VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
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CANDIDATES SECURITY. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna explains to members of the media the content of the Philippine National Police (PNP) handbook entitled Personal Security for Candidates to Elective Positions during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at Camp Domingo Leonor. Lean Daval Jr.
BEAUTY QUEEN DISAPPEARS Missing is 2002 Mutya ng Davao Mary Carmel Osmeña By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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NVESTIGATORS of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) are looking into the mysterious disappearance of a former beauty queen of the city reported by the family as missing since April 2. DCPO spokesperson Chief Insp. Milgrace C. Driz said in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps forum, the family of 2002 Mutya ng Davao Mary Carmel
Osmeña went to Talomo Police Station last April 9 to report the incident. Driz said the investigator told her that, around 2:30 p.m. of April 2, Osmeña was seen by her family riding a Mid Valley taxi in the Maa area where the Osmeña family resides. “After that, the family did not know where she went,” she said.
She said the investigators are now investigating the taxi company that she rode before she was reported missing. Driz urged the cab driver who conveyed Osmeña during that time to go to the police and inform authorities where he dropped the former beauty queen. “Baka po makatulong po kayo at mabigyan natin ng linaw
kung saan po to si Ms. Osmeña (Maybe you can be a big help and give a lead where Ms. Osmeña went), ” she said. Before the incident was reported to the police, Driz said the parents had already asked their relatives but to no avail. She said the father of Osmeña told the police that she is married to James Pitt, British
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Mary Carmel Osmeña (photo from Facebook)
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
RODY DUTERTE’S ADMIRERS. Young supporters of leading Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte show a message for the mayor through a mobile phone to express their admiration and affection during a campaign sortie in Marikina City on Tuesday night. (Rody Duterte: The Real Change photo)
Nat’l drainage body creation proposed A
LAWMAKER has proposed the creation of the National Drainage Authority (NDA) that shall study, improve, administer and construct all national drainage systems in the country. Rep. Kimi S. Cojuangco (5th District, Pangasinan), author of House Bill 6394, proposed the NDA creation noting the importance of a system solely dedicated for drainage. The bill hopes to address the perennial problem of flooding caused by the “tambak” or filling-up practice of Filipinos. Cojuangco said billions if not trillions of pesos of private
capital end up trapped in the “tambak” practice as citizens try in vain to cope with the problems of flooding in establishments and residences. Cojuangco said with the increase in number of “filled” areas comes an increase in the number of lots and properties with entrapped water. “This not only makes it difficult to develop the land, it becomes a breeding ground for diseases such as dengue which endangers the entire community,” she said. “One of the biggest problems the country faces, especially in the urban areas, is
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Comelec-ARMM, Region 12 reshuffle EOs ahead of polls
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OLL officials down to the municipal level have been reshuffled in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and in Region 12 or the SOCCSKSARGEN region as preparations for the May national and local elections heat up, election officials said. In Maguindanao, all the 36 municipal election officers have been transferred to Lanao del Sur while election officers from Lanao Sur were moved to Maguindanao. Lawyer Muamar Guyo, Maguindanao election officer, said the reshuffling was in compliance with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)
directive to ensure balloting next month will be efficiently administered. “Before the actual transfer, we met with election officials and they all accepted the new assignments without reservations,” Guyo told reporters. The revamp which started this week was aimed to ensure the upcoming election will be impartial and credible. “We have met all major stakeholders in the conduct of elections, especially our deputies, the police and the military, so everything is going on smoothly,” Guyo added. Election officials at the municipal level in Basilan, Sulu
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Rody expects black propa after topping 2 surveys By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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HE camp of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expects more black propaganda and personal attacks after Duterte topped the two surveys released this week. “We have been seeing old issues being resurrected with more intensity,” Duterte’s national campaign manager Leoncio Evasco said in a statement. Evasco said the vilification campaign against Duterte will reach new heights now that he has taken the lead in voter preference.
Duterte topped the two recent surveys of Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The Pulse Asia survey is commissioned by ABS-CBN. Mayor Duterte rose to 30 percent in the Pulse Asia Survey and topped the SWS survey with 27 percent. Evasco said they will not back down from these “sinister attacks.” “We have truth on our side,” he said. “They cannot shoot down the clamor of the people for real and genuine change. And Mayor Rody Duterte is the embodiment of
that desire of the people desperate for a new and decisive leadership,” he said. He said it is normal for other presidential camps and opponents to train their guns on Duterte. “Having overtaken them in surveys, they now find themselves trailing and they want to pull us down by throwing everything imaginable at the Davao City mayor -- all of them not flattering,” Evasco said. Evasco said he is confident that all the accusations thrown at Duterte are answerable. “We are not presump-
tuous, but we have been expecting this. Whether we are at the bottom, middle or top, people who are threatened by a Duterte victory will employ all means to destroy his image and reputation. That is the name of the election game in Philippine politics, unfortunately,” he said Evasco called on supporters to rally behind and counter all attacks and black propaganda against Duterte with more vigorous campaigning and promotion of the Duterte brand of leadership.
N his maiden foreign visit as Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras paid a courtesy call to newly-appointed Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Nguyen Xuan Phuc in April 11 at the Prime Minister’s Office in central Hanoi, the capital of Viet Nam. The call on PM Phuc was followed by a call on Vet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh at the Gov-
ernment Guest House. The Vietnamese side expressed delight that the Secretary chose Viet Nam to be the first country to visit as the Foreign Secretary of the Philippines. For his part, Secretary Almendras said “I am honored to be the first Foreign Minister to be received by Viet Nam’s newly-appointed Prime Minister.” Secretary Almendras discussed with Viet Nam officials ways to further advance Phil-
ippines-Viet Nam strategic partnership, which the two sides launched in November 2015 with the signing of the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership in Manila. Secretary Almendras noted “the establishment of a strategic partnership between our countries is a very meaningful event,” adding that “the friendship between the Philippines and Viet Nam has no way to go but up.”
It was agreed upon that the Foreign Ministries of both countries should begin coordination to draft a new six-year Philippines-Viet Nam Action Plan for 2017-2022 to implement the vision of the Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership. Areas for cooperation include closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as trade and investments, defense and security, agriculture and fisheries, science
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Ph, Vietnam reaffirm strategic partnership to step up maritime security cooperation I
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NEWS 3 Ombudsman speaks on Palace orders AFP pension fund abolished issue of selective justice M VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
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HE Filipino people are the real victims whenever corrupt public officials steal money,” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Tuesday said in a statement. To politicians with cases before her office, Morales said that “Stop giving the public the impression that you are being politically persecuted. It is the other way around. Every peso lost to corruption means less free medicines for indigent patients in government hospitals and health centers, less textbooks and classrooms in public schools, and less food packs for victims of natural disasters.” The Ombudsman said that political harassment has become the standard “public relations” defense of politicians charged with graft and corruption or plunder. She said that this would not stand in court, and the public is not gullible to believe their claim. Morales said that her office did not distinguish whether it was election period or look at the party affiliation of the politician allegedly involved in corruption. “We decide only on the basis of evidence. After careful and objective evaluation of the evidence gathered, we immediately file cases, if warranted. We are oblivious of the timing of the filing of cases in courts,
just as corrupt public officials steal public money every time an opportunity comes,” she said. “Fighting corruption is a 24/7 job. We file plunder or graft cases as soon as we are done with a thorough and impartial investigation. The Office will not be deterred by propaganda and threats in doing our job. As I have said in the past, fighting corruption is the reason for my life,” she added. Accused of “selective justice” by its detractors, the Office of the Ombudsman is indeed selective, Morales said. “Yes, we are selective because the Ombudsman’s charter (Republic Act No. 6770) mandates us to prioritize cases against high ranking government officials, complaints involving grave offenses, as well as complaints involving large sums of money or properties or those against big-time plunderers,” she said. “We are selective because we dismiss cases when evidence is not sufficient. In some cases, we are even constrained to dismiss administrative cases against elected officials because the abandonment of the condonation doctrine is prospective according to the 10 November 2015 decision of the Supreme Court,” she added. “We are pleased that the general public appreciates our
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ALACANANG has ordered the abolition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation System (AFPRSBS) in an effort to curb inefficient public spending. Memorandum Order No. 90 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the interest liability of AFPRSBS continues to grow and the Government-Owned and/ or Controlled Corporation (GOCC) now faces a depletion of its retained earnings by the
end of November 2016. The memorandum noted that the pension and benefits of retired AFP personnel continue to be funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). “The GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs) finds the abolition of AFP-RSBS to be the best interest of the State in order to improve national productivity and reduce ineffective and inefficient spending of public funds,” it said. Pursuant to the liquida-
tion of AFP-RSBS’s assets, the memorandum approved the privatization of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, namely Monterossa Development Corp. (MDC) and Southern Utility Management and Services Inc. (SUMSI). The AFP-RSBS Board, which shall act as the Board of Liquidators subject to oversight by the Governance Commission, is directed to cease collecting members’ contributions and accrual interest, and collect all indebtedness due to
the AFP-RSBS. The Board shall continue corporate operating budget for the continuation of leasing services, refund of AFP-RSBS members’ contributions as they fall due, and servicing of existing membership loan programs. It shall also enter contracts for the sale of all its real estate assets, golf and country club shares and all other personal properties. Affected officials and per-
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TRAFFIC MAINTENANCE. A worker of Abratique and Associates washes a traffic sign along Rizal Street with water as part of the company’s routine maintenance of Davao City’s Intelligent Traffic Systems. Lean Daval Jr.
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
Sandiganbayan allows Masbate gov, Napoles to post bail for graft, plunder
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HE Sandiganbayan Fourth Division on Wednesday allowed Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete and the alleged pork barrel scam “mastermind” Janet Lim Napoles to post bail for plunder and graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman). Lanete and Napoles were charged with plunder and graft for the alleged anomalous utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of the then congresswoman and now Masbate Gov. Lanete. The Sandiganbayan said that the pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution against the accused were weak. “Wherefore, considering that there is a finding that the evidence of guilt of accused Lanete and accused Napoles is not strong for the reasons cit-
ed above, the respective applications for bail of accused Lanete and Napoles are hereby granted,” the Sandiganbayan ruling’s dispositive portion said. The anti-graft court said that the bail bond was set at PHP500,000 for each of the two accused. Because of this development, Lanete will be temporarily released from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. However, Napoles will remain incarcerated at the Correction Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City in the sense that she has to serve the jail sentence of reclusion perpetua rendered by the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the case of serious illegal detention filed against her by whistleblower Benhur Luy. (PNA)
Ombudsman orders filing of raps vs. solon for illegal cutting of trees
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HE Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) on Wednesday ordered the filing of charges against Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping, Jr. and three others for the illegal cutting of trees and forest destruction in Sitio Pongayon, Sto. Tomas, Tuba, Benguet. Aliping, together with William Go, Bernard Capuyan and Romeo Aquino are facing trial before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Sections 77 and 78 of the Revised Forestry Code. Investigation spearheaded by the Environmental Ombudsman found that in April 2014, Aliping conducted earth-moving activities using heavy equipment that resulted to the uprooting of 293 pine trees, with 415 Benguet pine tree samplings damaged. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated the total damage at PHP10.3 million. It was also found that “the
cause of the turbidity of the water supply [was due] to the massive land development within and around the property of Aliping.” The DENR, as complainant, added that “Mt. Sto. Tomas was declared forest reserve, thus it cannot be converted into private property.” Aliping admitted that no permits had been issued for the earth-moving activities and no documents were presented showing ownership over the property. The solon undertook the activities through the construction companies owned by Go, Capuyan and Aquino. The Ombudsman said that “it is clear as daylight that the cutting of trees and other earthmoving activities were done without authority” as “Aliping’s use of the three backhoes/heavy equipment in his earthmoving activity is undisputed.” (PNA)
DEVELOPMENT READY. Maj. Ezra L. Balagtey (right) of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) talks about the recent achievement of the Municipality of Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province after it was declared as conflict manageable development ready area. Balagtey was
joined by Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group (PAF-TOG) 11 commander Lieutenant Colonel Jose Ritchie M. Pabilonia in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at Camp Domingo Leonor. Lean Daval Jr.
Police to assist Ferrer family in filing charges vs soldiers By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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AVAO City Police Office (DCPO) investigators are willing to extend help to the family of Daniel Ferrer who was accidentally shot and killed in filing charges against suspects who are members of 6th Scout Ranger Company. This despite the victim’s family having waived their right to file charges against the suspects. Ferrer was accidentally killed by the soldiers at Sitio Mitundo, Barangay Baracatan in Toril District last April 1. DCPO spokesperson Chief Insp. Milgrace C. Driz said in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps forum, that notwith-
standing the signed affidavit of desistance, the police will still assist the family in filing an affidavit of complaint. “As of now, there is no effort or interest to file a case,” he said. Driz said that there will be no charges to be filed to the soldiers if the family will not cooperate with the police. She explained that although the crime was homicide, which is a public crime, the police cannot pursue the case since the operatives have no personal knowledge of incident. “This is a public crime, the police can be complainant but the personnel of Toril Po-
lice station have no personal knowledge of the incident,” she said. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Eastern Mindanao Region Gov. lawyer Caesar Europa said, in a text message, the family can still file charges even if they already signed an affidavit of desistance. Europa, however, said the affidavit can be used by the suspect to question the credibility of the complainant. “But, it will still be discretionary on the part of the investigating prosecutor if he or she believes the complainant or not,” he said. Meanwhile, 10th Infantry
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Ambushed Marawi City mayor to continue candidacy for gov
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RISKY WAY. An ice block trader ignores the possibility of bacterial contamination to his product as he holds it with his bare hands as he delivers it without proper container thereby exposing it to dust and other contaminants. Lean Daval Jr.
Division (ID) spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar said the Board of Inquiry (BOI) has already come up with a report on the incident. Batchar said that there were seven members of Scout Rangers who are now being investigated on the accidental shooting of Ferrer. “As of now, we are still waiting for the further investigation conducted by the Special Operations Command,” he said. Batchar explained the accident that caused the death of Ferrer last April 1 happened “while our soldiers were on security patrol against lawless
NJURED gubernatorial aspirant of Lanao del Sur has vowed to push with his bid even as he expressed confidence the police in Cagayan de Oro City will find those behind his slay try. Marawi City Mayor Fahad “Pre” Salic said the attempt to kill him last Saturday after a political gathering has not weakened his bid for the province’s top post. “I have confidence in our justice system, those behind the plot to silenced me do not want genuine reform in the province,” Salic said as he declared nobody can stop him from seeking the gubernatorial post. Lanao Sur, one of the political hot spots in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has 37 municipalities.
Salman Guro, a relative of Salic, said the injuries the mayor has suffered would not stop him running and even gave him more strength and determination to seek the post and serve the people under “Daang Matuwid” for his slogan means an administration of no corruption, true government services and pro God. Salic and his driver, Kaer Gunting, were both hurt when gunmen ambushed them while leaving Pryce Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Police initially said it was politically motivated. The injured mayor, who is recuperating fast, is running against Soraya Adiong, mother of incumbent Lanao Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Rep. Pangalian Balindong.
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Entry-level pay in Mindanao higher than in Manila: study T
PhilExport girds for banana congress in Davao Region
By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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RESH graduates don’t have to fly to Manila anymore just to seek better paying jobs as average entry level salaries in Mindanao increased continually in the past three years, a study of webbased hiring firm Jobstreet. com revealed. Manila-based JobStreet. com’s annual Mindanao Jobs and Salary Report bared salary for fresh graduates in Mindanao increased by two percent in 2015. “The average salary for a fresh graduate in Mindanao is P16,664, which is higher than the national average of P16,582 and only edged out by
the provincial Luzon average of P20,084. Mindanao’s newly employed graduates earn more than those in the Visayas and National Capital Region with P16, 4040 and P15,538, respectively,” Jobstreet.com country manager Philip A. Gioca said in yesterday’s press conference on the Mindanao Salary Report 2016 at the Metropolitan Hotel and Suites in Davao City. Aside from the average salaries for fresh graduates, pay for managerial, supervisory, and junior executive levels in Mindanao also increased. The boom in the Information Technology (IT) industry
as well as in the retail and real estate sectors resulted in the creation of better job opportunities in Mindanao. According to the survey, which was conducted by Jobstreet.com in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, the highest paid fresh graduates are those in the IT sector, customer service, and hospitality-related jobs, earning an average of P22,529, P19,087, and P19,476, respectively. This was followed by graduates with specialization on healthcare-related services like nursing aide and medical technologist with average
monthly salary of P18, 242, and those in the banking and financial services like loan clerks and tellers with aveage mothly salary of P18,204. Gioca said average monthly salary in the IT-related jobs had the most increase in terms of value amounting to P22,529 in 2015 from P18,325 in 2014. “The surge of the BPO sector in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City paved way for the creation of more better job opportunities with competitive salary rate in Mindanao,” he added. The development of more eco-tourism destinations in
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HE choice is between Tagum City and Davao City as host to the forthcoming National BananaCongress; this was the consensus among members of the board of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) as they met recently to discuss preparations for the event. Tagum City emerged as one of the alternative venue of the congress next to Davao City; as most of the members’ plantations and partners are located in the area and nearby communities. Scheduled on October 7-8 this year, the event will be attended by banana growers and exporters nationwide. Ferdinand Y. Marañon, president of Philexport in the region and CEO of Sagrex Corporation disclosed that there’s a need to prepare for the successful hosting of the congress,
Tagum starts screening for JobStart Philippines
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BESTSELLER ‘TAHO’. A vendor’s taho is an instant hit to Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) bound passengers and beachgoers who went to Sta. Ana wharf early in the morning. Lean Daval Jr.
3-year rolling infrastructure program to ensure sustainability of well-developed programs, projects
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O meet investment targets for public infrastructure, the Infrastructure Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved the reinstitution of a three-year rolling infrastructure program in the national budget process starting 2017. The Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program or TRIP promotes the optimal use of public resources for infrastructure development by assuring fund allocation for well-developed and readily-implementable projects for three years, according to NEDA. The TRIP is a modification of the Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP), which is a consolidated list of all infrastructure programs of the government, only that the TRIP puts more
emphasis on immediate priorities to be undertaken in threeyear periods. “The multi-year rolling program for infrastructure will assure us that once an infrastructure program has been planned, and it is rolled out, it is going to continue to receive funding from the government. This is one of our efforts to synchronize and tighten the link between the programming and budgeting functions of the government for infrastructure projects and programs,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra. In previous years, agencies have been submitting projects for inclusion in the Public Investment Program (PIP) and the CIIP. In October 2014, the NEDA Infrastructure Committee (INFRACOM) approved the
TRIP’s reinstitution in the National Expenditure Plan (NEP) process. TRIP will be incorporated in the budget process for the fiscal year of 2017. “The TRIP will also ensure that the hard budget ceilings of government agencies are optimized and utilized in funding infrastructure programs that are responsive to the priorities and strategies in the Philippine Development Plan. More importantly, it will see to it that the government’s target for increased investment in public infrastructure is met,” the Cabinet official said. Public infrastructure spending is targeted to reach 5 percent of GDP in 2016 from 2 percent in 2012. Thus, through the TRIP, government will be able to address gaps in the infrastructure sector including pending projects from previous years, some
of which are 4,710 kilometers of national roads that need to be paved, 366,014 units of socialized housing that are up for construction, and 1.2 million hectares for irrigation. Once implemented, government agencies will submit their respective three-year infrastructure programs for the review and compilation of NEDA. The consolidated TRIP will be presented to the NEDA INFRACOM for confirmation and/or approval. The approved consolidated TRIP will then be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management to determine program spending levels and indicative budget ceilings. The TRIP, which will be updated annually, will be the basis for the list of programs, activities, and projects under the NEP. (PNA)
as this will showcase how the banana industry has been supporting the development of the region during the past several decades. “Whether the event is held in Tagum or Davao City, our degree of preparation is the same,” he said during the meeting of the board. Among the things being considered are availability of hotels to host the delegates, power (availability of electricity) during the event, transportation and mobility of participants and organizers, and over-all cost of hosting the congress. PHILEXPORT has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development in the communities, by strengthening the country’s export industries where countless families and workers rely for income and livelihood. (Danny Escabarte)
LOSE to 300 unemployed out-of-school youth trooped to City Hall of Tagum to grab a chance on employment as the City Government of Tagum kicked off the rigorous screening process for JobStart Philippines starting on April 11 and will end on April 13, Wednesday. An initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment, JobStart Philippines is seeking a total of 120 Tagumenyo youth aged 18-24 years old who will undergo 10 days of life skills training, three months of JobStart-funded technical training and another three months of internship with a partner business establishment. This developed after the City Government of Tagum, DOLE and some 14 business establishments that signified support to the program inked a memorandum of agreement for the full-swing implementation of JobStart in Tagum which is one of the 14 local government units in the country that were chosen to pilot the program. Mayor Allan Rellon underscored the importance of this program to the outof-school youth since it does not only help them acquire an income but also equip them with necessary skills attuned to the demands of the labor market. The local chief executive also bared the LGU is mulling to adopt a locally-funded program similar to JobStart to help the unemployed youth, on top of its wide-ranging scholarship and employment programs. Qualified to avail of JobStart are only those aged
18-24 years old, at least high school graduate, with no work experience and currently not employed or not undergoing training. However, those beyond the required age may still submit their resume at the three-day screening process and will be accommodated by several participating business establishments but will not be enlisted under JobStart Philippines, according to PESO Manager Rogeneth P. Llanos. Companies that signified support to the program are Hijo Resources Corporation, McDonalds, LYR Marketing and Furniture Center, Nadela Business Center, Garden Dreanca, Mabuhay Emission, Black Fighter Security Agency, Toyota, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Sky Cable, Tagum Doctors Hospital, Big 8 Corporate Hotel, Asia Brewery and Perfect Milling Corporation. Aside from the life skills training, those who will qualify in the program is entitled to a stipend to at least 75% of the minimum wage during the three months of internship, and guaranteed fulltime employment after the program once their performance is deemed excellent by their respective employers. Private employers signified their support since this will be of great help to their companies in terms of training their manpower. The program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Asian Development Bank. The next round of screening will happen on September where another batch of 120 jobstarters will be selected, according to Llanos. Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum
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THE ECONOMY 7
ERC okays extension of TMI’s deals with coops By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has proved the application to extended power supply deals between Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), AboitizPower-subsidiary, and four Mindanao electric cooperatives (ECs). “ERC’s decision means the continuation of cost-effective and reliable power
available to the growing Mindanao grid in the next three years,” the AboitizPower announced in a statement. In separate approvals, the ERC has approved TMI’s energy supply agreements (ESAs) with Zamboanga del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Zamsureco I), Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Zamsure-
co II), Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Moelci I), and South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Socoteco I). “The ECs are now allowed to extend their power supply deals with TMI for an additional three years,” the statement read. ERC approved five megawatts (MW) of supply
The tripping of the 150MW unit 1 of the TSI, which is under a 14-day repair, was reportedly caused by a boiler tube leak, triggered after a tree fell on the Davao-Toril 138-kilovolt (KV) transmission line 1 of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) last Wednesday. The repair is expected to be completed by April 21. For this year, this was the second time that TSI 1 underwent an emergency shutdown; the first was a 10-day preventive maintenance shutdown implemented from February 16 to 26. The TSI 2 also implemented an eight-day corrective maintenance shutdown from January 25 to February 2,
which marked the start of its commercial operation but it went offline again last March 3 and reconnected back to grid evening of same day. The TSI 1 started commercial operation last September 2015, way ahead of its inauguration on January 8, 2016. “It gets highlighted because there is no reserve,” Montenegro said. He noted that other power plants – including that of Alsons Development Corp., San Miguel Corp, and Filinvest – which are expected to go online this year, may also undergo the same troubles as TSI’s before these can run smoothly. “At certain times, the power is accepted by the grid and
percent. The Philippine rating is second best among ASEAN-5, behind Indonesia’s optimistic outlook of 57 percent. The IBR, however, noted that business optimism of global firms in the Philippines fell in Q1 2016 from 84 percent in fourth quarter last year. The report explained this follows the global trend with business optimism dropped
to its lowest in three years. “A range of external factors will have played their role, not least the volatility we saw in financial markets in the first quarter which will have knocked sentiment,” said P&A Grant Thornton Chair and CEO Marivic Españo. “However, when businesses look internally at their own operations, the outlook is much brighter. Despite
fort to go to the nearest SSS branch or to our accredited partners, members can just use their mobile phones to pay their contributions and loans,” Malto said. Members must be prepaid or postpaid Globe or Touch Mobile subscribers to use the GCash facility. To register, members can dial *143#, select “GCash” and key in the desired four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) along with their first name, last name and address. Another way to register is by downloading the GCash mobile application, click “New to GCash? Register” and enter the desired four-digit PIN, first name, last name and address. Meanwhile, to pay, members can dial *143#, select “9” for GCash then select “5” for “Pay Bills.” They may also dial *137#, select “2” for “Nat’l Gov’t Agency” and proceed with the payment process. SSS payments sent thru
GCash have no transaction fee. GCash also offers members a safe means for paying their contributions and amortizations for salary and real estate loans, since users are required to provide their (PIN) during every transaction for added security. “Another advantage of using GCash is that the contribution and loan payments would be immediately posted in the SSS database the following day. Members would also be informed through text message if their payment has been duly received by the GCash system,” Malto said. Contribution payment deadlines of self-employed and voluntary members depend on the last digit of their Social Security (SS) number. The deadline is the 10th day after the applicable month or quarter if the last digit is 1 or 2, the 15th day if 3 or 4, the 20th day if 5 or 6, the 25th day if 7 or 8, and on the last day of the month if 9 or 10.
Aboitiz’s TSI still in its‘infancy stage’: MinDA
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HE 300-megawatt coalfired power plant of Therma South Inc. (TSI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power, in Brgy. Binugao, Toril is still taking “baby steps” before it can smoothly provide an unimpeded supply of power to the Mindanao grid, an official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said on Wednesday. Speaking during “Wednesdays at Habi at Kape” at Abreeza of the Ayala Malls, Romeo Montenegro, MinDA director for Investment Promotion, International Relations and Public Affairs, pointed out that the power plant is subject to frailties being still in its “infancy stage” while “finding its gear to eventually perform its role.”
to Zamsureco I starting January 6, 2015, 4MW of supply to Zamsureco II from March 8, 2015, 2MW to Moelci I from May 5, 2015 and 4MW to Socoteco I from Feb. 11, 2015 The extended power supply will come from Therma Marine’s two power barges in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and Maco, Compostela
Valley, both providing 200 MW of dependable peaking power to the Mindanao grid. Zamsureco I provides electricity to Pagadian City, 22 municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur and the municipality of Don Victoriano in Misamis Occidental. Zamsureco II distributes electricity to the province of Zamboang Sibugay, three
municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte and the Vitali district in Zamboanga City. Moelci I serves portions of the power needs of the first district of Misamis Occidental and Oroquieta City. Socoteco I franchise area includes Koronadal City,eight municipalities of South Cotabato and the municipality of Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat.
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Global firms’optimism in PHL seen as above ASEAN average in Q1 2016
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LOBAL firms’ business optimism in the Philippines for the first quarter of 2016 is higher than the average ASEAN rate, a global business survey show. Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR), a global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 36 economies, showed that business optimism in the Philippines is at 56 percent, higher than ASEAN’s 45.7
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Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Investment Promotions and Public Affairs director Romeo Montenegro gives his thoughts on the latest developments in the power industry and the amended
Executive Order which now includes chassis RoRo service as RoRo during yesterday’s ‘Wednesday at Habi At Kape’ media forum at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.
SSS collects over P0.6-M payments thru Globe GCash DBM releases P234-m share
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HE Social Security System (SSS) has collected nearly P650,000 in contributions and loan payments of self-employed and voluntary members through the Globe GCash facility by the end of the first quarter this year. The SSS mobile payment scheme was officially rolled out in December 2015. SSS Officer-in-Charge of the Service Delivery Department Renato N. Malto said that out of the P648,420 total GCash collections as of end-March 2016, nearly 80 percent were payments for contributions which amounted to P511,575 while the remaining P136,845 were for members’ loan amortizations. “Enabling SSS payments through Globe GCash aims to capitalize on the widespread use of mobile phones which have penetrated even the most distant areas of the country. Instead of spending much time, money and ef-
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can pay their January to September contributions anytime within the same year and their October to December premiums on or before January 31 of the following year. Member loans, on the other hand, must be paid monthly, with the deadline also based on the last digit of the SS number. Malto urged self-employed and voluntary members, including those from the informal sector, to consider GCash as their SSS payment channel. Farmers, fisherfolk and OFWs are already among those who have started using GCash for their SSS contribution and loan payments. “We also invite members who are active GCash users to help us spread the good news about this innovative facility so that more workers would likewise benefit from the ease and convenience that GCash offers. Plans are underway to
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of LGUs from mining taxes
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HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced today the release of the 40-percent share of Local Government Units (LGUs) from mining taxes in the amount of P233.8 million. The amount pertains to the LGU share from excise taxes collected from the mining industry between December 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2014. “We have issued the allotment and corresponding cash allocation for the release of the lawful share of LGUs in the proceeds from the utilization and development of minerals in their respective areas. The funds are now released based on the Joint Certification of mining tax collections issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Treasury, as well as the schedule of the corresponding shares of recipient LGUs,” Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said. Abad added that the funds released are charged against the
P1.5 billion appropriated for the purpose in the current year’s National Budget. The total collection from December 2011 to the fourth quarter of 2014 amounted to P585 million. Abad said the funds shall be directly credited to the accounts of the recipient provinces, municipalities and barangays. CARAGA Region received the largest share in the amount of P100.5 million. CARAGA hosts several mining projects producing various mineral commodities including gold, copper, chrome, nickel, iron, and limestone. The other regions with large shares include Region VII with P29.2 million, Region II with P27.3 million, Region IV-B with P22.2 million, and CAR with P21.7 million. The regions with the lowest shares are Regions XI and VI with shares in the amount of P52,440 and P95,300.76, respectively. The Local Government
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EDGEDAVAO
8 VANTAGE
EDITORIAL
C
Conscious minds
ALL it ironic but the reason why Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is leading the latest Vice Presidential surveys are the votes of those who lived during the Marcos rule. Yes, Senator Marcos actually zoomed to the top with the votes of those in the socioeconomic class ABC with 39 percent. He also led among Metro Manila voters with 47 percent. These are people who are relatively well-off in life as compared to the C and D class. These are also those who lived during the reign of Marcos’ father where atrocities and human rights violations have been notably recalled and drawn against the younger Marcos. The survey noted that with the votes coming from the ABC class, it would seem that they are the conscious minds who have seen and lived through the Marcos regime but are now apparently not minding the grim experiences of the past. On the other hand, Senator Marcos is not faring well among the young voters who were born way beyond the Marcos rule. What the ABC class are seeing now is perhaps the vision of the young Marcos, obliterating the harrowing mistakes of the
EDGEDAVAO
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past. That is what makes Marcos tick. Now, he leads the surveys with 28 percent. Sen. Chiz Escudero, erstwhile frontrunner, dropped to 21 percent, Rep. Leni Robredo emerged second at 22 percent and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s runningmate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano at 15 percent. Sen. Antonio Trillanes is at no. 5 with 5 percent and Se. Gregorio Honasan takes the rear with 4 percent. Sen. Marcos’ ascent to the top of the surveys only indicates a bizarre trend in Philippine politics. The more he is being dragged into the atrocities of the past, the more he rises up in the surveys. Which leads us back to the question: Has the Filipino people, especially those who lived during the Marcos rule, forgotten the experiences of the past? Or is it the otherwise—the present correcting a past mistake? Finally, did the Marcos reign really matter afterall among today’s electorate, most especially the conscious minds? All too sadly, we could be staring at the naked truth. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor
AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor
CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant
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A
T the Mindanao Power Summit in April 2012, President Benigno Aquino III told the audience that the era of cheap and subsidized power may soon be over: “Everything has its price and people have to pay a real price for a real service. There are only two choices: pay a little more for energy, or live with the rotating brownouts.”
*** A brownout is an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. In the United States, intentional brownouts are used for load reduction in an emergency. The reduction lasts for minutes or hours, as opposed to short-term voltage sag or dip. Actually, the term brownout comes from the dimming experienced by lighting when the voltage sags. A voltage reduction may be an effect of disruption of an electrical grid, or may occasionally be imposed in an effort to reduce load and prevent a power outage, known as a blackout. In the Philippine setting, brownout means blackout. Instead of a mere decrease of electric power supply, brownout among Filipinos refers to a total power outage lasting for not only few minutes but several hours. Why I am writing this? Let me explain. Last April 7, I received this press statement: “For the past weeks, the implementation of the rotating
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EETING a saint in your lifetime, particularly in Davao, is as rare as finding the next pink diamond in the remote mines of Africa or seeing the albino whale in frolic at Davao Gulf. A review of available missionary accounts shows that there were a couple of saintly people who served the region with consummate graciousness, but their causes for beatification and eventual canonization, which usually starts with being declared as ‘servant of God’ is far from being deliberated upon. In fact, in the last 168 years since Davao City fell into colonial hands, only one saint—a pope at that—visited and said Mass here and it was done at the old Francisco Bangoy Airport. He was St. John Paul II, who was globally recognized as the ‘pilgrim pope.’ He set foot in Davao in 1981, at a time when the country was still reeling from the excesses of military rule despite its lifting by the Marcos government a month earlier. Years before he died, a school in Davao City, with the approval of the Vatican, was named after him.
Polish pope Born Karol Josef Wojtyla in Krakow, Poland on May 18, 1920, St. Pope John Paul II is the first and only pope to visit Davao. His election to the papacy in the 1978 conclave was the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years since the Dutch Pope Adrian VI, who served from 1522 to 1523. Known for his role in helping end the Communist rule in his homeland, St. John Paul II opened Vatican to other Eastern religions, strengthening without let-up the papacy’s connection with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. While he supported the tenets adopted in the second Vatican Council, he remained steadfast in defending the traditional Church teachings against artificial contraception and the ordination of women.
VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
Brownout!
power interruptions within the THINK ON THESE! Davao Light and Power Co. franchise has continued. This is due to the further reduction of the power supply from major hydropower plants in Mindanao Henrylito D. Tacio caused by the worsening effect henrytacio@gmail.com of the El Nino phenomenon as advised by the National Grid Corporation of Philippines (NGCP).” The hitch: the rotating outages would increase from a maximum of two hours to four hours. The reason for the doubling of brownouts was the emergency shutdown of one of the units of the Therma South Inc. (TSI) coal-fired power plant, from which DLPC has a 50-megawatt (MW) contract. MW, if you care to know, is equal to one thousand kilowatts (one million watts). On April 12, another press statement was released by DLPC, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power. “Starting tomorrow,” it said, “we will be im-
BY THE ARCHIVIST In an era of air travel, the pope-saint, in setting record-breaking historical figures, visited 129 countries, beatified 1,340 people, and canonized 483 saints, more than double the tally registered Catholic calendar in the last 500 years of the papacy. Moreover, under his leadership, the second longest after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years from 1846 to 1878, he “named most of the College of Cardinals, consecrated or co-consecrated a large number of the world’s bishops, and ordained many priests.” Pope John Paul II’s caused for canonization was promptly started after his death, exempting it from the traditional five-year waiting period. On Dec. 19, 2009, he was proclaimed Venerable; on May 1, 2011, beatified as Blessed; and April 27, 2014, canonized as a saint. His feast day falls on Oct. 22, the anniversary of his papal inauguration. Holy Mass In 1981, a month after martial law was lifted in the Philippines, Pope John Paul II travelled to Davao City, as part of his 12-day Apostolic Journey to Pakistan, the Philippines, Guam (USA), Japan, and Anchorage (Alaska, USA) that lasted
9
plementing a new scheme to equitably ration available power to the customers within our franchise.” According to the power firm, based on the available power supply allocated to DLPC by generating plants, the deficit has now increased to an average of 100 MW. There is no other way but to increase the rotational brownouts. “And now, 5 hours,” said the headline of EDGE Davao. DLPC explained that for every 20 MW deficit, duration of the rotating outages will be at a maximum of 1 hour. “The maximum duration of the rotating power outages will be divided in to two schedules,” it said. During the peak period (8AM to 8PM), the brownout will last for four hours. During the off-peak period (7AM to 8AM and 8PM to 12MN), the brownout will only for one hour. Brownouts during the summer season in Mindanao should no longer be news as it happens every year. Last year, in a feature I wrote, the title was: “Mindanao braces for another power crisis.” The same title can be used today. With El Nino still rampaging in most parts of the country, the rotation brownouts would be longer and the intense heat of the sun would be much to bear. With less water, there will be less power supply.
Mindanao is heavily dependent on hydropower. “It comes only from one source, which is Lake Lanao,” Manuel ‘Bobby’ Orig told Davao media a couple of years back. “This is the reason why during summer months or during long dry spell, when water level in Lake Lanao is very low, the power supply in Mindanao is gravely affected.” At that time, 52% (662 MW) of Mindanao’s power came from hydropower. Oil contributed 24% of the power supply (311 MW) while geothermal was the source of 8% (98 MW). The remaining 16% (203 MW) came from coal. A study done by Adoracion Navarro, a senior research fellow of Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), showed that the annual average electricity demand growth in Mindanao from 2010 to 2019 is 4.28 percent, way above the national rate of 3.63 percent for the period. In 2013, Mindanao’s peak demand was 1,428 MW which would increase to 1, 823 MW by 2019. “To meet peak demand and, at the same time, maintain security and reliability of the power grid, generation capacity must not only correspond to peak demand but also provide for other ancillary services,” PIDS said. Meanwhile, presidential election is coming. Will there be brownout on May 6? Your answer is as good as mine!
from Feb. 16 to 27. In the country, he offered Masses at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at Baclaran and at the Manila Cathedral. He also administered the Holy Eucharist for the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint; for the cause of Peace (Manila); for the Families (Cebu City); the indigenous tribes (Baguio City); and for the Community of Davao. The outdoor Eucharistic Celebration in Davao was offered on Friday, Feb. 20, 1981, at the city’s international airport, where he also met the religious congregations, including the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the Muslim community, and other sectors. Pope John Paul II’s Davao homily, among other themes, touched on the value of brotherly or sisterly love and the need to commune with each other in everyday activity, saying ‘It is in small Christian communities where the members know each other more personally that true love and fraternal concern are more easily practised.” His sermon was not just a moving and sincere discourse, but also an invitation to a prayerful life and peaceful co-existence. St. John Paul II also met with Davao officials and the media and personally distributed specially-made encase3d rosaries bearing the Marian logo of his papacy.
the praises of God through and in our Lord Jesus, recalls to us our Lord’s voice addressed to the first Apostles saying: “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me… “I cannot describe to you how overjoyed I am to be with you today in this Eucharistic celebration. As the one chosen by God’s providence to be the Vicar of Christ on earth and the Successor of Saint Peter in the Apostolic See of Rome, I am celebrating with you, in a place thousands of miles away from Rome, the Sacrifice of the Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and Resurrection. We are proclaiming together the mystery of faith: that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again”. “This is indeed a unique moment of deep fulfillment. For we are gathered here as Pastor and Flock, as a Church, as the Body of Christ, where there are varieties of service but the same Lord, where there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one; where to each is given the same manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. I see in your characteristically Filipino faces, filled with wonder, the faces of children of our common Father, brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ. But I also see in your faces the pain that is linked to the memory of all those who suffered and died during the recent floods that ravaged six provinces of this island… “Dearly beloved brothers and sisters, if my visit here would only make all of you love one another just a little bit more; if my visit here would make you just a little more ecclesial or community-oriented, sο that you would think more and more of others with love; if my visit here would make yοu desire more to serve than to be served, then my visit, by God’s grace, would be fruitful and worthwhile.” In 2011, thirty years after his Davao visit, Blessed John Paul II’s relics were brought to the city, and were displayed at the John Paul II College, from Dec. 18, 2001 to Jan. 8, 2010. Four years later, he would be canonized as a saint.
A saint at Davao’s airport
FAST BACKWARD
VANTAGE POINTS
‘Love a little more’ St. John Paul II’s message to the residents of Davao and Mindanao was not just about spirituality, he also sympathized with the families “who suffered and died during the recent floods that ravaged six provinces of this island.” In his homily, he also emphasized the Christian message of “lov[ing] one another just a little bit more” so his visit to the city “would be fruitful and worthwhile.” He said: “Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, [t]he vibrant sound of our voices rending the air of this growing city of Davao, in this rapidly developing island of Mindanao, as we sing
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national but they have no child. Driz said Ms. Osmeña lived in London for seven years. According to her father, Osmeña told him if they will not have a child, she will enter the convent and become a nun. “Mao gipangita daw sad nila sa mga Congregations, wala daw sa uban. Gipaadtuan sa Digos City ug Tagum City basig naa didto pero wala pay feedback (They looked for her in some of the congregations in the city but she was not found there. Her father asked someone to look for her in Digos City and Tagum City hopping that she will be found but no feedback yet),” she said. Driz said two days after she left their house, she was able to withdraw about P10,000 in a bank which was not mentioned. She said the police are
now going to the bank to gather more information about the transactions of Osmeña that might lead her present location. Driz said the family has difficulty finding Mary Carmel because she left her cellphone in their house. “Matud sa amahan wala daw ni siyay kaaway og buotan ni sya (Her father said that she has no enemies outside because she is good person),” she said. Driz also said as of the moment, the police cannot consider the incident as kidnapping since there has been no sign of coercion when she was seen by his family riding a cab. On April 11, Osmeña’s sister Nelly posted her picture in Facebook appealing for an information that can lead to her whereabouts.
flooding. It is evident from the aftermath of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, and the recent rainfall that the country’s current drainage system needs to be fixed and updated,” she said. Cojuangco said the common practice today is to use irrigation channels and canals to serve two functions, irrigation and drainage. “Irrigation canals need to be at a higher elevation relative to the land so that they can convey water to flood or ‘irrigate.’ On the other hand, drainage canals need to be at a much lower elevation relative to the land so that they may effectively carry water away from the land thereby draining it,” Cojuangco explained. Cojuangco, a vice-chairperson of the Committees on Basic Education and Culture, Energy and Millennium Development Goals, said having a proper system in place will definitely be a great help in reducing the risk of floods, potentially minimizing the damage taken and lives lost. Under the measure to be known as the “National Drainage Authority Act,” the Author-
ity is mandated to investigate all available and possible water resources in the country for the purpose of utilizing the same for drainage and to protect existing water passage right-of-way and implement its acquisition. The Authority shall set the minimum depth and slope standard of drainage systems so that the water will reach their natural outfalls. It shall plan, design and construct the necessary projects for the next 20 years. Also, it is directed to collect from users of drainage system fees as may be necessary to finance the continuous operation and reimburse within a certain period not less than 25 years the cost of construction. The NDA shall be governed by a Board of Directors headed by the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the General Manager shall be the chief executive of the Authority. A working capital of PHP500 million shall be appropriated for the operation of the Authority. (PNA)
armed groups (ALGs) reportedly roaming around in the mountain barangays of Toril District.” “The troops fired purely to protect themselves and secure their position from what they perceived at that time as enemy threat; they did so without criminal intent,” he said. Earlier, Batchar said the soldiers saw one man carrying a long firearm prompting the troops to fire shots towards them. He said a person was able to jump for cover and run away leaving behind his firearm.
He said the persons were later identified as Danny Pile, the one who was carrying the long firearm and his nephew, Daniel Ferrer who was closely following next to him. Upon search, they discovered the lifeless body of the victim, later identified as Daniel Ferrer, nephew of Danilo. The soldiers also found one “rifle” left by Danilo, which turned out to be an air gun,” he said. Batchar said the soldiers immediately brought the dead body of Ferrer to a nearby detachment at Sitio Lawaon, Barangay Sibulan.
add more SSS services to the GCash system,” he said. Members can direct their queries to the GCash Customer Service Support Hotline at 739-2882, SSS Call Center at 920-6446 to 55, and SSS OFW Contact Services Unit
at +632 364-7796 and +632 364-7798. Members who are Globe subscribers can also call 2882 using their mobile phones to contact the GCash Customer Service Support Hotline. (SSS Media Affairs Department)
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“Mayor Duterte is our last card. When you throw your support, you are investing in your future. Other camps are trying to steal that future from us. Let us pray, and be even more vigilant and protect our dreams for a better future,” he said. Earlier, his opponents Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas scoffed at Duterte’s promise of eradicating crimes and illegal drugs in three to six months. Binay, in video circulated in social media, appealed to the people not to vote for Duterte because he is person who has no moral responsibility. “Tuloy-tuloy ang kanyang pagyayabang at pagsasabi ni Mr. Duterte na pag siya ang naging pangulo, ipagpatuloy niya ang pagpatay sa mga napapagbintangan niyang may ginawang kasalanan na paglabag sa batas (Mr. Duterte continuously boast that if he becomes the president, he will continue to kill people who are just implicated in a crime or violation of law without due
process),” Binay said. He said the victims are usually young people, an allegation which Duterte reportedly did not deny. “Siya nga ang namumuno ng death squad sa Davao (Duterte lead the death squad in Davao),” Binay added. The Vice President said the people should really think many times in voting Duterte before they will regret it at the end. On the other hand, Roxas said Duterte represents the biggest threat to Philippine democracy since the late former President Ferdinand Marcos and stressed that he would fight anyone who would advocate a return to martial rule. Roxas said that the actions and conduct of Duterte speaks of a dictatorship. Roxas also called the tough-talking Duterte a liar because Davao remains one of the most dangerous places in the Philippines throughout his more than 20 years as chief local executive of Davao City and chair of the Region 11 peace and order council.
and Tawi-Tawi will be reshuffled with election officers in Basilan going to Jolo and Jolo officials to Tawi-Tawi while those from Tawi-Tawi will go to Basilan, as tentatively scheduled by the Comelec-ARMM. In Region 12, reshuffling of municipal election officers are on-going with South Cotabato completing the reshuffling first, according to lawyer Francisco Fobe, acting Comelec-12 regional director. Lawyer Richard Opinion, then city election officer of Koronadal, was transferred to Gen. Santos City while lawyer April Mitchor took his place in Koronadal. Fobe, former election director of Comelec-13 or in the Caraga region, explained that the reshuffling was aimed at ensuring the May 9 elections are impartial and credible with local poll officials avoiding familiarity with the political can-
didates. He said the Comelec resolution transferring poll officials to other assignments also aims to show to the public that election officers are independent, credible and have no vested interest in their former places of assignments. Before the town election officers were reshuffled, the Comelec transferred regional election directors from their previous assignments to nearby and adjacent regions. Lawyer Michael Abas, formerly Comelec-12 regional director, was moved to Comelec ARMM. As Fobe assumed post at the regional office in Gen. Santos City, he reshuffled provincial election directors in Region 12 or the SOCCSKSARGEN composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Saranggani. (PNA)
Last termer Gov. Adiong has condemned the attacks against Salic especially that all the gubernatorial candidates have pledge, in a peace covenant, not to use violence in the coming national and local elections. Adiong also appealed to the public, including candidates and its supporters, to refrain from speculation and give the police the opportunity to resolve the case. The provincial peace and order council, chaired by Adiong, has passed a resolution calling for the immediate solution of Salic’s ambush. Interviewed by Catholic
run DXMS Radio in Cotabato City, the Cagayan de Oro police office said it has already the identities and the connections of the suspects who were believed to be “gun for hire.” Salic, speaking through an aide, said he will continue with his candidacy for governor despite his injuries. “He is now physically and emotionally-stable to continue his campaign,” a relative said. Police and military authorities have placed Lanao Sur and Maguindanao under “areas of immediate concern” category ahead of the May 9 national and local elections. (PNA)
Code mandates that in addition to the Internal Revenue Allotment, LGUs have a share of forty percent of the gross collection derived by the national government from the preceding fiscal
year from the utilization and development of the national wealth within their territorial jurisdiction. These includes mining taxes, royalties, forestry, and fishery charges. (DBM Media)
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and technology, as well as culture and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides agreed that it is important for the Philippines and Viet Nam as strategic partners to also step up cooperation in maritime security, natural disasters, food security, terrorism and transnational crime. To this end, both sides agreed to enhance information exchange and increase frequency of contact and coordination between the relevant agencies. On regional matters, the Secretary exchanged views with the Vietnamese side on latest developments in the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea and how the Philippines’ arbitration contributes positively to preservation of the rule of law in the region. Emphasis was given on the vital role ASEAN centrality and solidarity play, including the non-claimant states, in coming up with a common position regarding the issue
of the SCS/WPS. The Philippines and Viet Nam stressed the need to fully implement the Declaration of Conduct on the Parties in the SCS/WPS and to step up efforts towards the early conclusion of a legally-binding code of conduct in the area. Both sides also welcomed the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, with commemorative activities to be implemented by the embassies and concerned agencies of the two countries, including exchange of high-level visits. The Secretary also conveyed, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III, congratulations and best wishes on the election of President Tran Dai Quang, National Assembly Chairperson (Mme.) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and of course on the appointment of PM Phuc and reappointment of FM Minh as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. (DFA)
efforts to end corruption,” Morales said. She cited the Bilang Pilipino SWS Mobile Survey conducted on March 28, 2016. More than half of respondents had “much trust” in the Ombudsman, giving the constitutional body a net trust rat-
ing of +49. The SWS said that the trust rating for the Office of the Ombudsman was “Very Good” (+50 to +69) in Balance Luzon (outside Metro Manila ) and the Visayas, while it was “Good” (+30 to +49) everywhere else. (PNA)
sonnel of AFP-RSBS may avail the separation benefits in addition to retirement or separation benefits allowed under existing laws. To implement abolition, the GCG shall be assisted by a
Technical Working Group composed of representatives from the Departments of National Defense, Finance and Budget and Management; Privatization Management Office, AFPRSBS and AFP. (PNA)
the island also led to the surge of better paying hospitality-related jobs. Meanwhile, employees specializing in IT, marketing and engineering with one to four years experience are top paid among Mindanao’s junior executives, he said. Executives on the IT-related jobs were earning as much as P24,220 amonth, while those in marketing earned a monthly income of P20,186. Experienced engineers in Mindanao were earning only P18,246 per month. “Both IT and marketing specialist in the junior executive level earned more this year compared to their average salaries last year,” he added. Mindanao employees in the supervisory level earn P 26, 802 a month on the average, with those in IT, customer service and engineering topping the list of highest salary earners in the island. Systems analysts and senior software developers were earning an average of are earning an average of P35,560, while those in the customer service-related and engineering related supervisory jobs earn P33,802 and P28,248, respectively.
Though the report said that salaries of the top three supervisory specializations increased in 2015, it remained on the bottom two of the list. Gioca said the engineering, finance, and sales managers get the highest salaries in Mindanao. “Sales managers in Mindanao get paid higher on the average compared to their counterparts in the Visayas and Provincial Luzon by two percent and 10 percent, respectively.” The report only showed that employees don’t have to leave their hometowns considering that local firms here are already offering competitive salaries, he said. Job opportunities and salary improvement for workers in Mindanao are expected to continue until the next administration, he said. Meanwhile, JobStreet.com is country’s leading online job board covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines. JobStreet. com give access to 6.5 million jobseekers that use the online platform in the Philippines from the job opportunities posted by its 22,000 partner companies.
Ombudsman... FROM 3
Palace... FROM 3
Entry-level... FROM 6
EDGEDAVAO
11 HEALTH
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Why swimming is good for your health By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
“T
HOSE who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” That was what Edward Stanley said. If you want to avoid getting those illnesses soon, check out a good exercise program. One of those we highly recommend is swimming. Have you ever watched the Olympics and found yourself in awe of the professional swimmers’ physiques? Their long, lean and toned muscular bodies seem to glide through the water effortlessly. Swimmers are in fantastic shape and those who swim regularly know that they not only look great on the outside but feel just as great on the inside. The health benefits of swimming are almost unmatched by most any other sport. Why is swimming so good? Swimming works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility all at the same time. Your cardiovascular system in particular benefits because swimming improves your body’s use of oxygen without overworking your heart. “Swimming with increasing effort to gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water,” explains Mathew Luebbers, a professional American coach, working with all ages of competitive swimmers, fitness swimmers, and triathletes. “After a land workout, swimming a few laps can help you cool-down, move blood through your muscles to help them recover, and help you
relax as you glide through the water.” As you become fitter and are able to swim longer, your resting heart rate and respiratory rate will be reduced, making blood flow to the heart and lungs more efficient. If you’re looking to lose weight, swimming is just the ticket. While most of the exercises concentrate on a single section of your muscles, swimming exercise works all your muscles. It works on overall muscles and helps strengthen them. One of the swimming
health facts is that it promotes fat loss. It is best exercise to burn calories and lose body weight. “On average,” points out the Lifescript Editorial Staff, “a swimmer can burn as many calories in an hour as a runner who runs six miles in one hour.” No wonder, some experts call swimming the perfect form of exercise. What’s good and healthy about swimming is that it also helps regulate your breathing
more oxygen to flow to your muscles and forces you to regulate your breathing. It’s also a great way to relieve stress. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water so it’s no wonder why some feel such a draw to the water.
pattern and it also increases the oxygen flow towards your muscles. It further helps improve the blood circulation. Swimming is also known to be good physically challenged people. With swimming, health problems like leg pain and backache can be effectively cured. The Lifescript Editorial Staff shares these additional health benefits of swimming: · Whole body conditioning: Swimming tones your up-
per and lower body because you’re using almost all of your major muscle groups. The best strokes for all-over body toning are the freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke. · Low risk of injury: There is a low risk for swimming injuries because there’s no stress on your bones, joints or connective tissues due to buoyancy and the fact that you weigh 1/10th less in water. If you’re looking for a safe daily workout routine, swimming
is ideal because you can rigorously work out with a reduced chance of swimming injuries. Many athletes supplement their training with swimming. · Low-impact exercise: So many people can reap the benefits of swimming. Pregnant women benefit from swimming because it helps strengthen the shoulder and abdominal muscles, which can be strained when carrying a baby. The elderly, women who have had a mastectomy and those recovering from an injury often turn to swimming or water aerobic exercises because it’s low impact, helps relax stiff muscles and isn’t weight-bearing. Swimming also increases circulation. · Improve blood pressure: Studies have shown that a workout routine that includes swimming can help reduce and possibly prevent high blood pressure, which lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke. · Stress reduction: You don’t have to be a water sign in the zodiac to feel the meditative and healing properties of water. Swimming is extremely relaxing because it allows
There are other psychological benefits of swimming, if you allow it to occur. Relax and swim with a very low effort – focusing on the rhythm of your stroke. This form of meditation can help you gain a feeling of well-being, leaving your water session refreshed and ready to go on with the rest of your day. Many swimmers find indirect benefit from swimming. They develop life skills such as sportsmanship, time management, self-discipline, goal setting, and an increased sense of self-worth through their participation in the sport. In addition, spending time in a group workout, whether water aerobics or a master’s swim practice, is a great social outlet. Exchanging stories, challenging each other, and sharing in the hard work make swimming with others a rewarding experience. One swimming health tip would be to follow the right diet to complement swimming health benefits. Also, to gain maximum swimming health benefits, you must do it regularly. If you have a medical history of health conditions, it is best to consult a medical practitioner before you opt for swimming. Following the swimming pool safety rules and regulations will help you enjoy your time along with improving your health. Now, have fun in the water! (Photos from the net)
12 CLASSIFIEDS
EDGEDAVAO
EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society
EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society
VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
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Seda Abreeza
celebrates three TIME FLIES FAST AND JUST LIKE THAT, DURIANBURG’S URBAN LIFESTYLE HOTEL, SEDA ABREEZA, TURNED THREE with a “Great Gatsy” styled anniversary party and appreciation night last April 8.
In attendance were the President and CEO of Ayala Hotels and Resorts, Corp., Ayala Land Inc., Mr. Al Legaspi, ANFLOCOR’s the President and CEO, Mr. Alex Valoria, and CFO, Mr. Oscar Grapa, together with Seda Abreeza’s VIPs, Davao’s consular corps, top cli-
URBANISSIMO A4
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Wonderful food and views at Jack’s Ridge EXTRA SPECIAL ON THEIR MENU? Breathtaking view of Davao City. Nothing beats a craving than a spectacular view. Yes, a great flavorful meal is perfection in itself. Nonetheless, a great meal plus a magnificent view is something you can’t easily forget. Right? Not to mention, the company of family is nothing compared to a dining experience that’s social-media-braggingworthy. If there is such a term. For the explorer and adventurer in all of us, Jack’s Ridge is one place that you’d like to visit and explore. This has been a favourable spot in the metro that will remind you to take a breather and go back to Mother Nature when the hustle and bustle of city life irks you. For one, it’s an all-in-one sanctuary – there’s the view, restaurant and coffee shop for you to enjoy by yourself or with family and friends all year long. Despite the frequency, especially when the family is in town, we would have dinner at Jack’s Ridge just because we (1) want to relax, (2) savour some local flares and (3) enjoy a majestic view unlike any other. Let’s talk food. As you know, everytime you come and visit the place,
it’s packed to a brim. So, what’s keeping everyone gastronomically satisfied? For one, their menu is okay. It’s not overly extensive that you’d end up with a tableful of orders. What they have are homegrown favourites that has since been satisfying every hungry tummy – of locals and foreigners alike. Some of which has become part and parcel of celebrations and get togethers. What they have are local favourites prepared and cooked with fresh local produce. From condiments to greens to meats and fresh seafood finds, you are guaranteed of a homegrown Pinoy food feast. The dishes are rustic yet endearing to the palate. Nothing fancy – just textures, flavours and memories to keep you munching all night long. It’s actually these dishes that will re-
mind you of home in an instant. Some favorites include grilled tuna jaw (panga), sotanghon guisado and Jack’s fried chicken. Others also rave of their take on sizzling gambas, crispy tadyang ng baka, kare-
of Davao with a feast of the best of what Davao has to offer, then make your way to Jack’s Ridge Restaurant. Dine during dinner time and you’d not want to leave your seats even after kare, pinaputok na ban- you’ve settled the bill. gus, and all season vegetaJack’s Ridge Resort bles. My personal favorite? and Restaurant is located Stuffed squid – just be- at Shrine Hills, Matina, cause I love me some squid Davao City and is open loving. from Monday to Sunday So, the next time you from 8:00am to 12:00am. want to experience a se- For reservations and orrene and spectacular view ders, you may call them at
082 297 8830 to 31 *** This month marks the 4th year of #TheRoyalChef. To everyone who contributed to the calories on my weight, THANK YOU. For more appetising and delectable feasts, cheers! Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com and on Instagram @theroyalchefleebai.
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ENTERTAINMENT
GMA Pinoy TV thrills with a star-studded March GMA’S FLAGSHIP I N T ER NAT I O NAL C H A N N E L GMA PINOY TV continues to bring Filipinos abroad closer to home as it staged a series of star-studded events across North America and the Middle East throughout the month of March.
GMA Pinoy TV’s first stop was in the United Arab Emirates for Kapusong Pinoy Dubai featuring Pambansang Bae Alden Richards, amazing actor-comedian Betong Sumaya and Rock ‘N Soul Diva Aicelle Santos at Al Nasr Leisureland last March 10. The concert venue was packed with over 1,600 spectators who witnessed a spectacular evening of nonstop entertainment which included song and dance numbers from each of the Kapuso artists, as well as comedic skits that kept the audience laughing. While in Dubai, the Kapuso stars visited the United International Private School, the first Filipino school in the country and touched base with even more fans during a radio interview with Tag 91.1, the first premium Filipino radio station launched in the UAE. They also paid a courtesy visit to the
Philippine Consulate General and were warmly received by Consul General Paul Raymond Cortes. The trip was truly a meaningful one for the artists as it included a visit to the Philippine Overseas Labor OfficeOverseas Workers Welfare Association where they met with fellow Filipinos who are under the protection of the Philippine Consulate General. Continuing the March festivities on the other side of the globe, the Pambansang Bae was joined by fellow Kapuso heartthrob Rocco Nacino in Canada as they headlined “Bae in the City Canada Tour 2016” along with comedian Kim Idol last March 22 to 24. Alden and Rocco certainly felt the love from their fans as the
series of shows spanning three cities in Canada – Edmonton, Winnipeg and New Westminster – was jam-packed with attendees from all over North America, with some coming all the way from the United States just to see the two artists. While the two Kapuso leading men were entertaining Canada, the Lolas of Eat Bulaga’s phenomenal Kalyeserye were busy shaking up California with their own set of shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego from March 22 to 24. The event titled “Lolas of Kalyeserye visit California!” marks the first time the three Lolas, made up of Jose Manalo (Lola Tinidora), Wally Bayola (Lola Nidora) and Paolo Ballesteros (Lola Tidora) headlined their own international show.
Joining the wacky trio were the stars of the GMA primetime drama series That’s My Amboy, Kapuso Teen Queen Barbie Forteza and hunk matinee idol Andre Paras. Moreover, fans were given an added dose of laughter and entertainment with the special participation of Philippine Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas in the San Francisco and LA legs. It was an overwhelming turnout as countless Filipinos trooped to the Fox Theatre in San Francisco, Saban Theatre in Los Angeles and the California Center for the Arts in San Diego to see the shows. Some fans took the fun to the next level by dressing up as the Lolas, even coming with their own Rogelios
(the bodyguards of Lola Nidora on the Kalyeserye segment). With the conclusion of a star-studded and event-filled month of March, GMA Pinoy TV is gearing up for an even more exciting lineup of events in other countries around the world. “These events are essentially a homecoming for Filipinos who are based abroad,” explains GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia. “We want our viewers to know that
GMA Network is one at heart with them, bringing them closer to home by keeping the Kapuso spirit alive in Filipino communities overseas,” he said. Bae in the City Canada Tour 2016 was staged in partnership with Corazon’s Money Express (Winnipeg), Palabok Promotions (Edmonton) and Red Productions (New Westminster). Meanwhile, “The Lolas of Kalyeserye visit California!” was produced in cooperation with Happy Box Productions.
Ritz Azul is now a Kapamilya!
YOUNG ACTRESS RITZ AZUL is now officially a Kapamilya after signing an exclusive two-year contract with ABS-CBN last April 12. Overwhelmed with the Kapamilya’s warm reception, Azul shed tears of joy and shared, “I’m
out of words. I just feel so blessed and so happy.” Azul will be comanaged by Star Magic and her father Richard Azul (second from the right). A guesting in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” will be the first among her upcoming projects to be handled by Dreamscape. Present in the signing were
ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, TV Production head Laurenti Dyogi, Star Magic consultant Johnny Manahan, business unit head for Dreamscape Deo Endrinal, and Ritz Azul’s father Richard Azul. April 13 – 19, 2016
BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG
1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS
THE JUNGLE BOOK Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray PG
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
THE CRIMINAL / *MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot / * Nia Vardalos, John Corbett R16/*R13
11:35 | 1:50 | 4:05 LFS / *6:20 | 8:10 | 10:00 LFS
THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt PG
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
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EVENT URBANISSIMO A1 ents, and media friends. In his welcome address, Seda Abreeza’s general manager, Kennedy Kapulong expressed his thanks to the Seda team as well as to his guests. “Tonight is particularly a special occasion. For the past two years, we have been doing the appreciation night every January. But as we went along conceptualizing, we realized there is no better way to express our gratefulness and thanks to all of you than our anniversary month, solely because it embodies our growing years of success – a fact brought by our strengthened partnerships and continued support to each other.” “Three years in the landscapes of Davao City seems a short while, but Seda Abreeza has already marked itself as one of the fast-growing businesses in the hospitality industry and has managed to put itself in a very good position in the market,” he added “As we started back in 2013, we knew we wanted to be the urban lifestyle hotel that blends in contemporary artistry with the local vibe where guests can do leisure, work, and play all at the
same time.” A video presentation followed highlighting the many landmarks and activities the hotel was able to witness in 2015 including being recognised as the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group for the second year in a row by the Prestigious World Travel Awards. Kennedy also took time to acknowledge
and thank Seda Abreeza’s heads of departments for their hard work. “And as we move forward to many more years, rest assured that we shall continue providing the best feelings in the world, continue to build partnerships that will make Davao a prime tourist destination,” beamed kennedy like a proud fa-
ther “We will continue to invest on service upgrade and continue to remember that you, our dear clients, guests, and supporters, deserve nothing short of the best.” Congratulations to Seda Abreeza on your third year and I am looking forward to enjoying more stays and experiences together with you.
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Aboitiz... FROM 7 at certain times, it’s rejected by the grid,” Montenegro said. Alsons’ 100 MW power plant is undergoing test commissioning while Filinvest’s 135 MW plant and the two units of San Miguel Corp. are expected to go online within the year, which will address the immediate supply shortfall. Montenegro said that NGCP transmission lines are ready to deliver these new power capacities to the grid. But he noted that when these plants go online, these might not be enough to ensure zero brownouts because there are companies in fast-growing
industries like real estate that require additional load. “The entry of new available capacities will address the immediate requirement but it will be eaten up again because there are industries about to operate which will outstrip whatever is excess,” Montenegro said. “The spike (demand) will also come from industry holding back their use of power, so it’s both the old and the new companies,” he said. Mindanao’s demand peaks between 1,400 MW and 1,500 MW but available capacity is placed at only 1,200 to 1,300. As of Wednesday, the
EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF SALE
Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LICENIO MALINO BAGAY has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF SALE executed among his heirs per Doc. No.196; Page No.40; Book No. 115; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 3/31.4/7.14
EDGEDAVAO island has a deficit of 119 MW. The Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) announced that there have been five-hour rotational brownouts within its franchise area since Wednesday last week. These areas include Davao City; Brgy. Bincungan in Tagum City; and the municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali in Davao del Norte. Montenegro said Davao Light is the biggest power consumer in Mindanao with a demand of 350 MW during peak hours but the power allocated to it has been reduced due to the tripping of TSI 1 and the
reduction of water levels that affected the generating capacities of Agus and Pulangui hydro power plants. The distribution utility gets 60 MW out of contracted 170 MW from National Power Corporation - Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (NPC-PSALM), 50 MW out 100 MW from TSI, 23 MW out of 53 MW from Hedcor, 29 MW out of 30 MW from Therma Marine Inc., 14 MW from 18 MW of Alsons’ Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC), and 30 MW from the DLPC’s Bajada Diesel Power Plant. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
NEWS 13
Global... FROM 7
the wider uncertainty, many surveyed firms in the Philippines are confident about their prospects for revenue and employment plans,” Españo added. The survey showed that in terms of revenues, 74 percent of the respondents were looking forward to increasing their revenues while another 76 percent are optimistic to post higher profits in the Philippines. Global firms are also bullish in investing in the country both in buildings as well as in plant and machinery. About 38 percent said they will increase invest-
ments in building in the next 12 months while 48 percent will be investing more on plant and machinery. International businesses likewise will generate more jobs in the country as 52 percent said they will increase employment in the Philippines. Furthermore, the IBR noted that among the growth initiatives of global businesses in the Philippines for the next 12 months include increasing investments in marketing, improving sales force effectiveness, and incentive productivity improvements. (PNA)
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Devant ups the ante in high quality TV entertainment with “Battle for Supremacy”promo
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S part of its commitment to deliver premium-quality entertainment to households in the Philippines, Devant announced its latest promo entitled “Battle for Supremacy.” For every purchase of Devant’s big-screen TVs like the 65-inch UHD200 Ultra HD TV, the 55 and 50-inch UHV200 Ultra HD TVs, and the 58 and 50-inch DTV700 Smart TVs, customers can enjoy top-notch home entertainment by pairing these TV units with the following home entertainment accessories, all offered at special add-on prices. Enjoy clear and distinct audio—from the deepest bass to the most shrilling trebles—of your favorite movies, concerts or sporting spectacles via the DV-5270 Devant5.1 Channel multimedia speaker (270W), DV-280 Devant 2.1 Channel multimedia speaker (80W), and DV-5160 Devant 5.1 Channel multimedia speaker (160W). Be amazed as well with the AD-448 Android Dongle, or delight yourself, your family or your friends during extended weekend movie or TV series marathons by listening to every word, note or sound effect through Devant’s fantastically sounding SB-110 Devant 2.2 Channel Soundbar System (110W) and SBS-200 Devant2.1 Channel Soundbar System (200W). That’s total TV entertainment at its finest form. And even more good news is that these incredible TVs from Devant has built-in Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting– Terrestrial (ISDB-T) receivers, the Japanese standard for digital TV broadcast, which the Philippine
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government, through the National Telecommunications Commission, chose as the broadcast platform as the country makes the big switch to digital broadcasting and communications. Thus, this makes Devant the first TV brand in the country to offer TV units with built-in ISDB-T receivers that can readily receive 1080p resolution digital broadcast signals even without a set-top box, cable or satellite connection. Other benefits of the having ISDB-T receivers include the Channel Variation Track feature, where each TV channel’s frequency band can be divided into 13 segments resulting to new multiple channels, and this standard, together with Devant’s LED technology, guarantees superb audio system for clearer, cleaner sound levels. The Reception Clarity Plus feature, on the other hand, assures strong resistance against poor reception conditions, the Electronic Program Guide provides consumers with regularly updated broadcast schedules of broadcast stations running on ISDB-T, and Devant TVs also allow ISDB-T recording to record high-resolution digital feed through an external drive. Devant is also happy to announce its partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, another bold statement by Devant to show that it is committed to make powerhouse partnerships in order to bring consumers only the best and excellent viewing experience. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is the upcoming Super Hero movie of the year that features DC Comics heroes Batman
AAP AWARD. Davao businessman-sportsman Willie Torres received an Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) Motorsports Award for 2016 for being the GT300 Overall Champion of the 2015 Philippine GT Series April 7, and Superman in an epic collision for supremacy and power. They are joined by another DC Comics character, Wonder Woman, who will be introduced for the first time in the movie. So go to your nearest appliance store and get hold of Devant’ssensationalISDB-T bigscreen TVs, exciting accessories and watch “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” this year’s grandest Super Hero spectacle. The “Battle for Supremacy” promo of Devant runs until May 15, 2016. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” opens in theaters March 26, 2016, from Warner Bros. Pictures.
Retailer from Davao wins P1M from Smart Ka-Partner Rewards
RISELDA Martin, a housewife in her early 30’s who sells Smart load in Davao City, recently won P1 million from Smart Communications under its Ka-Partner Rewards. Martin is one of three winners of P1 million under the 2016 Ka-Partner Rewards Program, as the country’s leading mobile network operator celebrates another year of rewarding partnerships with its network of load retail-
ers all over the country. Apart from cash prizes, retailers who joined the Davao leg of the retailer convention at the city’s Almendras Gymnasium last April 2 also won smartphones and home appliances via games and electronic raffle. Two more retailers will become instant millionaires in the succeeding legs of the retailer convention to be held in Legazpi City and Tuguegarao in May.
These conventions are held exclusively for load retailers that have joined the Smart Ka-Partner Rewards Program. Under the Smart Ka-Partner Rewards Program, every P100 load sold per day is equivalent to one (1) point, which load retailers can accumulate and use to avail of instant prizes and services or exchange for electronic raffle entries to qualify for the quarterly and annual draws.
2016 during the Manila International Auto Show at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. In the phot are: Johnny Angeles, AAP Chairman, Torres, and Gus Lagman AAP President.
AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search ‘16 expands reach to five Asean countries
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OMPETITION goes regional this year with opportunities for young designers from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia; creates unparalleled regional platform to empower youth in the fashion industry Prizes worth at least RM350,000 awaits AirAsia’s Most Promising Designer 2016 The AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search (AARRDS) goes regional this year with the competition expanded to include Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines, apart from Malaysia to provide a platform for young aspiring designers from around the region to showcase their talents and help catapult them into the fashion industry. This designer search, which is being held for the second time is in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear (KLFW RTW) team and was launched by Ms Aireen Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad in Kuala Lumpur today together with Mr Andrew Tan, Founder of KLFW RTW. Audition rounds will be held in Jakarta (16 April), Manila (23 April), Kuala Lumpur (30 April), Singapore (7 May) and Bangkok (14 May) to discover local talents from each regional city, and the Top 3 from the respective cities will represent their country during the Grand Finale in August on the prestigious KLFW RTW 2016 runway. Aireen Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad said, “There is so much talent in this region, and as a truly Asean brand, we want to expand this
designer search to other countries apart from Malaysia. We hope to provide all aspiring young fashion designers across Asean with a platform to empower and catapult their careers in the fashion industry. This regional designer search will be unparalleled and bring together the region’s fashion talents and industry for the first time on this scale. We look forward to see new talents this year and AirAsia is proud to be part of their journey.” Andrew Tan, Founder of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear shared, “It is such an honour to share this important platform with AirAsia – to foster new talents and giving these designers the opportunity to present their collection and creativity on a professional runway. We are thrilled to be working with AirAsia for the second time, following last year’s success for the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search; and to bring this year’s competition to another level.” Both Aireen Omar and Andrew Tan will be part of the panel of judges for this year’s AARRDS 2016, with Vivy Yusof, owner of renowned fashion e-commerce site FashionValet.com, Alia Bastamam, top fashion designer and Suzie Adnan, Editor-in-Chief of GLAM magazine joining the panel for the Malaysian auditions. This designer search is open to local or international students, 28 years of age or below, and currently studying or have graduated from fashion design schools in any of the five countries included in this search. Three (3) women’s ready-to-wear sketches inspired by Asean destinations are to be sub-
mitted with the complete registration form available at klfashionweek.com. Submission deadline is by 12 April 2016. Throughout the audition rounds in each country, potential young designers will have to present their vision and sketches of Asean-inspired designs to the panel of judges in each city. The Top 3 finalists chosen from each country will have their collection featured at the KLFW RTW 2016 runway this August 2016 and compete for a chance to be AirAsia’s Most Promising Designer 2016. Prizes worth at least RM350,000 awaits the winner of this competition including a confirmed show segment to showcase his or her full collection at KLFW RTW 2017, mentorship from the KLFW RTW team; RM25,000 sponsored by FashionValet to produce a capsule collection and sold on fashionvalet.com, 150,000 AirAsia BIG Points, AirAsia or AirAsia X flights, as well as many other prizes which will be announced soon. AirAsia is also KLFW RTW 2016’s Preferred Travel Partner and will be flying in fashion designers throughout the AirAsia Group’s extensive route network including from Singapore, India, Indonesia, China, Australia and South Korea to be featured on the KLFW RTW 2016 runway. Lookout and follow the development of AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2016 via webisodes on Youtube (youtube.com/user/ AirAsia), and other updates via Twitter (twitter.com/ AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) or our social media hashtag #AirAsiaRunway.
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DRIVE TO THE RECORD. Steph Curry drives to the basket. The Warriors could break the NBA record with a win over the Grizzlies.
BULL-ISH Warriors now set on
TEPHEN Curry never figured the Chicago Bulls’ 72-win mark could be matched or eclipsed. Twenty years later, the reigning MVP and his defending champion Golden State Warriors are on the brink of doing just that and making yet more history this season. “I knew what it was but you never really thought about it in perspective of anybody chasing it. It was kind of that number that was out there that seemed invincible,” Curry said after practice Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time). “Even at the beginning of this year, even when we started 24-0, it was kind of: ‘Well, maybe we can do it. We’re going to keep playing every
breaking NBA record
night with the intention of winning as many games as possible,’ but it just sounded kind of ludicrous, 72-10, how much good play has to go into it. We’re there now, 72-9, and we’ve got one more chance to beat it.” That comes Wednesday, when the Memphis Grizzlies visit Oracle Arena as Golden State goes for win No. 73 to best the 1995-96 Bulls. And to think of all the scrutiny the Warriors got last June when they captured their first championship in 40 years. Like that Golden State’s title was no way legit because it didn’t go through the San Antonio Spurs. Oh, and the opponents the Warriors did beat were all hurt.
Pacers seal seventh seed avoid Cavaliers NCR leads medal tally
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HE Indiana Pacers clinched the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a 102-90 victory over New York, avoiding a daunting opening postseason with Cleveland. The Pacers win, coupled with the Miami Heat’s 99-93 victory at Detroit, means Indiana will now play second
seeded Toronto in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit, who squeezed into the postseason at the expense of the Chicago Bulls, will face LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Indiana recovered from a first-quarter blitz that saw New York score 36 points. Nineteen points each
from Paul George and George Hill anchored the Indiana effort as the Pacers wrapped up a 26-15 record at home during the regular season, 4437 overall. “Teams hit their stride at different times in the season, and we were hoping to enter the playoffs with some momentum,” said Indiana coach Frank Vogel, whose team travels to Milwaukee on Wednesday for their final game. “We got a great game tonight from George Hill, who we ask to play his game and be aggressive. He does whatever he is asked.” New York’s Derrick Williams was the top scorer for the Knicks with 21 points, while Jerian Grant chipped in with 18 and Arron Afflalo 13. The Knicks finished the season with a 32-50 record. “The Knicks came out hot and negated what we were trying to do, but then our defensive pressure got better, and we were able to get control of the game defensively,” George said. “In the second half, we got some stops and got some easy opportunities, a lot of transition plays.” Knicks coach Kurt Rambis bemoaned his team’s failure to blunt the Pacers attack. “They were allowed to penetrate, and that created confusion in our defense and allowed them to get open scoring opportunities,” Rambis said. “Paul George got himself going, and a lot of that had to do with our execution.” Meanwhile in Michigan, the Pistons tumbled to defeat as Miami improved their chances of securing homecourt advantage for the open-
ing round of the playoffs. Luol Deng scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds while Goran Dragic finished with 16 points for the Heat (48-33). Hassan Whiteside weighed in with 14 points and nine rebounds while Dwyane Wade chipped in 14 points. Heat rookie forward Justise Winslow was missing after suffering an ankle sprain. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was Detroit’s highest scorer with 17 points. Marcus Morris added 16 points and nine rebounds. Elsewhere Tuesday, San Antonio scored a 102-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 26 points, to snap a three-game losing streak. Leonard drained a jumper with 49 seconds left in the extra period to put the Spurs 100-98 ahead before Tony Parker added two free throws with 12 seconds to go. The win saw the Spurs tie the 1985-86 Boston Celtics for most home victories in a single season in NBA history (40). “We started the game with not much energy and were a little bit sluggish,” Leonard said. “We had some breakdowns on defense, but we got better and got some things going on offense. We had to be more assertive to get back in the game. We would always like to be better, and we just have to continue to improve.” Parker finished with 20 points for the Spurs in his best scoring performance in more than a month. Tim Duncan scored 12 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
in Day 4 of Palaro
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HE National Capital Region (NCR) is leading the 18 delegations competing in the Palarong Pambansa 2016, being held at the Albay Sports and Tourism Complex inside the Bicol University here, in terms of the number of gold, bronze and silver medals won in various games as of Wednesday noon. It raked in 21 gold, 12 bronze and 9 silver medals; while the closest rival, Region VI, got 16 gold, 11 bronze and 8 silver. Region IV-A scored 16 - 11 - 15; Region VII had 9 - 6 - 8; Region X clinched 9 - 11 - 14; CAR garnered 7 - 9 - 5; and XII hauled in 6 - 4 - 9. Others who had five gold medals are Region III, with 5 - 3 - 9 medals brought home; and Negros Island Region, with 5 - 11 - 9. Those with below five gold medals were: ARMM, 3 - 3 - 4; Region XI, 2 - 7 - 5; Region II, 2 - 3 - 3; Region V, 2 - 5 - 6; Region VIII, 1 - 1 - 3; Region I, 0 - 3 - 5; Region IV-B, 0 - 1 - 4; and Region IX, 0 - 3 - 3. The Department of Education has placed at stake 485 gold, silver and bronze medals for the winners in the elementary level and 610 medals for the secondary. Palarong Pambansa Secretary General Cesar Abalon earlier said he expected a tighter competition among the regions due to the new program of preparations the
DepEd has made like in the case of the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), which had previously not entered the Top Ten but landed in the Top 4 in the Palarong Pambansa 2015. Meanwhile, he said the National Capital Region, which has always been the champion, has been observed to have been raking in less gold medals in the past three years. The formation of the Negros Island Region, Abalon said, would have a telling effect on Region 6, which was at the third place in 2015, and on Region 7 because they were divided to come up with the NIR. He noted that almost all of the best players went to the NIR. For this year’s Palaro, the DepEd included the special games for players with handicap -- especially in swimming, athletics and ballgames -- and, especially the blind chess because the department plans to formally include them in the Palarong Pambansa 2017 in the Visayas Region . For now, this category has not been included in the medal standing. With the implementation of the K-12 or senior high school, there will also be age adjustments wherein those aged 17 and 18 will be included, thus, resulting in higher performance level of the players. (PNA)
went to the Mall of Asia Arena to watch her team face La Salle on Sunday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament, is confident that she will be able to play next season. “Makakalaro naman siguro ako sa (Season) 79,” she added. The injury also has not dampened Madayag’s spir-
it as the sophomore middle blocker remained confident she will be able to come back stronger once she recovers. “May reason naman si God sa lahat. Everybody keeps on saying that I’ll come back stronger, which I believe talaga. Sinasabi nila sa therapy na they are going to correct kung ano man ‘yung mali,” said Madayag.
Dabawenya Lady Eagle confident she can come back stronger
CHEERLEADER. Maddie Madayag cheers for the Ateneo Lady Eagles from the bench during the match against arch-rival La Salle on Sunday at the MOA Arena. (Spin.ph)
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ABAWENYA spiker Maddie Madayag of the Ateneo Lady Eagles has revealed that will be sidelined for eight to 10 months after undergoing surgery on ACL and meniscus tears in her right knee. The initial report was that Madayag had suffered an ACL tear during practice last month, but Madayag re-
vealed on Sunday she also had suffered a torn meniscus, prolonging her layoff by a few more months. “I have an ACL tear and I have a meniscus tear also. Wala naman MCL, sprain lang. Mga eight to 10 months daw ‘yung recovery,” Madayag said. Despite the season-ending injury, Madayag, who
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
IN THE HUNT
Davao jungolfers Bisera, Nagayo swing on top By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO
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njb@edgedavao.net
AVAO’S promising youngsters Florence3 Yvonne Bisera and Alessandra Christine Nagayo found themselves on top of the leaderboard after Monday’s first round in the 2016 Philippine Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship at Sherwood Hills. Bisera zoomed to the top of the 13 year old girls division with nines of 39 and 43 for a 10 over par 82.
Nagayo, the fourth placer in last year’s Veritas World Junior Championships in Pasadena, California, started slow with a 46 coming out but rallied with a 39 on the way home for a 12 over 85 good for a tie of second place with Laia Barro who had nines of 40 and 45. Bisera now trails ICTSI bet Barro and Maffy Singson who scored a very high 103. According to Nagayo’s
father Danny, Bisera started strong at the back 9 10th. She lined hersulf up for an eagle putt in the Par 5 15th but succumbed to the tricky greens and made 4 putts for a bogey 6. Nagayo also had her share of 4 putts in the par 4 9th , and limed home with a fat 7. Hermie Nicole Constantino and Yuka Saso were the only ones who broke par in
the tough layout. Constantino fired a four under par 68 on identical nines of 34s while Saso sizzled with a 36 and 34 for a two under 70. The tournament, backed up by PLDT and MVP Sports Foundation and organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), serves as the national qualifying schoool for the World Junior Golf Championships this year.
Masters meltdown costly for Spieth, Under Armour
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NDER Armour shares traded underwater Monday after a Morgan Stanley analyst downgraded the stock, sending shares tumbling by 5.5 percent to $41.15. The downgrade came on the heels of the spectacular meltdown of Jordan Spieth — who has a 10year agreement to wear Under Armour’s golf mer-
chandise — at the Master’s golf tournament Sunday. Spieth, comfortably leading the tournament after the first nine holes, saw his game fall apart on the pressured-filled back nine. The Under Armour mannequin took a quadruple bogie on the 12th hole, ending his chances to win back-to-back Masters. The double whammy
shone a spotlight on the sports apparel company’s slowing growth. Under Armour is losing market share for the first time in three years, particularly with women, Morgan Stanley’s Jay Sole said in his downgrade of the stock to underweight. The first signs of this slowdown started to emerge late last year. Under Armour’s SEC
filings show that sales to its biggest customer — Dick’s Sporting Goods, according to Morgan Stanley — were down 8 percent in the fourth quarter last year. “We think Under Armour’s issues in its women’s apparel business and running footwear create heightened risk that it will not deliver the numbers the Street expects longterm,” Sole wrote.
VOL. 9 ISSUE 31 • THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016 MELTDOWN. Jordan Spieth faltered in the final round of the US Masters.