Edge Davao 8 Issue 209

VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

Hope for the

King Bird

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

There is hope for the Philippine Eagle

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

ANY thought it was impossible. But the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) was able to do it. In 1992, history was made when an eagle bred in captivity was born. And last January 15, the eagle -- named Pag-asa (Pilipino word for “hope”) -- turned 24.

“Pag-asa connotes hope for the continued survival of the Philippine eagle, hope that if people get together for a cause of the endangered bird species, it shall not be doomed to die,” says Dennis Salvador, the foundation’s executive director.

Actually, Pag-asa was the product of carefully orchestrated teamwork based on more than a decade’s study of eagle behavior, both in the wild and in captivity. Two captive eagles -- named Junior and Diola -- were induced by humans to reproduce.

In the past, many pioneering efforts failed to breed certain endangered species in captivity. In the case of Philippine eagles, the breeders had a hard time inducing the captive eagles to reproduce. Several factors were considered like food, protection and nesting needs.

The breeders were left with no other viable option but to employ artificial insemination.

They had to catch the semen from the male eagle (Junior) and inject it into the genital of the female eagle (Diola).

According to Salvador, there were several reasons why artificial method was used. Most eagles at the center were already “sexually imprinted” on human, which means the eagles has already accepted a human as its “sexual partner.”

While the male eagle gets into all stages of the breeding cycle, he still fails to copulate. In addition, there was a shortage of unregulated sexually mature male eagles. Those crippled or disabled eagles can’t have natural sex with each other. While there were also healthy pairs of eagles of both sexes, they would rather kill each other than have sex.

Today, Pag-asa is being kept captive inside a large dome of the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan district; it has become his habitat. “Pag-asa remains to be a very important icon for our effort to conserve the Philippine Eagle through a conservation breeding program,” Salvador pointed out.

The Philippine Eagle, known in the science world as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is second only to the Madagascar sea eagle in rarity. In size, it beats the American bald eagle; it is the world’s second biggest after the Harpy eagle of Central

“By saving it, you provide an umbrella of protection for all other species living in the same habitat.”

-- Dennis Salvador, executive director, Philippine Eagle Foundation and South America.

The endangered bird species is found only in the Philippines, particularly on the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Only 400 pairs remain in the wild, according to the PEF website.

In the past, it was called monkey-eating eagle (its generic name, Pithecophaga, comes from the Greek words pithekos or “monkey” and phagein meaning “eater”). It was renamed the Philippine Eagle by a Presidential Decree No 1732 after it was learned that monkeys comprise an insignificant portion of its diet, which consists mainly of flying lemurs, civet cats, bats, rodents and snakes.

“The Philippine Eagle is a giant forest raptor endemic to the Philippines,” the website claims.

“It is considered to be one of the

three largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the world’s rarest and certainly among its most critically endangered vertebrate species.”

The PEF is a private, non-profit, non-stock organization dedicated to saving the endangered species from extinction. “By using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, we are, in the process, saving wildlife and their habitat,” Salvador says.

There are several reasons why Philippine Eagles need to be protected. In its website, the PEF enumerates these: · The Philippine eagle is found nowhere else except in the Philippines where it is the country’s national bird.

Losing the species to extinction would also mean losing a nation’s precious biological heritage. · The bird represents a rare product of evolutionary creation. Based on recent genetic studies, it has no close relatives left among the living species of eagles in the world.

Losing them would mean an irreversible loss of a unique species.

· The Philippine Eagle is the top predator of the Philippine tropical rainforest. It plays an important role in keeping the ecosystem in balance and provides an umbrella of protection to all other life forms in its territory. · The Philippine Eagle is embedded in the oral histories and other cultural artefacts of several indigenous groups in the country. This indicates that it performs a role in the human production of unique cultures.

Being the largest predator in the Philippine ecosystem, the Philippine Eagle is a good indicator of a forest’s health. Studies show a pair of Philippine eagle needs at least 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forest as a nesting territory.

As such, the foundation is urging to help conserve what remains of the country’s forests and to plant more trees.

Aside from providing a natural habitat for Philippine eagles, “a healthy forest helps control soil erosion, mitigates the effects of climate change, minimizes flooding, and provides additional sources of food, medicine, clothing, and

shelter for our people,” PEF says.

It was General Charles Lindbergh, an American aviator, who spearheaded a drive to save the bird, which he called as “the air’s noblest flier.” In 1973, Peace Corps volunteer Robert S. Kennedy came to the Philippines to assist in saving the Philippine Eagle.

In July 1995, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 615 naming the Philippine Eagle as the country’s bird icon.

To end this piece, allow me to quote this statement from a pamphlet prepared

by PEF in 1987 and printed by the Forest Management Bureau: “I have watched forests disappear, rivers dry up, flood ravage the soil, droughts spawn uncontrolled fires, hundreds of my forest friends vanish forever and men leave the land because it was no longer productive. I am witness to the earth becoming arid. I know all life will eventually suffer and die if this onslaught continues. I am a storyteller and I want you to listen before it’s too late.”

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4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

DAILY TRAFFIC JAM. Traffic is tied up along E. Quirino Avenue due to road construction and drainage system repairs. Road works like this, which have already taken months, prompted Councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo to urge the city government to take action against the projects’ contractors. Lean Daval Jr.

DCPO assessing Third District areas for poll-related violence

T

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is evaluating several areas in the city’s Third District as possible election watch list areas (EWA) due to violent incidents in the past.

In an interview, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said the DCPO is trying to see if the killings of barangay officials in the district last year were election-related.

“Ginatan-aw nato karon na ang mga insidente nagapanghitabo diha sa mga kapitan, isa na sa ginalinawan sa atong mga station commanders diha kung kinahanglan ba gyud nato na i-apil sa election watch

list areas (We are looking into the incidents before that involved barangay officials, and our station commanders are now trying to see if there is a need to place some areas under election watch list),” she said.

On December 3, 2015, Lamanan, Calinan barangay captain Antonio Albaran, 56, was shot dead by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Two days later, Daliaon Plantation, Toril barangay captain Generoso Bacalso and Kagawad Ducris Daug were ambushed also by suspected NPA members.

FDCPO, 10

City closes multilevel marketing company

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City government closed down a multilevel marketing company last Friday for alleged misdeclaration in its business permit.

Jacama Sales and Marketing, a multilevel marketing company in the city last Friday for misdeclaration on their business permit.

Personnel of the Business Bureau led by assistant city administrator Tristan Dwight locked the office of Jacama Sales and Marketing at around 12 noon on January 15 and

posted the closure order on its doors.

In an interview on Friday afternoon, city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Qutiain told EDGE Davao that city had to stop Jacama’s operations because its business permit is not in accordance with what it had applied for.

He said in its application for business permit, the company indicated it was a “retail” company that would do “a little wholesale.”

“It turned out that their operations or the transactions

they are engaged in involved investments,” he said.

Quitain also said the capital amount the company declared was only P250,000 even thought it had millions of pesos in transactions.

“There were misrepresentations in their permit,” he said Quitain cited an advisory issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that said the company sells products “merely a ruse to make it appear that the company is engaged in the marketing and distribution of products.”

The SEC said based on the marketing scheme of Jacama posted in its Facebook page, “any person who wants to be a member may choose among the package schedule and pay an amount of P1,800 to P1.8 million.”

Upon payment of the chosen package, the member will receive a package product and six company vouchers or post-dated checks with different maturity dates.

The amount of the vouchers or checks is equivalent to

cars,” she said.

At least seven people died and more than 24 people were injured when six bombs exploded in a Starbucks coffee shop and a police traffic booth in Jakarta on January 14.

The explosion was followed by a shoot-out between the police and suspected attackers.

Driz said in stepping up security, the police will still implement the plain view doctrine in conducting checkpoints under which 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.

But she said if the police receive information on a certain vehicle passing by the checkpoints, the police need to stop it to validate the information.

“With due respect to the owner, we really need to stop the car just to make sure that they are not hiding something or do not sneak contraband in the city,” she said.

Driz said terror threats are always present and urged the

public to be alert and vigilant.

“Kung naa silay makit-an sa ilang mga silingan na kaduda-duda pwede nilang i-rpeort sa atong kapulisan... Labaw na pag bag-o pa diha unya wala mo kasabot sa sinultihan (If you see anyone suspicious in your neighborhood, you can report it to the police. Especially if the persons are new and you cannot understand their language),” she said.

Driz said the DCPO will also intensify the gathering of intelligence reports from other areas to prepare for possible terror attacks. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Rody wants Guanzon to inhibit from DQ case DCPO on full alert after deadly Jakarta attacks F

OR raising allegations never raised by petitioner, among others, the legal panel of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has sought the disqualification and inhibition of Commissioner Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon in the hearings in one disqualification case.

The 15-page motion was signed by lawyers Vitaliano Aguirre II, Antonio Kho Jr., and Loreto Ata. In her dissenting opinion in a Comelec resolution, Guanzon alleged that “(t)here is a pending case, Castor v. Duterte (15-194 DC) wherein the petitioner alleges that Duterte’s COC is void because it contains untruthful acts or misrepresentation.”

“There is also the issue

regarding his notarized documents, the truth or falsity of which must be determined before his COC is accepted,” Guanzon added.

Guanzon was the lone dissenter in Comelec en banc resolution no. 10028 dated Dec. 15, 2015 which resolved to acknowledge and accept Duterte’s certificate of candidacy.

In its motion for disqualification and/or inhibition of Guanzon in the petition filed

by John Paulo Delas Nieves, the Duterte legal panel said it was “shocked” by the dissent for three reasons.

First, a cursory reading of the petition filed by Ruben Castor shows that “it does not contain any of the allegations”

FRODY, 10

T

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is on full alert status even if the city has received no threats after the multiple bombing incidents in in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday last week.

In an interview yesterday, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said police officers are conducting random checkpoints in various areas to ensure the security of the city.

“Our personnel on the ground are directed to thoroughly inspect all vehicles in the checkpoints. Not just motorcycles but even private

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Duterte in statistical tie for 2nd with Poe, Roxas in SWS survey

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ICE President Jejomar Binay topped the race for the Presidency at 31 percent, with Senator Grace Poe, administration candidate Manuel Roxas, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in a statistical tie, according to the January 8 to 10 pre-election survey of BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Compared with the results of the SWS survey on December 12-14 where Binay and Poe tied for the top spot and Roxas and Duterte were in a statistical tie for second place, the recent survey showed Binay gaining more in terms of voter preference, from 26 percent in December to 31 percent in January; Poe’s ratings went down from 26 percent in December to 24 percent in January; Roxas down from 22 in December to 21 in January and Santiago from 4 percent to 3 percent, while Duterte was steady at 20 percent.

The SWS has conducted seven surveys on voter preference since the last quarter of 2014.

In the Presidential race, Binay and Poe topped twice and tied for the first place twice; Duterte topped once.

Binay topped at 37 percent in the November 27-December 1, 2014 survey and 31 percent in the January 2016 survey.

He tied for the top post with Poe twice: in the March 20-23, 2015 survey where he and Poe got 36 percent and in the December 12-14, 2015 survey, at 26 percent.

Poe also topped at 42 percent in the June 5-28, 2015

survey and 26 percent in the Sept. 2-5, 2015 survey, aside from the tie for first place with Binay in March and December 2015.

Duterte topped once, at 38 percent in the November 2628, 2015 SWS survey.

In a statement Peter Laviňa, head of the Media Group of Duterte, said he is “happy that the recent SWS survey rating of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte remains at 20 percent in a statistical tie at 2nd place.”

“This is a snapshot of people’s perception at the time it was taken. It shows that Duterte continues to have a strong following. We still need to look into the details of the numbers that came out. These should provide us insights on how we would improve on the next stages of the campaign. This is a pre-election campaign survey and we expect to increase our support base as we progress into the campaign proper.

We thank all our supporters for keeping faith in Mayor Duterte and his quest for genuine change in our country,” Laviňa said.

According to the press statement of SWS, the January 2016 Pre-Election Survey was conducted from January 8-10, 2016 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 validated voters, 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao (sampling error margins of plus or minus 3 percent for national percentages, and plus or minus 6 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). (MindaNews)

Young dolphin rescued in Tagum

A

SUB-ADULT female spinner dolphin that was rescued last week off the shore of Barangay Liboganon in Tagum City has been placed under the care of the City Veterinary Office and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The dolphin was stranded during a low tide and weakened despite not having wounds or any mark on its body, the City Information Office said Thursday.

CENRO personnel and Bantay Dagat operatives under the Security Management Office rescued the sea mammal that measured 130 cm

long.

It was undergoing treatment recovery in one of the tanks at the Liboganon Multi-Species Hatchery.

City Veterinarian Dr. Jesus Eduliantes said the dolphin had to be orally administered with potable water to rehydrate it since a long period of time had lapsed between its last meal and stranding.

The dolphin had to be attached to a makeshift floater to keep it from keeling over on its side and drown in the process.

Eduliantes added the city government will release the dolphin after it fully recovers.

(MindaNews)

CLOSED. Some members of multi-level marketing company Jacama Sales and Marketing Company are seen outside its office to check for updates a day after the Davao City Business Bureau issued a closure order for violation of City Ordinance No. 158-05 Series of 2005, otherwise known as the 2005 Local Revenue Code of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Cayetano vows to lead veto override of SSS pension hike V

ICE Presidential bet and Senate Majority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said he will initiate the call to legislators to override the veto President Benigno Aquino made on a bill which seeks a P2,000 across-the-board increase in Social Security System (SSS) monthly pensions.

“It is time for Congress to stand up for our millions of pensioners and give them the pension that they need.

We must stand up against the executive’s awesome powers and ensure the passage of important laws that will help alleviate the lives

of our people and show that we are the people’s voice and not just a rubber stamp of Malacanang,” Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano said social security is meant to help pensioners after their retirement cope with the costs of living without their regular salaries. “But what good is social security if what they get is so low that it cannot even meet their barest needs?” he said.

“Wala pong personal o pulitika dito. Pinaglalaban po namin ang milyong milyong pensioners na kailangang kailangan itong 2000

pesos na ito para sa pang araw araw nilang pamumuhay,” he added.

Cayetano vowed to lead the charge in mobilizing the legislature to override Aquino’s veto. He said the legislative will require two-thirds vote of the House and Senate, voting separately.

In his veto message, Aquino explained that the stability of the entire benefit system will be “seriously compromised” if the proposed pension hike is implemented.

Cayetano, however, said Aquino’s fear was based on wrong assumptions. The

Lunhaw Awards to recognize more green initiatives from Dabawenyos

A

HOLY WATER. Catholic devotees surround Bishop George Rimando to have their Sto. Niño images sprinkled with holy water during the feast of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Shrine Hills, Matina on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

senator explained that the SSS should institutionalize long overdue reforms like increasing its rate of contribution collections and expanding its investment reserves.

Cayetano said if elected in the 2016 polls, he and his running mate, presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, will prioritize the pension hike of SSS members and look into the Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) and Pagibig to upgrade and improve welfare of members and also exempt workers earning P20,000 and below from income taxes.

CO-ORGANIZER of the Lunhaw Awards, Davao City’s annual award-giving body for green initiatives, is looking forward to recognizing more exemplary environmental initiatives

by Dabawenyos as a result of recent ordinances being implemented by the city government.

“Since 2013, the city government has implemented a number of new environmental ordinances like the Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance which mandates the construction of rainwater catchment systems (RCS) for new buildings and residences. This year, we hope to recognize successful and best practices of RCS initiatives in residences, communities, schools or business establishments,” said Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) executive director Ann Fuertes, one of the co-organizers of the award.

According to Fuertes, the use of a rainwater catchment system allows households and establishments to reduce wastage of potable water by harvesting rainwater that will be used for domestic or industrial purposes.

“Even the simplest RCS can go a long way towards reducing our human footprint on the environment. Every small initiative that we take in protecting our environment is in fact a larger step towards realizing our collective dream for a Greener and Sustainable Davao City for our children and future generations.,” she said.

“It is towards this end that the Lunhaw Awards seeks to recognize local green initiatives to create a local culture of environmental stewardship,” she added.

The Lunhaw Awards is organized by the City Agricul-

FLUNHAW, 10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

7 ECONOMY

Banner year for cacao industry

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

Y

crc@edgedavao.net

EAR 2015 was a “banner” one for the cacao industry as prices per kilo both in the domestic and international market skyrocketed.

“Last year was the best year for the cacao industry,” Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao,Inc. executive director Valente

Turtur told Edge Davao.

Turtur said domestic buying price for dried fermented cacao beans started with P110 per kilo in January last year and went up to P170 towards the end of previous year.

“Domestic buying price was higher than the international price which was pegged at only P157 per kilogram,”

Davao to allocate P60M for El Niño T

HE city government will allocate P60 million for the procurement of new equipment and repair of agricultural infrastructures in a bid to cushion the impact of El Nino that was projected to last until June this year, an official said.

Speaking in Thursday’s iSpeak Forum, City Agriculturist Office head Roselio Tabay said the budget will come from the city’s calamity fund to purchase mobile irrigation facilities, cloud seeding, and repair of dams.

The proposed mitigation plan was contained in the technical plan that CAO submitted sometime in April or May 2015 to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and to the Department of Agriculture.

Tabay said no report of damages on agriculture has so far been noted.

He said they have prepared short-terms programs, along with DA11, for the farmers who will be affected by the long dry spell, which is expect-

AT infestation also hit at least six towns in Maguidnanao, destroying millions worth of palay and corn crops already nearing harvest, agriculture officials said.

The rodents’ attacks was the first to hit the province in nearly 10 years which was blamed by officials to climate change and current dry spell affecting the region.

Alexander Alonto, regional secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Fishery in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAFARMM), said at least PHP5.5 million worth of rice and corn crops were damaged by rat attacks in the towns Buldon, Datu Unsay. Northern Kabuntalan, Sultan Mastura, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Mamasapano.

Before the situation in

rice and corn producing municipalities gets out of hand, Alonto said ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has ordered the deployment of agriculture field workers to aid farmers with anti-rat pesticides.

According to Khadiguia Abdullah, DAF-ARMM information chief, said the rat infestation which started last month has already almost 2,000 hectares of rice fields in Maguindanao.

To prevent the fest from migrating to nearby rice and corn fields, Abdullah said DAFARMM has distributed more than 2,000 bags of zinc phosphide.

In Mamasapano, Maguindanao, two villages have been severely attacked by rats, destroying more than 60 percent

FDAVAO, 13

Turtur added.

The demand for quality cacao beans both increased in local and foreign market last year because of decreasing cacao production in major cacao-producing countries like Ivory Coast and other countries in West Africa. Supply from these countries started to went down in 2012.

This opened doors to Mindanao cacao, Turtur explained.

He also said that traders in both market arena were “aggressive” toward Philippine because of its higher quality compared to cacao beans grown in Indonesia.

Of the estimated 12,000 to 13,000 metric tons (MT)

NEW OFFICE. Pag-IBIG Davao North branch head Ruby Lyn Sitchon (right) and sales and marketing head Mahencio Lindayan announce the opening of the agency’s new office located at Lanang Business Park which is now

cacao produced last year, 60 percent went to the local market while only 40 percent were sent abroad.

More than 90 percent or 10,000 to 11,000MT were from production areas in Mindanao.

The tight supply and increasing demand for quality cacao beans opted domestic

traders to increase their buying price which Turtur described as “unreasonable”.

The active market for cacao continues to draw interest among farmers.

At present, he said around 23 million cacao trees are already planted in Mindanao, of which 12 million are already fruit-bearing.

ready to serve members residing at the north side of the city. Sitchon and Lindayan graced the Fast Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Rats attack rice fields R Hike in cacao production pushed

FRATS, 10

S

TAKEHOLDERS of the cacao industry target to increase this year’s production by 40 percent following the huge demand in the global market for quality cacao beans.

Valente Turtur, executive director of Cacao Industry Development Association for Mindanao, Inc. (CIDAMI), said they hope to achieve this by increasing production areas in the Davao Region.

Production last year was pegged at around 11,000 metric tons (MT) for Davao Region. The figure accounted for more than 90 percent of national cacao production which

reached around 13,000MT last year.

“We’re targeting a total of 7 million cacao seedlings to be planted this year in different parts of the region,” Turtur told EDGE Davao.

Turtur said big bulk of the targeted seedlings will come from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“About 5 million cacao seedlings were bid-out the regional agriculture department already,” Turtur added.

The remaining two million seedlings targeted to be planted this year will be shared among private cacao stakeholders like private

growers, NGOs, and national government offices like the Department of Agrarian Reform and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Turtur said the planting material will be distributed in Davao provinces. However, majority of the seedlings will be given to major cacao producing provinces here like Davao City and Davao del Norte.

“The planting season will start either by June or July,” he said.

In 2015, Turtur estimated that about 23 million cacao are planted, of which 12

million of these are already bearing and contributing to the national cacao production and exportation.

“There is an obvious increase in the interest to grow cacao among farmers because of its increasing price both in the domestic and foreign market,” he said.

Turtur added that there is also an increase in the number of farmers and private individuals participating in their monthly training conducted for the development of the multi-billion cacao industry.

The monthly seminar has an average of 40 participants.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

and adverse effects of climate change.

She said “the Region’s resiliency was derived from its strong services and industry sectors that were supported by a sustained stable peace and order condition; strong real estate market; subdued inflation rate; sustained employment generation; good governance practices the ensured the delivery of basic services and ; the advantage of having one of the best human resources in the country that made Davao Region the country’s preferred ICT destination, particularly for Business Process Outsourcing that hosts 6 major BPO companies; and proactive efforts by the government together with the private sector, to match existing skills with

the requirements of industries in the Region toward the upscaling of the pioneered Industry Clustering Approach.”

Lim said that Davao Region’s economy was boosted by the following sectors that were able to achieve or even surpassed its growth targets in 2015: “a) The Tourism sector, which already surpassed its annual target by 36 percent in its first nine months; “b) The Agriculture sector, which generally rebounded with upticks in production levels of export products such as banana (3 percent) and cacao (12.5 percent), as well as in livestock, poultry and fishery.

This, despite the fact that the production of rice and corn was adversely affected by cli-

mate change or the El Niño (dry-spell). “c) The Infrastructure sector, that was buoyed by the improvements in the road and air transport and energy subsectors. Passenger air traffic and number of flights both increased by 12 percent due to the robust tourism activities, improved airport facilities and roads leading to tourism destinations. On the other hand, a huge energy generation project, the coal-fired power plant of Therma Marine South, Inc., started its operations with a commitment to generate 300 megawatts for the Mindanao Grid. Other breakthroughs or milestones that were made during the year included the RDC 11-endorsement of the

Tourism, agri, infrastructure are Davao’s top performers F

Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, region 11 director of the National Economic and Development Authority

IVE sectors were identified as the topnotchers in last year’s positive socioeconomic performance of the Davao Region.

The top-performing sectors were tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, social and security, according to Ma. Lourdes D. Lim, region 11 director of the National Economic and Development Authority, during a press conference called for briefing Davao media practitioners on the highlights of the regional socioeconomic performance in 2015.

Regional Director Lim said the briefing only covered the first three quarters of 2015, saying that during the period Davao Region managed a commendable performance despite global uncertainties

FTOURISM, 10

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

EDITORIAL When a veto becomes a kiss of death

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RESIDENT Aquino’s veto of a bill seeking to grant a P2,000 across-the-board increase in pensions that the Social Security System (SSS) gives out to retirees has generated a howl of protest from the public and the uproar could mean a kiss of death for the administration’s political party.

In reaction to the veto, people on social media expressed their sentiments and made it clear that they will vent their ire on the candidates of the administration Liberal Party (LP) in the May polls to get back at Aquino.

Indeed the presidential veto, as exercised by the President, is an unpopular act given the proximity of the elections and the delicate subject matter because the pension involves a sector of the society that with a

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significant number of people living below poverty index.

Whatever basis the President relied upon in the exercise of the veto seemed like a basis easily overwhelmed by the timeliness of the presidential action.

However unpopular the President’s action may be, Aquino may still end up on the right side of the issue if indeed his reason far outweighs the political impact of his decision. It’s a big gamble really but at the end of the day, as chief executive he has to make a painful decision. That decision to veto the measure surely made the President sad. If he had his choice, he would have done it and win brownie points for himself and votes for his party.

Then again, it’s not that easy.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

T

HE veto of Pres. Noynoy of the Congress-enacted P2000 increase for SSS pensioners is not only insensitive. It is also anti-social.

SSS officials say the P2000 monthly pension increase will require an additional yearly funding of P56 B (P2000 x 13 months x 2.15 million pensioners) which would result in deflating SSS resources.

The annual income of SSS coming from investments is estimated to be only P30 – P40B annually which will result in a deficit of P16B – P26B if the P2000 pension is approved and implemented.

According to SSS people, in 11 years, the funds could be depleted if the deficit is not filled or arrested.

I am definitely sure that not only would -be SSS pensioner-beneficiaries are disappointed but also ALL senior citizens for that matter.

But taking a look at how this government is callously tolerating the mendicant approach to social security via the 4Ps (Conditional Cash Transfer), preferring to dole out P69B plus of taxpayers’ money to the millions of lazy and indolent, one wonders what kind of grey matter resides in the head of the Malacanang

N

Social security a misnomer

tenant.

SPECKS OF LIFE Year after year, since the PNoy government was instituted, the financial giveaways have increased from a measly P5B to the present huge Fred C. Lumba allocation.

Today, as the date of the elections come nearer, one is made to believe the 4Ps money is going to be employed more as a vote getter than what is originally aimed for.

But recall this. SSS officials gave themselves big bonuses last December because they proudly claimed the agency earned a lot from its investments.

How come these crocs are able to get the biggest pay checks when they so desire it while their people down the line beg and plead for just a little more?

VANTAGE POINTS

9

This is a grave injustice, short of describing it as daylight robbery.

To be sure, SSS members are the ones keeping the agency afloat with their monthly contributions. There are reliable reports that some companies are not remitting their contributions on time and are not promptly penalized but agency officials prefer to look the other way.

Shouldn’t the SSS be required to make public a monthly status update of its financial standing – expenses and earnings alike – to apprise each and every member of how the agency is being run?

The law (R.A. 8282) in Section 21 states that: “The benefits prescribed in this Act shall not be diminished and to guarantee said benefits the Government of the Republic of the Philippines accepts general responsibility for the solvency of the SSS.” To this non-lawyer, this provision squarely places the responsibility of providing extra amenities and benefits to SSS members on the shoulders of the national government, in fact, materially assuring the SSS funds do not go bankrupt.

This is a sovereign guarantee which dis-

solves whatever fears the PNoy government is now entertaining anent the depletion of the SSS funds should the P2000 pension increase is approved and implemented.

Congress can still override the presidential with a two thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, though.

Methinks however that the Malacanang veto stemmed more out of the fact that the principal author of the bill is an opposition member who would likely be benefitted in the forthcoming senatorial derby.

Senior citizens will not accept the logic that the SSS will dive down if the pension increase becomes effective.

Does not the government exist because of the people and not vice versa?

If this uncaring government cannot provide welfare benefits to the old folks that usually go to purchase their maintenance medicines, what gives them the moral ascendancy to provide billions in dole outs to millions of families who it transformed into mendicants and beggars?

Hayahay. What a sorry contradiction.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com). God bless the Philippines!

Bicameral BLBAR. Can this be done in eight session days considering the status of the bills in both Houses and the big differences of the SB and the HB provisions?

But what the President promised to deliver was the Bangsamoro under BBL, not the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region under BLBAR which is unacceptable to the MILF and the Moros. The only way to resurrect the BBL is to restore into the BLBAR one deleted BBL article and the many watered down or deleted key provisions. Both Houses will not do this. Even if they do, this cannot be done in eight session days, January 19 to February 5.

Only by resurrecting the BBL can Bangsamoro be delivered to the Moros. Can this be done in the next administration?

If not passed, SB 2894 and HB 5811 will be archived. Any new move to address the Bangsamoro Problem will start from scratch and go through legislative procedures from Step 1. Any proposal must be enacted by the 17th Congress; otherwise, another one will restart from Step 1 in the 18th Congress – ad infinitum.

Will Draft BBL be resurrected as the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro? Most probably, the Senate and the House will introduce new proposals as alien or more to Draft BBL as BLBAR is.

That will not deliver Bangsamoro to the Moros.

Bangsamoro will remain in exile, the Bangsamoro Problem unsolved, indefinitely.

What might be the consequences of the President’s failure to deliver to the Moros Bangsasamoro?

It will not be a surprise if Malaysia that has facilitated the Government-MILF peace negotiations since 2001 and the other members of international communities and organizations that later joined on the invitation of the Philippines and MILF will cease monitoring the BBL and the implementation of the CAB. That includes the peace arm, the International Monitoring Team.

By watering down and rejecting key provisions of Draft BBL, the Congress has sent wrong diplomatic signals.

With Draft BBL dead, they no longer have reasons to stick around. In substituting the BBL with BLBAR – SB 2894 so disparate from HB

5811 — the Senate and the House were saying, “We know better”. The repudiation includes Malaysia and members of the international communities and organizations involved.

Will the fund and technical assistance from foreign governments and the UN agencies coursed through and pledged to the MILF continue?

These consequences concerning the Philippines’ “friends of peace” will embarrass the country for years to come. But the more serious consequences may be rued and regretted. For the last six years, at least, the Moros have been happy to experience peace. They have seen in Bangsamoro their bright tomorrow. Another frustration is most enigmatic.

At the outset we expressed the hope “that by a miraculous stroke of fate”, what we see as the banishment of Bangsamoro “is proven wrong.” Will clutching proverbial straws create the miracle?

That exactly what President Aquino III did when he made a “new pitch for the passage” of the BBL in Davao City last January 8. He knew the irreversible odds. He knew he was making a “pitch” not for the BBL that would establish the Bangsamoro he had promised to deliver but for the BLBAR that MILF and the Moros will reject.

There were many last ditch appeals to the Congress. Expect a few more before January 19.

Will seeing BBL supporters clutching straws move the Congress to pass the BBL? Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel A. Roxas, Aquino III’s anointed one, admitted the futility of hoping for the 16th Congress to enact the BLBAR nee BBL when he promised in Cotabato City on January 13, “to push Malacañang’s peace overture with Moro sectors forward if elected president” (philstar.com, January 14, 2016: Mar vows to push peace in Mindanao if elected).

(Comment” is Mr. Patricio P. Diaz’ column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews.

Mr. Diaz is the recipient of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Titus Brandsma for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate. You may e-mail your comments to patpdiazgsc@yahoo.com)

Bangsamoro banished indefinitely

O matter how unacceptable, let it be stated simply: The Bangsamoro is banished indefinitely. This is seen through prevailing circumstances that look irreversible. This is squarely facing the fact. Let’s hope, though, that by a miraculous stroke of fate, the statement is proven wrong.

Last Friday, January 8, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, during a speech in Davao City and on meeting the press after, made a “new pitch for BBL” and promised to set “a meeting with solons” as his last-ditch thrust for the passage of the BBL when the Congress resumes session on January 19 (INQUIRER.net, January 8, 2016: Aquino: BBL will push Mindanao, PH to global spotlight).

This has been played up by other Manila media until this week. However, Carolyn O. Arguillas, MindaNews editor, took a realistic view on January 9. Her analytical report may be summed up in a question: Can the “dead BBL” be resurrected or the “BLBAR on its death throes” be revived during the “eight session days left” for the Congress to tackle pending priority bills before adjourning for good for its members to plunge into the election campaign?

BBL was the original Bangsamoro Basic Law draft the President sent to the Senate and the House of Representatives. It was deemed “dead” after it had been drastically revised – 80 per cent of it by the Senate; 50 per cent or more by the House by MILF’s estimate – and substituted with the BLBAR (Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region). Even this substitute bill is “on its death throes” – dying, by all signs, to be unmourned.

Can President Aquino III do a miracle? Can he prevail over the two Houses of Congress in eight session days, January 19 to February 5, after having been frustrated so many times in 2015? Can he deliver by June 30, 2016, the end of his term, the negotiated solution to the Bangsamoro Problem he promised shortly after assuming the presidency on June 30, 2010?

Let’s take a quick backward glance.

In the third week of March 2014, 33 months into Aquino III’s presidency, the negotiated solution embodied in the CAB (Comprehensive

COMMENTARY

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ Agreement of Bangsamoro) was signed. On September 10, 2014, the BBL based on the CAB was received by the Congress. March of 2015 was set for the passage of the BBL. Had the target been hit, the BBL could have been ratified by June and the Bangsamoro Transitional Government set up thereafter. By June 30, 2016 the regular officials of the Bangsamoro could be elected.

But contrary to expectations when President Aquino III handed the BBL drafts to the Senate President and the House Speaker at a ceremony in Malacañang, the House representatives and the senators had their own idea of what Bangsamoro and its Basic Law must be. Despite the thorough review and revision of Draft BBL to be compliant with the 1987 constitution and the CAB, the Congress found BBL full of legal and constitutional infirmities. The authority of the President to negotiate was questioned.

The revision of the BBL and its substitution with BLBAR did not hasten the proceedings in both Houses. The BLBAR was vastly questioned; the pace was hampered by the lack of quorum in both the Senate and the House. As House leaders have admitted, the lack of quorum manifested the lack of interest in the BLBAR – in the Bangsamoro Problem.

What is the present status?

In the House of Representatives, the debates or interpellations have been terminated. HB 5811 is set for amendments and approval.

In the Senate, the interpellations are not over. A point of procedure has been raised; since BLBAR is a local bill, the Senate cannot wrap up its deliberations on SB 2894 until it receives the approved House bill.

Can the President deliver on his promise?

Let’s take an honest and serious look.

To pass BLBAR, the Senate and the House have to pass SB 2894 and HB 5811, reconcile them at the Bicameral Conference Committee and have their respective plenaries ratify the

10 NEWS City... FROM 4

25 percent of an investment and will mature at an interval of 15 days which will be cashed in three months.

“The obvious fact, however, is that people are enticed to invest their money by the promise of huge profits,” Quitain said, citing the SEC advisory.

He said the city’s closure order states that Jacama is not authorized to solicit investments from the public as it has not secured any necessary permit from SEC under the Securities Regulation Code.

Quitain said the city was prompted to close the company after the Department of Interior and Local Government

(DILG) national office issued a directive to stop the operation of Jacama.

He added, however, that the city conducted an investigation in October last year after receiving a report against the company.

“After receiving the complaint, we went there together with Atty. (Osmundo) Villanueva, Atty (Lawrence) Bantiding, and (Davao City Police Office) director (Senior Superintendent Vicente D.) Danao to look into their operations,” he said.

Quitain said they found that the company had used a new network marketing scheme in transacting business.

turist’s Office (CAO), the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and(IDIS. Fuertes said that application forms are available online at www.idisphil.org/lunhaw-awards or at the offices of the co-organizers. The Lunhaw Award is open to individuals, people’s organizations, schools, small and medium-sized enterprises, and civil society groups

in Davao City. Entries will be selected along the following thematic categories: Energy & Water Conservation, Marine Resource Management, Green Building & Urban Greening, Forest-based initiatives, Pollution Control, Organic Agriculture and Environmental Education/Advocacy.

Deadline of applications is on February 19, 2016. The winners will be announced during the Araw ng Dabaw celebration in March 2016.

pre-Feasibility Study on the Davao-Samal Bridge Project and the NEDA Board approval of the Davao Bypass Road Construction. “d) The Social sector, which made major strides in the provision of health, education and social welfare services: Targets were achieved in terms of reducing infant mortality rate to only 3.5 deaths per 1,000 live births as against an annual target of 6, and reducing prevalence of tuberculosis where only 56 incidents were recorded vis-à-vis its target of 188 in 2015. Progress were also made in terms of birth attendance by skilled health professionals and sustainable access of the population to improved water supply. In terms of education, more enrollees for higher education was noted.

Better and wider appreciation for technical and vocational education was evident in the increased number of certified graduates and students getting employed.

“Most significant among the improvements in the social sector was the provision of social welfare services that ensured social protection to the Region’s marginalized and vulnerable sectors. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4 Ps already achieved 87 percent or 228,793 household beneficiaries of its annual target during the first three quarters of 2015 alone.,” she said. “e) The security sector, which managed to maintain its high crime solution efficiency rate at 58.3 percent during the first three quarters of 2015, and reduced crime incidents by 26.9 percent. The efficiency rate already exceeded its fullyear target by 23.2 percentage points. This remarkable improvement was attributed to increased police visibility, extensive barangay intelligence network, stricter implementation of local ordinances and the improved coordination between government and it citizens.

“While majority of the

sectors in Davao Region performed well, the export sector suffered a setback during the first three quarters of 2015 when value of exports dropped by 39.8 percent to record only US$716.6 million against the previous year’s at US$1.19 billion. The decline in shipments was due to the lesser demand from major trading partners and major buyers of the Region’s banana exports such as Japan and China due to the slowdown of these global economies.

“Given the performance of Davao Region in 2015 in the face of global setbacks, the Region can look forward to a sustained infusion of government funds for implementation of priority projects in 2016 as indicated in the Government Appropriations Act or the GAA. The total approved budget for 23 major agencies in Davao Region for CY 2016 is approximately P38.21 billion.

This figure, however, excludes the lump-sum appropriations that may be later downloaded to agency regional offices (AROs). Budget for agencies in the social sector earned the biggest appropriation at about 55 percent or P20.93 billion with the Department of Education getting the biggest chunk at P9.7 billion, followed by the Department of Health at P4.6 billion and the Department of Social Welfare and Development with P4.3 billion. The next biggest allocation went to Infrastructure sector at P14.6 billion and with DPWH getting 97.2 percent of the budget at P14.2 billion.

“It is expected that with the budget allocated for the implementation of government projects, as well as for other projects under the Public-Private Partnership or PPP Program, Davao Region shall be able to achieve its growth target of 8.7 percent in 2016,” she added.

Director Lim bared that Davao Region grew the fastest in the country at 9.4 percent in 2014. CRC

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 209 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 17 - 18, 2016

Driz said the City Joint Security Control Center (CJSCC), which is composed of the DCPO, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) are also considering other areas as EWAs. She said the areas of Marilog and Paquibato are the initial places placed under EWA category 2 due to the presence of the lawless armed groups in the area.

Earlier, Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 regional director Chief Superintendent Wendy G. Rosario initially identified 14 EWAs in the region.

Rosario said one of the areas being considered is the town of Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province.

Rosario said during the 43rd meeting of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) last January 10, it was discussed that Monkayo would be escalated to category 3 because of the existence of law-

less armed groups and possible political rivalry.

The RJSCC in the region is headed by Commission on Election (Comelec) 11 along with PRO 11 and the 10th Infantry Division of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

The PRO 11 had earlier defined the categories for EWA. Category 1 are areas where politically motivated violence incidents were reported in the past two elections. These incidents do not include those in which domestic terror groups participated.

Category 2 are areas where there are serious armed threats and groups or reports regarding terrorist groups.

An area will be declared category 3 if the elements of both categories 1 and 2 are present.

Rosario said 10 areas in the region are placed under category 2 while three are placed under category 1. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

of the crops due for harvest next month.

Agriculture officers estimated the damaged crops in Mamasapano to reached 220 tons of palay and 107,000 tons of crops with only about 50 percent chances of recovery.

Alonto believed the damages due to rodents’ attacks could even go higher as other agriculture officials at the barangay and municipal levels are yet to submit reports.

In North Cotabato, nine villages in rice producing town of Kabacan has been placed under state of calamity due to rat attacks.

Initial reports showed the rat infestation in Kabacan has reached PHP13 million since last month.

Provincial agriculture officials also reported rat infestation in the towns of Arakan and Tulunan, both rice and palay producing municipalities. (PNA)

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mentioned by Guanzon in her dissent.

Secondly, the motion said the allegations were “never raised” as material issues during the Dec. 18, 2015 hearings conducted by the Comelec First Division on the said petition.

Finally, at the time Resolution No. 10028 was promulgated, “no petition was filed against Respondent Duterte raising said issues.”

The motion stressed that all the grounds and allegations of Castor in his petition pertained solely to the COC of Martin Dino and not to Duterte’s COC as Guanzon “erroneously” wrote in her dissent.

“Nowhere in his petition did Castor allege that he was questioning the documents filed by Respondent Duterte,” Duterte’s lawyers said.

The motion added that even Castor admitted in his urgent ex parte motion dated Dec. 11, 2015 that “the sole legal issue” in his petition is the COC of Dino.

Duterte’s legal team also stressed that as of Dec. 17, 2015, the date Comelec resolution no. 10028 was promulgated, neither Duterte nor his lawyers were aware of any case in which any issue was being raised regarding his COC. In seeking for Guanzon’s inhibition, the motion said that consistent with due process and fair play, she “should have refrained from making any adverse conclusions with respect to the election documents of a candidate without first seeing and reading an actual petition raising such allegations and issue.”

Duterte’s lawyers said Guanzon “has not observed the essence of due process” that demands that a court “hears first before it condemns, or proceeds only upon inquiry and renders judgment only after trial.

At the same time, the motion noted that “(a)s if by some odd coincidence, the said allegations were found in the petition filed by Delas Nieves on Dec. 22, 2015, five days after the issuance of the en banc resolution.

Delas Nieves’ counsel is lawyer Sheila Bazar.

Guanzon’s association with Bazar is another reason why Duterte’s legal panel is asking for her inhibition.

The motion noted that Bazar and Guanzon are founders and members of the Gender Justice Network which it claims only has seven individuals as members “thus creating a sense of exclusivity among the members.” (CHITO A. FUENTES) Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

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

Case No.2015-XI-01270 (2009-XI-00487) MARGIE LUZ D. CRUZ, Petitioner-Vendor GENALYN A. PACADA, Petitioner-Vendee

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by MARGIE LUZ D. CRUZ in favor of GENALYN A. PACADA of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: CAMP CATITIPAN VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to December 15, 2019.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 3, 2016 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 5th day of January 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

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EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Magsy turns 1 FROM THE GET GO, the Royal Mandaya Hotel’s Ballroom was turned into a red-themed Formula 1 speedway.

Photos by Boy Lim

Picture this. By the entrance, an arc welcomed all racers to the virtual Magnus Speedway. Inside the hall, a red carpet leads to the main stage resembling that of a race course with cones lined on the side. The ceiling had Ferrari buntings and white-black drapes. On the stage, a huge Ferrari logo on a red backdrop dominated the view, a kiddie Ferrari F1 car was the lone centerpiece.

Indeed, the scene was much like an F1 Grand Prix race.

Birthday boy Magnus Eachann Bravo rides his Ferrari F1 car prototype.

MAGSY A4

Magsy blows his birthday candle with Dad Neil and Mom Paula.

Magsy’s birthday kits--a red Ferrari racing jumpsuit and a black-red polo-pants ensemble.

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EVENT

SM City General Santos team at St. Agnes Montepulciano Orphanage. The team was headed by assistant mall manager Engr. Hermon Hernandez (rightmost).

More than a thousand kids receive

SM Bears of Joy SM CITY GENERAL SANTOS, SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier turned over more than one thousand SM Bears of joy to kids of its neighboring communities last January 7, 9 and 11.

SM Gensan personnel visited St. Agnes Montepulciano Orphanage and St. Gemma Orphanage last January 7 to give out the toys to its chosen beneficiaries. SM employee volunteers also spread cheers at Lamlifew Elementary School, an IP School

of Living tradition. The mall was able to reach out to 341 kids.

Last January 9, SM City Davao distributed the colorful stuffed bears to DSWD’s identified communities in Times Beach and Matina Aplaya. A total of 180 kids were made

Kids at Matina Aplaya with their Bears of Joy.

Children at the Times Beach Muslim Village with volunteers from SM City Davao and the scholars of SM Foundation Inc. The SM Davao delegation was led by mall manager Lynette Angala-Lopez. happy by SM Davao’s volunteer Premier distributed 401 Bears employees and well as SM Foun- of Joy to Tebow Cure Hospital, dation scholars. SM City Davao SOS Children’s Village, House also turned over additional 275 of and Kumihara Learning bears of joy to the City Social Center. Kids from Kumihara Service Office for the kids of of Brgy. San Antonio were also rebel returnees, the Missionar- invited to a fun afternoon at ies of Charity and Living Stones the SMX Convention Center where volunteers from the mall SM Lanang Premier mall manager Engr. Therese Lapena-Manalo (second from the left, Orphanage. back row) and mall employees bring cheers to House of Hope.

On January 11, SM Lanang administration prepared games

and other treats for them. Krispy Kreme also made the event even more memorable.

The SM Bears of Joy is a project of SM Cares, a corporate social responsibility program of SM Supermalls, in cooperation with Toy Express of The SM Store. Now on its fourth year, the project allowed SM shoppers and its business partners to purchase a pair of plush bears, one of which they keep and the other, they donate for distribution to the less privileged children in the community.

Apart from the SM mall shoppers, among the supporters of this year’s campaign were SM’s business partners RD Mamaril, Paperklone, Sayan Engineering Services, DASIA In., JARC Manpower, Bon Chon, Rocky’s Barbershop, Krispy Kreme and the Hukad Group.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Michael V stars in GMA’s ‘Dapat Tama!’

FOR MULTIAWARDED Kapuso comedy actor Michael V, working with GMA News and Public Affairs for the Network’s election advocacy campaign “Dapat Tama!” comes at the most opportune time, saying that Filipinos need to get the National Elections right this May.

“Napapanahon na kasi.

Kailangan na talagang ma-strengthen, mapag-ibayo ‘yung pag-papaalala sa mga kababayan natin na dapat magkaroon ng tamang eleksyon,” says Michael V, also known as Bitoy.

He adds, “Maaaring noon ay naisip nila ito [pagboto ng tama] pero hindi nila nagawa. Baka sakaling ngayon ay may pagkakataon na gawin na nila nang tama.”

The music video of

the latest “Dapat Tama!” jingle shows Bitoy having his miting de avance against the backdrop of Quiapo Church— one of the highly regarded structures that represents Filipino culture.

Yet while the typical miting de avance shows candidates advancing their political agenda, Bitoy is

instead advocating the importance of doing the right thing come Election Day through the Dapat Tama! Jingle.

Infusing humor distinctive of Bitoy, GMA has created a political satire in its election advocacy campaign that aims to empower Filipinos in becoming more informed voters, while tickling their funny

bone at the same time.

Last December, GMA aired teasers that showed Bitoy giving life to three political characters who used the holiday season to subtly advance their political agenda: Governor Gary Palan reflects the kind of person who runs for office just to grab power for himself and his family; Delly N Sha, on the other hand, is a shrewd mayor always planning under the table deals; and Mimi Hassa— an easy-go-lucky public servant who entertains the voters but lacks the governance skills the country needs.

The “Dapat Tama!” advocacy campaign aims for the voting public to understand better the value of exercising one’s right to vote by starting from the most basic of it all— carefully assessing all the candidates running for office.

But for Bitoy, the tagline “Dapat Tama… sa isip at salita, lalunglalu na sa gawa!” does not only apply to the voting public but to those running for office, as well.

“It’s all encompassing.

Hindi lang ito para doon sa mga boboto kundi para doon sa mga tumatakbo. Sa mga iboboto, dapat karapatdapat talaga kayo ihalal dahil sambayanan ‘yung umaasa sa inyo eh. At hindi lang isang tao ang paglilingkuran n’yo kundi buong bansa,” he

says.

GMA’s “Dapat Tama” was a voter education campaign that was first created

by Jessica Soho for the Midterm Senatorial Elections in 2013. The “Dapat Tama!” jingle, cocreated and performed by rapper Gloc 9, has won various awards including the 2013 CMMA Best Secular Song and Best Music Video, 2014 New York Festival Bronze World Medal for Music Video, and the 49th Anvil Awards Merit Honors.

Kathniel conquers Vietnam P H I L I P P I N E SHOWBIZ’S Teen King and Queen Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo recently brought honor to the country after winning accolades in Vietnam’s Face of the Year Awards for their performances in the hit series “Got to Believe,” which has captured a massive following in the Southeast Asian nation where the Philippine teleserye aired on TV. The series proved to be a big hit in Vietnam after Today TV started airing it on primetime television, every day, from 7 PM to 8 PM. Vietnamese viewers were indeed captivated by the love story of Joaquin and Chichay, as proven by the high ratings the show registers every night.

The phenomenal Kathniel tandem personally received the Best Foreign Actor and Best Foreign Actress awards last Friday during the gala night held in Ho Chi Minh city’s Opera House.

Organized by IMC, the parent company of one of Vietnam’s largest TV networks Today TV, the

“Face of the Year Awards” aims to honor films and artists who had significant contributions to the industry over the past year and are voted by the Vietnamese audience. For their respective categories, Kathryn and Daniel beat actors and actresses from other countries such as India and Thailand.

“Thank you for this opportunity.

And to all our supporters here in Vietnam, thank you so much for loving our characters, Joaquin and Chichay, and for loving the show ‘Got To Believe.’ We love you!” said Kathryn.

“I’d like to thank Today

TV. We just feel very humbled, very blessed, and we are very thankful.

Maraming salamat,” said Daniel.

Prior to the gala night, Kathryn and Daniel already felt the love from Vietnamnese Kathniel fans when they arrived at the Saigon Airport Friday afternoon. Armed with banners, shirts, posters, and caps, Vietnamese fans chanted “Kathniel,” and some even sang the “Got to Believe” theme song.

Fans also flocked to a local mall in Ho Chi Minh last Saturday for Kathryn and Daniel’s meet-andgreet, where the two stars

gamely posed for photos, signed autographs, and answered questions.

In 2014, “Be Careful with My Heart” was also a phenomenal hit that earned lead stars Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria the same Face of the Year Awards.

“Got to Believe” and “Be Careful With My Heart” are only among the many ABS-CBN dramas that aired in different countries through the efforts of ABS-CBN International Distribution.

ABS-CBN International Distribution has been recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider. It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 30,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures.

For more information, visit ABS-CBN International Distribution’s official website at http:// internationalsales.abscbn.com.

January 15 – 19, 2016

OUR BRAND IS CRISIS Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton R13

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

MACBETH Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard R13

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

LUMAYO KA NGA SA AKIN Maricel Soriano, Herbert Bautist, Cristine Reyes, Candy Pangilinan PG

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

A4 INdulge!

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EVENT

Magsy with Mom Paula and big sis Jill who pieced together the event setup.

MAGSY A1

And the celebrated driver of the night?

Magnus Eachann “Magsy” Bravo, who turned a year old on January 14.

Magsy arrived in style.

Carried into the hall by his parents Edge Davao managing editor Neilwin Bravo and wife Jean Paula, Magsy wore a red Ferrari jumpsuit.

He walked towards the stage pushing his kiddie race car.

Everything turned Ferrari red that night and even the guests wore Ferraris with Xian Siao and Archelle Catalan winning the best in costume awards. Host Jymes Infiesto, who also wore a Ferrari jumpsuit, masterfully essayed a program complete with magic and

bubble show courtesy of magicman James Infiesto, acrobatics, juggling and games. A man on stilts also lent excitement to the celebration.

The stage design and events management was a collaboration of Magsy’s elder sis Athena Jillian and event organizer MJ Escudero.

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

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Esdevco bares Matina Enclaves project update

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

E

njb@edgedavao.net

SCANDOR Development Corporation (Esdevco) recently released the project update for its initial real estate venture Matina Enclaves.

Project manager Gerald Kent Garces bared the project’s developments particularly on the construction of Building 1 of The Residences, the condominium section of the mixed use development project of the Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Escandor-owned firm.

Garces said that for the on-going building B construction as of January 11, the lower ground to fourth residential floor structural works are 100% accomplished.

For the fifth residential floor, Garces said that ongoing concreting of columns for said floor is being undertaken by the general contractor. Also ongoing

are the preparation of rebars for the fourth residential floor beams, layout and frameworks for exterior wall on the 1st residential floor.

Meantime, layout of mechanical line for the upper ground floor of the parking area is also being currently undertaken.

“We are well on track with our schedule,” Garces said.

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

Case No.99-XI-00928 DELFIN C. MEDILLO, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service on the route: SASA VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2016. In the petition filed on December 22, 2015, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 1, 2016 at 09:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 22nd day of December 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP. Security Bank Corporation and Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. sign a strategic partnership on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Shangri-La Makati. Photo shows (L-R) Security Bank president Alfonso Salcedo, Security Bank chairman Alberto Villarosa, Security Bank chairman emeritus Frederick Dy and their Japanese counterparts; BTMU managing executive officer and ceo, Go Watanabe, and general manager for global planning division, Yashusji Itagaki. Security Bank said the partnership would enhance its shareholder value by accelerating its growth strategy, including expansion of its branch network in the country."

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Davao... FROM 7

ed to peak by the second quarter.

He added the CAO will assess the extent of the damage so that they will know how much to spend on rehabilitation.

According to the Davao City El Niño Contingency Plan, 73,086 hectares of the 244,000 hectares of the city’s total land area has been classified as agricultural and 168.36 hectares is classified as agro-industrial.

Agricultural products include rice, corn, fruits, industrial crops, root crops and livestock.

“To date, the City of Davao is experiencing mild El Niño phenomenon which started in the last week of December 2014 and still ongoing wherein most of the cash crops of our farmers are damaged, either totally and/or partially,” the document says.

Among the fruit trees that will be affected are durian, lanzones and rambutan.

The DA 11’s High Value Crops Program (HVCP) wass preparing areas that are least likely to be affected by El Niño for vegetable farming.

Melani Provido, regional HVCP coordinator of the DA 11, said the move was needed to maintain the supply of vegetables and stabilize prices.

The areas initially identified by DA 11 are the upland Marilog District in Davao City and Maragusan, Compostela Valley where they have intensified the interventions of the department.

In 2014, she said DA 11 already put in place some mech-

anisms to cushion the impact of a long dry spell, with P8 million budget for irrigation projects for the high value crops.

DA 11 is implementing a spring development program for vegetable farmers, using spring sources in the hinterlands.

“We will tap the spring in the mountains using a big tube that will bring water to the water box within the production areas,” Provido added.

Another project is the small farm reservoir that impounds water from the river, she said.

She noted that production in areas that are not well-irrigated has increased by 20 due to DA’s interventions.

The region’s major production areas such as Davao Del Norte and Davao del Sur would be prioritized.

Provido said that for areas that are already severely affected by El Niño, they would suggest to farmers to shift to drought-resistant crops such as mongo and cassava.

“They should plant vegetables that can survive dry spell just to survive. After that, they can go back to their normal planting cycle,” she said.

She cited that the early warning from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration helped the agency, the local government units and the farmers prepare for the worst.

“We cannot feel that much the impact of El Niño because Pagasa informed us ahead,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

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Salomon Citytrail Run set Jan. 31

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

RAIL running which used to be staged outdoors in offroad tracks is ready to conquer the city streets as leading adventure sports brand Salomon brings the first ever Salomon City Trail Run on January 31 in Davao City.

Race organizers Dax Ang and Erwin Pastor Emata along with brand representative Mae Sanchez formally launched the first ever City Trail running event at the ROX store in Abreeza Mall. The 12-kilometer race will begin at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Street and will end at the Davao Crocodile Park at the Riverfront Corporate City in Maa Diversion Road.

“It’s a different event as we are taking trail running to the urban metropolis,” Ang said. Along with the new run-

ning concept, Salomon will also release the new Salomon City Trail running shoes.

“We will prepare and provide an informative fun-filled city trail run activity by running a series of new building structure, architectural design, old street, alley, bridge landmarks which are usually experienced by a regular runner,” said Ang. Registration fee is pegged at P700 with free race singlet and bib and free Salomon bottles for the first 150 runners.

The race is open for male and female runners with a cut off of 400 runners.

Frankie Tongo of Team Titans Davao was also present as representative of the group who is backing up this event.

As of yesterday, some 230 runners have already registered for the unique race.

Duterte backers to stage nationwide golf tourney

S

UPPORTERS of presidential candidate Rodrigo R. Duterte are planning to conduct a nationwide golf tournament in the coming weeks, according to his spokesperson and head of media affairs Peter T. Laviña.

Laviña said they received reports about the sports activity from golfer-supporters of the Davao mayor from Metro Manila, Cavite, Cebu and Davao.

He said the support group plans to hold the tournament with several legs in the key cities in the country to promote sports development, networking with golfers and supporters of the mayor from the business sector, and undertake charity work for golf

course caddies and workers.

Lavia said Duterte himself is a golfer, although the local chief executive has seldom played during the past two years.Duterte embarked on his Listening Tour since mid-2014 to promote his advocacy for change throughout the country anchored on anti-crime, anti-corruption and for the economic development of various regions of the country.

Laviña said they welcome such citizen-driven activities to help promote Duterte and his platform of government particularly in youth and sports development, and the vital role of sportsmen and businessmen in nation-building.

CITYTRAIL RUN. Race organizer Dax Ang explains the mechanics of the Salomon Citytrail Run during yesterday’s press conference at the ROX Store in Abreeza Mall. Also in photo are Erwin Emata (left) and Frankie Tongo of Team Titans Davao. NJB

Construction of Davao City sports complex in full swing

C

ONSTRUCTION of the long-awaited Davao City Sports Complex is in full swing with the P450 million budget for the first phase fully provided for in the 2015 and 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The project was vigorously pursued by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for the people of Davao with the help of Third District Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, who shared a common dream of seeing the sports facility rise in the city.

The sports complex is being erected on a 20-hectare lot inside the University of the Philippines-Mindanao in Mintal, Tugbok District.

“We have long desired to have this sports facility, and it was the dream of Mayor Duterte to build a modern sports complex for the people of Davao. Right now, we are seeing the realization of that dream,” Ungab said after inspecting the ongoing construction Thursday morning.

A total of P450 million had been allocated for the

INSPECTION. Davao City Third District Rep. Isidro T. Ungab inspects the ongoing construction of the modern Davao City Sports Complex in Mintal, Tugbok District Thursday morning. He also inspected the concreting of road leading to the sports facility. first phase of the project, with the amount fully provided for in the 2015 GAA, according to Ungab.

First phase of the project include the building of the indoor sports building or the UP Kinetics Building (P100M), road concreting (P50M), left side auditorium (P50M) and first phase of the outdoor sports which is the

track and field oval (P50M).

Ungab, chair of the House committee on appropriations, said P200 million more was allotted in the 2016 GAA which will be used to complete the second phase of the outdoor sports, track and field oval and swimming pool in the amount of P150 million and the construction of the

Ceres-La Salle signs Schrock

T

AAK DAVAO. Members of the victorious AAK Davao team show off their medals won during the 4th Adidas Cup International Karate Championships in SM MOA recently. The medalistsn guested in Fast fridays media forum at the SM Lanang Premier Bowling Center. From left: John Paul Ponce, Darlene Ross Maramara, Sofia Agullo, Ella Villapaz, Mark Damayo and Craig Infiesto. Lean Daval Jr.

right side auditorium in the amount of P50 million.

“Construction of the projects funded under the 2015 GAA is ongoing, while those funded under the 2016 GAA are now being processed for public bidding,” Ungab said.

He said the first phase is eyed for completion by mid of 2017.

HE best football team in the Philippines just got better.

Ceres-La Salle, which has been luring overseas-based Filipino standouts who have bolstered the squad to what it is now, just pulled off another major coup as it has signed Stephan Schrock on loan for at least the next five months.

The reigning United Football League champion has secured the services of the Azkals star from his second-tier German club Greuther Furth during the current European transfer window, lasting until the next window in June.

“Then we talk with his club again,” said Ceres coach Ali Go, who, however, declined to comment on the terms of the contract that is nonetheless expected to be a lucrative deal to gain the nod of the Filipino-German

dynamo, arguably the finest booter in the national team today.

“He is a very experienced player,” Go said of the 29-year-old Schrock. “His work ethic will push all players to their potential. He is an impact player who could change the result of a game, very dynamic with place, and also can read the game well.”

“But this is a team sport,” he was quick to add. “All players will have to work hard for the win.”

Schrock is another one of Ceres’ remarkable overseas-based Pinoy signings after Martin Steuble and Manny Ott. Schrock will make his debut in the UFL Cup next month and will boost the squad in the Asian Football Confederation Cup also in February.

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