Edge Davao 8 Issue 225 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES COASTAL CLEANUP. Task Force Davao personnel participate in a cleanup drive at Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City yesterday which aims to beautify and maintain the cleanliness at one of the city’s main gateways. The project was initiated by Task Force Davao, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and stall owners inside the wharf. Lean Daval Jr.

AQUINO: SOLVE POWER PROBLEM

President gives deadline to address power crisis By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) will closely coordinate with other government agencies to address the power problems in Mindanao. In an interview on Thursday night, NGCP spokesperson lawyer Cynthia Alabanza said President Benigno Aquino gave a deadline to all concerned agencies especially in the power sector to solve the problem on or before the election in May. “It will give a multilateral solution because this will not be done by only one. It will

need more to help each other to solve the problem,” Alabanza said. She said the NGCP is faced with a variety of problems, including the bombings of towers since December, vegetation within the area, and the right of way (ROW) of the transmission lines. Alabanza said 19 towers were bombed in 2015, of which nine were toppled and six were damaged. The attackes caused power interruptions in parts of Mindanao. This year, two additional towers were bombed, she said.

In last Thursday’s Principals’ Meeting of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) held in Davao City, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said the bombings and ROW issues delay and hinder progress for the people of Mindanao. Monsada said early this week, President Aquino created the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Security of Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) to be spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE).

FAQUINO, 10

3,000 coops, CDA push Agus-Pulangi takeover T HE Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and some 3,000 primary cooperatives in Mindanao totaling 4 million members renewed their commitment to advance the movement to take over ownership , management and operation of the Agus-Pulangi hydro-electric power plant (HEPP) in Mindanao during a strategic planning of the One Mindanao Energy Coop (1MIECoop) Federation in Tagum City last week. This was learned from Norma R. Pereyras , chairperson of the multi-billionaire Tagum Cooperative, who now heads

the 1MIECoop federation. CDA chairman Orlando R. Ravanera attended the January 25-26 strategic planning which was hosted by Tagum Coop. Ravanera is one of the pioneers and active supporters of the federation which was formed by the cooperatives from the six Mindanao regions during the One Mindanao Cooperative Summit in Cagayan de Oro middle of last year. The summit was supported by no less than former Energy secretary Jericho Petilla who represented President Aquino.

F3,000, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

YOUNG HELPERS. Young kids do their partin making Sta. Ana wharf tidy again as they joined yesterday morning’s cleanup drive initiated by Task Force Davao, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and stall owners inside the wharf. Lean Daval Jr.

Big-time pusher arrested in Panabo A BIG-TIME drug pusher was arrested with almost P1 million in (methamphetamine hydrochloride) on Thursday afternoon in Panabo City by members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11. The suspect was identified as Necke D. Cagape, 33, a resident of San Pedro, Panabo City. In its report, PDEA 11 said Cagape had been under surveillance for several months and was arrested in a buy-bust operation at a gasoline station in Barangay Sto. Niño in Panabo at around 5:40 p.m. on February 4.

PDEA said its agents arranged to purchase drugs from Cagape. When the suspect was about to give the illegal drugs, operatives immediately moved in on him. When they frisked Cagape, PDEA operatives found around 114 grams of shabu in his possession with an estimated value of more than P900,000. The PDEA report said Cagape is known big-time drug pusher operating in Davao del Norte. Cagape will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Appeals won’t prosper, Duterte camp says

HE legal counsel of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the dismissal of all the disqualification cases against the presidential candidate and expressed confidence that any motion for reconsideration or appeal to the en banc “would not prosper.” “We are truly happy that the First Division of the Comelec finally dismissed the four cases filed against Mayor Duterte,” said lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre. Aguirre expressed his be-

lief that other legal options will not prosper, pointing out that “the decision is unanimous”. He said they have been expecting the dismissal of these disqualification cases as they are just “nuisance cases.” The cases were filed by Ruben Castor, John Paulo Delas Nievas, Rizalito David, and Ely Pamatong. Aguirre said the disqualification cases were filed “with the help of some presidential candidates who are afraid

of his candidacy.” He did not name names, however. “With the dismissal, all clouds of doubt as to whether Mayor Duterte would be disqualified have been erased,” Aguirre said. “His campaign could now go full blast and the supporters who are hesitant to give full support to his candidacy will come out in the open,” he added. Media team chief Peter Laviña added that as Duterte has stated in the past, he is

confident that his certificate of candidacy was “proper, legal and can stand legal scrutiny.” “We continue to respect the legal processes and call on the Comelec to finally dismiss with finality all petitions to disqualify Duterte as candidate for president,” he said. Laviña, however, warned that the worst is not over. “We call on our supporters to continue to pray and resist and expose vicious black propaganda circulating that Duterte would be disqualified,” he said.

two hours of rotating power interruptions in areas where it serves during the said scheduled PMS,” DLPC assistant vice president for reputation enhancement Rossano C. Luga said in the statement. Luga said the exact time when the power interruption will start still cannot be determined as the power supply allocation varies from hour to hour. “The number of feeders to be interrupted depends on the supply deficit on a certain hour in a day,” he said. Luga said the implementation of the rotating power interruption is necessary to prevent a total breakdown of the Mindanao grid, which

will happen if the demand for power exceeds what is being supplied. He said DLPC was able to avoid the implementation of rotating outages during the past few days even thought it had announced a tight power supply caused by the impact of the El Niño phenomenon and the bombing of NGCP transmission lines since January 30. But because there is no reserve power supply in Mindanao, any major plant that undergoes shutdown will have an effect on the supply and demand situation in the distribution utilities, which includes DLPC. Luga said to help address the problem, DLPC will contin-

ue to optimize its supply contracts with the following generating plants: Therma Marine Inc. for 30 MW, TSI coal-fired power plant for 100 MW, Hedcor Sibulan for 38 MW, Hedcor Talomo for 3 MW, and Western Mindanao Power Corporation for 15 MW. He said DLPC’s Bajada power plant will also continue to run and the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) will still be activated to help mitigate the impact of the power supply situation. Under the ILP, companies with stand-by generation capacities will be compensated if they use their own generating facilities during instances of power supply deficit.

Army installs 3 new More blackouts as STEAG shuts down 100MW unit battalion commanders By CHENEEN R. CAPON

HE 10th Infantry Division which covers Davao Region, parts of Surigao Del Sur, South Cotabato, Sarangani and North Cotabato installed three new battalion commanders to spruce up the government’s peace and order efforts. Major General Rafael Valencia led the separate turn-over-ceremonies for the installation of Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Leander for the 27th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Argamosa for the 39th IB, and Lieutenant Colonel Emannuel Canilla for the 60th IB. They replaced Lieutenant Colonel Roland Jess Alcudia, Lieutenant Colonel Apollo La-

maton, and Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Bunagan, respectively. Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th ID, said Leander is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1995 and a native of Cainta, Rizal. His assignment covers South Cotabato and parts of Sarangani Province. Batchar said Argamosa, a member of the PMA ’94 from Pasay City, will handle Davao del Sur and parts of Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Batchar said Canilla, a member of PMA ‘94 and hails from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, will handle the peace and security in the provinces of Davao del Norte, parts of Com-

FARMY, 10

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO Light and Power Co. (DLPC) will implement up to two hours of rotating power interruption in its franchise area this weekend as the power situation in the Mindanao grid is expected to tighten over the next few days. In a statement, DLPC said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has given advice that the 100-megawatt (MW) Unit 2 of the STEAG coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental will undergo preventive maintenance shutdown (PMS) from February 6 to 8. “With the recent advice of the NGCP, Davao Light has projected to implement one to

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Army, police say arrival of Bravo in Munai no cause for concern

HE Philippine Army is closely monitoring the movements of Abdurahman Macapaar aka Commander Bravo, a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) who returned to his village in Munai town, Lanao del Norte with 100 of his followers over the weekend. But Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said Bravo’s return to his hometown is not a major concern that could break the ceasefire forged by the government and the MILF. The two parties signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014. Chief Supt. Lyndel Desquitado, Police Region 10 director, said Bravo arrived in Munai to condole with the family of a relative who passed away last week. He said they later found that of the 100 followers, only 30 were bodyguards of the MILF commander while the rest were his relatives. “We were concerned at first when they started

to set up tents but it later turned out they were there to grieve,” Desquitado said. Ano said ceasefire mechanisms like the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and the Coordinating Committee

on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) are functioning despite Congress’ failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before it adjourned on February 3. “The presence of Bravo in

Munai does not mean he intends to break the ceasefire. After all, Munai is his hometown,” he said. He said AHJAG and the CCCH, composed jointly of the Armed Forces of the Phil-

ippines and the MILF, are closely monitoring developments in Munai, Lanao del Norte. The non-passage of the draft BBL in Congress has caused some concern of a

possible outbreak of hostilities but both MILF and the government have said they will respect the ceasefire agreement and the peace process. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

PEACE CARAVAN. Higaonon children perform one of their dances during the Peace Caravan ceremony in Barangay Kalipay, Gingoog City on Wednesday. The caravan was initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the City Government of Gingoog. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

Sasa boat landing rehab still stalled By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T YOUNG ACTIVISTS. Members of Kabataan Party-list stage a demonstration in front of the University of Southern Philippines yesterday as part of the group’s mobile campaign to call for clean elections. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

HE long-stalled proposal to restore and rehabilitate the Kilometer 11 Sasa boat landing facility is still pending at the interim Davao City Architect’s Office after more than six months. “We have already requested the City Engineer’s Office to request the City Architect’s (Office) to complete the specs of the project,” Davao City tourism officer Lisette C. Marques told reporters in a recent interview. She said the delay may be because the interim City Architect’s Office is swamped with work as the city has many projects.

Marques said the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), returned the proposal to the City Tourism Office last year because of incomplete specifications on specific materials needed. The CTO, for its part, endorsed the proposal to the interim City Architect’s Office where it has been pending for more than six months. “The TIEZA needs the complete specs to be able to download the P25 million funding,” Marques said.

AVAO City Water District (DCWD) will implement a water service interruption on February 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. affecting some areas in Calinan, Davao City. In a statement, DCWD the affected areas are the following: portion of Malagos-Calinan Road (from DCWD Calinan Production Well No. 1 to corner Magsaysay Street), Calinan Proper, Buhawi Village, portion of Davao-Bukidnon National Highway (from Calinan Proper to corner Riverside), Fortune Village, Dacudao, Palarca Compound, Calle Apeque, Calinan Elementary School, Bago Vista Village, Peñano Street, Hilario Subd. Homeowners Assn. (HILLSHA) I & II, Pioneer Subd., Durian Village, Estrella Village, Megaville Subd., Bagobo Village, Lanzona Village, Francisca Village, San Roque Village and Bayanihan Village. DCWD said the water service interruption will give way to the replacement of a defec-

tive production meter at the Calinan Production Well No. 2 for preventive maintenance purposes. DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado asked for the understanding and cooperation of the affected customers. He also advised them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water. gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 09277988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

Dead woman found D in Gulf identified

FSASA, 10

Water service interruption in Calinan on February 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE woman whose body was found inside a sack floating in Davao Gulf between the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) and Barangay Daliao in Toril, Davao City last Wednesday has already been identified. In an interview yesterday, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said the victim was identified by the Toril Police Station as Marithes C. Pareñas, 23, a resident of Alegre Compound, Barangay Crossing Bayabas, Toril. Driz said the victim hailed from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and was just renting a house in Toril. The victim’s body was

found inside a sack that had been recovered in Davao Gulf by a fishing vessel on the night of February 3. The body bore a stab wound in the abdomen and was already bloated. Driz said the victim was identified by her mother and neighbors when the body was brought to a funeral parlor in Toril. “Giadtuan sa investigator and inahan og ang pamilya sa Sta. Cruz after pag pa-blotter (The investigator went to the mother and family of the victim in Sta. Cruz),” she said. Driz said Pareñas’ son Edicel reported to Toril Police Station on January 17 that her mother was missing. She said Edicel revealed to

Late guv’s son is substitute bet for SouthCot board member

SON of the late South Cotabato Governor Hilario de Pedro III has been fielded as his substitute for the provincial board member race in the May 9 local and national elections. Accompanied by his siblings and several supporters, Hilario “Larry Boy” de Pedro VI formally filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at around 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Koronadal City. He filled in for the elder De Pedro, who passed away on Jan. 29, in the provincial board slate of the Liberal Party-Nationalist People’s Coalition (LP-NPC) in the province’s second district. The former governor

died from cardiac arrest at his home in Barangay Palkan in Polomolok, South Cotabato. He was 66. The younger De Pedro’s substitution was endorsed by incumbent South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, who is seeking re-election under the LP-NPC ticket. “We consulted the family about (the substitution) and they recommended (Hilario VI),” Fuentes said. The governor said the younger De Pedro is very much qualified to substitute for his father as public service mainly runs within their family and being a Bachelor of Laws graduate. He said Hilario VI, who previously worked in Dubai

FLATE, 10

police that his mother was the live-in partner of Leo Peralta, 22, who at the time had also been reported missing. Based on an earlier report of Bombo Radyo Davao, Peralta and Pareñas were among eight persons who were taken by unidentified men in Toril and forced into a white van. The body of Peralta, along with a certain Jaymark Lesondra, 22, were discovered on January 19 in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato. Their bodies bore multiple stab wounds. Driz said according to Toril Police Station commander Chief Inspector Hamlet Lerios, Peralta was involved in different robbery incidents not just in Toril but in other places in

Davao City. “Katong minor pa ni siya (Peralta) daghan na daw nig records sa laing police stations dili lang kay sa Toril (He had records in various police stations since he was a minor),” she said. Driz said investigators are looking into the personal grudge angle because Peralta had aggravated many people. As for Pareñas, however, police do not have a motive yet. “Kini kay Pareñas wala pa tay makuha na motibo ani niya pero basin naa pud siya’y personal grudge kay sabay man sila nawala (In the case of Pareñas, we cannot determine the motive yet. Maybe it was

FDEAD, 10

COOPERATION. National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) spokesperson lawyer Cynthia Alabanza tells reporters the agency is willing to cooperate with the concerned government agencies to address the power problems in Mindanao. (See story on page 1.) Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

Lower food, non-food prices pull down January inflation T

DBM to propose to PNoy release of Tranche 1 of salary adjustment

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

LOWER price adjustments in both food and non-food items pulled down inflation to 1.3 percent in January 2016 from 1.5 percent in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In a statement, NEDA said inflation for the food subgroup slowed down as prices of fish, fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs became stable. “Good weather conditions at the onset of 2016 allowed prices of these food items to stabilize,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra said. “This was an improvement from the previous month when Typhoon Nona pushed up prices due to hampered production, transport, and delivery of agricul-

tural products in the affected areas.” Esguerra, who is also the NEDA Director-General, said the January 2016 inflation of 1.3 percent was within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecast of 0.8-1.6 percent for the period, and exactly the same as the median forecast of 1.3 percent. This also remained lower than the 2.4 percent inflation rate in January 2015. Inflation in non-food items also slowed down across all commodity groups, especially in transport. “Domestic prices of petrol – gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel, and gasoline – continued to go down. This was still due to persistent global oversupply and record stockpile of crude oil which weakened prices of Dubai oil,

Brent, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI),” Esguerra said. Price reduction in electricity, gas, and other fuels also continued on account of lower generation cost, although at a slower pace than in December 2015, due to increased transmission charges. Core inflation, which excludes volatile prices of energy and food, likewise eased to 1.8 percent in January 2016 from 2.1 percent in the previous month. “But for the first few months of 2016, risk of higher food prices remain. While it is noted that El Niño will gradually weaken beginning next month, the onset of the summer season may constrain farm output,” Esguerra said. “Guided by the Roadmap for Addressing the Impact of El Niño or RAIN, accurate de-

termination of food import requirements to avoid supply disruptions is important to keep inflation stable in the coming months,” he added. Esguerras said from a global perspective, given the expectation of a prolonged period of low oil prices, the government needs to prepare for potential negative impacts on the economies of oil-producing countries. “Such developments could adversely affect overseas Filipino workers as the governments of the said economies implement austerity measures, cut back on subsidies, postpone infrastructure outlays, and raise taxes. The government should actively extend assistance to displaced workers, including re-training, livelihood, re-integration or placement services,” he said.

BOTTLENECK. Container van trailers form a queue in front of the public market in Kilometer 11 Sasa, Davao City, a traffic choke point due to the presence of large container yards and several factories. Lean Daval Jr.

Assist WELL center opened for OFWs

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 opened on Wednesday an integrated processing center of various assistance for repatriated and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from the region. Ofelia Domingo, DOLE Region 12 director, said the center wil serve as a onestop-shop for assistance programs being offered by DOLE and its attached agencies for OFWs and their families. Dubbed Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Livelihood and Legal) processing center, she said the facility will provide reintegration assistance and services to returning and repatriated OFWs, especially those de-

ployed in conflict-affected areas. The processing center, which is supervised by personnel of DOLE’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), has been set up at the DOLE-12 compound along Mabini Extension in Koronadal City. “The center will provide a convergence of services, focusing welfare, employment, livelihood and legal aspects,” she said during its simple launching ceremony. Domingo was referring to the agency’s Assist WELL (welfare, employment, livelihood and legal) program, which was launched in 2015. She said the program provides a package of services to address the pressing

needs of returning and repatriated OFWs. These include stress debriefing and counseling; local employment referral and placement; overseas employment placement; livelihood assistance; legal assistance and conciliation services; and, competency assessment and training program. Since it was started in the region in July last year, the Assist WELL program already catered to around 50 returning and repatriated OFWs. The assisted OFWs, most of whom availed of P10,000 worth of livelihood assistance, were previously deployed in the conflict-torn countries of Syria and Yemen. Aside from the NRCO,

Domingo said the processing center will manned by personnel from the DOLE regional office, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Employees Compensation Commission and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. She said personnel from these agencies will be assigned on a weekly basis to various desks at the processing center. “Through the center, our OFWS are assured of immediate attention. All their needs will be catered here,” she added. (MindaNews)

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is preparing its recommendations to President Benigno Aquino on the possible implementation of the first tranche of salary adjustments for government workers as provided for in the proposed Salary Standardization Law 4 bill, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. said Thursday. “A total of P57.9 billion appropriation is included in the General Appropriations Act of 2016 and this will fully cover the first tranche,” Coloma said. “DBM will include a similar item in the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2017, to cover the second tranche.” The proposed NEP for 2017 will be turned over to the

next administration, he added. In a separate statement, DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, the executive has options within its power to effect the proposed compensation adjustment. Abad cited Section 13 of Presidential Decree No. 985 and Item 17 of Congress Joint Resolution No. 4, s. 2009, authorizing the President to periodically revise or update, upon the recommendation of the DBM, the government’s Compensation and Position Classification System. Based on these laws, Abad said, the President may effect a compensation adjustment that is still consistent with the compensation adjustment strategy under the proposed Salary Standardization Law of 2015. (PND/PCOO/PRC-PIA)

SEC-Davao registers 1,881 new businesses in 2015

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered a total of 1,881 new business and non-stock corporations in its extension office here in 2015 on the back of an upbeat economy and stable political landscape. This is an increase of 5.26 percent compared with 1,787 recorded in 2014 based on the data released by SECDavao. The extension office covers the five provinces of the region — Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley and the cities therein (Davao, Panabo, Tagum, Samal, Digos, Mati) and Cotabato City, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces. Javey Paul Francisco, SECDavao extension head, told reporters at the Habi at Kabi at Abreeza Mall on Wednesday that some 55 percent of these entities are business corporations while 45 percent are non-stock, including non-profit organizations such as non-government organizations and foundations. Also, at least 65 percent of these new corporations are reportedly based in Davao City while the rest are coming from other areas. Francisco classified these business corporations as engaged in wholesale/retail trading, agricultural, and construction industries. SEC-Davao also saw an increasing capital stock pegged at P7 billion in 2015, which increased by 40 percent as compared to P5 billion in 2014. “There is more confidence in the local economy. Since Davao is business and financial hub of the region, there’s confidence in the stability and reliability of the institutions that we have here,” he said.

He also urged the nonstock and stock corporations to file their Audited Financial Statements (AFS) and General Information Sheets (GIS) before the May 23 deadline. The SEC recently released the guidelines for the filing of AFS and GIS as mandated by the Corporation Code and the Securities Regulation Code. Those with last numerical digits of 1 and 2 on its of SEC registration/license number can file from April 18 to April 22; 3 and 4 last numerical digits may file on April 25 to 29; May 2 to 6 for those with 5 and 6 last numerical digits; May 10 to 13 for 7 and 8; and May 16 to 20 for 9 and 0. “So, they cannot just file their AFS and GIS anytime. We have a schedule for them,” he said, For companies who miss the deadline, he said they can still submit AFS and GIS but they will impose fines depending on their net profit and the length of time of delay counted by years. “We count by year. So, they did not submit reports for five years, we will backtrack to know how much is the fine. The longer the period they have failed to comply, the higher the fines will be,” he said. He said that three to five years of non-filing can be ground for revocation of SEC registration. SEC-Davao recorded a total of 7,500 AFS and 8,400 GIS filed last year. The agency is expecting around 8,000 AFS and over 9,000 GIS to be filed this year, he said. Francisco added that the SEC registration for the nonstock corporations give these entities legal personality. He cited as example how funding agencies require NGOs to present their SEC registration. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

Fattening cattle for profit Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“The cow is of the bovine ilk; one end is moo, the other milk.” - Ogden Nash in Free Wheeling

ATTLE -- colloquially cows -- are the most common type of large domesticated animals. They are raised as livestock for meat (beef and veal), as dairy animals for milk and other dairy products, and as draft animals (oxen or bullocks that pull carts, plows and other implements). Other products include leather and dung for manure or fuel. In the Philippines, raising cattle is not a popular income-generating project despite the high marketability of beef, the cattle meat. As a matter of fact, cattle farmers are found only in Batangas, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Masbate, Mindoro, Iloilo and Cotabato. But in recent years, cattle fattening has gained promi- Feeding cattle nence as an important business project of the livestock country. It industry. It gives the farmer is a small breed year-round work and provides with mature bulls weighing him with extra income while about 400 kilograms and maengaging in his non-agriculture cows weighing about 300 tural occupation. He needs not kilograms. The color ranges spend money for feeds. After from grey to brown to fawn, all, he can give them those with white spotting on some cheap, plentiful farm by-prod- animals. Four breed types have ucts such as corn stovers, rice been recognized, the Ilocos in straw, copra meal, rice bran northern Luzon, Batangas in and sugarcane tops, which or- southwestern Luzon, Iloilo on Panay and Batanes on the Badinarily go to waste. Losses are also minimal. tanes Islands between Luzon Cattle are less prone to diseas- and Taiwan. Other breeds found in the es and parasites since they are country are Ongole, Nellore, confined and fattening period Brahman, Angus, Beefalo, is short. It takes only 120-180 Beemaster, Belmont Red, Indays to fatten the cattle of du-Brazil, Brahford, Brangus, feeder stock for the market. At this point, the animal already Charbray, Charolais, Chianina, weighs 275-325 kilograms Droughtmaster, Galloway, Limousin, Santa Gertrudis, Shortand is ready for slaughter. “Backyard cattle fatten- horn, Simbrah, Simmental and ing or on a large scale can be Grauvieh. Some breeds, like the Holprofitably undertaken,” says stein-Friesian, Jersey, Sahiwal, the Department of AgriculRed Sindhi, Tharparkar, and ture (DA). “It consists of buyBrown Swiss, may be raised ing healthy stock, feeding and fattening them for 120 to 180 not only for their meat but also days, and selling them at any for milk. To make profit and protime of the year. Minimum duce good meat, raisers are adspace for housing is required: vised to consider the following 1.5 to 2 square meters per points: age, gender, breed and head for a sheltered feeding health. area, and 5 meters per head for Age: The DA recommends a fenced loafing area.” two to three year- old animals. There are several breeds of “They need less feed for every cattle to choose from. The most unit of weight gain because common is the indigenous catthey digest more efficiently and tle breed found throughout the

Cattle for fattening Beef ready for eating

consume larger volume of feed in proportion to body weight,” it explains. “Younger animals cost less because of lesser weight. They require longer period of feeding and higher feed quality to reach the desired finish.” But older feeder stock (4 years and above) have also their advantages. “They need less time in the feedlot and will eat a wider variety of feed and roughage than young stock,” the DA says. “If nutritious feed is abundant, younger cattle are generally more economical to fatten. If only roughage and plant by-products are available, older stocks are preferable.” Gender: The agriculture department suggests steers (castrated males) than heifers (unbred females) because the former are readily available and easier to manage. “Steers also gain weight and grow faster than heifers,” it adds. Breeds: Several breeds have been mentioned earlier, but DA recommends improved breeds and crossbreds as they gain weight faster than native animals. Tropical breeds are more adaptable to local climatic and feed conditions than temperate breeds. The DA also goes for tropical breeds: Brahman, Ongole or Nellore, Indu-Brazil, and

Batangas cattle. The color of Brahman is silver gray although some are reddish. This breed is resistant to diseases and can withstand heat better. While is the color of Ongole or Nellore. The bulls may have dark gray head, neck and hump. Knees may be black. The colors of Indu-Brazil vary from light to silver gray and brownish dark gray to red. The Batangas cattle is called so because of the Batangas beef, which has become popular due to its good quality cattle and produced by the “supak” method of Batangas. Health condition: A healthy animal is alert and active, has bright eyes, smooth haircoat and moist muzzle. Animals with rough skin and those which are blind and lame should be avoided. In addition, the animals should have been properly vaccinated against common diseases before bringing them to the feedlot. If not, they must be referred to the nearest Bureau of Animal Industry office for vaccination against hoofand-mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia. Likewise, the animal must have a fecal examination to find out appropriate deworming drugs. It is necessary to control external parasites with

the right spray for ticks, lice and flies. Other traits or characters that must be considered, according to the book, Profitable Beef Cattle Management Practices, are: size and conformation (physical appearance), average daily gain, rate of maturity (attaining a given or definite weight in the shortest possible time), beef value (dressing percentage), grazing ability, market value (carcass quality), fertility (calving intervals), disease resistance, weaning weight, heat tolerance (ability to withstand heat in the open) and birth weight. “When buying cattle, it is cheaper to do so during the dry season (January to April),” Agribusiness Opportunities suggests. “Better road conditions make it easier to transport the animals during this period.” Here are more suggestions from the book on rearing and feeding: The first few weeks in the feedlot are critical. Start the calves with roughage having a limited amount of concentrate, gradually increasing the volume of the mixture. A calf consumes “air dry” feed about 3% of its body weight. Which means the ideal feed must have 12-14% moisture content under ordinary conditions. Rations differ from region to region depending on available feeding materials. Different kinds of concentrates are possible with copra meal, rice bran, sugarcane tops, pineapple, or papaya leftovers mixed with molasses. (Molasses which makes the feed more appetizing is a good source of energy.) Forage -- grasses and le-

gumes -- is a good feed supplement. Cattle can be given as much roughage, hay, rice bran and molasses as they want. Clean, drinking water for the animals is provided all the time. Rations should also include salt at the rate of 3-5 grams per head daily. An effective method used by Batangas raisers is force-feeding (supak). In this method, which is used in addition to roughage feeding, the animal is force-fed with the following mixture: 15-20 kilograms of fresh ipil-ipil leaves (finely chopped and pounded), half kerosene can of clean water and a little salt. Some raisers include urea in the feeding program as non-protein supplement for ruminants. It must be remembered, however, that only recommended amounts should be given the cattle because any excess is toxic to the animal. Confine the animal to its feeding area so that is uses less energy and gains weight quickly. However, it can be tethered in grassy areas and exposed to sunlight for short periods. The cattle must be washed at least once a week. Proper housing is important in successful cattle fattening operation, the DA says. Adequately protect animals against the adverse effects of weather when they are raised in relatively small areas. Animals in backyard cattle farms are usually tethered along roadsides and in backyards during the day and confined in a shed or corral at night. The permanent type of housing consisting of GI roofing, timber frames, concrete floor, feed trough and water troughs are used in most farms. The shelter is open-sided and is located near the farmer’s house or under the shade trees. Building height ranges from 1.7 to 1.9 meters while the width varies from 2.1 to 2.7 meters. Each animal can be allocated with 1.5 to 4.5 square meters. Current marketing system of beef cattle is now becoming efficient especially in areas where there is a livestock auction market. However, a number of middlemen are still involved in the system, thus creating a little complex marketing channel. In areas where there is no livestock auction market, the usual channel of distribution is set up in this order: barrio agents, shippers, Manila-based buyers, and meat retailers. Marketing efficiency can be improved by reducing the number of stages in market channels. This can be done by encouraging direct selling from producers to butcher-retailers or processors.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EDITORIAL Guanzon’s ignorance

OMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon may need to review her facts. Perhaps avail of a guided tour particularly on travelling to and from Davao and Manila. Guanzon’s nine-page opinion which will now form part of official judicial records focused on one of the points that she wants to be clarified is how was presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte able to appear before two notaries public to have his certificate of candidacy (COC) authenticated in two cities—which are thousands of kilometers apart from each other—in just one day. Guanzon had echoed the observation of petitioner John Paulo delas Nieves who said that the act of Duterte—who swore before notaries public in Pasig City and Davao City on November 23, 2015—is “implausible” to someone who has “a reasonable mind.” She opined that “a perusal of the records reveals that such documents do indeed separately bear the notarizations made by notaries public from Davao City and Pasig City. How was it possible that Respondent Duterte appeared, on the same day, before a notary public in Davao then a notary public in Pasig?”.

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village. Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

Cor Jesu College of Law Dean Atty. Israelito Torreon told this paper in a comment that Guanzon should have asked him because he shuttles from Davao to Manila and back twice a week. Yesterday, Atty. Torreon took the 4:30 a.m. flight from Davao to Manila and arrived at around 5:47a.m. Then he said he proceeded to Makati to appear in a court hearing there after which he proceeded to the Solicitor General to follow up another case. He took a cab to proceed to the Supreme Court to claim personally a resolution just signed by the Court before proceeding next to RTC Pasay for another hearing. After that hearing, he was to take the 5:30 p.m. flight to Davao for a dinner engagement. All in a day’s work. Did Guanzon ever figure that out? Obviously she didn’t. Perhaps she also did not do some homework if she had not travelled to Davao City and know the travel time it takes. Such ignorance is inexcusable given the nature of her job. Whatever the decision, which as it has become final now in favor of the candidacy of Mayor Duterte, the case has presented to the public how one’s knowledge or the lack of it could spell a difference in how we decide cases in an adjudicatory body like the Comelec.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

A pain in your chest: 50 causes

UDDENLY, you’re having chest pains, and a wave of fear overtakes you. You’ve seen enough episodes of those television series to know what that means. Before you panic, consider one thing first: While TV chest pains are always heart attacks, the causes of real life chest pains are not always so dramatic. “Though we must always consider the worst, there are over 50 possible causes of chest pain, many of which have nothing to do with the heart and are not at all life threatening,” assures Dr. Charles E. Chambers, assistant professor of medicine at Pennsylvania State University. “In general, a sudden jab of pain, a dull, lingering ache, a burning feeling or a sensation that changes when you shift your upper body usually rule out a heart disease problem or one that needs immediate emergency treatment.” If it’s not a heart attack, then what must be the cause of the chest pain? If the chest pain subsides in 5 to 15 minutes, then it’s what cardiologist call angina pectoris or just plain angina. With angina, fatty deposits accumulate inside the coronary arteries, narrowing the channels, slowing the blood flow to the heart muscle and depriving it of much needed-oxygen. “Angina typically occurs during exertion or moments of excitement when the heart works harder and requires more oxygen-rich blood,” explains Dr. Marvin Moser, author of Week by Week to a Strong Heart. “It’s the heart way of signaling that it needs more oxygen, just as you calf muscle does when you develop a cramp.” Angina is different from a heart attack in that the arteries are not completely blocked, and it causes little or no permanent damage to the heart. As such, angina

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

ONGRESS has left the Bangsamoro Basic Law to die on the bloodstained path to elusive, if not illusive, peace in Mindanao, and so it can now be said that it was a bill no lawmaker wanted passed. At least not after the Mamasapano Tragedy that rekindled anti-Moro sentiments and which opportunists like Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Chiz Escudero, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Grace Poe-Llamanzares have used as building blocks of their ambitions for the presidency. Never mind if the BBL versions that were tackled in both chambers of Congress were already mangled, stripped of the spirit and substance of the original bill crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. No, the representatives and senators were not talking about breathing life into something that was meant to give flesh to peace; they were debating on how

is not a medical THINK ON THESE! emergency. H o w e v e r, angina may be a warning of a heart attack to come. Suppose one of the arteries is severely narrowed or a blood clot com- Henrylito D. Tacio pletely cuts off henrytacio@gmail.com blood supply to a portion of the heart. A portion of the heart muscle can actually die. When that happens, it is a heart attack! “Usually, the most recognizable symptom of a heart attack is pain in the middle of the chest that may spread to the back, jaw, or left arm,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Less often, the pain spreads to the right arm. The pain may occur in one or more of these places and not in the chest at all.” Other symptoms of a heart attack are a feeling of faintness, sudden heavy sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and a heavy pounding of the heart. “Abnormal heart rhythms occur in more than 90 percent of people who have had a heart attack,” the Merck manual informs. Your risk of having a heart attack is greater if: you have a family history of heart disease; you smoke, use cocaine, or are overweight; and you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Heart pain isn’t always coronary artery disease, however. Consider pericarditis, inflammation of the membranes around the heart. It’s usually caused by a virus. This common condition can produce a constant sharp pain that worsens with each breath when you lie down.

Rips in the heart’s artery or disease of the heart’s valves can lead to a wide variety of chest pain symptoms, and all are usually different from those of angina or heart attacks. Or the chest pain may be caused by mitral valve prolapse. This is an abnormality of one of the heart valves in which the “leaves” of the valve bulge into the upper heart chamber during contraction. When this occurs, a small amount of blood flows backward in the heart. This is believed by some to be a cause of chest pain in certain people, although this has not been proven with certainty. There are also chest pains that don’t originate in the heart. The lungs, for instance, can be the source of the chest pain. Pneumonia, regarded by William Osler as “the captain of the men of death,” is an infection of the lung tissue. Chest pain occurs because of inflammation to the lining of the lungs. Then there’s spontaneous pneumothorax or collapsed lung. This condition occurs when air enters the saclike space between the chest wall and the lung tissue. Normally, negative pressure in the chest cavity allows the lungs to expand. When a spontaneous pneumothorax occurs, air enters the chest cavity. When the pressure balance is lost, the lung is unable to re-expand. This cuts off the normal oxygen supply in the body. Another chest pain that may arise from the lungs is pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the blood vessels of the lung. This almost always occurs in someone who is at high risk for the disorder due to recent surgery, bed rest, pregnancy or recent pelvic surgery, or a long airplane flight. The pain occurs suddenly, is accompanied by shortness of breath, and may be

worsened with deep breaths. “Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening cause of chest pain but is not associated with the heart,” points out Dr. John P. Cunha, a U.S. board-certified emergency medicine physician. Esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and throat to the stomach, can also be a source of chest pain. In fact, chest pain from esophageal disorders can be an alarming symptom because it often mimics chest pain from a heart attack. Disorders of the esophagus include: gastroesophageal reflux disease (this occurs when acidic digestive juices flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus. The resulting heartburn is sometimes experienced as chest pain), esophagitis (an inflammation of the esophagus), and esophageal spasm (the muscles around the esophagus contract abnormally, causing pain). In some instances, the chest pain may be caused by costochondritis. This is an inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs. Pain is typically located in the midchest, with intermittently dull and sharp pain that may be increased with deep breaths, movement, and deep touch. “Don’t try to walk off a sudden chest pain,” advises Dr. John Cantwell, director of preventive medicine and cardiac rehabilitation at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta. “If the pain is from angina, it should go away with a few minutes of rest. If it doesn’t, or if it gets worse, get to a doctor.” It is hard to know what to do when you feel pain or discomfort in the chest. Is it a heart attack or another, less serious problem? Because chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, it is important to seek help and get treatment as quickly as possible.

to abort it so that it would come into this world without a whimper. “ W h o doesn’t want peace?” We have heard this often from even among the sworn enemies of Moro self-determination. Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat leads the pack in the House. In the Senate, Juan Ponce Enrile, has joined the band of vultures. It seems the burning of Jolo and other crimes against the Moro people during his stint as Martial Law-era defense minister had not sated his lust for blood in Mindanao.

This in itself is a shameful tragedy beyond compare. Who would have imagined that decades after the overthrow of the Marcos regime, Enrile, aided by the dictator’s unrepentant son, would still be around to help frustrate the aspirations for peace in Mindanao? Who would have imagined too that Enrile and Marcos Jr., who were at each other’s throats 30 years ago this month after the former betrayed his master, would find themselves on the same side again? Patriotism? Maybe. Yet, if we should examine motives, their rantings sound more like Freudian slips of one who wanted to settle an old score to the point of sacrificing a political goal that would benefit not only the Moro people but also the nation as a whole. Enrile has forgotten that the Edsa uprising saved him and his cabal from the firepower of the dictator.

But he has never forgotten that the turn of events forced him to abandon the original objective of the coup against Marcos – install him as president and head of a junta. For Marcos Jr., it’s all about avenging the ignominy of his family having to flee Malacanang to escape the angry mobs that would have skinned them alive. I can hear him say to Aquino: “Your mother’s supporters drove us out of power in a shameful way, now go leave the Palace without a legacy to your name. If this leads to another war, so be it.” Nonetheless, Aquino shares the blame. The Mamasapano misadventure gave the filibusters and opportunists an excuse to clobber the BBL to death. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.)

A post-mortem on BBL

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

AQUINO... FROM 1

3,000... FROM 1 During his Tagum visit, Ravanera said the federation is ready to takeover Agus-Pulangi, adding that the move is a game-changer in the world of cooperativism in the country. He said money is not problem for the federation at all because the 3,000 cooperatives with 4 million members can raise the funds in the billions in just a year. The federation will have the needed funds when the Agus-Pulangi HEPP will be up for bidding. For her part, Pereyras said Tagum Coop is the first to contribute money to the 1MIECoop federation. She said the cooperative federation is the solution to the power problem

Dead... FROM 4

Cooperative Development Authority Chairman Orlando Ravanera joins 1MIECOOP Federation as they form ONE during the Strategic Planning at Tagum Coop. Chairperson Pereyras (not in photo) takes pride on such move with CDA Chair

were abducted were found in different parts of the region. On January 19, the same day of the reported abduction, John Ryan Aranza, 22, was found in Barangay Marilog proper, Marilog District. On January 24, Edecel Caballes, 38, was found inside a sack floating in the sea in Punta Biao, Barangay Cogon in Digos City. On January 25, Leo Joseph Merli was found floating in a river in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. Merli sustained multiple gunshot and stab wounds in different parts of his body. Two other victims have not yet been found.

able to provide predictive analytics services to businesses, helping customers identify risks and opportunities, and ultimately, allowing them to make data-driven decisions. Ramos noted that Big Data will afford enterprises, organizations, even the government, with valuable insights that can help them tailor-fit products, ser-

vices, and policies to benefit their publics. “When organizations are able to identify the needs of their market, they are more empowered to act on those needs. Imagine what a happy customer base you will have if you are able to address their needs before they even know it themselves,” said Ramos.

ePLDT... FROM 13

CDA Chairman Orlando Ravanera spares time for an interview during the 1MIECOOP Strategic Planning held at Tagum Coop Main Office on January 25-26

in Mindanao because it will become members-owned, value-based, and sustainable. Ravanera said the federation continues to encourage more cooperatives to join it . (With reports by DANILO Q. LUMAYNO JR., Tagum Cooperative).

also personal grudge because they both disappeared at the same time),” she said. On the evening of February 3, the crew of a fishing vessel found a floating sack in the middle of Davao Gulf. When they opened the sack they found Pareñas’ body inside. The crew immediately called the Philippine Navy to report the incident. The Navy then brought the body to Davao City Fishport Complex in Toril. Toril police retrieved the body out of the sack and found that it was wrapped with masking tape. The other persons who

UPDATES. Tebow Cure Hospital executive director Leron Lehman gives updates on the institution after almost a year of operation in Davao City. Lehman, together with other hospital officials, interacted with members of local media in a press briefing for the launch of Tebow Cure Run 2016, Run to Fuel Hope for Disabled Kids, yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

Sasa... FROM 4

The P25 million was granted to the city few years ago and is intended for the enhancement of the road between the market in the area and the facility, passenger terminal, and the coconut lumberyard which has been there since the 1990s. Marques said since only P25 million was approved, the project will be implemented phase by phase, starting with the improvement of the pathway going to the terminal, improvement of the docking area which is expected to cater to eight boats at a time, and the construction of a restroom. The present docking facility is made from coco lumber and urgently needs upgrading as this connects travellers to

the Island Garden City of Samal. The rest of the improvement of the facility will depend on the prerogative of the City Planning and Development office of Davao since the first P25-million grant from TIEZA is not enough to fund the whole project. “A new proposal will be necessary if the city needs another funding for the improvement of the whole facility,” Marques said. She said the TIEZA first needs to see the output of the first P25 million before it can grant any more funding. The City Tourism Operations Office had earlier said the start of the P25-million project was expected in the first quarter last year.

in the United Arab Emirates, is a registered voter of the province and had voted in the previously elections. Fuentes said they don’t see any legal impediment as to the substitution and they made sure of that with the Comelec before they issued the nomination to Hilario VI. “We deemed it proper to endorse a substitute coming from the family for proper crediting (of the late governor’s votes),” she said. Aurora Andrea de Pedro, family spokesperson and Hilario VI’s elder sister, said they are grateful to the LP-NPC leadership for acceding to their wish regarding the substitution. She said the substitution of her brother is a decision of the entire De Pedro family and key supporters of the late governor. “He (Hilario VI) had been actually groomed by our father to become a public servant so we’re honoring his wish,” she said. Meantime, Fuentes said the provincial government will give full honors to the late

governor, whose wake will be transferred on Friday from their ancestral home in Antipolo Street in Koronadal City to the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center. “We will give him the due honor and respect until the final moment that he will be laid to rest,” the governor said. The local government has scheduled necrological services on Friday and Saturday for De Pedro. Internment is set on Sunday at the Catholic cemetery in Koronadal City. A lawyer, De Pedro’s political career began in 1986 when he was appointed as acting municipal mayor of Koronadal by President Corazon Aquino. He served as representative of South Cotabato’s second congressional district from 1988 to 1992 and provincial governor from 1992 to 2001. De Pedro was a principal co-author of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 and author of RA 7079 of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. (MindaNews)

Late... FROM 4

The IATFSEF is composed of sub-task groups with strategic heads that will focus on critical issues. The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) will handle the ROW problem, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will handle security matters, the Department of Justice (DOJ) the legal aspect, the NGCP community relations, and DOE the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign. Monsada said for the ROW,

one of the measures is to provide the inventory and identification of the lands, including the vegetation and structures involved, valuation of the properties, capability to implement expropriations and/or execute restoration activities, and identification of priority areas. On security concerns, she called upon nearby communities to help scout and secure the transmission facilities. Members of the police and the military will be involved to augment and assist them, she said.

postela Valley and San Fernando, Bukidnon. Valencia lauded the contributions of the officers to the overall performance of the 10th ID in accomplishing its mission. “The newly installed com-

manders bear not only the trust and confidence of the 10th Infantry Division but the hopes of all peace, security and development stakeholders, whom we have sworn to protect,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Army... FROM 2

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

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

Case No. 2000-XI-01899 NAOME A. INGGAO, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: SIRAWAN and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 19, 2016. In the petition filed on January 26, 2016 petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 24, 2016 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 27th day of January 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service

Case No.2011-XI-00219 DEXTER M. LUNAY, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2016. In the petition filed on January 26, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 24, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

A CHINESE NEW YEAR MEAL IS ALWAYS A GRAND UNDERTAKING IN MY FAMILY. I remember back in the day when my maternal grandmother would ensure that every family member would be present for the Chinese New Year feast which includes lechon, patatim, hong ba, pancit, sweet and sour lapu-lapu, and of course, sticky sweet tikoy. The all-you-can-eat buffet at home was indeed an undertaking. Everyone would gather around the table that is almost spilling over with food all dressed in red, and we’d laugh at how the lechon slowly turned from red to white thanks to hungry mouths that can’t wait to dig into the lechon’s crispy skin. Chinese New Year is also when the we grandchildren would line up in front of our elders to wish them a happy new year and in return we would get red envelopes, ang bao, which would be filled with money. Fast forward to the present and Chinese New Year is now a national holiday in the Philippines and everyone is now celebrating it, not just the ChineseFilipino community. Along with the celebration of close family ties, many of Durianburg’s hotels and restaurants are also rolling out Chinese feasts. Here is a short list of places you and your family can visit this Chinese New Year. Kiong Hee Huat Tsai to everyone! Marco Polo Davao’s Lotus Court Lotus Court is showcasing its Special Chinese New Year Buffet at PhP 1,300 net per person for adults and PhP 650 nett for children 12 years old and below on February 7. The culinary highlights include the sought after Roast Peking Duck, steamed pompano, premium seafoods, and Chinese Sweet Cake or Tikoy. “This Chinese New Year Celebration holds a lot of meaning for Marco Polo Davao as we are also celebrating our 18th year of existence as the first and only premier hotel in Mindanao. We are also very pleased to see our beloved

friends and guests from the Fil-Chinese Community here in the city, as they have long supported Lotus Court from the very beginning” says GM Dottie V. Würgler-Cronin. A Chinese cultural performance will also be presented by the Colegio de San Ignacio. Park Inn by Radisson Davao Park Inn by Radisson Davao ushers in the Year of the Monkey with a week-long celebration of Oriental culinary delights at the RBG with their Supersize Chinese Lauriat, good for a family of six to seven persons. From January 30 to February 6, and for only Php 1,999 net per set meal, you get to indulge in an eight-course feast with Chinese dishes, complete from starter to dessert. They also offer a lineup of delectable choices for soup, main course, rice and drink, on top of servings of assorted desserts and fruits. The Supersize Chinese Lauriat features Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles, Bamboo Shoot Soup, Beef with Ginger Sauce, Bok Choy & Young Corn with Quail Eggs, Shanghai Chicken Noodles, Fried Pork and Shrimp Wanton, Chinese Sausage Fried Rice. Desserts served at the end of the meal are Sweet Red Bean Buchi, 4 flavors Nian

Gao, Lychee Gulaman and Fruit Platter. Aside from the Supersize Chinese Lauriat, Park Inn also has a Chinese New Year Dinner Buffet on February 7 for only Php850 net per person. The sumptuous buffet offers Crab and Corn Soup, Molo Wanton Soup, Steamed Broccoli & Bok Choy in Tausi Sauce, Special Chinese Noodles (served with rice buns), Sweet Chili Shrimps, Twice Cooked Chicken, Beef Brisket, and Hoisin Roasted Pork Ribs. Buffet highlights include Roasted Pork Lechon, Roasted LapuLapu with Sweet & Sour Sauce, Crab Stir Fry, Steamed Pompano with Light Soy and a dimsum

station. Among the assorted desserts are the Year of the Monkey Cake, Buchi, Nian gao, Lychee & Black Gulaman, Egg Tarts, Mango Sponge Cake and Seasonal Fruits. Fruit juices are also included in the price of the buffet. All families dining will also witness the Dragon Dance plus, they can pick from our jar of specially designed Fortune Cookies to know what the year has in store for them. Waterfront Insular Hotel A lavish Chinese-inspired dinner buffet will be prepared by Executive Chef Victor D. Barangan and his award-winning team at the Waterfront Insular Hotel’s Café Uno on

Chinese New Year’s Eve, February 7, 2016, for only Php 888 nett per person. Witness the traditional Lion Dance, and other rituals for prosperity at the hotel lobby. The celebration does not stop there as a sumptuous lunch buffet of Chinese-inspired cuisine on will also be held on the first day of the Chinese New Year February 8, 2016 at only Php 750 nett per person. Come with your friends and family and bring in prosperity and good fortune in this iconic cultural celebration. Seda Abreeza Seda Abreeza celebrates the coming of The Year of the Fire Monkey with its Chinese new Year Set Meals. For only Php 3,888

net, four to five diners can enjoy the a sumptuous six course meal at Misto, Seda Abreeza’s all-day dining restaurant. One can choose from Set A which features Kung Pao Jumbo Shrimp, Honey and Garlic Chicken, Hoisin Shredded Pork, Broccoli with Garlic, Pandan Steamed Rice and Coconut Pudding, or Set B which features Stir-fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Mango Slices, Salt and Pepper Squid, Sichuan Chili Garlic Chicken, Bokchoi with Oyster Sauce, Pandan Steamed Rice, Mango Pudding with Fresh Diced Mango. Both sets come with a round of Misto Iced Tea and a choice of coffee or tea.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EVENT

MAKING THE MIDWEEK MORE EXCITING is a new weekly attraction at Abreeza Mall that’s sure to be a hit among professionals, students, barkadas, and families alike. On February 3, Abreeza Mall launched Trivia Wednesdays, a weekly quiz night competition that’s set to take place every Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Ground Floor Restaurant Row. Trivia Wednesdays will challenge participating teams’ knowledge on a slew of diverse categories, from science to sports to history to pop culture. At the end of the night, the three teams with the highest scores will be declared winners, winning for themselves prizes from Abreeza Mall merchants—not to mention bragging rights! All this takes place in a fun, casual atmosphere that makes the entire experience a blast—and a great bonding activity—for all participating teams. Trivia Wednesdays is organized by Trivia Nights Davao, a local outfit that has been bringing the quiz night experience to bars in Davao since its launch in 2014. Cris Pescadero, the founder of Trivia Nights Davao, has witnessed the once-small activity grow into a movement, with teams making it a point to join the competition week after week. “Bringing the event to Abreeza Mall means

an even wider audience reach, and it also further proves that Davaoeños really are an intelligent crop,” he says. With Trivia Wednesdays taking place right at dinnertime, participants are sure to find eats and drinks to satisfy their cravings as they get a mental exercise from answering question after challenging question. Participants can take their pick among establishments at the Restaurant Row such as Maitre Chocolatier, S&R New York Style Pizza, Hanoi Vietnamese Cuisine, and Army Navy, or choose to grab meals at any of Abreeza Mall’s many dining spots and bring them straight to Trivia Wednesdays. Participants are encouraged to share snapshots of their fun times at Trivia Wednesdays and upload them on social networks with the hashtag #TriviaWednesdaysAtAbreeza. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

Get your geek on at

TRIVIA WEDNESDAYS

Enjoy AirAsia’s lowest fares, budget travel deals, and exclusive treats only at PTAA Travel Expo 2016 AIRASIA, voted the Pasay City. World’s Best Low The Travel Tour Expo is on Cost Carrier for seven its 23rd year and has been consecutive years, regarded as the grandest is offering exclusive annual event in the travel budget travel deals and tourism industry. The and lowest fares travel fair starts on Friday to Cebu, Davao, (5 February) until Sunday, Boracay, Palawan, (7 February) with over 300 Bohol, Tacloban participating exhibitors from and to international various industries such as destinations in airline, hotel, resort including Malaysia, Korea, China travel, tourism and tour and much more at the operators. 3-day travel sale hosted Best travel deals for AirAsia by the Philippine Travel flights to and from Davao Agencies Association are also available at the in SMX, Mall of Asia in travel expo in conjunction

with the formal launch and announcement of Visit Davao Fun Sale with outdoor sports activities, eco-tourism

package tour, beach and entertainment parties already lined up for summer this year. AirAsia services Manila-

Davao with 3x flights daily departing from Manila’s NAIA Terminal 4 at 6:20AM, 3:35PM and 8:10PM. The airline also offers multiple flights daily from/to Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Kalibo (Boracay) and Tacloban. AirAsia’s international flights include direct flights to various points in Malaysia, China and Korea from Manila, Cebu and Kalibo. Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaPH), Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsiaPhilippines) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaPh).

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Kapuso stars celebrate this month’s biggest festivals STARTING THE YEAR in a festive mood, GMA Network brought some of the hottest Kapuso stars today, including no less than Superstar Nora Aunor, to Cebu, Iloilo, and Ilocos Sur to join in the celebration of three of the country’s most colorful and biggest festivals this month— the Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Longganisa festivals. This year’s Sinulog celebration in Cebu was taken to another level by stars of Kapuso TV shows Buena Familia, Little Nanay, Destiny Rose, and Because of You as they participated in different events in Cebu. Back-to-back Kapuso Mall Shows took place last January 15 in Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and in Ayala Terraces featuring Little Nanay’s Kris Bernal and Mark Herras and Buena Familia’s Kylie Padilla and Kenneth Earl Medrano. Kris, Mark, and Kylie entertained their fans with their respective song performances. That’s

My Bae winner Kenneth, meanwhile, delighted his fellow Cebuanos with his energetic dance moves. The following day, a jam-packed Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall Tabunok bore witness to the cheers of fans as Because of You leading men Gabby Concepcion and Rafael Rosell

serenaded the audience with their respective performances. Fans swooned over Ken Chan as the Destiny Rose lead actor sang his way to the crowd. His co-star, Katrina Halili, demonstrated her talent in singing as well. Meanwhile, Sunday Pinasaya (SPS) stars AiAi delas Alas and Valeen

Montenegro joined the celebration of the Longganisa Festival last January 20 through a Kapuso Fiesta held at Plaza Burgos, Vigan City. The event was hosted by Kapuso comedian John Feir. Gracing the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo a week after were the stars of new afternoon drama series Wish I May, Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix— better known by their fans as “BiGuel”. The young Kapuso love team surely knew how to spread love in the air as they entertained their fans during the Kapuso Mall Show in Robinsons Iloilo last January 22. Superstar Nora Aunor made the last leg of the Kapuso Mall Show in Dinagyang extra special as the multi-

awarded actress joined Little Nanay co-stars Kris Bernal, Hiro Peralta, and Juancho Trivino, and director Ricky Davao in spreading “Happy Lang” vibes among their Ilonggo fans last January 23 in SM City Iloilo. This was Nora’s first-ever regional tour with the Kapuso Network. The Sinulog in Cebu and the Dinagyang in Iloilo are both celebrated to pay homage to the Holy Child Jesus. Crowddrawer Longganisa Festival, on the other hand, is held annually in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur to pay tribute to the

city’s famous local pork sausage. “We thank our Kapusong Cebuano, Ilonggo, and Ilocano for the warm welcome they continue to give us every time we join them in their annual festivals. We look forward to bringing more of our Kapuso shows and artists closer to them. We hope to bring joy and entertainment to all our Kapuso fans throughout the country,” says Oliver Amoroso, GMA’s Senior Assistant Vice President and Head of Regional Business Development Division.

Free movies at the Blink Free Movie Weekend MOVIE AND SERIES BUFFS ARE IN FOR A TREAT! BLINK, a unique online streaming service offering never-before seen films, pay per view, and exclusive live TV shows, is throwing a free movie weekend at select SM Malls. The festival will feature an afternoon of free food, photo booth snaps, raffle prizes, and unlimited movie watching via BLINK. The BLINK app enables you to watch a variety of movies, TV series, and other content anytime and anywhere, using gadgets such as your mobile phone, tablet, computer and smart television sets. Now under SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. which also operates the country’s biggest cinema chain, SM Cinema, Blink prides itself in offering its very own unique film content and a wide library of the most recent movie and series options that you can #pressplay at your own comfort and convenience.

Introducing: BLINK ONLINE CINEMA. Ever wonder what happens to films that have not been released in cinemas? They go directly to Blink Online Cinema. Exclusively shown on the Blink platform, you will never have to miss out on any movie, ever again. Missed out on your favorite movie or TV show? Blink lets you in on the cinematic experience just 2-3 months after its theatrical run. While most video-on-demand services show year-old flicks, Blink widens its

scope by keeping up with the most recent movies in Hollywood and the globe. BLINK PAY PER VIEW (PPV), another unique capability of Blink, will make live entertainment and sporting events available on demand. Watch your favorite show live on TV channels such as ETC, 2nd Avenue, BTV, and CT which are only available on BLINK. Blink is the only VOD service in the country to offer BLINK RENTALS: an option wherein customers can access their choice of

movies on a per title basis for as low as PHP 75. With BLINK UNLIMITED, movie and TV buffs can watch unlimited shows and films for only PHP 99 a month. True to its promise of convenience, Blink allows several payment options such as charging direct to phone-bill, use of scratch cards and ePLUS prepaid load, and even payment using your SM advantage card points. The Blink Movie Weekend Festival began its country-wide tour at Mall of Asia last January 22. It will go on to Davao and Lanang on Feb 6-7. Visit your nearest branch and #Pressplay to the best movie experience at the Blink Movie Weekend Festival! Download the BLINK app on your mobile gadgets today or log in to www.blink-now.com. For the latest updates on Blink, follow us on twitter @blink_now, Instagram blink.now or like us on w w w. f a ce b o o k .co m / blinknow.

February 5 – 9, 2016

PRIDE & PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES Lily James, Sam Riley 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

THE REVENANT Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy R16

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

THE BOY / *DIRTY GRANDPA Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans/ *Robert De Niro, Zac Efron R13/*R16

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

STYLE With jade’s ability to attract good fortune for centuries, this necklace will definitely bring good tidings in the year ahead.

This feng shui coin pendant is said to symbolize prosperity

Wear your luck with

SM Accessories

This multi-colored jade-like beaded bracelet nourishes both the body and the mind as it attracts harmony and balance.

2016 IS THE YEAR OF THE FIRE MONKEY according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, and according to the theory of fashion feng shui, what you wear during this year can help you feel in harmony with yourself and those around you.

This Buddha pendant symbolizes abundance, prosperity and good fortune.

Stack up on these black glass, brown wood-like and red bangle to attract wealth, health and longevity. They can also aid in warding off negative forces.

The Monkey is considered to signify wit and a great sense of humor. And translated into the fashion realm, this means people will be drawn to fun and glamorous styles and dress to attract attention. If you want to look your best and attract good luck, SM Accessories has stylish pieces associated with good fortune and luck. There are jade like pendants that carry a sweet, light, and nourishing energy that can feel very healing. Valued for its metaphysical properties, jade is said to be the ultimate “Dream Stone”, revered in ancient cultures as well as today to access the spiritual world, gain insight into ritualistic knowledge, encourage creativity, and solve the meaning of dreams. There are also bangles that are said to guard against danger and provide positive spiritual beliefs; as well as various bead bracelets to promote harmony and strength. SM Accessories’ Chinese New Year Accessories are available at the Ladies’ Accessories Department of SM Stores.

Yellow jade, as seen in this necklace, is cheerful and energetic, a stone of assimilation and discrimination

11 MOTORING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

CARMUDI PH, RAPIDE ink partnership I

N its bid to protect clients from buying defective vehicles, Carmudi Philippines—the leading online vehicle platform around the world—has recently forged partnership with Rapide Auto Service Experts, one of the biggest names in auto repair services in the country. Last February 2, Carmudi Philippines Managing Director Abhishek Mohan has inked the partnership with Rapide Auto Service Experts General Manager Byron Lat to offer automotive inspections and certification for vehicles bought and sold on their online platform. Under the memorandum of agreement signed by both parties, the buyers and sellers will have the option to have their vehicles inspected by Rapide professionals so that Carmudi could issue a certification describing the actual state of the vehicle. This system would reduce— to a great extent—the gap in information between seller and buyer. Both parties were elated with the newly formed partnership, saying that this would bring the level of professionalism of online vehicle buying and selling into a whole new level. For his part, Mohan said that getting a formidable partner like Rapide to screen the vehicles of clients would definitely create a new spectrum in providing the much needed information to its buyers. “We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Rapide to provide cer-

tification services for used vehicles listed on our online platform. This is in line with our mission to provide the safest environment online, for buying and selling in the automotive space. We see certification as a crucial step towards bridging the information and trust gap between buyers and sellers that use online automotive classifieds to transact business,” he said. He expressed his full confidence to their freshly declared partner in their project, saying that “Rapide is unparalleled in its reach and is synonymous with trustworthiness and thus, a perfect fit with the values of trust and transparency that Carmudi stands for.” “We are confident that this partnership, in the face of scams that exist elsewhere on the Internet, will redefine the online classifieds space and make it far more trustworthy,” Mohan added. Meanwhile, Lat echoed Mohan’s sentiments, saying that the program would ensure clarity on the status of the vehicles. “The program would bring honesty and trust to all parties concerned with every transaction in Carmudi, especially with the system that our companies have devised.” “The vehicle sellers and the buying public will definitely benefit from this partnership between Rapide and Carmudi as it brings out transparency and trust in every transaction that they make,” said Lat.

Bigger Monster Jam 2016 returns

AST year, over 22,000 fans made history when Monster Jam entertained Pinoy fans of all ages. 2016

gets even bigger as Monster Jam returns to the Philippines on June 18 and 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This 2016, the most action-packed live event on four wheels is back by popular demand with eight world-

class drivers, monster truck racing, and exciting freestyle competitions. Monster Jam Manila offers universal appeal and will feature some of the most recognizable trucks in the world including Monster Jam World Finals Champions Grave Digger and Max-D, along with Alien Invasion, Dragon, Pirate’s Curse, Monster Mutt Dalmatian, Scooby-Doo, and Team Hot Wheels Firestorm as they provide a most unforgettable experience for the entire family. One of the most unique parts of Monster Jam is the Party in the Pits. For the first time in 2015, thousands of fans got unprecedented access to the Monster Jam athletes and their trucks. Once again this June, fans can get autographs, take photos, and see the trucks up close at the one-of-a-kind Monster Jam Party in the Pits. VISA cardholders get all this plus priority access and a special 20 percent discount on Monster Jam tickets in an exclusive pre-sale ending February 16, 2016. Monster Jam is promoted in the Philippines by Vivre Fort Entertainment. For tickets, log on to SM Tickets or Check out Monster Jam Online or call +632-470-2222.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

ePLDT ot firms: Bolster growth with Big Data

PLDT, the digital enterprise enabler of the PLDT Group, strongly urged organizations to consider a Big Data Analytics strategy to accelerate business growth as the Philippines experiences a steadily growing Internet penetration rate and an ongoing surge in smartphone adoption. “Every person somehow leaves a digital footprint, whether it’s on social media or with elec-

tronic transactions. There is a tremendous amount of data waiting to be mined, refined, and analyzed. With the right infrastructure, tools, and expertise, valuable insight can be gleaned from all this information,” said ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer Nerissa S. Ramos. Citing a study by Bain & Company, Ramos said companies with Big Data platforms are two times

more likely to have superior financial performance within their industries, and five times more likely to make faster business decisions. “And this is not just about speed. In this day and age, accuracy through predictive data-driven decision-making is key. By using historical data, one can understand the reasons behind past successes or failures. With this,

Aeon Towers hosts Chinese New Year Open House

EON Towers will usher in the Chinese New Year celebration with an Open House set this Monday, February 8, at the Aeon Towers Showroom. The event is expected to be attended by clients, prospects, sales agents, real estate brokers, and the company’s marketing team. No less than FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Cruz will be on hand to lead the celebration, which will depict ancient Chinese tradition complete with dragon dance performances. Aeon Towers is a

33-level state-of-the-art high-rise development of the FTC Group of Companies, its initial venture into the real estate business. Its expected turnover is December 2016. “We regularly hold Open House every month to meet our clients and prospects. This one is extra special because it falls on the Lunar year which is widely celebrated by the Chinese community of Davao,” said Cruz. Meantime, construction of the Aeon Towers is now on the sixth level with 70 percent of concrete pouring already completed. (NJB)

OPEN HOUSE. Aeon Towers will hold its Chinese New Year Open House on February 8 at the Aeon Towers Showroom.

decision-makers can make wiser business choices moving forward,” she said. ePLDT provides the country’s first Big Data Analytics services and infrastructure as an initiative to help organizations harness the power of Big Data, and use this as a means to achieve business goals faster. “This and our other enabling digital enterprise endeavors, are testament to the compa-

ny’s brand promise of Enabling Success,” added Ramos. According to Ramos, the Philippines is a young market for Big Data. Although awareness is high, adoption has a long way to go. ePLDT is ready to take enterprises through the Big Data journey via their expert consulting framework. Here, companies are guided towards the best approach to use Big Data for their respective orga-

nizations. Leveraging on their membership in the Open Data Platform (ODP), a worldwide consortium of Big Data global technology leaders, ePLDT is offering an ODP-compliant Analytics Compute Engine (ACE) that will jumpstart Big Data projects. Maximizing the Big Data assets of the PLDT Group, ePLDT is

FEPLDT, 10

14 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

P15.8-M crops in GenSan ruined by El Niño A

ROUND P15.8 million worth of agricultural crops here have been destroyed due to the impact of the continuing dry spell triggered by the El Niño Phenomenon.

Elsie Villanueva, assistant head of the City Agriculture Office (CAO), said Wednesday the intense dry weather has so far affected at least 462 hectares of farmlands in eight of the city’s 26

barangays. Hardest hit by the dry spell were upland farms not covered by the irrigation facilities of the National Irrigation Administration. She specifically cited por-

tions of Barangays Batomelong, Conel, Bawing, Upper Labay, Sinawal, Tinagacan, San Jose and Olympog. “Our damage computation mainly covered short-gestating crops like

corn and vegetables,” Villanueva said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen. She said they are currently monitoring the city’s farm areas for damages on permanent crops like coco-

THIGH-HIGH NO MORE. Farmer Gina Akit shows how shallow the creek has become in Sitio Cocob, Barangay Kuya in South Upi town in Maguindanao due to drought. The water used to be thigh-high, Akit said. The drought has also caused millions of pesos in damage in agricultural crops in General Santos City and many other places in Mindanao. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

nut and fruit trees. CAO personnel are currently conducting weekly monitoring and assessments in the affected barangays regarding the status of standing crops and possible damages. “If the dry spell will prolong as predicted, we expect the affected areas and damages to also increase later on,” she said. The city and parts of Region 12 have been experiencing below normal rainfall since October last year due to the El Niño, which, according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), could extend until June. Also known as Soccsksargen, the region is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. The Department of Agriculture in Region 12 launched cloud seeding operations in parts of the region last week to help mitigate the effects of the dry spell. Cloud seeding is the process of manually spreading either dry ice or salt into the upper part of the clouds to help stimulate the precipitation process and form rain. (MindaNews)

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

RUN FOR HOPE. Tebow Cure Hospital executive director Leron Lehman (rightmost), sustainability and development officer Vince Bitana (leftmost), Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir (second from right) of Malaysia, and Krispy Kreme Visayas-Mindanao marketing manager Nadia Shami unveil the poster of Tebow Cure Run 2016, Run to Fuel Hope for Disabled Kids, in a press conference to launch the event at the hospital’s lobby yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Pacman wants to KO Bradley F

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bryant leads Lakers past Pelicans

OBE Bryant kept his right arm extended upward, his hand dangling as he held his follow-through on a 3-point shot with a minute to go. The shot went down, the Lakers led by six, and Bryant wagged his index finger as he made his way back up the court with a good portion of the crowd cheering wildly. Maintaining the vintage form he recaptured in a victory earlier this week, Bryant had 27 points and 12 rebounds, hitting three pivotal 3-pointers in the final 6:05, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their second straight, 99-96 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. ‘’It was really special to be able to play in front of this crowd,’’ Bryant said when asked about hearing his clutch shots cheered on the road. ‘’It makes me feel great. It makes me feel like all the hard work I put in through the years has been worth it.’’ Bryant, who plans to retire after the season, noted that he’d even met a child on the sidelines named Kobe, and seemed gratified to have added such a moment to his farewell tour. Bryant’s missed free throw with 6 seconds left provided the Pelicans a chance to tie the game with a 3, but Jrue Holiday’s shot missed the rim as time expired. There were smatterings of

purple and gold throughout the stands - only a small minority of it LSU gear. Lakers fans who wanted to honor Bryant in his final season showed up and made themselves heard with cheers that filled the arena each time Bryant checked into the game and when he hit shots. At one point in the first half, an ‘’M-V-P!’’ chant broke out with Bryant on the foul line. The cheers that erupted after his late baskets seemed somewhat bizarre, given that they spoiled the home team’s frantic attempt to come back from a 12-point, fourth-quarter deficit. Anthony Davis had 39 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans, but his missed breakaway dunk in the fourth quarter - after which he briefly pulled his jersey over his face in embarrassment - seemed to define the night for New Orleans, which lost its third straight. The Pelicans missed a couple of dunks among a number of misses from short range. They also missed 12 of 26 free throws. ‘’When we have as many breakdowns as we did, when we miss free throws, miss defensive assignments, we give them a chance to stay in the game and then they start getting confidence and feel like they can win,’’ Davis said. ‘’That’s what happened tonight and they won.’’

ILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has told Freddie Roach that he will look to knock out Timothy Bradley Jr. in their trilogy bout on April 9, the trainer said in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV. In what promises to be the last fight of his boxing career, Pacquiao will take on Bradley for the third time on April 9 and try to retire on a winning note. “Manny told me that he will be looking for a knockout this fight,” Roach said, as quoted by Bad Left Hook, in the Fight Hub TV interview. “That’s the first time he’s said that to me in like, 10 years,” he revealed. “I like when he says stuff like that. That’s right up my alley. That’s what I want him to do in this fight.” Pacquiao lost to Bradley in controversial fashion when they first fought in 2012, but handily won their 2014 rematch. Ahead of the trilogy bout, much has been said about the presence of new trainer Teddy Atlas in Bradley’s corner, but Roach has been vocal in his belief that Atlas will not do much to help the American boxer. “I don’t care if Teddy Atlas is saying he’s scared of fire or what-

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. ever story he has. This is not a story book. This is a fight,” he said. Pacquiao has not registered a knockout win since 2009, when he stopped Miguel Cotto in the last round of their welterweight fight. It was also his first – and only – knockout at the welterweight division. “Manny’s not a big puncher at 147,” Roach said. “That’s a clear fact. At 140 (light-welterweight), he’s a

better puncher, at 135, he was an even better puncher. It’s just the weight.” “He didn’t carry the punch up to 147. Look at all his fights at 147 – he only has, like, one or two knockouts. He’s not a big puncher at that weight division, and he never will be,” he added. Yet Roach is confident that Pacquiao can still stop Bradley if he

puts his mind to it. “When you hurt somebody, you are supposed to jump on them, and that part of the game, I know he can still do,” he said. “He doesn’t want to hurt anybody, and I don’t think that’s a good idea. If you have a chance to knock somebody out, you shouldn’t let the fight last longer that it should,” he stressed.

out the round,” McIlroy said. “A 68 was probably a fair reflection of how I played. I don’t feel like I could have really gone any lower than that but at the same time, I gave myself enough chances to make some birdies.” Ernie Els, the most successful player in the history of the tournament with three titles and eight other top-10 finishes, matched McIlroy’s 68. The four-time major champion hit 17 greens and putted well with his new grip. Four players were tied at 5-under 67 — Sweden’s Peter

Hanson, Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Australia’s Brett Rumford and South African Trevor Fisher Jr. Henrik Stenson of Sweden, playing alongside McIlroy, opened with a 3-under 69. The new changes in the course, where the fairways have been made firmer and grass has been shaved off the fringe of the greens, troubled McIlroy, who has never finished outside the top 10 in his last six starts at the Emirates Golf Club. On McIlroy’s first hole, his second shot landed on the

green and rolled off into the back bunker, from where he needed two shots to come out. Then, on the par-5 dogleg 18th, he hit a towering draw with his driver but the ball went through the fairway and into the water hazard. McIlroy then hit a great third shot from 198 yards and walked away with an unlikely birdie. “All in all, a decent day, decent score,” he said. “I think with the way the weather conditions are, it’s made the golf course quite tricky out there. I don’t think I’ll ever hit as many bunker shots.”

McIlroy 2 shots behind lead at Dubai Desert Classic

ORY McIlroy started the defense of his Dubai Desert Classic title with a bogey but battled back to post a 4-under 68 on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), leaving him two shots off the lead. McIlroy bogeyed two of the easiest holes on the course — the par-5 10th, which was his first hole, and the driveable par-4 second — but also had six birdies to put him close behind leader Alex Noren of Sweden. “I thought I did well, considering the start and having some of the shots I hit through-

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 225 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016

Alaba named Austria’s most popular footballer D

AVID Alaba of Bayern Munich FC was named the “Most Popular Austrian Footballer of the Year” for the third time in a row, based on a poll conducted by Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung. “It’s a great honor for me, it makes me really proud,” Alaba said at the awarding ceremony in Vienna on Monday. The 23-year-old won the award by a considerable margin with 431,477 votes, ahead of Rapid Vienna’s Stefan Hofmann, who also served his footballing apprenticeship in the FCB youth section, and Wacker Innsbruck’s Thomas Pichl-

mann. Last December, Alaba was named Austrian Player of the Year for the fifth time in a row. Alaba now tops the alltime roll of honor with five consecutive personal accolades, passing the record of Ivica Vastic. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge praised the all-rounder as an “extraordinary footballer.” He said in the club’s official website: “He has everything a world-class player needs: great talent, passion, the ambition to get even better, and lots of experience, which is incredible for his age.”

Prominent football analysts described the versatility of Alaba and even consider him the nation’s only world-class player. Deployed most often at left-back or left wingback for his club, FC Bayern München, Alaba operates in the center of midfield to maximize his range of passing and control games single-handedly for his team. In an online poll conducted by internal football website Goal.com for the best player per position, Alaba emerged the best left-back in the world, getting more votes than Real Madrid’s Marcelo who came in second and Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal.Alaba

w a s born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and Filipino mother. Alaba has shown his Filipino roots by displaying the Philippine flag (along with Austria and Nigeria) after their Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund in 2013.