VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society
DE-STRESSING. A City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTMO) enforcer takes time to de-stress from his daily work of manning the flow of traffic near City Hall by feeding the pigeons at Rizal Park yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
BARANGAY COP SHOT DEAD Just hours after election gun ban begins EDGEDAVAO Sports
By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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MEMBER of the barangay police was shot dead in Barangay Tawan-tawan, Baguio district last Sunday morning, just a few hours after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban was put in effect. Baguio Police Station identified the victim as Marito G. Arroyo, 61, resident of Purok Bayanihan in Baran-
gay Tawan-tawan. Police said Arroyo was collecting coconut water in his farm in nearby Purok Panaghiusa when he was shot by three unidentified men at around 7:10 a.m. on January 10. Witnesses who heard the gunshots rushed to the victim’s farm and found Arroyo lying on the ground. According to the police
report, the witnesses saw the suspects, whom they described as young adults, running towards a forested area. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) said the victim suffered gunshot wounds in his back. In an interview yesterday, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said investigators are
looking at personal grudge as motive for the killing because Arroyo had conflict with some people in their area. “Kani man gung biktima, katong bata-bata pa ni siya daghan pud siya’g na engkwentro na mga tao diha sa ilang area (When he was still young, Arroyo had frequent conflicts with people in the area),” she said.
Spieth starts year with a win P15
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
COMMITTED. Davao City Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) head Francisco Villaroman (right) welcomes European Union (EU) delegates led by Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen to the PSCC office during the latter’s two-day visit to the city yesterday. The EU delegates were in Davao City to reaffirm their commitment to development contribution initiatives in Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.
4 nabbed in drug busts
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OLICE arrested four suspects in separate buybust operations conducted in Davao City on Saturday. About 9:30 p.m., members of the the Talomo Police Station arrested Sandie Sandoy, 41, married, taxi driver, a resident of Bonguyan Beach, Matina Aplaya in Davao City. Police recovered eight sachets containing suspected shabu and P1,000 marked money. In another incident, policemen at Bunawan arrested Ibrahim Jaca, 39, married, of Blk. Muslim Village, Brgy. Ilang, this city around 9:30 a.m. Police recovered five pieces of sachets containing suspected shabu and P1,000 marked money.
Meanwhile, personnel from the San Pedro Police Station arrested Jerry Cabagong Mataos, 27, single, and resident on Guerero St., this city. Police recovered four sachets of suspected shabu and P500 marked money from the suspect. In another operation, San Pedro PNP arrested Ronaldo Certeza Ignacio, 46, married, and resident of Phase 1, Block 7, Lot 14, Talomo District who was caught in the act smoking shabu using an improvised glass tube. Recovered under his possession was a small-sized square transparent plastic container with shabu. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
Pusher killed in shootout
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DRUG pusher was killed in a shootout after he resisted arrest with police authorities in a buy-bust operation conducted at Purok 7, Brgy.76-A in Davao City at 2:10 p.m. on Sunday. Police identified the suspect as Edwin Delostrico, 32, a resident of Purok 2, Quirino Avenue Extension, Brgy. 5-A Bankerohan, this city. Based on the spot report of San Pedro Police Station, a police operative who acted as a buyer was transacting with the suspect who immediately drew his .38 caliber revolver hidden inside his pillow and shot at the authorities when he learned that he was selling to a poseur buyer. The police then retaliated and fired at the suspect, hitting him several times on his
body which resulted to his death. In a follow-up investigation, personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered the buybust money worth P1,000, the suspect’s firearm loaded with four ammunitions with one fired cartridge, four fired cartridges of 9mm handgun, two deformed slugs of unknown caliber, two medium-sized square-shaped transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu worth P90,000, and another transparent plastic sachet containing what was believed to be the item being sold, and identification card of Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Auxiliary. In a text message on Monday, Davao City Police Office
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City residents urged: Submit to checkpoints By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has urged the public to submit themselves to checkpoints while the Commission on Elections (Comelec) election gun ban is in effect. In an interview yesterday, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz encouraged the public to bear with the checkpoints because they are being mounted to ensure a safe and peaceful election. “With your support, we can fulfill the conduct of a
safe and peaceful election that is why they need to follow the law,” she said. The election gun ban started last Sunday. Driz said as of the second day, there have been no arrests yet in the city. “Hangyo lang pud mi sa katawhan na dili pud sila mag arogante once i-check sila sa atong kapulisan (We are requesting the people not be arrogant while they are being checked),” she said. She said the conduct of
the checkpoints is in coordination with the Comelec and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Driz said police officers or soldiers are only allowed to conduct the inspection through the “plain view doctrine” and people are not obliged to open the compartments of their vehicles. “Only visual search is required and no person may be subjected to physical or body search in the absence of reasonable grounds,” she added.
Driz, however, said if there is information that a certain person is carrying firearms or drugs, the latter will be subjected to a frisking for verification. Driz reminded the people that during the election period, no one is allowed to carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec.
in the latest skirmishes,” Karim said. He said while the latest skirmishes did not hurt anybody, last Sunday’s trading of bullets and mortars has sent messages to displaced families their communities remain unsafe. Per police assessment and evaluation, about 568 families or 2,831 individuals remain in various evacuation centers in Poblacion Pikit and nearby villages. “This is an infighting among MILF leaders triggered by land dispute and family feud,” Karim said, adding the
police have tried to mediate but they were met by gunfire from both sides. “Our mandate is to secure the civilians, we will not interfere in the armed conflict because of the existing peace agreement between the government and the MILF,” Karim said in a radio interview. “We look for MILF leaders’ action on this problem,” the police chief said. “The national highway linking Cotabato and Davao is safe...we have enough police personnel securing the road network at the same time implementing election gun ban,”
Karim said. Election gun ban commenced Sunday. Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF’s military arm, said emissaries have been sent but the team is yet to submit report to the MILF central committee. To avoid the escalation of armed hostilities involving Moro rebels in North Cotabato’s Pikit town, Army and police forces have been deployed to serve as peacekeepers. Karim said in an interview that soldiers from the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade were deployed Thursday along with
MILF infighting erupts anew W
ARRING members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) clashed anew in interior villages here despite efforts to separate warring families who are related by blood and by affinity, police said. Chief Inspector Sindatu Karim, Pikit town police chief, said the families of Bhuto Mantol attacked anew the communities in Barangay Talitay where Mokamad Andoy and Ricky Husain, all leaders of the MILF, on Sunday dawn, triggering five hours of sporadic fire fight. “No casualty was reported
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
EDGEDAVAO
NEWS 3
Landmine explodes in Paquibato sitio A LANDMINE exploded on a roadside at Sitio Panulawan, Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District in Davao City at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. The Paquibato Police Station, led by Chief Insp. Leonardo V. Tarongoy, the station commander, immediately responded to the incident upon receiving a report around 6:30 a.m. from a certain Edison Bitania, 28, a resident of Purok Sampaguita, Sitio Panulawan in Paquibato District. No one was reportedly hurt in the incident.
Responding authorities recovered one unexploded improvised explosive device (IED), two blasting cups, electrical wire estimated at 100 meters long, and eight pieces of battery. The unexploded IED was immediately turned over to the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion detailed in Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District. Intelligence and investigation personnel were dispatched to possibly identify the perpetrators and the motive of the incident. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
PNoy to meet House members to push for Bangsamoro law
THE YEAR THAT WAS. Romeo M. Montenegro, director for Investment Promotion and Public Affairs of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), says 2015 was a very exciting year for Mindanao’s economy due to the
strong performance of the agriculture sector. Montenegro, who was among the guest of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday, also gave the Mindanao economic outlook for 2016. Lean Daval Jr.
Karlo welcomes dismissal of stude’s DQ case vs Rody By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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abf@edgedavao.net
AVAO City first district Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles yesterday welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) first division to junk a disqualification case filed by a student leader at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman against presidential aspirant Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. The Comelec had dismissed the petition filed by UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) chair John Paulo delas Nieves yesterday. The student leader earlier sought the cancelation of the certificate of candidacy (COC) of
Duterte, but he and his lawyer failed to appear in the preliminary conference on the case. Delas Nieves had claimed that Duterte’s substitution for former Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) standard-bearer Martin Diño was invalid as Diño’s COC was defective. In a Facebook post, Nograles said he was “very happy with the decision of Comelec 1st Division junking the DQ case against Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for President.” He said Duterte’s supporters are relieved to know that the Comelec is applying the rule of law correctly. “We
N alert fruit vendor prevented what could have been another bloody Monday morning here, police said. Senior Supt. Junny Buenacosa, Tacurong City police director, said the improvised bomb was made of one kilo cut nails as shrapnel, blasting caps, and explosive powder placed in a carton and left near the city’s welcome rotunda and in front of a department store. Buenacosa said a fruit vendor near the site where the IED was found alerted the police about a suspicious box left unattended at about 8 a.m. The unidentified vendor at first tried to personally check on the box but he
found electrical wirings. He then called on the police. Responding Tacurong City PNP bomb disposal team with canine dogs checked on the box. The K-9 dogs sat on it, an indication it contained bomb materials. Police then cordoned off the area, rerouted the traffic, and detonated the IED. Buenacosa told reporters that the investigation was still going on. No one has claimed responsibility but the city had been subjected to previous bombing attacks by suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and extortion groups preying on bus companies and business establishments. (PNA)
Bombing attempt in Tacurong foiled A
hope that the Commissioners will maintain its stand with the other disqualification cases still pending in their office,” he added. “This is a welcome relief, given the damaging remarks, potshots and mudslinging being hurled against the good Commissioners and against their institution by some quarters in this electoral exercise,” he added. Nograles said he hopes everyone can “keep calm, cool and collected in the remaining months to come going towards election day, confident that polling body will defend democracy and the voice of our
people.” Duterte’s spokesperson Peter T. Laviña said the mayor’s camp is also happy with the decision. “Praise the Lord. To God be the glory! Tuloy ang #TunayNaPagbabago,” Laviña said in his Facebook account yesterday. Laviña said Duterte’s legal team led by lawyers Vitalino Aguirre and Al Argosino will issue the official statement once they get hold of a copy of the Comelec Order. Duterte still has a pending disqualification case filed by broadcaster Ruben Castor and lawyer Rizalito David.
FREESTYLING. World Freestyle Football Federation founder and president Dan Wood (right), Asian Freestyle Football Federation general secretary Nguyen Hoai Nam (center), and Maharlika Sports Institute’s Edgar Te
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OR the second time after December 8, President Benigno Aquino will meet anew with members of the House of Representatives next week to push for the passage of the law that would pave the way for the creation of a new political entity called the Bangsamoro. Aquino told reporters covering the inauguration of the 300-megawatt coal-fired Therma South Project in Binugao, Toril in Davao City on Friday that he is still optimistic that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be passed under his term, even as the measure that seeks to replace Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with Bangsamoro has been described as technically dead. Aquino met with members of the House on December 8 in Malacanang to ask them to “seize the historic opportunity…” of passing the BBL. According to Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the President told House members that day that passing the BBL “has become more imperative in view of the increased threats posed
by global terrorism and radicalization” and that he urged them to rise to the challenge of “changing ttthe narrative” of the Bangsamoro,” referring to the cycle of violence and poverty that has stalled peace and progress in Mindanao. The BBL was drafted by the 15-member joint government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and submitted to Congress in ceremonial rites held in Malacanang on September 10, 2014. This draft became House Bill 4994 and Senate Bill 2408 but after the committee hearings, the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL chaired by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and the Senate Committee on Local government headed by Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. filed their respective substitute bills – HB 5811 and SB 2894, both titled Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR). HB 5811 and SB 2894, however, have been criticized as rendering the supposedly “new autonomous political
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promote the upcoming 2016 Asian Freestyle Football Championship which will be staged in Davao City. The three gentlemen were among the guests in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.
EDGEDAVAO
4 SUBURBIA
VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
DONATION. UP Mindanao Freshman Batch 1998 donated P32,593.95 to the UP Mindanao Alumni Association on January 5, 2016, in preparation for the Panagtagbo alumni homecoming on February 20. Alumnus Jay Neil Ancheta is shown handing over the check to UPMinAA president Kriza Calumba. Witnessing the ceremony are alumni Wardy Puyod, Ma. Catherine Otero, Diocy Guilabtan, Ryan Songcayauon, and Martino Aldepolla. UP Min photo
South Cot sustains F malaria-free status S
Prov’l gov’t aids families affected by BIFF attacks
OUTH Cotabato province has not recorded any indigenous case of malaria in the entire 2015, sustaining its clean record for the fourth consecutive year. Jose Barroquillo, team leader of the Integrated Provincial Health Office’s (IPHO) malaria program, said Monday no new cases of malaria emerged last year in areas where the disease was earlier found to be endemic. He was referring to villages in the hinterlands of Lake Sebu and T’boli towns, especially those near the province’s boundaries with Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat
provinces. “We’re aiming to sustain this status this year so we could finally be declared as a malaria-free province,” he said. The IPHO and the Department of Health (DOH) have not recorded a single indigenous case of malaria in any part of the province since 2012. According to the DOH, a province may be declared as malaria-free if it sustains zero incidence of indigenous case of the disease for five consecutive years. Such declarations are made by the DOH and the World Health Organization,
which has been supporting the national government’s malaria eradication program. The province was adopted by the DOH as among the focal areas for the malaria eradication program following an outbreak in 2005 in Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu. Another major outbreak in the area came in 2007 that downed 80 people, mostly T’boli tribal folks. From 584 in 2004, the indigenous cases of malaria in the province went down to only two in 2011 or a reduction of 99.66 percent. Barroquillo attributed such feat to the IPHO’s sus-
tained efforts against the disease with the province’s 10 towns and lone city. He said they have been conducting regular cross-border operations to combat the possible entry of new malaria cases from the neighboring provinces. “We don’t want to be complacent with our situation. We have to always double check to achieve our aim of totally eliminating malaria,” Barroquillo said. The IPHO’s cross-border operations in 2014 focused on the outskirt barangay of T’boli and it extended to Lake Sebu last year. (PNA)
information and communication system (ICS). Milagros Lorca, acting head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-
ment Office (PDRRMO), said Monday they are currently finalizing the arrangements for the rollout of the ICS within the province’s 10 towns and lone
city.
New disaster communication system rolled out in SoCot
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HE provincial government of South Cotabato is gearing for the full operationalization of its newly completed centralized disaster
SACADA. The tractor operator is the lone male among an all-women group of sacada (seasonal workers) preparing the land for planting sugarcane in Quezon town, Bukidnon. Male workers operate the tractor or cut the canes for harvest. Workers are paid P150 daily
wage. The National Wages and Productivity Commission says agricultural workers in Quezon and other Bukidnon towns should be paid P289 daily wage plus ten pesos a day cost of living allowance. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO
She said the local government has invested around P4 million for the installation and operationalization of the ICS. “The new system will mainly help centralize our operations and facilitate immediate responses in cases of disasters and emergencies,” she said. As part of the initiative, Lorca said they acquired last year six mobile radio bases and 12 handheld radios and three repeaters. She said they turned over the handheld radios and bases to the Municipal DRRMOs of T’boli and Lake Sebu, which had faced difficulties in transmitting information to the system base. The official said they installed the three repeaters Barangays Bulol in Koronadal City, Ned in Lake Sebu and
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AMILIES displaced by armed hostilities launched by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North Cotabato have received relief assistance from the provincial government, officials said yesterday. More than 200 families had deserted their communities in the villages of Malagakit and Simsiman, all in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on December 24 last year when BIFF members attacked the villages and killed a village kagawad. The affected families went to the town center and stayed there during Christmas Day until after the New Year revelry was over. Some remained in evacuation sites at night but return to their farms at day-
time. Marchita Capilitan, provincial social welfare focal person, and Jessie Enid, provincial health and legal matters focal person, led the relief distribution of food packs that contained rice, sardines, noodles and other immediate necessities for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS). Marian Joy Quilban, Pigcawayan town social welfare officer, said the IDPs have been staying temporarily at the municipal gymnasium. Quilban was elated to see the office of the provincial governor immediately responded to her request for augmentation of relief assistance. “The provincial government has immediately provided assistance to the IDP’s
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T’boli town chosen finalist for Gawad Kalasag Award
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N urban village in T’boli town in South Cotabato province has been chosen as among the finalists in the search for the best Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMC) in this year’s national Gawad Kalasag Awards. Rommel Sinarimbo, deputy operations officer of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 12, said Monday the BDRRMC of Barangay Edwards in T’boli has landed in the top three of the nationwide under the urban category. He said such development was based on the results of the assessment conducted by the national evaluators of the Gawad Kalasag Awards. “(Barangay Edwards) is
already a winner. We’re only waiting for its final ranking,” the official said. Aside from Edwards, also selected as finalists were two other BDRRMCs in the cities of Bago and Legaspi. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the OCD are currently gearing for the 17th edition of the Gawad Kalasag Awards. The Gawad Kalasag, which stands for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan, is to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative in helping the government uplift
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5 ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
Lower Mindanao GRDP seen in ‘15 By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
HE gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of Mindanao is expected to hit 6 to 7 percent in 2015, lower than in 2014 as the island region faced challenges towards the end of the year, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) forecasted. The 2015 GDP as seen by MinDA is lower compared than the projection made by the office in 2014 which was pegged at 7 to 8 percent when actual GRDP of the island-region was 7.4 percent in 2014. “The year 2015 was an exciting year. We have seen this in terms of the socioeconomic performance of each region during that period,” MinDA director for investment promotions and public affair Romeo Montenegro said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex. Montenegro described the previous year as exciting despite the challenges the island-region faced toward the end of the year. The onslaught of the long drought season caused a negative domino effect in Mindanao’s production as well as in other sectors like power. Montenegro said the areas in Mindanao caused long hours of series of rotating power interruptions as the result of the reduced capacity of the hydroelectric power plants
(HEPPS). Half of the power supply of the Mindanao grid was then largely dependent to more than half-century old Agus-Pulangi HEPPS. Not only did Mindanao’s power sector suffered from El Niño, but also the agriculture sector as the production in major agriculture commodities drop. The slowing down of the demand from traditional market of banana from Mindanao like Japan and China also affected the growth of the sector in 2015. Banana producers and exporters in Mindanao said these two markets were already exploring other cheaper markets. The entry of banana from the Latin American countries also caused a decreased in the global demand for Mindanao’s Cavendish banana in 2015. The continuing dropping of the price in the international market of natural banana also caused as slow down in the agriculture sector. Mindanao is the major producer of rubber exported to Malaysia4 “As long as the price of petroleum products remained low, the demand and price of natural rubber will remain low,” Montenegro said, adding crude oil are used to produce synthetic rubber. However, Montenegro still considered the agriculture
sector remained to be a major economic driver in 2015 despite the effect of El Niño. He said investing in more manufacturing establishments will allow Midnanao to move from exporting raw materials to value-added products in a larger international market. The sectors of industry, services as well as construc-
tion recorded significant growth in 2015. “Developers here are already tapping Manila- based contractors because the local contractors cannot accommodate the local demand,” Montenegro said. The MinDA official added that there was a significant growth in construction of pub-
lic infrastructures like roads and bridges which are necessary to improve the connectivity sector of the region Private investment on infrastructure as well as in real estate sector continued to grow in 2015, he added. Montenegro said the growth of Mindanao strode with the pace of the Philippine
economic growth which was pegged at 6.0 percent during the third quarter of 2015. As reported, Philippines’ fast economic growth is next to large economies like China, India and Vietnam. MinDA also projected that the Mindanao will have the same growth of between 6 to 7 percent by the end of this year.
BAGSAKAN. Wholesalers and retailers from the different parts of Davao City prefer to buy vegetables at the Bagsakan area in Bankerohan where prices are much lower than inside the public market. Lean Daval Jr.
6 THE ECONOMY
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
Mindanao gets P380-B budget By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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INDANAO will get a total of P380.9 billion or 22.2 percent of the P3 trillion national budget this year for development of necessary public infrastructure, agriculture, transportation and communication and social services. “For us, we have been getting sustained increase in national budget allocation since the start of this admin-
istration,” Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority(MinDA) director of investment promotions and public affairs, told reporters during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday. Since 2011 up to 2015, Mindanao has been getting an average share of 27 percent of the national budget. “That’s a growth of 17 percent annually
Banana exporters seek tax reprieve A
N official of the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) in Davao Region has called on the government to grant the banana industry here exemption from paying local property taxes while they are recovering from the losses. The call was issued by Philexport 11 president Ferdinand Marañon in an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the inauguration of the Therma South Energy Project in Binugao, Toril on Friday. He said both small and big banana players have been plagued by several problems, including the Fusarium wilt, or the Panama disease, that has affected some 6,000 hectares of banana plantations, and the long dry spell in Mindanao. He added that industry players see the need to bring down the production cost to be able to compete with other banana-producing countries in what seems to be a global market war with Ecuador, Sir Lanka, and India, which have already started shipping to the existing global markets of the Philippines such as China, Japan, and South Korea. He also appealed to the government to give more assistance to the industry, as he
lamented that it is “not giving (the banana industry) full support.” Marañon recalled that the industry proposed to the government to buy its excess supply in 2012, the year when China implemented a temporary ban on Philippine bananas on the grounds of physanitary protocol lapses. “The bananas can be fed to the school children who are malnourished. But. this was not addressed,” he said. He said Philexport 11 will hold the 2nd National Banana Congress on April 1 to 2 at the SMX Convention Center Davao where they will discuss industry issues and their possible resolutions, which will be presented to the government for action. At least 1,000 industry stakeholders are expected to participate in the two-day gathering. Stephen Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) said there have been Panama disease-resistant varieties but none has so far seen 100 percent success. The resistant varieties of Cavendish, he said, are the GCTCV218 and OT219.
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Aboitiz to government: Push for LNG terminal
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BOITIZ Power Corp. chief executive officer Erramon I. Aboitiz has called on the government to facilitate the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, which will likely boost the demand for gas-fired power projects. “I believe all of us (investors) face the same problem, which is the cost of building a terminal of a certain size. It’s massive and very difficult for one party to do alone -- maybe that’s what government should do -- come in and facilitate this terminal so power producers could just buy LNG,” he told reporters here. Aboitiz said the project, even without setting a target for LNG’s share in the country’s fuel mix, will increase the
consumption of LNG. The Aboitiz chief executive pointed out that several groups in the power industry are examining prospects for LNG, but he sees that all potential investors “face the same problem, which is the cost of building a terminal of a certain size.” He, however, explained LNG is commercially viable despite its higher cost. Aboitiz added the fuel is compatible with peaking and mid-merit operations. Earlier, the Energy Department said it will push the LNG bill, which will likely encourage investments in the sector. The department currently targets LNG to contribute 30 percent to the country’s fuel mix, but is not required. (PNA)
since 20011 to 2015,” he said. The study of the MinDA in 2000 revealed that Mindanao would need an allocation of at least 30 percent of the annual national budget to be able to cope with the growth of Luzon and Visayas. “Since then, there’s no let’s up in convincing the congress and national government officers to allocate such in Mindanao. We’re starting to see
realization of that at the start of this administration especially in 2011 which we started to get 20 percent way up to 2015,” Montenegro said For instance, he said the construction arm of the government will allocate 30 percent of its annual budget for Mindanao. Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao will get the biggest chunk of P380.9 billion budget
WALK-THROUGH. Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) officerin-charge Ivan C. Cortez (right) briefs European Union delegates led by Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen in the economic environment in
for Mindanao this year which will be mostly for infrastructure development of region. “Aside from significant contribution of Northern Mindanao in the economic growth of the island-region, Northern Mindanao is also in need of more infrastructures because it is the manufacturing center,” Next to Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region will get P67.6 billion budget. It was
followed by P66.6 billion for Zamboanga Peninsula; P63.2 billion for SOCCSKSARGEN; P53.47 billion for the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao; and P51.7 billion for the Caraga Region. He said part of the budget allocation for each region will be spent either for infrastructure or for social services depending on the priority need in the area.
Davao City during the group’s visit at the Davao City Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) office yesterday. Also in photo is Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Sofronio Jucutan. Lean Daval Jr.
Sta. Cruz okays to 60-40 sharing with Davao City over coal plant
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AYOR Joel Ray Lopez of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur is amenable to the proposed 60-40 percent sharing between the Davao City and the municipality over the 70 percent remaining business tax of the operation of the 300 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant of the Therma South Inc. (TSI). “I think personally its okay as far as the executive department is concerned. That’s al-
ready good enough, but we still have to consult the Sangguniang Bayan as an equal body,” Lopez told reporters at the sidelines of the inauguration of the 300 MW base load plant. Lopez described the proposal made earlier by Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang as “already fair enough” since Davao holds the larger percentage of the area where the plant was erected. He said some of his legis-
lators are already agreeable with the proposal. However, he would need legislation to be allowed to sign an agreement with the City Government of Davao. Earlier, Davao City Council committee on finance, ways and means and appropriation chaired by councilor Dayanghirang proposed a tax-sharing of 60 percent-40 percent in favor of Davao City on the remaining 70 percent local busi-
ness tax (LBT) of TSI. The tax-sharing issue has been on the discussion table for two years since the power plant straddles Davao City and Sta. Cruz. “We’re still waiting for the legal opinion of the City Legal Office who will study and review the proposal,” Dayanghirang said. Dayanghirang said officials of Aboitiz and TSI had earlier
Cortez said the city only has the PEZA-accredited buildings for operation of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) but not an area that would suit the requirements of the manufacturing sector. He noted that the ideal place in Davao is the area in Sirawan, Toril in the south and Bunawan in the north side of the city. The move, he said, will come from the private sector and the land owner while the government will provide assistance through facilitation.
“The manufacturing sector can help sustain generation of employment and this is what we need here,” he said. Meanwhile, Cortez noted a continued interest of putting up investments relating to BPO by availing of the city’s offer for incentives. This, he said, is despite the owners of buildings’ option to design their properties within the requirements of outsourcing operation. He mentioned that the Davao DDBO Resources Inc. is refurbishing its property,
the former Queen’s Cinema at Bonifacio Street, into a BPO building with cost at PhP90.5 million and could generate employment for 309 workers. “The Board in general was appreciative of the project because it brought back to life what used to be a popular movie house into something more economically useful, yet retained its historical charms,” he said. Another property is The Felcris Centrale Phase 1, which is mainly a 10-storey
FSTA. CRUZ, 10
Manufacturers want to locate to Davao, but ...
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HE Davao City Investments and Promotion Center (DCIPC) has been receiving inquiries from potential investors in manufacturing, but hold back their plans due to the absence of an approved Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in the city. “We still don’t have a PEZA accredited area here although there is already an identified site,” DCIPC head Ivan Cortez said, adding that there are lots of interests from this (manufacturing) sector.
FMANUFACTURERS, 10
EDGEDAVAO
7 SCIENCE
VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
Dengue:
Hope in the horizon By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
Defogging (From the net) (Second of Two Parts)
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HEN eight-year-old Rene was brought to a town hospital in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, he was very weak. He complained of headache and an off-and-on high-grade fever, which continued for three consecutive days. The attending doctor thought the boy was having sort of flu. On the third day of his confinement, Rene complained of abdominal pain. He vomited every now and then. He developed measles-like rashes in his hands. The doctor became suspicious. So on the fourth day of admission at the hospital, the doctor did platelet count of the patient’s blood. It was up at 8:30 in the morning and went down by 5 in the afternoon. The lady physician became more alarmed when Rene became restless and complained of chest pains and difficulty in breathing. More so when blood started oozing from his nose and blood streaks were found in his saliva. It was 10 at night when the doctor referred the patient to Digos City, which has hospitals that are more equipped to handle such cases. The trip took about 30 minutes. After transfusions of blood and intravenous fluids, Rene began to feel better. Nine days after, Rene was back in his home. His siblings welcomed him with big hugs. Rene was lucky. Not too many his children survived such ordeal. What most people don’t know that there are two kinds of diseases caused by dengue virus. First, there’s the classical dengue fever known for more than 200 years. The other new entity, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), emerged in Manila in 1953. The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti
Dengue transmission (From the net) and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Most Aedes mosquitoes are found indoors than outdoors. The Aedes aegypti prefers to rest in shaded places while Aedes albopictus prefer to rest in shrubs and trees. This is how the disease is spread to other people. After a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, “the virus circulates in the blood up to five days after infection,” explained Dr. Eric Tayag, one of the country’s experts on dengue. “They multiply in the blood cells, called monocytes. Later, the monocytes release chemicals that trigger leakage of plasma that results in shock.” Medical science says there are four distinct, but closely-related, viruses that cause dengue. Recovery from infection by one provides lifelong immunity against that strain but confers only partial and transient protection against subsequent infection by the other three. There is good evidence that sequential infection increases the risk of more serious disease resulting in DHF. Dr. Carmencita Reodica, when she was still the health secretary, told the media that there is no lifelong immunity to the disease. “Someone who has been ill of one type may get reinfected, especially if it involves another strain,” she said.
disease. “For severe dengue, medical care by physicians and nurses experienced with the effects and progression of the disease can save lives -- decreasing mortality rates from more than 20% to less than 1%,” says the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). “Maintenance of the patient’s body fluid volume is critical to severe dengue care.” The best protection against dengue is not to be bitten by the mosquito carrying the virus. According to Dr. Willie T. Ong, there are several things
Life cycle of dengue-carrying mosquito (From the net) Unlike Ebola virus, the dengue virus does not spread directly from person to person. It’s transmitted mostly by the female “Aedes” mosquito which bites in the daytime, breeds in various types of water containers found abundantly around human dwellings and is distributed throughout all tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Although there is now a dengue vaccine, there is still no specific treatment for the
you can about that. “There’s no need to panic (when it comes to dengue) because we have 10 ways to beat dengue,” says the 2007 recipient of the Outstanding Filipino Physician award from the Department of Health. In one of his best-selling books, Dr. Ong lists ten steps on how to avoid getting infected with the dengue virus: 1. Clean up your backyard. Mosquitoes love to stay in the dark and damp areas. So
if your garage is littered with boxes and assorted garbage, clean them up or throw them away. Don’t let them become mosquito havens. Schedule a weekend clean-up day. 2. Empty containers with stagnant water. The dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. This means that flower pots, garbage cans, aquariums, unused swimming pools, tires and other piles are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So after the rains fill them with water, throw the water away. Next time, keep these containers closed and upside down. Flower vase should also be replaced weekly. 3. Check your surroundings for stagnant water. Some ornamental plant leaves have this “whorl” or cup-like shape that can hold water. Turn them over and throw the water away. Upturned coconut shells are also notorious for holding water. Non-moving rivers, especially in squatter areas, are full of mosquito eggs. 4. Close your doors and windows. Some people open their doors in the morning for a whiff of fresh air. They also believe that mosquitoes would leave the house and go into the sunlight. “But my advice is to keep your doors shut at all times,” he advices. If it’s too stuffy, then place a screen door that keeps the flies and mosquitoes outside. 5. Spray insecticide regularly. To rid your house of mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches, spray insecticides every few days. Make sure you spray those dark corners, crevices, and cabinets. You’ll be amazed at the number of pests you’ll find dead in the morning. Just make sure that household members are not exposed to the insecticide as they are not the target. Just spray selected rooms when people are not
around. 6. Wear pants, pajamas, long sleeves, and socks. Mosquitoes are attracted to your breath as you exhale so they know how to reach you even in the dark. “I guess they love bare, plump skin, especially the kids who don’t shoo them away and let them suck as much blood as they want,” Dr. Ong believes. 7. Apply insect-repellants or use mosquito nets. If your kids are going hiking, camping or off to school, you can apply insect-repellants like Off-Lotion. Kids like to play outdoors and are prime targets of these mosquitoes. You can wipe it on selected areas of the clothing like collars, sleeves and pants. Avoid applying lotion on the eyes, mouth or hands. 8. Kill those mosquitoes. When it comes to dengue, it’s either kill or be killed. Instruct everyone to kill as many mosquitoes and flies as they can. Once you’ve got them trapped in your bathroom, show no mercy. Mosquitoes belong to the forest, not in your home. 9. Involve the whole community. The best way to defeat dengue is if the whole community is aware of the threat. Ask your community leaders to schedule a clean-up day. The danger is in those empty houses and lots, which are excellent breeding places for mosquitoes. Become a volunteer to monitor and clean up your surroundings. 10. Spread the word: Dengue fever is here. You’ll never know where dengue will strike next so better be prepared. Inform your neighborhood. “We already know our enemy and all we have to do is follow what the experts have been telling us,” Dr. Dominic Garcia, an infectious disease specialist, points out. “If we will do it now, thousands of people will be saved from death.”
EDGEDAVAO
8 VANTAGE
EDITORIAL
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Technicalities
HIS year, poor families who need contraceptives will have to shell out the amount themselves as the Senate removed a P1-billion allocation for free contraceptives that would have allowed them access to free condoms, IUDs, and birth control pills in health centers nationwide. The Senate’s action was reportedly brought about by two factors, depending on who one talks to. According to Senator Loren Legarda, who is known to support the Reproductive Health (RH) law, it had to do with how the Department of Health (DOH) obligated its 2015 budget. “As of June 2015, the DOH status of funds shows that of the P3.27-billion allocation, only P955 million has been obligated or 29 percent,” Legarda was quoted as saying. “For the remaining 6 months, P2.3 billion or 71 percent has yet to be obligated.” A second reason was put forward by Senator Vicente Sotto III, an RH law critic, who said the basis for the budget cut is the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) in June 2015 which temporarily stopped the distribution and sale of birth control implants and also temporarily prohibited the DOH from granting any pending application for RH commodities. Whatever these technicalities are, the bottom line is that the people who need the contraceptives the most are the ones who will be deprived of it. Legarda’s reason, for instance, should mean any amount unused by the DOH from 2015 may be used to fill the gap, but according to Health Secretary Janette Garin, this is not so.
EDGEDAVAO
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Since budgets are not flexible, government agencies may not use an amount that is not so allocated. As for the Supreme Court TRO, there is perhaps little that can be done about that, except for this footnote that Sotto mention almost in passing: “The Commission on Audit says the budget for those (contraceptives and injectables) have been misused.” If this is true, then the DOH — which itself has been hounded by accusations of corruption under various leaders — shares the blame for this latest debacle. The tragedy, of course, is that neither the senators nor the DOH executives are directly affected by the budget cut. Those who can afford contraceptives should buy their own and relieve the taxpayers of the burden of paying for their pills, IUDs, and whatnot. The removal of the amount affects the millions of poor who can barely make ends meet as it were. As pointed out, poor couples would most probably not shell out the few pesos to purchase pills when they can use the money to buy food instead. And without access to free contraceptives, they are exposed to the dangers of HIV, unwanted pregnancies, and a host of other problems — problems that are really easily addressed by simple contraceptives. Instead they become caught in a vicious cycle of poverty which breeds unplanned pregnancies which breed poverty — and so on and so forth. If technicalities are what caused the budget cut, then government ought to set things right in order to save the lives of the millions of poor who will be affected. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor
CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant
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EDGEDAVAO
A
CCORDING to the Nielsen monitoring report on Total Ad Expenses for TV, Radio and print from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30, 2015, THREE (3) presidential candidates have been spending each more than half a billion pesos. Administration and LP bet Mar Roxas put in P774.192M (P70.38/month); VP Jejomar Binay cashed out P695.55M (P63.23M/month) and Sen. Grace Poe P694.603M (P63.14M/ month). Now, ask me, where did these three guys get all their moolah to finance their expensive media information campaign? Well, to be sure, there are funders behind them coming from the influential business sector that are willing to gamble to ensure they cement their “relationship” with whoever wins the presidency. This “relationship” (with strings attached, of course) goes on to acknowledge a long going fact and practice that rich businessmen, comprised by just less than one per cent of the Philippine population, are the ones controlling and dictating the directions of government. No wonder, giant multi nationals and the
I
HAD my own visits to the doctor lately such that I call the season after the Christmas break as sickness season. I’m glad I have recovered. Stress has its own means. The body is taking its own reminders and is getting back. For this reason, one friend advised to never forget to take a deep breath many times. Exercise does help us do that without reminders. But if you are missing exercises, too, be warned. It’s dangerous to your health. I thought I did that when I swam a few meters in a beach in Medina shortly before yearend. I had a blast. Then again, there are other factors like the weather these days. Anyway, I realized I was not alone in this season’s sentiments. The city’s clinics, outpatient departments, and emergency rooms (perhaps admissions, too), were abuzz with citizens over the last two weeks. The nurses and other attendants confirmed what we realized through our eyes and ears. “Daghan man gud kaayo mga pasyente ron nga mga adlaw. Sir. Dili malikayan nga naay mga sayop nga inana,”(There are many patients these days so we can’t avoid those mistakes) she said when I complained why a new doctor missed writing down how many milligrams she is prescribing for a family member’s medication for tonsillitis. The pharmacists in downtown Malaybalay refused to sell us the meds because the preoccupied practitioner missed three digits. Anyway, I could not recall a time of the year with more patients than this one in the private hospitals I went to in this city. All beds in the emergency room were taken. Beds for admission were also full, except for some in the wards. There were patients lining up at the ER, waiting for their turn to be assigned a room. Some had
VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
VANTAGE POINTS
9
Political ads overspending top fifty PhilSPECKS OF LIFE ippine corporations are snaring the big ticket projects lined up by every single administration who are indebted to them. Fred C. Lumba C o m pared to the first three presidential wannabes only Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte and Sen. Miriam Santiago are the ones “lagging” behind in terms of media exposure. Duterte’s track record as a very effective LGU executive and Santiago’s popularity with the studentry seem not affected, though both do not have benevolent funders, as of this moment. I reckon, if and when the Supreme Court decides with finality the disqualification complaints against Poe, some funders might shift their attention towards somebody else who
they believe will make business climate bright as ever. No one, except Duterte, has pronounced categorically two very shining programs as part of his agenda: Federalism to change our political system of governance and the other is to stamp out criminality and the illegal drugs trade within the first six months of his incumbency. Roxas has become a monotone in proclaiming “Daang Matuwid” as the cornerstone of his government philosophy but walks out of press conferences when his actuations during the super typhoon Yolanda is talked about. Binay slyly sidesteps the issues of corruption raised against his family as if these allegations are not worth his time. His handlers have produced ads with the “paawa” effect, appealing to the compassionate nature of the Filipino voters. Poe has lamentably employed the movie heroics of his late father FPJ, citing his legacy that does not exist. “It’s a messianic complex,” wrote one veteran broadsheet columnist. Motherhood statements come after. As you can now see, the rules of the election
game are not being religiously exercised by the Comelec because those abiding by the rules have been placed at a disadvantage. The usual excuse the Comelec uses is that there is no law prohibiting premature campaigning through TV ads. If this were so, why did not the Comelec initiate the crafting of a law years back since premature campaigning through TV ads (infomercials, they call them) has been in practice decades ago? Ergo, the question is inevitably asked: Is the Comelec a truly independent constitutional body that can withstand the pressures exerted by interest groups (including Malacanang itself)? If it were to strictly implement election laws, perhaps all candidates will get disqualified by the Comelec for committing one violation after another. Because of these unsettling electoral conditions, cheating cannot be prevented. Do you agree? Spend pa more! LOL. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). God bless the Philippines.
pay for workers, too. “Sir, please use a microphone so it can reach the intended parties,” the attendant gamely responded. I wanted to ask more but I had to attend to my patient who complained about dry cough and possible asthma attack. They were laughing and grinning. I surmised they needed a raise; the front liners wanting a fair share of the cake. Sickness is part of the economy. When we get sick, we spike expenses and it’s counted in the GDP. The hospitals make money. I only hope it cascades down to the nurse who is injecting chemicals to the lonely man at the bed near the counter. Among the questions asked in the patient’s interview before the doctor’s turn to check: “What’s the name of your mother and father?” “When was the last time you were admitted here?” “What is your work?” “Where do you work?” Between coughs, a patient blurted short responses. I was surprised by this line of questioning. Then again, giving the answers is still the faster way to redeem yourself in that ordeal. In the ER, two children (likely cousins?) with diarrhea were sharing a bed. In the next (with curtain dividing bed spaces), an elderly patient struggling with hypertension. In the next, a quiet surgical operation was ongoing. I saw only two doctors coming in and out. There was pregnant silence in the room. The watchers took glances and initiated chats with others in the room. Perhaps, this is the fellowship drawn from sickness season. I am not new to this, I have been covering health for years and I have been to worse scenarios. It is just that in these instances, I am a watcher. I have a patient. I am a patient, too. I did not intend this to sound like Claire
Danes’ denigration of Manila as a “ghastly and weird city” in magazine interviews with Vogue and Premier in 1998. The actress was shooting “Brokedown Palace” then, according to the blog, Archipelago Files. Danes told Premier that Manila “smelled of cockroaches” “There’s no sewage system in Manila, and people have nothing there. People with, like, no arms, no legs, no eyes, no teeth.” Maybe these are reflective observations of an experience. Maybe this is reporting for a reporter who misses the field, badly. Maybe I am harping on why we should invest more in preventive measures to ensure good health, not a bias for the curative state when we are left with no choice. There is one realization I will not deny. When my laptop malfunctioned because of my failure to maintain and use it properly, I harbored some ill feelings against the technician who repaired it in a couple of minutes and charged me P400. When I missed to turn my park lights and drained my little car’s batteries, I put a cold shoulder at the mechanic who took care of it in five minutes for P300. It’s not that I am not thankful. I just felt I only got myself to blame. The same thing I think about hospitals. I am thankful they are there but I have an after taste – all these because we do things wrong, because we are violators, we are ignorant or reckless, maybe. Lastly, because we are humans, we are using borrowed, mortal bodies. We are vulnerable. Wishing you a healthy and a more productive year, folks. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Walter I. Balane/MindaNews is also station manager of Bukidnon State University’s DXBU 104.5 FM and teaches journalism and economics.)
Prosperity outlook
PERSONAL ESSAY
BY WALTER I. BALANE to be turned down and referred to other hospitals. In the ER, a toddler was wailing while nurses performed a medical procedure. In the next bed, an elderly man was solemnly contemplating his fate as they waited for what the resident doctor would give as antidote to whatever he was suffering from. His 20-something son who was looking after him seemed to be spacing out. I have blurred observations of the humans in the other cubicles in the emergency room not because I could no longer eavesdrop. If I have no patient, I would check. But it was enough to hear the agony of the sick. I could not imagine how it looked like in the wards. To add to the sick, there were those who figured in accidents (not from firecrackers or gunshots).I saw a lot of personnel from a bus company busy paying at the cashier and talking to relatives. A bus skidded off the highway near Aglayan and landed at the canal. I had no idea how many were hurt as the bus personnel gave vague answers. I was not there to push questions, too. I could not imagine how it was like in the public hospital. We used to go there but we have the impression the more we would get sick there for waiting too long and for many other reasons. This is just an impression. Some other time, they were very efficient. At the emergency room of another hospital, I sounded off my observation of how rich hospitals could get this season. I told the attendant I hope it redounds to better services and better
10 NEWS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
T’boli... FROM 4
the standard of disaster management in the country. The national evaluators are composed of officials and representatives from the OCD and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Eden Pedegrosa, Edwards barangay chair, attributed their selection as finalist to their continuing efforts to improve the capability of its BDRRMC and related programs. She said the evaluators had cited the active participation of local stakeholders in the barangay’s disaster risk reduction and management
initiatives as among their edge in the competition. “This is already a big accomplishment for our barangay and we’re very hopeful of our chances for the national award,” Pedregosa said. Barangay Edwards topped the regional search last year for the best BDRRMC in urban category of the Gawad Kalasag. The OCD and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management later endorsed the village to represent Region 12 in the national search. (PNA)
which eased their difficulties after running away from their houses. We are very grateful that even during holiday the PSWDO and the PGO sent their personnel to give much needed help”, Quilban said. Besides Barangays Malagakit and Simsiman, adjacent barangays of Banucagon and Central Paatan were also attacked by BIFF bandits as they fled toward the Maguindanao marshland. Quilban said Pigcawayan social welfare office listed 232 families or 1,039 individuals. Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza has condemned the atrocities by the BIFF and directed the police to ensure the safety of civilians. “It is heartbreaking to know that the attack occurred on Christmas Eve and that some lives were lost with hun-
dreds of innocent civilians left their homes, but this will not deter us from doing our duties and responsibilities to our constituents with continued hope that long-lasting peace will soon prevail in the province,” she said. She called for vigilance and calm amid threats from lawless groups in the North Cotabato-Maguindanao borders, assuring villagers provincial government is doing everything to restore normalcy in affected barangays and for evacuees to return safely to their homes. “I urged everyone to maintain their calmness and continue to be alert and coordinate with the authorities if you have monitored untoward incidents or the presence of suspicious looking individuals,” Mendoza said. (PNA)
Lambangan in Banga. She said the repeaters will facilitate the smooth relay and flow of information to and from the system base and the remote areas, especially those in the upland areas of Lake Sebu, T’boli, Polomolok and Tupi. Citing their initial tests, the repeaters could reach as far as the cities of General Santos, Davao and Digos as well as the coastal towns of Kiamba and Maitum in Sarangani Province. The provincial government pushed last year for the
institutionalization of the ICS to ensure real-time reporting by the MDRRMO’s during disaster and emergency situations. “It allows direct reporting from the MDRRMOs to PDRRMO. It’s like a cell phone that allows them to report directly to us,” Lorca explained. She added that they are currently working for the release of additional funds for the acquisition of more handheld radios, bases and repeaters as part of the system’s continuing buildup. (PNA)
requested the City Council for “the passage of an ordinance specifying the sharing of LBT of industries and entities situated as TSI.” Davao City automatically got 30 percent of the local business tax, computed from the annual income of operation of TSI,because TSI’s main office is located in the city, while the remaining 70 percent is shared by the two LGUs. The remaining 70 percent of the local business tax will be paid by Black & Veatch (BVIP), the contractor and service provider of TSI. Dayanghirang proposed that the estimated sharing
of the 70 percent would be P3,909,357 (Davao) and P1,506,030 (Sta. Cruz) for 2015; P27,074,936 (Davao) and P10,460,596 (Sta. Cruz) for 2016; P28,447,951 (Davao) and P10, 991,330 (Sta. Cruz) for 2017; P28,713,696 (Davao) and P11,094,053 (Sta. Cruz) for 2018; and in 2019, a sharing scheme of P29,224,160 for Davao and P11,291,371 for Sta. Cruz. He said his committee will be waiting for the response of the legal office before it will be formally presented before the City Council in a regular session anytime. CHENEEN R. CAPON
Prov’l... FROM 4 MOPPING UP. A fire fighter extinguishes the remnants of a fire that razed a fiberglass warehouse in Buhangin, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
PNoy... FROM 3
entity” called the Bangsamoro “less than the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) that it seeks to replace. In a media forum in July last year at the MILF camp in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said they will continue to demand for the implementation of the October 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) and the March 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) with or without the BBL. Dec. 16 target Coloma said that when the President met with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, he was asked about how the Philippine government has succeeded in achieving an agreement with the Bangsamoro. Coloma said the President pointed out that the BBL provides a template for peace building that may be considered by the international community. The President’s December 8 meeting came eight days before December 16, the target set by the House and Senate leadership for the passage of the law. The House managed to terminate its period of interpellation just before Congress adjourned for the holidays on December 16 and will proceed to the period of amendments when sessions resume on January 19. The Senate has yet to terminate its period of interpel-
lation, as Senator Juan Ponce Enrile had manifested at the end of the first day of his interpellation in November that he was not done yet. There are only eight session days between January 19 and February 5, when Congress adjourns again for the election campaign. The Senate is reopening its probe on the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano Tragedy on January 25, a move that the President said will likely be used by the administration’s political enemies. The Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police launched an operation that Sunday dawn to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin hir aka Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Marwan was killed and so were 66 others — 44 from the SAF, 17 from the MILF and five civilians. “Parang nakita nila na ito ang pinaka-mabigat na dagok sa ating pamamahala. Sinusubakan nilang samantalahin ang pagkakataon. Bilang pangulo, ama ng bayan, hindi pwedeng magpadala sa emosyon” (They see this as the biggest blow to may administration. They are trying to take advantage of the situation. As President and father of the nation, we should not let emotions rule ), Aquino told reporters last Friday. But the President also said he welcomes the reopening of the probe because “pagkakataon ito para makumpleto ang whole picture yung nangyari sa Mamasapano at mailagay sa tama ang record,” he said. (MindaNews)
He said they are hoping that eventually they will succeed in coming up with that variety. “We’re keeping our fingers-crossed,” he said. He said there have been efforts before to develop a resistant variety but no one has started planting it on a commercial scale because they
cannot determine yet if this will be accepted by the market. Banana exporters were only able to produce 85,324,491 boxes from January to September 2015, down by 5.35 percent compared with 90,147,480 boxes for the same period in 2014. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
Banana... FROM 6
Pusher... FROM 2 (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz said that she has no idea yet if the suspect was a member of PNP
Maritime Auxiliary. His body was brought to Angel Funeral Homes. Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews
the police near the village of Talitay. “They are there to secure the civilians and not to fight the rebels,” Karim told reporters after two commanders of the MILF traded bullets at grenades due to “rido” or family feud. In helping contain the flame standing in between warring MILF commanders in his area of operation, Maj. Gen. Eduardo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander, has standing directive to all Army units under the 6th ID not to engage warring Muslim families but secure civilians in the event infighting occurs. Clan wars are common in communities in Maguindanao, including infighting among forces of the MILF, the biggest rebel movement that entered into a peace agreement with the government in 2014. At the break of dawn Thursday, civilians with their valuables and work animals had an exodus to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Sadly, the civilians suffer the most in armed conflict not of their own making in Pikit. Karim said Commanders Andoy and Hussain allegedly
refused to surrender to police authorities in Kabacan, North Cotabato one of his men suspected of killing Commander Mantol’s brother in Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato. Karim said the infighting broke out few kilometers from Camp Rajamuda, a government recognized MILF areas and one of the biggest MILF camps in North Cotabato. Tahira Kalantongan, Pikit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said the evacuees fled to nearby Barangays Inug-og, Rajamuda and Gli-Gli, also in Pikit. Police and military authorities are hoping the MILF emissaries could bring the warring MILF leaders to the negotiating table so the displaced families could return home. The skirmishes in Pikit came two days after unidentified armed men ambushed and killed village chairperson Pecson Mangansakan of Barangay Silik, Pikit, North Cotabato. But Karim said the murder of Mangansakan was not related to the MILF infighting. (PNA)
BPO building with mall operations in the first two levels. The total project cost is at PhP731 million. It is expected to generate 3,925 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The project is by Felcris Hotels and Resorts Corporation. “The next phases of the project will involve construction of condominium towers and a hotel. But the board has not yet approved the application pending corrections
on minor technicalities on descriptions. Once corrected, the board will convene again to act on the favorable recommendation of the DCIPC for the approval of the project,” he said. Cortez said some 34,000 jobs were generated from the BPO industry at the end of 2015, as against the previous year with only 20,000, or an increase of 70 percent. Most of those hired, he said, were on voice call centers. (PNA)
MILF... FROM 2
Manufacturers... FROM 6
New... FROM 4
Sta. Cruz... FROM 6
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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL
Living up to its hype By Henrylito D. Tacio IT ALL STARTED in 1958. While visiting the tranquil and exotic Samal Island, wealthy businessman and ecologist Daniel Aguinaldo discovered a secluded cove with crystalclear turquoise of waters that was an idyllic place for raising oysters. From Sulu Sea, Aguinaldo airlifted twelve thousand white-lipped oysters, which were cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. “Apart from producing pearls, Aguinaldo preoccupied himself with conserving the naturally beauty of the forests and the surrounding steep mountain vistas on the island,” wrote David Hodges in an article which appeared in Mabuhay, the inflight magazine of Philippine Airlines. When the wealthy Floirendo family bought the area, they didn’t know what to do with it. In the past, they used it as a recreational haven during weekends for family members and friends. Pushed on by friends, they soon realized the potential of the place as a resort. To carry on the astounding work started by Aguinaldo, they called it Pearl Farm
Beach Resort. The name was adopted also as sort of a reminder of its former glory as a foster home for fastidious oysters whose survival depended upon an ultra-clean environment. Today, the 14-hectare fivestar aquatic hideaway in the
Today, the 14-hectare five-star aquatic hideaway in the Island Garden City of Samal has been called as “paradise on earth.”
Island Garden City of Samal has been called as “paradise on earth.” Recently, we had an opportunity to visit the place again. And we were completely surprised to find out how the place has changed in just a matter of a year or so. The famed landmark, Parola, is now fully cemented and the bar is already airconditioned. “We want our guests who are waiting for the boat to relax and have fun,” explained Edna M. Garcia, the resort’s
operations manager. “Also, those who are staying here can start sipping cold drinks and other beverages as they watch the beautiful sunset.” The pathway going to the front office or Maranao Restaurant is wider. It reminded me the boardwalk when I visited Atlantic City in New Jersey some years back. In the past, the pathway was cemented which made it slippery at times when it was drenched in water. The newly-renovated Maranao Restaurant is the central point of the resort. And yes, you can try those scrumptious Filipino dishes and enticing international cuisine with fresh seafood specialties. Mouth-watering fresh fruits like bananas, papaya, green mandarin,
mangoes, and watermelon abound. The resort is bordered on the east side by two hectares of dazzling lush tropical forests with an unusually wide variety of native greens, giant ferns and flowers. On a clear day, the majestic Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, can be looked at. “Pearl Farm lives up to its hype.” That was what my sister Marilou Eplite, who now lives in the United States, said when we visited the place some years back. “I never expected that a worldclass beach can be found in this part of Mindanao.” There is nothing to argue about Pearl Farm. I had been to the fine beaches in
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EVENT
Hello its 2016
TIME FLIES QUICKLY and just like that 2015 is over and 2016 is finally here. Instead of going around town and jumping from party to party like what I did last year, this year I decided to take it slow and easy. My evening started with dinner together with my family at the Cafe Marco where we had our fill of culinary treats prepared by MPD’s F&B Kitchen team, led by Executive Sous-Chef Alex Destriza. On the menu was Roast prime ribs, boneless prime leg, honey-glazed salted pork belly, and a Filipino
all-time favorite, lechon. My favourite that night was the cold section which featured Dill Gravlax and Smoked
Salmon, Malagos cheese, and fatty tuna and various colourful sushi. Although my family was not the type to party until the morning and went home after dinner, I decided to stay and as always Marco Polo Davao’s James Bond-themed New Year’s Eve Party was a blast with everyone dressed to the nines, dancing the last hours of 2015 away. “We are pleased to welcome the New Year together with our guests, owners, media partners and co-associates. 2015 has been a challenging yet meaningful year for us. On behalf of our entire team, we would like to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been supporting Marco Polo Davao all these years”, says General Manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin. And as the clock struck twelve, confetti and balloons rained down together with the clash and clang of pots and pans by the Marco Polo Davao’s chefs, greeting 2016 with a big and wonderous HELLO! A happy new year to everyone!
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ENTERTAINMENT
Asia’s Songbird is still a Kapuso
Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid remains a loyal Kapuso as she signed on January 4 another two-year exclusive contract with GMA Network, Inc.
Present in the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Consultant for Business Development Department II Marivin T. Arayata, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie AcuñaMagno, GMA Vice President for Corporate Communications Angela Javier-Cruz, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Assistant Vice President for Drama Productions Cheryl Ching-Sy, GMA Assistant Vice President for Talk, Variety, Musical and Specials Darling de Jesus, Program Managers for ETV Ruth Mariñas and Mae Zambrano and Regine’s manager Cacai Mitra. During the contract signing attended by the network’s top executives, Regine said she is very happy to renew her contract with GMA 7 which has been her home
grateful with Regine’s renewal of contract, “We are also loyal to her. We are glad that she chose us.” Rasonable said they are very pleased that Regine continues to affirm her loyalty to GMA as the network has already lined up two new shows for her this year, “As Atty. Gozon also said, we have been loyal to her and its very gratifying na nasusuklian ‘yon kasi she remains to be loyal to GMA and to us. For this year, she has her calendar full. She will continue with Sarap Diva. We are giving her a soap, we are already talking with her. And there’s another one, a once a week show. You’ll see her singing and making people laugh. So, we are excited about that.”
network for almost two decades, “I am happy na dito pa rin ako sa GMA. I’ve been working with the network for almost 20 years. I know practically all the people, the bosses…I’m very grateful na hindi nila ako masyadong pine-pressure. They’ve been very good to me. For four years, I was given time to be with my son. I was given a very relaxed schedule which I really, really appreciate. Ngayong taon pa lang ako ulit magfu-full blast na magtatrabaho. I’m also excited to
go back to work.” “What I like about working with GMA is they let my creativity come out. And as an artist being in the business for a long time, minsan mahirap na sina-shut off ka. Sila, they give me the opportunity to be involved, to be heard kung maganda naman ang suggestion, they make sure it is incorporated. In all the projects that I’ve done in GMA, I’ve always been involved,” adds Regine. Atty. Gozon has nothing but praises for Regine and he is very
Solenn Heussaff gets married in Argentina TASTE BUDDIES host Solenn Heussaff got married to partner of over four years, Nico Bolzico, in the latter’s hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina last December 30.
The couple has not confirmed the news but the Snapchat account of one of the couple’s good friends, Isabelle Daza was captioned “Mr and Mrs Bolzico.” True to what she revealed on The Tim Yap Show several months ago, she wanted the
wedding to be private. “It will be… far away from the Philippines. No media… I just want my closest friends there. When it happens, you’ll know but I won’t tell anyone my preparations. That’s my moment,” she said last May. Solenn traveled to South America with her parents while her brother, Erwan, followed. Aside from Isabelle, their other celebrity friends, Georgina Wilson and Anne Curtis, also flew in for the ceremony.
Alden Richards and Julian Trono dominate yearend countdown of popular FM Station GMA Records artists dominated Barangay LS 97.1’s The Big Ten Yearend Countdown of 2015, going up against international artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars.
Pambansang Bae’s version of ‘God Gave Me You’ reaches 2 million views Pambansang Bae Alden Richards’ songs Wish I May and God Gave Me You took the number one and number nine spots of The Big Ten Yearend Countdown. Moreover, the Wish I May
lyric video was among the top trending videos under the music category based on the list released by YouTube Rewind 2015. In addition, the lyric and official music video of Wish I May on YouTube has a combined views of more than 6.5 million views. Meanwhile, Buena Familia star Julian Trono’s adrenaline inducing dance single Wiki Me grabbed the 7th spot in the Yearend Countdown. The song has gotten over 854,783 views as of 6:54 PM (January 5).
January 8 – 12, 2016
BEAUTY AND THE BESTIE Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, James Reid, Nadine Lustre PG
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher PG
1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS
SNOOPY & CHARLIE BROWN: THE PEANUTS MOVIE Francesca Capaldi, Madisyn Shipman, Mariel Sheets G
12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS
EXTRACTION / * LEGEND Kellan Lutz, Bruce Willis, Gina Carano / * Tom Hardy, Emily Browning R13 / * R16
11:45 | 1:30 | 3:15 LFS / * 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
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TRAVEL LIVING UP A1
Durban, South Africa, Bali, Indonesia, and Phuket, Thailand. I had also my share of swimming in some of the beautiful beaches in the United States, particularly those in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. You don’t worry about places to stay. There are several types and most of them are renovated. Foremost are the Samal Houses, which are patterned after the stilt houses of sea faring Samal tribes of the Sulu Archipelago. At the other end of the cove are the Samal Suites, which provide family accommodation on two levels, a private beach and a veranda overlooking the sea and private stairs leading to the water. If you’re looking for a serene place, you may choose the duplex-type Mandaya Houses, which sit along the palm trees. Each has its own pocket garden at the back and its own private balcony. Starting December 16, the resort is no longer allowing day tours. “We want to give our guests exclusivity,” explained Josu Mikel Villaverde, the resort’s general manager. “When they come to the resort, they can feel relaxed and have a moment with their loved ones.” A group with four people can opt to stay at the Balay House. The price for one cozy shared-room is only P11,900 and already includes buffet breakfast. “For other meals, they can order from the menu that suits their budget,” Garcia suggests. A few hundred meters
off Samal Island is the Malipano Island where guests can stay in one of the seven exclusive villas. All the waterfront bungalows were designed by the world renowned Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. The resort has two swimming pools. The famous infinity pool, which is near the Maranao Restaurant, operates from 9 in the morning until 9 in the evening. The Man-
daya Pool also opens at 9 in the morning but only until 5 in the afternoon. Guests have also the option to enjoy the white sands of Maranao beach, Mandaya beach, and the Pavilion beach. The latter is located at the Malipano Island. Pearl Farm is a mere 45-minute boat ride from Pearl Farm Marina wharf in Lanang. All guests are advised to strictly follow the regular boat transfers.
ICT HUB 11
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Wacom brings premium styluses for Windows and Android users
A SEALED. Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (second from left) seals the agreement with AppDirect Regional Director for Asia Lincoln Jack Lincoln (second from right) to offer Philippine enterprises and SMEs cloud-based
applications via the Globe AppMarket. Joining them are Globe IT Enabled Services Group VP for Sales Rey Lugtu and AppDirect Senior Account Manager for North America Chris Messick.
Globe brings AppDirect to Phl to benefit enterprises, SMEs
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LOBE Telecom is bringing Asia’s first-of-itskind commerce platform in the country that will enable Philippine enterprises and SMEs access to cloudbased solutions and applications. In partnership with AppDirect, a global commerce platform for selling cloud services, Globe has launched Globe AppMarket, a portal where business customers have the ability to find, try, buy and manage essential business solutions in one
place with one bill and one login. It offers a collection of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications such as CRM, Web Conferencing, Marketing/e-Marketing and Online Storage. “Cloud has changed the way businesses around the world distribute and use software. Partnering with AppDirect’s robust, enterprise-grade platform will securely handle every aspect of cloud services monetization and management for Globe, including provisioning,
billing, product integration, identity and access, and application management,” said Mike Frausing, Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services. “The Asia-Pacific market is a strategic part of our business. Local and trusted service providers in the region such as Globe Telecom will play a key role in helping Philippine businesses gain access to the software they need, and we will lead the way in powering the cloud economy in the region and globally,” shared
Lincoln J. Lincoln, AppDirect Asia Regional Director. AppDirect is the cloud service commerce leader in making software and products accessible globally. The AppDirect cloud service commerce platform unites providers, developers and consumers of cloud services into a single ecosystem. This makes it easy for businesses to find, buy, manage and monitor cloud services from a central location and delivers new opportunities to distribute, sell, and market cloud services.
P888, the handset comes with a Smart Prepaid Sim packed with free 100MB valid 30 days for 12 months, as well as a load
rebate of P30 for an accumulated top-up of P100 every month for 12 months. Smart’s latest offer – its first for 2016 – is part of the company’s two-track approach when it comes to putting the power of digital services into the hands of more and more Filipinos this year, according Ariel P. Fermin, Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Business at Smart. “This 2016, we are bringing the Smart Life experience to more Filipinos by first, leading the way in making the Smartphone a lot more attainable through unprecedented device offers and compelling promos and second, by further expanding our range of digital services in the fields of connectivity, entertainment, home security, urban convenience and financial services – which are at
the core of the Smart Life,” Fermin said. Ericsson’s study estimates the smartphone adoption in the Philippines to jump to about 70 percent of the population in three years’ time, as devices become more affordable and as more digital services are introduced into the market. Available at all Smart Stores, Smart Online Store (store.smart. com.ph) and all MyPhone retail outlets nationwide, Smart’s Prepaid Smartphone has a quad-core processor that runs the latest Android operating system Lollipop, which allows for efficient multitasking – from browsing news sites, emailing, and using popular apps like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and chat apps like Viber, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Smart’s Prepaid Smartphone also features a dual-SIM functionality and comes pre-
Smart, MyPhone launch P888 handset to boost smartphone use among Filipinos
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MART Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with MyPhone, the Philippines’ pioneering mobile phone brand, to launch an Android Prepaid Smartphone kit aimed at increasing the smartphone adoption in the country, where only around four in 10 Filipinos or 40 percent owned a smartphone as of end 2015, based on a recent report by Swedish ICT provider Ericsson. Available for a one-time payment of only
S mobile users demand more from their devices with the help of digital styluses, Wacom continues to innovate and raise awareness in the smart stylus category. Bamboo Smart for select media tablets and 2-in-1 devices builds on Wacom’s 30 years of pen input leadership and the feedback of thousands of professional users as well as enthusiasts and hobbyists. The result is two premium Bamboo Smart styluses. The first, making its debut at CES 2016, is Bamboo Smart for select Windows® 2-in-1 devices enabled with Active Electro-Static (AES) technology. The second, introduced this past September, but new to most CES attendees, is Bamboo Smart for select Samsung® devices using Wacom’s Electro-Magentic Resonance (EMR) technology. Both styluses offer pressure-sensitive precision and sublime comfort, producing handwritten notes and rough ink concepts that feel and look like they were produced by traditional media. Deep digital stylus experience drives performance “We drew on Wacom’s long history and market knowledge to come up with the new Bamboo Smart styluses,” said Mike Gay, Senior Vice President for the Consumer Product Business Unit at Wacom. “Not only are we opening up digital note-taking and ideation to a new set of laptop and tablet users, but we are also providing a way for users to think differently and
explore new ways to communicate and collaborate,” Gay added. Both Bamboo Smart styluses are designed with high quality materials and use technology developed to enhance the effortless experience of a traditional inking pen. Every subtle written or drawn detail is captured accurately. Comfortable and balanced in the hand, Bamboo Smart owners can fearlessly take notes and sketch out rough ideas and concepts on their laptops and mobile devices just like they would with pen and paper. Two programmable side switches on the barrel of Bamboo Smart’s AES stylus allow for fast and convenient access to regularly used commands, such as right click or double click. The stylus requires a AAAA battery that will last approximately one year when used around three hours per day. The Bamboo Smart for Samsung features one side switch and requires no batteries or any type of charging. Bamboo Smart users will find that they can get more out of their favorite productivity apps such as OneNote and Wacom’s own note-taking app, Bamboo Paper. For compatibility information, visit www.wacom. com/comp. Bamboo Smart for select Windows 2-in-1 devices (AES) will be available from February 2016. Bamboo Smart for select Samsung devices (EMR) is available now on the Wacom eStore and selected Wacom authorized resellers.
loaded with the hottest apps like iflix, Southeast Asia’s leading internet TV service, and Spinnr, Smart’s award-winning music streaming app, among many others. The phone is also equipped with 5MP main camera and 2MP front camera, as well as an 8GB expandable memory that can be used to save top apps and mobile
games like Clash of Clans, Boom Beach and Bejeweled, among many others. “We can’t wait for more Filipinos to discover the Smart Life through our irresistible device offers, apps and services weaved into an unrivaled digital experience that only the country’s mobile services leader can provide,” Fermin said.
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Advertise with Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net
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Black & Veatch completes EPC role in TSI power plant
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LACK & Veatch has completed its prime EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) role at Therma South Units 1 & 2 located in Davao City and Davao del Sur. The project is the first major power facility to come online in nearly 10 years in Mindanao to serve an expanding economy and population in the region. The additional 300 megawatts of power added to the grid is expected to help alleviate the daily power
cuts faced by millions of Mindanaoans. “It is a proud moment in Black & Veatch’s 100 year history to be a part of a significant project that is providing Mindanaoans with reliable and efficient power. The successful completion of the plant is coming at the right time as the coming dry season is expected to affect the power output from surrounding hydro power plants which provide much of the region’s electricity today,” said Todd
Edsall, Project Manager, Black & Veatch. The plant features Southeast Asia’s first coal dome, designed in accordance to the environmental requirements set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines. Its primary function is to minimize surface area in which dust can settle and for the safe storage of the plant’s fuel supply. Black & Veatch was the overall project and commissioning manager for the 300
COMPLETE. Workers walk inside the Therma South coal-fired power plant complex. The coal dome -- the first such structure in Asia -- is in the background. (Photo courtesy of AboitizPower)
megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-fired plant. Drawing on its long-established Asianbased execution and procurement centers, the Black & Veatch team provided balance of plant engineering and procurement services. Black & Veatch was also responsible for providing the EPC solution for material handling, plant wide fire protection and offshore piping for cooling water, in addition to site management and commissioning services. “We have deep in-house technical knowledge that is supported by seamless execution coordination across multiple Black & Veatch offices in China, India and the United States. Combined with project management skills and understanding of different global and local engineering standards and codes, our approach allows us to procure the right equipment while controlling costs,” said Tengjie (Roger) Li, Beijing Office Manager and Associate Vice President, Black & Veatch. To date, more than 20 distribution utilities and electric cooperatives have signed up to receive capacity from Therma South.
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DRIVE WISE Kia creates sub brand for autonomous driving tech
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IA is finally getting into the autonomous driving phenomenon sweeping car brands of late with the introduction of “DRIVE WISE”. This subbrand encompasses future Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS. In addition, Kia has already announced plans to manufacture partially-autonomous cars by 2020 and fully autonomous vehicles 2030. For those keeping score, it’s a full decade late compared to the 2020 target given by Japanese brands such as Nissan. However, it must be noted that DRIVE WISE enables Kia to engineer improved safety for all road users while changing the way in which owners interact with their vehicles in the near future. By 2020, Kia aims to in-
troduce its first partially-autonomous car with DRIVE WISE technologies, building upon the current generation of driver-assistance systems. The more advanced technologies under development by Kia provide the driver with greater levels of assistance, anticipating and reacting to changing road conditions and potential hazards to improve safety for all road users. By helping to eliminate many of the inherent dangers, stresses and hassles of driving on today’s congested roads, DRIVE WISE will enable owners to focus more on the pleasures of driving. Kia’s future DRIVE WISE technologies on display at CES 2016 include Highway Autonomous Driving, Urban Autonomous Driving, Preceding Vehicle Following, Emergency Stop System,
Traffic Jam Assist and a new Autonomous Parking & Out function. DRIVE WISE technologies will also facilitate communication and interaction between the driver and vehicle with innovative new Human Machine Interface (HMI) functions, such as gesture control, fingerprint sensors and smart-device connectivity. In order to fast track DRIVE WISE’s development, Kia is pouring in an initial US$ 2 billion investment (by 2018). Additionally, the US state of Nevada has granted the Korean automaker a special license to test the new technologies on public roads. Kia’s all-electric Soul EV is acting as the brand’s test bed on roads around Death Valley. Key to Kia’s future DRIVE
WISE technologies is the development of its vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications system. For Kia to advance its partially-autonomous ADAS technologies far enough to bring the true ‘self-driving car’ to market by 2030, V2X must be fully integrated into real-life driving environments and be able to react as a human driver can. V2X applies a series of sensors, radar, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and external cameras, to perceive the surrounding environment and all relevant obstacles, as a human driver does. The system incorporates vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies as well, allowing the car to recognize, judge and control every driving scenario, obstacle or potential threat.
Ford adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto support to SYNC
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ORD is expanding its SYNC connectivity system, adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE, and several new AppLink apps. This will enable consumers to stay connected behind the wheel and even when they are away from their cars. With more than 15 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on roads around the world today and 43 million expected by 2020, Ford’s industry-leading communications and entertainment technology is offering customers even more connectivity. Starting this year, owners of SYNC 3-equipped vehicles will have more choice in how they access their smartphones in the car. iPhone users can activate Apple CarPlay, and Android users can activate Android Auto, two interfaces built specifically for those types of smartphones. In addition, new SYNC Connect technology pow-
ered by 4G LTE gives owners the ability to remotely access features of their car. Owners can program a remote start, unlock doors, check fuel level or locate a parked vehicle via their smartphone. In North America, Ford is making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all 2017 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3, starting with the all-new Ford Escape. Owners of 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 will have an opportunity to upgrade later in the year. SYNC Connect technology expands globally, reaching more than 20 million customers by 2020. Meanwhile AppLink apps—the SYNC feature enabling drivers to voice-control smartphone apps—has been expanded to give a more unique and personalized experience. These apps include AAA/CAA, Concur, Eventseeker, Cityseeker, and Tencent Chelian.
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SPORTS 15
CHESS SIMUL. Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel goes through a chess simul against age group players seeing action in the Mindanao Age Group Chess Championship in Koronadal City.
Brawl at the Mall: Glory in Gensan Feb. 13
LARO’T SAYA SA PARKE. Zumba enthusiasts take part in the zumba exercises as part of the weekly Laro’t Saya sa Parke program at People’s Park.
Laro’t Saya sa Parke T program resumes
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HE Laro’t Saya sa Parke program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the city government of Davao resumed last January 9 at the People’s Park in downtown Davao City. A total of 1,260 participants signed in for the first LSSP session of the year with 56 senior citizens. As usual, the most popular activity Zumba recorded
940 participants, arnis had 31, rugby football 44, futsal 36, badminton 53, taekwondo 25, sepak takraw 35, and volleyball 60. The program started last October with the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the PSC represented by Dabawenyo executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. and city administrator Melchor Quitain. (NJB)
WORLD NO. 1. Jordan Spieth tees off in the final round of the the Hyundai Tournament of Champions on Sunday.
HE Sanman Promotions of General Santos City is staging its inaugural boxing show for 2016 with the “Brawl at the Mall: Glory” card on February 13 at the Gaisano Mall Atrium. The main event is a championship fight for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) International featherweight title between John Vincent “Mulawin” Moralde of Sanman and Anthony “Zorro” Sabalde of the Flores and Wakee Salud Boxing Stable from Cebu. “This will be the first of our scheduled seven or eight boxing shows for this year,” said Sanman Promotions Chief Executive Officer Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil. Sanman also hopes to bring one show in Manila soon. Moralde (14-0-0-7 KOs) and Sabalde (10-4-0-5 KOs) will be fighting for 10 rounds. “We are testing John Vincent Moralde to face a quality opponent like Sabalde,” said
Manangquil. He said that “Sabalde is well-trained and is a talented southpaw and should not be taken lightly by Moralde”. “If Moralde wins, we are planning to set him up in the US together with Harmonito dela Torre, who is currently training now under a Cuban coach,” Manangquil said. Moralde, on the other hand, said: “I will work hard for this fight against Sabalde.” “I usually don’t take my opponent lightly. But I know I will be victorious in this fight. I have confidence with my ability that I soon be a world champion,” added Moralde. The 21-year old Moralde, a native of Davao City, captured the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental featherweight title via a unanimous decision against previous undefeated Australian Brayd Smith on March 14, 2015 in Queensland, Australia. Smith collapsed soon after the bout due to bleeding on the
brain, and passed away two days after the bout. Four months later, Moralde came back to the ring to knockout Fil-American William George in the second round on July 11 at the Robinson’s Mall Atrium in Gensan. Moralde continued his winning form by a unanimous decision against Jerry Castroverde of Cebu at the Gaisano Mall Atrium also in Gensan on September 26 last year. Moralde recently arrived from Japan together with stablemate Romero “Ruthless” Duno where they were both hired for three weeks as sparring partners of former WBC bantamweight world champion Hozumi Hasegawa. Sabalde, on the other hand, previously stopped Phil Angcamor in the 4th round last February 28 at the Valencia City gym in Bukidnon. He also won by a UD against Bonnie Makiling last November 24, 2014 in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.
SPIETH IS IT
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Sabalde fought but lost to Jessie Cris Rosales by a UD in their title-fight for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth featherweight crown held May 3, 2014 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu. Meanwhile, Duno and bantamweight Michael Angelo “Magic” Plania also from Sanman are seeing action in the undercard. Duno (8-0-0-7KOs) will face Jason “Siaton Boy” Egara (21-16-0-10 KOs) of Siaton, Negros Oriental for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation super featherweight title. The 18-year old Plania (80-0-4 KOs), a former member of the PH nationa team in the Junior World Championship held in Ukraine will fight Bryan Samson (5-5-0-3 KOs) of Siquijor. “There will be eight more bouts in the undercard,” said the 23-year old Manangquil, who is probably still the world’s youngest boxing promoter-manager.
World No. 1 wins Tournamernt of Champions
ORDAN Spieth brought his old form to the new year and had no trouble winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions on Sunday (Monday, Manila time). Staked to a fiveshot lead, Spieth made two straight birdies around the turn at Kapalua to restore his margin, and he spent the rest of the afternoon soaking up the views of surf and sun on Maui. The view from the top is just as stunning at the moment, not so much for those trying to catch him. Spieth made an eight-foot birdie putt to reach his target, even though
he didn’t need it. He closed with a 6-under 67 for an eight-shot victory over Patrick Reed. He finished at 30-under 262, joining Ernie Els as the only players in PGA Tour history to finish a 72-hole event at 30 under or lower. Els set his record of 31 under at Kapalua in 2003 with an eight-shot win. “I felt like it was short threeweek break and continue what we were doing last year,” said Spieth, coming off a five-win season that included the Masters and US Open. “That’s the way I’ll keep on thinking about it. It worked this week. All parts were firing.” Reed, the defending champion at Kapalua, got within three shots with a birdie on the par-5 ninth. Spieth answered with a two-putt birdie in the group behind him, and then rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt on the 10th and was on his way. He had talked about setting
30 under as his goal because it such gorgeous conditions, he might need it to hold off anyone making a big run. Turns out he didn’t need it. Reed stalled on the back nine, ended his bogey-free week on the 15th hole and closed with a 69. Brooks Koepka, playing with Spieth in the final group, had a wild start to his round but never got closer than the fiveshot deficit he faced at the start. Koepka closed with a 71 and tied for third with Brandt Snedeker, who shot a 67. Spieth won for the seventh time on the PGA Tour, joining Tiger Woods as the only players to get that many at age 22 since complete records began in 1970. That requires a little context. Spieth won his seventh title in his 77th start as a pro. Woods won his seventh PGA Tour event in his 38th start, and he had 18 wins in his first 77 tournaments. Even so, comparisons with
Woods in golf can only mean great play, and no one is playing better. “Nowhere near,” Spieth said on how his record stacks up with Woods. “I don’t think there’s any reason to compare. It’s awfully early. We’re excited about where we’re at to start our career. What Tiger has done, I can’t imagine ever being done. But it’s nice to be in that company. It’s fantastic being out here with what we’re trying to do, and doing it well.” It was the fifth time in the last 13 months that Spieth had at least a two-shot lead going into the final round, and he was never seriously challenged. That’s not to suggest it felt like a breeze, especially early. His approach shot on No. 1 somehow ended up just out of a steep bunker on the very edge of sand, some 50 yards to the hole. He pitched it onto the green and let the grain take it to four feet for a save, and then he holed a 35-foot birdie putt on the next hole.
But he missed a 3-1/2-foot birdie putt on No. 3, and then three-putted the par-5 fifth for a par. And after a simple upand-down for birdie at No. 6, he made his second bogey of the week on the par-3 eighth hole. Reed made birdie on the ninth ahead of him, cutting the lead to three shots. That was as close as it got. Reed, trying to join Stuart Appleby and Geoff Ogilvy as the only repeat winners at Kapalua, opened with three birdies in five holes and went out in 32. Whatever chance he had ended when he started the back nine with five straight pars. A poor drive on the par-5 15th led to his only bogey of the week. “I knew I had to make birdies early to put pressure on him,” Reed said. “I got it to within three. The next time I saw a board it was back to five. He’s not going to shoot over par, especially the way he’s playing now.”
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
VOL. 8 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016
KING OF THREES Go regains AFP-PNP Three-Point Shootout title
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ITY Mayor’s Office sweet-shooting guard Christopher “Bong” Go won the 2015 AFP-PNP Three Points Shoot-out contest officers category once again in dominating fashion on January 5 outgunning one of the most talented fields in the history of the annual side event held before the formal awarding rites. Go, the trusted executive aide of presidential contender Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, regained the title he won two years ago in a dazzling final round scoring competition best 14 points to the glee of the other participants and fans at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. His final output that nosed out Policeman Ireneo Dalogdog and reigning three point champion Fireman Donald Concepcion was the highest score got by all the participants including those in the non-officers category. Dalogdog of Police Regional Office 11 placed second while Bureau of Fire Protection’s Concepcion, who showed his shooting prowess in the recently concluded 2015 season, finished third. Go accepted the trophy
but gave away the cash purse that enabled the fourth placer Daniel Pumecha of Davao City Police Office to receive a prize. Go’s final score tied his output when he bagged the 2013 AFP-PNP three points shoot-out contest. It also equalized the score of James Yap when the Purefoods star placed second to Global Port’s Terence Romeo in the 2015 PBA All-Star Game Three points’ contest. In the NBA, Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson scored 14 points in the final round of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game Three points contest finishing third behind eventual winner Stephen Curry (28) and Kyrie Irving (17). It was the second three point’s shoot-out contest title for Go in less than a year. Go needed only three racks and a half to bag the three point’s shoot-out crown in the preliminary side event of the PBA Davao Tour last March that featured Purefoods Hotshots and Talk and Text Tropang Texters. He bested a strong field of Davao City’s finest collegiate varsity shooters invited by the PBA to participate in the contest. (Rico Biliran)
TOP SHOOTER. 2015 AFP-PNP Three point king Christopher “Bong” Go (No. 18) turned over his cash purse to the second placer Ireneo Dalogdog of Police Regional Office 11. Dalogdog’s reward as second place went to Donald
Concepcion of Bureau of Fore Protection (left). Amid the generous act of Go, Daniel Pumecha of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) got that of Concepcion as no cash prize allocated for the fourth placer. Contributed photo