Edge Davao 9 Issue 17

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

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Easter reflections:

RAISED FROM THE DEAD

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

Easter reflections:

RAISED FROM THE DEAD “

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

FEAR nothing; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised again; he is not here!” That was what the angel told Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (the mother of James and John) when they went to the burial site of Jesus Christ.

The women visited the tomb to sprinkle more spices on the corpse. Jesus was buried on Friday afternoon and since Saturday was a Sabbath day, they were not able to do what they wanted to do. They planned of doing it on a Sunday morning.

“And very early on the Sunday morning, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were wondering among themselves who would roll away the stone for them from the entrance to the tomb, when they looked up and saw that the stone, huge as it was, had been rolled back already,” reported Mark (16:2-4).

After the discovery of the empty tomb, the Gospels indicate that Jesus made a series of appearances to the disciples. These include the appearance to the disciples in the upper room, where Thomas did not believe until he was invited to put his finger into the holes in Jesus’ hands and side and beside the Sea of Galilee to encourage Peter to serve his followers.

His final appearance is

reported as being forty days after the resurrection when he ascended into heaven, where he remains with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit until His second coming.

The good news is that Jesus was alive. He was raised from the dead. As recorded in the New Testament, the resurrection became one of the most compelling doctrines of Christianity, because, according to this doctrine, by rising from the dead, Jesus gave humanity hope of a life after death.

“The resurrection was undoubtedly the central proclamation of the early church from the very beginning,” explained Dr. Gary Habermas, author of The Resurrection of Jesus: A Rational Inquiry. “The earliest Christians didn’t endorse Jesus’ teachings; they were convinced they had seen him alive after his crucifixion.

That’s what changed their lives and started the church.”

Theologian Gerald O’Collins puts it this way: “In a profound sense, Christianity without the resurrection is not simply Christianity without its final chapter. It is not Christianity at all.”

But skeptics, agnostics and non-Christians believe resurrection was a hoax.

They have this theory that Jesus only fainted from exhaustion on the cross, or he had been given a drug that made him appear to die, and

that he had later been revived by cool, damp air of the tomb.

In 1929, D.H. Lawrence wrote Love Among the Haystacks and Other Stories.

In one of the stories, the author surmised Jesus escaped and fled to Egypt, where he fell in love with the priestess Isis. Hugh Schonfield, the man behind The Passover Plot (1965), alleged that it was only the unanticipated stabbing of Jesus by the Roman soldier that foiled his complicated scheme to escape the cross alive.

The question is: Did Jesus really die in the cross or was it a sham? In the

book, The Case for Christ, Dr. Alexander Metherell told author Lee Strobel that that Jesus really expired while he was hanging in the cross.

When he was interviewed, Dr. Metherell was a consultant to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and a board certified in diagnosis by the American Board of Radiology.

Here’s the explanation of Dr. Metherell on the cause of death of Jesus: “Once a person is hanging in the vertical position, crucifixion is essentially an agonizingly slow death by asphyxiation.

The reason is that the stresses on the muscles and diaphragm put the chest into the inhaled position; basically, in order to exhale, the individual must push up on his feet so the tension on the muscles would be eased for a moment. In doing so, the nail would tear through the foot, eventually locking up against the tarsal bones.

“After managing to exhale, the person would then be able to relax down and take another breath in. Again, he’d have to put himself up exhale, scraping his bloodied back against the coarse wood of the cross. This would go on and on until complete exhaustion would take over, and the person wouldn’t be able to push up and breathe anymore.

“As the person slows down his breathing, he goes into what is called respiratory acidosis – the carbon dioxide in the blood is dissolved as carbonic acid, causing the acidity of the blood to

increase. This eventually leads to an irregular heartbeat. In fact, with his heart beating erratically, Jesus would have known that he was at the moment of death, which is when he was able to say, ‘Lord, into your hands I commit my spirit.’

And then he died of cardiac arrest.”

There are several other theories forwarded that Jesus Christ was never resurrected.

There are those who believed that either Jesus or his disciples (or both) simply invented the entire thing.

Christ, they claim, was simply a clever crook who read the prophecies regarding the Messiah in the Old Testament and set about arranging for them to be fulfilled by himself.

Others believed the early disciples were guilty of using some kind of primitive LSD. There are those who think only Jesus’ spirit arose. And there are those who believed that Jesus Christ was only resurrected in the heart of his friends.

Jesus Christ appeared no less than seventeen times after his resurrection. Five of these occurred during the first Easter Sunday, and six more took place between that time and his ascension.

The remaining six happened between Pentecost and the completion of the Bible.

“Taken as a whole, the appearances are of such various characters and to so many people under so many different circumstances that the proof of the resurrection of Christ is as solid as any historical fact that

could be cited in the first century,” comments Dr. H. L. Willmington in Guide to the Bible.

Why is there so much ado about the resurrection of Christ? The resurrection is the very linchpin of the Christian faith. The apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 15:17: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

Dr. Willmington puts the resurrection in a different perspective manner. “The resurrection of Christ is the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence of the Christian faith,” he pointed out. “The sign of Christianity is really not the cross, but an empty tomb.”

Finally, here’s a thought from Dr. Charles S. Braden, author of The Word’s Religions: “Men do not rise from the dead. People do not pass through closed doors.

People are not suddenly snatched away or do not suddenly disappear into thin air. Yet the disciple Thomas in particular was told to put his hand in the wounded side of his master and to feel the nail prints in his hand.

So perplexing is the story that many modern people have been led to question the truth of it, though they find it hard to explain all the circumstances which the Gospel narratives recount…

By far, the larger number of Christians today are quite confident in their belief that the Gospel narratives of His resurrection are wholly to be relied upon.” (Photos were taken from the net)

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

FAITH. Hundreds of Catholic devotees from St. Joseph the Worker Parish participate in the traditional Good Friday procession along Doña Pilar Avenue in Sasa on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Comelec assures public of clean, honest 2016 polls

T

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Smartmatic officials have assured the Filipino people of honest and credible 2016 elections.

Comelec Director James Jimenez told the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired

by Rep. Fredenil H. Castro (2nd District, Capiz) that the commission will conduct a massive voter’s education campaign on the voter’s receipt with the help of various media organizations.

Jimenez said the Comelec will place ads on television and radio networks to

educate the people about the voting process and the issuance of the voter’s receipt.

Jimenez said the Smartmatic is already working on preventing different set of risks including the extension of the voting period for several hours, the manpower as well as the voter’s receipt that needs to be addressed.

“What we can assure is it would be one of the best strategies that we have.

We also plan to put posters with instructions in every polling place. We are doing

FCOMELEC, 10

Agton Jr., ex-NCIP official, passes away

R

OQUE AGTON JR., retired top official of the National Commission of the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), passed away last week in Davao City, of natural causes.

“Jun” Agton, 64, was a lawyer and son of retired Judge Roque Agton Sr. He is a brother-in-law of Rep. Isidro T. Ungab of Davao City’s congressional district, whose wife Cecil, is the

deceased’s sister.

The deceased served the government for decades, became regional director of the Office of the Southern Cultural Communities and the NCIP and later a chairman of the NCIP before his rertirement.

Jun was survived by his wife and three children.

He was buried last Wednesday at the Davao Memorial Park.

NOT IN DAVAO

TF Davao foils bomb attempt TF Davao foils bomb attempt

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

N attempt to bring in bomb components to Davao City on Good Friday was foiled by Task Force Davao personnel at a checkpoint in Toril, Davao City.

Charges are being readied against the suspect identified as Roy B. Moreno alias Steve, a resident of Sinsuat Street, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

A report from Toril Police Station said that around 7:00 p.m. of March 25, Moreno went down from a public utility van for inspection in Sirawan, Toril.

When a Task Force Davao personnel checked Moreno’s backpack, an orange

rectangular device was found which the suspect claimed to be a bomb prompting them to hold him.

Operatives of Toril Police Station immediately went to the area for an ocular investigation.

Seized from the bag of Moreno were two improvised blasting machines with eight batteries, a fragmentation hand grenade, an improvised electric blasting cap, and an improvised tester.

The suspect is now detained in Toril Police Station while the confiscated items are now under the custody of Technical Support Platoon

of Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Police are now preparing documents for the filing of charges against Moreno for violation of Republic Act 9516 or the illegal possession of explosives and violations of the provisions of the omnibus election code.

In an interview with EDGE Davao on Saturday, DCPO spokesperson Chief Insp.

Milgrace C. Driz said that the suspect was investigated to determine the purpose of Moreno in transporting bomb components.

Driz cited the tightened security aroud the city which

aided security units and law enforcers to prevent criminal activities and the entry of contrabands in the city.

She said with the active support of the community and other law enforcement agencies, the city will be secured from any threats.

“We doubled our efforts on alertness and vigilance here and or our pro active efforts which resulted to this apprehension,” she said.

Earlier, Driz said persons with criminal minds are taking advantage of the holidays because police will be concentrating security on areas of convergence.

to Davao Light Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon.

According to Trahera, the Pawikan was said to be trapped in the fishnet of the local fisher folks and its flipper was wounded in the process of setting it free. Then they immediately brought the Pawikan to the Cleanergy Park.

The Davao Light team immediately gave first aid

treatment to the turtle’s wound by putting on antiseptic. Afterwards, the team in coordination with the DENR XI and its national office brought the Pawikan to the veterinarian, Dr. Ken Anthony Lao, for thorough assessment and treatment.

Based on the result of the physical examination, the Pawikan needs to be temporarily kept in the Cleanergy Park until its

flipper self-heals with proper medication as prescribed by the veterinarian, and food intake.

Once the Pawikan fully recuperates, it will be released to the sea where it belongs.

“This injured Pawikan is the fourth Pawikan that is temporarily placed in the Cleanergy Park to give it proper care until it recovers enough to continue its journey to the sea” said Edillon. (PNA)

Injured Pawikan recuperatingat Cleanergy Park of DLPC

A

N INJURED Pawikan believed to be an Olive Ridley, is now recuperating at the Cleanergy Park of Davao Light and Power Company in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, this city.

The Pawikan, which was found with injuries along the shore of Barangay Bucana last March 6 by barangay captain Rolando Trahera, was the second found in Bucana.

Trahera turned the Pawikan

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

Solon: Improve PHL defense system

I

N THE wake of the growing security threats in the West Philippine Sea, a lawmaker has stressed the urgency of strengthening the country’s national security.

Camarines Sur Rep. Felix William B. Fuentebella is urging Congress to address the looming challenges to the security of the country by acting promptly on HB 5865 which seeks to upgrade the nation’s defense system anchored on the capabilities of the country’s armed forces and police forces.

HB 5865 is entitled “An Act Strengthening the National Security of the Philippines, and appropriating funds therefor,” pending with the House Committee on National Defense and Security chaired by Rep. Rodolfo G. Biazon of Muntinlupa City since June 9, 2015.

“This measure intends to provide the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police with improved capabilities in manpower, equipment and facilities to better address the assessed threats on the country’s defense and security, both internal and external,” Fuentebella pointed out.

The Bicol lawmaker explained that the enhancement f the manpower and logistic capability of the AFP and the PNP is needed to ensure sustained law enforcement, public security, and internal

security operations, and the security of the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.

“The importance of an enhanced coordination mechanism between the AFP and the PNP also needs to be emphasized to ensure the success of operations on the field and to institutionalize inter-operability between them including the use of compatible communications equipment,” he added.

The defense of the State, Fuentebella stressed, is the concern of all the people and not only of the government, the young lawmaker stressed, adding that every citizen must be ready to answer the call of (duty) the government to assist in the defense of the country.

To this end, he explained that the National Service Training Program as established under R.A. 9163, also known as the “National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001,” should be modified by changing the service components into more relevant components suitable to the needs of the country.

Under the Constitution, the President of the Philippines is Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and as Chief Executive, the President shall exercise control and supervision over all police forces through the National Police Commission.

FSOLON, 10

PRESANCTIFIED. A priest celebrates the Mass of the Presanctified, a Christian liturgy traditionally celebrated on Good Friday in which the consecration is

not performed, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish along Doña Pilar Avenue in Sasa on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Pols warned on ads posted on trees

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has called on all barangay officials in the city to remove all election paraphernalia posted on trees.

In a press briefing, Cenro head Engr. Eliza Madraso said barangay officials should be responsible in removing the campaign posters illegally mounted on trees because it is prohibited under Republic Act No. 3571 which prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering

plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in any public ground.

“It is the barangay captain who is responsible to it,” she said.

Madraso said the barangay captains already had an agreement with politicians who are running for public seat on the prohibition of placing posters and other campaign paraphernalia.

Earlier, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 community environment and natural resources officer

Bernardo Juson said local and national candidates have already received notices that posting of campaign posters in trees is prohibited.

Juson said while he cannot blame politicians if their supporters do not follow the law, they will be still liable for their acts.

He said one candidate is already being charged for the violation but he did not divulge the candidate’s identity.

Meanwhile, Madraso said her office has not yet received any guidelines from the Commission on

2 ASG brigands killed in Good Friday clash

T

POLICE VISIBILITY. Police personnel from Sasa Police Precinct join the traditional Good Friday procession along Doña Pilar Avenue in Sasa on Friday

afternoon to avoid untoward incidents as part of the tighter security measure in the observance of the Holy Week. Lean Daval Jr.

Elections (Comelec) regarding common poster areas.

She said the Cenro has not removed any posters on any candidates due to the absence of the guidelines.

“So far, we have not yet removed anything because we are still waiting from the Comelec to give use the guidelines,” he said.

Madraso said her personnel can only remove the posters once it placed in the center island of the road because it is prohibited.

“The supporters of the candidates can post on the roadside but not in the center island,” she said.

WO Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands, including an explosive expert, were killed while six others were wounded in a threehour clash with the military in the hinterlands of Basilan province on Good Friday.

Also wounded in the incident were seven government troops -- five soldiers and two militiamen. They were taken to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city and are now in stable condition.

Maj. Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the clash broke out at 7:55 a.m. in Sitio Luglugi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan.

Tan said the slain ASG explosive expert was identified as Eric Ajibon, who is also a sub-leader, and the other one was only known as a certain

Abu Ayan. Their remains are in the custody of the police for proper disposition.

Tan said Ajibon was responsible in the series of bombings against the government forces and business establishments in Basilan province.

According to Tan, the clash ensued after the residents reported to the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion the presence of around 40 ASG brigands led by Isnilon Hapilon in Sitio Luglugi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka.

Tan said they received intelligence report that six followers of Hapilon were wounded during the clash and were dragged by their fleeing comrades.

He said the troops recovered war materiel and personal belongings at the clash site. (PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

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6 ECONOMY Italpinas sets ‘Primavera City’ launch in 2nd quarter of 2016

C

ERTIFIED green builder Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) has set for the second quarter of this year the launch of its new huge and groundbreaking project – Primavera City – in Cagayan de Oro City.

IDC made its mark in the real estate industry as the first Philippine company certified by the International Finance Corp.

(IFC) - World Bank Group Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) for its flagship project also in Cagayan de Oro City, the Primavera Residences.

IDC Chairman and COO Romolo Valentino Nati, an Italian architect, said Phase 1 of Primavera City involves the construction of two towers of integrated multifunctional buildings (commercial, office, residential) project with 11

floors each. Located at the Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro (near SM City Cagayan de Oro), the project entails an investment of P653 million.

“Primavera City is a fitting follow-up to our highly successful and multi-awarded Primavera Residences, which caught the fancy of not just Filipino but even foreign buyers and property experts for its modern Italian design infused with ecofriendly architecture,” Nati emphasized.

The grand launch will be in the second quarter, and start of construction of the Primavera City Phase 1 is third quarter of 2016. IDC targets the completion of the project and the turnover of its units to their owners by the third quarter of 2018.

FITALPINAS, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

Fighting money laundering starts from AMLA-covered institutions

P

REVENTION of any money laundering activity in the Philippines starts from, among others, all institutions covered by the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) This was stressed by Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad during the recent AMLA 101 briefing at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

She explained that AMLC will investigate suspected money laundering activity upon the submission of covered transaction reports (CTRs) and suspicious transaction reports (STs) reports by institutions covered by the central bank, the Insurance Commission (IC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - the three government agencies

that compose the AMLC. These institutions include banks, quasi-banks, foreign exchange dealers, money changers, remittances companies, insurance companies, securities dealers, brokers and investment houses.

Other triggers for an AMLC investigation include newspaper and media reports of unlawful or money laundering activities and citizens’ sworn statement about these activities.

AMLC gathers information from reports and data from various government agencies, and information provided by other countries’ financial intelligence units (FIU) and foreign law enforcement authorities.

Thus, in the case of the USD 81 million stolen from the Bangladesh Bank, the

South Asian country’s central bank, and allegedly laundered in the Philippines, Bacay said Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) should have reported it immediately.

AMLA-covered entities are required to report on a daily basis transactions that involve cash or other equivalent monetary instrument if the amount is in excess of Php 500,000.

Bacay said they received the CTR from RCBC regarding the USD 81 million transaction but they did not consider it unusual because it is small compared to other transactions reported to them and because it is only part of the thousands of reports they receive everyday.

She said AMLC has 28 personnel under its Information Management and

Analysis Group (IMAG) but only seven of them are financial analysts who check the CTRs. She said it is the job of banks’ compliance officer to report to AMLC any suspicious transaction because it is the banks that should know whether transactions of their clients are questionable or not.

Among the factors that pertains to suspicious transactions include those that have no underlying legal or trade obligation, purpose or economic justification; those involving clients who are not properly identified; and if the amount involved is not commensurate with the business or financial capacity of the client.

In the case of the transactions coursed through the

He said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Petroleum Security Agreement also encourages members to build extra stockpiles.

Due to a great global surplus, the price of oil has plunged 75 percent to around USD30 per barrel since the middle of 2014. A number of commodity analysts see the price of oil falling to as low as USD18 per barrel, before recovering to USD60.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada has directed the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) to

study the feasibility of petroleum stockpiling, including the proposed volume and type of fuel.

The stockpiling plan earlier drew the support of Eastern Petroleum Corp. president Fernando Martinez.

“We are leaving it up to Secretary Monsada and the PNOC to ascertain the best way to build the reserves.

Nowadays, future supplies at a pre-determined price can be acquired on paper, without necessarily taking immediate physical delivery of the commodity,” Ty, a deputy

clude the list of farmer-sellers per province with the corresponding volume of palay purchased and amount paid by the NFA, the barangays where the farmer-sellers reside, and consolidated reports on actual rice stocks, among others. Moreover, these reports must be posted on the NFA website.

Meanwhile, PHP1.09 billion was released to the PCA for the implementation of various locally-funded programs, including Coconut Planting/Replanting, Coconut Fertilization, Coconut Intercropping, and Smallholders Oil Palm Plantation Development.

The total appropriation of the PCA for various locally-funded programs under the 2016 GAA amounts to PHP1.29 billion. This budget is intended to support coconut farmers in major co-

conut-producing provinces and to facilitate the production of 2.11 million metric tons of copra. The release of the PHP200-million balance, allocated for Community/ Household Level Coconut Processing and Integrated Pest Management and Control, has been withheld by the DBM due to low obligation levels for 2015 subsidies for these projects.

The agency also released PHP797 million to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the expansion of irrigation systems across the country, in addition to the PHP12 billion it released to NIA last March 2 for the same purpose.

The amount was released to NIA after the irrigation agency submitted the required programs of works and project profiles

FFIGHTING, 10

Gov’t stockpiling of cheap oil backed

A

MID low oil prices, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA) supports the Department of Energy’s plan to stockpile ready-touse fuel products and secure some of the country’s future requirements.

“Considering the historical volatility of global oil prices, it would make sense for government to take advantage of inexpensive oil and obtain at a bargain additional fuel supplies for use in extraordinary need,” said LPG-MA Rep. Arnel Ty, a senior member of the House energy committee.

FGOV’T, 10

DBM releases P5.3-B subsidy to agri GOCCS

T

THIRSTY FOR CHANGE. A boy sips softdrink from a cup printed with an image and name of presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte outside a popular convenience store which made unique marketing strategy by taking advantage of the election season to attract the public’s attention. Lean Daval Jr.

he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has announced the release of PHP5.3 billion in subsidies allocated to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the National Food Authority (NFA).

The releases were charged under the 2016 authorized appropriations of the two government-owned or –controlled corporations (GOCCs).

NFA received PHP4.25 billion in national government subsidy for the implementation of their Food Security Program.

Under the Food Security Program, the NFA buys palay directly from farmers.

Special Provision No. 1 of the NFA budget requires the agency to submit to DBM quarterly reports on the implementation status of the program. These should in-

FDBM, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 7

RISE OF THE PORK. A meat vendor displays pork meat at her stall inside Agdao Public Market yesterday. The price of pork meat is expected to rise as demand will go up after the observance of the Holy Week. Lean Daval Jr.

DOTC resets Sasa port bidding T

HE national government has reset for the third time the bidding of the controversial Sasa (Davao City) Port modernization project as it cancelled the bidding slated on March 28. The postponement to next month was announced in the bulletin of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

In the bulletin, the DOTC postponed the bidding process “from March 28 to a maximum of 30 days from

the date when all final clearances and approvals have been obtained from the concerned government agencies.”

This developed as Councilor Bernard E. Al-ag, majority leader of the Davao City Council, told reporters last week that DOTC emissaries have sought a meeting with members of the Council in an attempt to convince the local lawmakers to abandon their position rejecting the P18.9-bil-

lion port project.

Two meetings scheduled before the Lenten week by the DOTC in a posh hotel here did not push through after majority of the city councilors failed to attend the gathering.

Groups opposing the project have denounced attempts to pressure the city council into abandoning its position on the P18.99 billion project.

“We denounce this attempt by DOTC spending

taxpayer’s money for a useless attempt to fool again the good people of Davao. Since April (last year), we have been calling on them to stop the bidding of this anomalous project and return it to the drawing board where all stakeholders can participate in its planning,” said former city councilor Peter T. Lavina.

The city council earlier passed a resolution demanding that the controversial project be shelved because

its proponents failed to get the prior endorsement of the local government, a constitutional requirement.

Lavina also urged the National Economic d Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 11 to put to task the DOTC for its failure to comply with the conditions that they two earlier imposed on the project.

Lavina was referring to an earlier demand of the RDC that the proponents of

the project, the DOTC and the Public-Private Partnership Center, must ensure first that those to be displaced would be relocated and that all those using the port, not just the winning bidder, would be able to take advantage of the project.

Lavina and several other opposing groups have filed a writ of continuing mandamus and writ of kalikasan before the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of the project.

HE Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of P2,776, 100 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of its various aerospace ground

equipment.

The spare parts will ensure that all PAF’s available assets are mission-worthy at all times.

Submission and opening of bids is on March 31, 9

a.m. PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in a similar project within the last five years, PAF

bids and awards committee chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said in a bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

(PNA)

Chinese island province of Hainan.

“I think the new member issue will be solved before the end of this year,” he said.

A not-for-profit multilateral development bank initiated by China, the AIIB was officially established in December and it started operating in January. It is due to unveil its first proj-

ects in the first half of this year.

Existing financial institutions can not fully meet every nation’s infrastructure and other demands, so new ones like the AIIB will be a great help, Jin said.

The bank chief also said it is possible for China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to become

a member as a sub-sovereign government, based on the bank’s articles of agreement. Hong Kong representatives have been involved in the AIIB negotiations as part of the Chinese delegation.

As a major international banking center, Hong Kong will have a significant role to play, Jin said.

(PNA/Xinhua)

PAL opens Qatar PAF aerospace ground equipment up for repairs service March 28 T P HILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) continues its Middle East expansion with the opening of regular service to Doha starting March 28.

The five times weekly service (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) to Qatar’s capital city will utilize one of PAL’s newest aircraft, the Airbus 330.

The aircraft offers economy and premium economy service. The whole cabin comes with free wi-fi for 30 minutes and 15 mb of video streaming using the passengers’ personal devices through the app myPAL player which can be downloaded

through iTunes or Google store.

The inaugural flight will be marked with a formal dinner-reception on March 29 at the Sharq Village and Spa in Doha, with PAL executives, Qatari officials, travel agents, tour operators, local media and representatives of the Filipino community invited.

“Following our successful launch to Jeddah and Kuwait last January, PAL continues to grow its routes in the Middle East by opening a new route to Doha in Qatar.

Our overseas Filipino workers in Qatar can now enjoy

FPAL, 10

More than 30 countries waiting to join AIIB

B

OAO, Hainan (PNA/ Xinhua) -- There are more than 30 countries waiting to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in addition to its 57 founding members, the bank’s president said on Friday.

The AIIB is now working on accepting new members, Jin Liqun said at the Boao Forum for Asia on the

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

EDITORIAL Finding Easter

T

ODAY, March 27 is Easter Sunday for the Catholic faithful. What Easter means is as interesting as the fact that the word itself does not appear in the bible.

So what then is Easter?

Depending on the translation you use—the word “Easter” never appears in the Bible. Why is that? You could preach a sermon on the origin of the word “Easter” and its connection to the Passover.

Why is the most important Christian holiday nowhere mentioned by name in the Bible?

Actually, the word “Easter” does appear in the Bible, but only once—and only in one translation. Among all major English translations of the Scripture, only the King James Version uses the word “Easter.”

The standard Greek-English lexicon says that “the Easter festival” is a sense of the word pascha that developed only “in later Christian usage.” It’s very unlikely that “Easter” was a thing when Luke wrote Acts. That’s why no

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translations but one use the word.

Curiously, the word “Easter,” like the word “east,” comes from a word that meant “dawn,” which always shows up in the east. The Resurrection is associated with a new dawning. Greek’s pascha is directly related to the Hebrew word for “pass over,” the word used to refer to what the angel of death did in Exodus 12 when he saw doorposts with lamb’s blood. He “passed over” those homes. Most languages derive their word for Easter from their word for Passover.

Interestingly, Easter Sunday in Christian tradition is also associated with egg-hunting. Now, whether or not the word Easter itself is still the subject of a hunt for its real meaning in the scriptures can be ignored for the deeper significance and purpose of Easter which is how Catholics prepare their hearts for the day of resurrection.

The true search and hunting for Easter is in finding and preparing ourselves for the risen Christ.

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Portrait of the Filipino as a voter

S

INCE 1935 when the Philippine Commonwealth was installed in the country under the American pattern, the lowly citizen - Juan dela Cruz - has enjoyed a right that has since been the basic foundation of democracy: the right to vote and to be voted upon.

Guaranteed with it - as enshrined in the Constitution - are the fundamental freedoms for which our ancestors fought and fell and eventually handed down to the succeeding generations.

The Filipino - by birth-right - is a free-thinking citizen; independent, not the once-timid “indio” shackled by the chains of centuries of slavery and colonization.

This was the nationalistic mind-set of Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Gen. Antonio Luna, Marcelo H del Pilar, Lopez Jaena, Emilio Jacinto and a host of other Filipino heroes who ignited and espoused the idea of independence from their oppressive Spanish colonizers.

To be free, essentially, is a case of self-determination.

“H

ere’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently.

They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ― Rob Siltanen ***

In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown asked Linus: “Perhaps you can give me an answer. What would you do if you felt that no one liked you?” Linus replied, “I’d try to look at myself objectively, and see what I could do to improve. That’s my answer, Charlie Brown.” Hearing the answer, Charlie answered, “I hate that answer!”

There are a number of reasons why many of us, like Charlie Brown, resist change. After all, resistance to change is universal.

In May election, someone is offering some change. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is going to change what most politicians cannot do so. He has changed Davao City from being Asia’s Murder City to one of the safest cities in the world today.

What most people thought was impossible, Duterte did it. From banning smoking in public places to limiting the speed

To d a y, the term “self-determination’ has taken on another meaning.

SPECKS OF LIFE

More than eighty years – 81 to be Fred C. Lumba exact – after the Filipino was allowed the right to vote and be voted upon, he has yet to reach the ideal political maturity to put this country on the right track.

Like Esau who sold his birth-right to Jacob for food to survive hunger and thirst, the Filipino – for a measly sum, has likewise sold his birth-right to temporarily get over the hump.

Unfortunately for the succeeding generations, the selling of that birth-right eventually led to the unstable development and growth of a sordid political culture that is today hounding the entire Philippine citizenry.

The independent status granted us on July 4, 1946 by the Americans after just a year coming out of the ashes and ruins of World War II did not dramatically threw us back to the nationalistic mind-set of Rizal et al.

In fact, many politicians have craftily used sly tactics to win seats of national prominence and power in order to establish a family dynasty.

The Filipino electorate has fallen prey to the earthly promises and empty campaign rhetoric, often succumbing to material and monetary inducements that enabled moneyed but ill-equipped and morally-corrupt candidates to defeat deserving and qualified political contenders.

In many presidential jousts since then, the color of money has dimmed the Filipino’s perception of the real democracy. The unabashed use of government resources to promote the candidacy of an administration bet has become the order of the day. Violation after violation of the election law has not been effectively curbed because the eyes of Lady Justice have been conveniently turned around the

other way by sleazy operators and manipulators.

What we are today - as a people and as a nation - we can only attribute to the mendicant ideas and concepts we conjure for ourselves.

Sadly, the Filipino has inflicted upon himself a degenerative virus, transforming Juan dela Cruz into a poverty-stricken ignoramus afraid of facing the ghosts he himself has created.

The 2016 presidential tiff will showcase just how the Filipino as a voter has risen from his near-moribund state of political existence.

The issues that confront him are now more varied because the living conditions that exist today have become more complicated because of inter-connecting global socio-economic developments.

Is the “bakya” crowd – a derogatory term to describe the naive Pinoy “masa” of the fifties and sixties – still alive? Or is it dead and replaced by a new breed of Filipinos that is consumed by a neo-socio-political culture in search of its true identity? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). God bless the Philippines!

his mother and sisters, and transformed himself into one of the biggest movie stars in the world. He couldn’t read, and teachers said he was dyslexic. But he wouldn’t accept that and finally found the answer he needed – in an applied religious philosophy.

you’re through changing, you’re through,” said Bruce Barton. Or as American author Gail Sheeh puts it, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we are not really living.”

Change is coming

limit within the THINK ON THESE! city, from banning liquor after midnight to banning firecrackers during New Year and other special occasions, he was able to make his constituents folHenrylito D. Tacio low the law. henrytacio@gmail.com “We can’t be afraid of change,” C. JoyBell C. once reminded. “You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.”

The late Katharine Hepburn was the most Oscar awarded Hollywood star; she won four Oscars -- all for leading roles.

At one time, she said that oftentimes we blamed others for the fate we are in. But actually, it should be us to be blamed for what happened to us.

In Me: Stories of My Life, she wrote: “We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers - but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change you’re the one who has got to change.”

Change terrifies most of us. But one person who thrives on change is Tom Cruise.

Want proof? His dad abandoned his family, and he grew up poor. But he stuck close to

“I don’t agree with people who say, ‘Don’t change,’” said the actor who was catapulted to fame in Top Gun and received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Born On The Fourth of July (which was partly filmed in the Philippines). “When I was a kid, I said, ‘Man, I hope life gets better. I hope I change.’”

It was American President Barack Obama who said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

“The world hates change; yet it is the only thing that has brought progress,” says Charles Kettering. That is why we have to have a new president each six years. Old chief executive officers have to be retired so that new fresh ideas can be introduced in a struggling company.

“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it,” suggests Mary Engelbreit. After all, no one can defy changes. “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another,” Anatole France reminded.

“Welcome change as a friend: try to visualize new possibilities and the blessings it is bound to bring you,” says Alexander de Seversky. Don’t be afraid of change. “When

You may the most popular person in your company today. You may be the toast of the town in your university. You may be the most brilliant individual among your peers. But don’t let that fool you. Everything will come to pass.

But don’t worry. You have done something wonderful to other people. You have contributed something worthwhile to the world.

Are you ready for change?

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

That’s what Jon Krakauer wrote in Into the Wild.

So this coming May election, listen to the words of Martin Luther: “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.”

And vote wisely! -- ###

10 NEWS

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COMELEC... FROM 3 our best to think of effective and creative solutions for the upcoming elections,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said untrained Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) will be receiving new materials concerning the voter’s receipt and its process. “The 65 percent trained BEI’s will undergo refresher courses to make sure that they will receive the proper training,” he added.

Jimenez said about PHP435 million will be allotted for transportation allowance of 185,000 BEI’s and payment for the new venues where the training will be conducted.

Jimenez said the cost of thermal paper for the voter’s receipt is estimated at PHP600 million.

“Additional wages and overtime pay will also be allocated amounting to an estimate of PHP14 million

for the workers who will be testing the Vote Counting Machines (VCM),” he said.

In the case of the absentee voters, Jimenez said, the Comelec is still finding a solution to prevent the delay of overseas voting.

He said the VCM’s that has already been shipped will not be recalled. Instead, Comelec is planning to send SD cards containing the new configuration.(PNA)

HB 5863 proposes that the NSTP will now consist of the following service components: 1) Reserve Officers’ Training Service; 2) Enlisted Reservists’ Training Service; 3) Disaster Preparedness Training Service; and 4) Humanitarian Aid and Other Assistance Training Service.

Under the proposal,

Fuentebella said, State-run universities and colleges will be required to offer the Reserve Officers’ Training Service and the Enlisted Reservists’ Training Service to all their students who will also be granted preference in joining the AFP and PNP subject to other requirements of existing laws, rules and regulations.

The measure provides for a budgetary support annual General Appropriations Act for each of the AFP and PNP in the amount not less than one percent of the total national budget which will be administered by the Secretary of National Defense and the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, respectively, he said. (PNA)

IDC President Jose “Jojo” D. Leviste III said the two towers of Primavera City Phase 1 is designed to have 337 units, 57 of them commercial units; 231 are studio-type; 22 are one-bedroom units, and 27 are two-bedroom units.

Their average sizes are 50 to 60 square meters (sqm) for commercial units, 28 sqm for studio-type units, 47 sqm for the single-bedroom units, and 70 sqm for the two-bedroom units.

“We will conduct extensive marketing for our target buyers that include employed and/or self employed individuals with gross family income of at least P50,000 such as local entrepreneurs, SME’s, OFW’s, young professionals and retirees, among others.

With Cagayan de Oro City now an emerging tourism and investment destination

in the country, Primavera City is a great buy, not just for first-time home owners, but also for investors,” Leviste, a lawyer, stressed.

Nati said Primavera City is envisioned to be another IDC award-winning sustainabledevelopment project, with its passive green features, such as increased natural ventilation, shaded façade and semi-transparent photovoltaic panels covering the amenities located on the rooftop, among others. The project has been recognized as highly commended condo by the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network (CTIPFAN) in Singapore in 2014.

IFC Global Green Building Specialist Prashant Kapoor, IFC World Bank Legal Advisor and IFC Philippines head of Green Building Program Tess

Lacerna, and IFC Country Manager Jane Xu awarded the certificates to Primavera Residences Tower A & B as the “First Completed Condominium Project in East Asia Certified by EDGE.” EDGE is an innovation of the IFC - World Bank Group.

It helps property developers build and brand their properties “green.” It is the highest and most desirable program in the international real estate industry. EDGE is supported by a software that encourages solutions to reduce energy, water and energy consumption by at least 20 percent, which is the standard for EDGE certification.

IDC has notched a series of milestones and achievements. It recently had its successful listing at the Philippine Stock Exchange. ###

for projects not covered by the earlier fund release for Irrigation Network Services.

Out of NIA’s total appropriation of PHP32.74 billion in the 2016 National budget, PHP20 billion has been re-

leased to date.

Irrigation Network Services consists of the extension and expansion of existing irrigation systems, repair, operation, and maintenance of pumping sys-

tems, repair of groundwater systems, irrigation management support services, rehabilitation of irrigation works damaged by typhoon Yolanda, and climate change adaptation works. (PNA)

that distinct Filipino service that will bring them much closer to home,” said PAL President Jaime J. Bautista.

Tickets for the Manila-Doha route starts at US $665 (one way), and US $760 (roundtrip). The Doha-Manila tickets, mean-

while, starts at QAR 980 (one way) and QAR 1,400 (round trip). (For more information on fares, please visit www. philippineairlines.com) The new service will allow the 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Qatar a convenient route to and

from their motherland. Likewise, Qataris can now enjoy an easy route to discover the wonders of the Philippines and Philippine Airlines through convenient connections to any of PAL’s 30 domestic and 43 international destinations.

SOLON... FROM 4

ITALPINAS... FROM 6

DBM... FROM 6

PAL... FROM 7

WORSHIP. Boys kneel down while listening to the Liturgy of Word during the celebration of the Mass of the Presanctified at St. Joseph the Worker Parish along Doña Pilar Avenue in Sasa on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

FIGHTING... FROM 6 RCBC Jupiter branch on Feb. 4, 2016, the four accounts that were opened in May 2015 were inactive until it received the funds from the Federal Reserve of New York.

The money was sent to the account of one Michael Francisco Cruz, which received USD 6 million; Jessie Christopher Lagrosas, USD30 million; Alfred Santos Vergara, USD 19.99 million; and Enrico Teodoro Vasquez, USD 25 million.

Bacay said this should made bank officials suspicious about the transaction.

The BSP learned of the alleged money laundering only on Feb. 11, after BB asked for BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.’s assistance to recover the stolen money.

Bacay said they started the investigation on Feb. 12 but only got a freeze order against suspected bank accounts only on March 1, due to several factors like holidays and weekends s well as following the correct processes.

Amidst the alleged money laundering involving a Philippine-based universal

bank and a remittance company, Bacay stressed that the country’s AMLA remains firm.

She, however, said that amendments like inclusion of casinos and real estate agents as among the covered entities are needed to further strengthen the law.

She also said that absolute lifting of the bank secrecy law will further help the country’s anti-money laundering system.

“Absolute (lifting) will be better,” she said but admitted that they “will face an uphill battle” to achieve this. (PNA)

minority leader, said.

In any future crisis, Ty said ready access to supplemental fuel supplies that can be easily released into the market may be enough to protect consumers and deter potential pricing abuses.

Under Presidential Decree 334, the lawmaker said the PNOC is duty-bound “to provide and maintain an adequate and stable supply of oil and refined fuel products

for the domestic requirement.”

He said the Philippine government actually started resorting to fuel reserves in 2011, when oil prices soared to USD120 per barrel at the height of the Arab Spring and the rebellion against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

In April that year, President Aquino ordered the PNOC to procure a shipment

of 50 million liters of diesel, then worth some Php2.3 billion, for emergency use. The supplies were hoarded in two tank farms leased by a PNOC subsidiary.

Also that year, fears of potential supply disruptions prompted the Philippine government to obtain assurances from its oil-producing neighbor, Indonesia, for additional provisions should the need arise. (PNA)

GOV’T... FROM 6

11 BIGGER PICTURE What makes Davao City exceptional?

EDGE DAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

ENTION Davao City and what comes into your mind? Durian and other fruits, waling-waling and other flowers, the tallest mountain (Mount Apo) and the largest city (in terms of land area), no smoking and speed limit, and tough leader (“The Punisher”) and equally tough daughter (“The Puncher”).

But there’s more to all of these which most people don’t know. In fact, some of those living in the city themselves are also not aware of what makes Davao City exceptional compared with other highly-urbanized areas in the country.

Central 911 For one, Davao City is the first city in Asia (and the third in the world -- after the United States and Canada) to use 911 as the number to be dialed in case of emergency. Dialing the number from any telephone will immediately link the person to an emergency dispatch center -- called PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) by the telecom industry -- which can send emergency responders to the caller’s location in an emergency.

The Central 911 was officially launched in September 2002 “to address emergency calls for criminal incidents needing police assistance,” according to a document obtained by this author. But as years went by, it has done more than that. Today, it has the capability to respond to almost any type of emergency.

“Aside from police services,

it also caters to emergency medical services, urban search and rescue operations, fire auxiliary services, and K-9 units,” the document said. “The presence and the availability of a response mechanism resulted to increased awareness among the constituents and visitors of Davao City to report crime and emergency incidents which serves to mitigate or avoid further aggravating the situations and minimize the loss of lives and properties.”

The Central 911 is manned by 24 call takers and 16 dispatchers/trackers who are working round-the-clock.

“By dialing 911, residents needing assistance can immediately summon responders to the scene of emergency,” the document said, adding that it has simplified the emergency process by integrating all the government’s emergency response resources (ambulance, rescue technicians, firefighters, K-9, and the police) into one.

Today, emergency response is now part of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), which was created through Executive Order No. 18 Series of 2012, specifically to provide protection, security, safety and risk management to the people of Davao City.

The PSSCC operates through coordinative approach to address the different issues of safety and security relative to crime, terrorism, security, traffic, health and social services, emergency services, and disaster risk reduction by using information, people, technology, and intelligent solutions.

Philippine Eagle Center Also unique to Davao City is the Philippine Eagle Center, the only one in the Philippines and located in Malagos, Calinan.

Some 30 kilometers northwest and about an hour’s ride from downtown Davao, the center is the transient home of the critically endangered bird species.

The eagle center was opened to the public in 1988.

Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, it offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s forDr. Mae Dolendo talking with a cancer est ecosystem (as it is located patient while grandfather is looking. at the foothills of Mount Apo,

the country’s highest peak).

Here, visitors – both locals and foreigners – can see more than a dozen eagles, some of which were rescued after they were trapped or shot.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI), which manages the center, firmly believes that the fate of the endangered Philippine eagle, the health of the country’s environment, and the quality of Filipino life are inextricably linked. “By using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, we are, in the process, saving wildlife and their habitat,” points out Dennis Salvador, the PEFI executive director.

The eagle center has been doing its best to educate the Filipino people as to the importance of the bird and its habitat. Guests are charged a nominal fee to enter the facility.

The proceeds are used to support research and conservation efforts of the PEFI. The center depends largely on donations from individuals and multinational companies.

The Philippine Eagle Center is open from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon daily, including holidays.

Bahay Pag-asa for Children Presidential aspirant Rodrigo R. Duterte (who is still the mayor of the city) may be critical of the law “but he is also one of the best implementors of the Juvenile Justice Act,” former Senator Francis Pangilinan was quoted as saying by media when the lawmaker visited the Children’s Village of Davao City-Bahay Pag-asa in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok.

The said village is the temporary shelter for children in conflict with the law (CICL).

Their cases have already been filed in court and are just waiting for the disposition of their cases. Those with filed cases were involved in drugs, murder, robbery, theft, frustrated murder and frustrated homicide.

“Children deserve a second chance,” said Liway Calidgong, who is with the City Social Services and Development Office.

It started as the “Lamdag sa Kabataan Boy’s Home,”

The Bahay Pag-asa and children in conflict with the law.

Inside Public Safety and Security Command Center

which was located in San Pedro Street before. To accommodate more CICL, majority of which are boys, the children’s village came into existence. It was the city’s response to Republic Act No. 9344, otherwise known as Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006.

The village serves as a 24/7 facility that provides them some programs and services to enhance their social functioning. In the past, only 15-18 years old were served but with the amended the amended R.A. 10630, the facility now caters to children aged 13-17 years old, and those children at risk.

Meanwhile, Duterte said he will call for a reversion of the old law should he win in the presidential elections. But he added that he will put up correctional facilities for children so that later on, they can be prosecuted as adult offenders. “And if the court says they have been rehabilitated after spending time in the facility then their criminal records will be removed,” the mayor said.

Ray of Hope for Women If children have Bahay Pagasa, women who are behind bars have the Ray of Hope Village, which features 10 duplexes, a multipurpose hall, a nursing room and other amenities for children and mothers.

The 5,400 square meter area used to be an idle lot inside the jail compound in Maa City Jail until Gawad Kalinga (GK) transformed it to what is now a humane haven for the women prisoners.

According to Senior Superintendent Grace Dun Taculin, the Maa jail warden, the houses are designed with landscape and veranda. The main space serves as sleeping quarters during the night where the inmates sleep on rubber cushions. But during the day, it is used as a multi-purpose room, a prayer and counseling room, work area, classroom or music room.

Windows are still made of decorative steel grills, but the “bakasyonista” (as they are called) can put some curtains in the windows. There are about 420 of them and more than 80% of the cases are drug-related.

The village serves as hope for the women inmates. Although some of them are already forgotten by families and friends, the community they are living now can remind them of how it is living outside. Once they get out from the facility, they won’t have a problem integrating with the society.

House of Hope Cancer is a rare disease among children, occurring in only one of 5,000 children every year. “The types of cancer that we see in children are different from adults,” says Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, the head of the Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit of the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), the largest public hospital in Mindanao.

“Childhood cancers are usually embryonal or deep seated and aggressive while adult cancers are epithelial in origin and can be slow growing,” Dr. Dolendo explains.

It was Dr. Dolendo who convinced the SPMC to convert an old dorm within the compound into what is now known as the House of Hope.

It was renovated to serve as a transient home for children with cancer.

“Every year, almost 150 new patients from all over Mindanao come to seek treatment to SPMC,” she says.

In 2007, the House of Hope, a single-floor facility with seven rooms, was launched. Since then, more than 2,700 patients and 4,000 caregivers have benefited from its clean and wholesome environment. Two caregivers are allowed for each patient;

Central 911 the caregivers help keep the house and its environment clean in exchange for a free stay.

Those who stay at the House of Hope are not only from the far-flung places of Davao region; some come from provinces as far as Zamboanga, Cotabato, Saranggani, and Surigao. “In fact, there are those from the Visayas and even from Luzon who came here for treatment,” Dr. Dolendo says.

“We monitor our patients closely after treatment,” she says. “Chances of relapse is higher during the first two years and we sigh with relief after 5 years but we consider ten years without relapse as cure.”

Most people believe that if a person is diagnosed of having a cancer, it mean’s death sentence. This must be the reason why it launched recently the “Survivor’s Day,” which was celebrated last December 8.

“We asked those survivors of child cancer to come here on the said date,” Dr. Dolendo says. “We want to celebrate life and provide inspiration to other patients who are undergoing treatment.” -- ###

The endangered Philippine Eagle

Women inmates performing.

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EDGEDAVAO STYLE

The return of

DABAWENYO FASHION THE ACTIVITY CENTER OF THE ABREEZA MALL WAS A BEEHIVE OF ACTIVITY as the Davao Fashion Design Council together with the Philippine Women’s Collage of Davao, Epson, and Team Maquillage (headed by stylist Otoi Mercado) held the first Davao Fashion Weekend last March 18 to 19.

The weekend-long affair had four fashion shows featuring Abreeza Mall’s premier brands, Davao’s emerging designers, and the officers of the Davao Fashion Design Council on the Edgar Buyan

FASHION A4

Aztec Barba

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STYLE

Fresh looks

by Davao’s young fashion mavens

By Kenneth Irving Ong

ASIDE FROM LUXE BRANDS, AND THE DESIGNS OF THE DAVAO FASHION DESIGN COUNCIL, the recently concluded Davao Fashion Nikole Rule Weekend also featured Davao City’s new emerging fashion designers who Andi Amora showcased a kaleidoscope of designs and trends for every Dabawenyo life- Modern Florals style and taste.

Floral prints are always present on the runway. For the New Generation Here are some of the most notable looks on the runway as designed and Fashion Show, florals took on a new sleeker look with collections by Andi interpreted by Davao’s young designers.

Amoa and Nikole Rule casting aside traditional romantic silhouettes and Sophisticated Chic

going for more modern applications of the print.

Designers such as Samantha Liao and Edzel Balofinos used modern materials in bold colours paired with chic chunky accessories to complete the look of a strong sophisticated woman without taking away from femininity.

Urban Chill

Recognising Davao’s new urban spaces and culture, designers such as Mandy Velasco and Lala Chua came up with collections that are modern and easy to wear with clean lines accentuated with textural details.

Resort Vibes

Mandy Velasco

Samantha Liao

Edzel Balofinos

Fashion is not limited to the city, and designers Frances Marie Tendencia and Neil Patrick Jimlani’s resort vibes play with Mindanao rich patterns and colours adding glam to the sun, sand, and sea.

Lala Chua

Frances Marie Tendencia

Sporty Glam Jozel Ignes

Wilson Limon

Jun Artajo

Neil Patrick Jimlani

The fitness trend is still strong as designers Wilson Limon, Jun Artajo, and Jozel Ignes used modern textiles paired with modern sporty silhouettes for their collections.

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EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Himig Handog 2016’ finals night set this April THE HIGHLY A N T I C I PAT E D FINALS NIGHT of the country’s biggest worldwide OPM songwriting competition “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2016” is set to take place at the Kia Theather on April 24 (Sunday) featuring some of the industry’s most popular musicians.

It will be hosted by Robi Domingo, Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano, and Kathryn Bernardo and will feature special performances by Daniel Padila and other surprise guests.

The culmination of this year’s “Himig Handog” will also feature the country’s most popular singers’ live performances of the top 15 songs picked out from over 6,000 entries attracted by the competition.

Exciting numbers to watch out for are the duets of Kyla and Kris Lawrence on “Monumento” composed by Jungee Marcelo, Angeline

Quinto and Michael Pangilinan on “Parang Tayo Pero Hindi” by Marlon Barnuevo, KZ Tandingan featuring Jay-R on “Laban Pa”

by David Dimaguila, Janella Salvador and Marlo Mortel on “Mananatili” by Francis Louis Salazar, and Bailey May and Ylona Garcia on “O Pag-ibig” by Honlani Rabe and Jack Rufo.

Completing the list of interpreters are Barbie Almalbis for “Ambon”

by Nica Del Rosario, Nyoy Volante for “Patay na si Uto” by Oliver Narag, Itchyworms for “Dalawang Letra” by Davey Langit, Kaye Cal for “Nyebe” by Aries Sales, Morissette for “Diamante” by Jungee Marcelo, Juris for “Bibitawan Ka” by Hazel Faith Dela Cruz, Klarisse De Guzman for “Sana Tumibok Muli” by Jose Joel Mendoza, Jona for “Maghihintay Ako” by Dante Bantatua, Daryl Ong for “Minamahal Pa Rin Ako” by Rolando Azor, and Jolina Magdangal for “Tama Lang” by Agatha and Melvin Morallos.

Like its previous runs, “Himig Handog” will be awarding P1 million to the grand prize winner, while P500,000 will be brought home by the 2nd Best Song. The composers of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Best Songs will receive P200,000, P150,000, and P100,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, fans can support their favorite

song entries and interpreters by voting for them in these special awards categories.

For the MOR 101.9’s “MOR’s Choice,” just text MORHHSONG <1 to 15> and send it to 2366 for all networks. There is also the “Onemusic. ph Favorite Interpreter” that supporters can vote for at onemusic. ph. For the “Star Music

Listeners Choice,” just buy the “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2016” album, check your choice of song in the voting coupon found inside the album. Drop boxes are located at the counter of record outlets.

The top 15 songs are also featured in music videos created by students

from the country’s top universities and colleges, including Ateneo De Manila University, University of Sto. Tamos, University of the East, Far Eastern University, PUP Manila, Mapua Institute of Technology, College of St. Benilde, San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos, Miriam College, San Beda College Alabang, St. Paul University Manila, Meridian International College, Asia Pacific College, Asia Pacific Film Institute, and iAcademy.

Don’t miss the “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” finals night on April 24 at the Kia Theater. Buy your tickets now, call TicketNet at 911-5555 or visit www. ticketnet.com.ph.

For additional information and the complete voting mechanics for the special awards, visit w w w.facebook.com/ mor1019 and onemusic. ph/himig-handog. To watch the recording sessions and lyrics videos of the songs, go to www.youtube.com/ starrecordsinc/videos.

GMA News launches ‘Eleksyon 2016 Sticker Pack’ on Viber TAKING ITS ELECTIONS ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN TO ANOTHER LEVEL, GMA News has partnered with instant messaging app Viber to launch a special “Eleksyon 2016 Sticker Pack”.

The “Eleksyon 2016 Sticker Pack,” which was made available last February 18, enables Viber users to not only spice up their conversations, it also gives them instant access to GMA News Public Chat. The initiative is part of the Kapuso Network’s “Dapat Tama” campaign that encourages Filipinos to do what is right come election day.

“GMA News believes that messaging is the new social media.

Messaging apps have enabled people to create communities where conversations thrive, and we wanted to be part of those conversations,” says Sheila Paras, Publisher, GMA News Online. According to her, the Network has been constantly on a lookout for opportunities to

expand its reach and deliver news to people in ways that are familiar and comfortable to them.

She shares that as one of the most widelyused messaging apps in the Philippines, Viber is a stable platform that continues to innovate.

“We also took into account Viber’s efforts to broaden its appeal to multiple demographics through Public Chat.

It’s in sync with our objectives in GMA News, especially for Eleksyon 2016,” adds Paras.

On top of news and election-related information, Viber users following the GMA News Public Chat will also get updates directly from reporters in the field.

“App users will not only receive the latest updates about the elections, they’ll also be privy to what’s going on behind-the-scenes as our reporters share photos and their experiences on the campaign trail. We’re also doing a couple of Q & As on that page with some of our partner

organizations as guest participants,” adds Paras.

The instant messaging and VoIP app company, meanwhile, has lauded the Network’s election education campaigns.

“Viber is proud to partner with GMA News to promote responsible voting and fair elections.

The Eleksyon 2016 Viber Stickers and GMA News Public Chat aim to engage and create awareness among Filipino voters through proactive conversations,” says Carlo Velasco, Creative & PR manager, Viber Southeast Asia.

The GMA News Public Chat is currently the most followed Philippine news organization on Viber. It is available at Viber.com/GMANews.

Meanwhile, Viber users just need to follow the steps below to get the “Eleksyon 2016 Sticker Pack”: For Android users: 1. Select “Sticker Market” from your “More Options” menu.

2. Find the “Eleksyon

2016 Dapat Tama” pack to open the sticker package preview.

3. Select the green button at the top of the sticker package preview 4. When the download is complete, the package will be available in the sticker menu.

For iOS users: 1. Select “Sticker Market” from your “More Options” menu.

2. Find the “Eleksyon 2016 Dapat Tama” pack to open the sticker package preview.

3. Select the green button at the top of the sticker package preview 4. When the download is complete, the package will be available in the sticker menu.

Once the sticker pack is downloaded, the user automatically becomes a follower of the GMA News Public Chat page on Viber.

Since its launch, the Eleksyon 2016 sticker pack has been downloaded by more than 80,000 Viber users.

March 26 – 27, 2016

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG

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

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 3D Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG

2:00 | 5:00 | 8:00 LFS

HELE SA HIWAGANG HAPIS Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz PG

1st Half 1:00 | 2nd Half 5:30

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

STYLE

Dodjie Batu

Egay Ayag

FASHION A1

Windel Mira

first day, and the PWC Fashion Design School’s graduation show on the second day.

The highlight of the weekend featured the Davao Fashion Design Council on their A-game as they returned to the runway on their first outing after a long time, and clearly Davao’s mostloved designers are back with a vengeance.

DFDC president, Aztac Barba opened the show with brightlycoloured neoprene dresses in classic European silhouettes. He was immediately followed by Bamba Limon who used denim as his inspiration to bridge the

Emi Alexander Englis gap between casual and chic.

Playing with transparency and volume, Benjie Panizales’ dresses used lace in modern colours and quirky silhouettes.

Inspired by his recent trip to Ibiza, Dodjie Batu’s romantic play suits for woman and tailored tops with tattoo cutouts for men can easily transition from a day out in the town to a happening white party in the evening.

Soft and romantic, Egay Ayag’s crimson dresses with caplets and overcoats evoke tales of princesses in their search for a happy-ever-after. While Egay chose to compliment the woman, Windel Mira came up with modern and playful silhouettes

Bamba Limon for men that evoke origami and sports shoes.

A master of couture techniques, Emi Alexander Englis’ collection in greys and whites was sultry and soft but with the no-frills approach of the strong modern woman.

The show ended with Edgar Buyan’s collection which featured candy-coloured neoprene tops for men and women and lavishly embroidered floral cutout dresses for women.

The Davao Fashion Weekend may have took a while to bear fruit again but from the many new ideas and designs that bore fruit that weekend, I am glad that Dabawenyo fashion is back.

Benjie Panizales

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EDGEDAVAO

We are now hiring for the ff. job vacancies:

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER (C.S.O.) Scope of Work: • Handling of customer services (e.g. inquiries, complaints, scheduling of services) • Preparation of quotation for clients • STARTING SALARY: P12, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE)

2. TECHNICAL ENGINEER (T.E.) Scope of Work: • Installation/Programming/Configuration for the ff. products *CCTV, PABX, PABGM, INTERCOM, BIOMETRICS, ACCESS CONTROL, FIRE ALARM • STARTING SALARY: P13, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 3.ACCOUNTS MANAGER (A.M.) Scope of Work: • Sales & Marketing for New Clients • STARTING SALARY: P15, 000 UP (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE)

4. STORE SUPERVISOR Scope of Work: • Responsible for daily store operation • Handling of manpower

Please email your resume to: sales@vmtech.com.ph or marcxtian@yahoo.com For walk in applicants, you may call the ff. branches: Cebu Office: (032) 2380912 Globe: 09173293471 • Sun: 09255014723 Davao Office: (082) 2212789 Globe: 09177952469 • Sun: 09322448030

NEWS 13

DOH cascades Zika drive to private hospitals P ATIENTS going to private hospitals now will have greater chance to learn about Zika virus infection and be armed with information they need to know about it.

This is because the Department of Health (DOH has started distributing informative materials to private hospitals as part of its efforts in bringing the correct information to the people.

The informative materials were developed by the

DOH Health Promotions and Communication Service (DOHHPCS) and presented to the media and members of the medical societies during the orientation on Zika virus infection held last March 18 among medical practitioners.

The information package includes reading materials containing frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Zika, health advisory and video materials which can be read, listened to or watched as the patients, their

companions or relatives make a visit to a hospital and staying in the lobby or waiting area.

Also included are questions and answers on how a person can be infected with Zika, what are the possible ways to do to prevent Zika virus, what is microcephaly, who will be tested for Aika infection, what is Guillain-Barre Syndrome, is there a threat of Zika in the Philippines, where the Zika test can be availed, potential causes of microcephaly, aside from Zika, and many others.

According to Evelyn Perez, DOH-HPCS information officer, the medical societies can help in propagating the right information in the hospital settings.

Perez said that the information materials will help in addressing the concerns of pregnant women clients and those who want to get pregnant in the future during consultation period in the hospital.

“So here, we have an advisory wherein you can discuss with them the key facts, transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention, and many others,” said Perez during the orientation held at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Sta. Cruz where she presented some of the video materials created by DOH for information dissemination.

(PNA)

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 17 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2016

RIO-BOUND. Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan (center) who has earned a spot to the 2016 Rio Para Games, is joined in this recent FAST Fridays forum by table tennis player Smith Billy Carteral, FAST Fridays moderator Neil Bravo of Edge Davao, and PHILSPADA Davao president and chess player James Infiesto. Lean Daval Jr.

4 more join Ernie to Rio F

OUR more Filipino athletes are set to join Dabawenyo swimmer Ernie Gawilan in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Paralympic Games.

According to Philippine

Sports Association for the Differently-Abled (Philspada) president Mike Barredo, the four athletes are Josephine Medina of table tennis, sprinter Jerold Mangliwan, long

jumper Andy Avellana, and powerlifter Adeline Ancheta.

So far, there will be five athletes who will compete in the Paralympic Games in Rio De Janeiro from September

tournaments are still to be held within the year.

“We expect more athletes from swimming and athletics to qualify,” Barredo said.

The five Paralympians

will see action in 5th National Para Games from March 27 to April 2 in Marikina City as they clash against current and aspiring national team members.

THEY’RE OFF AND RUNNING Sportsmen join hunt for election seats

S

EYES ON THE SENATE. Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, interviewed here by Edge Davao two years ago at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, where he first intimated his desire to run for the Senate.

7-18 with Gawilan having qualified by surpassing the Paralympic standard in the 400m freestyle.

Barredo hopes that more athletes will be able to make it to Rio as qualifying

PORTS and politics do mix and in this country, it’s that time of the year when sportsmen conquer another court.

Spin.ph reported in its online sports news website the athlets and sports personalities who are running in this year’s elections.

Spin.ph editor Gerry Ramos listed among others eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao who is running for Senate, former Senator and World Cup bowler Tito Sotto, and Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

The local campaign for the coming national elections officially begins on Good Friday, but since it’s a holiday, the ball won’t formally starts rolling until Monday.

But a quick look at some of the personalities running for local office – and national as well – would reveal quite a number of them are involved in sports.

On top of the list is no other than boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, a two-term congressman of Sarangani province who’s seeking

a Senate seat. Although currently in the U.S. training for his April 9 fight against Timothy Bradley, the 37-year-old Filipino ring icon is expected to go on the campaign trail full-blast once he returns to the country on April 14.

Pacquiao, the richest athlete in the country – and among the millionaire sportsmen around the world has builthis program around his goal to alleviate poverty in the Philippines. As he said, it takes one to know one.

“Hindi niya kayang talikuran ang mga mahihirap na tao, kasi ang inyong lingkod ay galing rin sa hirap,” said the eight-time world division champion. “Kaya kahit nakatalikod ako at may narinig akong mahirap, kahit hindi ko siya tingnan, tinutusok ang puso ko dahil doon ako galing.”

Another well-known sports figure running for the Senate is re-electionist Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III. Although known as a comedian, TV host, and songwriter, he is actually a great bowler who

represented the country not once but twice in the World Cup (1978 in Bogota, Colombia and 1984 Sydney, Australia) and has recorded three perfect games in tournament play.

Sotto also happens to be a very good golfer, who has three hole in one feats under his belt.

On the local front, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao will be running for a second term as congressman of the first district of Pampanga.

The veteran mentor was vice-governor of the province before running for a seat in the House of Representative, while his late father, Bren Guiao, once served as governor of Pampanga during the term of President Aquino.

Globalport owner Mikee Romero is also seeking a congressional seat as the top nominee of the party list 1Pacman (Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals).

A former basketball godfather and president of the national associations of shooting and cycling, Romero trains his sights on improving the sports sector in the country, foremost of which is

the creation of a Department of Sports that directly falls under the discretion of the President.

“It would be a big legacy for me as a sportsman if I can put up the Department of Sports,” he said. “By doing it, magiging automatic cabinet member whoever will be appointed to the position.

And automatically, problems in local sports will be elevated directly to the president.”

Incidentally, 1Pacman party list’s second nominee is Mahindra team manager Eric Pineda.

Former national archer Enrique ‘Kit’ Cojuangco is the current vice governor of Tarlac, but is reportedly being groomed as replacement for his late father Henry Cojuangco, as representative of the first district of the province.

Over in the 1st district of Manila, former Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) president Manny Lopez will again try to snare a seat in congress. He is the son of former congressman and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Mel Lopez. (Spin.ph)

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

FALLING SHORT CMO bows to younger BFP side 99-77

B

UREAU Fire Protection handed City Mayors Office its second loss with a 99 – 77 victory on Wednesday night in the Apollo C. Quiboloy Cup at the ACQ Gym. Michael Manguhig

and Jan Lumogda exploded for a combined 51 points with 26 and 25 respectively to lead the charge for the BFP. The all-aound performance of the two youthful versatile Firemen subdued

the City Hall dribblers who dropped to 1 – 2.

Christopher “Bong” Go, the trusted executive aide of presidential contender Rodrigo Duterte, nailed five three pointers to finish the game with 26

points.

With its much youthful and athletic roster, the Firemen dictated the tempo of the match towering over the City Hall dribblers at all front.

Go played his usual

game and put up average numbers in a losing cause for CMO which lost its debut game and bounced back with a big win against 10th ID on Tuesday.

JR De Guzman and

Weng Farochillen made 12 and 11 points as Rodel Bantilan had 10 for CMO. Neri scored chipped in 16 ponts for the BFP which drew 11 from Robert Namuag and 10 from Michael Agustin.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO PINOYS. Golden State star guard Steph Curry and the rest of the Warriors wore tri-star Plipinas emblem shirts on Friday night to pay tribute to the Filiipinos in the Bay Area.

Solido FC wins Araw bootfest

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

BIG MAC. Former PBA cager Mark Andaya (left), photographed here with Davao City Mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte and The Royal Mandaya Hotel president Glenn Escandor (right), is gunning for a council seat in Manila.

S

njb@edgedavao.net

OLIDO FC won all but one of their matches in a near-perfect stint that netted the ballclub the 2016 Araw Ng Davao football tournament championship at the Tionko football field on March 19-

20.

The 35-year old and above club won the title after winning all their matches and drawing once. The Orangemen is composed of Buboy Arrieta, Cocoy Arrieta, Pablo Garcia,

Jay Miguel, Chuck Tabamo, Richard Moltillero, Matthew Mark Descallar, Ramir Hse (goalkeeper), Bong Gapultos, Tope Toribio and Austin Emerson.

M7 United led by footballer-doctor Kix

Latayan settled for second and Columbia FC placed third while Instatech was fourth.

The tournament was played under the double round robin elimination format.

SOLIDO FC. Members of the Solido FC squad pose after winning the championship. Standing from left: Austin Emeson Jr. , Richard Mortillero, Christopher Toribio , Kokoi Arrieta , Rmir Hse, Mark Descallar, and Pablo Garcia. Squating form left: Buboy Arrieta, Jay Miguel, George Valenzona, Chuck Tabamo , Bong Gapultos, Bryan Acut (coach).

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