Edge Davao 8 Issue 198

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

YEAR OF THE MONKEY. A customer inspects a monkey-shaped figurine, the most popular lucky charm as 2016 will be the year of the red fire monkey according to the Chinese horoscope calendar.

Lean Daval Jr.

FIRECRACKER COMPLIANCE DCPO notes high compliance of firecracker ban

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

A

FTER two men who were charged last Monday for lighting firecrackers during the Christmas celebration, the Davao City Police (DCPO) has not recorded any new apprehension for violation of the firecracker ban in the city.

DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgarce C. Driz said in an interview with EDGE Davao yesterday that reports

have been submitted through the ISUMBONG Mo Kay CDDCPO text hotline of people using firecrackers but these are still

being validated by the concerned police stations.

Driz said the station com-

F FIRECRACKER, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

LUCKY FRUIT. The prices of round-shaped fruits in Davao City’s markets are skyrocketing due to an increase in demand as these are now part of every Filipino family’s Media Noche due to the belief that they will bring good luck in the coming year. Lean Daval Jr.

Blasts hit Cotabato; no injuries reported N O one was injured in two separate bombing incidents here Tuesday noon and Monday night.

People along Sinsuat Avenue here scampered for safety around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday when an improvised explosive device detonated in a waiting shed in front of the United Methodist Church.

The waiting shed’s roof was riddled with shrapnel from a home-made bomb.

Witnesses said shrapnel they gathered contained various pieces of metals, including nails.

Police are now determining who left behind a white plastic container that contained the bomb at the waiting

shed.

On Monday night, a bomb fashioned from an M203 round was lobbed into a pub house at Rosary Heights 9 by a man on a motorcycle. Fortunately, only the firecracker that was used as triggering device exploded and not the M203 round.

Fortunately, none was injured in both attempts, police said.

No group has reportedly claimed yet as to who are behind the bombings.

Mayor Japal Guiani Jr., meanwhile, has called on his constituents to report to authorities suspicious people in their communities. Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews

IRE incidents that hit residential areas increased to 362 cases for the period January to November 2015, or 9.11 percent more compared to the 329 cases for the same period last year in Davao Region.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 11 spokesperson Nestor Jimenez, said during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City that many of the fire incidents were caused by unattended candles during brownouts.

He said there were also cases of fires caused by mos-

quito coils.

The region suffered from brownouts recently due to the preventive maintenance work on major power plants and the reduced water level at hydropower sources caused

by El Nino or dry spell that is expected to last until August 2016. Hydropower plants provide over half of Mindanao’s power supply.

One fire incident caused by a candle claimed the life of Pastor Javana Nuez, 25, a resident of Lapaz, Agusan del Sur,

DCPO vows tight security for New Year Torotot Fest

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will implement strict security measures during the Torotot (Party Horn) Festival which will start at 4 p.m. on December 31 at San Pedro Square in San Pedro Street.

In an interview with EDGE Davao yesterday, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said the police will stop and frisk people who

behave suspiciously while going inside the venue.

“We just want to assure the security of other people by implementing stop-and-frisk system in the area to preempt possible crimes from happening,” she said.

Driz said the police will implement the security measures at the entry points because the people will go in and out while waiting for the program

to start.

The police, however, will implement the stop-and-frisk procedure with courtesy so as not to humiliate anyone.

Driz said people are prohibited from bringing bladed weapons, liquor, and other alcohol drinks inside the venue.

She said more than 3,000 people are expected to converge in the area since there is a parade of different party

horns around the downtown area before the festival proper starts.

She said all police units of the DCPO will focus on San Pedro Square since it is where all the people will probably convene.

Meanwhile, Driz said the DCPO will maximize all the police units to secure the city in the celebration of New Year.

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Fires increase in Davao region F

F FIRES, 10

STREET SHOPPING. Park goers and passersby check out the display of “ukay-ukay” merchandise at San Pedro square where some items are sold for as low as P25. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Escudero appeals to gun owners: No firing on New Year’s Eve

V

ICE presidential frontrunner Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged gun owners on Wednesday not to fire their weapons during the New Year’s Eve revelry to ensure a peaceful and joyful celebration in welcoming 2016.

From Dec. 16 to 26 this year, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP), there were six recorded stray bullet casualties, including a nine-year-old girl from Bulacan who died on Christmas Day after she was hit in the back while playing near Ipo Dam the day before. ”Let’s not allow anybody to steal a happy celebration of New Year just because of some gun owners who fire their weapons as part of their celebration,” Escudero said in a

press statement.

Based on PNP records, the youngest victim of indiscriminate firing to date is a threeyear-old girl from Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte who was hit in her upper right abdomen.

Other victims include a 21-year-old student who was visiting Rizal Park in Manila; a 32-year-old man who got hit in the left ankle in General Trias, Cavite; a 50-year-old man who was shot in his left leg; and a 34-year-old from Bayambang, Pangasinan who sustained an injury in his left thigh.

“I call on all gun owners to do their share in keeping our environment safe. Let us all help in promoting a peaceful and gun-free merrymaking in ushering the New Year,” Escudero said. (PNA)

House all set and focused on 2016 work

H

OUSE Speakers Feliciano Belmonte Jr. vowed on Wednesday to maximize the remaining working days of the 16th Congress to deal with the priority measures.

“We will never renege on our constitutional mandate to promote good governance and protect the national interest and our people’s welfare, despite the time constraint now faced by the 16th Congress,” Belmonte stressed on New Year’s eve.

The House leader remains confident that the priority bills, including the Bangsamoro Basic Law bill, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) bill, and the amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution would be passed within the term of the current Congress.

When Congress adjourned for the Yuletide season last Dec. 16, the Speaker summed up the collective performance of the House of Representatives as focused on quality and responsive legislation rather

than on quantity.

“We are focused on quality.

We just did what was needed by our people and the future generations of Filipinos,” the Speaker pointed out.

Stressing the vitality of unity of purpose, the Speaker expressed his gratitude to all his colleagues, both members of the majority coalition, minority and independents, for their cooperation and collective efforts in facing squarely the challenges of governance reforms and national development.

“As you may observe, my dear colleagues, we have been mindful of the demands and imperatives of our time as we have supported competitiveness-raising, job generation and more sustainable development through the policies we have enacted,” Belmonte said.

While noting that serious challenges were faced during the year 2015, the Speaker confidently surmised that the passing year’s positive developments outweighed them.

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NEWS 3

CONCERT FOR CHANGE. A local band performs in front of a pro-Duterte crowd during ‘Konsyerto Para sa Pagbabago,’ a concert organized by the Rody Duterte Solid Group (RDSG) and Musicians and Artist for Duterte (MAD) for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s presidential bid, at Rizal Park on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Civilians arming vs BIFF attacks C IVILIANS in this farming village have armed themselves in anticipation of more attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

On Monday, civilian farmers who call themselves “Christian settlers” said they opted to carry guns “to defend ourselves and our communities.”

At night, they would remain awake to guard residents who have left their homes in the peripheries and flocked to the village center due to fear of another attack.

At daytime, they would

take turns in taking a nap or tending their farms for a few hours.

On Christmas Eve, an attack by around 300 heavily armed BIFF rebels left six farmers in Kauran and four others in neighboring villages in neighboring provinces dead.

“This is too much. Who will protect us especially at night but ourselves only,” a fortyish farmer said, brandishing his M-16 Armalite rifle. Like other farmers, he asked not to be named.

“We mourn the death of our six village mates. Our farm-

ers want freedom, our farmers just wanted to till the lands to feed their families and send the children to school,” another armed man said, his face showing signs of lack of sleep.

“We have information they may attack again. This time we are ready, we cannot let them kill us doing nothing to defend ourselves,” a man in black shirt and armed with an M-16 declared.

After the December 24 attack, male villagers would remain in their communities while the children and women move to the village hall at

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Marine killed in motorcycle shooting

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STANDING TALL. The statue of national hero Dr. Dr. Jose Rizal stands tall beside a waving Philippine flag at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday. The whole nation commemorated Rizal Day yesterday, the day of the national hero’s execution at Bagumbayan in 1896. Lean Daval Jr.

night. Others have gone to their relatives in nearby towns in Sultan Kudarat province.

At night, armed male villagers would patrol the village’s periphery, and sometimes trade shots with armed men.

A village councilman said it really pained him to see the relatives of the victims. “They were all bread winners, they were unarmed, they were ordinary farmers, their families are now orphaned,” he told reporters.

“It’s Christmas. It really

MARINE on his motorcycle was killed when he was ambushed by two suspects aboard yet another motorcycle here Tuesday morning. Four civilians were injured in an ensuing gunbattle, police said.

T/Sgt. Leopoldo Moncerena was reportedly on his way home for the holidays to Lebak in Sultan Kudarat from his base in Zamboanga City when shot along Sinsuat Ave. here.

The victim sustained several caliber .45 gunshot wounds, police said.

The suspects reportedly took away the victim’s backpack and rushed towards General Luna St. Unfortunately for the suspects, a Special Forces intelligence operative was gas-

sing up when they passed by, prompting the soldier to fire on the suspects. An exchange of gunfire ensured, and one of the suspects was injured, while one was able to escape but left the motorcycle behind.

The injured suspect, who identified himself as Johari Baknal Upam, said they ran after and shot the victim because the latter hit their motorcycle but did not bother to stop.

Police, however, are not convinced. They are now investigating if this case is related to the shooting of two soldiers in Marawi City earlier today.

This year alone, five soldiers have already been shot by hitmen aboard motorcycles.

Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY RCEP beneficial to the poor: PIDS T

HE Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will have varying impacts on the different sectors of the Philippines economy, but overall, it will be beneficial in the long term, especially to those in the lower income bracket.

This was announced by Dr. Caesar Cororaton, consultant of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in a study sponsored by the Institute.

Cororaton released the findings in a PIDS policy note and in a Pulong Saliksikan on December 1.

The RCEP is a free trade agreement that involves the 10 members-states of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations and six of their current free trade agreement (FTA) partners--Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Cororaton concluded that once enforced, the RCEP will help reduce poverty incidence in the country over time and increase the government’s welfare at US$ 4.5 billion in 10 years. The Philippines would also see an increase in the income of poor households, a reduction in commodity process, and increased returns on wages and land rent.

Talks about the RCEP began in 2012. Its objectives are to achieve deeper economic integration in the region and

to enable equitable economic development and cooperation among the signatory countries.

RCEP negotiations are underway toward eliminating tariff and nontariff barriers (NTBs) on goods and services, facilitating investment flows, protecting intellectual property rights, promoting competition and technical cooperation, and establishing a dispute settlement mechanism.

Cororaton’s study is part of a larger PIDS project being coordinated by Senior Research Fellow Erlinda Medalla focusing on the impacts of FTAs on the Philippines. Cororaton applied several models to conduct his research, including gravity-border effect model, global CGE model, and poverty microsimulation to determine poverty and distribution effects.

The models looked at a 10-year projection, from 2014 to 2023, and simulated how the RCEP would transform the Philippine economy. The results yielded a projected 90-percent reduction in applied tariffs in RCEP, a 10-percent reduction in NTBs in the RCEP region, and an increase of USD 2.4 billion in foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the Philippines.

During the Pulong’s open forum, PIDS Senior Fellow Vic Pacqueo recommended that the government should pre-

STREET SHOPPING. Park goers and passersby check out the display of “ukay-ukay” merchandise at San Pedro square where some items are sold for as low as P25. Lean Daval Jr.

Businesses lost P246M due to NPA atrocities

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T Improve gov’t programs F RCEP, 10

thru impact evaluation

T

HE conduct of impact evaluation is the key to solving many of the country’s problems. This was stressed by Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro on December 16 at the Policy Forum on Impact Evaluation organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie).

Luistro, who closed the event, urged representatives from various government agencies to adopt the practice of evaluating the impact of their programs and projects.

“Unless you’re able to say that a particular program is successful or that it needs to be enhanced and improved, it’s just another activity,” he said.

Impact evaluation can help improve government services by providing a deeper understanding of their effectiveness and by assisting leaders and policymakers make informed decisions.

NEDA Deputy Director-General Emmanuel Esguerra who represented Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stressed the importance of institutionalizing impact evaluation across the government bureaucracy.

Related to this, Australian Aid Counsellor Robyn Biti

said her office awarded three research grants that will help some government agencies assess the impact of their programs. The 3ie administers one of these grants, aiming to conduct an impact evaluation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The other grants are for the impact evaluation of the programs of the Office of the President Adviser on the Peace Process, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Supreme Court.

The forum also featured presentations of impact evaluation cases in the Philippines presented by PIDS Visiting Research Fellow and former World Bank Lead Expert Vicente Paqueo.

Three major government programs have been subject to impact evaluation, namely the Pantawid Pamilya Program (4Ps), the Legal Minimum Wage Policy, and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

The 4Ps was designed to assist poor households through conditional cash transfers tied to education and health objectives. Grants are given on the condition

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Eastern Mindanao Command (EsstMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said businesses in Mindanao have lost an estimated P246.12 million due to alleged atrocities by the New People’s Army (NPA) in 2015.

In a statement, the EastMinCombroke down the figure to P34.71 million in the first quarter, P34.58 million in the second quarter, P92.72 million in the third quarter, and P84.11 million in the last quarter.

The EastMinCom covers the provinces of Agusan, Davao, Compostela, and Surigao.

The EastMinCom said

most of businesses affected

by NPA attacks and other atrocities are construction companies, business establishments, and other industries.

EastMinCom Commander Major General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero said the atrocities have not only hampered development and the delivery of essential services, they have also brought “sufferings and hardships to the workers whose jobs were affected.”

“If the CPP/NPA/NDF is sincere about peace and promoting the people’s interest, then they should immediately desist from attacking development projects and legitimate business, which

serve the interest and provide gainful employment to our people,” Guerrero said in a statement.

Guerrero said he has directed troops to institute measures that would enhance the security of vital industries, projects, and businesses in the EastMinCom’s area of operations.

The troops were also directed to coordinate with the local police, local government unit officials, and security officers to strengthen the security of the establishments and prevent any untoward incidents from happening in the communities.

The EastMinComalso reiterated its call for businesses

to report extortion activities by the NPA, saying it anticipates a rise in such activities especially with the numerous development projects being implemented in the region and with the approaching election campaign season.

The EastMinCom said the NPA has also intensified its extortion activities because it has lost its logistical base in the countryside.

It said the NPA is using money derived from extortion to finance its armed struggle against government.

The EastMinCom appealed to the public to work closely with security and law enforcement agencies to put a stop to extortion by the NPA.

market, or passengers travelling around the world,” Suarez said.

He said they are positioning Mactan Cebu International Airport as the hub for VisMin area since the airline company services the routes of Mindanao’s key cities – Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga to Cebu.

The PAL official said they are not seeing any expansion plans for international routes to fly from the F. Bangoy International Airport (formerly Davao International Airport) anytime soon, as their present plans are geared towards serving

the domestic market going out of Davao.

The Lucio Tan-led airline firm has two Davao-Cebu flights, served by 160-seater Airbus 320, and eight to nine Davao-Manila flights.

The additional evening Davao-Cebu flight brings PAL’s existing flights to the Visayas metropolis to a total of five with two in Cagayan de Oro and one in Zamboanga City.

He said the new undertaking will benefit VisMin passengers flying to Los Angeles who will no longer have to travel via Manila through the congested Ninoy

Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with the new service route.

He said PAL is also flying to Nagoya, Osaka, and Narita via Cebu, so it will be easier for the VisMin passengers to travel to Japan.

The firm has acquired two Boeing 777 aircrafts that are set for delivery by fourth quarter of 2016 to supports its US expansions.

According to Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), PAL covers 32 points in the Philippines and 25 international destinations as of yearend 2014. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

PAL unveils new Davao-Cebu flight F

LAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched last December 15 another Davao City-Cebu flight as it strengthens its expansion plans with a new route to the US next year to cater the growing leisure travelers of Visayas and Mindanao.

Speaking during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City, Victor D. Suarez, officer-in-charge (OIC)/area head for Mindanao sales and services of PAL, said the airline company will service Cebu-Los Angeles, California with initial thrice weekly flights on March 15, 2016.

“There are more leisure

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6 ECONOMY

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

Phl sails through uncertainties T

HE Philippines has cemented its position as one of Asia’s fastest-growing major economies despite uncertainties in 2015, and now appears en route to becoming a member of the upper middle-income countries over the next six years.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) averaged 5.6 percent in the first three quarters on strong demand and more jobs and investments.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Arsenio Balisacan said strong domestic demand can enable the economy to grow by 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter, ending the year with a growth

of at least six percent despite the devastation wrought by typhoons.

Balisacan said the impacts particularly of recent typhoons “Lando” and “Nona” were already factored in growth projection for the agricultural sector.

“The last two ones were damaging and there were serious losses and damage to infrastructure, but not in a magnitude that will adequately make a dent on growth prospects for the full year,” he said, noting that the typhoon-affected agriculture sector represents less than 10 percent of the country’s GDP. The economy is boosted mainly by the continued strengthening of the industry

DTI wants official issuances trimmed T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging other national government agencies (NGAs) to replicate its recent endeavor in eliminating redundancies in official department issuances to simplify government procedures,and hasten action and decision-making.

“We hope that our recent effort in DTI to streamline our official issuances will be followed by other national government agencies to make their administrative systems simpler and more efficient for all concerned,” Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.

The DTI recently delisted department administrative orders (DAOs) that are already out of time, obsolete, or no longer used due to change in environment, and in doing so, eradicate redundancies in the

agency.

DAOs are rules, regulations or guidelines prescribed by the Department Secretary that cover the implementation of laws, executive orders, and agreements and fall within the purview of the Department’s various offices and attached agencies.

“The intention is to reduce inefficiency in our processes, especially for frontline services and at the same time make matters simple and readily understood by the public, and in this way, empower our consumers and improve competitiveness of businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises,” Domingo said.

Domingo added that this endeavor is expected to protect consumers, enable businesses to flourish, and encourage peo-

and manufacturing sectors.

The services sector, particularly the information technology-business process management, also remained robust.

“This puts the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing major economies in Asia, just after India, China and Vietnam.

Our year-to-date performance reflects a steadily growing economy, and we are very optimistic that the Philippine economy will grow at 6.0 percent for full-year 2015,” Balisacan added.

Economic growth target for 2016 Balisacan said economic growth target for next year remains at 7.0 percent, even as the Development Budget Co-

ordination Committee (DBCC) has yet to revisit economic targets for this and next year.

“But I do think that the target of 7.0 percent in 2016 is still quite realistic. As you know the whole economy is improving, even though that the United States has started its interest rate hike… I think the market has already anticipated that so that the impacts are not likely strong especially for countries like us that have some good macroeconomic fundamentals,” he said.

The United States Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade by 0.25 percentage points.

Balisacan cited domestic sources for sustained econom-

AWARDEES. Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. AVP for retail services group Arnold Arsolon (fourth from right, front) is all smiles together with the awardees during the Elektrisyan ng Bayan awarding ceremony at the Pinnacle Hotel last December 11. Also in the photo

ic growth, foremost among them investments and domestic consumption as well as low interest rates and good consumer sentiment.

“We need to re-balance our sources of growth so that we get more of those investments and we get more of trade and in the process we improve the quality of jobs that are made available for our workers…

That would allow us to escape poverty for most number of our people,” he said.

Higher middle-income economy Balisacan is optimistic that economic growth can further accelerate on the back of the recovery of advanced economies expected next year and of

the global economy in the medium-term, bringing the country to higher middle-income economy status by the end of the next administration.

Citing a World Bank definition, he said the Philippines needs to achieve per capita income of USD 4,125 to USD 12,735 to become a high middle-income country. The country is currently classified in the lower middle-income group where per capita income ranges from USD 1,046 to USD 4,125.

“Given the backlogs that we have in infrastructure, in human capital and investment in innovations, you can take advantage of those backlogs by addressing them quickly

F PHL, 10

are (from left to right, second row) community relations manager Fermin Edillon, AVP for reputation enhancement Rossano Luga , AVP and Panabo branch manager Ronald Chan and customer and retail Services department manager Mervin Dalian.

Bank lending continues Strong investment demand to grow in November drive imports growth - NEDA

O

UTSTANDING loans of commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, grew by 13.6 percent in November from 13.9 percent in October.

Similarly, bank lending inclusive of RRPs increased by 13.2 percent in November from 13.6 percent in the previous month.

On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank lending increased by 0.9 percent for loans net of RRPs and by 0.7 percent for loans inclusive of RRPs. Loans for production activities—which comprised more than 80 percent of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio—grew by 14.1 percent in November from 14.4 percent in October.

The expansion in production loans was driven primarily by increased lending to the following sectors: real estate activities (21.8 percent); electricity, gas, steam and aircondi-

F DTI, 10

tioning supply (27.8 percent); wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (13.9 percent); financial and insurance activities (15.2 percent); and construction (29.7 percent).

Bank lending to other sectors likewise expanded during the month except for professional, scientific and technical activities, which declined by 27.5 percent.

Loans for household consumption expanded by 13.3 percent in November from 12.8 percent in October due primarily to the increase of credit card loans, auto loans and salary-based general purpose consumption loans, which offset the contraction in other types of loans.

Going forward, the BSP will continue to ensure that domestic credit and liquidity conditions will keep pace with overall economic growth while remaining consistent with its price and financial stability objectives. (PNA)

S

TRONG domestic demand for raw materials and intermediate inputs, capital and consumer goods kept Philippine merchandise imports in October 2015 in the positive territory for the fifth consecutive month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

Trade data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority today indicate a 16.8-percent increase in spending on imported goods, or US$6.5 billion in October 2015 from US$5.6 billion in the same month last year.

This is also a significant upsurge from the 8.2-percent growth recorded in the previous month.

The double-digit growth was backed significantly by higher importation of raw materials and intermediate goods (40.1%), capital goods (25.4%) and consumer goods

(4.1%). The Philippines outpaced its Asian peers as other trade-oriented economies registered declines in imports. Vietnam, which posted positive growth in the previous months along with the Philippines, was marginally down by 1.8 percent in October this year.

“The continuing resurgence of imports is a healthy indication of robust investment demand as it continues to be driven by intermediate and capital goods. The anticipated recovery of the global economy, and brisk election spending will continue to drive imports to double-digit growth,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Import payments for raw materials and intermediate goods, which account for 42.8 percent of the country’s total merchandise imports, increased by US$2.8 billion

in October 2015.

The value of imported capital goods, which account for 32.3 percent of total merchandise imports, increased to US$2.1 billion in October this year. Imports of capital goods have been expanding at double-digit rates since March 2015, which bodes well for overall investments growth in 2015.

“Increasing appetite for capital goods and manufactured goods, such as materials accounting for the manufacture of electrical equipment, signifies an upbeat business sector. This demonstrates the overall business confidence growth of 51.3 percent recorded in the fourth quarter this year from 41.4 percent in the previous quarter, as reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This is the highest we had in the last two years,” said Balisacan who is also the

NEDA Director- General.

Moreover, import bill for consumer goods increased by 4.1 percent to US$1.1 billion in October 2015, while total import payments for mineral fuels and lubricants declined by 38.5 percent to US$524.8 million in October 2015, mostly by the volume purchases and price decline of petroleum crude.

“On the back of a weak global environment, the strong growth in shipments of capital goods and consumer goods points to a resilient domestic economy. Supportive policies for a thriving business sector should be continued. These include lowering the cost of and reducing the time for starting a business, reducing red tape and transaction costs, and supporting innovation and technological improvements, among others,” Balisacan said.

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BIGGER PICTURE 7

The big bang

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HE sale of fireworks is most especially high during the days of festivity such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Independence Day. In December 2009, the town mayor finally relented to the pleading of the vendors to allow them to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials in the public market. He would allow them to sell provided they keep close watch over their merchandise. This first class municipality of Davao del Sur crafted a firecracker ban in 2005.

Then, the unexpected happened. An unidentified man threw a lighted cigarette butt in one of the stalls. Some of the firecrackers were lighted; it soon spread to other stalls. There were smokes all over. Some pyrotechnic materials were affected that soon they were flying towards the stores selling clothes and school supplies. Before long, a big fire happened.

Accidents like this are bound to happen. But accidents could be avoided. In Davao City, the council passed an ordinance prohibiting the use, sale, and distribution of pyrotechnics or firecrackers in 2002 – even on special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But the year before that, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has already made it a policy.

It has been a tradition for most Filipinos to light firecrackers during New Year’s to scare off bad spirits and avoid bad luck. But not in Davao. As one journalist puts it: “Davao is unlike most developed cities in the country. We celebrate the holidays in peace, without much bang boom bang.”

Fireworks display (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio) A few years ago, Davao City launched the Torotot Festival. Torotot, a Filipino term for a horn, has been used by most Dabawenyos to produce noise for their New Year revelry.

“There are no safe firecrackers.” That’s the main advisory of the Department of Health (DOH) during the holiday season, particularly during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Year in and year out, the health department has been advocating for a ban in the selling and use of firecrackers and/or fireworks for the Yuletide and New Year revelry.

This was started in 1994 by then Health Secretary Juan M. Flavier. But still each year, people – both young and old alike – are victims of firework-related injuries and even death.

This year, the DOH is again reminding parents, caregivers, and elder siblings not to allow children aged 6-10 years to light fireworks/firecrackers, especially piccolo, as statistics revealed that most injuries were from this age group.

But despite intense warning, many people still ignore it. Jee Y. Geronimo, in a feature which appeared in the Rappler, reported: “Even 5 days before Christmas (this year), the (health) department has already recorded at least 10 firecracker-related injuries all over the country.”

Eight out of 10 victims are children, according to the health department. When he was still the health secretary, Dr. Enrique T. Ona issued this statement: “Injuries due to prohibited fireworks were four times more likely to occur among those aged less than 18 years, three times more

likely to occur among those aged 5-12 years, and three times more likely to occur among males.”

In Bocaue, Bulacan -touted to be the “Fireworks Capital of the Philippines” -- most stalls started selling their products even before the Christmas Day. Most of them reported good business starting on Christmas Day. More people are expected to flock to the town as New Year is fast approaching.

Wikipedia defines a firecracker – also known as cracker, noise maker, banger, or bunger – as “a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. They have fuses, and are wrapped in a heavy paper casing to contain the explosive compound.”

History records showed firecrackers, together with fireworks, to have originated in China. The predecessor of the firecracker was a type of heated bamboo, used as early as 200 BC, that exploded when heated continuously. The Chinese name for firecrackers, “baozhu,” literally means “exploding bamboo.” After the invention of gunpowder, gunpowder firecrackers had a shape that resembled bamboo and produced a similar sound, so the name “exploding bamboo” was retained.

In his book, Things Chinese, James Dyer Ball has a detail description about the process and material used for making firecracker at the end of 19th century. At that time, firecrackers were made by women and children workers, using straw paper to make the body of the firecracker, while

the fuse was made of bamboo paper imported from Japan, then stiffened with buckwheat paste.

Today, firecrackers are commonly used in celebration of holidays or festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Halloween, Independence Day in the United States of America, Diwali in India, Tihar in Nepal, Day of Ashura in Morocco, Guy Fawkes Night in the United Kingdom, Skyfest in Ireland, Bastille Day in France, and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The use of firecrackers, although a traditional part of celebration, has over the years led to many injuries. There have been incidents every year of users being blinded, losing body parts, or suffering other injuries, especially during festivities that customarily involve firecrackers.

In Singapore, a partial ban on firecrackers was imposed in March 1970 after a fire killed six people and injured 68. This was extended to a total ban in August 1972, after an explosion that killed two people and an attack on two police officers attempting to stop a group from letting off firecrackers in February 1972.

However, in 2003, the government allowed firecrackers to be set off during the festive season.

In Malaysia, firecrackers are banned for similar reasons as in Singapore. However, many Malaysians smuggle them from Thailand. In Indonesia, firecrackers and fireworks are forbidden in public during the Chinese New Year, especially in areas with significant non-Chinese population to avoid conflict between the two.

Torotot for sale (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

Firecrackers (from the net) Every New Year, TV shows all over the country always report the victims of firecrackers. This range from slight burns to blown off fingers to death. Some of those who ignore those wounds may end up having tetanus.

Tetanus is an illness caused by tetanus bacteria, which thrive and live in soil, saliva, dust and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a cut or burn. The infection is characterized by locking of the jaw, making it difficult for the patient to open his mouth and swallow. When this happens, the patient can die from suffocation.

“They (victims of firecrackers) still have time because the (longest) incubation period for tetanus is 28 days. I hope that they won’t wait for tetanus to set in before seeing

a doctor because it might be too late when that happens,” Dr. Eric Tayag, chief epidemiologist of the Department of Health.

Tetanus is not the only health threat of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. High air pollution during a fireworks episode is directly correlated with the occurrence of respiratory diseases. That’s according to a study published in the 1972 edition of Hawaii Medical Journal.

Those with preexisting respiratory ailments like asthma and heart and circulatory diseases should also watch out. They are susceptible to worsening conditions after exposure to pyrotechnic dust particles. It has been found that firework emissions contain residues of heavy metals and sulfur-coal compounds.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

EDITORIAL When will they learn?

W

ITH 2015 about to end, the country gets to welcome a new year in 2016, but the story in the aftermath of the celebration for the holidays remain the same specifically outside of Davao City. The Department of Health (DOH)-Epidemiology Bureau recorded a total of 131 cases of firecracker and stray bullet-related injuries with one death as of December 28.

According to DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin, 128 of the total incidents were caused by firecrackers and three by stray bullets. The lone fatality involved a nine-year-old girl from Bulacan, who succumbed to a bullet wound in the back while playing in the neighborhood on Christmas Eve, saddening health officials.

The DOH went on to report that most firecracker-related injuries were recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Region 5 with 26 cases and Region 11 with 14 cases.

The injuries happened despite the intensified nationwide campaign of the health department against the use of illegal

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firecrackers during the holidays.

It is really disheartening to note when people get killed or injured during the merrymaking, but this has been the story in the country every year. People, mostly children, end up getting hurt because they refuse to do away this Christmas and New Year’s Day tradition of exploding firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices and indiscriminately firing guns at the height of the celebrations.

Of course, Davao City has no firecracker-related injuries for several years now because of the total ban being imposed since 2002 which prohibits the use, sale and manufacture of all pyrotechnic devices. But, despite the ban, there are still those who violate the law by possessing them and violators have already been charged in court.

Other local government units (LGUs) can learn a thing or two from Davao City. It has been proven time and again that merely regulating the sale and use of firecrackers is not enough to prevent injuries and even death. When will they ever learn?

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EDGEDAVAO

“T

HE merry year is born like the bright berry from the naked thorn,” penned Hartley Coleridge. Anne De Lencios contributes, “Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it.”

Welcoming New Year means different things to different people from around the world. In the Philippines, New Year (Bagong Taon) is a public holiday and people usually celebrate in the company of family and close friends. Traditionally, most households host or attend a Media Noche (dinner party).

Throwing coins at the stroke of midnight is said to increase wealth as does serving circular shaped fruits and shaking of coins inside a metal can while walking around the house.

Things really get loud as people make noises by blowing on cardboard or plastic horns (torotot) banging pots and pans, playing music, or lighting fireworks to scare away bad spirits.

This kind of celebration in the Philippines has made it to the list (fifth) of the Top 10 favorite New Year traditions from across the globe from the online travel adviser Cheapflights.

“Most Filipinos follow a set of traditions that includes wearing clothes with dots (in the belief that circles attract money and fortune) and bright colors (red, yellow, green, and orange) to show enthusiasm for the coming year,” news agency Reuters said.

Another Asian country which made it to the list (fourth) is Japan. “The Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) is marked with a range of cultural and religious traditions from eating special family meals and making temple visits to sending postcards. Since 1873 Oshogatsu has been celebrated on January 1, but traditionally it followed the Chinese lunar calendar. O-miso-

U

NDER a present government that is rich in rhetoric and poor in action, Filipinos need to realize not to depend too much on government. Be reminded what the late US President John F. Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can give but what you can give to your country.”

Developing a positive mindset in these times of difficulty will help, instead of sulking in one corner and endlessly hoping that help is on the way. A positive mindset clears the cobwebs of fear and doubt that have been constantly dogging you.

Why do you need to develop a positive attitude?

Let me tell you.

Our economy is built on the rollercoaster fortune of the crude oil we import from OPEC that comes through their subsidiaries or middlemen/agents. Juan dela Cruz will realize that every time the price of oil increases, there is an equivalent increase in the prices of commodities.

Our government has, since as far back

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Here comes New Year

ka (New Year’s THINK ON THESE! Eve) welcomes Toshigami, the New Year’s god, and across the country people celebrate with concerts, countdowns and fireworks as well as more traditional Henrylito D. Tacio activities.” henrytacio@gmail.com Food plays a big part in New Year’s celebrations. People eat a special selection of dishes called osechi-ryori, including of boiled seaweed (konbu), fish cakes (kamaboko), mashed sweet potato with chestnut (kurikinton), simmered burdock root (kinpira gobo), and sweetened black soybeans (kuromame).

“Around 11 pm, people gather at home for one last time in the old year and eat a bowl of noodles-long noodles are associated with crossing over from one year to the next,” Cheapflights said.

Germany and Finland share the top of the list. “On New Year’s Eve in Germany and Finland, family and friends come together for a spot of lead pouring - Bleigießen in German and uudenvuodentina in Finnish - and make predictions for the coming year,” Reuters said.

It isn’t an exact science and there are no firm rules on what the shapes actually represent. A bubbly surface can mean money is coming your way; a broken shape misfortune. Ships refer to travelling; a ball means luck; a monkey says beware of false friends; and a hedgehog means someone is jealous of you. “But don’t get too worried if you receive a bad fortune - the predictions are just for fun,” Cheapflights said.

Four more Europeans traditions are included in the list: Wales, Scotland, Greece, and Italy.

Calennig, the Welsh name for New Year, means New Year celebration or gift and since ancient times the tradition in Wales has been to give gifts and money to friends, family and neighbors. Today, it is customary to give bread and cheese on New Year’s morning, with children receiving skewered apples covered with raisins and fruit.

In Scotland, the Hogmanay (Scots word for the last day of the year) has become one of the world’s most recognized New Year’s celebrations. There are many customs, local and national, linked with Hogmanay. The most widespread is the practice of ‘first-footing’ which starts immediately after midnight. First-footing involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbor’s home and giving symbolic gifts such as salt, coal, shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a rich fruit cake) to bring luck to the householder. This goes on throughout the early hours of the morning and into the next day, and can last well into mid-January.

In Greece, while Christmas is solemn, New Year’s Day is filled with celebrations and gift giving. On the morning of New Year’s Eve, children go door to door and ask permission to sing kalanta (carols) to bring good wishes to their neighbors, announce the coming of Aghios Vassilis (Saint Basil), the Greek Santa Claus, and bless the house. Later in the evening, families gather for a meal of roast lamb or pork and an extra place is set at the table for Aghios Vassilis.

In Italy, New Year’s celebrations start with eating a whole heap of delicious foods. The evening begins with the traditional dish, cotechino e lenticchie. Cotechino is a savory pork sausage that contains lo zampone, the actual hoof of the pig, and is a symbol of abundance. Lenticchie

(lentils) are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year to those who eat them on New Year’s Eve and represent the money that you will earn in the coming year. So the more you eat, the more you!

The last two remaining traditions come from Mexico and Chile.

In Mexico, families celebrate New Year’s (Vispera de Año Nuevo) with a mix of religion, tradition, superstition and special festive foods.

To start the year with a clean slate, a tradition involves writing a list of all the bad and unhappy events that happened over the year, then before midnight the list is thrown into a fire and the negative feelings of the past year are gone.

In Chile, people have developed a range of traditions to bring them luck and help make their wishes come true in the New Year. Several sure-fire ways of scoring themselves some good fortune involve food and drink. Eating lentils and downing a dozen grapes - one for each month of the year - on New Year’s Eve will ensure prosperity in the coming year as will drinking a glass of champagne with a gold ring inside.

Sticking a luca (1,000 Chilean peso bill) in one’s shoe before midnight will see it multiply in the coming year and, if the person is feeling generous and wants to spread the good will around, he gives his friends, family and neighbors ribbon-wrapped sprigs of wheat at midnight.

Henry Ward Beecher has reminded, “Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past.”

Happy New Year!

as I can reSPECKS OF LIFE member, has been using this logic to defend its inadequacies to curb soaring prices including utilities, transportation costs, tuFred C. Lumba ition fees, etc.

The government has utterly failed in teaching its constituency, particularly the Pinoy ‘masa’ the ABCs of life, including financial literacy and planning, political maturity and most importantly the democratic principle that sovereignty resides in the people.

Filipinos do not realize that FREEDOM is a mere catchword that is mentioned casually but never practiced religiously. They think when they are able to express themselves in the parliament of the streets and are tolerated

to the hilt by the authorities, they are already enjoying their freedom.

Still and all, the number of poor families is multiplying nation-wide, and they are getting poorer through the years.

Less than one percent of the country’s population of one hundred plus millions is composed of the rich and they are the affluent businessmen and taipans that actually control and dictate the tempo of government.

Therefore, against this backdrop, you can achieve freedom if you begin developing a positive mindset. Do not just go with the flow or swim with the current or travel the road where the multitudes pass through. Be uncommon. Do the ordinary by being extraordinary.

Start planning by listing down an action plan for 2016. This way you can focus on your priorities and not be distracted by minor hitches or even glitches.

Take time to look back and check what mistakes have you committed. Someone said that those who do not remember the mistakes

of the past are liable to repeat them.

A positive mindset will help you in overcoming molehills that impede your forward movement. As you grow, your confidence brings you a step higher to the ladder of success. You cannot be stopped when you have that momentum of growth because you already have cultivated in yourself a winning posture and self-reliant attitude.

Grab and read books about the autobiographies of successful people, businessmen and captains of industry, spiritual leaders and heroes. Their varied experiences will teach you where to go and what to do when encountering a crisis.

Actually, you don’t have to go far. Just watch what the government is doing about our problems in governance. Its failures should teach you important lessons in life that will enrich your personal experience.

Be a person of positive character. It can get you somewhere. It can get you to a place called SUCCESS. (E-mail your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). God bless the Philippines!

Thinking positive for 2016

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

FIRECRACKER... FROM 1 manders are mandated to deploy police officers to the barangays to arrest violators once the reports are confirmed.

Driz said she hopes no more people will be arrested for violating the firecracker ban.

On December 28, the Talomo Police Station formally filed charges against Aljun A. Blasquez and Rogelio C. Polangcos of Garden Villas in Catalunan Grande for violating City Ordinance No. 060-02 Series of 2002 or the firecracker ban of Davao City.

The two were submitted for inquest procedure before the City Prosecution Office on Monday.

Blasquez and Polangcos were arrested on December 25 by police officers who were responding to a report from the Isumbong Kang CDDCPO text hotline.

The two were arrested with three “piccolos” in their possession last December 25.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), piccolos are the biggest cause of firecracker injuries in the country.

A person arrested violating the ordinance will be slapped with a P1,000 fine or imprisonment of one month for the first offense. For the second offense, the fine is P3,000 or imprisonment for three months, and for the third offense it is P5,000 or imprisonment of six months.

She said that since the city is on double red alert, all areas of convergence will have tight security measures.

Driz said aside from tight security in the malls, churches, seaports, and bus terminals, the DCPO will also deploy police and other security units

in the subdivisions and barangays to make sure burglars do not take advantage of the celebration.

She said there will be random checkpoints and chokepoints in different areas in the city, especially in crime-prone places.

who was staying at the staff house of their church last Dec. 26, at Purok 6, Barangay 37-D, Poblacion, this city.

Her remains were recovered inside the facility’s lavatory, Jimenez said.

“Didto sya nisulod kay abe siguro niya didto ang safest nga lugar. (She went inside the lavatory thinking it was the safest place),” he said.

He advised residents to place the candle in areas where it will not catch fire.

Overall, BFP 11 recorded 976 fire incidents from January to November 2015, with damage pegged at P258.304 million. The bureau recorded 694 cases for the same period last year.

Davao City topped the list with 418 cases, followed by Davao del Sur with 185, Davao del Norte with 18, Davao Oriental with 141, and Compostela Valley wth 51.

During a forum on power outlook for Mindanao last month, Noriel Christopher Reyes, science research specialist II at the Department of Energy’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, said four units of coal-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 550 megawatts will open by first half of 2016.

Two units will start in the first quarter: the 150-MW unit of the Therma SOuth Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power, in Binugao, Toril in Davao City; and the 100-MW unit of the Sarangani Energy Corporation in Maasim, Sarangani Province.

The San Miguel Power Corporation will start commercial operation of its two power plants, each having a capacity of 150 MW, in the second quarter, according to Reyes. Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews

ple to start new businesses.

“After our inventory and thorough examination of all business and consumer policies and procedures, we were able to reduce the number of active DAOs from 257 to 124,” Domingo said.

The other 133 DAOs were no longer included for circulation. These DAOs were repealed, amended, superseded or abolished by subsequent or new DAO or law. The obsolescence of a DAO is contained in itself or the new DAO affecting it.

The remaining DAOs were validated with the various DTI functional groups that have jurisdiction over them, and now contained in the document named Compendium of Active DAOs in DTI. This compendium can be found in the Department’s general records section, library, and digital systems. Soon, it

will be published online and accessed in the DTI website (www.dti.gov.ph).

“We will continuously share our experience on this effort to other national government agencies to encourage and guide them in taking similar actions to streamline their official issuances,” Domingo said.

Domingo added that through this effort, we expect not only speedy and efficient delivery of public services for our Department’s stakeholders but initiate the change in the entire Philippine government.

“With efficient and quality government transactions, we can help put in place the underpinnings for an enabling environment that can improve the people’s living standards and promote inclusive growth in the country,” Domingo said.

(DTI)

DCPO... FROM 2

Fires... FROM 2

DTI ... FROM 6

House... FROM 3

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

“We have a House united and focused on serving the highest welfare and interests of our people,” he stressed.

Visibly delighted over the President’s signing into law of the 2016 General Appropriations Act, the Speaker proudly said that the 16th Congress has established a “new norm” in the enactment of the annual General Appropriations Act. “There was no reenacted

national budget for the past six consecutive years,” Belmonte stressed, adding that “the next government and succeeding Congresses will have no more excuses for failing to pass the budget on time, so that reenacted budgets will truly be a thing of the past.”

He said that from July 22, 2013 to Dec. 16, 2015, the House was able to legislate 2,934 bills. (PNA)

hurts when we are supposed to celebrate. Now we are mourning the loss of our loved ones,” said a sister of a slain farmer.

“Worse, the BIFF rebels were sniping at us as we retrieved the dead bodies. How heartless,” she said.

One of the six persons killed in Kauran was a Balik-Islam Muslim. His decomposing body was seen three days after the attack in a bamboo plantation and bore torture marks.

His throat was slit.

A woman relative of the victim asked, “So where are those defending the human rights?

The victim’s family said he was wrongly tagged as a Cafgu member when he was just a farmer. He was in his farm to spray pesticide on black bugs when the attack took place.

On Monday, the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the Department of Social Welfare and Develop-

ment distributed relief goods to displaced families, including a check worth P10,000 for each family that lost a member.

The provincial government distributed another P10,000 cash and a sack of rice for the family of each dead farmer.

Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, Western Mindanao Command chief, who attended the turnover rites Monday for the new 1st Mechanized Brigade commander, said they will launch a counter-offensive to stop the atrocities.

Dela Cruz was once assigned as chief of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in 2012 in Shariff Aguak town where he engaged the BIFF. “As long as there are groups that harass our helpless civilians, we will hold the attackers responsible and accountable. We will not allow them to go on with senseless killings,” Dela Cruz told reporters. Ferdinandh Cabrera/ MindaNews

so that we can raise the level of the potential growth of the economy,” added Balisacan.

To achieve this status, the NEDA chief underscored the need for the country to pursue policies and programs that will improve industries’ competitiveness and productivity and raise investments in human capital development.

“However, while the Philippine economy has been growing at a rapid pace in the last five years, much still has to be done to achieve even faster poverty reduction and more inclusive growth,” he said.

pects,” he said.

There are currently 12 awarded projects worth PhP217.42 billion in the Philippine public-private partnership (PPP) pipeline, two other projects under implementation, 13 other projects in different stages of procurement and three others for roll-out.

Civilians... FROM 3

Phl... FROM 6

Infrastructure The government has been increasing its infrastructure investment from 1.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011 to 5.0 percent of GDP in 2016.

It is ramping efforts to address the issue of underspending on public infrastructure ahead of next year’s elections.

The capacities of the local governments in project planning and budgeting has been also strengthened.

Balisacan said it is imperative for the country to continue developing infrastructure, encourage technological innovation and pursue regulatory and structural reforms to unleash its potentials and maximize gains from regional integration.

“Through these, the country can further attract investment flows, as investors in advanced economies affected by the global financial crisis search for markets with higher returns and better pros-

Human capital development Expenditures on social services, particularly education, health, social security and housing, have shown significant improvement, indicating the country’s serious thrust of heavily investing in human capital development.

“For the years ahead, it is critical for our country to be able to take advantage of its relatively young population joining the labor force in the next decade,” Balisacan said.

The latest Labor Force Survey showed a new 10-year record low unemployment rate at 5.7 percent, mainly on the boost in the services and industry sectors.

This is the first time that the unemployment rate dropped below 6.0 percent, even better than the target set in the Philippine Development Plan of 6.6 to 6.8 percent.

“Despite the improved figures, we still need to further improve the quality of jobs available in the market and upgrade the skills of our labor force. This is the bigger challenge. Sustained increases in labor incomes can only come about by raising productivity,” the NEDA chief further said.

(PNA)

RCEP... FROM 4

pare a compensation mechanism, like re-employment or re-tooling programs, to buoy the negative impacts on the rice and textile sectors.

Cororaton, nevertheless, argued that, “These effects are considered progressive because they favor lower-income household groups.”

He also underscored one of the most important contributions of the RCEP--the dispute settlement mechanism.

It binds the countries to coop-

erate to the strict terms of the agreement, and encourages discipline and incentivizes reforms for members to become competitive.

“Significant reforms in investment and corporate taxation are required to make the Philippines an attractive destination for foreign investments,” concluded the study.

But all of these adjustments are sure to pay off because the Philippines has the potential to gain a lot from the RCEP.

that their children will attend school and visit health centers regularly.

Throughout the implementation of the program, critics panned the 4Ps saying it was not effective at all. They claimed that it promoted dependency and laziness among the household beneficiaries.

Paqueo argued, however, that impact evaluation studies conducted so far show the program is, in fact, effective. It has improved key education and health indicators. Criticisms that it encouraged laziness and dependency proved to be unfounded. The hours of labor that people put in work did not change. The number of hours that children put in work declined but this is because they were going to school instead.

Paqueo said that despite these results, it is important to emphasize that the 4Ps is not a panacea. Necessary adjustments still have to be made to improve the program to make it more effective and sustainable.

In another case study Paqueo cited, impact evaluation was able to demonstrate the risk and cost of adopting policies without appropriate empirical evidence, and the fact that what might work in other countries may not always have the same effect locally.

The objective of the legal minimum wage policy (LMW) was to raise the household minimum wage of low-wage earners. But after evaluating the policy’s real impacts in the Philippine setting, it turned out that it was doing more harm than good.

By raising the LMW, employment and work hours were reduced especially in small firms in order to cope with increased operating expenses. The rise in wages significantly decreased average household income by 20 percent.

In short, the policy negatively affected the very people it wanted to help.

Paqueo said the case study underscored the value of evaluating government policies to determine their unintended consequences and to think of more effective alternative policies.

In the last case study pre-

sented by Paqueo, he again demonstrated the importance of impact evaluation in producing new knowledge from unintended consequences.

The study on the impact of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in conflict areas has shed new light on the mechanisms that link aid and conflict.

The results showed that KALAHI-CIDSS led to an increase in violent conflict contrary to the popular belief that development aid helped reduce conflict. A development program threatens to reduce local support for insurgents’ cause, creating a backlash from insurgent groups to try and sabotage the program.

Impact evaluation is crucial to improving the way the government facilitates development but its importance needs to be widely appreciated for successful take-up by leaders and policymakers.

PIDS has started the groundwork by undertaking an impact evaluation project in 2014. The project involves the conduct of process evaluation and impact assessment of key government programs as well as capacitating the monitoring and evaluation staff of the NEDA, the Department of Budget and Management, and other key agencies in conducting impact evaluation. The project consists of 23 impact evaluation studies and several technical trainings on how to conduct impact evaluation.

For PIDS president Gilberto Llanto, these efforts are not enough. “To sustain what we started, we need to bring the importance of impact evaluation to the consciousness of other officials,” he said.

The policy forum was conducted to further raise awareness and appreciation of the importance of impact evaluation. On January 4-15, 2016, a two-week training course on impact evaluation methods organized by PIDS and 3ie will be held at the new PIDS’ office in Quezon City.

Thirty participants from selected regional universities and government agencies are expected to attend. The course will teach participants commonly used econometric and statistical methods to evaluate the impacts of social and other programs in developing countries.

Improve... FROM 4

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 82838 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 614993-4 issued to MILAGROS R. VILLA-ABRILLE was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

12/18,24,31

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Meaty

Media Noche dishes BEFORE WE START jumping up and down and singing well-wishes to one another, let’s get inside the kitchen for a last minute prep for some meaty meals for everyone to enjoy. Personally, I look forward to my time inside the kitchen and experimenting with flavours. Here’s some of my meaty choices for the #MediaNoche tonight.

Hours to go and it’s the NEW YEAR! Happiest greetings to everyone and may the changing of digits inspire us all to be better versions of who we are. Cheers! Xoxo #TRC Kare-Kare with Bagoong This will always be in my list of must-haves on the dining table. This year, I found out that using chunky peanut butter is better.

3 lbs oxtail (cut in 2 inch slices) you an also use tripe or beef slices 1 small banana flower bud, sliced

1

bundle of pechay 1 bundle of string beans, strips 3 pcs eggplants, sliced 1/2 cup peanuts, smashed ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup shrimp paste 1 litre water

½ cup annatto seeds (soaked in a cup of water) ½ cup toasted ground rice 2 pieces garlic, minced 1 large onion, chopped salt and pepper In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.Place oxtail pieces and onions. Simmer for 3 hrs or until tender. If us-

ing a pressure cooker, it takes 35 minutes or so.

Once the meat is tender, add the ground peanuts, peanut butter and soaked annatto seeds for coloring. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add toasted ground rice and simmer for another 5 minutes. Cover.

In a separate pan, saute the garlic. Slowly add the banana flower, eggplant, and string beans. Cook for 5 minutes or until thick.

Transfer cooked vegetables to the large pot (where the rest of the ingredients are).

Season to taste.

Serve hot with shrimp paste.

Beef Caldereta Loved this with plenty of cheese and cream cheese!

1/2 kilo Beef Brisket, cut into cubes 4 cups water 3 pieces red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips 1 cup tomato sauce 1 tsp. crushed chili 3 pcs bay leaves 4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 onion, finely chopped 2 cups potatoes, peeled and sliced 2 cups carrots, sliced 1 cup cooking oil 1/4 cup green olives grated cheese 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened salt and pepper to taste In large pan over mediumlow heat, add the oil and fry potatoes until light brown.

Once done, removve from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, sauté the garlic and onions. Do not burn. Add the beef and saute for 5 minutes or until brown but not toasted.

Add water and let the beef boil until tender. Once tender, add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add green bell pepper,crushed chili, olives, carrots, bay leaves and potatoes. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

Season to taste. Add the cheese and cream cheese. Remove from heat. Serve hot.

THE ROYAL CHEF A4

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

FOOD

Inside FROG Kaffee and Roastery.

COFFEE CULTURE REDEFINED IF THERE IS one drink the urbanites of Durianburg love it is coffee. It is hard to imagine that barely 20 years ago, coffee shops serving gourmet brews and espresso based concoctions were virtually unknown. Today, you can find a coffee place in virtually every corner of the city serving the comforting brew.

Even the city’s malls would have at least one or two coffee places serving as oases for shoppers who want to sit down and have their shot of caffeine.

Last December 18, 2015 marks a new dawn for coffee lovers in Davao as Fresh Roast of Great (FROG) Kaffee and Roastery officially opened its doors.

The brainchild of couple Markus Ableitinger and fiancee Gina Ellorango, FROG Kaffee is part of the third wave of specialty coffee shops that is hitting Philippine shores.

The interiors of FROG Kaffee are an eclectic clash of Filipino and European design that harken to the coffee shops of old. The lounge areas are cozy with huge sofas and low slung tables adding to the vibe of the space. But what is special about FROG Kaffee and Roastery however is not just cosmetic but it is what is in every cup of brew one orders.

For starters, FROG Kaffee roasts its own coffee beans. “FROG Kaffee is a new concept in Davao where we have two pillars, freshness and great cof-

fee. That is how we got the name FROG Kaffee, Fresh Roast of Great Coffee.” said Markus.

Roasting the coffee beans on-site allows for maximum freshness of the coffee. The roast is also custom roasted by Markus on the cafe’s computer controlled Diedrich roaster which ensures that each batch of coffee beans is roasted for optimum flavour.

Getting the perfectly roasted beans is just part of the equation for a great cup of coffee as Markus revealed. “You need to have right high-quality equip-

FROG Kaffee’s Diedrich coffee roaster.

Enjoying my freshly brewed coffee.

Brewing coffee using the syphon method.

FROG Kaffee also serves European-style dessets.

ment and you need to have the passion and the knowledge and the know-how on how (on coffee).”

FROG Kaffee educates their baristas through rigorous training to guarantee that perfect cup. “Our staff has been trained to listen carefully and to know how to use the different brewing systems.” said Gina “like air-pressed, we have syphon system, the pour-over, the Frenchpressed, we also have a pole drip coffee system. These are just a few of the many

FROG Kaffee’s power tandem Markus Ableitinger and fiancée Gina Ellorango. brewing methods we have here at FROG Kaffee.”

I personally had so much fun tasting coffee brewed using the different techniques and systems at FROG Kaffee. It is amazing how the single coffee bean can be brewed in many different ways and creating different subtle flavours.

The Fresh Roast Of Great Kaffee and Roastery is located at Prime Square IIand is open for breakfast all the way to the late evening.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

GabRu talks about their benefit concert experience KAPUSO STARS Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid were part of the recently held successful benefit concert “For the Love of Mama” which was spearheaded by the Philippine Queen of Comedy Aiai delas Alas for the construction of the Kristong Hari Church in Quezon City.

Catholic, I am really grateful to have contributed in building the church.”

The Half Sisters actor said he is an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) follower, but that didn’t hinder him from participating in the concert. He said, “[It felt] overwhelming. Alam ko naman kasi na maganda ang purpose ng benefit show ni Mama Ai [kaya] sobra ako natuwa nung sinabi [niya] na [kasama ako].”

They have both maintained a good relationship with the Comedy Queen since they starred in a TV series.

The Wowowin host calls the comedian as her “Ninang Ai” which she considers special to her, “She already considered and called me as her “inaanak” because [of our roles] in our show.

She is so motherly and generous.”

Ruru, on the other hand, still considers the Sunday PinaSaya host as his mother. He said, “Masarap kasama si Mama Ai [dahil] napaka-supportive and ramdam mo ‘yung pagmamahal [niya sa akin] kaya nagpapasalamat talaga ako.”

It was an unforgettable experience for the love team since it was their first time to be involved in such activity. Gabbi performed Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” while Ruru sang One Direction’s “Drag Me Down.” After their solo performances, they joined voices singing Let the Love Begin’s original soundtrack.

The actress shared, “I am very honored to participate in Ms. Ai’s concert because aside from sharing my talents and performing, I got to help the church as well. As a

Reporter’s Notebook rounds up 2015 in review THE UPCOMING EPISODE of Reporter’s Notebook on December 31 rounds up the biggest issues, controversies, and tragedies the GMA News and Public Affairs show probed this year.

The Kentex fire, M/V Kim Nirvana disaster, and the Nepal earthquake were just some of the tragedies that tested the faith of Filipinos this 2015. The deplorable aftermath of some of these tragedies were personally witnessed by hosts Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido.

Reporter’s Notebook also focused on the violence and conflict that shook the southern part of the Philippines, such as the death of the 44 PNP-Special Action Force (SAF 44) members in Mamasapano, Maguindanao and the alleged killing of lumads in Mindanao.

Catch the Yearend Special of Reporter’s Notebook this

January 1 – 7, 2016

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

December 31, 5:15 p.m. after Destiny’s Rose, on GMA 7.

To know more about the Network’s regional events, follow GMA on Facebook at www.

f aceb o ok .com /gmanet work and GMA Regional TV at www. facebook.com/GMARegionalTV and on Twitter and Instagram via @GMARegionalTV.

PG

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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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

FOOD THE ROYAL CHEF A1 Chicken Afritada For that last minute cooking.

2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces 3 pieces potato, quartered 1 carrot, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 cup green peas 8 ounces tomato sauce 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium onion, diced 1¼ cups chicken broth or stock 2 pieces dried bay leaves 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar 4 tablespoons cooking oil Salt and ground black pepper to taste In large pan over medium-low heat, add the oil and pan-fry he chicken until it turns slightly brown. Remove the chicken.

On the same cooking pot, sauté garlic and onions.

Pour-in tomato sauce, chicken stock and bay leaves. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.

Add the potato and carrots abd simmer for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.

Add the bell pepper, green peas, sugar. Season

to taste. Simmer.

Chicken Curry The lime makes all the difference.

2 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons red Thai curry paste 1 onion, sliced 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes

1 1/2 cups potatoes, quartered 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots 1 teaspoon dried basil 3 cloves garlic, minced Zest of 1/2 lime 1 1/4 cups coconut milk 1/4 cup chicken stock 1 can diced tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Lime wedges, for squeezing In a pan over low heat, heat oil and saute the curry paste and onions -stirring often.

Pat the chicken dry, sprinkle with salt and pepper and add the remaining oil to the pan.

Cook the chicken in the onioncurry mixture until golden.

Add the potatoes, carrots, basil, garlic and lime zest. Cook until the vegetables are coated.

Add the coconut milk, chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Let the chicken simmer until cooked.

Squeeze with lime juice before serving.

Bistek Tagalog Go-to dish even without an occasion.

2 pounds beef sirloin, thinly-sliced

1 large onion, peeled and sliced into rings 1 head garlic, peeled and minced ¼ teaspoon black pepper Juice of two lemons ¼ cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons oil 1 cup water Salt to taste In a bowl, combine beef, onions, garlic, pepper, lemon juice and soy sauce. Massage marinade into meat and marinate for about 30 minutes or overnight.

Remove meat, onions and garlic from marinade, squeezing and reserving excess liquid.

In a pan over high heat, heat oil.

Add beef and cook until lightly browned. Spoon out and reserve juices during frying. Remove meat.

In the pan, add onions and garlic and cook - stirring regularly.

Return meat to pan.

Add reserved marinade and juices. Add water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the meat is fork-tender and liquid is reduced. Season with salt to taste.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram @theroyalchefleebai for your delicious food finds!

CULTURE & ARTS 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

HISTORY OF DAVAO

Post-war gold smuggling

By Antonio V. Figueroa

W

File photo shows a miner piling a sack of gold ore in the Diwalwal gold rush area. Photo by MindaNews

Life goes on in Mt. Diwata, better known as Diwalwal. Photo by MindaNews

HEN one talks about Diwalwal, more accurately known as Mt. Diwata, a gold rush in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, chances are, in the hush-hush boardrooms of some blue-chip mining firms operating in the area, the contentious issue of gold smuggling has a special place in discussions.

In the late 1980’s, at the height of the rush, when the old Central Bank was deemed helpless in containing the exit of Diwalwal gold via the southern backdoor, the grapevines teemed with fabulous tales of gold bars kept in dungeons and shipped via foreign vessels docked at Sasa Wharf in Davao City.

These stories of gold contrabands being spirited out were not without basis.

The records of gold sold to the new Bangko Sentral from the Monkayo mines reflect the disparity between intensity of the mining occupation happening there and the volume of minerals delivered to the government depository for selling.

Even the confidential reports and official records of the defunct Economic Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (EIIB), it was claimed, provided indisputable clues that gold smuggling existed.

Sadly, no one was caught in the law enforcement web.

First miners The first mining outfit to explore the mineral resources of Southern M i n d a n a o was Mineral Exploration and Development, which was registered on Dec. 1, 1933, followed

by Davao Gold Mine (DGM), which the Elizaldes controlled. DGM made its original claims of the Hijo area, within today’s Compostela Valley Province, in 1934,

but production did not start until 1940 later when its processing plant went into operations.

By 1940, encouraged by reports of a rich gold find in Hijo, two American miners, J.W. Brady and H. Lindbloom visited the site to observe the progress of the exploration.

That same year, the mining company’s aerial tramway was completed by G.M. Kilcar of the Interstate Equipment Company of New York. One of the key members of the operations staff of DGM was J.H. McGillivray, a Canadian.

World War II disrupted organized mining in Davao region. It was only in October 1955 when DGM, first registered in 1937 as Samar Mining Company, started gold production in its mines at Masara. But amid the productive harvests from gold mines, the high prices offered in the so-called ‘black market’ encouraged gold smuggling.

Central Bank To stave off gold smuggling, in September 1955, the members of the Philippine Gold Producers Association and the Gold Subsidy Board reached an agreement that covered sales of newly-minted gold produced from Sept. 16 to Dec. 31, 1955.

Under this new accord, the gold producers, both over-marginal and marginal mines, were obligated to sell half of their production to the Central Bank (CB) and the remaining half or any part of it could be sold in the local market or the CB. Compared to the present practice, gold sold to the CB, which predictably comes only from companies known to patronize world-market prices monitored by the government, is automatically taxed and the proceeds deposited in the seller’s account. This covenant was later confirmed under CB Circular No. 63, dated Sept.

28, 1955, which stated: “SUBJECT: Sale of Gold to the Central Bank “Effective September 16, 1955, to December 31, 1955, the Central Bank of the Philippines will purchase gold at P103 and P105 per ounce from over-marginal and marginal mines, respectively, in accordance with the classification of the Gold Subsidy Board. Gold

producers are required to sell a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of their gold production at above prices to the Central Bank, and they have the option to sell their entire output at the same prices.

“For The Monetary Board: “(Sgd.) Andres V. Castillo, Acting Deputy Governor.”

Salient points The agreement, which came out in the October 1955 issue of the American Chamber of Commerce Journal, was signed to highlight a compromise that resulted in achieving several desired goals, notable among them were: “1. It will set a minimum price for future gold sales (to December 31, 1955); “2. It will channel large amounts of newly mined gold to the Central Bank and provide that much added dollar exchange for the country.

“3. It will stabilize the local market. Lately, local buyers have refused to bid for large amounts because of recent measures on the part of Government enforcement agencies meant, precisely, to curb their activities.

“4. It will reduce gold smuggling to a minimum.

Under the new agreement, at least at present, gold producers will not reap greater benefits than under the original Subsidy Act. Initial benefits will redound, therefore, only to the Government in the additional dollar exchange that will result.”

At the end of the accord, several issues were pointed out, namely the protection of gold prices against depreciation, possible extension of the agreement beyond 1955, and the retention of the conditions provided under the Gold Subsidy Act, which gave protection to gold sellers in case local prices improve sufficiently.

Until now, the issue of gold smuggling has not been satisfactorily addressed. It does not take rocket science to understand that most of the mining players in Mt. Diwata have gone elsewhere to sell their produce. Whether this reluctance to deal with Bangko Sentral is tantamount to gold smuggling, it’s hard to fathom.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

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

COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

Phl joins Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank T

HE Republic of the Philippines will be signing the Articles of Agreement (AOA) of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) before year-end, joining the newly created multilateral institution aimed at boosting infrastructure development and connectivity.

In a statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the government believes the AIIB “will augment and complement existing multilateral institutions in accelerating economic

growth.”

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “Our shared pursuit of growth and development has only become more challenging as the global environment becomes increasingly complex. We thus welcome platforms where countries can work towards shared development goals in the spirit of partnership.”

“In a globalized world, connectivity is the name of the game.

AIIB is a promising institution addressing investment needs, and

will help close financing gaps in many countries. I also see this as a chance for greater collaboration with member countries, especially with ASEAN, on regional infrastructure goals,” Purisima added.

The Asian Development Bank has estimated Philippine infrastructure financing needs from 2010 through 2020 to be at $127.12 billion, requiring an annual investment of $11.56 billion.

The Philippines, the ADB projects, stands to gain from closing this gap: accumulated reduction

in trade costs is estimated to be at 15.6 percent of trade value and will result in a gain of about $220 billion in real income.

The total capital stock of AIIB is $100 billion, 20 percent of which is paid-in. The indicative paid-in capital of the Philippines is $196 million (payable in 5 years or $39 million per annum).

“The Philippines has taken the matter of our membership in AIIB very seriously. We have participated in the discussions leading to its creation, believing that

good governance is just as important in our international institutions just as they are at home.

We are confident that the Bank’s organization design and oversight mechanisms are committed to transparency, independence, openness, and accountability. We are likewise optimistic that AIIB’s decision-making processes are

Welcome 2016 with a bang

New Year’s Eve Party at SM Lanang Premier

S

HARVEST TIME. A fisherman takes out lobsters from his fish cage in Barangay Day-asan, a fishing village in Surigao City. Fishermen sell live lobsters at P2,400 a kilo. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto

geared towards making it a lean, clean, green institution run like a true multilateral,” Purisima said.

President Benigno Aquino on December 29, 2015 granted Purisima or, in his absence, Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Erlina F. Basilio full powers to sign the AOA on behalf of the Republic.

AY hello to the New Year in a big way! Hit the Countdown to the 2016 Party at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court on December 31, 9pm till midnight for a merrymaking like no other.

Get festive with hot mix sets 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.

Celebrate New Year’s eve dinner with your loved ones at The Fountain Court restaurants – Vikings, Mesa, French Baker, Dayaw Coffee, Kuya J Restaurant, and Banana Leaf – for a chill-out al-fresco experience. Also enjoy an enchanting view of the 122-me-

ter musical dancing fountain.

Restaurants are open from 9pm to 1am.

For a perfect after-party 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 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 party on New Year’s Eve! For more information, call 285-0943 to 45 or check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

CALL OF DUTY Baldwin taps Almazan to join Gilas practices

THRILLED TO PLAY FOR THE FLAG. Raymond Almazan of Rain Or Shine has received a call from Gilas coach Tab Baldwin.

R

AYMOND Almazan showed the way for Rain or Shine in its knockout match against TNT for a place in the semifinals of the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup. The ever-improving 6-foot-6 center finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds in the 10489 rout at the Mall of Asia.

The former Letran stalwart must

have made so big an impression that he got an invitation from no less than Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin to join the national team in practice shortly after the game.

And Almazan made no mincemeat about his desire to be part of Gilas – just even in training.

“Isang tawag lang sa akin nandito na ako. Every player naman talaga

dream ‘yun,” said Almazan afterwards.

“Pag humindi ka run, tanga ka talaga.”

Baldwin later said everything is not yet cast in stone as the decision entails on Almazan’s mother team and the entire organization (PBA).

The three-year pro said he’s very grateful for the invitation from the American-New Zealander, who, he said has been trying to get him even

before hand.

“Sabi ko lang it’s my pleasure coach na makapaglaro for the national team,” he said. “Ako talaga, hindi ako hihindi.”

Almazan was so happy he told Baldwin he’s just a call away.

“Sobrang saya ko, nagulat talaga ko kaya sabi ko, ‘Thank you coach. Just call me coach,” he said.

HE Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 19-point deficit to snap Houston’s home win streak, and LeBron James received an early birthday gift as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Denver on Tuesday night.

Al Horford and Paul Millsap posted double-doubles and the Hawks rallied to win a Texas-style shootout over the Rockets by a score of 121-115 at Toyota Center in Houston.

Horford finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds while Millsap tallied 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Hawks, who have now won their last four meetings with the Rockets.

Millsap also had a block of Rockets center Dwight Howard with 11 seconds left on the clock and Atlanta clinging to a 117-115 lead.

“We fought through adversity and got it done,” Horford said.

Hawks forward Kent Bazemore added 26 points on five of nine three-point shooting, while guard Jeff Teague finished with 22 points with eight assists in their final game of 2015.

Atlanta overcame another miserable shooting effort from slumping guard Kyle Korver, who missed all 11 of his field-goal attempts. That included a record of zero-for-10 on three-pointers.

Houston led 47-28 early in the second quarter, 71-56 at the half and 98-88 with 10:32 remaining but scored just one field goal following a Howard dunk with just over eight minutes remaining.

The Hawks ground the Rockets’ offense to a halt by intentionally fouling free throw liability Howard down the stretch as the lead dwindled in the final quarter. Howard made just 10-of-18 free throws Tuesday.

Howard matched Horford with 30 points and added 16 rebounds, while Rockets guard James Harden scored 26 points, grabbed 10 boards and dished out eight assists.

“I think we should have stuck with the same game plan we had in the first half,” Howard said.

day, scored 34 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Cavaliers defeated the Nuggets 93-87.

“It has been a long roll for me but I got a longer roll to keep going. I got to keep pushing the envelope,” James said. “Hard work pays off and tonight was an example of that.”

Will Barton scored a team high 29 points and Joffrey Lauvergne scored 14 for Denver, who have lost six of their last seven games.

The Cavaliers were playing their fourth game in five nights on this Western Conference road trip. They lost a hard-fought game to Golden State in an NBA finals rematch on Christmas Day before winning the last two.

Durant collected 26 points, six boards and eight assists, stretching his streak of scoring 20 or more points to 18 games.

Center Enes Kanter came off the bench to tally 23 points and eight rebounds. Guard Cameron Payne added 16 points to help Oklahoma City improve to 22-10.

Bucks guard Khris Middleton led all scorers with 36 points on 13-of22 shooting. Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 27 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Michael Carter-Williams scored 19 points as the Bucks dropped to 12-21.

Hawks rip Rockets, LeBron gets early gift as Cavs win T

King James rolls on LeBron James, who will celebrate his 31st birthday on Wednes-

Thunder outgun Bucks Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined for 53 points and 15 assists to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 131-123 victory over Milwaukee at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Westbrook earned 27 points on 10-of-22 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists.

Gasol cools off Heat in OT Center Marc Gasol scored a game-high 23 points, seven of them in overtime, as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Miami Heat 99-90 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis.

With the score tied 83-83 at the end of regulation, Memphis jumped out to an 89-83 advantage in overtime and the Heat never got closer than three points. Gasol also had eight rebounds, six assists and four blocks.

NBA

VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

PSL to form ‘Dream Team’ T

HE Philippine Super Liga (PSL) is looking to assemble a selection team for an invitational tournament in Thailand next year, in which the criteria include not just talent but also good looks.

PSL president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara revealed organizers of the tournament have particularly requested to see players who are good looking.

“Nakiusap ’yung organizer kung puwedeng magaganda ‘yung mga players ang dadalhin. Natawa nga ako sabi ko kasi beauty contest ba ‘to o competition,” said Suzara in jest.

The league is looking to tap a coach not involved in either the UAAP or the NCAA to handle the team due to scheduling conflict with the Thai tournament set in March.

Petron coach George Pascua easily emerges as among the top candidates.

“I need to appoint a coach next week. I’m looking at appointing a PSL coach who is not involved in the UAAP and the NCAA,” said Suzara.

The PSL selection, which may also feature two imports, will be playing against six teams from the Thailand Super League and a squad from Indonesia.

“I’m very happy the Thai volleyball association invited a PSL selection,” said Suzara.

The Thailand tournament is the first international campaign for PSL players next year, with Grand Prix champion Foton also expected to play in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship which the Philippines will host in September.

SUPERBELLES. Alyssa Valdez (left) and Rachel Anne Daquis (right) are two of the country’s finest players today and with their looks, it looks like they are a cinch to the PSL Dream Team.

Kobe says draft snub helped fuel his ‘killer instinct’

END OF A JOURNEY K

OBE Bryant says his passion for winning w a s shaped in part by the snubbing he received from the team that drafted him into the NBA back in 1996.

Bryant was just 17 and fresh out of high school when he sat down immediately following the entry draft with head coach Dave Cowens of the Charlotte Hornets who had selected him with the 13th overall pick.

“Charlotte never wanted me. [Dave] Cowens told me he

didn’t want me. It wasn’t a question of me even playing here,” said Bryant after his farewell tour with the Los Angeles Lakers made a stop in Charlotte on Monday night.

Five-time NBA champion Bryant says the slight he received from the former Boston Celtics star player Cowens helped shape his championship character.

“I mean, I had grown up watching basketball. I knew who Dave Cowens was and was pretty excited,” Bryant said.

“Then I was like, ‘Oh, all right.’ I quickly transitioned from smiley kid to killer instinct.”

After the draft Charlotte traded Bryant to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.

Bryant announced recently that he is retiring from the NBA at the end of the current season.

Besides his five championship rings with the Lakers, Bryant has won two NBA finals MVP awards, two NBA scoring titles and was named an all star 17 times in his brilliant career.

Bryant drew a thunderous applause throughout the evening from a sellout

crowd of 19,632, the largest ever for a regular-season game at the Time-Warner Cable Arena.

The Hornets saluted him before the game with owner Michael Jordan delivering a videotaped message.

Bryant finished with a team-high 20 points in the Lakers 108-98 loss and said that he was moved by the cheers from the crowd.

“It’s been like that in every city, fortunately,” Bryant said. “Here it is a little different because this is the city that drafted me. The journey started here. As brief as it was …. so it has more value to it.”

Lakers coach Byron Scott said Bryant deserves the respect he is getting in all the cities the Lakers have visited.

“It’s been remarkable,” Scott said.

“The fans are showing him a lot of love, and rightly so. He’s put in 20 hard years and given everything he’s got, every single night.

“I think what the fans are doing everywhere we go so far are just showing their appreciation. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 2, 2016