Edge Davao 8 Issue 218 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

FORMAL WELCOME. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is welcomed by faculty members, students, and stakeholders at the DMMA College of Southern Philippines on Wednesday afternoon. The mayor and presidential candidate was the guest of honor of the Maritime Industry Stakeholders’ election forum. Lean Daval Jr.

POPULATION SURGE Davao City population could hit almost 2 million

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE population of Davao City might hit 1.9 million based on the 2015 Census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 11. This was bared by PSA 11 senior statistical specialist Maria Leah Magracia in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum at the City Hall conference room. Magracia said al-

though the official result of the census is yet to be signed by President Benigno Aquino, the agency foresees that it will be higher than the 1.6 million population that was recorded in 2010. Magracia said it is also possible that the population could reach 2 million because many people from other places migrate to the city. “Let us just wait for

the result to be signed by the president to make it official,” she said. Magracia said based on the trend since 2010, the population growth rate in the city is 1.9 percent per year. She said the PSA 11 is now processing the category of the population count such as the age groups, gender and educational attainment. Meanwhile, Magra-

cia said enumerators all over the country went to temporary resettlement areas and asked about the possibility of the settlers going back in their place of origin after recovery. “If the participants will answer that they intend to go back to their place, the national office will evaluate their status as to where these people belong,” she said.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

MY PLEDGE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signs his pledge of commitment for the development of a national maritime agenda if he becomes the 16th President of the country. The signing was part of the Maritime Industry

Rice-for-rats reward launched in NorthCot

ABACAN, North Cotabato (MindaNews) – Disaster and agriculture officials here, led by Mayor Herlo Guzman, have launched Thursday morning a massive rat hunting expedition to bolster the campaign of eradicating the pests that have been destroying vast agricultural lands in this town’s nine rice and corn producing villages. The campaign includes giving of 50 kilos or one sack of rice for every 500

rat tails that the farmers could present to disaster officials, the mayor said. He said the Kabacan LGU initiated this reward system to encourage farmers in the campaign to save rice, corn and other high value crops which are already due for harvest next month. In neighboring Matalam town, jogger Raphael Hambala noticed this morning that even root crops like “gabi” (Colocasia esculenta)

FRICE, 11

Bets told not to use Araw ng Davao for campaign

OLITICIANS have been advised not to use the celebration of 2016 Araw ng Davao for their political campaigns. Speaking to reporters in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Lisette Marques said the prohibition aims to remove political color from the celebration. She said politicians are free to join the celebration and talk on stage “as long as they have the consent of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte” and they will not talk politics. Marques said

politicians can also be interviewed by reporters, adding the executive will designate areas for such interviews. She said local and national politicians are also not allowed to display their posters, especially during the Civic Parade, because only the sponsors’ posters and tarpaulins are allowed. Marques said the City Engineer’s Office will be the on in charge of approving the posting of posters and tarpaulins. “If it is not a sponsor or if there is no approval from the CEO, then we have to take it out,” she said. [Armando B. Fenequito Jr.]

Stakeholders’ election forum on Wednesday afternoon at the DMMA College of Southern Philippines where the mayor was the guest of honor. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody vows to push maritime industry By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will include the maritime industry in his agenda if he is elected President. Speaking at the maritime industry stakeholders’ election forum at the DMMA College of Southern Philippines on Wednesday, Duterte said the country will need more ships and sailors “sooner or later” because

it will be the means of mobilization in delivering food and other goods. “As we grow older, there will be more people who need more. That is why there should be shipbuilding not only in Luzon but also in the Visayas and Mindanao,” he said. Duterte said once the shipbuilding industry is in place, he will provide training and tuition subsidies for maritime stu-

dents. “I will subsidize up to 300 students and I will let the schools set the standard,” he said. He said he will also provide the ships that will be used by the students for their training, referring to old marine vessels of shipping companies that are still in good condition and able to sail. “I would rent or buy about five ships and give I’ll give it to the agency

concerned. Then you can practice in them,” he said. Duterte, however, said he will ask the schoold not to impose high standards for the application. “Kasi nga hindi lahat bright, eh. Ako nga ordinaryo lang, 75. Basta makapasar lang gud (Not all students are bright. I myself was an ordinary student, with a grade of 75. As long as they can pass),” he said.

na ma-push ng Presidente ‘yang original na BBL na maipasa.. we are sticking to the commitment of the President. We are holding on to that,” MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told MindaNews on Tuesday. Murad said there has been no change in the President’s commitment and his “persistent assurance na maipasa ang original BBL” during their meeting in Malacanang on January 12. Murad said that in

the meeting that “took us more than one hour, almost two hours,” he reiterated to the President that they cannot accept the BLBAR, the substitute bills to the BBL — House Bill 5811 and Senate Bill 2894 — in their present form as these versions, both titled BLBAR, envision a Bangsamoro “less autonomous than the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) that they seek to replace.” The GPH and MILF,

after 17 years of peace negotiations, signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014 which provides for the creation of a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro, to replace the ARMM whose structural defects make it more of an administrative rather than autonomous region. In July and September last year, the Bangsamoro Transition Commis-

Murad: BLBAR will throw away peace process

HE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) looks forward to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) but not the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), the substitute bills of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as doing so would throw away the gains of the 18-year old peace process with government (GPH), MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said. “We are still hopeful

FMURAD, 11

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EDGEDAVAO

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

DOH: Cleanliness best weapon vs Zika virus

T POPULATION GROWTH. Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) senior statistical specialist Ma. Leah C. Magracia says Davao City’s population is expected to hit 1.9 million based on the census of population last year. Magracia was among the guests in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City tourism thriving despite ‘black propaganda’ By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) yesterday said the tourism industry is growing despite the “black propaganda” apparently aimed at discrediting the leadership of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, CTOO head Lisette Marques said many tourists are still visiting the city despite criticism posted in social media about the city. Marques cited the occupancy of a hotel in Lanang

which has already reached 60 percent just for the month of January this year. “The trend in tourism, the months of January and February are usually non-peak. But their management was surprised because their January occu-

pancy really increased even if it is not peak season,” she said. Marques said there conventions have also been booked for January and February this year even though such events are normally scheduled starting March. “We’re happy that the private sector is gaining from this,” she said. Davao City has been the target of criticism since Duterte announced his bid for the presidency. Even Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas has said the stable peace and order in the city is a “myth.” Among the points raised against the city are the summary killings of suspected criminals, but Marques said her office assures tourists that these are isolated cases and that visitors are secure while they are here. She also said the criticism is “obviously politically motivated.” “We know that there are some aspects of sabotage and mudslinging,” she said.

HE Department of Health (DOH) urged the public on Thursday to participate in activities geared towards cleanliness in order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as the Zika virus. “What is very important – regardless if there is Zika virus or not – is to be a part in cleanliness activities of our country such as searching and destroying the breeding places of mosquitoes,” said DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy. Lee Suy said if the environment is clean, there will be no breeding ground for mosquitoes which are carriers of the viruses causing deadly diseases such as Zika fever, dengue and chikungunya. He said eliminating disease-carrying mosquitoes should be everyone’s

concern. The DOH made the statement in line with efforts to keep the country Zika virus-free following the emergence of cases of the disease in various countries. According to Lee Suy, it was in 2012 when the DOH reported a case of the disease in Cebu City. At present, he clarified that there is still no new case of Zika virus infection in the country. “At present, no case of (Zika virus) yet in the country was recorded,” he added. Zika virus was first discovered in Africa in the 1940s and is now currently spreading in Latin America. The disease has been causing alarm in Latin America and has put pregnant women at risk due to

FDOH, 11

Napeñas: US gov’t, CIA part of‘Oplan Exodus’

HE Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine Naitonal Police (PNP) did not coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the peace process mechanisms when they launched “Oplan Exodus” on January 25, 2015, but it did with the United States government and its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), former SAF Director Getulio Napeñas told the Senate Committee probing the Mamasapano Tragedy on Wednesday. Napeñas said the US assisted with intelligence support on real time, training, equipment, humanitarian and medical evacuation “and also investigation.” When Senator Juan Ponce Enrile asked Napeñas what he meant by investigation, Napeñas replied it had something

to do with the severed finger of Malaysian Zulkfli bin Hir aka Marwan, the main target of the operation which was handed over to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for confirmation if its DNA matched with Marwan’s brother who is in detention in the US. “Oplan Exodus” was launched purportedly to arrest Marwan, who was on the list of the US government’s most wanted terrorists. Marwan had been reported killed in 2012 in what media reports described as a “USbacked airstrike” in Jolo, Sulu. The United States’ National Counterterrorism Center in its website described Marwan, 49, as an engineer trained in the United States, and believed head of the Kumpu-

FNAPEÑAS, 11

NO CAMPAIGN ALLOWED. City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) chief Lisette Marques reminds politicians to avoid campaigning during the upcoming 79th Araw ng Davao celebration. Marques also gave assurance that the public will be safe during the festivity. Marques graced yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

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New businesses sprout in Davao By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City’s economy is undoubtedly enjoying a robust growth with the entry of new businesses registered by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 2015. “Of the more than 7,800 Business Names Registration (BNR) cer-

tificates issued by DTI 11 in Davao City, 84 percent are new,” DTI Davao City director Engineer Edwin o. Banquerigo said in last Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Banquerigo said “to have that much new business names registered is

an indication that businesses are coming in.” Most of the new businesses that were issued with certificates in Davao City, he said, were from the trade sector, followed by services and manufacturing sectors. The trend in the growth of MSMEs was also ob-

served in Davao Region as new Business Name Registration (BNR) Certificates increased by 9 percent. “As of December 31, 2015, there are 14,565 business names registered, of which 12,305 or 84 percent of total approved BNR are new business names,” Banquerigo said.

Based on DTI records, this is the highest recorded new BNR certificates issued for the past five years. There were 11,247 issued in 2011, 10,730 in 2012, 10,594 in 2013 and 11,304 in 2014. The DTI also reported that the BNRs processed in 2015 represented 104 percent of the annual target of 14,000. The DTI is mandated to register business names of single proprietorship, while businesses owned by a corporation or through partnership must be registered to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Businesses of cooperatives should be registered in the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) while workers union should be listed under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The huge bulk of new business names registrants is an indicator that more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been created

last year. “The creation of more MSMEs could be a result of the government interventions for SMEs development not only by the DTI but also by assistance extended by other national government agencies like Department of Agriculture and DOLE,” Banquerigo said. DTI 11 also assisted a total of 8,461 MSMEs in 2015, which is 113 percent of its 7,500 annual target. “The number of MSMEs assisted in 2015 increased by 18 percent, from 7,169 in 2014 to 8,461 in 2015,” data from DTI 11 bared. Majority or 56 percent equivalent to 4,748 MSMEs assisted in 2015 were newly developed and newly assisted, while 44 percent or 3,713 were previously assisted by DTI, it added. These entrepreneurs benefitted from DTI’s SME Roving Academy, Shared Service Facilities, Negosyo Centers, and industry cluster projects.

ARMM welcomes entry of P1.3B new investment

SP hailed for CLUP amendment I

R. Maria Lourdes Monteverde lauded the move of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Davao to amend a provision in the Comprehensive Land Use plan (CLUP), a move that will benefit the fast-growing real estate sector. “It has a positive effect for the sector as more inavestors are now expected to come in,” Monteverde told reporters during last Wednesdays at Habi at

Kape at Abreeza Mall. Monteverde, a certified international property sector analyst, said the amendment will allow developers to allocate more of their area for housing development rather than for green open spaces. Monteverde, president of the Philippine Institute of Real Estate Service, Inc. (PhilRES),-Davao, also said it is a welcome development to the sector as more residential projects

are expected to come in the city. The demand for township projects are growing because people are starting to avoid traffic congestion in the central business district, according to her. Passed on the third reading during Tuesday’s regular session of the 17th City Council, the amendment include the repealing the “requirement for green open

spaces for developers by integrating these into the 30% for drainages, roads, and other areas instead.” The discussion and passage of the amendment last council session was earlier deferred because of the lack of consultation among environmental groups in Davao City. In an interview with EDGE Davao at the sidelines of the session, Save

FSP, 11

nvestments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are in the upswing with the approval by the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) of the P1.3 billion worth of palm oil plantation project in Maguindanao. Gintong Agri-corporation, a subsidiary of Agricola Holdings, a company that operates oil palm and rubber estates across Central America, West Africa and Southeast Asia has committed to initially develop 5,000 hectares of oil palm in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguin-

danao. The company aims to expand up to 20,000 hectares covering the municipalities of Talayan and Guindulungan in the next decade. “ARMM’s investment policy, along with the region’s improving peace situation has hugely contributed to the entry of big ticket investments like the Gintong Agri Corporation. In fact, the company already has long-term plans for their plantation here, which will ensure sustainability of the investment,” said

Disposal Committee to the general managers of the recipient WDs was done on January 26 at the

DCWD Bajada office. Lupon, Dapitan, Manolo Fortich, Sibagat,

FARMM, 11

Negosyo Center in Toril Mindanao WDs receive DCWD service vehicles

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing to establish a second Negosyo Center in Toril district in a bid to lure more development services closer to more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Davao City. “The establishment of Negosyo Centers serves a mechanism that allow us to bring MSMEs development projects closer to the people,” DTI-Davao City director engineer Edwin O. Banquerigo said during last Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape at the Abreeza Mall. The center targets to cater the growing number

of MSMEs and the spillover of businesses from Sta Cruz in Davao del Sur which are into food processing and manufacturing. Banquerigo said while the setting–up of the center is still laid down as a plan for this year it has already allocated with a budget of P1.9 million, higher than last year’s budget of P1 million only. “The budget allocation will be for trainings, office operation, maintenance, and purchase of equipment, among others,” he said. After Toril, the DTI also plans to establish another center in Calinan. Banquerigo said DTI 11

FNEGOSYO, 11

IXTEEN water districts in Mindanao received second hand service vehicles

from Davao City Water District. The official signing and turnover by the DCWD management and

FMINDANAO, 11

DCWD GIVES. The general managers of 16 recipient water districts pose with Chairperson of the Board Property Committee director Serafin C. Ledesma Jr., general manager Edwin V. Regalado (seated, 4th & 5th from L) and other DCWD officers after the signing and turnover on January 26 at DCWD Bajada office.

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8 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

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Marine turtles: Here today, gone tomorrow? Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Released marine turtles (Second of Two Parts)

HERE was once a sailboat enthusiast who found himself alone, floating in the middle of nowhere after encountering a sudden sea storm. With his boat capsized, this shipwreck survivor was given a new lease of life by a benevolent marine turtle. A two-day piggy back ride brought this lucky fellow back to land and he lived happily ever after. Although marine turtles were not mentioned in the Holy Bible during the time of Noah, they are still very much around. As their origins are steeped in antiquity, they are considered “living fossils.” “Some 200 million years ago, marine turtles developed as the earth throbbed with dramatic geophysical changes surviving as their living conditions changed, adapting to the natural rhythms of pre-historic life. Down through the ages, they thrived, remaining much the same as their hardy ancestors,” wrote Marizal Calpito and Lourdes P. Calacal in a feature published in Canopy International. Of the eight species of marine turtles known to man, five of them can be found in the Philippines. “All of the species found in our country are endangered except for the Hawksbill which is critically endangered,” said Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, founder and director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines. “The only sure thing is that marine turtle populations are under tremendous threats and if these are not stopped, extinction is imminent.” And if they become extinct, many people would know much about them. In fact, human beings hardly know them. All they understand is that turtles belong to the order Chelonia, an order of reptiles that has existed and flourished since pre-history. Marine turtles, locally known as pawikan, can be differentiated from their terrestrial and freshwater relatives

by their flattened forelimbs. Freshwater turtles, it is said, have five claws on each forelimb with easily distinguishable individual digits. In comparison, marine turtles have flattened fore flippers with obscured individual digits. Marine turtles are air-breathing reptiles that live their long legendary lives mostly in the sea. They are known to swim the ocean’s deep, travelling from island to another all over the world. But they spend a critically important part of their life stages in sandy beaches. Scientists say most female marine turtles come ashore several times every two or three years to next. Yet, scientists know little about how they navigate, where they grow up, or how long do they live. So, why is it too difficult to study marine turtles? “They’re a mystery,” contends Dr. Archie Carr, a visionary herpetologist who earned the moniker ‘Father of Marine Turtle Research’ when he set up camp on the beach at Tortuguero, Costa Rica in 1954. Since then, several others followed suit. But despite this explosion of researches, scientists are still frustrated. “I don’t know any branch of science where we have applied so much effort and learned so little,” complained Dr. Richard Byles of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. But there are signs of progress. Each marine turtle species exhibits a distinctive behavior, habitat preferences and diet requirements. But in terms of reproduction, they share some behavioral similarities. “Under this particularly life stage of marine turtle is critical to its conservation and management since it is during this period that they are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of human activities,” wrote Calpito and Calacal. The two authors cite green turtle (known in the science world as Chelonia

mydas) as a case in point. Mating, they say, starts with courtship. “Green turtles’ courtship behavior is a highly-charged activity punctuated by rivalry among courting males,” the two authors said. “A male communicated his intentions to a female by caressing the female’s head and by raining her heck and rear flippers with gentle bites. The courted female may indicated her refusal by facing the male in vertical position, limbs widespread, as if emphatically declaring her rejection of the male. Or, she may seek refuge in ‘no male turtle allowed’ area or simply the areas that males apparently avoid.” If the female is receptive to the male, the male proceeds to embrace the female by anchoring his long front claws on the uppermost portion of the female’s carapace while his rear flippers secure that lower portion of his mate’s shell. Upon completion of the mating stage, nesting occurs in sandy beaches about a month after mating. For some unknown reason, turtles choose a favorite nesting site. Every time they nest, they always return to the same place even if they are thousands of kilometers away from the area. Female would drag their bulky frame into the sand and build a nest and to eventually lay eggs. Nests are built in areas that are not inundated by tides, rain, or groundwater. The sand is loose enough for gas diffusion but moist enough to keep the nest walls from collapsing. During the nesting season, some turtles may nest 2-11 times depending on the species and populations. “If nesting is successfully completed, the mother turtle covers and disguises the nest,” the two authors wrote. “Afterwards, she scampers toward the sea, leaving the eggs for future hatchlings to find the sea and to fend for themselves.” After two months of being cocooned in their sandy niche,

the papery eggshells erupt one after another or almost simultaneously. With vigorous trashing here and there, the hatchlings are freed from their eggshells. From a moment, trashings will come to a halt as if the hatchlings would charge into sea, scurrying like an army seeking cover in the darkness of the night. “This nocturnal trek to the sea can be a critical even in the lives of young hatchlings,” Calpito and Calacal wrote. “Hatchlings exhibit photo-attraction. Their complex reaction to light can be a fatal attraction because strong lights such as beach lights may lure them away from the sea. Hence, hatchlings fail to make their rendezvous with their aquatic home and they die.” Scientists estimate that only one out of every 100 hatchlings survive to become an adult. The odds are certainly against any individual

Pawikan hatchlings

The old man and pawikan marine turtle. They are preyed upon by numerous natural predators including crabs, birds, dogs, fish and marine mammals. Marine turtles need to be saved – if they have to survive in the Philippine waters. In Davao City, a marine turtle sanctuary was established to

serve as home and sanctuary of endangered marine turtles, particularly the Hawksbill. The sanctuary, a 2-kilometer stretch of white sand peninsula of Punta Dumalag in Matina Aplaya, engages in the recovery, tagging, and rescue of illegally captured and de-

tained marine turtles. The sanctuary also manages a hatchery which yields 93% hatching since it started in 2003. “Everybody can help save the endangered pawikan,” Yaptinchay pointed out. “All of us can make our share to save the pawikan.”

EDGEDAVAO

9 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

EDITORIAL Anybody’s ball game

POLITICAL IMBROGLIO is taking place within the Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte-led Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, specifically in the third district of Davao City where the two candidates fighting it out for the congressional seat in the May elections are relatives of two of the mayor’s closest allies. One of the aspirants, councilor Karlo Bello, is the son of Rep. Silvestre Bello III, while the other hopeful, engineer Alberto Ungab, is the younger brother of three-termer and outgoing Rep. Isidro T. Ungab. It’s no secret that both the elder Bello and Ungab are staunch supporters of Duterte. Bello is not only a long-time friend but also a law associate of the mayor. Ungab is a good friend and also a long-time political ally of Duterte. Bello is the official candidate of Hugpong, but Duterte had also given his blessings to Ungab and allowed his brother to seek the post if they so desire, stopping short of declaring the third district a free zone. And, although both the elder Bello and Ungab are members of parties associated with Duterte’s rivals in the presidential race – Bello is the representative of 1BAP, a party-list associated with United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar, and Ungab is a member of the Liberal Party which is fielding administration bet Mar Roxas – it’s just a matter of time be-

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fore they formally jump ship and openly declare their full support to Duterte. Now, faced with this situation, top officials of Hugpong are in a quandary. Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte revealed at a recent media forum that the party is having “a little problem” in the city’s third district regarding the race for the congress seat. The vice mayor hinted that because of the situation, some Hugpong members are set to be removed from the party. He was clearly referring to barangay captains and kagawads who are throwing their full support to the candidacy of engineer Ungab, who is enjoying mass backing in the third district because of the track record and performance of his older brother. The battle for a seat in the House of Representatives is worth watching in the city’s third district. The young Bello, the official candidate of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, is up against an opponent who has not even been elected councilor yet is benefitting from the resources of his brother and the full support of barangay officials. The political contest here will be a heated one, but people in the third district certainly will go for the candidate whom they believe can rightfully represent them in Congress. Free zone or not, the third district of Davao City is anybody’s ball game.

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS 10

Politics is entertainment for the Filipino, yet hope remains

N the post-EDSA Philippines, politics has been bastardized into entertainment, with the force of personality dominating the hapless voter to choose, by and large, on the basis of their comfort with the candidate. Its force for helping groups and people achieve their fair shake in an imperfect society has been blunted by the elite who use political exercises as mere contests to showcase themselves and gain power and control over society made even more imperfect. Democracies are supposed to be a free arena where people of all walks can have their voices heard so that their interests and welfare are protected, or at least, they have the fighting chance to protect and enhance it. Such is the democratic ideal coming in all nuances. “Elite,” however does not only refer to those who control commerce and resources in society. There is the entertainment elite led by people like Erap Estrada who hound us no end with their patuchadas and verbal snipes at people reminiscent of the intramurals of the upper crust. They seek the attention and respect of

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EMEMBER that Pogo the ‘possum’s quote in the poster Walt Kelly designed to help promote environmental awareness and publicize the first annual observance of Earth Day, held on April 22, 1970? The daunting words were: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Today, a new enemy has emerged – and it is our appetites. With fast foods proliferating and “all you can eat” restaurants thriving here and there, gluttony has become a way of life, instead of an exception. This must be the reason why obesity – the condition of a person having excessive weight for his/her height, build, and age – is no longer identified as a problem in industrialized nations but in developing countries as well. And that includes the Philippines. The findings of the National Nutritional Council showed that three of every 10 Filipino adults are obese. And the figure may go higher if the study done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) is to be considered. FNRI, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology, expects the number of overweight and obese Filipino adults will balloon by 22.3% and 6.1%, respectively in 2015 compared to the total adult population recorded four years earlier. “If the trend continues, this will lead to more health-related diseases, which can lead to death,” the FNRI pointed out in the study. Meanwhile, a study conducted by the International Obesity Task force revealed that 1.8 percent of boys and 0.8 percent of girls between the ages of six and 10 in the country are overweight. “We should fight off the common mistakes of Filipinos that overweight children are ‘cute.’ It is not!” declares Dr. Ramon F. Abarquez,

greater society MY TWO CENTS’ that for all intents and purposes regard them as intellectual lightweights in a thinkers’ game. May 1987 saw the dawn of this class of John Tria politicians, with ecisouth@gmail.com Estrada winning his first Senate seat in a manner that left many pundits dumbstruck. He, being one of two from the opposition Grand Alliance for Democracy (GAD), garnered a seat in a Senate dominated by old-time politicians and a few mavericks belonging to what was then the administration coalition. A year after, in the first local elections in the post-EDSA period, Tito Sotto and a host of actor-politicians took the reign of Metro manila local governments like Quezon City.

The succeeding general elections in 1992 saw even more actors and actresses successfully entering politics, with senators like Ramon Revilla. Today, we see the likes of Lito lapid and Bong Revilla. The brothers in the Senate, JV Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada. Four showmen in our Senate. Suddenly, show business becomes a source of people who call themselves leaders. The Filipino electorate has blurred the lines between politics, entertainment, and government. All elections since have been more popularity pageants than referendums on policy. Winnability has been the overriding consideration for supporting and voting for candidates. Surveys to gauge voter preference have done so much to condition the electorate’s mind into voting for the eventual winner. Issues mean nothing to an electorate that views elections as a cockfight. What matters is who wins and loses, regardless of the political agenda that may be nothing more than the care of the self. Voters have elected these actors because they represent for them a likeability and trust

that has left the body of the traditional politician. The fact that the voter chooses his or her candidate as a function of comfort only represents how alienated the common voter is from the political realm. To them, they are all elite within whom the ordinary man or woman cannot mingle. They are distanced from the voter, and therefore bear a license that enables them to abuse the electorate. Their choice is always the least evil. The 2016 elections, for a change, represents a slight departure from the usual. We have a maverick contender for the presidency coming from way down south, his political experience and accomplishments forged in a forgotten island. He is pitted against the Manila political elite, represented by an actor’s daughter, a traditional politician, and a guy married to a newscaster. He represents world and policy views that are different from the usual. Whether the presence of such mavericks will be good for the Philippines is a resounding yes, but whether this will be the future of politics, I remain in doubt.

Jr., professor THINK ON THESE! emeritus of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. “Healthy kids are not overweight or underweight. We should teach them proper Henrylito D. Tacio eating habits henrytacio@gmail.com and healthy lifestyle choices while they were young.” “People who were obese as children are more likely to be obese as adults,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information, “largely because when weight is gained during infancy and early childhood, new fat cells form. People who become obese during childhood may have up to five times more fat cells than people who maintained a normal weight.” “We’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic,” decries Dr. John Foreyt, one of the world-renowned authorities on obesity. “We have to start in the young and develop healthy lifestyle habits, particularly in our dietary preferences, to prevent becoming obese…” For most people, the condition of being overweight is easy to recognize. But medically, a distinction is made between being overweight and being obese. The body mass index (BMI) is used to define these conditions. BMI is weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters squared). Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9, and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more. “Body composition – the percentage of fat and muscle in the body – is also considered

when obesity is defined,” says the Merck manual. “Women who have more than 30 percent body fat or men who have more than 25 percent body fat are considered obese.” Obesity comes from the Latin word “obesitas,” which means “stout, fat, or plump.” During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, obesity was often seen as a sign of wealth, and was relatively common among the elite. It was the Greeks who first recognized obesity as a medical disorder. Hippocrates wrote: “Corpulence is not only a disease itself, but the harbinger of others.” The Indian surgeon Sushruta (6th century BCE) related obesity to diabetes and heart disorders. Throughout history, many cultures have viewed obesity as the result of a character flaw. The fat character in Greek comedy was a glutton and figure of mockery. During Christian times food was viewed as a gateway to the sins of sloth and lust. In modern Western culture, excess weight is often regarded as unattractive, and obesity is commonly associated with various negative stereotypes. Today, obesity is now more of a life and death issue rather than just simply looking “bad.” As Dr. Nick Finer, an American endocrinologist, puts it: “Obesity must be considered as an important medical issue. A catalogue of diseases are caused and exacerbated by obesity.” There are several reasons why a person becomes obese. If your father or mother or both parents are obese, there is a tendency that you will become obese too. “Obesity tends to run in families,” the Merck manual says. Dr. Rosa Ally Sy, the overall chairman of the 6th Asia-Oceania Conference on Obesity, says genetic factors only contribute 25 percent of becoming obese. Most likely, a person becomes obese because of the choices of foods he eats.

“Obesity results from consuming more calories than the body uses,” points out the Merck manual. This simply means that if you consume more calories than your body can burn, you will gain weight. The tricky part of the equation is that some people metabolize food differently from others. Why this happens is complex and not entirely clear to researchers, who continue to be surprised by each new finding. For instance, one recent study concluded that heavy people actually burn calories faster than underweight people because their metabolism speeds up as they put on pounds, and slows if they try to take them off. “For obese people, the average-sized meal really isn’t filling,” says The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments. “Not only do these people have more fat cells sending out signals for food, but their faster metabolism burns more calories as well.” Physical inactivity is one of the main reasons for the increase in obesity among people in affluent societies. It is also a common cause of obesity as people age. A new study, however, points out that weight gain is caused primarily by dietary and lifestyle choices rather than age. The study, which appeared in New England Journal of Medicine, says adults gain weight as they age because of taking extra servings of foods such as potato chips, French fries, and sugar-sweetened drinks. Other contributors: decreased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other minimally processed foods; less physical activity; more time spent watching television; and poor sleep habits. Excuse me, but I have to weigh myself now!

The weight is over

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EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Into the Forest Nature Camp A chance for today’s children and tomorrow’s nature By Maya Flaminda Javellana Vandenbroeck HOW CAN WE DEVELOP A LOVE FOR TREES if we never experienced climbing them? “No one will protect what they do not care about; and no one will care about what they’ve never experienced,” said Sir David Attenborough, the great naturalist. “Lets face it,” said Jon Cree, the Chair of the Forest School Association, “the planet’s ecological systems and the natural world communities ARE what make this small rock we travel on cosmically unique. If we are to survive and thrive, we need to reverse the “breakdown” of these systems, communities and human disconnection. Only through right first-hand contact with the natural world can a love for and connection with these systems be invigorated in the human psyche.” That’s exactly how Tuburan Institute, Inc. the Steiner/Waldorf community school in a nature environment in Tugbok

District aims to invigorate basic education in Davao City. Confident and willful Tuburan children climb the school’s santol tree, mango tree, and pili nut trees growing in the school’s expansive property that’s surrounded by orchards. Their parents have learned to stop saying “don’t” and “can’t” and instead encourage them, albeit silently, to climb as high as they dare. Kindergarten children who, before, would just watch their ates and kuyas in grade 1 and 2 climb trees, have now, figured

out how to climb up, test the tree’s strength, and go as high as they can to feel the wind through the branches and look down through the leaves. Beats computer games and other indoor games every time. Also because these adventurous behaviors lead to all kinds of benefits including hard-wiring the brain, building and maintaining resilience and, in an uncertain world, helping children to manage their choices and grow their capacity to take healthy risks. Since November 2015 Tu-

buran has allowed the public to experience its unique Steiner/ Waldorf pedagogy and curriculum in a nature environment. Through its Into the Forest Nature Camps, participants, can, for a day, experience fun nature games that cultivate their love for nature by letting them know nature more intimately through their senses. The nature camp is non-competitive, inclusive and uses age-appropriate storytelling techniques to introduce and segue from one activity to the next. The nature games, team building

and problem solving activities, crafting sessions enable participants to learn to use their senses in new ways, practice their speed and strength, expand their creativity and imagination, think outside the box, facilitate group cohesion, develop patience and perseverance, and trust in themselves and in others, improve their balance, flexibility and memory, and discover what else their bodies can do. Tuburan has had three Into

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UP AND ABOUT

Smart hosts ‘virtual party’ in country’s first Facebook Live video

AMIDST THE FRENZY of revelers at the much celebrated Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo over the weekend, unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) broke new ground as it became the first brand to pilot Facebook Live in the Philippines. The latest feature of the world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook Live allows users to broadcast live video content as a new way to engage followers. For a more shared experience, Facebook Live also allows viewers to post their comments and interact with each other in real time. The feature was first introduced for use by US celebrities last August, and was then rolled

“This new feature not only stretches the capabilities of Facebook, but also opens great possibilities for us to enrich the mobile lifestyle of our subscribers, who can now tune in to witness significant events and share the experience with others in real time – all with just a few taps on their smartphone,” she added.

Facebook. Upon clicking the notification, they were directed to the live video, which featured the rousing beats of Smart ambassadors and party staples DJ Ace Ramos and MC Pao. Viewers from all over the county streamed in and posted their reactions – mostly in awe of the new feature and thrilled to be able to join the celebrations virtually on their mobile devices: “Ang sarap pumasok sa screen at

The latest feature of the world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook Live allows users to broadcast live video content as a new way to engage followers. out for verified accounts of public figures, news sites, brands and other users just last month. Party at your fingertips For its pilot Facebook Live video, Smart broadcasted a 20-minute segment of the Love Dance, one of the biggest electronic dance music celebrations at the Dinagyang Festival last Jan. 22 The live video came as a regular notification to the followers of Smart’s official account on

maki-party (If only I could enter the screen and join the party)!,” commented user Jaylord Ambe. “This is amazing!,” user Jr Florentino chimed in. The next day, Smart once again tapped Facebook Live to broadcast the set of Smart Ambassador Inno Naguit at the Dinagyang Invasion, another major electronic dance music celebration, eliciting positive responses from viewers who got to share the festival experience despite being miles away.

Viewers from all over the country got to share the Dinagyang Festival experience via Smart’s pilot Live Video on its Facebook page. Each Facebook Live video was automatically published on Smart’s Facebook page, which was later viewed and shared by the thousands of followers. Forefront of mobile technology “Smart has always been at the

forefront of mobile innovations in the country, and we are very honored and thrilled to be the first brand to launch Facebook Live in the Philippines, which promises another awesome Smart Life experience for Facebook users,” said Kathy Carag, Smart Brand Head.

History of innovations Smart’s launch of Facebook Live follows a string of mobile innovations and product offers which Smart introduced to keep Filipinos abreast with the latest technologies, enriching their digital lifestyle. Smart recently pioneered the ‘Shared Data’ scheme which allowed postpaid and prepaid subscribers to share data volume conveniently with their loved ones so as to keep them connected online, with access to the widest breadth of digital content – from music and videos to games and more – on their mobile devices. Last year, Smart led the way for Southeast Asia’s first Smart LTE Multicast of a live event through the use of the evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (eMBMS). After pioneering and launching the use of LTE in the Philippines in 2012, Smart also conducted the country’s first trial of LTE-Advanced in 2013, joining only a handful of carriers around the world with such capability. Smart offers fast and reliable broadband services via its nation-widest network, which is backed by the country’s most extensive fiber optic footprint that spans over 100,000 kilometers.

Great 3-Day Sale is on at SM Lanang Premier SHOP AT THE REGION’S PREMIER SHOPPING AND LIFESTYLE DESTINATION – SM Lanang Premier – this January 29-31 and avail of up to 70% off on fab finds mall-wide.

Get also a chance to win two Air Asia roundtrip tickets from Manila to any Asian destination or an overnight stay for two at Park Inn by Radisson Davao in the grand raffle. Every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase from The SM Store or from any participating mall establishment entitles a

shopper to one raffle coupon. Shoppers can also get one raffle coupon with every single purchase of four SM Cinema tickets or with every P300 worth of tokens from participating amusement centers. On January 30 and 31, enjoy Saturday and Sunday Specials and get FREE P500 worth of SM Gift Certificates from 10am to 2pm with a minimum purchase of P5,000 single-receipt purchase within the promo period from any participating establishment. Only 100 shoppers can avail of this promo per day.

Don’t miss as well the Great BDO Travel Sale slated at the Atrium on January 29-31. Grab the lowest airfares and travel deals from these participating merchants – Cathay Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Asia, Asiana, BDO Investments, and PLDT. For shopping convenience, mall hours are extended from 10am to 11pm on the said dates. For inquiries, contact 2850943. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for sale alerts and exclusive promos.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Dangwa to air final episode this Friday A GMA News and Public Affairs original, Dangwa first aired last October 26, 2015 and is top billed by young Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez with leading men Mark Herras and Aljur Abrenica. Janine plays the character of Rosa, a flower vendor whose mission is to help her customers realize that love blooms in its own time.

having no more magical flowers left with her—a sign that her mission here on Earth is almost done. The planets aligned with the sun, casting total darkness for a few minutes and opening up the portal to Rosa’s world. Rosa is torn between going back to her world and staying to choose between Lorenzo (Aljur) and Baste (Mark). Lorenzo’s true color was finally revealed and he would do anything to keep Baste and Rosa apart, to the point that he

The last four episodes saw Dangwa’s heroine as

would force Rosa to marry him. But Lorenzo’s mother would try to kidnap Rosa first. Trying to save her, Baste’s life is put on the line. In the end, Rosa would choose to go back to her world believing that it’s her fate to give joy and love to other people instead. Is there a chance that real love would finally bloom for Rosa? Watch the muchawaited ending of Dangwa this Friday, January 29, 11 a.m. on GMA 7.

Ebe Dancel collaborates with Yeng, KZ, and Regine in first album under Star Music

MULTI-AWARDED ARTIST Ebe Dancel returns to the recording scene with his first solo album under Star Music where he delivers a powerful lineup of songs written from the heart.

“Star Music and I have the same vision. It’s always nice working with people who trust you. I’m looking forward to a busy year ahead with the label,” said the former Sugarfree vocalist. In his album, named “Bawat Daan,” Ebe brings in some of OPM’s most respected artists to rework some of his former band’s most successful hits. One of the highlights include “Makita Kang Muli,” an astonishing duet with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Ebe’s collaborations also consist of Sugarfree covers “Prom,” where he sings with Yeng Constantino,” as well as in the powerfully tender “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak,” which features KZ

Tandingan. The rocker also sings his heart out in break-up ballad “Dapithapon,” yearning love song “Kasayaw,” and “Lakambini,” an ode to a lover. Ebe also brings inspiration with “Padayon,” a song from

the Manny Pacquiao biopic “Kid Kulafu,” “Hanggang Wala Nang Bukas,” the theme song of the historical epic film “Heneral Luna,” and “Ang Probinsyano,” a theme song from ABS-CBN’s similarly titled primetime series featuring rapper Gloc-9. Completing the track list are “Bawat Daan,” and the acoustic versions of “Halik sa Hangin” and “Lakambini Ko.” “Bawat Daan,” produced by Mike Villegas, can now be streamed on Spotify and will soon be available at all record bars nationwide. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via leading record stores all over the country and in online music stores such as iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, Amazon.com, and Starmusic.ph. For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

Witness winning moments of the 2016 SAG Awards at home via Lifestyle’s live telecast CELEB R AT E the best of Hollywood’s year in TV and film with A-list celebrities as Lifestyle brings to Philippine cable TV the live airing of the 2016 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday (Jan 31). The SAG Awards is the sole award giving body which honors the performance of actors selected by the actors’ peers in SAGAFTRA (Screen Actors GuildAmerican Federation of Television and Radio

Artists). From the red carpet to the awarding ceremony, Lifestyle’s live telecast will let Filipinos get front row access on who will get the most honors during the SAG awards at the comfort of their home. Among the list of nominated films and

TV programs for this year’s SAG Awards are “Trumbo,” “Beasts of No Nation,” “The Big Short,” “House of Cards,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Homeland.” Another must-see during the SAG awards ceremony this year is Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s presentation

to Carol Burnett of the Life Achievement Award. Previous SAG winners include Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Matthew McConaughey, Morgan Freeman, and Eddie Redmayne, among others. Be part of a major Hollywood awards event and catch winning moments with Lifestyle’s live telecast of the SAG Awards on Sunday at 9:00AM. Catch it also on Lifestyle on January 31 at 10PM, February 1 at 12NN, and February 6 at 12MN.

January 27 – February 2, 2016

FATHERS & DAUGHTERS Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried R13

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

EVERYTHING ABOUT HER Vilma Santos, Angel Locsin, Xian Lim PG

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

13 HOURS James Badge Dale, John Krasinski R13

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

THE BOY Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, James Russell R13

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

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EVENT Into the Forest Nature Camps’ beneficiaries have been sponsored by the Antonio Floriendo Foundation, Grand Menseng Hotel, NTS Supermarket, Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Ticketbox Promotions, Carlo Gonzales, Deborah Kwak, Linda O. Yap, Cynthia Tiu, and Aileen Gullos. Those who want to experience this unique Into the Forest Nature Camp with family, friends, classmates, or colleagues may send a message through tuburaninstituteinc@gmail.com, 2842377, 0908-1535326 or visit Into the Forest’s Facebook page. Tuburan has started screening applicants for school year 20162017 for kindergarten (3-6 years old), class 1 (7 years old), class 2 (8 years old) and class 3 (9 years old). To begin the enrollment process, parents are invited to

INTO THE FOREST A1 the Forest Nature Camps to date with participants grouped into 5-7 years olds, 8-12 years olds and 13 years old and above (which includes adults) from the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and India. The Davao City participants have come from the Davao Medical School Foundation, SPED Bankal, Brainworks, Ateneo de Davao University, Mintal Elementary School as well as Field of Dreams Orphanage, Talikala Inc.’s Balay Sophia, Padre Pio Home for Children, and SOS Children Davao. “This diversity,” says Tuburan volunteer Isti Baker, “is one of the best things about the nature camp because at the end of the day participants are very happy about how much they enjoyed making friends with participants from different backgrounds, and how much try learned and enjoyed being in nature for a day.” Istvan Baker, is a graduate of Michael Hall Steiner School in Sussex, England. He is the nature camp’s main mentor. Drawing on his extensive experience as an outdoor sports and camp expert in the United Kingdom, Isti designed the Into the Forest Nature Camps to contain a wealth of structured, tried and tested projects, ideas and games that allow children and adults to breathe fresh air and engage personally with nature. To protect the biodiversity of the camp and keep its ecological footprint small, Tuburan’s Into

the Forest Nature Camps require all participants to bring their

own water bottles/cups and utensils. They also have to bring back

home with them all their nonbiodegradable wastes. The meals served during the nature camp are wrapped in banana leaves and locally sourced from backyard gardens and organic farmers.

join Tuburan’s part 1 and part 2 public orientations and let their children experience a day in class. The next public orientation is on February 6, 2016. Just RSVP with Cristina at 0909-4944775.

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growing in a marshy area were found wilting due to extreme drought. “How could I eat my favorite abalong (a gabi native dish) if we can’t find it anymore in marshy areas in the next days?” Hambala posted on his Facebook account expressing his concern on the effects of El Niño. The same problem is being encountered by Teduray farmers in Datu Blah Sinsuat, North and

South Upi in Maguindanao. The dry spell has dried up even camote plantations while worms have attacked some, according to Lumad advocate Romy Saliga. Saliga is calling agencies and disaster response groups to also look at the plight people going hungry because of natural calamities like El Niño and not only those who are fleeing their homes affected by armed conflict. [Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews]

sion (BTC), the 15-member joint GPH-MILF commission that drafted the BBL, sent Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte an initial list of 28 issues on HB 5811 and 87 issues on SB 2894 along with their comments on the changes on substantive provisions of the draft BBL, including the autonomy framework. The draft BBL was vetted and finalized by

the BTC with the Office of the President into what is now being referred to by Murad as “original BBL” or “agreed version,” before it was submitted to Congress on September 10, 2014, in ceremonial rites held in Malacanang. This “agreed version” became HB 4994 and SB 2408, later substituted by HB 5811 and SB 2894 after the committee hearings in both houses. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Davao Shrine Hills Advocates spokesperson Norma Javellana said their group asked for a deferment of the item because they were not invited during the public hearing held last year. “Not even IDIS, not even me in Save Davao Shrine Hills Advocates, not any one of these groups were invited. The sector that attended the hearing are the subdivision developers,” she said. She said they learned only in the newspapers that the item would be approved on third and final reading. In their statement, the

groups highlighted the fact that the Council committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances adopted the entirety of the land developers’ proposed amendment “without even bothering to study its implications on the city’s urban plan.” IDIS executive director Ann Fuertes said the committee, headed by councilor Bernard Al-ag, went against the ordinance by approving the amendment without any consultation from the Local Zoning Review Committee (LZRC). (CRC with reports from Armando Fenequito)

Wao, Quezon, Pres. M.A. Roxas and Tubod-Baroy water districts each received Mitsubishi L300 while Bislig and Kauswagan water districts both got a Suzuki Bayan Cab. Carmen WD was given a Mazda T300 light truck and M’Lang WD a Toyota Hilux. Hinatuan, Tagbina, Lianga and Talisayan water districts each accepted a motorcycle. According to general manager Edwin V. Regalado, the donation is part of DCWD’s support to the smaller water districts in Mindanao and his commitment as the incumbent chairperson of the Mindanao Association of Water Districts to help its members improve the delivery of customer service. Chairperson of the Board Property Committee director Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. also said that

as it expands its operations, DCWD will continue to assist the other water districts by giving serviceable vehicles and equipment no longer fit for large service coverage areas. On behalf of the recipients, Wao WD general manager Tomas Carumba Jr. said that more than the help of the vehicles to their operations, the donation symbolizes DCWD’s friendship, unity and respect to the smaller water districts. Also present during the ceremony were OICAGM for Operations Exequiel B. Homez, OIC-AGM for Administration Mildred G. Aviles, OIC of Legal Services Division Atty. Fairy Faith R. Agustin and the Disposal Committee headed by Finance and Property Department manager Bernadette A. Dacanay. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

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CIVIL REGISTRAR MONTH. Juliet Q. Gasatan of the City Civil Registrar Office’s marriage division and Orlando L. Alvaira of the R.A. 9048/10172 section announce the activities of the upcoming Civil Registrar Month set on February during I-Speak media forum at City Hall yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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the microcephaly (brain damage) that it may bring to babies. Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition in which an infant’s head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. The said condition usually results to the underdevelopment of a baby’s brain inside the mother’s womb, hampering its growth after birth. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. While the Zika virus infection is connected to microcephaly among newborn babies of a mother infected by disease-carrying mosquitoes, the said

information isn’t officially documented yet. “Of course any pregnant women would not want that (microcephaly) to happen to their own child as well, so, the best way really is as much as possible if someone is pregnant just avoid travelling in places where there are incidence of Zica virus as a protective measure,” he added. He added that during a close examination of profiles of the patients from other countries infected with Zika virus ,they found out that the condition is not really severe and can still be treated. The symptoms of the disease include are fever, headache, joint pains and rashes. (PNA)

lun Mujahidin Malaysia, allegedly a terror group, and a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah’s central command. Marwan was killed in that dawn operation on January 25, 2015 but 66 others were also killed – 44 from the SAF, 17 from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and five civilians. Asked who conducted the training for the operations, Napeñas said members of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) and some “civilian components,” prompting Enrile to ask if they were from the CIA. Napeñas said “to my knowledge, they should be

is eyeing to put up three centers in Davao. For the Davao Region, DTI 11 also targets to have each province to have at least three centers each to be added to the six operational centers. The setting up of Negosyo Centers throughout the region is anchored on Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, authored

by Senator Paulo Benigno Aquino IV. The Go Negosyo Act aims to strengthen the sector of micro,small and medium enterprises that will create more job opportunities and promote inclusive growth in the countryside. The creation of the Negosyo Center will promote “ease of doing business and facilitate access to

services for MSMEs.” Services provided by each center will vary depending on the needs of the community it is serving. But, a full service center can provide training, orientations, seminars, provide needed information, consultancy, and facilitation and processing of certain permits, and more. Under the law, Nego-

Ishak Mastura, ARMM RBOI Chair. Cooperative members from the ARMM are eyed to own and manage the lands, while the company will fund the development of the plantation as well as the technical training for the cooperative farmers. The entire project is estimated to generate 1,000 jobs for ARMM once the plantation operates into full swing. Mastura said the Gintong Agri Corporation will also build and operate oil mill facilities in Maguindanao that will produce crude palm oil and palm kernel oil. Last year, ARMM re-

corded another multi-billion worth of investment from Chiquita-Unifrutti, which poured in P3.7 billion for Cavendish banana plantations in Maguindanao. The investment project, along with a napier grass biofuel plantation, petroleum business, and a minerals development project significantly contributed to the remarkable growth of ARMM investment, amounting to a total of P6.5 billion by the end of 2015. “This year is going to be another good year to generate more investments since projects related to an oil depot, bulk water treatment and supply on indus-

trial waste management and treatment are now in the works,” said Mastura. ARMM hit its first billion-worth of investment in 2013, amounting to P1.4 billion. It more than doubled the following year when RBOI recorded P3.86 billion investments in 2014. Last year’s record is up by almost 60 percent from 2014. “This influx of investments indicates improved governance in the ARMM thereby increasing investor confidence, as demonstrated by the region’s sustained investment growth under the Aquino administration,” said MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati

Negosyo... FROM 6

ARMM... FROM 6

working in that outfit,” later adding that “the word CIA (was) never mentioned in our dealings.” “Big elephant” Reacting to Napeñas’ testimony, Bayan Muna Rep. Karlos Isagani Zarate told MindaNews that the “active direction, not just involvement, of the US in that war on terror operation is the big elephant in the room that the Aquino administration is desperately covering up.” “The cover up includes the involvement of contract personnel — euphemism for mercenaries like the notorious Blackwater of Iraq — for easy deniability when things went wrong,” Zarate said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

syo Centers will provide services on business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation of business processes for MSMEs. DTI 11 has allotted P4.7 million for the installation of Negosyo Centers in different provinces and cities in the region last year.

Antonino. Antonino further noted that all the necessary infrastructure support are also in place for ARMM, primarily focusing on the gateways for the ARMM areas. Under the Mindanao Development Corridors Program being coordinated by MinDA, the revitalization and development of the Polloc port and Awang Airport are among the priority projects in the ARMM. “Our long-term plan is to fully connect all regions in Mindanao through various public-private partnerships projects to spur massive development and inclusive growth across ARMM and entire Mindan-

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

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Phl’s 5.8% economic growth in 2015 is 4th fastest in Asia

Chinkee Tan

VIVALDI RESIDENCES DAVAO – 100% SOLD! Euro Towers International, Inc. kicked off its plans for 2016 for its sellers of Vivaldi Residences Davao in a sales rally last January 22 at The Apo View Hotel. Dubbed “100% SOLD!”, the rally was is aimed at selling the remaining units of Vivaldi Residences in the next few months in preparation for a new project, “APO VIEW RESIDENCES” within the area of the iconic Apo View Hotel. Euro Towers’ Director for Finance and Administration and acting Sales and Marketing Director Jesse G. Clamor and Director for Construction Roy L. Estanislao led the 2016 sales rally talks. Well known public speaker Chinkee Tan flew in from Manila exclusively for the activity to deliver an inspiring motivational talk for all attendees. The event was capped off with all selling groups vouching their respective commitments following the sales battle cry for 2016, “100% SOLD!”

Oil prices extend gains despite rising inventories

IL prices continued to rise Wednesday although US supplies added last week. US crude supplies of last week gained 8.4 million barrels to 494.9 million barrels, up 88.2 million barrels from one year before, according to the weekly report published by the US Energy Information Agency (EIA) Wednesday. US crude production lost 14,000 barrels to 9.221 mil-

lion barrels a day last week, according to the EIA’s report. Abdalla El-Badri, the head of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, called on oil producers outside the group to help in reducing the global oversupply. “It is crucial that all major producers sit down to come up with a solution to this,” El-Badri said Monday at a conference in London. There were news re-

ports saying that the head of Russian oil company Lukoil suggested Russia should jointly work with OPEC to cut supply. The West Texas Intermediate for March delivery moved up 85 cents to settle at USD 32.3 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for March delivery increased USD 1.3 to close at USD 33.1 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. (PNA/Xinhua)

Around 300 of these Filipino crew members are working at the MS Celebrity Millennium. “Based on our experience, Filipino crew are hard working, determined and industrious. This is the reason why we are planning to hire more in our expansion programs,” said Christodoulakis. The MS Celebrity Millennium was welcomed by the representatives coming from the Aklan Provincial Government, Department of Tourism, Philippine Ports Authority, Boracay Police, Wallem Philippines, and Aklan media, among others. The MS Celebrity Millennium was known worldwide

as it played host for a US based television series the top chef. The cruise proceeded to Singapore after it stayed for almost 12 hours in this resort island. Carrying more than 2,000 passengers, it has registered the largest cruise ship record to set sail in Boracay since it started cruising three years ago. For his part, Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said that around 12 cruise ships are expected to arrive in this resort island this year. The DoT has considered Boracay as a cruise ship destination along with Metro Manila and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. (PNA)

Celebrity Cruises to hire more Filipinos

HE company Celebrity Cruises is eyeing to hire more Filipino crew members as part of its expansion program in the coming months. This was bared by captain Nicolas Christodoulakis during the inaugural port of call in this resort island by MS Celebrity Millennium being operated by Celebrity Cruises, Wednesday. The MS Celebrity Millennium has visited the ports of Manila and Boracay Island. “The plan to hire more Filipinos has been discussed just this week by the management. Currently, there are 12,000 Filipinos working in the star cruises,” he said.

HE country’s economy expanded 5.8 percent in 2015 on strong consumption and investment, making the Philippines the fourth fastest in Asia during the year. The Philippines followed India, China and Vietnam, though last year’s figure was slightly lower than 2014’s 6.1 percent and government’s projection of 6 percent. “Though this is lower than what we targeted for the year, this growth is respectable given the difficult external environment, the onset of El Nino, and the challenges in government spending in the first semester,” said National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director general Arsenio Balisacan in a press briefing. Balisacan noted that the 6.3-percent GDP in the last quarter, the highest quarterly growth for 2015, affirms that the Philippine economy is traversing the higher growth path. He said last year’s robust economic growth was driven by stronger domestic demand, government spending and public and private investments led mainly by public construction. “This growth in invest-

ment and consumption reflects optimism in the economy given the success of governance and economic reforms, which gave us ample space to overcome challenges such as weather-related disasters, global economic slowdown, as well as domestic uncertainties, especially those associated with the forthcoming elections,” he added. Exports growth has been lackluster at 5.5 percent compared to last year’s 11.3 percent amid weak global demand. On the supply side, the services sector continued to drive economic growth with a share of 3.8 percent after expanding 6.7 percent in 2015. Industry followed which grew by 6 percent; while agriculture rose measly 0.2 percent. “With sound fundamentals and ongoing structural changes in the economy that make it more resilient to shocks, we can expect higher growth for 2016 as the global economy also picks up,” Balisacan said. The NEDA chief is optimistic about achieving at least 7 percent GDP in 2016, the lower end of the country’s 7 to 8-percent medium to long term goals. (PNA)

13 launches Phl officials to engage Holcim new mobile app investors in New York C COMPETITIVE EDGE

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INANCE Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. will lead the Philippine delegation and deliver keynote addresses at the Philippines Business & Investment Forum (PBIF), to take place on March 3 in New York. The event has been initiated under the leadership of Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia Jr. It is being organized by InvivaLink, a company specializing in the production of business and investment conferences. The PBIF will bring together influential leaders from the Filipino government and private sector, along with their U.S. and relevant international counterparts, for an in-depth analysis of the Philippine economic and political situation, and the opportunities it holds for investors, both in capital

markets and in industry. Other key figures who will be speaking at the event include Ramon Jimenez Jr., Secretary of Tourism; Enrique Razon, Chairman & president of ICTSI; Gregory Domingo, former Secretary of Trade and Industry; Amb. John Negroponte, Co-Chair of the US Philippines Society; Roberto Garcia, Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; Arthur Tan, CEO of IMI Global; Alexander B. Cabrera, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC – Isla Lapina; Roberto de Ocampo, Co-Vice Chairman, Makati Business Club; Alexander Feldman, President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council; and John Goyer, Senior Director South East Asia for the US Chamber of Commerce. The lead partners for the event are the Government of the Philippines and the US Philippines Society. Other in-

stitutional partners are The Makati Business Club, the US ASEAN Business Council, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and AMCHAM Philippines. The PBIF will take place over three days: a welcome networking event in Manhattan on March 2; the central forum on March 3, which will be a full day forum of panel discussions and keynote speeches focused on the outlook and investment opportunities within the Philippine economy; and private roundtable discussions on March 4. The objectives of this forum are to convey the continuity of the administration’s economic policy fundamentals through the next electoral cycle, to evaluate investment plans and specific prospects in strategic sectors,and to provide a platform for direct net-

working and business. Purisima said he looks forward to headlining the event. “The Philippines has a great economic story to tell. Our turnaround from ‘the sick man of Asia’ to the region’s resilient, bright spot is something that the Filipino people can be proud of. It is a product of painstaking discipline and good governance. We want to go out there and share the fact that despite strong external headwinds, the Philippines is here to stay as a place for growth.” Tetangco, for his part, said the Philippines “has transformed over the years to become one of the most resilient economies in the world, owing to strong fundamentals that include low and stable inflation, and sound financial system backed by prudent monetary policy and banking supervision.”

SEA governments, telcos see benefits from IoT deployments

IoT spending in the Philippines to hit US$766.8 million in 2020

OVERNMENTS and telecommunication operators in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia are actively exploring opportunities offered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) technologies in the region. The Philippines recently posted a GDP growth of 6.3%, as well as a sustained IT spending growth of 10.1%. Gil B. Genio, COO of Globe Telecom Inc. pointed out that the IoT’s potential is substantially driven by the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sectors, while mobile network operators (MNOs) will continue to be relevant with their existing network customer base, sales channels, billing and support systems. Similarly, we will see more than 400 million connected devices in 4-5 years’ time in Thailand alone, according to Sigvart Von Eriksen, CMO of DTAC -while we are still below 1 million right now. “The IoT market in Thailand will explode in near future, which should not come as a surprise given the active role government is playing,” he added. An IoT roadmap for 2016

was rolled out by Telkomsel in Indonesia. A new breakthrough in the automotive sector, namely T-drive, was developed to monitor driving behaviour performance for safety on top of the current car tracking and fleet managemnet solutions they had. “IoT in Indonesia is a limitless opportunity - we are committed to building this ecosystem,” said Ririek Andriansyah, President Director of Telkomsel. As for Malaysia, IoT market potential is predicted to register US$2.2 billion by 2020. Dato Ng Wan Peng, COO of MDeC said, “Not only addressing the

supply of IoT, we want to raise awareness among end users and create demand to drive digital adoption and economy growth. Our aim is to turn Malaysia into a matured digital economy by 2020 - to connect and empower government, business and people.” To leverage on the interest from local governments and telcos, the Asia IoT Business Platform 2016 series in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia will bring together end-users, platform providers, policy makers and solution providers at a single platform to forge mutually-beneficial partnerships. The series will showcase the value and economic i m -

pact of IoT/M2M solutions, including improving private and public sector enterprise productivity, and harnessing ICT and networks to alleviate problems in dense capital cities. Zaf Coelho, Project Director of the Asia IoT Business Platform said, “Southeast Asia offers tremendous opportunities in terms of the scale and usage of IoT/M2M solutions, leveraging technology through key enterprise and policy decision making, leading the entire ASEAN region’s transformation.” This coming May, the city of Yokohma has been engaged to present a case study in Manila, Philippines as reference for smart city projects, while DHL will be sharing information on how to leverage Big Data in the logistics sector. In Bangkok, the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology will discuss advanced manufacturing and smart factory applications - which is a main focus in Southeast Asian cities. “This is a platform for leaders in IoT/M2M to gather and foreground the opportunities in emerging Southeast Asian countries. Ultimately, we are trying to help to catalyse the realization of a smart city for these Southeast Asian nations,” added Zaf.

ONSTRUCTION solutions company Holcim Philippines, Inc. recently launched its new HolcimConnect mobile app that guides builders 24/7 on how to save on cost and time in construction and give consumers access to a sales agent for roundthe-clock assistance. Giving customers immediate access to information on Holcim cement and dry mix products means they are guided in the right choice and use of products for the right application for easier construction, better results and savings. “There are advantages in using dry mix and ready mix products ideal for contractors, architects, engineers, masons, trade partners and homeowners and the app is meant to help builders make better decisions and save on cost and time in using Holcim products,” said Minoru Espartero, Holcim product manager. “It is easy. All the consumer has to do is to download the HolcimConnect app in Google Play Store,” Espartero said. She added that the app will soon be available in the AppStore for iOS devices. The HolcimConnect app includes a cement application calculator that informs users

on quantity of products needed for the construction project through video and tips. It also has an intuitive weather feature that informs the users when is the ideal time to pour the cement or do other construction activities. “It is a valuable guide for do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovation projects with its information on using the right Holcim cement and cement-based products,” Espartero continued, “The app also informs customers on the technical support and services they can get from the company.” In a few clicks, the 24/7 HolcimConnect app’s information helps customers make the right considerations before buying and allows the consumer to directly contact a sales agent, round-the-clock. “Backed by years of technical expertise in construction and building materials, excellent quality products and unparalleled customer service, the new HolcimConnect app is a handy companion to help build better homes and buildings and our Holcim gift to our valued consumers this Christmas. This Christmas and for all times, mas mapapanatag kayo sa Holcim,” Espartero said.

11-month electronics imports surge 41%

NBOUND shipments of electronic goods surged by 40.5 percent in January to November 2015 from a year ago, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) President Dan Lachica said. Lachica said imports bill of the industry from January to November 2015 increased to USD18.9 billion from USD13.5 billion in the same period in 2014. Imports in the previous year expanded as inbound shipments of eight out of nine product sectors of the industry increased. “Office equipment had the biggest growth rate at 52.5 percent, from USD81.6 million to USD124.4 million. Other sectors that increased were the following: communication and radar at 45.9 percent, semiconductors at 43.5 percent, telecommunication at 43.1 percent, control and instrumentation at 41.8 percent, medical and industrial instrumentation at 31.4 percent, electronic data processing at 20.8 percent, and consumer elec-

tronics at 16.5 percent,” the SEIPI chief noted. Only the automotive electronics contracted its imports bill by 1.8 percent to USD19.05 million. For November 2015 alone, electronics imports bill amounted to USD2.13 billion, surging by 69 percent from November 2014’s figure of USD1.26 billion. Electronics industry accounted for 35 percent of the country’s total imports in November last year. The country’s top sources of electronic products in November 2015 were Taiwan, accounting for 15.8 percent of the industry’s imports; United States of America, 14.9 percent; China, 13.6 percent; Japan, 11.5 percent; Singapore, 10.2 percent; and Taiwan, 15.8 percent. Other top imports partners include South Korea which shared 7.8 percent of the total electronics imports; Thailand and Hong Kong, both with 5.3-percent share; Malaysia with 4.9-percent share; and Germany with 2.8-percent share. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS15

Samal bat cave overcrowded?

HE founder of the foundation that works on bats preservation said there is an overcrowding of these creatures for the past years that they saw the need to construct a chairoptorium, or an artificial bat cave, to house more in the Monfort Bat Cave that holds the title as the largest single colony of Rousette Fruit Bat in the Guinness Book of World Records. But Norma “Nomi” Monfort, founder and president of Monfort Bat Cave and Conservation Foundation, Inc., during Wednesday’s forum at Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall, said they need to raise about P2 million to materialize the plan to construct the artificial cave within the three-hectare property in Brgy. Tambo, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos). She said that they are going to mount an exhibit dubbed “Art for Bats” featuring the artworks of Alex Alagon, Wayne Forte, and Ina Helmers from to 13 at the Abreeza Ayala Mall’s Corporate Activity Center. Monfort said their artworks will be up for sale and then the proceeds will be used to build the facility. She said that Alagon will present premier paintings of the durian flowers “as

well as bats portrayed as symbols of motherhood and guardians of the night”; Forte, a relative of the prominent Lacson family in Bacolod City, is an artist based in California who will feature a mural painting of the bat cave; and Helmers, a German artist who creates digitally enhanced bat portraits for bat organizations worldwide. The art exhibit is being supported by Davao South, North, West, East, Central Rotary Clubs, International Jaycee Senate and Ambassador Club, Davao. She added that the exhibit is also aimed at changing the perspective of the people who see bats as “ugly and evil” and being feared by many. “This event will provide the stimulus, support and ispiration to the Davao art community in portraying bats in a positive way, showing what they really are: beautiful and helpful cratures, not evil or demonic as they are generally portrayed,” the statement read. She added that their artists’ works have been donated to the Philippine Bats for Peace Foundation, Inc.. She said that it is necessary to protect these fruit bats because they serve as night pollinators

that contribute big to the fruiting of the Davao Region’s fruit trees such as durian. “If there’s no bats, you cannot enjoy durian,” she said. Threats The bat cave houses about 2.3 million of Rousette fruit bats. Monfort, however, said that the bats occupy most of the ceiling that many opted to come down to the ground to rest, making them vulnerable to predators such as rats and snakes. Some bats force their way to claim their spots in the ceiling, disturbing other bats, she said. Monfort said that many of these bats are found to be pregnant, according to some researchers who visited the bat cave. She said that the artificial bat cave will have to be integrated with a technology that allows the collection of guano, the bat’s wastes and a potent organic fertilizer, in a way that will not disturb them. Monfort added that the climate change has adverse effects on bats, although not yet so evident today. But if it worsens, the fruits and insects on which the bats survive will be threatened, also putting the bats in danger, she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

The Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex will once again the venue of the 2016 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet on February 14 to 19. Lean Daval Jr.

All set for DAVRAA 2016 D

AVAO del Norte is fully prepped to host the 2016 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet on February 14 to 19. Assistant Provincial Administrator Giovanni Gulanes said the province, with its sprawling Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, has always been ready to host big sporting events, such as the regional

meet. “We are always ready,” assured Gulanes, who is also the concurrent Provincial Sports Coordinator. He said the sustained effort of the provincial government in ensuring the daily upkeep of the sports complex. According to him, the superb maintenance of the facility has attracted more and more sports

Warriors dominate Mavs

LAY Thompson scored a season-high 45 points, Stephen Curry got going after halftime and so did the Golden State Warriors, who avenged one of their four losses this season by beating the Dallas Mavericks 127107 on Wednesday night. Curry hit three quick 3-pointers after intermission as Golden State overcame a sluggish first half, and the reigning MVP finished with a modest 14 points on a night the Warriors’ role players and bench provided a balanced effort. Thompson had his second 40-point game of the season and sixth of his career, shooting 14 of 20, 7 for 12 on 3-pointers and making all 10 of his free throws. Chandler Parsons scored 23 points for Dallas, which handed the Warriors their second loss of the season, 114-91 on Dec. 30 - but without Curry because of a lower left leg injury. It was Golden State’s largest loss of the four. After going 1 for 8 in the first half and missing his first four from long range, Curry connected for his first 3 at the 10:02 mark of the third and had his team rolling again right away.

The Warriors ran their regular-season winning streak at Oracle Arena to 40 games, including 22-0 this season. The 40 straight home victories tied the Orlando Magic for second-longest home unbeaten run in NBA history behind the Chicago Bulls’ 44 from March 30, 1995, to April 4, 1996. Golden State hasn’t lost at home in one calendar year, since falling 113111 to the Bulls on Jan. 27, 2015. The Warriors also dished out 30 assists for a fifth straight game, first to do so since the 1994-95 Orlando Magic. Warriors coach Steve Kerr went with a super-small lineup in the second quarter, and that was without Curry on the court. Golden State won its sixth in a row against Dallas at Oracle, shy of its seven-game unbeaten run at home in the series from 1991-94. The Warriors, with 30-point wins in three of their previous four games, including 12090 against the Spurs on Monday night, got 13 points from Harrison Barnes and 10 by Draymond Green. Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki had the night off to rest following a 9290 road win at the Lakers on Tuesday.

and physical fitness enthusiasts to use the center. Gulanes also assured final preparations for the playing venues, billeting quarters, as well as, security and other important details. He recalled Davao del Norte’s successful hosting of the 2015 PalarongPambansa secured the province’s position as the sporting capital in the region.

Officials and delegates acknowledged the exceptional hosting of the province, generously lauding it as the “Best-Ever Palarong Pambansa.” The executive bared the officials and people of Davao del Norte are again happy to host the DAVRAA. “DepEd Region 11 will be the front liner but the Province will still give its usual support to the

holding of the games,” Gulanes said. This is the third time that the province hosted the regional event since the completion of the modern sports complex in 2012. Over 6,000 officials, delegates and spectators are expected to attend the event that is also hyped to bring sizeable gain to the local economy. [Noel Baguio]

Serena storms to Aussie Open final A

N inspired world number one Serena Williams demolished Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska Thursday to surge into her 26th Grand Slam final and zero in on a seventh Australian Open title. The dominant top seed was untouchable in overpowering the Pole 6-0, 6-4 in just 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to set up a decider against German seventh seed Angelique Kerber or unseeded Briton Johanna Konta. Kerber and Konta play later Thursday, with whoever wins facing a huge obstacle to be crowned champion. Of her 25 previous major finals, Williams has won 21. “I’m really excited to be in another final, it kind of blows my mind right now,” said Williams, 34. “I feel I am playing the best I can, and I can’t believe I am in the final.

Serena Williams during her Australian Open semi-final match against Agnieszka Radwanska in Melbourne on January 28, 2016 (AFP Photo/Saeed Khan) “I started playing ag- each of their previous eight phatic fashion. gressive again in the second meetings stretching back to “I think she started set and it worked out.” 2008. unbelievable, with such The writing was on She crushed long-time a power and speed. I was the wall for Radwanska rival Maria Sharapova in the just standing there kind of -- Williams had never lost quarter-finals and dished watching her playing,” said a semi-final at Melbourne out the same treatment Radwanska, calling the first Park on her way to six titles, to Radwanska, halting her set the best anyone had and had beaten the Pole in 13-match win streak in em- ever played against her.

Barcelona cruise into Copa del Rey semifinals

ARCELONA came from behind to cruise into the Copa del Rey semi-finals courtesy of a 3-1 second-leg win over Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Wednesday. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg, Barca fell behind at the Camp Nou to Inaki Williams’ opener but Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Neymar were all on target in the second half as the holders ended Athletic’s campaign for the second season in

succession, winning 5-2 on aggregate. Last year’s finalists dominated long spells of the first half and, after Thomas Vermaelen saw a header ruled out for offside, Athletic deservedly led through Williams 12 minutes in. Ernesto Valverde’s side delivered a typically robust display to initially limit Barca’s attacking threat as Suarez, Neymar and Lio-

nel Messi were kept relatively quiet on their first outing as a trio in three matches due to suspension and injuries. Suarez was banned for the opening clash at San Mames due to his role in a fracas against Espanyol in the round of 16 but the Uruguayan was back for this match and took his tally for the season to 30 goals in all competitions early in the second half.

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