were also killed when government forc-

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

Trooper shot dead in Sulu A

STILL unidentified motorcycle-riding gunman shot and killed a trooper in Jolo town, Sulu Christmas Day morning. Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said the shooting transpired at 9:30 a.m. at Barangay Asturias, Jolo. He identified the fatality as Private Bryan Sanoy. Witnesses said the

victim was walking in the area when a motorcycle rider, aboard a black Honda XRM, shot him twice, hitting Sanoy in the neck and chest. The suspect immediately fled while bystanders rushed Sanoy to the Sulu Provincial Hospital where he died upon arrival. Investigators are still determining the motive for this fatal attack. (PNA)

HEALTH TIPS. Department of Health (DOH) 11 director Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. and Davao City councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte share tips for healthier and safer holidays during last Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

DOH director: Use party horns, not firecrackers

SE party horns, not firecrackers, the regional director of the Department of Health as he supported calls to implement a nationwide ban on firecrackers to avoid deaths and injuries during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. “I strongly agree kasi marami na ang napinsala nito. Ilang daan ang namatay, ilang libo na rin ang nagkaroon ng kapansanan, ilang pamilya na ang nawalan ng magulang, at ilang na naputolan ng kamay” (because so many people have suffered from firecracker blasts. Several hundreds have died, thousands have suffered injuries, several families have lost parents and several have had fingers or hands cut off), Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., DOH 11 told the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City early this week. Records from the DOH 11 show that the number of firecacker-related injuries in the region comprising the three four Davao provinces (del Norte, del Sur, Oriental and Occcidental) and Compostela Valley reached 139 from December 2014 to January 2015.

Most of these cases were reported in Davao del Norte with 71, followed by Davao del Sur with 31, Davao Oriental with 27, and Compostela Valley with eight. Davao City, where there is an existing firecracker ban since 2001 recorded two cases. The City Ordinance banning the firecrackers was passed in 2002 but Mayor Rodrigo ordered to stop the selling, using, and manufacturing of firecrackers in 2001. Dumama said they are campaigning for use of alternative means of celebrating the New Year through party horns, drums and other means to avoid injuries or death. Earlier, Duterte, the Presidential bet of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban) said he would work for a replication of the city’s landmark ordinances on a national level if he is elected President. Among these ordinances are the ban on firecrackers and firing of guns during Christmas and New Year, the ban on smoking, the imposition of speed limit and curfew for minors. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 5

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

Poe confident of SC’s action on DQ case I

NDEPENDENT presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe on Saturday expressed confidence that the Supreme Court (SC) would decide in favor of genuine democratic elections that allow foundlings like her to run once it sees the evidence to be presented by her camp. Poe, whose certificate of candidacy (COC) was cancelled by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) during

the holiday break, said she trusts the High Tribunal to act swiftly on the petition that her legal team would submit after Christmas. Poe’s lawyer George Garcia has announced that he will file a petition challenging the COMELEC ruling on Monday, Dec. 28. “We are confident that, giving due consideration to the strong evidence, jurisprudence and pertinent

principles and precepts, the Justices will uphold our cause and the right of the people to a genuine choice in the elections,” Poe said. The SC will be on recess until Jan. 10 but under Rule 7, Section 7 of the SC Internal Rules, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is empowered to act on urgent cases and issue temporary restraining orders (TROs) or status quo ante orders (SQA-

Os) without holding a session of the justices. Such reliefs, however, must be confirmed by the majority of the justices when sessions resume, which is on Jan. 11 for the divisions and Jan. 12 for the full court. “I assure everyone that I am still a candidate for president. Let us fight for genuine democratic elections, where Filipinos are allowed to choose their leaders. The am-

RESCUE. A teenager is pulled out by Central 911 rescuer personnel from a sea of people after she fainted due to exhaustion and long exposure to the heat of the sun during the Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan in Taal, Bangkal on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

bitions of a few should never be allowed to subvert the will of the majority,” Poe said. The COMELEC en banc decided to grant the four petitions seeking to remove Poe from the presidential race on Dec. 23, or after government has taken a break for the Christmas holidays. Following the promulgation, Poe’s camp has only five days to seek relief from the SC.

The COMELEC, however, said that Poe’s name will remain on the ballot. Chief Justice Sereno has earlier told media that she does not see the election-related cases as just a contest for 2016, saying the impact of the High Court’s decision will have long-term consequences for the country and will gauge the Philippines’ ability to be a modern democracy. (PNA)

AYOR Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar urged the public to remain vigilant in light of continuing threats from lawless elements. Salazar also urged the police and military authorities to never let their guards down to ensure protection of this city. Salazar’s call came after Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro, local police director, publicly presented earlier the report of the National Intelligence Board – Special Monitoring Committee placing this city along with other cities under threat level III. Casimiro said threat level III is classified as high terrorism threat level due to persistent reports suggesting presence of the Abu Sayyaf

Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to launch bombing attacks and engage in kidnap for ransom activities. Salazar has maintained her support for tighter and heightened security in this city to prevent any eventualities especially during the Yuletide season. “It is best for us to be always safe than sorry, and to be always on the alert,” she said. Salazar emphasized that civilians have to continue to support and cooperate with the authorities by providing timely security-related information. She said the public can be

Zambo mayor calls for public vigilance M

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EDGEDAVAO

8 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

Power market study to be finished By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE second phase of the study on establishing a regional power market and interconnections among member countries Asean Region is expected to be completed in two to three years. “The Phase II of the study will focus on the technical visibility of establishing the Asean Power Grid (APG),”said Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) director for promotions, investments and public affairs. Montenegro said the next study will also look on the

viability of the cross boarder interconnection under the existing regulatory framework. The interconnection and creation of a single power market is part of the overall APG blueprint. The APG is the flagship program mandated in 1997 by the Asean Heads of States and Governments under the Asean Vision 2020. The APG aims to facilitate cross-border power purchase and exchange within the region and optimization of usage of diverse energy resources in

IVEN the advantages of the Philippines as an archipelago, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is pushing for plans to cement the country as a preferred cruise destination to further generate revenues. “We have always maintained that the Philippines has very strong potential in cruise tourism considering we are an archipelago. We can be a cruise destination and not only a port of call as what we are (currently) seeing,” DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. told reporters in an interview. Bengzon estimated that a cruise ship with 2,000 passengers would generate USD 250,000 in revenues but a turnaround ship of the same volume would generate as much as USD 1.2 million. “What we want is for

cruise passengers from long haul destinations to fly into Manila, board the ship here, sail in Southeast Asian waters and fly out in another destinations if it’s an open jaw itinerary,” he added. Bengzon further said that it would be even better if the same passengers fly into Manila, board a ship, sail Southeast Asian waters, return to Manila and then fly back home in a closed jaw itinerary. “As you can imagine, we are able to generate more benefits if it were a closed jaw itinerary,” the DOT official pointed out. He, however, said that for the plan to work, factors such as efforts to upgrade the country’s ports in Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic and Boracay to satisfy the minimum requirements of bigger ships should

DOT to cement Phl as cruise destination G

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Filinvest launches new house model in Tagum

ILINVEST Land Inc., through Filinvest Homes Tagum launches Amber Duplex model unit in its continuing response to the evolving housing needs of modern Filipinos who dream to provide a home for their families. During the launching of the model unit on Saturday, FLI Southmin top officials formally introduced Amber Duplex house model which is envisioned to make townhouse living an attractive and affordable residential option for starting families and young earners. There are 50 Amber units to be offered in Filinvest Homes Tagum just 1.5 km from the city proper. It is a Spanish Mediterranean-inspired community that sits on an 8-hectare property. FLI Southmin area general manager, Geraldine Marie De Gorostiza said that Filinvest Homes Tagum boasts of complete utilities and amenities such as elevated water tank with water filtration system,

adult and kiddie swimming pool with pool deck, fountain, shower area, clubhouse, basketball court, fully landscaped open spaces, pathwalks, and perimeter fence. The Amber unit is a two-bedroom, two-storey duplex model with a floor area of 40 square meters on a typical lot size of 66 square meters. The prices of the two models range from P1.3 to P1.5 million. Designed with residents’ needs and budget in mind, Amber is not only truly worth their hard-earned money, but are also the perfect place to jumpstart their own future. Filinvest has ensured that houses are constructed in line with the highest standards. FLI also highlights the “Buhos-Tibay” seal, a mark unique in projects in building dream homes. Houses with this seal feature the “Buhos-Tibay”construction process, which makes use of reinforced concrete instead of pre-fabricated materials to build homes.

the region, among others. The setting up of the APG and one shared power market is part of the Asean Interconnection Master-plan Study (AIMS), which aims “to identify possible interconections between Asean countries. The rich and diverse energy sources both renewable and non renewable energy in the Asean region would enable the individual member countries strengthen economic resilience as the demand rises and the supply continually depletes.

Montenegro said initial interconnections were already identified in the first phase of the study which was completed in 2003. So far, Montenegro said member countries of the Asean region are already interconnected but have no power market. “Only Singapore and Philippines have a power market which is targeted to be replicated in the Asean,” he said. However, the Philippines need to be interconnected perhaps through Malaysia via Mindanao, Montenegro

explained. He, however, emphasized that Mindanao should be interconnected with the Luzon-Visayas grid before it can have interconnection with other Asean member nations. Existing regulatory policies of each nation, he said, should be revisited to allow regional interconnection. For instance, he said there is no existing provision yet under Philippines’ Electric Power Industry Regulatory Act (EPIRA) that would allow interconnection with other Asean nations.

Meanwhile, representatives from different energy ministries from different member countries convened for a training organized by the Asian Development Bank dubbed “Building Capacity for Enhance Connectivity in Southeast Asia through Regional Market and Cross-border Interconnection Training” in line with the efforts of pushing the regional interconnection last November 29 to December 4. Montenegro was one of the 30 delegates from the Asean countries.

FRUITY HOLIDAY. A vendor at Agdao Public Market arranges his display of fruits on Christmas Day. Fruits are in demand during Christmas season as they are now part of every Filipinos’ Noche Buena and Media Noche. Lean Daval Jr.

Economic managers: Phl’s‘15 fiscal health remains in check E

CONOMIC managers are confident that the Philippine economy will remain strong since the government has put in place reforms that ensure continued improvement in fiscal health. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said the continued improvement of the government’s fiscal health is a key in ensuring a solid-paced growth for the Philippine economy. ”We have put in place reforms that will ensure improvements that will benefit the country not only within the Aquino administration but the succeeding ones. We are confident that economic growth will remain strong because of these initiatives,” he added. The Philippine economy felt the negative external economic development when it posted a decelerated growth during the first quarter of 2015. Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), slowed to five percent after re-

covering to 6.6 percent in the previous quarter. Aside from lower exports due to weaker demand from trading partners, the lower-than-programmed government spending also dragged domestic expansion. Thus, the government vowed to revive the economy through higher spending, especially on necessary infrastructure, which is a surefire boost to the domestic economy’s growth. Revenues continue to rise from year-ago levels as tax collection agencies Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) stepped up their efforts to address previous collection failures. This even as continued decline of prices of oil in the international market remain a hindrance for the BOC, in particular. Earlier, Customs Commissioner Bert Lina said they were directly hit by the drop in the price of oil in international market since oil taxes account

for about 30 percent of the agency’s collections. The agency has lost about Php 50-75 billion in revenues to date due to decline in oil prices, he said. BOC has a Php 436.5-billion collection goal this year and as of end-October, its revenues reached Php 300.7 billion, a slight improvement from the Php 299.9 billion it registered same period in 2014. On the part of the BIR, the agency’s end-October collections grew eight percent yearon-year to Php 1.19 trillion. It has a Php 1.674-trillion revenue target for this year. Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares has admitted that the bureau’s revenue goal is somewhat hard to achieve but vowed to continue implementing reforms to address tax evasion, among others, in a bid to continue the sustained rise in the agency’s revenues. Following the threestraight months of posting budget gaps in the first quar-

ter of the year, the government registered a surplus last April amounting to Php 52.6 billion as revenues exceeded expenditures on back of reforms to make revenue collection more efficient. With higher revenues comes improved ability to spend due to the fact that funds are available. Thus, the government revived its spending program as noted in June, July, September and October fiscal reports. As of end-October this year, government expenditures totaled to Php 1.82 trillion, higher than the Php 1.77 trillion revenues during the same period the previous year, resulting in a Php 52.57-billion deficit. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said ensuring robust revenue performance was the key in the government’s future fiscal health. He said the sustained rise of revenue collections since a few years back should be continued for the government

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DOT eyes to boost Phl air connectivity B ESIDES continued air talks, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is counting on its hosting of an international aviation event in March next year to boost air connectivity in the Philippines. The Philippines will pay host to Routes Asia 2016, an aviation event that gathers all aviation-based companies who wish to conduct business to, from and within the region. It also brings together a range of airlines, airports and tourism authorities, including some of the largest carriers from the whole Asian region. The aviation event is slated to be held March 6 to 8, 2016. DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. told reporters in an interview that the event was vital to helping the country acquire additional frequencies on existing and new routes. Bengzon said that DOT was also looking at contracting a consulting firm to put together a data base on aviation that can be used to evaluate where the demand is and determine city pairing and what the underserved routes are. He further said that the aviation data would help the department in crafting an enhanced aviation strategy for the Philippines. “We need air connectivity more than any other country in Southeast Asia,” Bengzon said, noting that the Philippines did not enjoy the same cross border advantage as its neighboring countries Thai-

land, Malaysia and Singapore. “Out of 4.8-million foreign visitors last year, 99 percent took planes. This is why air connectivity is important,” he added. Bengzon further said that the dependence of Philippines in air connectivity was also the reason why the government adopted a “more civilized” aviation policy than the nine other ASEAN member states. “This is why we have stepped up our bilateral air negotiations. We want air talks to be focused on countries that have been identified as priorities in the Philippines,” Bengzon said. “When you talk about air talks, you look at interest of country in terms of tourism, in terms of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and in terms of investment. What we want is to where the demand is coming from,” he added. The DOT official also pointed out that conducting air talks was a deliberate process that involved determining which countries will give the Philippines more opportunities. “We need to know what the opportunity markets are. There’s no point in doing air talks if the document will just gather dust,” Bengzon said. Hosted airline program DOT is currently looking at including for the first time a hosted airline program which has not yet been done in previ-

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IPC presents leading ICT industry trends for 2016

OCAL cloud services and data center firm IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) has recently announced the top trends in the Philippine ICT industry for the year 2016. The leading shifts include increased use of hybrid cloud services, more innovative IT enterprises, and better government support for the IT sector. IPC president Rene Huergas first shared that enterprises across Asia are fast adopting cloud services, with a preference for hybrid cloud models. The trend is rooted on the perception that the public cloud does not suit needs specific to Asian companies, steering the demand towards private cloud services. The current hybrid model involves storing all mission critical data in the private cloud, while non-mission critical data are stored into the public counterpart. According to Frost & Sullivan more than half of Asian Enterprises intend to adopt hybrid cloud solutions in 2016, thus, stirring its growth rate by 20% from 2014 to 2019. This translates to a market value of $25.7bn up to $65.2bn in 2019. “The Philippines ranks as the 33rd most attacked country in the world. A hybrid cloud, one that also includes a DDoS mitigation system, will best respond to the ICT demands of an Asian enterprise,” Huergas recommended. Year 2016 will see a more

dynamic IT business sector in the Philippines. Earlier this year, IPC launched the Enterprise Sachet model as part of its thrust to enable startups and SMEs to manage the cost of IT resources, given the growing adoption of IT to automate and streamline business operations. It is a pay-as-you-go model that allows companies to make use of business productivity tools and compute resources on-demand and pay only for what is required at any given point in time, via online payment. “IT businesses in the country are beginning to introduce great ideas, cloud-based or otherwise, to the market. Huergas said this “points to an industry that has the right values that will allow it to survive in a very competitive arena.” With today’s boom in personal and enterprise mobility, application development is at an all-time high. The Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) recently noted that software export sales have been growing at 31% over the years. This increase represents tremendous opportunity to drive demand for application server infrastructure as well. Huergas stressed that IPC ensures that it is able to support this growth through the availability of physical and virtual infrastructure and

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EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 9

CAPTIVE CROWD. A popsicle vendor takes advantage of the large number of people who gathered during the annual Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan in Taal, Bangkal on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

P1B needed to develop Samal, Talikud tourism By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE development of the tourism industry in Samal and Talikud Island as destination would initially need approximately P500 million to P1 billion in investment. “This would include investments on necessary services like renewable energy for power, potable water supply, waste water management, port facilities and roads,” Alfred Allaga, partnership advisor of the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) told reporters. He said the estimation was bared in the investment portfolio and the tourism circuit plan that zero in on the needs and challenges of the tourism industry of Talikud Island. Among the challenges under the plan was the lack of basic services that are needed by

the tourism industry of Talikud to become competitive. The absence of potable water and power supply prohibit more investors from coming in and developing tourism related establishments like resorts and accommodation units. “As soon as we address this requirements for a tourism destination we’re looking at more investors to really open up in Talikud Island,” he said, adding that most the land in Talikud were already acquired and owners are just waiting for services to be available. A team has been formulated for the investment promotions of Talikud Island and Samal Island, which is a priority of the LGSP-LED. Davao del Norte provincial tourism officer Noel Daquiaog said a German firm already expressed interest in developing

a solar powered energy project in Talikud Island. There were also local investors looking on pouring investments on necessary facilities for the development of tourism industry of the two islands. Meanwhile, the two-year LGSP-LED, funded through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), was designed to work on tourism since, as a service-based industry, tourism has high potential for producing a significant volume of jobs. In the whole country, partners of LGSP-LED include LGU Alliances in Pangasinan, Metro Naga, Bohol, Northwest Leyte, Zamboanga Del Norte, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. Provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Guimaras, Iloilo, Palawan, Aklan, Antique, Negros Occiden-

tal, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, and Davao Del Norte are also LGSP-LED project sites. Most of these sites are tourism development areas LGSP-LED website said “LGUs recorded an average of 19% increase in tourist arrivals between 2013 and 2015, reaffirming that these local communities are desirable places to invest in. There are also up to 3000 new business registrations in these sites, with an average of 196% increase compared to 2013 data.”

“we still have to find out if it will be accepted in the market”. “Definitely there will be a change in the taste,” he added. While they teamed up with the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in developing such variety, Antig said it takes several years and the process will take 10 to 15 years before it can be released to the market. He said there were PBGEA member-companies that undertake Research and Development costing to some Php 200 million for the development of Panama disease management program. It includes set of packages. He disclosed that in 2016 it will already be

on stage 3 of the set of packages. In fact, Antig said they were in the process of conducting a study on the Development of an Integrated Management Program of Fusarium Wilt Diseases affecting Cavendish banana in their laboratory in Lapoy, Mandug, this city. He said a field trial area of about 10 hectares is covered for the study. Antig also voiced concern over prospect of sustaining their market. “We are losing our market” considering that other countries Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mayanmar, Cambodia have been aggressive in their production and also selling their produce to their main market - China and Japan. Ecuador and other Latin American countries, he said were also competing with

their market. He said they foresee a banana world war in the market and a big disadvantage since production cost is much higher than their competitors. In 2014, the banana export volume in boxes reached 90,147,480 from January to September and decreased to 85,324,491 for the same period this year. Antig also voiced concern on the possible impact of El Nino, which the Philippines Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) pronounced would extend until June 2016. “If farms are hit by this weather pattern its effect will be felt three months after that is until September of next year thus making it harder for the industry to recover,” he

The program aims to “decrease the poverty incidence in each project sites. Data on poverty will be part of LGSP-LED’s next and final report, expected to be released in April 2016.” The program will end March next year.

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Banana sector sees 2016 challenging T

HE year 2015 is not a good year for the banana industry as stakeholders hardly recovered from losses due to unresolved problems. Industry leaders even anticipate a carryover of the difficulties into 2016. This was expressed by Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig, who said 2016 could even be a bleak year for the banana industry if problems continue unresolved. He mentioned Panama disease that continues to wreak havoc on the banana farms and it has never been contained even with the development of resistant variety of Cavendish banana. He said it has not been perfected as yet. He said if they can produce the disease resistant variety

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10 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

EDITORIAL A matter of transparency

HE controversial P18.99-billion modernization of the Sasa port is identified as one of the country’s problematic big ticket projects. No less than Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center executive director Cosette Canilao has acknowledged that the project needs to hurdle the challenge posed by the opposition of the Davao City government and the business community. The Davao City Council recently passed a resolution opposing the project due to the failure of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the PPP Center to consult the city government and other stakeholders on the multi-billion project. “Other stakeholders” would include other government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism, the landowners and informal settlers, civil society like those representing consumers, to name a few. A few days ago, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte publicly declared his support for the City Council’s stand. Months before this, the business community, through the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., also objected to the project for being overpriced and being based on wrong assumptions. The opposition was joined by local government units, chiefly Tagum City headed by Mayor Alan Rellon, who said that it was a duplication of one operating multi-billion modern international container port in Panabo City and another to be constructed by the Razon group, also costing multi billion pesos. The opposition of Dabawenyos was cemented after a public forum hosted by the chamber of commerce tackled the issue. DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya attended the forum but declared the DOTC was going ahead with the project despite the objections as they were pressed for time. During the Philippine Business Conference hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Manila last October and attended by more than 1,000 businessmen from more than 100 chambers of commerce, Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas promised to look into the controversy after Davao businessman

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Bonifacio Tan reported the matter to him during a forum, However, Roxas still has to make good his promise, according to Tan, whose business card was taken by Roxas. A total of five domestic and foreign firms have been pre-qualified for the project. They are : Asian Terminals Inc.- DP World FZE Consortium; International Container Terminal Services, Inc., which was reported to have initially opposed the project; Bollore Africa Logistics; Portek International Pte. Ltd –National Marine Corp. Consortium with contractor Toyo Construction Co. Ltd.; and San Miguel Holdings Corp. –APM Terminals Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Consortium with contractors Hyundai Development Co. and Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. Alexander Valoria, president of the Anflocor Management and Investment Corp. and a leading member of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, has branded the Sasa modernization an “unnecessary project being forced upon Davao without the proper consultation.” Valoria said the city council resolution will now enable Dabawenyos to contribute meaningfully toward defining the correct need and use of Sasa Port. Aside from lack of consultation with the LGU and other stakeholders, other issues raised against the PPP project are the possible worsening of the traffic congestion in Davao City, the non-inclusion of cruise tourism in the modernization project, the presence of privately-owned ports extensively used for international container cargo shipping and the unexplained big gap between the cost estimate on the similar project of less than P5 billion in the study by the Philippine Ports Authority and the P18.99-billion cost proposed by DOTC and its partners. Earlier Sen. Sergio Osmena III reportedly questioned the cost of the PPP deal and has asked the DOTC and the PPP Center to come up with a cheaper option. Clearly, this is another case of the Aaquino administration’s lack of transparency, a violation of its own much ballyhooed “Tuwid Na Daan” (Straight Path) battlecry.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO STYLE

Crimson

SPARKS By Kenneth Irving Ong OF ALL THE COLORS one can wear for the holidays, red has to be the most symbolic of Christmas as well as of the New Year. The bright hue is always a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and Plains and Prints’ Wild Cherries collection gives Davao’s fashionistas more chic crimson options. A collection inspired by the luscious red tones of Wild Cherries in classic chic silhouettes, tthe Wild Cherry Collection features unique prints and blocking patterns which make pieces from the collection a classic

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YEARENDER

More enthic cuisine restaurants are opening with Korean restaurants charging in the lead.

2015 through my looking glass Davao now has more airline options and more flights in 2015.

FROG Kaffee’s computer-controlled coffee roaster.

Nay for traffic Although not as bad as Manila’s infamous traffic jams, Durianburg’s road traffic situation is becoming worse by the month. Although it is understandable that there are many road and drainage projects this 2015, it cannot be disputed that there are no new roads connecting the suburbs of the city to downtown. The roads of downtown would have been wider but with unfinished/unpaved road shoulders, lack of sidewalks and illegally parked cars, the traffic situation is exacerbated. Aside from a rise in the number of cars, motorised sidecars and pedicabs, whose drivers do not know or follow basic road laws, clutter the city streets. All this makes me wonder what the newly formed City Transportation and Traffic Management Office is doing when the violations are often done in front of the officers. Although it is understandable that it is a relatively new office and I understand that the office may be lacking funds or personnel, it does not mean that the CTTMO should just sit on its hands.

The sign along Roxas Ave. says “No Parking” but no one is there to enforce it. weekly Davao - Singapore route. bawenyos are falling in love with the brush and pen, re-learning creHooray for analog living ative ways to write or draw. Although electronic gadgets are Another analog trend for 2015 still the rage, many Dabawenyos in is the rediscovery of board games. 2015 are embracing a more analog Friends playing classic games such life to keep entertained. Coloring as Scrabble, Boggle, Jenga and the books have taken store shelves by like now seen in more and more storm. Featuring elaborate pat- places. There is also a rise in newer terns and illustrations, these adult kinds of analog games that require colouring books are now haloing more critical thinking and less of Dabawenyos unplug from the digi- mere luck. tal storm. With Durianburg’s safety record, Aside from coloring, some Da- Dabawenyos are now walking more

Nay to uncomfortable travel The Davao International Airport may be the newest aerodrome in the country, but it cannot be disputed that the airport’s terminal is becoming tired and dated. I had the misfortune of being on a flight on the hours when the airport is most busy and since only one x-ray machine is working, it took the better of 15 minutes to just get cleared to enter the airport. The queue situation was compounded by another long line to get into the passenger lounges because another x-ray machine was also not functioning and once you get through hell, you stayed in hell as the air-conditioning of the airport was non-existent for majority of the year. There is hope, however, as the Davao International Airport is now up for privatisation and from the improvements I saw when in transit at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, I cannot wait.

2015 was an exciting year as it gave Dabawenyos new and exciting experiences. Thanks to the city’s rapid growth, the lifestyle of Davao’s urbanites has changed by leaps and bounds, some offering Dabawenyos better options to experience life while some, sadly, needing to be addressed and fixed. Here are some of my personal Hoorays and Nays for 2015. Hooray for good food Davao’s food scene culture is growing by leaps and bounds. This is thanks to Dabawenyos who are passionate about food. Even the big malls have taken notice of this and now have regular gourmet markets featuring small local purveyors who bring quality food to the table. Aside from the food markets, food fairs which feature indigenous specialty agricultural products such as cacao, durian, pomelo and coffee give Dabawenyo urbanites a better understanding of the city’s rich agricultural present as well as ideas for the development of its future. Even the restaurants in the city are levelling up. Filipino restaurants like Filipino Comfort Food, Rekado, and Cafe Tavera which serve homey Pinoy fare but with a creative twist are all the rage in 2015. There is also a Korean invasion of Durianburg with the sprouting of more and more Korean restaurants with their own unique specialty dishes. Hooray for coffee Dabawenyos love their coffee and finally the third wave of coffee shops that roast their own beans have arrived. Sporting freshly brewed custom roasted coffee and quirky interiors, stores such as Cafe Blooming Days at JJ’s Commune and Frog Kaffe at Prime Square are reshaping the city’s coffee drinking habit. Hooray for more flights If there is one thing that was lacking in Davao’s airport, it is the choices of destinations and carriers. Budget carrier AirAsia Philip-

Artisan’s April San Pedro shares tips on watercolor lettering. pines relaunched in Davao this year after consolidating with Zest Air and now offers three daily flights to Manila. Philippine Airlines also reopened its Davao - Cebu route which now connects Davao to a more viable airport for international travel. PAL also reintroduced Business Class seats on their Manila route those travellers who want a more space and perks. Cebu Pacific on the othr hand recognised the need of more direct international flights and just recently launched its two-times

and thanks to the many street markets a street culture has developed. Specialised groups such as bikers and skateboarders regularly meet up and hang out on the city’s sidewalks. Student also use the city’s parks to practice dance numbers or just to hang out and have a good time.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ring in the New Year at SM Lanang Premier SAY GOODBYE to 2015 and raise a toast to the New Year! On December 31, 9pm till midnight, celebrate this festive occasion at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court for the Countdown to 2016 New Year’s Party.

Hit the party and rave to the hottest mixes of Davao-based DJs Niel Recinto and Pae Dobles. Dance to the beat of Latin, tribal and progressive house music with live percussions from DJ Elmer Dado and Gruppo Tribale. You can also enjoy songs from local band, Next Option. Admission is free. On New Year’s Eve, dine with your loved ones at The Fountain Court for a chill-out alfresco experience while enjoying an enchanting view of the 122-meter musical dancing fountain.

with Manic Nightnings Productions and GMA Davao (Regional TV). Now on its third year at SM Lanang Premier, the event is set to draw tourists and locals alike to a fun party sans fireworks at the city’s premier lifestyle destination. Don’t miss this big bash on New Year’s Eve! For more information, call 285-0943 to 45 or check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Restaurants are open from 9pm to 1am. For a perfect afterparty getaway, book a

hotel room at Park Inn by Radisson Davao located just beside SM Lanang Premier. Call (082) 272-

7600 for reservations. The Countdown to 2016 New Year’s Party is organized in partnership

Felipe Gozon, Alden Richards share stories of faith for book GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and Pambansang Bae Alden Richards are among the known personalities who share their stories of faith in the book titled “Beyond All Barriers: Coincidence or Miracle? V” written by Flor Gozon-Tarriela and Butch Jimenez. The fifth installment in a series, the book is a collection of 100 true stories of personal faith journeys and how lives were moved by miracles. “What we want to convey is that life is a journey. It’s not always sunny. But after each night there’s always morning,” Tarriela said in an interview on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali at the recently held book launch. “We all have barriers. We all have challenges but we can overcome through Jesus Christ,” Tarriela added. Among the other prominent personalities included in the book are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Philippine Entrepreneur of the Year Nix Nollado.

ABOVE: Contributors to the book, as well as the authors’ family and friends attend the launch of “Beyond All Barriers: Coincidence or Miracle? V” LEFT: Pambansang Bae Alden Richards with Flor Gozon-Tarriela, co-author of “Beyond All Barriers: Coincidence or Miracle? V.”

December 26-30, 2015

BEAUTY AND THE BESTIE Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, James Reid, Nadine Lustre PG

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

WALANG FOREVER Jennylyn Mercado, Jericho Rosales PG

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

HAUNTED MANSION Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel, Jerome Ponce

R-16

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

MY BEBE LOVE #KILIGPAMORE Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vic Sotto, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza PG

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

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STYLE

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day-to-night piece, perfect in glamming-up for the New Year or any festive occasion. The Plains and Prints Wild Cherries collection is available at the Plains and Prints Store in Felcris Centrale, Abreeza Mall, and SM City Davao.

EDGEDAVAO

T was the biggest blunder of all time. Colombia’s Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo had already been crowned as Miss Universe 2015 when host Steve Harvey returned to announce the error. “Folks, I have to apologize,” he told the crowd. “The first runner-up is Colombia,” he said and then dramatically announced, “Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines.” Harvey was referring to Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the stunning beauty from Cagayan de Oro City. She became the country’s third Miss Universe winner -- 42 years after Margarita Moran won it in 1973. The first Miss Universe from the Philippines was Gloria Diaz, who was crowned in 1969. After the show, Harvey immediately tweeted but still made an error in spelling both women’s countries: Philippians (which seemed like it was taken from one of the book of the Holy Bible) and Columbia (after the famous university or how the capital of the United States is known). Harvey, however, deleted the tweet and re-wrote it, saying he felt terrible and apologized “wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines” for his “huge mistake.” In a separate tweet, he wrote: “Secondly, I’d like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake. This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am so regretful.” Social media heavily criticized Harvey, but he has found an unlikely ally in One Direction singer Harry Styles. “Stop sending hate to Steve. At least he apologized and admitted that he made a MISTAKE. Stop being so immature,” he tweeted. “Mistakes are a part of being human,” author Al Franken wrote in 2002’s Oh, The

ALOU Tiquia and Prospero De vera are two popular “political analysts” who have one thing in common in their interpretation of the recent SWS and pulse Asia Surveys. They attribute the performance of the three movers – Binay, Roxas, and Duterte – to Binay’s keeping quiet in the midst of the verbal tussle between the Davao Mayor and the former DILG Secretary. As Binay chose to remain in the sidelines of this exchange, they say that he seemed to have gained prominence and appreciation, thereby translating to his sudden return to the top spot in the Pulse Asia survey, and tying Poe for first place in the Social Weather Stations Survey. Obviously, it proves that voters’ preferences are tending to be erratic. Why they are erratic is where I slightly disagree with the two analysts. For one, bravado and tough talk may impress the voter but they may not actually gain votes come election day. Talk is cheap, and

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Faux pas Things I Know. THINK ON THESE! “A p p r e c i a t e your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way.” Hugh White considers misHenrylito D. Tacio takes as “leshenrytacio@gmail.com sons of wisdom.” Every mistake has a reason. You can either accept those reasons, and learn something positive from them, or you can turn them into excuses, and thereby allow them to defeat you. The Daily Devotional explains, “Each excuse is a small defeat, and they can add up quickly. The best strategy is to avoid them. Explain yourself, but make no excuses. Listen to reason, but accept no excuses.” There are several reasons why we commit errors and blunders in life. Maybe it is due to stress, to get even, or by accident. In some instances, we make mistakes without knowing it. For example, I saw my brother the other day chewing our sister for rearranging the books in his room. He had everything laid out to work on his project, but she thought it was messy and she wanted to help her brother. In the middle of his tirade, he caught himself and said, “I apologize. I’m just taking my frustrations out on you, and I know you meant to do well.” Sometimes, you can avoid mistakes by heeding the words of those who have expe-

rienced them already. Experience, they say, is the best teacher. People who reach the age of 60 or more consider themselves old and won’t work anymore. All they have to do is sit back and enjoy life. If you do that, said former Singapore Minister Lee Kuan Yew who retired at the age of 62, “You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.” He explained, “After one month, or after two months, even if you go travelling with nothing to do, with no purpose in life, you will just degrade, you’ll go to seed.” He further said, “The human being needs a challenge, and my advice to every person: Keep yourself interested, have a challenge. If you’re not interested in the world and the world is not interested in you, the biggest punishment a man can receive is total isolation in a dungeon, black and complete withdrawal of all stimuli, that’s real torture.” You probably have heard the story of Acres of Diamonds told by Reverend Russell Conwell. If you haven’t, here’s the story: Although a farmer, Hafid was probably one of the richest men in Africa. He owned a large farm with fertile soil, herds of camels and goats, orchards of dates and figs. Then, one day, a wandering holy man visited his farm and mentioned that huge fortunes were being made discovering and mining diamonds – fortunes greater than even Hafid’s. This news captured Hafid’s attention. He inquired of the holy man what diamonds were and where they could be found. The holy man said he wasn’t sure of all the details but he had heard that diamonds were usually found in the white sands of rivers that flowed out from valleys

formed by V-shaped mountains. Hafid, eager to increase his fortune, sold his farm, herds, and orchards. He placed his family in the care of someone else and set out to find his fortune. Hafid’s travels took him all over Africa. Finally, in deep despair he threw himself off a mountain and died a frustrated, broken, poor man. End of the story? No, for Hafid never learned his lesson well. He made a mistake of selling his land to another farmer who was not so ambitious. One time, the farmer who bought Hafid’s farm noticed a pretty rock in the river while having his camels quenched their thirst. He took it home and put it on a shelf where the sun would strike it and splash rainbows of color across the room. The same holy man came back to the farm. He was immediately startled by the rainbow of light from the rock. “That’s a diamond!” he said. He asked where it came from and the farmer told him he got it from the river. The two went to the river, which flowed out from a valley formed by a V-shaped mountain. And they found larger diamonds one after another. There were so many of them, large and small. The land, which Hafid sold in search for diamonds, was actually the land he was looking for. I think from the said story, we can learn so many lessons from Hafid’s mistakes. We should learn from his mistakes or else history repeats itself. “Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts,” Nikki Giovanni said. Don’t worry making mistakes. They are, to quote the words of John Bradshaw, “are our teachers; they help us to learn.”

in that light, MY TWO CENTS’ so are the voters who make their choices based on who talks the best, or looks like he speaks most impressively. That can change when John Tria the next round ecisouth@gmail.com of speeches are heard. In all, it’s their impression of the candidate that matters more than the message and substance (read: platform) of his or her candidacy Secondly, saying that Binay gained because he is quiet is taken to mean that shutting up and looking smart seems to impress our voters. Is that the case? Then arguing on policy and programs makes you unpopular. So far, Binay has not presented anything

beyond trying to prove that the allegations against him are untrue. What baffles many is the perspective that looking credible and attractive seems to matter more to the Filipino voter than actually advocating for something. What will worry me for Binay is that the moment policy debates heat up and corruption allegations are revived, he may lose points. He has proven to be poor and ineffective when it comes to responding to allegations and promoting his program of government. What worries me most is that the erratic survey performance of the leading candidates points to an electorate that is not able to vote on issues and policies but rather on image, impression, and perception. This is a bad sign for democracy. Little wonder why actors get elected on the basis of looks, charm, and star power alone. Does this explain why Mar married Korina? Or why Chiz married Heart? Are we but media products or images manufactured by PR agencies? Do we allow media and spinners to foist these

candidates on us? My call, therefore, is for Tiquia and De Vera to help us level the debate up. They like to comment on many things about the candidates, such as their manner, speeches, and actuations, all except their platform and programs. Sadly, they often sound like showbiz columnists commenting on the intramurals of movie personalities. There is a whole range of issues the candidates all need to give credible responses to, and by this I mean that their words need to be backed up by the resolve and experience to carry out the measures needed to deal with, among other things, an aggressive China in the West Philippine Sea, ASEAN economic integration, the infrastructure backlog, and pushing more inclusive, sustainable economic growth, curbing criminality, and ending insurgencies. I hope the both of them, and others like them, become more vocal about posing the right questions on issues that matter to those for whom government matters most.

Surveys: Worry and wonder

12 NEWS Army... FROM 4

last few days,” she said. “The BIFF’s sporadic attacks indicate an attempt to gain momentum for their bid to destabilize the situation in these areas and garner attention for themselves and their flagging cause,” Ferrer said. Ferrer said she was sad that the soldiers had to cancel celebrating the holiday season to respond to situations. “We pray for the safety of our soldiers who, instead of humbly celebrating the holiday season

in their remote posts, have been mobilized to prevent the hostile group from wreaking more harm on the populace.” Ferrer said prayers are offered for strength and safety of civilians who are exposed to the danger of on-going hostilities. To the BIFF, Ferrer asked the armed band “to reconsider their violent ways and take heed of the people’s desire for peace and normalcy in their lives.” (PNA)

er 153 of Kabacan-Tacurong 138kV line in Buluan, Maguindanao was also bombed. According to the Twitter account of NGCP, intelligence reports indicate that eight more towers are to be bombed by lawless elements over the holidays. Tower 168 of Kabacan-Sultan Kudarat 138kV line in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao was bombed last December 18. One of the tower legs was cut off, but the incident did not

result in a power interruption. Last December 10 and 11, a widespread power interruption in the provinces of North Cotabato and Maguindanao occurred when the tower 68 of Kabacan-Sultan Kudarat 138-kV line was bombed. The NGCP has repeatedly appealed to the public, the national and local government, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for assistance in resolving security issues. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

of big help to the authorities by providing information related to suspicious activities or persons roaming in their vicinities or even the presence of suspicious baggage or items or abandoned vehicles.

However, the mayor said the public should not panic whenever there are reports related to security. “Verify and relay the information to concerned authorities,” she added. (PNA)

first be addressed. “We have to make the Philippines part of strategic direction for cruise tourism. The trend is towards larger ships. We also have to work on enhancing shore excursions,” Bengzon said. “We’re competing against other parts of Southeast Asia so it really has to be something that is a notch above the rest.” Bengzon said that there was also a need to build market awareness and acceptance of Philippines as a cruise destination because it was vital to “go where there is demand.” “We want to provide

strategic direction so we are able to increase the number of cruise ship calls to the different ports and create an unforgettable experience for the passengers in the course of their excursions,” Bengzon said. “More important than anything, it’s really generating revenue at the community level,” he added. DOT said that it expects 40,000 cruise passengers to call port by the yearend with at least two more ships scheduled to call port. It meanwhile expects an increase up to 50,000 in 2016. (PNA)

ous Routes Asia. “What we want is to host representatives of selected airlines to our destinations so that they get a better feel of what the potentials are,” Bengzon said. Knowing where the demand is, they do their research, they know when an airline plans to fly to Philippines, they know which destinations need to be considered,” he added. Routes Asia is organized by Routes business, a compa-

ny focused on aviation route development. It is known for organizing and operating world-renowned airline and airport networking events. To date, 60 airlines have registered to attend the event and over 2, 000 face-to-face meetings are expected to take place on site. Also expected to attend are over 900 aviation professionals, over 100 airlines, 200 airports, 30 tourism authorities and over 20 high level speakers. (PNA)

The provincial tourism sector of Davao del Norte is also targeting to develop a five to six kilometer open beach line along the coastline starting in the barangay of Cogon up to Dagatan. “We’re pushing for the development of open beachline

to allow the members of the surrounding community participate in the local tourism economy,” he said. He said the vision was to maintain an open beach line to create a sustainable tourism-based economy in the area.

2 NGCP... FROM 4

Zambo... FROM 6 DOT... FROM 8

DOT eyes... FROM 9

P1B... FROM 9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

SERENADE. Artist Luke Mejares sings to the crowd with old and new songs during the annual Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan in Taal, Bangkal on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Economic... FROM 8

to fund education, health and social services. ”We ought to do everything we can to protect these gains towards the close of this administration and beyond,” he said. Purisima is hopeful that the domestic economy continues to have the drivers that will boost its expansion, given that fundamentals remain intact, due in part to sustained improvement of fiscal health along with solid domestic demand. ”Accelerated public spending on the back of solid fundamentals sets the stage for a strong fourth quarter finish. Keeping our record of prudent fiscal management is crucial to keeping our social contract with the Filipino people,” he added.

The economy posted another improvement in the third quarter of the year after growing by six percent from quarter-ago’s 5.8 percent, lifted in part by higher government spending. It remains among the strongest in the region, placing third after China’s 6.9 percent and Vietnam’s 6.8 percent. In the first three quarters of the year, the economy grew by 5.6 percent, way lower than the government’s seven to eight percent target due to the effect of the first quarter performance. Amidst the below-target expansion, economic managers remain optimistic, citing that average growth of the economy has risen to about five percent from about three percent in the past. (PNA)

stressed. Meanwhile, Antig reported that big plantation companies operating here are now in the process of developing banana farms in countries like Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam and Taiwan. “This is in preparation for their next move if they see that

it is no longer viable to operate a plantation here in the Philippines,” he said. Currently, the total area planted to exportable banana is 42,316.41 hectares which is smaller from 2014 with a total area of 44,479.65 hectares or a difference of 2,163.24 hectares. (PNA)

compute resources, especially as more startups emerge in the application development space. He particularly noted the company’s newly installed data center in Sucat, which includes infrastructure that meet the unique requirements of enterprises in the Philippines. Current developments with regards to government support indicate a focus on security and regulation in IT. Primarily, Executive Order 189 Series of 2015 calls for the creation of the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee, which complements the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The said committee is tasked to assess the country’s cyber security strengths and vulnerabilities, and to enhance public-private partnerships in the field of information sharing involving cyber attacks and threats. “This development will help data-sensitive organizations and enterprises that offer cyber security services, such as DDoS mitigation. For our part, it will help us get a clearer picture of how cybercrime operates in the Philippines

and allow us to provide better service,” Huergas said. Related to this, key industry members, including the BPO sector are pushing for a Department of Information and Communication Technology. Also existing is a proposal to create an office in the Department of Trade and Industry that will regulate e-commerce. IPC expects these trends to leverage on current developments, particularly the steady development of broadband service in the country. Huergas noted how local telecom players have invested in upgrading the speed and reliability of their services. Both PLDT and Globe Telecom have injected funds into developing their 3G and LTE mobile broadband offerings. “The trend of improvements in mobile and fixed broadband in the country spells good news to household and enterprise consumers. In the long-run, companies will offer more services online or adopt cloud services, capitalizing the new IT environment,” Huergas said.

Banana... FROM 9

IPC... FROM 9

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

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

Case No.2006-XI-00438 SUSANA M. CARUANA, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: BUNAWAN VIA SASA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on April 17,2017. In the petition filed on November 26, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 20, 2016 at 10:10 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 26th day of November 2015 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

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

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No.2015-XI-01159 (2014-XI-00759) JOSE N. DE LARA, JR., Petitioner-Vendor

ERLINDA V. CARIAGA, Petitioner-Vendee

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by JOSE N. DE LARA, JR. in favor of ERLINDA V. CARIAGA of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route MATINA APLAYA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting to January 5, 2020. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 20, 2016 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 27th day of November 2015 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

BIGGER PICTURE 13

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Photo from the internet

Children and the sex trade By HENRYLITO D. TACIO (First of Two Parts)

ENNY, who lived with her grandmother, was only 16 when a woman recruited her to work in Davao City, some ten kilometers away from her hometown. The woman told the grandmother that her grandchild would get P200 a day. For a poor family, the amount was too good to be true. When Jenny heard about it, she was adamant at first. But since the woman was a familiar figure in the neighborhood, she accepted the offer -- with the consent of the grandmother who never knew what would happen to her apo once she arrived in the city. All the while, Jenny thought she would just serve barbecue to customers. But she was

Photo from the internet

wrong. She was forced to dance and perform other entertainment acts expected of bar girls before the male customers gathered inside the establishment. The following day, her employer, whom she described as a “maniac,” raped her. It was the beginning of her worst nightmare. Since she had nothing to lose anymore, she had sex with some of her customers. By the time she turned 17, she was on her own as a freelance sexual worker. Every week, she sent some money to her family in the province. “I really didn’t want to be like this,” said Jenny, who’s now 19. “But I have to. My mother is very sickly now and my father has no work.” Jenny’s plight is not an isolated case; it is common among children who are engaged in the sex trade. I n 2010, the Child Protection Unit cite d

Davao City as one of the top five areas for child prostitution and sex tourism. The reference was based on reports from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Center for Women’s Resources. The other four were Angeles City (Pampanga), Puerto Galera (Mindoro), Cebu and Metro Manila. “Child prostitution is relatively widespread in the Philippines, both as part of the general sex industry and other abuses of children’s rights,” said the End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism (ECPAT), a group created in 1990 with more than 200 affiliates in 25 countries, including the Philippines. The ECPAT works on advocacy, education, and lobbying campaigns against child sex tourism and prostitution. “The child sex industry in the Philippines is patronized by tourists and locals,” ECPAT said, adding that “prostituted children can be found in bars, brothels, tourist hotels, and along streets. Underage girls work in bars and brothels with false age certificates. Street children, both boys and girls, and child hawkers sell sex on the streets and beaches to tourists and locals.” But there are also children who are not involved directly in sexual act but expose themselves through the internet. It is called webcam child-sex tourism, which has already gained global attention. Senator Grace Poe, who is running for president in

next year’s election, is very alarmed by this recent development. She cited a study conducted by Terre des Hommes Netherlands. At least five areas in the country have been identified: Angeles City in Pampanga; Taguig City in Metro Manila; and Cordova, Dalaguete and Cebu City in the province of Cebu. “Filipino children seem to have an extraordinary appeal to both casual and hard-core pedophiles wanting to offer financial rewards to children forced to perform sexually in front of the camera,” said the international development organization. The United Nations defines child prostitution as “the act of engaging or offering the services of a child to perform sexual acts for money or other consideration with that person or any other person.” On the other hand, the Convention on the Rights of the Child’s Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography defines the practice as “the act of obtaining, procuring or offering the services of a child or inducing a child to perform sexual acts for any form of compensation or reward.” Both definitions emphasize that the child is a victim of exploitation, even if apparent consent is given. The Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention of 1999 (Convention No 182) of the International Labor Organization (ILO) describes it as the “use,

procuring or offering of a child for prostitution.” The Geneva-based ILO said child prostitution and child pornography are two primary forms of child sexual exploitation, which most of the times overlap. The former is sometimes used to describe the wider concept of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). However, it excludes other identifiable manifestations of CSEC, such as commercial sexual exploitation through child marriage, domestic child labor, and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. In the Philippines, there are about 100,000 children (or even more) engaged in sex trade, according to ECPAT. The anti-child prostitution advocacy group said tourists are very eager to visit poor countries because they “have realized that human life is cheaper in the Third World.” Some of them even described the Philippines as the “pedophiles’ paradise” and a “treasure land of prostitutes.” A pedophile may be a homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual who engages in pedophilia, a sexual activity where the preferred sex partner is a person who is of minor age or below 18 years old. Pedophiles from wealthy countries like the United States, Japan, France, Great Britain, Germany, and Australia find the Philippines a convenient place where they can satisfy their lust on young yet cheap child prostitutes.

Every year, more than one million children around the world are forced into the flesh market, the UNICEF reports. “Street children are not necessarily prostitutes,” clarifies Alan Whaites of the World Vision International. “But it is an unfortunate reality that wherever they exist, some will feel compelled to enter the sex trade in order to survive.” A study conducted in the Philippines has shown that street children make up three percent of the children and youth in the urban centers. Some of them moonlight as sex workers during evenings or early mornings. Only about 10% of prostituted children have a pimp and over 45% entered the business through friends, according to one study. Maureen Jaffe and Sonia Rosen from the International Child Labor Study Office write that cases vary widely: “Some victims are runaways from home or state institutions, others are sold by their parents or forced or tricked into prostitution, and others are street children. Some are amateurs and others professionals. “Although one tends to think first and foremost of young girls in the trade, there is an increase in the number of young boys involved in prostitution. The most disquieting cases are those children who are forced into the trade and then incarcerated. These children run the possible further risk of torture and subsequent death.” (To be concluded)

14 CLASSIFIEDS

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15 CULTURE & ARTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

HISTORY OF DAVAO

1940 Grade 7 and today’s K-12 By Antonio V. Figueroa

HEN the law that seeks to enhance the Philippine basic education system by strengthening its curriculum and increasing the number of years for basic education, was approved on May 15, 2013, it elicited ambivalent comments. The militant groups labeled it as anti-poor; the school owners, as a costly investment; the private school teachers, as unfair; and the government, as an urgent measure to upgrade the country’s educational system at par with the world’s

standard. Known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013”, Republic Act (RA) 10533 mandates the Department of Education to adhere to specific norms and principles in developing the enhanced basic education curriculum. Among the features of new curriculum are is learner-centered, inclusive and developmentally appropriate; relevant, responsive and research-based; culture-sensitive; contextualized and global; constructivist, inquiry-based, reflective, collab-

orative and integrative; and flexible enough to enable and allow schools to localize, indigenize and enhance the norms based on certain educational and social contexts.

‘Craftsman Section’ Central to the approval of RA 10533 is the intent to equip students with skills, experience, and know-how that would prepare them for productive life after high school. While this intent is laudable, this is a copycat of the pre-war Craftsman Section, which was revived by RA 414 on June 18, 1949.

Under the Craftsman Section, teachers were trained in various training centers in order to acquire the knowledge and skills they could share with their separate communities. This is the same pass-on concept that is adopted under the American curriculum. In the Craftsman Section, the educators learn crafts that are taught to students, and these include “basketry, fiber and coir craft, rattan craft, bamboo craft, coconut-shell craft, wood craft, wood-carving, leather craft, sea-shell craft, tanning,

softand hard-strip weaving, loom weaving, knitting, crocheting, and the making of hats and helmets, slippers and sandals, shopping and ladies’ handbags, fans, lampshades, pottery, floor tiles, concrete blocks, etc.” Historically, skills development had its roots in the Vocational Act of 1927, or Act No. 3377, which laid the foundations of vocational education in public schools and made provisions for its support. To strengthen the focus in skills development, on August 24, 1951, President Elpidio Quirino issued Executive Order No. 472 in 1956, creating the National Advisory Board on Vocational Education to advice the Secretary of Education. This is the equivalent of today’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Pre-war artifact Another feature highlighted in RA 10533 is the introduction of senior high school, the equivalent of two years, or Grades 7 and 8. In reality, Grade 7 is a prewar artifact that the Quezon administration abolished under Commonwealth Act 586, or the Education Act of 1940. The law reduced the number of years in elementary (from 7 to 6), fixed school entrance at age seven years old, called for national support of elementary education, required compulsory attendance in primary grades for all children enrolled in Grade 1, and introduced the double single session. But seeing the need to enhance further the educational system in order for it to be globally competitive, Congress repealed the prewar law. On June 20, 1953, RA 896, the Elementary Education Act of 1953 authored by Sen. Geronima T. Pecson, was signed into law by President Quirino. Among its highlights of the Pecson Law is the restoration of Grade 7, abolition of double single session, obligatory completion of elementary, and the compulsory enrolment of children in public school upon reaching seven

years old. But this edict was never implemented.

‘Legislative oversight’ The push to adopt the American educational system took as early as the Commonwealth era when a legislative measure was filed upgrade the 11-year elementary and secondary curriculum to 12 years or, as we call it today, K-12. The initiative, however, did not gain popular support in the Philippine Assembly. Instead, a reverse move was introduced, which eventually led to the approval of Commonwealth Act 586, the act that abolished Grade 7. It’s not clear why the legislature at the time resisted the upgrade of the Philippine educational system in what amounted to a ‘legislative oversight.’ A review of the journal proceedings of the law-making body in 1940-41, if available, should shed light on this chapter of our history of Philippine education. Looking back, the gains the State has achieved in the post-Marcosian period owes in part its inspiration from Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, the Education Act of 1982, or the law providing for the establishment and maintenance of an integrated system of education. In its ‘Declaration of Basic Policy,’ BP 232 states: “The State shall promote the right of every individual to relevant quality education, regardless of sex, age, creed, socio-economic status, physical and mental conditions, racial or ethnic origin, political or other affiliation...[and] promote and maintain equality of access to education [and] the enjoyment of the benefits of education by all its citizens. “The state shall promote the right of the nation’s cultural communities in the exercise of their right to develop themselves within the context of their cultures, customs, traditions, interest and belief, and recognizes education as an instrument for their maximum participation in national development and in ensuring their involvement in achievi

16 COMPETITIVE EDGEDAVAO EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

Int’l ICT awards honor top BPO firms, execs T

HE Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) destinations in the world and in order to showcase these achievements, the ICT Awards was launched in 2007 by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) in close cooperation with IBPAP. The ICT Awards is one of the most renowned awarding ceremonies in the industry and its 2016 installment is geared to be the largest event yet. In its upcoming 10th year, a new category which determines the winner via online voting has been introduced: Most Popular Team Leader of the Year in the ICT Industry. “The new category allows us to celebrate the best of the best.” Julian Payne, President of CANCHAM shared, “We are very excited about the Team Leader category where we plan to implement a new voting system for the day itself. It will give us an opportunity to see what type of Team Leaders the companies will put forward.” “2016 will also mark our 10th annual event, which is a great milestone for us.” Payne, continues, “We want to make this the best possible one yet and we can’t do that without the support of Globe Business.” Additionally the ICT Awards will continue the Cities for ICT sponsorship program where identified next wave cities may showcase themselves

to potential ICT companies who are looking to expand. “The Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing destinations for IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM).” shared Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing, “Our support in this year’s ICT Awards is testament to Globe Business’ recognition of these milestones as well as the importance of ICT in enabling enterprises embrace development and growth.” As the preferred ICT partner, Globe Business provides a comprehensive range of ICT solutions for the country’s top BPO firms that enable connectivity, increased productivity, and operational efficiency, helping them achieve and sustain business growth. The portfolio of solutions comprises of E-line, Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Direct Internet, BGIX (Burstable Internet), Data Center (Co-Location), Integrated Services for Digital Networks, Primary Rate Interface, all the way to Enhanced Managed Voice Solutions for wireline solutions to name a few. For wireless solutions, Mobile and TxtConnect are highly sought-after services. The data center and carrier ethernet services are ISO- and MEF global standards-certified, respectively. The 10th ICT International ICT awards announcement of winners will be at the 2016 ICT awards Gala Night, March 22,2016 at Mariott Grand Ballroom.

PAL partners with CAL for more Taipei flights

HILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has partnered with China Airlines (CAL) to be able to offer codeshare services between Manila and Taipei (Taoyuan). Under a recently signed codeshare partnership, the two carriers will share operating three daily flights between the two cities. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed December 14, 2015 by PAL President Jaime J. Bautista and CAL Chairman Sun Huanghsiang at PAL’s executive offices in Pasay City, reaffirming the partnership and the two carrier’s plan to expand the cooperation in passenger and cargo operations. The two airlines are considering future expansion of their cooperation to provide passengers with even more convenient and high quality air transportation services. PAL and CAL are both aggressively developing their re-

spective markets in Southeast Asia (SEA) through route expansions. PAL currently flies to 6 SEA destinations, operating approximately 166 flights a week. CAL meanwhile operates 155 weekly flights to 16 SEA points. For flights to the Philippines, apart from the 14 weekly flights on the Taipei (Taoyuan)-Manila route, there are also four weekly flights on the Kaohsiung-Manila route, and four weekly flights on the Taipei (Taoyuan)-Boracay route for a total of 22 flights a week. Founded in 1959, China Airlines is Taiwan’s largest airline with a fleet of 104 aircraft and more than 12,000 employees worldwide. As one of the SkyTeam airline alliance’s 20 members, China Airlines offers passengers access to an extensive global network of more than 16,270 daily flights to 1,057 destinations in 179 countries.

In picture are (from left) CanCham Executive Director Cora Dela Cruz, CanCham President Julian Payne, IBPAP President Jomari Mercado, and Globe Business Vice President for Sales Dion Asencio.

It’s TIME to CHANGE THE GAME. Your ads come to life with vivid, clear, crisp colors. Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an awful copy on a badly printed space. Advertise wisely.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PAL, CAL CODESHARE AGREEMENT. Philippine Airlines President Jaime J. Bautista (seated right) and China Airlines Chairman Sun Huang-hsiang (seated left) recently inked a codeshare agreement that results to 21 weekly flights between Manila and Taipei. Shown witnessing the agreement signing at the PAL executive offices in Pasay City are PAL and CAL executives.

As creative as you can get.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue vaccine approved in Phl A

NEWS 17

WB OKs new Phl initiative against natural disasters

ANOFI Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, recently announced that the Philippines has granted marketing approval to Dengvaxia, making it the first vaccine to be licensed for the prevention of dengue in Asia. The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration approved Dengvaxia, tetravalent dengue vaccine, for the prevention of disease caused by all four dengue types in individuals from 9-45 years of age living in endemic areas. “Approval of the first dengue vaccine in Asia, which bears 70 percent of global disease burden, is a major milestone in dengue prevention and public health,” said Olivier Charmeil, President and CEO of Sanofi Pasteur. “Approval of Dengvaxia in the Philippines, following closely the first approval in Mexico, is further evidence of Sanofi Pasteur’s long-standing commitment to introduce this innovative new vaccine first in countries where dengue is a major public health threat,” Charmeil added. Dengue fever burden in Asia continues to be the high-

est globally with an estimated 67 million people being sickened by the dengue annually. As an urban disease, dengue attacks populations of Asia in the form of unpredictable outbreaks capable of paralyzing health care systems, negatively impacting social and economic activity. Asian endemic countries spend an estimated US$6.5 billion annually in both direct medical and indirect costs due to dengue. “Prevention of dengue is an urgent and growing medical priority in the Philippines,” said Dr. May Book Montellano, president of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.

“Vaccination is widely accepted as one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like dengue. The approval of Dengvaxia, the world’s first dengue vaccine, in the Philippines will be a critical addition to the ongoing public education and vector control efforts currently directed towards dengue prevention in our country.” Dengue is a major public health priority in tropical and subtropical countries in Asia and Latin America. Sanofi Pasteur is introducing Dengvaxia first in these countries where the vaccine has the greatest

potential to reduce dengue burden globally and help to achieve the World Health Organization’s goal to reduce dengue mortality by 50 percent and morbidity by 25 percent by 2020 in endemic countries. Sanofi Pasteur enrolled over 40,000 participants in extensive safety and clinical efficacy studies conducted mainly in endemic countries and built a dedicated vaccine production facility in France to secure adequate quality and quantity supply of the vaccine to meet endemic country demand upon introduction.

NEW contingent line of credit to support the Philippines’ efforts to manage the risks posed by natural disasters was approved by the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors recently. The Second Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT-DDO 2) provides US$500 million to strengthen investment planning and regulations to reduce disaster risks and help manage the financial impacts when disasters strike. “The Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries in the world. Together, the 20 most vulnerable countries face escalating losses of $44.9 billion due to climate-related natural disasters alone. Inaction is set to cost us even more. With the number set to multiply almost ten-fold by 2030, amounting to $418 billion, we turn to innovative financing mechanisms to boost our resilience,” said Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima. The Philippines can access the new credit line following “a state of calamity” declared by the President. CAT-DDO 2 gives the Philippines flexibility to use the funds as needed. The drawdown period is three years and renewable up to four times for a total of 15 years. Amounts repaid during the drawdown period are available for subsequent withdrawal. The Philippines was the

first country in the Asia and Pacific region to use this type of financing option with the CAT-DDO in 2011. This second CAT-DDO will provide the government with a platform for sustaining reforms and effectively implementing the country’s disaster risk reduction and management program. On average, more than 1,000 lives are lost every year in the Philippines, with typhoons accounting for 74 percent of the fatalities, 62 percent of the total damages, and 70 percent of agricultural damages. Also, the country is highly exposed to geologic hazards including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) devastated the country causing over 6,000 fatalities and thousands more missing, and creating extensive damage to properties, infrastructure, businesses, and livelihoods. Total damage and losses reached P571.1 billion (USD 12.9 billion), cutting economic growth by about 0.9 % in 2013, and another 0.3 % in 2014. As a result, about 2.3 million people fell below the poverty line. “Financial shocks caused by natural disasters undermine economic growth and poverty reduction. This is the environmental equivalent of the middle income trap. Governments need to be agile in mobilizing resources if we are to break free from disaster-traps that knock back the poorest and most vulnerable,” said Secretary Purisima.

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

Blow by Blow Reloaded goes to Benguet, Abra

BLOW BY BLOW RELOADED. Photos show brand new Cleto Reyes and Twins gloves used in Blow By Blow Reloaded, boxing action in BBB, a picture of a young Manny Pacquiao and Mayor Seares with former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Piñol.

HE nation-wide search for the next Filipino world boxing champions, Blow By Blow Reloaded, goes to uncharted territory when young prospects slug it out in Bangued, Abra on January 23. It will be the third staging of the iconic boxing program on TV which has been relaunched recently by 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao to discover new boxing talents who could be future world champions. The project is a joint effort of

Cong. Pacquiao and ABC Sports TV5 with Black Mamba Energy Drink as the main sponsor. The boxing event is promoted by Lito Mondejar, the original promoter of Blow By Blow, and the TV show, Blow By Blow Reloaded, is produced by former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Piñol. The fights are aired every Sunday at 2 p.m. on Sports TV5, right before the airing of the PBA basketball games. In its first staging, 22 boxers slugged it out in General Santos

GETTING AWAY. Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel gets away from the defense of Alex Mallari of Star Hotshots in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal showdown on Christmas Day at the Mall of Asia Arena. LA Tenorio buried a three-point shot at the buzzer as the Gin Kings completed a dramatic comeback from 18 points down to stun their rivals in overtime, 92-89.

City in November while 24 boxers wowed boxing fans in Panabo City, Davao del Norte in the second event this month. Dolores, Abra Mayor JR Seares, a boxing fan, initiated the staging of “Blow By Blow Reloaded” the scenic and landlocked province with the support of Abra Governor Eustaquio Bersamin. “We in Abra have not seen yet world class boxing live so we are very excited to host Blow By Blow Reloaded in Abra,” Mayor Seares said.

Seares added that the staging of the boxing event in Abra could start the development of a boxing program in the province. “Most of the boxing champions come from Mindanao and the Visayas. Maybe, if we could support the boys from Abra, we could also produce our first world boxing champion,” Mayor Seares said. Mayor Seares said he will discuss with Gov. Bersamin to decide whether to hold the boxing event in Dolores town or in the capital town of Bangued.

Warriors top Cavaliers in NBA Finals rematch S TEPHEN Curry provided a late fourth-quarter lift as the defending champion Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 89-83 in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Curry sank back-to-back driving layups in the final minutes to answer consecutive slam dunks by LeBron James, and shut down a Cleveland rally as Golden State improved the best start in NBA history to 28-1. “We don’t believe we’re going to make a statement with one game,” Warriors interim coach Luke Walton said. “Overall, we’re 28-1. That’s more of a statement.” Curry scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds and passed out seven assists while Draymond Green had 22 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists for the Warriors. “We want more,” Curry said. “We tasted a little bit of success, won a championship, but we have such potential on this team we want to accomplish more. Having the record (start) is great but we

want to do a lot more.” The Warriors are on pace to have the winningest record in NBA history, and Curry is on pace to break his own record from 3-point baskets in a season. In other Christmas games, Jimmy Butler scored 23 points to power Chicago over Oklahoma City 105-96 and Chris Bosh’s 30 points sparked Miami over New Orleans 94-88 in over-time. At Houston, James Harden scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half to lift the host Rockets over the San Antonio Spurs 88-84 while Chris Paul scored 23 points leading the Los Angeles Clippers over the Los Angeles Lakers 94-84. - Warriors perfect at home In a grinding contest that produced their lowest-scoring game this season, the Warriors improved to 14-0 at home this season with their 32nd overall home victory in a row. They shot only 41 percent from the floor but held Cleveland to 31 percent, including 5-of-30 from 3-point range. “That was a big win,” Curry said. “We came out defensively and

did what we were supposed to do. We were a little off offensively but if we can continue to do that, we’ll be fine.” Curry missed part of the second quarter after aggravating a right calf injury he suffered Wednesday, but said he would not miss any games. James scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds but the Cavaliers fell to 19-8, 6-7 on the road, and saw their six-game win streak ended by the same team that beat them four games to two in last June’s NBA Finals. J.R. Smith had 14 points for Cleveland while Kyrie Irving added 13 and Kevin Love and Australian Matthew Dellavedova added 10 points each. “There were a lot of little things as far as the shots were concerned... that did catch up with us,” Cavaliers coach Dave Blatt said. At Houston, the Rockets improved to 16-15 while the Spurs, with the second-best record in the NBA, fell to 25-6. “We’re a really good team. We just hadn’t been playing well,”

Harden said. “It’s a growing process for us. We just have to keep going. We’ve gained confidence these last couple weeks. We’ve got to build on it and see where we can go.” - Heat stretch holiday streak At Miami, the Heat won a seventh consecutive Christmas outing despite shooting a woeful 39.8 percent from the floor. “We showed a lot of resiliency,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’ll take this win.” A week after saying coach Fred Hoiberg was being too soft and laid-back on the Bulls, Butler helped end a three-game losing streak. “It wasn’t part of a plan but whatever works works,” Butler said. “I’m going to play with all my might. We’ve got a great group of guys. If we play hard together, we can do anything.” Butler hit 9-of-20 shots from the field and added six rebounds and four assists for the Bulls, who had 21 points and 13 rebounds from Spanish big man Pau Gasol as Chicago improved to 16-11.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 195 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 - 28, 2015