Edge Davao 4 Issue 44

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VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

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Under one roof agritrends P6

Agroforestry

figures of the week STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE

Philippine Stock Index As of December 29, 2011

US DOLLAR = philippine peso As of December 29, 2011

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VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

On the cover

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Rising sea temperature threatens Davao Gulf n Study lists killer floods, intrusion of salt into water system and other life-threatening impacts of climate change on Dabawenyos

By Greg G. Deligero

W

HILE Davao Gulf remains as a center of marine biodiversity, rising sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification are “likely to lead to marginalization of coral reefs and sea grass beds, spawning adverse effects to the area known as a hub for both wild-caught fisheries and aquaculture.”

This, according to the study recently released by World Wildlife Fund entitled “Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts.” The study zeroes in on four major Philippine cities: Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Iloilo.

The study findings were recently discussed with Davao socio-economic and political leaders by the country’s top environmentalists in a one-day presentation at The Marco Polo Davao.

The study said that increased rainfall and sparse forest cover in Davao’s uplands constantly feeds expansive plumes of sedimentation and pollution that blanket Davao Gulf’s coastal zones.

“This constant aggravation further diminishes the Gulf’s resilience and ability to rebound from high temperature episodes or spikes of acidification,” said.

The study said that sea level rise may create problems for Davao City’s ports.

Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, “these port

facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers.”

“Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source.

It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water. However, saltwater intrusion has already been reported in city districts close to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea level rise may aggravate this situation,” it said.

The study said cities bound by steep slopes such as Baguio, Cebu and Davao, are likely to experience landslides in association with episodes of extreme rainfall and soil saturation.

“This is not the case for Iloilo which is surrounded by relatively flat or gently sloping terrain,” said the leading organization in wildlife conservation and endangered species.

“It has taken more than a century for humankind’s carbon emissions to take us to this tipping point. All indications point to the likelihood that dealing with climate change will be a trans-generational challenge.

It is likely these impacts will get worse before they can be addressed at a global scale and allow climatic stabilization,” it said.

30 years later The study attempts to look 30 years into the future of the covered cities “in order to provide a more comprehensive

22,198 agrarian law implementation cases covering 53,969 hectares of land in the country.

The cases affected 21,806 ARBs nationwide, DAR noted.

DAR resolved 22,332 similar cases during the same reference period in 2010.

Throughout 2011’s first semester, DAR also continued providing ARBs various major PBD support services aimed at helping them improve their lives so they can eventually break free from poverty.

Such services range from preparing ARBs for livelihood activities, extending financial assistance for such pursuits as well as facilitating provision of infrastructure and basic services for them.

“It’s expected that as land acquisition and distribution balances decline, PBD activities will increase to serve the needs of ARBs awarded with land,” DAR noted.

To achieve the extended CARP’s target asset reform by 2014, DAR earlier said it must complete distributing 1.102 million hectares of land nationwide.

DAR said it must also subdivide 1.3 million hectares of distributed tracts of land still covered by collective titles but which aren’t conducive to collective farming.

Achieving asset reform likewise requires fast-tracking documentation of and payment for 163,289 hectares of land that’s already distributed, DAR continued.

Aside from land distribution, DAR’s other LTI activities during 2011’s first semester included placing under leasehold operation 5,430 hectares of “tenanted retained and yet to be

P500,000

BOUNTY put up for the capture of retired Philippine Army general Jovito Palparan Jr., the target of a warrant of arrest for his alleged involvement in the disappearance of two University of the Philippines student activists in 2006.

P9 billion

ADDITIONAL revenues to be generated once the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reconciles remittance record from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). As of last November, BIR’s collections grew by 12.77 percent year-on-year after this increased to P849.52 billion from last year’s P753.33 billion.

P10 billion

The mouth of Davao River

grasp of likely future trends that build on existing climate studies while distilling city-specific socio economic information, as well as drawing from experiences of local stakeholders, scenario building exercises were used to encourage “out of the box” thinking and generate plausible narratives that could be useful for strategic planning.”

Located on the southern coastline of Mindanao on coastal plains and valleys extending inland, Davao City sits in a typhoon-free zone.

The Manila Observatory climate maps show that this an area likely to experience increas-

ingly dry and hot weather over the next 50 years. This is the only city of the four in this study that is projected to have an increase in temperature coupled with pronounced periods of decreased rainfall.

“Recent PAGASA data, however, still do not show such a trend,” the study pointed out.

Increasing trend Over the last 20 years, rainfall data from PAGASA (covering two or three El Nino episodes) show a moderately increasing trend for mean annual rainfall– from 1685 mm+ to 1806 mm.

Last June 29, Davao City

had to deal with extreme rainfall events that spawned dangerous floods in parts of the city – particularly in areas adjacent to the city’s rivers. Several rivers run through the city, draining into the Davao Gulf. The largest of these watercourses are the Davao and Talomo Rivers.

Incidents of heavy rain have also given rise to rat infestation in the city’s agricultural areas.

“Unless and until this rainfall trend reverses itself, it is likely that Davao’s growing economy will have to manage increased rainfall, river flow and flooding,” it said.

DAR intensifies land for landless Imports expand by 2.3% campaign in 2011 to hit target T T HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) further boosted this year its land for the landless bid, moving closer to Republic Act 9700’s target of acquiring and distributing by 2014 all Philippine agricultural lands under government’s extended Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Latest available official DAR data show the agency was able to distribute during the first semester 15,302 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) nationwide, private and government agricultural land totaling 28,483 hectares.

Such major land tenure improvement (LTI) accomplishment exceeds the 17,501 hectares of CARP land DAR distributed to 15,414 ARBs during the same period last year.

“This administration will continue fast-tracking land distribution,” assured DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes.

The government earlier set for each of 2010 and 2011 a land distribution target of 200,000 hectares.

DAR’s first semester land distribution performance this year helped bring to 4.30 million hectares, as of June 2011’s end, total land given to ARBs nationwide since 1972 when former president Ferdinand Marcos commenced implementing his agrarian reform program.

Land distribution during the 1972-June 2011 period benefited a total 2.51 million ARBs nationwide, DAR noted.

LTI, agrarian justice delivery (AJD) and program beneficiaries development (PBD) are CARP’s three main pillars.

For its major AJD accomplishment during 2011’s first semester, DAR reported resolving

It figures

distributed” tracts of land.

Such move sought to secure the tenurial status of 2,457 ARBs within and outside the country’s agrarian reform communities (ARCs).

For the same reference period last year, DAR reported placing under leasehold arrangement a total 5,250 hectares of similar land tracts in ARCs and non-ARCs, benefiting 2,570 ARBs. DAR also reported undertaking in 2011 LTI documentation and survey activities as well as installing 1,374 ARBs in 1,792 hectares of previously contentious agricultural land.

The agency installed last year in 1,675 hectares of agricultural land a total 2,004 ARBs who were previously barred from entering and tilling the area.

To further enhance AJD, DAR lawyers represented before judicial and quasi-judicial courts during 2011’s first semester 9,411 ARBs in 5,809 cases involving 19,445 hectares of land.

DAR reported its lawyers represented during the same period in 2010 ARBs in 9,278 cases before judicial and quasijudicial bodies.

A total 7,033 agrarian cases were resolved under the adjudication process in 2011’s first semester, DAR continued.

“In the area of agrarian legal assistance and adjudication, DAR continued with its aggressive mediation activities to minimize conflicts maturing into court cases,” the agency said.

Of DAR Adjudication Board’s nearly 16,000 cases during the same reference period in 2010, data show a total 7,194 cases were resolved then. [PNA]

HE country’s merchandise imports expanded by 2.3 percent in October compared to a year ago, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Data from NSO showed that the total merchandise imports for October amounted to $ 5.019 billion from $ 4.904 billion last year.

Month-on-month, however, it dropped by 1.1 percent from $ 5.076 billion in September this year.

This led imports in the first 10 months of the year to grow by 12.2 percent to $ 50.521 billion compared to $ 45.028 billion posted during the same period last year.

The country’s trade deficit in October stood at $ 932 million, bringing the 10-month tally to $ 9.228 billion.

Electronics, which accounted for 24.6 percent of the total import bill declined by 19.9 percent to $ 1.235 billion from from $ 1.542 billion registered in October last year.

Imports of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials amounted to $ 1.159 billion, up by 28.4 percent over last year’s figure of $ 902.82 million.

Industrial machinery and equipment recorded a total import of $ 267.20 million, an annual growth of 13.4 percent from last year’s $ 235.60 million.

Imports of iron and steel rose 38.6 percent to $ 132.89 million from its year ago level of $ 95.89 million.

Purchases of transport equipment dropped by 9.1 percent to $ 337.49 million from $ 371.32 million posted a year ago.

Rounding up the list

of the top ten imports were plastics in primary and nonprimary forms amounting to $ 123.77 million; organic and inorganic chemicals valuing at $ 122.39 million; telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery including telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment, $ 98.90 million; cereals and cereal preparations, $ 84.94 million; and medicinal and pharmaceutical products, $ 78.25 million.

Total payment for the country’s top ten imports for October reached $ 3.640 billion or 72.5 percent of the total import bill.

Japan remained the country’s biggest source of imports in October with $ 606.42 million, an increase of 0.8 percent from $ 601.36 million in October 2010.

United States of America (USA) including Alaska and Hawaii, was the second biggest source of imports at $ 493.68 million from $ 481.58 million.

Imports from People’s Republic of China amounted to $ 476.34 million, higher by about 9 percent from $ 437.16 million during the same month in 2010.

Other major sources of imports for October were Singapore, $ 407.08 million; Republic of Korea, $ 402.91 million; Saudi Arabia, $ 335.25 million; Taiwan, $ 327.80 million; Thailand, $ 287.20 million; Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, $ 271.41 million; and Indonesia, $ 232.63 million.

Payments for imports from the top ten sources for October amounted to $ 3.841 billion or about 76.5 percent of the total. [PNA]

LOSSES expected by Philippine poultry raisers this year due to rampant smuggling and excessive importation of chicken meat, according to United Broilers Raisers Association (Ubra) President Gregorio F. San Diego Jr. San Diego said the industry last year lost P10.34 billion representing lost business opportunities for poultry raisers and allied industries could have earned if the displaced chicken meat came from local sources.

P222.3 billion

EXPECTED collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in individual income tax next year, showing an increase of P197.7 billion anticipated collections for 2011. According to the BIR, improved tax compliance among professionals would boost collections to a double digit figure next year.

P653.4 billion

AMOUNT spent by the Philippine government to pay is debts during the period from January o November, 2011, down from P660.4 billion from a year ago. According to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), the amount spent in debt servicing continued to go down as the government enjoyed savings on interest payments. As of November, government settled P401.8 billion in principal –P291.6 billion in domestic debts and P110.2 billion in foreign loans.

$60 million

AMOUNT local fastfood giant Jollibee Foods Corp. is spending for expansion in Asia. It has firmed us a deal to buy half of the regional business of a food group that operates the Highlands Coffee, Hard Rock Cafes and Pho24 restaurants. JFC said it had formally started the process of owning 50 percent of SuperFoods, which has 49 percent interest in SF Vung Tau Joint Stock Co. in Vietnam and a 60-percent stake in Blue Sky Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong.

$79 billion

HISTORIC level of gross international reserves (GIR) expected to be hit next year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. BSP said the existing reserves of $76 billion will be boosted with improved foreign exchange inflows, topped by remittances of overseas Filipino workers.

80

NUMBER of major running events across the country in 2011, indicating more than one big event a week. In Davao City, the popularity of fun run was at all-time high during the year. Fun runs are almost always held to raise funds for laudable humanitarian projects.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

PROPERTY FORUM

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

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Camella: Putting the Philippines under one roof C

AMELLA Homes is building communities across the Philippines. With over 35 years of building experience and pioneering concept leadership, Camella’s focus is on building living communities that embody innovation and progress with family and community life - creating a legacy of value for generations to come.

Camella has become the country’s largest developer

with communities spanning the north and south of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Its homes are not limited to one type. Its portfolio boasts a full range of options: from reasonable inner city townhouses to vast suburban single-family homes; from mid-rise condominiums to luxurious high-rises. There’s a perfect Camella home, depending on one’s income and geography.

As Number 1 home

builder in the country, Camella roots as home builder date back to the seventies with the first development project undertaken by founder Manny B. Villar, Jr. Over 30 years later, Camella has become the biggest developer of residential communities for the low and affordable segment in the Philippines. Having pioneered

value-for-money homes in master-planned communities, Camella has now added to its offerings luxury single-family homes and city lifestyle residences, with innovatively conceived two to three-storey town homes and low-rise condominiums. All of which come merged in a mixed-use environment to provide the ultimate level of

convenience and comfort to its residents.

Camella is the top-ofmind choice among averageincome Filipino families and even among the Overseas Filipino market. To date, Camella has sold more than 200,000 homes through more than 87 projects, earning Camella the title of The Most Preferred Home Builder

among the B and C socioeconomic classes.

Camella’s masterplan for success is simple: for every house we build, we see a Filipino family; for every subdivision we create, we envision a Filipino community.

Camella is a proud member of publicly-listed Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. (VLL).

4

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

The economy

VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 MI588 / MI588 5J965 / 5J968 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 18:55 12:55 13:35

STAT WATCH INDICATIOR

LATEST

1. GNP Growth Rate (At Constant 1985 Prices)

1.9 % 2nd Qtr 2011

2. GDP Growth Rate (At Constant 1985 Prices)

3.4 % 2nd Qtr 2011

3. Exports 1/

USD 4,128 million Jun 2011

4. Imports 1/

USD 4,503 million Jun 2011

5. Trade Balance

USD -376 million Jun 2011

6. Balance of Payments 2/

USD 222 million Jun 2011

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P4,423,849 million Jun 2011

8. Interest Rate 4/

4.48% Apr 2011

9. National Government Revenues

P100,139 million Jun 2011

10. National government outstanding debt

P 4,777 billion May 2010

11. Peso per US $ 5/ 12. Stocks Composite Index 6/ 13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

P 42.81 Jul 2011 4,503.6 Jul 2011

126.4 Jul 2011

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2000=100

4.6 Jul 2011

15. Core Inflation Rate 2000=100

3.7 Jul 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

317,443 Apr 2011

17. Underemployment Rate /7

19.4% Apr 2011

18. Unemployment Rate /7

7.2 % Apr 2011

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - January 2011)

Month Average December November October September August July June May April March

2011

43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

2010 45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

2009 47.637 46.421

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Davao-Cebu-Singapore Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:35 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Thu/Sun Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI566 / MI566 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

15:20 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

Davaoexecsintensifiestourism marketing campaign in China

T

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday that the Davao Cultural Festival recently held at the Marco Polo Beijing Hotel with the theme of “From Islands to Highlands” was a part of the Philippine marketing campaign in the People’s Republic of China.

This well-received Davao activity in Beijing resulted in coverage by Chinese broadcast media and a cover feature story in a Chinese MICE Magazine.

A familiarization trip to Davao for selected Beijing tour operators and media personnel follows in 2012 which is

being organized by DOT Beijing in cooperation with DOT Davao, the Davao Tourism Regional Council and Cebu-Pacific Air. The Kalumon Performing Ensemble presented ethnic Davao music and dances during lunch and dinner shows.

The ensemble was a special guest performer during celebrations at the Philippine Embassy for the diplomatic corps and the Filipino community.

Organized by the DOT-Southern Mindanao, the festival introduced Beijing residents to the distinct cultural heritage and tourism attractions of Davao Re-

gion.

“Through this festival, we presented the colors and rhythms of our ethnic dances and music, the exciting and refreshing flavors of our cuisine, the quality of our eco-friendly local handicrafts, the enchanting flora and fauna, and the multi-ethnicity and natural warmth of the Davaeños.

“All these make up the extraordinary tourism offerings of Davao which we shared with our Chinese friends in this capital city of more than 19 million people,” said Regional Director Arturo Boncato, Jr., who was formerly the Execu-

tive Assistant Manager of Marco Polo Davao Hotel.

The Marco Polo Parkside is a 315-suite spa hotel located in the nerve-center of Beijing and near the China International Convention Center, North Star Shopping Mall, the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium – host to the 2008 Olympic Games.

Its present general manager, Stanley Lau, managed the Marco Polo Davao Hotel, Mindanao›s first and only international de luxe hotel, for six years before being assigned to Beijing.

Filipino Celebrity Chef Gene Gonzalez and his crew at the Center for

Asian Culinary Studies featured authentic Davao cuisine including durian ice cream and Davao cheeses as well as other Philippine dishes during the three week-long food festival.

The Davao Cultural Festival was co-sponsored

by Cebu-Pacific Air in cooperation with the Davao Tourism Regional Council, Davao Eco-Crafts and the Center for Asian Culinary Studies-Davao (CACS).

The DOT office in Beijing led by tourism attaché Jasmin Esguerra assisted during travel presentations to the Chinese media and travel trade. [PNA]

Year-ender: PHL tourism had a good year in 2011

P

HILIPPINE tourism performed better than expected in 2011 despite some shakeups such as the devastating typhoons, the initiation of the draft of the country’s branding that drew strong public flak, the lingering effects of the hostage-taking of Hong Kong tourists, advisories/ warnings of different embassies claiming that the country is not a safe place to visit and the replacement of then Secretary Alberto A. Lim by advertising top gun Ramon Jimenez.

Despite all of these, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that year 2011 performed much better with an increase of 11.96 per cent or 3,185,866 tourist arrivals to the Philippines from January to October, compared to the 2,845,573 posted in 2010 within a 10-month period.

The month of July produced the biggest arrivals with 360,784 while the month of February posted the highest growth at 18.52 percent or 318,902 which augured well for the tourism industry by consistently recording positive growth on a month-to-

month basis.

The East Asian region recorded 1,511,389 visitors which is higher over the 2010 volume of 1,283,965 arrivals with China, Korea and Japan belonging under this region accounting for 1,511,389 arrivals.

The North American region sent over a total volume of 604,226 this year compared to the 270,409 of 2010 total volume.

The DOT said this region registered a growth of 5.03 per cent vis-à-vis its output of 575,295 arrivals in 2010.

The agency also said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is the third biggest contributor producing 270,409 arrivals by accounting for 8.49 per cent of the total inbound traffic.

Arrivals from the ASEAN region grew by 14.85 per cent against the arrivals of 156,617 in 2010 comprising a 5.65 per cent of the total visitor volume.

The fourth biggest source by region was Australasia/Pacific with 179,874 arrivals for a share of 5.65 percent.

Arrivals from Northern Europe with an aggregate of 129,346 (4.6 per cent) comprised the fifth biggest contributor of arrivals versus the 117,182 output of 2010.

The top 11 countries that sent in their countrymen to tour/visit the Philippines from January to October this year are: (1) South Korea, 756,863; (2) USA, 512,436; (3) Japan, 311,402; (4)China, 195,982; (5) Taiwan, 153,575; (6.) Australia, 133,501; (7) Singapore, 111,200;(8) Hong Kong, 93,567; (9) Canada, 90,634; (10) United Kingdom, 83,608; (11) Malaysia, 74,826; and (12) Germany, 48,522.

Tourism Secretary Jimenez said that tourism will definitely end this year on a positive note and start the 2012 season full of optimism. He mentioned Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Baguio and the many beautiful beaches in the Philippines as attraction to local and foreign travellers.

“I think tourist arrivals on the peak months of November and December may reach 600,000 be-

cause we’ve been in tract with 270,000 to 300,000 in October.

“By next year, we expect to bring in 3.2 million tourists, and hopefully more because of the global Asian Development Bank (ADB) Conference here which could pull in more than 4,000 delegates in April.”

The holding of the 2012 World Exposition in Seoul, Korea should be a stepping stone of our campaign to capture more tourists to fly over to the country for rest, recreation, business and pleasure.

Jimenez added that the Philippines is still growing, even if modestly while the rich countries are pessimistic over their respective economic and business outlook.

And definitely, tourism which is its leading industry will keep growing due to the Filipinos’ warmth hospitality, English-speaking people and never-ending beauty and surprises provided by the country’s natural and manmade wonders.

Jimenez also revealed that by January 2012 a

new Philippine brand produced by world-renowned Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn (BBDO) Guerrero will come out with a short, amazing, attractive and catchy slogan that touches the hearts and mind of people who will hear or see it on print, radio, TV, digital and social media.

Eight advertising companies competed in the P13-million campaign which is supposed to replace former Secretary Richard Gordon’s highly successful “Wow Philippines.”

Jimenez said that the new brand campaign should raise our tourism output to new heights as more and more people are traveling in- and- out of the country’s different destinations.

Gordon’s successor, Secretary Alberto A. Lim initiated the change of our country brand, including the first bidding which came out with “Pilipinas, Kay Ganda” but it failed miserably because it was not impressive and had a strong similarity with that of Europe’s Poland. [LILY O. RAMOS/PNA]

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

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THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

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agritrends

VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

DA prioritizes long-term agricultural productivity

Agro-forestry: Answer to disappearing trees T

by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

M

ANY forestry experts predict that by 2025, the country will be devoid of its primary or virgin forests.

Non-believers scoff at this, saying it is an exaggeration. But the figures cannot go wrong. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that, in 1934, 57 percent of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares were covered with forests, with almost half of that to virgin forests.

In a span of 50 years, almost two thirds of the forests were lost to deforestation as indicated in a study by Frances Korten of the Ford Foundation in 1990. “Where have all our forests gone?” environmentalists decried.

FAO said that deforestations results to flooding, soil erosion and degradation pegged at 100,000 tons of soil yearly, loss of species diversity and genetic material, and loss of human lives and properties.

Most of the remaining forests in the country are located in the uplands. In the Philippine context, the uplands are rolling to steep lands, with slopes ranging upward from 18 percent. About 60 percent of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares is upland.

To save the remaining forest cover from further denudation in the uplands and to encourage Filipinos to plant trees, the Aquino government launched the National Green Program (NGP) on May 13, 2011.

Although the government is on the right track on this, some experts believe that to make the program a continuing success, agroforestry should be included.

“The key element in NGP is to plant an equal number of forest trees and multi-purpose trees like fruit and plantation crops,” pointed out Dr. Calixto Protacio, a professor of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, in a paper.

This can be achieved through agroforestry. The World Agroforestry Center defines agroforestry as “a collective name for land use systems and practices in which woody perennials are deliberately integrated with crops and/or animals on the same land management unit.”

In agroforestry systems, trees or shrubs are intentionally used within agricultural systems, or non-timber forest products are cultured in forest settings. Knowledge, careful selection of species and good management of trees and crops are needed to optimize the production and positive effects within the system and to minimize negative competitive effects.

Dr. Protacio, who is the chairman of the Initiative for Farm Advocacy and Resource Management (IFARM), explained “that it takes a long time

Coffee and banana together

Agroforestry system

for forest trees to be economically useful while fruit and plantation crops can already yield fruits and nuts in a few years depending on the species planted.”

That is why he is batting for agroforestry. Forest trees, he said, can occupy areas with higher elevations while areas with lower elevations and gentler slopes can be devoted to a mixture of perennial trees and agricultural crops.

“Upland dwellers have to support themselves somehow on a daily basis and this is the reason they tend to plant agricultural food crops,” said Dr. Protacio, who has undertaken research on the agroecology.

“Unfortunately, while trying to feed themselves and eke out a living from the often marginal soils of the uplands, they also unwittingly contribute to soil erosion and other environmental degradation. They also cut existing trees for fuel. People in the uplands need to support themselves in terms of food, shelter, and livelihood. Their life depends on the biological resources available to them,” the UPLB professor stressed.

Uplanders are referred to as the “poorest of the poor” in the Philippine society since they survive below the poverty line level. The impoverished situation is reflected in their houses made of bamboo, tree bark, and cogon thatch roofing. Their sources of water are either mountain springs or streams.

In terms of education, the upland farmer rarely finishes grade school. Studies show that he either drops out after the third grade or does not even attempt to enter school. His wife, like himself, fares no better.

Dr. Protacio believed those people living in the uplands are central to the success of the NGP. “They could be employed to implement agroforestry better,” he said, adding that tree planting

will be done only in tenured government land under the NGP, referring to the Community-Based Forestry Management areas.

“The occupants here have forestry stewardship contracts for 25 years, renewable for another 25 years,” he pointed out.

“Legally, they are entitled to the products of what they plant via an approved Resource Utilization Permit, which is why it is presumed that they will take good care of the trees to be planted under NGP.” Moreover, while the fruit, latex, or nut tree crops are not yet bearing, the government will give these forest stewards financial assistance to take care of and protect (against stray animals and fire) the trees planted.

In his paper, Dr. Protacio cited some perennial crops that can be planted together or as intercropped. He explained that agroforestry can yield better dividends if cash crops and coconuts are cultivated.

“Coconut is not only good for its oil but a source of cocosugar with low glycemic index for diabetics and coco water is now a rage worldwide,” he said. “Its trunk is used as lumber while coco coir is in demand among automobile makers. The nuts are harvested from 45 to 60 days, supplying the grower with cash for his daily needs.”

Coffee, which the president mentioned in his recent State of the National Address (SONA), is a high- value crop suited to the uplands. It requires minimal crop protection. It also promotes biodiversity as it provides food for the civet cat or alamid, giving rise to the expensive “alamid coffee.”

The deep-rooted Liberica and Excelsa varieties (commonly known as kapeng barako) are adapted to the forest-like environment, giving commensurate yield. These two varieties can also tolerate six months of dry condi-

tions, where most crops will not thrive, making them suitable for regions with drier climate. Good news: Global coffee prices have risen recently.

Rubber trees are excellent since tapping for latex is done every other day except for two months of the year when “wintering” – or leaf fall and regeneration – occurs. Rubber can be planted in areas where abundant rainfall occurs and typhoons are absent as in Mindanao although there are now plantings in Luzon and the Visayas.

Abaca is a perennial indigenous crop producing fiber whose trade the Philippines dominates.

It is a crop that indigenous people use for clothing, like the t’nalak among the T’boli and cordage. So it is also culturally valuable and socially acceptable. It is naturally grown as an agroforestry crop.

Currently, 65 percent of abaca produced is used industrially for pulp and paper while the rest is shared by handicrafts and cordage.

Another crop mentioned

by President Aquino in his recent SONA, is cacao. The domestic grinders require at least 30,000 tons of dried fermented cacao beans every year. In addition, there is a ready market waiting to be tapped in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and China. These countries need at least 100,000 metric tons of dried beans annually.

“Cacao will thrive in an agroforestry system where several crops or biodiversity exists rather than under a monoculture type of production which gives rise to serious pest and disease problems,” Dr. Protacio said.

Like abaca, pili is also indigenous in the country. “Pili stands out as an ideal agroforestry crop because it is fast- growing and able to withstand the strongest typhoons,” Dr. Protacio said.

“It is a good windbreak tree to protect other crops, requires minimal care and has the highest establishment percentage in an agroforestry setting among different fruit crops on Mt. Makiling’s slopes.”

Other crops Dr. Protacio mentioned in his paper were: • Jackfruit is a good fruit crop as it bears fruits year-round and contributes to food security as well. It is a sustainable crop as crop protection needs is negligible except for bagging the fruits. Its seeds are a good carbohydrate source.

• Banana, especially the Saba variety, is good for the uplands as it meets the NGP objectives of food security, yearround income source and biodiversity conservation. The Philippines has a wealth of banana varieties. The stem can help feed hogs in the farm. Banana is also amenable to processing like in banana chips.

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) will prioritize this year the strategy of further providing nationwide infrastructure and post-harvest facilities that will increasingly boost Philippine agriculture’s performance over the longer term particularly as government is promoting its centerpiece Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP).

“In general, we shall veer away from provision of private goods and shift to the more strategic intervention of providing public goods which should be the role of government in the first place,” it said.

The department said such public goods plus research and development, education as well as extension and training services will yield longer-term real productivity in agriculture nationwide.

“Lessons in the past taught us providing short-term interventions like direct input subsidies not only cultivates a culture of dependency among farmers and fishers but breeds corruption and wastes scarce government resources,” DA noted.

Such subsidies include fertilizer, seeds, chemicals and pesticides.

DA earlier identified several infrastructure projects for funding using part of this agency’s P61.73billion budget for 2012.

Among such projects are various large-scale irrigationrelated work across 223,850 hectares of agricultural land nationwide as well as another 4,584

small-scale irrigation undertakings requiring shallow tube wells, spring development, small water reservoirs and small water impounding.

“We hope to regain momentum in irrigation,” DA said.

The infrastructure projects also include constructing and rehabilitating some 1,284 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and establishing trading centers across strategic locations in Benguet, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur and Cebu provinces.

DA likewise said part of its 2012 budget will be for postharvest interventions like distributing some 4,526 units of equipment and machinery as well as providing nearly 2,777 drying, storage, processing and transport facilities.

The budget will further cover maintenance of mariculture parks as well as regional and municipal fish ports nationwide.

“An important feature of FSSP is frontloading investments particularly in infrastructure and post-harvest facilities,” it said.

Programs of DA are aligned with targets under the 20112016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP) which seeks to develop a competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector in the country.

PDP’s three thrusts to achieve such goal are improving food security while increasing rural income levels, raising the sector’s resilience to climate change and enhancing policy environment governance. [PNA]

UN okays PHL initiative for declaration of 2014 as the ‘Int’l Year of Family Farming

T

HE UN General Assembly formally passed the Philippine initiative for the declaration of the “International Year of Family Farming, 2014.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that the UN approved the Philippines’ initiative at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly on Dec. 22.

“This was an initiative which the Philippines initially pushed at the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) conference last June 2011, and at that meeting, the FAO called on the United Nations to declare 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming, in recognition of the fact that there are more than 1 billion people in the world working as farmers in plots less than five acres in size, and that the lack of support for them has fueled massive migration to cities, with all its impacts for food security and environmental sustainability,” Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Libran Cabactulan said.

“Consequently, the declaration is intended to give strong support for FAO and other organizations’ initiatives to develop means to ensure prosperous and sustainable family agriculture development in rural and fishing areas in all continents,

and especially in the developing countries. Following the passage of the FAO Resolution last 2 July 2011, the Philippine Mission in New York thus spearheaded the successful passage of this Resolution before the UN General Assembly, and we thank our friends and partners for making this possible,” he said.

The Resolution obtained broad support from many countries in the developing world, with over 36 co-sponsors from countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe and Oceania in joining the Philippines in promoting the passage of this Resolution.

“With this Resolution, we hope for countries and regions to join together in identifying the special needs of their family farmers, and develop ways and means to resolve ongoing challenges for family farmers, such as the difficulty of access at fair prices to resources and production, including access to land; aging of the rural populations and scarce incorporation of young people in agriculture; effective recognition of the essential role of women in agriculture, and lack of participation of small farmers and fishermen in the making of decisions and policies,” Ambassador Cabactulan said. [PNA]

BizQUIPS ‘AGAINST a backdrop of sound macroeconomic fundamentals, we believe domestic demand will remain a major contributor to growth.; --Governor Amando Tetangco of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

governance

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

7

Duterte wants holistic approach to mitigate impact of calamities

ANTI-TRAFFICKING. Members of DSWD 11 - MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere) attend an orientation on Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act held recently at the DSWD Conference Hall. Initiated by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), MOVE came about in November 2006 during the commemoration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). MOVE is an organization of caring, pro-active and principled men committed to be actively involved

in the elimination of VAW. Members come from various organizations, private and public. Its goals are: 1] speak out against VAW; 2] examine, propose and formulate total male involvement and actions in the elimination of VAW; 3] form partnerships and linkages with similar groups working on VAW, locally and internationally; 4] organize and conduct researches, studies and fora in recognition of the social effects of VAW for policy and program development; and 5] establish resource network on VAW. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

V

ICE MAYOR RODRIGO DUTERTE proposed for the national government to come up with a holistic approach to mitigate the impact of calamities aggravated by climate change due to the global warming.

He said aside from enforcing a total log ban, government could also make planting of trees mandatory.

Duterte said giving land as stewardship for big corporations who have the money to plant trees could be a good move to

ensure growth of tree plantations.

“Aside from the total log ban, government must make it mandatory to plant to replace what have been lost forever,” he said.

Duterte said government can impart this drive to the private sector which has the money to grow trees.

Duterte said he is just waiting for a blanket authority from the President to ensure the protection of the environment.

He said locally the existing

drainage system needs to be improved in order to cope with the flooding.

Duterte cited the need in coming up with a flood control system which entails elaborate planning and financial resources.

He said ideally, the city needs three canals as big as the one at the stretch of Roxas Avenue to withstand the flood.

“Because of the sheer volume of precipitation, our existing drainage is no longer enough.

We need a flood control measure,” Duterte said. [PNA]

Devolving basic care: Key to decongesting hospitals Pag-IBIG’s penalty condonation

T

HE key to decongesting overcrowded tertiary hospitals is to let the facilities just focus on specialized cases.

This according to Carlito Pillerin administrator of the Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Tagum City said that devolving basic and primary health care to other smaller medical facilities can help declog tertiary hospitals.

He cites emergency rooms in tertiary hospitals where some patients have already been staying for 72 hours or three days already.

“In an emergency room patients can only stay there for three to six hours.” Pillerin said.

The hospital administrator said that if patients stay for more than 24 hours in the room then it can be considered a ward, no longer an emergency room.

He voiced alarm that tertiary hospitals are fast losing their emergency rooms as many of them become wards with overstaying patients.

Pillerin cited that 30% of births are considered as normal deliveries which can be handled by lying-in clinics. He said that

if Southern Philippine Medical Center or SPMC which has a 1,200 bed capacity and 30% of these admitted patients are women giving birth through normal delivery; they can be referred to lying-in facilities.

He said that there are lying-in facilities in the barangays but they are rarely visited since women would prefer to tertiary hospitals.

Also devolving normal deliveries to lying-ins could create economic opportunities for these facilities aside from decongesting hospitals. [PIA 11/RG ALAMA]

ceeds of their new loan. Eligible members may file their applications for either loan payment suspension or early loan renewal with their nearest SSS branches.

Those who avail of the loan payment suspension will no longer be eligible for early loan renewal, and vice versa.

The SSS has also reduced the interest rate of its Housing Loan Program for Repairs/Improvements, from 13 percent to eight percent, specifically for members whose homes were damaged by Typhoon Sendong.

Application period to this loan program, which offers maximum loanable amounts up to P300,000, is from January 1 to June 30, 2012.

“The applicable period of the loan payment suspension is November 2011 to April 2012, for loan payments falling due in December 2011 to May 2012.

This payment suspension is applicable also to members who bought SSS acquired assets and are paying on installment. They can suspend payments for the next six months without incurring any penalties,” de Quiros explained. “Availment period is from January 2 to March 30, 2012.”

For pensioners in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the SSS will

automatically advance their pensions for February to April 2012, the total amounts of which will be credited to the pensioners’ bank accounts by January 2012.

Pensioners in other affected areas may apply for advanced pension and present a certification from the Barangay Chairman that they are residents of the calamitystricken area.

SSS membership data show about 1.6 million registered members in Northern Mindanao alone. There are currently 845 housing loan accounts and 48 acquired asset accounts located in the calamity-stricken areas.

About 122,000 salary loan borrowers are situated in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, while there are 43,802 SSS pensioners in the Northern Mindanao region.

“Our priority areas are Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, which were the hardest hit by Sendong. Fortunately, our SSS offices there sustained only minimal typhoon damage and our employees will be ready to service our members in their time of great need,” de Quiros said.

“We recognize the gravity of the devastation caused by Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao, and we want to help our members there in recovering and rebuilding their lives.” [SSS]

people.

Extent of death and destruction from ‘Sendong’ prompted Malacanang to declare last week a state of national calamity.

Such declaration aims to hasten rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts of government as well as its local and international partners, Malacanang said.

Paje reported seeing logs that surfaced in Iligan City in the aftermath of ‘Sendong.’

“I already ordered such logs confiscated,” he said.

Such logs are believed to be from surrounding uplands and were swept by floodwaters downstream.

DENR earlier committed to donate its confiscated logs to Department of Education so

these can be made into school furniture.

Earlier this year, Malacanang issued Executive Order 23 banning logging in natural forests nationwide.

Paje said Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) failed to immediately comply with such order, however.

He believes ARMM must comply with the logging ban as this applies nationwide.

Malacanang already ordered new ARMM Officer-inCharge Mujiv Hataman to enforce such ban across the region, Paje said.

Hataman assured action to curb illegal logging in ARMM. Officials concerned are al-

SSS suspends loan payments, fees for members in typhoon-hit areas

T

HE Social Security System (SSS) will implement a calamity relief package for its members and pensioners who are victims of the deadly floods caused by Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, starting with a six-month suspension of member loan payments, a three-month advance payment of pensions, and a reduction in the interest rate of new loans filed under the SSS Housing Loan Program for Repairs/Improvements.

President and chief executive officer Emilio S. De Quiros, Jr. made this announcement following the annual SSS Christmas gift-giving to various charitable institutions, held on December 20, 2011 at the SSS main office in Quezon City.

Members in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan with existing SSS loans – whether salary, housing or business loans – have the option to apply for a six-month suspension of their loan payments, without penalties, with an extension of their amortization term by six months.

For members with current salary loans, they can alternatively avail themselves of an early renewal of their salary loans, with the balance of the existing loan to be deducted from the pro-

programs take effect Jan. 2012

T

HE Home Development Fund (HDMF) popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund will launch its penalty condonation programs both for the employers and the Fund members starting January next year.

The Fund›s vice president for Southern Mindanao Operations Group Jose W. Banzon, Jr. said the programs include those for delinquent housing loan borrowers and for employers who failed to remit the contributions of their members.

He said the two programs will commence on January 2012 as HDMF›s Board of Trustees approved the double programs that will run for six months.

For the employers, Banzon said they already had sent letters to companies which he said they based it on the data from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DOLE conducts regular inspection to see to it that companies implement government rules and regulations including employees’ benefits like Pag-IBIG Fund contributions.

Penalty for non-remittance of member›s contribution is at 3 percent monthly. «Annualized

penalty becomes big to about 36 percent,» he said.

He said they will offer plan of payment to companies of either 24 months or 60 months depending on the number of employees.

He said this is an opportunity for the employers to settle non-remittance of contributions because after June 30, 2012, the Fund will be forced to take legal action.

The other program is the penalty condonation for housing loan borrowers. This is applicable to accounts with four months in arrears and beyond, he said.

Although he did not give the exact figure of delinquent borrowers he placed accounts in default at 15 percent.

The Southern Mindanao Group has a total loan borrowers for 2011 of about 3,141 with total amount at P1.6 billion.

In a statement Vice President Jejomar Binay who is also chair of the Board of Pag-IBIG Fund said the penalty condonation for housing loan borrowers is a way of providing our delinquent borrowers an opportunity to make good on their housing loan obligations even as he that

our members realize that when they borrow money from the Fund, and from any other lending institutions, they have obligations to fulfill.

“I strongly encourage them to avail themselves of this final opportunity that we are offering,” the Vice President said. He said Pag-IBIG’s mandate is to assist Filipino workers realize their dream of having their own homes.

Pag-IBIG’s housing loan programs provide for the most convenient terms and conditions with interest as low as 6% per annum and payment terms as long as 30 years.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Officer Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said housing borrowers should understand that the loan extended to them was pooled from the hard earned savings of other members.

“This makes it all the more imperative for us to recover the money we lent to them. If a borrower defaults in his payment, Pag-IBIG will institute appropriate proceedings. So we would like to give our borrowers this last chance to pay their obligations with Pag-IBIG Fund,” Berberabe said. [PRIX D. BANZON/PR]

progressive solon.

“The fact that the complainants verified their complaint already binds them to the contents thereof, so it would be foolish for the Senate to have to repeat a process already complied with by the Lower House. This will only serve to delay the proceedings and obfuscate the issues. The Impeachment Court would be better off tackling the substance of the complaint rather than waste its time on these technical nonissues,” he added.

“Also Corona should stop

hiding behind the cloak of collegiality because it is a very weak defense. The decisions and actions of the Supreme Court like that of Congress is based on collegiality but the issue here is the individual votes of all its members.

Like the justices we congressmen are made to account for our individual stands on issues that are laid before us to act upon. It is our contention that Corona indeed voted with bias and partiality to the Arroyos when cases involving them are being heard in the Supreme Court,” ended Casiño.

Casiño to Corona: ‘Do not hide behind technicalities!’

B

AYAN Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, a signatory of the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona chided the Chief Magistrate for hiding behind technicalities and the issue of collegiality.

“He aims to mislead the Senate into a protracted and useless exercise of trying to prove that 188 congressmen actually read the complaint and were not simply dictated upon by the Liberal party into signing the impeachment complaint.,” said the

DENR urges more LGU vigilance vs environmental destruction

D

EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Ramon Paje wants local government units (LGUs) nationwide to intensify efforts to protect the environment against destruction, which he linked to man-made calamities that result in loss of life, limb and property.

“If LGUs can truly help protect the environment, such calamities won’t happen,” he said.

He raised the point as several sectors blamed illegal logging for the deadly and destructive flooding and landslides that struck Iligan City and other areas following onslaught of storm ‘Sendong’ there this month.

Reports already placed the storm’s death toll at over 1,000

ready consolidating data on logging in ARMM so the problem could be addressed accordingly, he said.

Earlier, renowned lawyer Alan Paguia said the country could have lessened its loggingrelated calamities if government continued implementing Presidential Decree 1153 which the late president Ferdinand Marcos issued in 1977.

He said such decree requires all Filipinos 10 years old and over to plant trees every month for five consecutive years.

Experts noted greening denuded areas nationwide help increase forest cover while lessening soil erosion and landslide problems.

“That would have been a radical solution to what was already recognized then as urgent problems,” Paguia said.

He said the government scrapped the decree after Marcos’ ouster following the 1986 people power revolution. [PNA]

BizQUIPS ‘EVEN if you only transit your firecrackers through Davao City, you are already liable under the law.’

--Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte

8

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Investment Politics

T

HE performance of the Philippines as a business hub or a place for investment has plummeted for the last several years. Worst, in a recent report from the CBNS – the top US business channel, the Philippines ranked fourth among worst countries for investment. The report cited the cost of doing business, policy instability and corruption as the main reasons. What is more surprising is that the country is the worst in Asia, according to the report.

Our trade and investment leaders were quick to defend our position. They said that the country is suffering from a bad image and that the CBNS report is not so accurate. Increased rate of entry of new businesses and money infused into the economy were presented to back up claims that the Philippines is not as bad as perceived from the outside.

No matter how good performing we are, perceptions will always have their strong bases. Other countries too have their own bad images and impressions which are nonetheless reflected by their own verifiable level of standing. I am sure that those who made the ranking – responsible people as they must be - have figures to support such a very controversial report.

Instead of ignoring such fact, the more rational attitude would be to take it as a warning signal, a wake-up call for each and every one of us to try harder either to improve the image or to improve our performance.

Even just among us Filipinos, if we are just honest about where we really are, we know and we feel that somehow we are lagging behind our Asian neighbors, not only as a place for foreign direct investment but also in terms of quality of life in general. I am not discounting the fact that Filipinos are good, if not excellent, in some chosen fields. My point is that we look within and ask ourselves why we are ranked that way.

Objectively speaking, there are plenty of areas in business and investment where we should improve on. The first that possibly come to mind is the high cost of doing business in the country – not only in terms of money but also time and effort. The second is all about our level of competitiveness.

Competitiveness is defined as the “ability of a firm or a nation to offer products and services that meet the quality standards of the local and

world markets at prices that are competitive and provide adequate returns on the resources employed or consumed in producing them.” In short, it implies looking not at our own standing alone but comparing or benchmarking our standing with others. The caution there is that we don’t compare ourselves with those much “weaker” or obviously less competitive than us. Let’s put ourselves side by side with the giants so that we know how much we have yet to scale ourselves up to level off with them.

While we are not in comparison with the more developed economies as obvious as it is, we should at least model our processes in the hope that we become like them. Of course, Filipinos do not want to be branded as “gaya-gaya” or imitator; likewise, we have that pride to deny the fact that we also have some limitations and shortcomings. We also know that some model processes, or development theories drawn from the more developed economies in particular, do not necessary apply to our own situation. Yet, there is some sense if we allow ourselves to learn both from the successes and failures of those who have been there ahead of us.

Becoming more competitive as applied to business would require continuous innovations to improve the quality of products and services we offer to our markets – they be local or international. This is where we lack some efforts.

We have strong business firms and establishments willing to take risks and invest; we also have capable academic and research institutions. The problem is there is no clear mechanism on how to promote creative and innovative endeavors that would ultimately ensure the sustainability of corporate undertakings.

Innovation is a way to go.

You might have a good brand but if do not adapt to the ever changing market environment, you will be left behind. Remember that many branded products have stagnated or even left the market simply because they cannot cope with the level of competition.

As a developing economy (yes, we still are – for many decades now, unfortunately!), we need to harness our capacity to innovate from what we already have towards a quality at par with those much ahead of us.

Feel free to send your comments to nic_agustin@yahoo.com.

BizQUIPS

‘THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau has confirmed that there are no large-scale mining operations in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. We call on the authorities to investigate reports of illegal logging and illegal small-scale mining activities in these areas and to impose maximum penalties on those who will be found to have violated the law.’

--Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

editorial

A

Sobriety needed

SIDE from the trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and the never-ending debate on the proposed Reproductive Health Bill, mining will be one of the most contentious issues that our country will face in 2012. Mining is an emotional issue that has the potential of dividing the nation.

Some local government units (LGUs) such as those of South Cotabato and Zamboanga Sibuguey have passed ordinances banning open pit mining. There is a well-orchestrated nationwide campaign opposing mining in Palawan.

In Davao City, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has started conducting public hearings on a proposal co-sponsored by Councilors Paolo Z. Duterte and Victorio Advincula Jr. for a total ban on underground and open pit mining, excepting only quarrying like what Holcim Inc. has been doing in Bunawan in order to gather materials for the manufacture of cement.

The mining industry, which has been demonized by anti-mining activists, seems to be fighting back. In Zamboanga Sibuguey, a foreign company has challenged in court the anti-open pit mining ordinance. It is said that SMI in South Cotabato is only waiting for the outcome of that court suit in Zamboanga Sibuguey.

However, in other places outside Zamboanga Sibuguey, the controversy has spilled out of the confines of the court and in some instances has turned violent. The advocacy against mining is believed behind

the murder of a veterinarian broadcaster with a former provincial governor of Palawan accused as mastermind. An officer of Sagittarius Mining Inc. assigned to procure lands for the Tampakan (South Cotabato)-based SMI for its coal-fired power plant in Malalag, Davao del Sur was shot dead sometime ago. SMI in Tampakan itself was raided by members of the New People’s Army many times before. Also during the year, four mining camps in Surigao del Norte were raided by NPA partisans who torched equipment worth millions of pesos.

Last Wednesday, investor Vicente T. Lao, announced that the Mindanao Business Council (MBC) he heads will boycott a mining summit that the Ateneo University is organizing early next year because the format is biased against the mining industry.

He claims that the Ateneo had reportedly programmed anti-mining advocates to deliver full discourses on their views with members of the mining industry allowed only to react briefly to the speeches.

Earlier, Lao said that no less than retired Ateneo de Davao president Emeterio Barcelon, S.J. had lambasted those who came after him in the Jesuit-run university system for being unfair to the mining industry.

Indeed, the continuing debate will be a heated one. There is need to convince both parties to calm their nerves and discuss the issues with sobriety. Surely, there is a middle ground, even a win-win solution for both sides of the great debate..

vantage POINTS

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

I

am guilty.

I am guilty of being selfish.

And I realized this the minute I saw pictures of the victims of Sendong…

How does one feel losing all your belongings, a home, a loved-one all at once? You cannot even begin to imagine or empathize. My sister and I were at a party the night it happened and the next two days, we had trouble with the internet. I heard about it but didn’t think it would be devastating. After all, CDO is prone to floods which are at the most, knee-high.

It was Sunday when I texted some of my friends in CDO. One friend said they didn’t take the warning seriously but glad that they were safe. One told me that her father was on their roof most of the night and they were only able to get him in the morning.

He is now recuperating in the hospital.

It’s the end of the world.

That’s what my eldest son says. How do you refute that? You cannot say that it isn’t. Who indeed knows when it will be? I can only tell him, “Then if it is, maybe you should spend your days doing what’s important.”

Rather than buying expensive gad-

A

HEAVY HEART and deep feeling of frustration kept me from fully enjoying the joy of the Christmas season two weeks ago as I struggled to get out of the rut of an empty pocket due mainly to uncollected debts from services rendered to some establishments.

No matter how much we tried to avoid the temptation of materialism and commercialism of Christmas, the images were always there staring us in the face during the Yuletide holidays in December--from shoppers rushing to the malls and supermarkets to the thick nightly crowds admiring the 12 fully lighted Christmas trees at Casa Mana in Bajada.

One can’t be too sure whether all these Christmas images around us really reminded us what this season is all about or even helped

The gift of life

gets, use it for something else. I remember my youngest son, Tommy say,”Kuya,

filled with clothes and stuff.

Some we have bought but have only worn once or

kung wala na tayong makain, yang laruan mo na lang kakainin mo!” (If we don’t have anything to eat, you would have to eat your toys).

Introspectively, do I practice what I preach?

Sometimes, our closets get

twice.. Shoes, Bags, some so-so, but some so expensive that we shield them from the rain before ourselves..I am guilty of buying things I don’t really need. I would know this because buyer’s remorse would set in as soon as I get home.

I have cleared my closet

A bleak, depressing Christmas

us to remember an obscure event 2,011 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem somewhere in Israel..

Perhaps a lot of people also go thru these feeling of frustrations and helplessness when things aren’t working in their favor. And when they see their hopes collapsing around them, they usually see them crumbling down around Christmastime when everyone is supposed to be happy.

This could be the bleakiest Christmas for

many people. All around us amid the sound of Christmas carols like “Joy to the World!” over a thousand people are found dead under the mud in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities while some friends of ours us lost loved ones to ailments or old age.

While we try so hard to make Christmas as merry as possible for our kids today, the grief, the helplessness, the frustrations and sufferings are still all around us, dampening our mood, even

of some items. Most especially the ones which are only there because I just love to see a colorful wardrobe. I tell my sons, how can you say you don’t have enough shirts when you can’t even move the hangers when you try to pull a shirt out? How many things do we actually need to live?…

I’ve printed an article about living a life that’s clutter-free. I loved that and maybe I can incorporate it in one of my future articles.

The Christmas season is not helping me with that resolve. It gives us reason to spend and get a little outrageous with the buying.. No matter how hard I try to get rid of things, I end up having more. It’s a cycle..a routine.

A hard habit to break.

A friend says while rummaging for things to donate, it’s hard to let go…

It will be so much harder if what we have to let go is… a loved one, right? I feel so guilty when I see that picture of a crying father carrying his daughter’s muddied and lifeless body in his arms…

If only we could see that we have more than enough, how grateful we should be… …for the gift of life! if one still hears Jose Mari Chan’s “A Perfect Christmas” in the airwaves.

No matter how much we try to pretend everything’s all right---it’s still so hard to write anything, even short email Christmas greetings, when you don’t feel good. And this often happens, most specially, when you see no light at the end of the tunnel.

Let’s cross our fingers on the business prospects for this new year 2012, but right now it doesn’t look too good for many bankers interviewed on Bloomberg or BBC. While the EU might survive a deep recession, it’s still a big question whether US could see real recovery as China is stepping on the brakes to slow down its red-hot economy to escape inflation…. ( Comments? Email : tradingpost_davao@yahoo. com )

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9

ASEAN to make further headway in 2012

Special Feature

By Massita Ahmad

T

HE ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will continue to make headway next year while economic integration will gather momentum in ASEAN which is projected to see an economic growth of between five and six per cent.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed had said that ASEAN was on track to realize the AEC by 2015.

He said the 10-nation grouping, has to-date, met its commitments in goods, services and investment, and has implemented 83.8 per cent of the measures under phase one of the AEC Blueprint for the period between 2008 and 2009 and 64.1 per cent under phase two of the period between 2010 and 2011.

The ASEAN annual report said despite these achievements there were challenges in implementing the AEC whereby the most critical was the need to assess the timeliness of implementing the measures and their impact and effectiveness.

“More action is still needed,” it said, adding that it was critical that ASEAN continue to engage with the private sector, strengthen connectivity, address the development divide, and build stronger institutional support and better macroeconomic and policy coordination.

It noted that the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM), which oversee the implementation of measures in the blueprint, attached importance to public-private sector engagement as a platform to ensure greater mutual synergies in the implementation of ASEAN economic development and integration measures.

Dialogues with private sector representatives from Asean and Dialogue Partners have been and would continue to be held, it said.

The report also said to support ASEAN integration into the global economy, engagement with Dialogue Partners also continued with the implementation of ongoing Free Trade Agreements and Economic Partnership with China, Japan, Korea, India, as well as, Australia and New Zealand.

At the inaugural CIMB ASEAN Conference 2011 in October, CIMB Group Chief Executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak proposed that the next ASEAN Secretary-General be appointed from the corporate sector to speed up ASEAN economic integration and smoothen crossborder regional businesses.

Lamenting that most initiatives from ASEAN organizations were limited to government-to-

government levels, Nazir said the region needed “someone who could really shake things up”.

Expressing his concern, Nazir said: “If we look at ASEAN corporates today, there is still lots of constraint to cross-border trading. This is my frustration.

We need to support these companies.

The Secretary-General of Asean is appointed by the ASEAN Summit for a non-renewable term of five years while being selected from among nationals of the ASEAN member states on alphabetical rotation.

The current ASEAN Secretary-General is Dr Surin Pitsuwan of Thailand and his term of office expires next year.

As an “answer” to the proposal, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao announced measures to further strengthen ASEAN-China cooperation including opening its financial market to ASEAN companies.

The country will also establish an ASEAN-China association of banks as well as expand work in maritime environmental protection.

Meanwhile, judging by trade value, Surin said the ASEAN community needed to take full advantage of all the grouping’s incentives given for trade and economic activities, as intraASEAN total trade value was still unsatisfactory.

Surin said despite all the groundwork to promote trade and economic integration among ASEAN, only 25 per cent of trade took place among members out of the total trade of US$ 2.1 trillion.

“To become an economic community, ASEAN needs a figure better than that especially when compared with the North American Free Trade Agreement, which recorded about 50 per cent and the European Union of over 60 per cent.

Beyond economy, at the just ended 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Asean was now facing two major geopolitical challenges that needed to be overcome in the best possible way.

He said the first was how ASEAN could deal with relations between China and the United States and their strategic interests.

“These two nations have strategic interest in their relations with ASEAN and the region. They are somewhat competing to expand their influence although their involvement in the East Asia Summit process is to increase cooperation with ASEAN countries and other East Asian countries,” Najib said.

BizQUIPS PCs will not be replaced despite the proliferation of mobile devices as it would be complementing these technologies in the convergence process.’

--Francis Ivan Judan, Lenovo Philippines’ Distributor Channels Manager

10 VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

competitive edge

SGV moves to new office in Davao P

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) ends 2011 with the largest aircraft fleet in the country. CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 19 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. CEB’s fleet of 37 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia. Its newest Airbus A320 aircraft landed in Manila last December 10, 2011. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will

take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and 2 Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements. CEB flew close to 11 million passengers from January to November 2011, a growth of 14% as compared to the same period last year. It also succeeded in flying 1 million passengers each for the months of April, May, October and November, a first for any Philippine carrier.

Mead Johnson confirms Enfamil probe

A

company spokesman confirmed on Wednesday that U.S. regulators have since Monday been inspecting Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. (MJN) facilities to investigate whether a Missouri child’s death this month was due to tainted infant formula, according to local media.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors remained at the plant in Zeeland, Michigan, Susan Ricker,

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Mead Johnson’s global qualityservices director reportedly said.

Besides a factory in Zeeland, Michigan, where the product was manufactured, inspectors also went to a facility in Evansville, Indiana, where some records were kept.

Mead Johnson Nutrition on Sunday said that its new tests on infant formula found no presence of bacteria that related to the death of a baby

in Missouri, the United States.

A 10-day-old baby in Missouri, who had consumed Mead Johnson’s Enfamil Premium Newborn powdered formula, died on Dec. 18 of a rare infection caused by bacteria known as Cronobacter sakazakii, according to the preliminary hospital tests.

The source of the bacteria hasn’t been determined, but it can be found in powdered formula. [PNA/XINHUA]

where the former would buy into Asia’s oldest airline. The two parties were said to be in the thick of discussions before Christmas.

Another source familiar with the matter said Ang’s group had presented a very good offer that was accepted “in principle” by the Tan group, but the value under consider-

ation was not revealed.

Other sources said Tan was willing to let a new investor come in for at least US$1 billion. For that amount, the investor will gain controlling equity while shouldering part of re-fleeting costs.

The sources said some preliminary paperwork had been drawn up last Friday in the presence of Harry Tan, the tycoon’s brother. The next step is a due diligence audit to finalise the terms of the acquisition.

The Lucio Tan group’s holding firm for the airline business, PAL Holdings Inc., surged by 15.78 per cent to close at 6.97 pesos ($.15) a share at the local stock market Tuesday. This gave the company a market capitalisation of 32.63 billion pesos ($744.4 million).

The conglomerate has also expressed interest in public-private partnership airport contracts for Palawan, Bohol and Caraga (Agusan).

Ang, himself a pilot, has been interested in acquiring PAL over the last few years. His business rival, First Pacific Co. Ltd. executive director Manuel V. Pangilinan, was likewise looking at PAL and was earlier reported to be the front-runner in the race to acquire PAL. Pangilinan had earlier offered $700 million to take over the airline, industry sources said.

ROFESSIONAL services firm SGV & Co recently inaugurated its new office in Davao City. Located on the 5th Floor of the Topaz Tower in the Damosa IT Park, the new SGV-Davao office is the largest outside Metro Manila.

Guests of honor were Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Anflo Group of Companies Vice Chairman Antonio Floirendo, Jr. Headed by Assurance partner Alvin Pinpin, SGVDavao occupies 1,303 square meters of floor space and will be home to more than 170 SGV professionals. It will also serve as the center for SGV-

Davao’s Thought Leadership initiatives, as well as house an interactive SGV Museum and an Alumni Center.

During a short program following the office blessing, SGV and the Davao City government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to jointly develop a brochure called Doing Business in Davao City. The publication will be an investment guide that provides useful information on the history, culture, economic conditions and processes for doing business in Davao City.

SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Vic Noel and Mayor Duterte signed the MOA for

SGV and Davao City, respectively.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Noel said, “Early on, our Founders recognized the prominent role of Davao in the development of Mindanao.

And to this day, we have not ceased in believing in its limitless potential. In recognition of Mindanao’s key economic role in the region, we have chosen to focus our skills, resources and people capital here to further enhance our services and offerings. We will continue to develop our business and professional relationships with the local government and the private sector.”

San Miguel Corp. to buy PAL

P

HILIPPINES’ Lucio Tan group of companies is hatching a deal to sell a controlling stake in flag carrier Philippine Airlines to a group led by San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang. Industry sources said Ang’s group and key representatives from the Tan family had a “meeting of minds”

DAVAO –BASED PACKAGING MANUFACTURING COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS DEV’T. & MARKETING MANAGER • Male or Female 35-49 years old • Must have at least 5 years experience in industrial sales & marketing in various industries like chemical, pharmaceutical, food & agricultural industries • Previous experience in industrial and packaging supplies is an advantage • Can handle people, with integrity & willing to do field assignments • MBA Graduate is an advantage HR MANAGER • Male, 40 - 50 years old • Extensive HR experience in Manufacturing Industry • Good people management / Interpersonal skills • Responsible, hardworking, flexible & can work under pressure • Good communication skills & leadership quality • Trustworthy & pro-active SALES REPRESENTATIVE (FOR DAVAO - GENSAN) • Male or Female, 25 to 35 years old • Graduate of any 4-year business course • Must have good communication skills, initiative & is trustworthy • Responsible, hardworking & can work unsupervised under pressure • Willing to travel Email or send Comprehensive Resume with recent 2x2 picture and Transcript of Records to metroaceplastic@yahoo.com or The Manager, MP blue gate, Opposite Granland Bldg., R. Castillo Street, Davao City

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CEREMONIAL RIBBON. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, flanked by SGV Deputy Chairman Itos Cruz (left) and SGV Chairman and Managing

Partner Vic Noel (right), cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the new SGV-Davao office.

MOA. SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Vic Noel (2nd from left) and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (3rd from left) present the signed Memorandum of Agreement for the publication Doing

Business in Davao City. Serving as witnesses are SGV Market Circle 4 Leader Daks Balili (left) and Davao City Investments and Promotions Head Jason Magnaye (right).

Mati to install CCTV cameras at City Hall, Mati public market

M

ATI City Mayor Michelle N. Rabat plans to install CCTV cameras in the whole vicinity of the City Hall compound and Madang public market.

Mayor Rabat believes that surveillance cameras will be effective in deterring crimes and documenting progressing crimes and identities of perpetrators.

The mayor directed the General Services Office (GSO) to canvas for CCTV cameras and how much is the city government would have to spend for its installation.

At present, only the Mati Public Terminal has CCTV cameras installed.

A trained operator will be assigned in the operation of CCTV and will man the operation center that will

respond to emergencies and conduct monitoring via the CCTV cameras 24 hours a week.

Further, the Mati PNP believes that having CCTV in particular places would help a lot in the investigation of crime and incidents.

Members of the Security

Task Force also stresses its support to the said plan.

Authorities believe that this action will help safeguard employees and visitors of City Hall as well as the market goers, residents and visitors of the public market. (Mati CIO)

BizQUIPS ‘OVERALL growth of imports is down because of the slower economy.

Philippine exports are importdependent.’

--Former Budget secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, now of the UP School of Economics

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

competitive edge

5 more high-end stores open in Abreeza Mall A

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

11

Davao Light’s Vic Sumalinog bags highest award in Aboitiz

A

BREEZA Mall in the 10-hectare mixed-used project of Ayala Land Inc and Anflo Management and Investments Corporation is host to five more high-end stores which opened during the last two months of the year which is about to end.

The stores, all belonging to Primer Group of Companies, distributor of more than foreign brands in various capital cities of the country are Columbia, Bauhaus, Quicksilver, Ellesse and Tretorn.

Primer Group spent about $920,386 or P40 million ( computed at P43.46 to a dollar) in opening these stores.

Jacky E. Quintos, Primer

Group chief operating officer, said the company has confidence in the city being a mature market for foreign brands.

When the mall opened in May, Primer Group also opened 14 stores and kiosks, including outlets for the Travel Club, Bratpack and Res|Toe|Run, a brand of shoes.

Columbia is a 70-year old name in sports wear; Bauhaus is a clothing brand based in Melbourne, Australia; Quicksilver, is an American company known for its products for surfing and other sports wear; Ellesse is an Italian sports wear company; and, Tretorn is a Sweden brand for shoes and other apparel.

During the opening of its stores and kiosks, the company projected a 45% increase in its Mindanao revenues as it also has stores in SM City Davao, Limketkai in Cagayan de Oro, and Robinsons Mall and KCCC Mall in General Santos City.

Quintos described the revenues from its Mindanaobased stores as “substantial.”

He said these stores have lured high-end shoppers that have been looking for brands that will fit their lifestyle. In one instance, a moneyed family based in Central Mindanao tried but failed to persuade one store to close down for one day so its members could shop.

cial said that it wants to expand operations in the Africa, South Asia and Latin America.

“We are just replying to several bid invitations from various port operators around the world and we don’t know when it will be awarded to us or to other company that we compete with,” ICTSI Executive Vice President Edgardo Abesamis said earlier.

“We are just waiting for the decision of several port authorities whether ICTSI will emerge as the winning bidder,” Abesamis said.

ICTSI earlier dispatched a team to Africa to study the possibility of expanding its operations in the continent. It has established ICTSI Africa (Pty.) Ltd. for the project. The subsidiary is registered in Cape Town, South Africa, with the purpose of developing and managing port terminal assets in the African region.

In the Philippines, the company is expected to start its newest berth at the Manila International Container Terminal, its flagship port, by the middle of 2012.

ICTSI allots $21M for port investments

P

ORT operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is allocating about $21 million (P917 million) for capital investments on port facilities both in the Philippines and abroad next year. US ICTSI said the amount will come from retained earnings and will be used as working capital for domestic expansion projects as well as investments in foreign ports.

ICTSI did not provide a specific investment program for next year, but a company offi-

NNUALLY the Aboitiz Group selects an employee to receive the Don Ramon Aboitiz Award of Excellence (DRAEE).

The award is the highest recognition given to team members and team leaders in the conglomerate for their significant achievements and contributions to their respective companies, regardless of department, title or position.

From among the more than 40 companies and over 30 thousand employees of Aboitiz, Davao Light & Power Co.’s Vic Nunez Sumalinog emerged as the only awardee for 2011.

The award is named after the late Aboitiz patriarch Don Ramon Aboitiz who was the driving force behind Aboitiz & Co.’s early successes and expansions. Today, the Aboitiz is one of the most admired business groups in the country. He was also responsible for acquiring Davao Light as an Aboitiz company in 1946.

VicSum or Vic Goma (as how his officemates often call him) who hails from Cordova in the Province of Cebu, joined Davao Light in 1993 as head of Community Relations Department or Comrel.

While running the department of the electric distribution company, Vic has also been very active in different civic clubs and associations. Some of which are the Mindanao Regional Committee of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Davao City Boys Scout Council, Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum Foundation, Inc. and

Vic Sumalinog expresses his gratitude as he received the Don Ramon Aboitiz Award of Excellence.

Mindanao Network for Disaster Response (MNDR) where he was chairman.

Sumalinog’s biggest achievements are in field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project implementation.

This is the program that bridges the company to the aspirations of the people in its community -- the company’s franchise area.

The company’s CSR program include such projects as support to the improvement of the quality of education of the Filipino learners, primary and community health enhancement, enterprise development and livelihood, environment and ecology protection and preservation, support to local governance, and employee and stakeholder engagement.

On education, Sumalinog spearheaded company efforts in helping fill in the gap of classroom requirements in public elementary and secondary schools. He has been responsible for facilitating the construction and donation of 34 school buildings or a total of 106 classrooms in schools situated within power firm’s franchise since 1996. Each school

building with 3 to 4 classrooms, complete with blackboard and arm chairs costs an average of P1.6M at the current value.

In 2000, Comrel launched a scholarship program for both high school and college - all dependents of Davao Light customers. As of last March 2011 108 scholars have already finished college, most graduated with flying colors. Other CSR projects on education under the watch of Sumalinog include computer donations, values formation seminars for inschool and ou-of-school youth, calamity and relief goods donations, housing donations under the Habitat for Humanities and Gawad Kalinga, re-greening program for a 500-hectare government property in Kibalang, Marilog and preservation of the endangered Hawksbill turtle.

With the various CSR projects through the 18 years under the watch of Sumalinog, Davao Light has been consistently receiving awards and recognition from different award-giving bodies, such as the Department of Education (DepEd), and the local government units within the franchise area. In 2004 Davao Light’s CSR was top among corporation under the Energy and Utilities sector in terms of CSR program implementation.

In a benchmarking study by PBSP in 2003 to 2004 Davao Light’s CSR got a 4.89 rating or .11 short of the benchmark of 5.

Sumalinog is married to the former Julieta Delute of Davao City. Their union was blessed with three children now grown up.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12 Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR MENCHIE PADILLA VALDEZ

SP. PROC.NO.11,423-11 SPOUSES ELMER D. BERDIN and MA. LUZ V. BERDIN Petitioners x--------------------------------------------x ORDER

Petitioners filed a verified petition praying that they be allowed to adopt as their own child, MENCHIE PADILLA VALDEZ, a minor, who was born in Muntinlupa City on June 14, 2000 and the illegitimate daughter of petitioner Ma. Luz P. ValdezBerdin; and that her surname be changed to that of the petitioners.

In the Child and Home Study Reports previously filed by Social Welfare officer Nelsie A. Magsalay of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, she favorably recommended the adoption of the said child by the petitioners.

WHEREFORE, let the petition be set for hearing on February 28, 2012 at 8:30 a. m. at which date and time, all persons concerned may appear to show cause, if any, why the prayer in the petition shall not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioners, in Edge Davao, a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

Notify all parties concerned and the Solicitor General through this Order.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, November 28,2011.

(SGD) PELAGIO S. PAGUICAN Juge Serve on: The Solicitor General Makati City Pros. Minerva P. Pepino-Estremos, Davao City Atty. Edgard B. Cuanan, Jr. DSB Law, Door No., 4 Babao Bldg. San Pedro St. Davao City OCC-RTC, Davao City Sps. Elmer D. Berdin and Ma. Luz V. Berdin B18 L24 P3, Pag-ibig Wellspring Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City (Edge 19,26,Jan. 2)

WE SWEAR! Officers, trustees and directors of the the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA) and the Banana Export Industry Foundation, Inc. (BEIF) accept the challenges confronting the Philippine banana export industry as they were sworn into office by HON. JEJOMAR C. BINAY, VicePresident of the Philippines, on 19 November 2011 at the Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City. Standing from L-R: VP Binay, Madeline Marfori, chairperson (Dizon Group); Anthony Alexander Valo-

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PERFECTO CABASAN DAGOON and CYNTHIA SARION DAGOON has been EXTRAJUDICIALLY SETTLED executed by their heirs per Doc. No.65; Page No.15 ; Book No. XIII ; Series of 2011 of the NOTARY PUBLIC AURELIO R. CORTADO III. (Edge 12/19,26, Jan.2)

ria, president (Anflocor Group of Companies); Carlito Ona, vicepresident for international affairs (Dole-Stanfilco); Noel Venus, vice-president for national affairs (Sumifru-Phil.); Roberto Leandro Soriano, asst. treasurer (AM Soriano Group); Carlos Barquero, vice-president for administration (Lapanday Foods Corp.); Stephen Antig, secretary (PBGEA executive director); Herminio Martin, director (Unifrutti Services); Ameerah Rosemarie Sira, director (Aztropex); and, Anthony Sasin, director (Anflocor). PBGEA Photo.

Metrobank opens branch in China

P

HILIPPINE Metrobank opened a new branch in the eastern Chinese city of Changzhou in Jiangsu province on Wednesday.

The bank will mainly offer financial services for more than 68,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Changzhou, which account for almost 96 percent of the city’s total of privately-owned businesses.

“We choose Changzhou because the city has a broad market and a large number of high-quality clients,” said Arthur Ty, board chairman of Metrobank (China) Co. Ltd. “We will offer excellent financial services for them in light of international standards,” he said.

On July 1, the China Banking Regulatory Commission, the nation’s banking

regulator, officially approved Metrobank (China)’s application to establish a new branch in Changzhou, which is also the city’s first foreign bank.

Metrobank (China), headquartered in Jiangsu provincial capital of Nanjing, is the first wholly-owned foreign corporate bank in Jiangsu. It was launched in April last year and specializes in providing lending services for SMEs. It currently has one branch in Nanjing and two in Shanghai.

The bank also plans to open a branch in Quanzhou in east China’s Fujian province in 2012.

Metrobank is the largest bank in the Philippines, and the flagship company of the Metrobank Group.

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

12 VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

communitysense

DaLight employees bring Christmas cheer to disadvantaged children

“

Every time darkness starts creeping at dusk I feel a tinge of sadness. I even get mad at that specific time when my vision is blurred by lack or total absence of light. At certain point, I manifest my disgust by cursing in silence. All these demeanor, however, changed when one day I saw a totally blind man exuding confidence and showing his happiness in spite of the fact that he could not even see anything at all”.

This is how Davao Light & Power Co. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager Vic Sumalinog began his message during a gift-giving activity that the company undertook at the Davao School for the Rehabilitation of the Visually-impaired (formerly the Davao School for the Blind) at Bago Aplaya, Davao City.

The annual gift-giving activity in cooperation with the Samaritan Purse, an American

charity organization that sends shoe boxes stuffed with Christmas gifts for the children, was held last December 17, and December 21.

This year the beneficiaries of the employee-initiated project were students at the school for the blind, the wards at Love the Children Foundation at Sitio San Pedro in Marapangi, Toril, and the kids at the Angel Barraquel Home in Panabo City.

Some two hundred kids and young adults from the centers and from their immediate community were given gifts appropriate for their ages.

At the school for the blind Sumalinog told the young students and the school officials led by their sight-impaired principal Welmo Capoy, that the company and its employees felt great honor to have visited the institution and witnessed how it has persevered despite the great odds.

The principal said he was glad that Davao Light had shown it is not only in the business of lighting of homes and establishments and make profit, but also lighting the path of those who are blind but can “see” the beauty of Christmas by just “feeling” it.

Over at the Love the Children Foundation and at the Angel Barraquel, there was rejoicing among the children. This time, the beneficiaries could not only feel and touch the gifts they received, they could actually see and appreciate them to the fullest. The children played games among themselves and were entertained by mascots of from two food chains.

At the school for the blind the Davao Light employees sang Christmas songs by with the students and the principal who is himself blind. The renditions made them weep. [DLPC/

PR]

NGO considers reaching out to abandoned families of OFWs

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increasing incidence of abandoned wives, husbands and children documented in its briefing paper on the State of Abandoned Families of OFWs in Davao Region.

MMCEAI has catered to 55 cases of abandoned families from the 65 cases documented by the city government’s Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD).

It disclosed that only 12 cases were filed to court, mostly concerning charges on multiple marriages, economic abuse such as non-remittance of earnings and intermittent support, and child custody.

The other forms of abandonment include non-communication, loss of care and eventual disappearance.

Most of MMCEAI cases involved abandoning parties who work as seafarers and domestic helpers in countries such as United States of America, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, among others.

GIVING BACK. Children at the Love the Children Foundation mill around Davao Light employees distributing food packs for them shortly before the actual Christmas gift giving at the Love the Children Foundation shelter house in sitio San Pedro,

Hedcor delights school children

S

TUDENTS of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur were treated to a fun and responsible Christmas party from Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation during this holiday season.

Hedcor hopped from one school to another school to give katsa bags and pencil cases made from recycled tarpaulins in exchange of household garbag initially segregated by the 1, 616 recipients from elementary and high schools of Barangays Sibulan and Darong and Sitio Tudaya.

“We are giving recyclable materials to students

because we aim to help them appreciate the value of responsible waste segregation, disposal and recycling”, said Community Relations officer Lalaine Lonzaga.

The 700 kg collected garbage was identified by the environmental department according to its classifications for proper wastes disposal and neighboring junk shops were invited to collect the wastes that can be recycled.

The Hedcor’s gift giving activity started in 2008, bags of school supplies were given to thousands of children. In 2010, Hedcor and Dr. Roberto Puen-

Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions Inc. (MMCEAI) to extend Unlad Kabayan programs to the abandoned families of OFWs. She disclosed that around 8,000 families of migrant workers including the established OFWs, and another 1,000 migrants have availed of the livelihood assistance from Unlad Kabayan.

The community-based livelihood program is more focused on agriculture, Rom said citing projects such as coconut coir plant, rice center and rice mill in Surigao del Sur and other areas in Mindanao in partnership with the local government units.

She said that the assistance could reach up to P400,000 as a start-up capital for a business plan.

MMCEAI has called on the assistance of Unlad Kabayan during the celebration of the International Day of Migrants on December 18 here in the city.

The group reported an

[PIA 11/CARINA L. CAYON]

HE Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) as extended a P1-million donation to victims hit by Tropical Storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao.

The donation was approved unanimously by the City Council after budget officer Jemelita Q. Camaso gave assurance of the source of funds.

City Mayor Aniano

Antalan said he was grateful that his city was spared from the devastation wrought by Sendong, considering that IGaCos was covered by typhoon signal number 2 and in fact experienced heavy rain at the time. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration(PAGASA) had given out an advi-

sory prohibiting sea vessels from navigating in the Davao gulf, resulting in the stranding of many passengers in Davao City and the island.

Aniano has stopped tree-cutting activities on the island while directing an intensification of the tree-planting program on IGaCoS’ mountains and riverside. [MELROSE/SAMAL PIO]

THOUSANDS of students “cleanergy” presents from Hedcor

OME 200 participants from Mindanao cities took off Friday for Cagayan de Oro for the launching of ‘Balsa Mindanao’ or Bulig Alang sa Mindanao, a relief and rehabilitation campaign led by religious, people’s organizations, and cause-oriented groups.

The group brings in this Advent season the Filipino spirit of bayanihan for the community. Deriving its name Balsa, a term for a wooden raft, to symbolize the united journey of Mindanao people to support each other in times of disaster.

Relief goods such as potable water, food packs, medicines, clothes, blankets and

cooking utensils will be delivered coming from Davao City, General Santos City, North Cotabato, Zamboanga and Butuan City.

Balsa will bring relief, medical and psychosocial services to flood survivors in Cagayan de Oro on December 29 and in Iligan City on the 28th. Not only will they visit the evacuation centers, but they will go into barangays to look into the needs of the residents.

The ‘psychosocial release’ aims to unleash fears and trauma experienced by the victims.

“This therapy is basically important in times of post disaster so that victims will have a

better way to cope up with the trauma”, says Children Rehabilitation Center Davao Coordinator Girlie dela Cerna.

Ariel Casilao, regional coordinator of Makabayan Coalition and Convenor of Balsa, said that aside from the immediate relief services, the group “strongly urges the government to have an immediate rehabilitation plan for areas affected by the disasters.”

“This tragedy reflects how poor our government is in providing mitigating measures in time of disasters, failure of the government to address this issue would mean preparing for another tragedy to happen,” he

added.

Francis Morales of Panalipdan Southern Mindanao hits logging, agri-plantations and mining companies proliferating all over Mindanao for the environmental disasters, including the flashfloods now experienced in Compostela Valley, Kapalong and Valencia, Bukidnon.

“This is a crime committed by these corporations and companies who ruined our natural resources for their gain.

It’s time to tell our leaders we have enough of plundering our natural resources that victimized our communities,” Morales explained.

non-government organization catering to migrant workers from Mindanao has considered extending its livelihood program to the abandoned families of overseas Filipino workers.

The Davao City-based Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation is reviewing a proposal from another OFW advocate group to reach out to the distressed wives, husbands and children who were abandoned by their OFW spouses and parents.

Benilda Rom of Unlad Kabayan said that they are mainly concerned on the economic rights of migrant workers by establishing savings and investments on OFW’s behalf.

For 15 years of operation, Rom said that Unlad Kabayan has been assisting returning OFWs from various parts of Mindanao establish their business and livelihood projects.

However, Rom said they will look into the proposal from the Davao City-based

Marapangi, Toril, Davao City. Some 150 wards and disadvantaged kids both from the Foundation and the community were gift recipients in the company’s Christmas project dubbed “Kaibigans Give Back.”

tespina Jr. trooped to the same schools to bring a bird show to them.

Also, students gladly received rain coats and tshirts.

Hedcor promotes these activities to strengthen environment protection and awareness on biodiversity as well as give back to host communities as one of their valuable partners in business.

AboitizPower’s subsidiary Hedcor is the largest developer of run-of-rivers hydropower facilities operating 18 generating plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao with a total capacity of 150 MW.

IGaCoS sends P1M to storm victims

T

receive during its

Christmas Gift Giving activity on December 8 and 9 in Davao del Sur.

Balsa Mindanao responds to relief and rehabilitation S BALSA Mindanao is led by the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao and Panday Bulig disasterresponse NGO together with Panalipdan Mindanao, Sisters’

BizQUIPS

Association in Mindanao, Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc, Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao, Makabayan Coalition and Children’s Rehabilitation Center.

‘THE Board of Directors declared 40 % stock dividend and 10 cents cash dividend. Our stock is up over 20 % this year, making Phoenix truly an investment that pays off.’

--Phoenix Petroleum President and CEO Dennis A. Uy

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

icthub

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

13

Why should you get your iPhone 4S from Globe J

UST days after receiving the first stocks of the much-anticipated iPhone 4S, Globe Telecom counts the ways why you should get your iPhone 4S from the one who knows the roster of Apple devices best.

Topping the list is the exclusive trade-in scheme for existing iPhone users who want to upgrade their Apple devices for the ultimate experience.

Users of Globe-issued iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 in good working condition can trade-in their units at a specified trade-in value, which may be applied and treated as a discount for qualified purchases or availments of iPhone 4S at designated Globe stores and launch venues on December 16, 2011.

The scheme applies for all existing prepaid and postpaid subscribers of Globe.

Aside from the trade-in, Globe subscribers can also purchase a case for their new-

ly-bought iPhone 4S at 20% off the original price. Dress up your newest Apple baby in time for the holiday season by taking advantage of this exciting discount available until December 31 only from Globe.

The iPhone 4S is best enjoyed with a slew of mobile applications to take your smartphone experience up a notch. By getting the muchtalked about device from Globe, you are also rewarded with free applications – from games, social networking, lifestyle, to entertainment and sports. Just text REWARDS APP to 4438 on your iPhone 4S to get your dose of free apps. An exclusive app for Globe subscribers using the iPhone 4S who want to check their balance is also available for free. Through this app, users can subscribe to a wide array of text, call and mobile browsing promos with a simple touch on the screen. Talk

about form and functionality,

are customizable, consum-

brought to you by Globe! Just text IPHONE to 2222 for free to download the app.

And because the iPhone 4S is such an amazing device, Globe pairs it with its equally amazing postpaid plans that

able and affordable. Under the different plans are bundled offers, which include unlimited access to mobile internet. Globe understands that the iPhone 4S is a dataintensive smartphone, with

users more prone to bill shock because of features such as Siri and iCloud. With Globe data plans giving users unlimited mobile internet with fixed charges, there’s no way you’ll receive postpaid bills that will make your hair rise.

“Globe is off to a great start with iPhone 4S and it’s looking to become a hit with our customers,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Adviser for Consumer Business of Globe Telecom, “On top of the great value-for-money plans that we have lined-up for our customers we are giving them the power to choose what plan they want to go with iPhone4S, so they can enjoy this breakthrough device their way.”

On top of giving customers the power to choose their own plans, they can also order their iPhone 4S devices through various options — they can have it picked up at

all Globe stores nationwide or they can choose to have their iPhone 4s delivered by calling the Customer Sales hotline at 730-1010, or ordering online via www.globe. com.ph.

The number of online pre-orders for iPhone 4S on Globe Telecom’s pre-order website continues to swell, with thousands signing-up for the latest iPhone model, outpacing the volume of orders when Globe launched the iPhone 4 last year despite being carried by another operator. Globe started taking pre-orders for iPhone 4S last December 1, 2011. To place an order, log on to at http:// iphone4s.globe.com.ph.

So you’ve counted the ways why it’s best to get your iPhone 4S from Globe. What are you waiting for? Take that big bite and be part of the Apple-mania once again with a thousand reasons more.

IDD calls to Korea and the rest of the world Alternative social are made more affordable with Sun Cellular networks fall from

K

OREANS here in the Philippines can keep in touch with their contacts abroad without having to spend much on overseas calls and texts. With Sun Cellular’s Todo IDD Tawag, calls outside the country are just like other local interconnections – seamless, with a clear reception and above all, affordable.

Communicating with your friends, relatives and colleagues is now much more affordable through the Sun Todo IDD Tawag. For only P2 per minute, you can now call the U.S. (main), Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Guam and Hawaii.

There’s no reason for you not

to be in the loop even if you’re away from home. Not only that, if you need to call other countries abroad like Australia and Taiwan you may enjoy the low overseas call charge of P5 per minute.

Sun Cellular also now offers the Sun Annyeong Korea SIM. The IDD call rate is only P3 per minute and P3 per international message sent to Korea! And on top of the lowest-offered per-minute overseas call and per-text charge to Korea, the Sun Annyeong Korea SIM card comes with FREE 2 hours of mobile Internet, FREE 5 minutes of IDD calls to South Korea, FREE 5 iSMS to South Korea, Free 5 minutes of Sun-to-Sun calls,

and a day of FREE unlimited Sun-to-Sun texts.

For Koreans doing business in the Philippines or are here on vacation, they can use the Sun Roaming service that has the most cost-oriented international inbound calls and text rates.

Businessmen who want overseas communication to facilitate operations will find this service cost-efficient and reliable. Tourists can use it while they are in Boracay, Cebu, Manila and other destinations to keep loved ones posted on island adventures, shopping finds and cultural experiences.

Whether it is the Sun Todo IDD Tawag, Sun An-

nyeong Korea SIM or the Sun Roaming service that you need to stay connected , you are guaranteed to have a pleasurable stay in the Philippines, not to mention non-stop communication with family and friends back home.

Visit The Sun Shop nearest you and inquire about the international and roaming services you can benefit from.

For more of Sun Cellular and its value-added offerings, log on to www.suncellular.com. ph or visit the facebook page www.facebook.com/suncellularph. You may also follow Sun on Twitter via www. twitter.com/suncelltweets for updates.

its annual Memology. “This catapulted ‘lms’ to become the fastest-growing meme of 2011.”

“Tbh” also went viral on the site during the year and the phrase “lms for a tbh” became the most iconic status update for 2011 said Facebook.

Status updates were closely linked to news stories and major events in 2011.

Early in the year sports events captured the attention of fans around the world. Facebook users cheered on their favorite teams when the Green Bay Packers triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl XLV on February 6.

Charlie Sheen’s antics transfixed the social networking world too, sparking a global trend of “winning,” “tiger blood” and “goddesses”

memes.

In April Facebook users’ statuses were filled with posts about the Royal Wedding in England as Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot.

Facebook reveals that “mentions of the phrase ‘Royal Wedding’ sho[t] up nearly 600-fold in the days running up to their wedding day.”

Days later, the death of Osama bin Laden took precedence over the wedding and close to 1 in 10 status updates in English mentioned news of his death.

“The year was also marked by outpourings of sadness and memories after the deaths of Amy Winehouse in July and Steve Jobs in October,” said Facebook.

In November fans of the video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 filled the

site with “mw3”-related posts and helped make Modern Warfare 3 the biggest entertainment launch of all time.

On microblogging site Twitter, the highest number of tweets per second (tps) was recorded on August 26.

Twitter users set a new record of 8,868 tweets per second when Beyoncé revealed that she was pregnant during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Additional tps spikes for 2011 were recorded on January 1 (6,939 tps) for New Year’s Eve, on May 28 (6,303 tps) for the UEFA Champions League, on June 27 (6,436 tps) for the BET Awards, on July 17 (7,196 tps) for the end of the FIFA women’s World Cup, on August 25 (7,064 tps) when Steve Jobs resigned from Apple and again on October 6 (6,049 tps) when Steve Jobs died.

Top Facebook memes in 2011: planking,‘lms’and‘tbh’

M

EMES such as planking, “lms” (like my status) and “tbh” (to be honest) were identified as the top trending cultural phenomena for the year on social networking site Facebook.

Around the world, Facebook users laughed at and posted photos of people planking -- a movement in which people lie face down in unusual locations. The trend swept through the site, peaking in May after the son of the New Zealand prime minister posted a picture of himself planking in the family lounge (with his father in the background).

The acronyms for “like my status” and “to be honest” were also popular memes on the site in 2011.

“A new use of ‘lms’ emerged this year as a way to interact with friends on Facebook,” revealed Facebook in

favor in year 2011

G

OOGLE this month released its annual Zeitgeist report tracking what the world was searching for in 2011. In addition to the winners, including Rebecca Black and Battlefield 3, Google also tracked the losers -- the fastest-falling search terms of 2011, headed by former star of social networking Myspace and with other alternative social networks falling not far behind.

According to the Google Zeitgeist report, the social network Myspace, founded in 2003, was the fastest-falling search term of 2011 with searches for the site declining steadily from already depleted volume from January 2011.

The social networking site, once a darling of the internet, has seen a steady decline in fortune as Facebook has continued its meteoric rise to social networking dominance. The site now serves primarily as a platform for bands and was sold to Specific Media and Justin Timberlake on June 29 for around $35 million. It was originally acquired by News Corporation in 2005 for $580 million.

Social networking site Hi5 was also among this year’s fastest-falling search terms, coming second to Myspace.

Founded in 2003, Hi5 shares many features with other social networking sites, such as

profile, photo sharing, etc.; however, Hi5 places a particular emphasis on being a social gaming platform.

Social networking platform Meebo also took a hammering, coming in third.

Founded in 2005, Meebo is essentially a platform incorporating several instant messaging servers such as Yahoo!

Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and QQ. In fourth and fifth place were, respectively, social networks Nasza Klasa and Netlog. Nasza Klasa is a Polish social networking service aimed at students and alumni that currently has an estimated 13.5 million users.

Netlog, which began life as Facebox and Bingbox, was founded in Belgium in 2003.

The site allows each member to create a web page and enables members to conduct localized searches of the social network.

German social networking platforms Wer Kennt Wen and Meinvz were ranked seventh and eighth in this year’s fastest fallers.

In comparison, Google’s social network Google+, which opened to the public on August 6 this year, was the second fastest-rising search term of 2011.

In 2010 the fastest falling search term, according to the Google Zeitgeist report, was “Swine Flu.”

BizQUIPS

‘WE have to decentralize and delegate to the barangays the task of cleaning up their surroundings.

Citizens should now be the solution providers, not the problem.’

--Former Davao city councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, consultant to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in pushing for the continuation of the food for work program

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

suburbia

14 VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

DavSur’s coco syrup makes waves in global market M

ANY Americans may not be aware that their favorite pancakes and waffles in restaurants are topped with a healthy syrup made from tuba, or fresh coconut sap, extracted from coconut trees grown in the Philippines.

And that the latest products in the US to adapt to the Philippine coco syrup product, a healthy alternative to cane sugar, are the chocolate bars.

The syrup topping is organically processed in a small plant located in the middle of a once-barren five-hectare farm nine kilometers from downtown Bansalan, Davao del Sur. In 2009, Donnabelle coco syrup was the first coconut sweetener in the world to be exported to the US, with ten drums containing 2000 liters of the honey-like product as the first shipment, according to its owner Benjamin Lao. Aside from the US, the coco syrup is exported to Australia.

The popularity of the coco syrup is phenomenal in the US, Lao told the Philippine Information Agency, citing increasing demand for it. Shipment now averages 56 drums every 60 days.

Lao earns an average gross of P2.5 million every shipment.

Less the overhead cost, the profit from coco syrup contributes much to the earning of his smallscale business firm, the Lao Integrated Farms, Inc. which pres-

ently owns P10 million worth of assets.

Apart from pancakes, waffles and chocolates, the Donnabelle coco syrup is used as sweetener for other food products in restaurants and for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes, both locally and internationally.

Aside from the coco syrup, the Lao Integrated Farms also manufactures the Donnabelle coco sugar which is patronized locally by the Dragon Recipe Choice and Prangels Snack Inn, both in Digos City, Davao del Sur. The Donnabelle brand is taken from rhe names of Lao’s daughters Donna Rosalyn, a nursing graduate and Belle Janine, a BS Psychology student.

Both coco sugar and syrup products are consigned to the stores of the New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) and Bios Dynamis Foundation in Davao City; and ro the major malls in Bohol and Samar in the Visayas.

Two hospitals in Cebu, the Mt. Blessings and Bio Integrated Health, are supporting and patronizing the products.

These are also displayed in airports.

Lao currently maintains an office in Manila to facilitate marketing, promotion and to handle local orders and abroad.

Health benefits Organically-processed and with low glycemic index of 35,

Lao claims that coco syrup and sugar are safe for persons with diabetes, hypertension and goes well for health conscious individuals. The index is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates in the person’s sugar level and the tolerable level is below 100.

Lao personally attests to the efficacy of the coco sugar, saying that constant use has lowered hypertension incidence. His neighbors and other regular users of the coco sugar in the other barangays of Bansalan attest to this.

“My blood pressure has become stable, and I’m not taking medicines anymore,” he said.

Lao also disclosed that the Southern Philippines Adventist College in Matanao, Davao del Sur is conducting a study on the therapeutic benefits of coco sugar and syrup among diabetics and hypertensive persons.

Value-adding and organic farming Ten years ago, Lao started improving the five-hectare unproductive land in Barangay Eman, Bansalan, an inheritance from his parents.

Starting with goat-raising under coconut trees, the farm was then planted with fruit trees using organic inputs, including manure from goats and other farm animals.

Today, the farm is into inter-cropping of various fruit trees, such as rambutan, mangosteen and durian, aside from the coconut trees.

First government-run cancer center starts accepting patients on Jan. 8

T

HE first state run cancer center in Mindanao will open its doors to patients on January 8, 2012 as part of the Davao Regional Hospital complex in Barangay Apokon, Tagum City.

The cancer center for Mindanao with state-of-the-art facilities not yet available in other government-run hospitals in the island, according to hospital administrator Carlito U. Pillerin said Monday.

One of the few government institutions in the country recognized for being run efficiently, DRH which is concurrently managed by Health Undersecretary Romulo Bosuego was able to obtain a P200 million budget from the national government to start the operations of the center, Mr. Pillerin said.

The center has a funding requirement of about P600 million when it was initially approved in 2006. But it was only in 2009 when the P200 million fund was made available.

The hospital spent P37 million for the construction of the center on a two-hectare lot which was donated to the hospital by the University of Southeastern Philippines through the intercession of Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy. With the remaining amount, the hospital was able to buy the P134 million linear particle accelerator, a facility usually referred to as the one used for nuclear therapy as it is used to kill cancer cells.

“The DRH (Davao Regional Hospital) is the only government hospital in the country with this kind of equipment,” he said.

Pillerin said the hospital “only needs about P400 million (including the initial budget) to make it fully-equipped.”

He added the center will allow people of Mindanao to access better treatment facilities comparable with those in Metro Manila.

“This will erase the notion that only the medical providers in

Metro Manila and other urban centers of the country can provide better services,” Pillerin added.

Usec Romulo A. Busuego, chief of the hospital, conceptualized the design for the center himself. “He worked hard to make this project a reality,” Pillerin said. The Aquino government named as undersecretary in charge of supervising close to 70 government hospitals in the country.

The House of Representatives recently approved the hospital’s upgrading into Senate f a 500-bed medical center, Pillerin said, pointing out that by achieving a medical center status, it will now have the capacity to become the training center for physicians who want to specialize in certain medical disciplines.

The hospital has also collaborated with the Davao Doctors Hospital for the setting up a neurological training center. [AD]

Production of coco sugar and syrup products began only three years ago on a capital of P2,800 and tedious capabilitybuilding and transfer training from Mt. Carmel Rural Life Center in Bansalan, North Cotabato.

Inspired by the value-adding concept in the production of coconut sap-based products like coconut sugar and coconut syrup, Lao also began producing cacao with coconut sugar, ginger brew (salabat), and sweet and spicy seasoning.

The Lao Integrated Farms has produced other commercial products using coco sugar such as moringa tea, mangosteen tea, lemon grass tea, turmeric tea, ginger tea and tawa-tawa tea.

The coconut syrup is used in the firm’s guyabano product.

The business has ventured into ice cream-making with chocolate and durian flavors, and the latest with malunggay, all with coco syrup sweetener.

In all these activities, Lao said the health benefit and sustainability of his products are several times enhanced by organic farming practice, proudly adding that he uses indigenous and biological inputs and control.

Apart from saving a lot in terms of inputs, Lao said attractiveness of his products is multiplied in the export market if the products are organically produced.

“This is why our products are accepted in the US,” he said, saying that the US Department of Agriculture has, in fact, certified his products as organically

T

center. Experts say LED lights are more durable, energy-saving, cost-effective and environmentfriendly.

This is clearly an example of the green leadership of Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, which inspires everyone to make greener choices in their own lives.

The Governor, together with Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr. and members of the Provincial Board, led the provincial personnel in a night of fellowship merry-making during the Capitol institutional Christmas Party recently.

The Provincial Legal Office and the Provincial Agriculturist Office clinched the Best Decorated Office award for Category A (offices at the main Capitol Building) and Category B (standalone offices), respectively. Both received the first prize of P75,000worth of office supplies for next year.

The Provincial Assessor’s

Office and the Provincial Accountant’s Office won the second and third prizes for Category A, while the Provincial Engineer’s Office and Provincial Information Office garnered the second and third prizes for Category B, pocketing P50,000 and P35,000-worth of office supplies, on that order, for C.Y. 2012.

The other participating offices shall receive P25,000-worth of office supplies each next year.

The cluster Christmas Drama presentation was bagged by the D’ Funders cluster, followed by the clusters of D’ Builders and D’ Vermis. Each member-office of the winning clusters won the following prizes worth additional MOOE (not limited to office supplies): first prize – P25,000; second prize – P20,000; and, third prize – P15,000.

All the other offices of the various clusters shall received P10,000-worth of MOOE next year. [PIO-DAVNOR/NOEL BAGUIO]

Coconut sap

produced.

Beyond money matters, the farmer-entrepreneur emphasizes that organic farming greatly helps in protecting and preserving the environment, the sustainability of his production.

The farm’s processing plant technology is also considered environment-friendly, with the Verus-USA issuing the certification that the plant is carbon-neutral. “The trees surrounding the plant have also helped lessen the carbon emission,” he stated.

Further, the farm’s seasoning product made of coco sugar and syrup with vinegar is Halalcertified, Lao said.

Gawad-Saka Awards For his steadfast practice and advocacy on organic farming, Lao eceived his second national Gawad Saka Award from President Benigno Aquino in Malacanang on December 13 this year.

This year’s annual Gawad

Saka Award given by the Department of Agriculture to outstanding farmers in the country cited Lao the Outstanding Organic Farmer. He also received a Presidential trophy and citation along with a cash prize of P100,000.

Lao bagged his first national Gawad Saka award as the Outstanding Coconut Farmer that earned him a P120,000 cash prize. He invested it the construction of a mini-processing plant for the coco sugar and coco syrup products.

Job generation The increasing demand for coco syrup in the US, and coco sugar in the local and international markets subsequently calls for additional manpower on the farm.

When he began producing the coconut sap-based products in the last quarter of 2008, Lao had only a handful of workers, with one cook and two coconut harvesters. [PIA 11/CARINA L. CAYON]

phase P20-Million two-storey classroom building is a great contributing factor in meeting the recognition requirements.

Out of the school income, the LGU was able to establish a 50-person capacity, fully furnished and airconditioned speech laboratory and audio visual room, a spacious library equipped with recently published books and reading materials and a computer laboratory with 40 units internet-connected computers.

Science laboratories and equipment were also provided as part of the compliance process. To date KCAST has already a population of 860 students with four recognized programs which include Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management and a Permit to Operate for the Bachelor in Agricultural Technology. [PIA]

Kapalong College: Davao Region’s first recognized municipal college

DavNor Capitol celebrates green Christmas T

HE Provincial Government of Davao del Norte goes green in celebrating the spirit of the Yuletide season.

The Capitol lighted the festive mood this Christmas with ecofriendly activities, such as contests for the Best Decorated Office, production number and cluster Christmas Drama presentation, based on the theme, “Kinaiyahan Ampingan… Huyohoy Sa Hangin Sa Pasko Matagamtaman (Save the environment to keep the cool Christmas breeze).”

Consequently, the various offices of the Capitol were adorned by breathtaking Christmas decors that have been made out of recycled materials, such as waste papers, plastic bottles, cans, defective CDs/DVDs, and other refuse.

Energy-efficiency was also considered since LED Christmas lights have replaced the old-fashioned bulbs in the Yule trees and trimmings at the government

Coconut syrup

HE Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST), a locally-run college institution has, finally been granted with government recognition by the Commission on Higher Education on the different programs/ courses it offers after meeting the necessary requirements set forth by the commission in establishing a local college.

CHED Regional Director Edward A. Aquino, bared that KCAST is the first local college in Region 11 that has been granted with such recognition.

CAST initially started its operation in 2005 under the Bukidnon State University consortium program thru Municipal Ordinance No. 423 which mandates its creation as authored by councilor Helario T. Caminero, Committee Chair on Education Committee. As KCAST is located in Region 11, Aquino advised to have the college operated independently as a local college starting SY 2010-2011.

The completion of the 1st

BizQUIPS

‘ALL institutions are subject to criticism all the time –Congress, the Presidency, the military, the church, the schools, the mass media, etc. Why should the judiciary be immune from criticism?’

--columnist Randy David on the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona

Every year is an adventure

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

E-mail: edgedavao_editorial@yahoo.com.ph

UP AND ABOUT

15

P18

YOUTH TRENDS

Nailaholics opens at SM City Nail fashion is an important part of your style.

Forget about the bag, the shoes, and the lip gloss.

These days, your nails say a lot about who you are—personally, professionally and more. Your nails are as much an expression of your individuality and personal style as the clothes, shoes and accessories you wear.

Whether you go flashy with bold, bright colours or you stick with a demure, classic look, your fingertips give the world a glimpse of who you are.

Nailaholics is the newest Nail Salon & Spa in the city. It offers a wide variety of services from nail care, nail extensions, nail art, spa, massage, eyebrows extension, waxing and threading. Nailaholics also offers pampering for the mind and soul with its cosy and relaxing environment.

Nailaholics promotes internationally accepted practices in Safety and Hygiene. It has friendly and accommodating staff that guarantees a comforting and satisfying stay.

For all your nail needs, visit Nailaholics at the 2nd floor of SM City Davao.

Solaz Massage and Spa opens Experience the newest relaxation haven. Feel the soothing massage and pamper yourself with Sueno, a rejuvenating full body massage Piedra, an invigorating massage using hot lava rock or Paseo, a soothing foot massage. Relax your mind and body only at Solaz Massage and Spa. Opens daily from 1:30 pm to 1:00 am.

Visit us at Ground floor, Gimenes Bldg., Buhangin Road, Davao City. We also accept home service massage. For more details you may call 301-9821 or text 0923-9850878.

Waterfront welcomes new GM The Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao welcomes 2012 with a new general manager.

With his 23 years of hospitality experience, Rouel Guanzon aims to bring fresh new changes to the Waterfront chain’s most historical property.

“We aim to put the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao back into the limelight,” says an energetic Guanzon. “No other hotel in Davao offers spectacular sprawling grounds and an unimpeded view of Davao Gulf.”

Originally from Manila, Guanzon has worked in various international hotel chains around Asia and the United States, “Coming back to the Philippines, specifically Davao, was like a breath of fresh air,” says Guanzon. He is optimistic of the many new developments in the city and is excited with the prospects of the hotel in the near future.

Guanzon also reveals that he will be introducing some renovations to the property in the coming year. “These renovations shall benefit Davao City’s

D

ecember is known to be one of the most festive times of the year. It is one that has the most parties and the most events.

Obviously, these events are usually Christmasy and very wholesome. And because Confessions of a Partyphile wanted to keep up with the Joneses (and because people are more festive, fun, party-hungry, and willing to spend during the season) I decided to throw an event. To set my event apart from all the other Holiday-themed events, I decided to throw the antithesis of the holidays: a sexy, naughty, sleepwear party. Thus came the idea for Confessions of a Partyphile Goes to Bed, a pyjama/ lingerie party that happened at Marco Polo Davao’s Eagles Bar last December 17, 2011.

Confessions of a Partyphile Goes to Bed is the last party of the year for Confessions of a Partyphile’s Eagles Bar event series. As usual, the door charge was at Php 250 with free bottomless cocktails for the whole night. There were two popular cocktail mixes for the night. The crowd favorite was called X-Rated; a delicious mix of mango and orange juice with some Rum, Vodka, and Gin. Although the cocktail was sweet and refreshing it packed a punch, and 4 glasses was enough for the regular partyphile to get buzzed. The second, more potent, cocktail was

Partyphiles came in sleepwear as they were ready to get drunk ad go straight to bed in Eagles Bar.

Whether their choice for night wear was pajamas or party outfits, all the party attendees let their hair down and danced to DJ Gary.

The usual suspects. Out-and-about partyphiles made their way to Eagles Bar for Confessions of a Partyphile Goes to Bed.

reserved only for partyphiles blessed with livers of steel. It was called the Blue Frog and had Triple Sec, Tequila, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Blue Curacao, and some Sprite. Trust me, ten glasses of this would make you die.

DJ Gary was the mixster for the night and he dished out some of the hottest commercial house ditties with some inflections of old-school beach house and trance; creating a play list that was both familiar and inspiring. The crowd responded by throwing their cares to the wind and dancing the night away.

As with all Confessions of a Partyphile Parties, games were played and prizes were given away. For the games, contestant were required to perform naughty little dares in exchange for really hot prizes including gift certificates from Mary Pauline Salon, limited edition Confessions of a Partyphile Goes to Bed tumblers from Colorkwik Digital Express, and Popclub privilege cards from Taters in Abreeza Mall. Unfortunately, some of the things that went on during the games are too naughty for print but it may be best to say that there was licking, biting, sucking, and strip-

The second, more potent, cocktail was reserved only for partyphiles blessed with livers of steel.

It was called the Blue Frog and had Triple Sec, Tequila, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Blue Curacao, and some Sprite. Trust me, ten glasses of this would make you die. ping involved.

Although not everyone came in their sleepwear, almost all the party’s attendees brought their bedroom swag. The vibe of the party was relaxed and sensual; as partyphiles seemed to get naughtier and naughtier with every cocktail. Beds that were placed instead of the usual table set-up were well appreciated by partyphiles who just wanted to relax and sip cocktails while lying down. All in all, Confessions of a Partyphile Goes to Bed had a uniquely chill yet sexy vibe that encouraged all the guests to truly relax and enjoy the drinks, the music, and the season.

EVENTS

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THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

Colorful danglers in assorted precious stones

Unique boudoir luxe pieces.

Going Kikay

I Kikay’s trademark display is well-stocked and well-lit.

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have never been very successful with accessories. Buying pieces separately are easy. It is the mixing, matching, piling on or leaving off that leaves me mystified. I almost never attempt it, as I know the magic of it is creating symphony among what you have. That is why I almost always end up just wearing studs, my trusty watch and wedding ring. But when does dressing simple become a little simplistic? There are outfits that beg a dash of trinket, when a little more becomes a necessary put-on to coax it to completion. I have friends and nieces who could give even the most versed fashion bloggers a run for their money with an intrinsic sense of fun and adventure. However, as I like to put it, those who can’t do, give or recommend.

It was with this sense of eagerness that I visited the newly opened kiosk of Kikay Accessories at Abreeza Mall. I met Timmie Chua there, one half of the husband and wife team that started the Kikay brand over twelve years ago.

As the proud husband shares,

F. Torres St., Davao City Tel No. 227-3773 - (72) Fax: 295-3485

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Their fully sequined hobos are real standouts.

Affordable ear plumes.

Have a seat inside their kiosk and be greeted by an array of colorful patent bags

it started when his wife Kathy So Chua would get inquiries and accolades for the accessories she wore to the headquarters of Mega magazine where she worked back then. A timely offer from an acquaintance who worked in Ayala Malls to try their specialty leasing program saw Kathy grabbing the opportunity to dive into the fashion accessories market head-on. With her background in fashion, Kathy decided that their brand would be built on the cornerstone of bringing in more select pieces that were sold affordably but on a limited basis only (maximum twelve pieces). She knew exactly who her customer was, and these did not include fashion-savvy women who liked seeing their purchases on the wrists or throats of others they encountered at social functions.

Kathy’s eye for what worked and their company practices soon translated into a steady expansion around the Metro Manila retail scene and the patronage of trendy

Antique-inspired pearl earrings.

women and stylists alike. It was Kikay that were the first purveyors of the chunky cocktail ring back in 2003 and drama-heavy shoulder grazing earrings back in 2002, on the wave of trends just as they are about to explode. The Chuas are extremely excited about their brand’s venture into Davao. Their kiosk in Abreeza is currently fitted with all the trimmings to match the razzle-dazzle of the recently concluded holiday season and then some. It is handy that one can actually walk through their little corner, as the layout invites you to step into

a carpeted show area where your eyes can sweep through their merchandise inside out.

I tell Timmie that they have brought over a good deal of stocks ranging from jeweled headbands to sequined bags and one-of-a-kind bracelets and cuffs. Apparently some of their Metro Manila branches already carry apparel, since their regular customers there go as far as to ask their sales associates what dress they can wear to match their latest buys. I also glimpse a wide selection of sterling silver earrings and necklaces at 50% off, something that will prove great openers for price-conscious Davaoeños. Timmie shares that it has been their practice to discount aging pieces to make room for new items. Kikay shows that it is resolute about stepping in time to match the fast-moving beat of those into fashion accessories.

As my eyes scour their pieces, I can’t wait to share my new find with the girls in my life. Everything is priced and spiced up just right and it will be only a nanosecond before local trendsetters partake in the accessories bounty. Seasoned to catering to a clientele that teems with frenzy over their baubles, this is a brand set to show Davao their hand at why you can’t help but go Kikay.

Kikay Accessories is located at the Ground Floor of Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Check out their Facebook page by typing in “Kikay Accessories Company.”

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JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

Snowbound at Surplus S

urplus, thego-to store for winter wear and accessories, has all the cool ways to keep you warm this holiday season.

Whether you’re headed to a wintry white Christmas to visit friends and families or simply on your way to a snowbound adventure, these padded jackets will keep you warm and wonderfully dressed.

You’ll also chill at their hot prices: below P1,000 for jackets and below P500 for winter accessories.

Snuggle in style with Surplus’s collection of jazzed up padded winter jackets and padded vests that you can mix or match with your holiday wardrobe. There are soft and cozy zip-up padded jackets to keep you warm . . . wind and water resistant lightweight slim jackets to

protect your from the wind’s chill . . . padded down jackets for a winter holiday. Detachable hoods and pretty faux fur accents add attitude to your winter-inspired look.

Available in solid and plaid designs, these padded jackets celebrate all that is fun, festive, and fashionable in fuchsia, plum and ruby red jewel tones and in a neutral palette of beige, olive green, gray black and white colors.

You’ll have fun matching these with Surplus’ collection of scarves, muffler, mittens, bonnets, leg warmers and ear muffs that will give you additional warmth. And here’s the good news, Surplus has also stylish Starmug Blends Coffee tumblers for only P129.75 each or three for P300.

Great for winter warmth and style the collection is available at Surplus stores located at the 2nd Floor of SM City Davao. Surplus is also in Facebook – simply search and visit Surplus Shop in

Facebook.

CLOCKWIDE FROM TOP LEFT: A pretty faux fur detachable hood and pastel colored muffler jazzes up this beige padded jacket. Snuggle up in style this holiday season with Surplus’s stylish padded jackets, mittens and chullo. Sleekly designed black zip-up padded jacket worn over a plaid shirt. Cool winter, hot styles.

Fuchsia button down lightweight jacket with rib detailing for her, an olive green water resistant padded jacket for him.

Ruby red lightweight padded jacket with faux fur detachable hood worn with a white tank top and a denim jeans. Black hooded padded jacket worn with beige knitted shirt, mittens and a denim jeans.

Cool brown padded jacket with rib and detachable faux fur hood accents.

Photography: Erwin Barleta Location: Highland Steakhouse by Tagaytay Highlands at Mall of Asia

17

LIVING

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VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

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M

uch like aAbox of chocolates, every year is dotted with many different adventures with many different characters that are more colorful than the roles in any Shakespearean play. And to cap of the year, I was fortunate enough as to be invited to Columbia Sportswear Company’s City Race Challenge.

Joining the wacky citywide race were other lifestyle and business writers in the metro. I was fortunate enough to be paired with photographer extraordinary and travel writer Jojie Alcantara for the race that involved some brain games, lots of running about the different malls of Davao, durian eating (take note, I don’t eat durian), and of course strategic planning.

It was actually the first time for everyone to join a

city race competition and that is why Columbia decided to hold such a race in lieu of the usual Christmas party which I believe is a masterstroke. Not only were the teams able to experience the city in a different perspective, but we were also able to experience something we just usually just see on television.

After around two and a half hours of hectic running and hailing taxis in the middle of traffic while wearing bright lime colored shirts, me and Jojie finally finished the race and viola! We came up second even after all the deductions, although the runaway winners composed of the team of Rhonson Ng and Arthur Yap were much further ahead.

But much like every year, given the many twists, turns and challenges, what is important is how we face the challenges with a smile on our faces.

A photo-op of the teams before the start of the race at the Columbia store at Abreeza Mall.

Eating durian at Magsaysay Park. Many thanks to partner Jojie for the pic.

Jojie taking a ride on the carousel at Abreeza Mall.

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Riding the jeepney from SM City Davao to Magsaysay Park.

The final station back at the Columbia Store at Abreeza.

National highway, tagum city 8100 Tel 6384 2188380 cel 63917 7193982

2F Meetrovi, South Osmeña St., General Santos City Tel No. (083)- 301-1991

Tel No. (083)- 553-2211

facebook

Visiting the Columbia store at Chimes.

Riding a pedicab down Monteverde Street while dodging cars, vans, jeepneys and ten-wheeler trucks.

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email emeralduy@gmail.com yuyu cafe and dessert shop

The runaway winners composed of the team of Rhonson Ng and Arthur Yap.

Jose Abad Santos St., Corner Arellano St., Tagum City 8100 Philippines Tel. No.: (084) 216-3003 Cell No,: 0939-243-8539

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games

Santos setting pace New Air Jordans cause in Best Player derby shopping frenzy in US

P

ETRON’S Arwind Santos, the Boosters’ double-double machine, emerged as the leading contender for the Best Player of the Conference derby after the quarterfinal round of the PBA Philippine Cup. Santos, with his regular double-double showing, leads everybody in the statistical points (SPs) race with an average of 38.63 a game.

The 6-foot-4 former FEU stalwart is six points clear of chief pursuer Kelly Williams of Talk n Text, giving him a solid chance to become the first player in seven years to win the BPC award in back-to-back fashion.

Ginebra’s Eric Menk was the last player to do the trick in the 2004-05 Fiesta Conference (transition tourney) and the succeeding Philippine Cup. Also on the strength of his double-digit norms in scoring and in rebounding, Santos won the coveted individual award in the most recent Governors Cup. The wiry forward has not slowed down a bit, averaging

18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds as he powered Petron to a third-place finish in the elims and to a two-game sweep of Meralco in the quarterfinals.

Santos leads the tourney in rebounds and is fourth in scoring behind Gary David (22.5), James Yap (19.0) and Chris Lutz (18.33).

Williams, the 2008 MVP, puts in 32.92 SPs a game for second place in the BPC derby.

Petron guard Alex Cabagnot is at third with 31.88 SPs an outing, followed by B-Meg’s James Yap (31.38), TnT’s Harvey Carey (30.77), Powerade’s Gary David (30.69), TnT’s Jason Castro (30.64), Powerade’s Marcio Lassiter (29.94), Barako Bull’s Willie Miller (28.80) and Alaska’s Sonny Thoss (28.50).

Rain or Shine super rookie Paul Lee is just outside the Top 10 with 28.27 SPs a game.

Lee is the stats leader in the Rain or Shine team with averages of 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 0.9 steal.

The top five in the stats

Arwind Santos

race after the semifinal round contest the BPC awards in a balloting. The winner then automatically becomes a contender for the season’s MVP award.

David, Yap, Lutz and Santos are running one-twothree-four in the scoring race, followed by Lassiter (16.25), Miller (15.9), Castro (15.64), Jeff Chan (15.5), Thoss (15.36) then Macmac Cardona (15.33).

Santos is No. 1 in rebounds, followed by Carey (11.154), Doug Kramer (10.688), Jayr Reyes (10.071), Asi Taulava (9.338), Ali Peek (9.833), James Sena (9.429), Thoss (9.357), Gabby Espinas (9.125) and Williams (8.917).

Santos, Carey and Kramer are the only players averaging double-double numbers in the tourney.

Cabagnot is tops in the business of playmaking with 6.7 assists per game, Lutz is the leader in steals with 2.0 an outing while Japeth Aguilar is No. 1 in blocks with 2.2 a game. [PNA]

and anyone with the heart to promote tourism through sports to join the Forum.

The Sports Tourism Forum, founded in 2004, has slated high-caliber sports industry experts to share their expertise in the field.

There will be lectures in staging, planning and management, sports marketing, sports promotion and partnering with media outlets and developing a top sports tourism destination.

Speakers include, Princess Galura of IMG Philippines, William “Butch” Ramirez – Former Chair of the Philippines Sports Commission, Cesar Cruz of Philippine Tour Operators Association, Vitto Lazatin of AKTV (TV5) and Matthew Cullen of Philippine Rugby

Union (of the Philippine Volcanoes).

Also in attendance to share their expertise are Masrina Mohd Bakri – Tourism Director of Malaysia, Blessie Labra Cruz of Cebu Pacific Air and Department of Tourism Regional Director, Art Boncato.

Lending prestige to the Forum, Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr of the Department of Tourism will deliver the keynote address with Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City opening the Forum.

“With this line up of experts, we are hopeful that the sports tourism forum will urge sports enthusiasts, event organizers, and tourism stakeholders to focus on developing tourism concepts that would also revolve around sports,” said Mr.

Charles Lim, founder of the Sports Tourism Forum.

“It will focus on developing Davao as a sports tourism destination,” he added.

The Forum is supported by the Department of Tourism of Davao as well as the City of Davao, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and Cebu Pacific Air with media partners - Edge Davao, Mindanao Daily Mirror, Mindanao Times, Sun Star Davao and Island Living Channel (Channel 3).

Registration fee is P1,000, which includes lunch and two snacks, registration kit and certificates.

Interested participants may contact (082) 301-7008 or call 0922.8218111 or may email philsportstourism@ gmail.com for inquiries.

Davao City to hold Sports Tourism Forum

A

N approach to entice more tourists to visit Davao City and the region through sports will be discussed during the Sports Tourism Forum on January 31, 2012 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

Presented by Davao City, Department of Tourism and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority), it will be open to all sports officials and organizers and tourism professionals.

Organized by Selrahco Management - a top corporate events and sports marketing company in the country, it encourages LGU’s, event management companies, corporate event directors, sports officials, schools, tour operators, hotels and resorts, sports clubs

Chakvetadze bounces back from illness

A

NNA Chakvetadze announced on Wednesday she has recovered from an inner ear inflammation that ruled her out for much of 2011, and plans to compete in warmup tournaments for the Australian Open next month.

After a promising start to the season, the 24-yearold Russian collapsed while leading world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in Dubai in February, forcing her retirement. The illness decimated her season as she finished just three main draw matches, retired from two matches and withdrew from a total of 11 tournaments.

“I’m 100 percent healthy now. It doesn’t bother me anymore.

I’m completely over it,” Chakvetadze was quoted as

Anna Chakvetadze

saying by the WTA tour’s website.

“Of course it’s going to be physically tough to start playing tournaments again, because I wasn’t training at this level for a long time, and right now I can’t do three practices a day like I

used to, but I feel so motivated to be back.”

Chakvetadze, a 2007 U.S. Open semifinalist with a ranking high of No. 5, said she plans to take part in the Moorilla Hobart International starting January 8. The Australian Open is

January 16-29.

She lamented the poor timing of the dizziness episodes that doctors eventually diagnosed as being caused by an inner ear inflammation.

“When I got sick in Dubai I was in very good shape,” said Chakvetadze, whose ranking has nosedived to 232. “I was finally enjoying the way I was playing. I was feeling the ball great. I had found my game again and was really ready to compete. But then I got sick.”

This year the Russian has used the time out for a foray into politics, joining the center-right Right Cause party and campaigning ahead of parliamentary elections earlier this month.

[PNA/RIA NOVOSTI]

JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 44

T

HE release of Nike’s new Air Jordan basketball shoes caused a frenzy at stores across the U.S. Friday as scuffles broke out and police were brought in to stamp out unrest that nearly turned into riots in some places.

Shoppers stood in long lines through the night to get their hands on a retro version of one of the most popular models of Air Jordans ever made. The fights were reminiscent of violence that broke out in the early 1990s on streets across America as the shoes became popular targets for thieves.

Disturbances were reported Friday at shopping centers from Washington state to Georgia.

In suburban Seattle, police used pepper spray on about 20 customers who started fighting at the Westfield Southcenter mall.

The crowd started gathering at four stores in the mall around midnight and had grown to more than 1,000 people by 4 a.m., when the stores opened, Tukwila Officer Mike Murphy said.

“Around 3 (a.m.) there started to be some fighting and pushing among the customers,” he said. “Around 4, it started to get pretty unruly and officers sprayed pepper spray on a few people

19

who were fighting, and that seemed to do the trick to break them up.”

Murphy said no injuries were reported, although some people suffered cuts or scrapes from fights. An 18-year-old man was arrested for assault after authorities say he punched an officer.

“He did not get his shoes; he went to jail,” Murphy said.

Shoppers also broke two doors.

In Richmond, California, police say crowds waiting to buy the Air Jordan 11 Retro Concords at the Hilltop Mall were turned away after a gunshot rang out around 7 a.m.

No injuries were reported, but police said a 24-yearold suspect was taken into custody. The gun apparently went off inadvertently, the Contra Costa Times reported.

The frenzy over Air Jordans — the new pair retails for about $180 — has been dangerous in the past. Some people were mugged or even killed for early versions of the shoe, created by Nike Inc. in 1984.

The Air Jordan has since been a consistent hit with sneaker fans. A new edition was launched each year, and release dates had to be moved to the weekends at some points to keep kids from skipping school to get a pair.

Japan Olympic champ indicted over teen rape J

APAN’S retired double Olympic judo gold medallist Masato Uchishiba was indicted Tuesday on charges of raping a teenage girl at a Tokyo hotel.

Uchishiba, 33, who won the 66kg title at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and retired from competition last year, was arrested three weeks ago.

He has acknowledged that he had sex with the unnamed girl, but has insisted it was consensual, police have said.

The Tokyo public prosecutors office said in a statement that Uchishiba had sexual intercourse with the girl in a hotel room on September 20 when she was “unable to resist as she was in a profound sleep due to intoxication.”

Uchishiba was hailed as a hero at home when he became the first Japanese to win

a gold medal in any sport at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Japan won just two medals in men’s judo, an alltime low.

He was sacked nearly a month ago by a provincial university where he had been coaching its women’s judo team since April 2010. He became a visiting professor at the school last January.

Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare has accused Uchishiba of sexually harassing a teenaged member of the team after getting her drunk at a hotel in September during a training camp.

According to media reports, quoting police sources, Uchishiba had a drinking session with the girl and other people at a Japanese-style pub near the hotel before the alleged incident.

OVAK Djokovic is about to find out what it takes to follow up on a nearly unbeatable season.

The 24-year-old Serb won three of the four Grand Slams titles, lifted seven other trophies and wrested the No. 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal. His 70-6 record included a staggering 41-match winning streak to begin the season.

“It was incredible,” Djokovic said. “I made so many wins in a row that I really didn’t count any more. I was just trying to play one match at the time and trying to think how long the streak will go on, not when it will end.”

Djokovic eventually fell one short of matching John McEnroe’s record of 42 straight wins to begin the 1985 season. Despite that, the American great said the tougher competition and greater athleticism in today’s game made the Serb’s feat “more impressive.”

The run also included four wins over Nadal, all in finals.

Two of them came on the Spaniard’s favorite clay surface.

Djokovic, who won the Australian Open early in the season, finally lost in June when Roger Federer prevailed in the French Open semifinals. But the Serb quickly picked himself up and swept the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles.

In New York, Federer seemed certain to repeat his Roland Garros success. He held two match points on serve in the fifth set of their semifinal match, but Djokovic saved both — the first with a blistering forehand return winner that was one of the year’s most memorable moments.

It was also the perfect demonstration of the belief that Djokovic says was the key to his dramatic improvement in 2011 after a three-year gap since his first Grand Slam title in 2008.

Novak Djokovic steps up to dominate men’s tennis in ‘11 N

games

20

Player of the Week

VOL. 4 NO. 44 JANUARY 02 - 08, 2012

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Guiao believes e-painters will Gary David picks up cudgels for tigers make in Philippine cup finals G

R

AIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is convinced his team has what it takes to beat Powerade in their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown beginning Jan. 4 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“I feel really good the way we’re playing. I think we can take on Powerade in a seven-game series,” said Guiao.

Guiao and his Elasto Painters have good reasons to be optimistic, on top of these was their swashbuckling ride spiked by their two-game sweep of the Barangay Ginebra Kings in their quarterfinals match-up.

The Elasto Painters are indeed upbeat and confident but will not throw caution in the air.

“You have to respect what Powerade has achieved. They’re peaking at the right time and we have to address their strength at the point guard and the wing positions,” said Guiao, not foolish to take the Tigers lightly.

The veteran bench chieftain stressed the Tigers can be very dangerous if not handled well.

He’s well aware of what Gary David can do. What makes him comfortable is having at his

Guiao_header

disposal defensive stoppers to throw at the Powerade hotshot.

“We have tall and quick players to match up with David,” said Guiao, referring to 6-foot-4 Gabe Norwood, 6-foot-1 guards Ryan Arana and Jireh Ibañez.

The RoS wing defenders did a good job on David, holding him down to 14 points as the Elasto Painters tamed the Tigers, 96-93, in their elimination-round meeting last Oct. 9.

Guiao believes his team can fare as well in the other matchups.

Overall, Guiao is comfort-

able with the thought that the Elasto Painters have evolved to a fighting unit that can make the finals.

“It’s gratifying to see the team transform and acquire the toughness to perform at this level.

The guys have settled down to embracing our system the same way the old Red Bull team embraced our system and team philosophy. Everyone is equal and there are no superstars,” said Guiao.

Rookie Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, JR Quinahan and Norwood are among the team’s lead lights, all four being in the top 24 in the league’s stats race.

Chan leads the team in scoring with 15.5 points a game, Lee paces the squad in assists (4.5) and in steals (0.9), Quinahan is tops in rebounds (6.4) and in blocks (1.3) while Norwood has solid all-around norms of 7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steal and 0.4 block.

The team also boasts of the inside presence of Beau Belga, Larry Rodriguez and Jervy Cruz and the backcourt contribution of TY Tang.

ARY DAVID never backs down from any challenge, especially one directed at the Powerade team which considers him as its leader.

David showcased this in the week that was, coming up with back-to-back 30-plus games that not only lifted the Tigers over a dreaded foe and into the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup, but also another Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation for himself.

It was the third such honor given for David in the season-opening conference and he became the scribes’ hands-down choice after he averaged an astounding 34.5 points in the two-game quarterfinals duel with top seed B-MEG. The former Lyceum of the Philippines Pirate said he was merely spurred by the gauntlet thrown by some analysts, who said in a television show that No. 8 Powerade has “no chance

Gary David

in hell” of offsetting the Llamados’ win-once advantage in the series.

“Alam kong hindi personal ang comment na iyon, pero parang personal na rin sa akin dahil team ko ang tinukoy,” explained David.

The 33-year-old workhorse hardly needed any such additional spur.

“Nu’ng makapasok kami sa quarters, ipinangako ko talaga sa sarili ko na gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo kami sa B-MEG,” said David, who was initially cited for the periods Oct. 24-30 and Nov. 21-27.

He translated that determination into a 32-point game in a 97-88 win last Wednesday and followed that up with 37 in a 131123 overtime win in the deciding game last Sunday.

He also threw in averages of 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals on the side.

David was also the last local player to come up with back-to-back 30-point games, when he consecu-

tively dropped 36 and 35 against Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup, when the Tigers wound up ninth and last.

In terms of end results, his exploits this time are definitely much better.

Powerade advanced to the semifinals for the first time since the 2004 Fiesta Conference, when it was still known as Coca-Cola, and is now bracing for a best-of-seven duel against either Ginebra or Rain or Shine starting Jan. 4.

Before that series, coach Bo Perasol hopes his shooting guard’s latest feats have gone a long way in earning for the player the superstar status he rightfully deserves.

“People with keen basketball understanding will see how talented he is as a player,” said Perasol.

“His topnotch performance against B-MEG is one of the major reasons why we are in the semifinals.” (NC)

Korean short track star gets Russian citizenship

K

OREA’S three-time Olympic gold medalist in short track speed skating Ahn Hyun-Soo will compete as Viktor Ahn after receiving Russian citizenship, skating officials said Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, among the world’s most decorated speed skaters with his sweep of three golds and one bronze at the Turin Games in 2006, announced in August that would represent Russia in international competition.

“Soon after the New Year holidays Ahn HyunSoo will receive a Russian passport,” Aleksei Kravtsov, head of the Russian Skating Union, said in comments carried by its website. “He has chosen the Russian name Viktor, and after getting his passport he will become Viktor Ahn,” Kravtsov said.

The name was chosen because of its triumphant overtones, Kravtsov said.

President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday signed

an order granting the fivetime world champion Russian citizenship, the skating union said, posting a scan of the document on its website.

Viktor Ahn could make his debut for Russia at the European championships starting January 27 in the Czech Republic, he said.

Ahn dominated the sport in the last decade, taking five straight world titles between 2003 and 2007, and winning the 1,500 meter, 1,000 meter and 5,000 meter relay events in Turin.

But since injuring his knee in 2008 and undergoing four surgeries in 15 months, Ahn has struggled to recapture his form.

He brushed aside speculation about his retirement and in an effort to regroup moved this year to Russia, where compatriot Jang Kwon-ok is a national team coach. Ahn has set the target of gold in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. [PNA/RIA NOVOSTI]