Edge Davao 4 Issue 46 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

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AGRITRENDS p6

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The Business PAPER

SUBURBIA p14

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figures of the week STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE

Philippine Stock Index As of January 13, 2012

US DOLLAR = philippine peso As of January 13, 2012

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VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

On the cover

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

US BPO firm to expand in Davao, Cebu N

EW York-based business process outsourcing (BPO) provider ExlService Holdings Inc. will expand its operation in the Philippines by putting up additional facilities in the cities of Davao and Cebu. “We are also looking at other cities in the Philippines. There’s a large supply of talent in Cebu and Davao,” said ExlService transformation services head Rembert de Villa. Davao City has the largest talent pool of all the Philippines Next Wave Cities with more than half of the city’s population in the 1724 age bracket—currently estimated at 225,478—are in college education. The city is host to more than 40 colleges and universities, producing between 12,000-15,000 graduates each year in the fields of math and information technology, business management, engineering and technology, fine and applied arts and medical and allied fields. A favorable business environment, access to a good supply of talent, good quality of life and lower costs of utilities are some of the factors that are being sought out by Information Technology-BPO companies investing in emerging locations. Currently the IT-BPO sector in Davao City has

around 11,000 full-time employees. Around 8,000 people are working for the voice sector and the remaining 3,000 employed as medical transcriptionists, software developers, process engineers and other allied professions in the non-voice IT sector. De Villa said the company is growing its local workforce before the end of 2012 as it takes advantage of the large supply of talent the Philippines has to offer. ExlService, a New York-based outsourcing and transformation services company, delivers highly complex operations in insurance, healthcare, customer service, finance, accounting and legal support services. It officially opened its second site in the country at the SM Mall of Asia’s Two ECom Center in Pasay City last Wednesday attended by no less than President Aquino. ExlService’s expanded facility is expected to create 1,000 high-level jobs in the rapidly growing BPO industry. Its pioneer site in the Philippines currently employs more than 1,500 professionals. The opening of the facility comes just days after US President Obama’s allies on Capitol Hill filed a bill to discourage the outsourcing of work to countries like India and the Philippines. De Villa said that while

the measure should be a cause for concern for the Philippines, the country’s BPO industry was also no stranger to such calls. “Mr. Obama is up for reelection. But in our experience, this is very typical in a political environment,” he said. Incidentally, he said ExlService’s most recent expansion would help support one of the Obama administration’s key projects: universal healthcare. The new site would serve as an “international care center” from where the company will offer “healthcare advocacy” work for its newest client: a US-based health insurance firm that De Villa declined to identify. He said the new healthcare laws in US were forcing insurance companies to keep their costs down to be able to take in more customers without increasing premiums. President Aquino thanked the ExlService leadership for expanding its operations in the Philippines, noting that its bigger operation is a good start for the country as it enters a new year. ExlService expansion in the Philippines is a manifestation of the renewed investors’ confidence in the Philippines under the new government, the President said. “Since I assumed office many expressed confidence

in our country. But like I’ve said in inaugurations like this there is no greater expression of confidence than actually doing business here,” he stressed. “Rest assured that as you continue doing business here, we will continue doing what we can to make things easier for you,” he said. Aquino expressed confidence that ExlService, like other business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, would be able to hire enough qualified personnel that is why the government launched the industry based training-for-work scholarship program under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The program provides free training to potential BPO workers in the contact center, software development, animation and medical transcription sectors, the President said. He reported that as of January 4, 2012, the government released more than P140 million of the P500 million allocated for the BPO sector under the disbursement acceleration program, which is equivalent to over 23,000 scholarships. The government also continues to work with the Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) for the training and job generation program, the

President said. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is also working to improve the English proficiency of the country’s college students in preparation for BPO and call center jobs, he added. To create more jobs outside Metro Manila, the President said, the government has been promoting next wave cities initiative to expand call center and BPO locations in the country that include the cities of Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, he said. “We are doing what we can for the BPO sector because we believe that your success goes hand in hand with national development. Your continued confidence has allowed us to be a global leader in the industry,” the President said. As long as there are people who lack job opportunities and as long as there is prevalence in poverty, the government will continue to work to improve the lives of the people, the President said. “We will strive to become even better, to have more streamlined processes, to have an even more skilled work force, to create an even more viable economic space so that we will be leaders in this industry in the foreseeable future,” he said. [WITH

GREG G. DELIGERO AND PNA]

City exceeds tax goals in 2011 Exports growth contracted further in November 2011

HE city government of Davao exceeded its tax collection target of more than P200 million for the year 2011. City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola bared that since he assumed as treasurer, this is the first time the city had collect this much from the various collection departments in Davao. The actual tax collection reached P4.5 billion, with the bulk coming from business taxes which reached P766 million in 2011, a target accomplishment rate of 111 percent. “We hope to surpass or even duplicate this amount for 2012 because the city needs money to implement some projects,” he said. Meanwhile, Business Bureau head Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo reported that the office accommodated 16,553 applicants for business permit renewals as of January 11.

T Riola In previous years, the office received up to 22,000 applications in the same period. However, with the number of applicants who renewed more than a week before the January 20 deadline, the official projects more applicants this year that may even reach 25,000. “We are still halfway before the deadline, but we have already receiveed this many,” he said. The Business Bureau continues to urge business owners to renew their permits as early as possible so as to avoid penalties and congestion in designated

Domingo paying stations. Applicants for business renewal may proceed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod office from 8am to 5 pm and on the last day up to 12 midnight. The office has also opened a one-stop-shop for this particular transaction at the NCCC Mall, Maa. Riola wants to have the renewal process also conducted at the district level. “This way, we could decongest traffic and it also benefits business owners who need not travel far to reach the Business Bureau office to pay renewal fees. [PIA/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the weak performance of merchandise exports in November last year is in large part a result of high cost of raw materials, the lower global spending, and supply chain disruptions caused by the floods in Thailand. The agency made this statement after the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that the country’s export revenue in November 2011 amounted to $3.342 billion, or 19.4-percent lower than the $4.146 billion figure in November 2010. Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr. noted that exports of manufactures declined on account of the poor performance of semiconductors, electronic data processing unit, and automotive electronics. “However, this trend is not unique to the country as worldwide sales of semiconductors suffered a 2.4 percent decline in November 2011,”

said Paderanga, who is also NEDA Director-General. Paderanga said that according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the floods in Thailand have disrupted supply chains, which impacted on semiconductor sales. He added that Thailand also posted a negative exports growth of 12.5 percent in November 2011, as most industries temporarily scaled back their production because of difficulties in exporting and importing goods from flood-hit areas in the country. Looking at the performance of other countries, “in addition to decelerating exports growth, the very small share of the Philippines in the exports market is also worth noting. In contrast, the neighboring countries are experiencing higher exports growth rate and the revenues from exports were also at much higher levels in November 2011,” the Cabinet official said.

Sara gives all-out support Bill professionalizing to local tourism industry Customs Bureau filed MAYOR Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio said she is giving her all out support to the tourism industry after inducting the new set of officers, board of directors and members of the Dabaw Tourism Operators Association (Dabtoa) Thursday. “Tourism is the biggest industry that brings in money from outside Davao City,” she said, adding that her administration fully backs Dabtoa which is composed of tour operators and business establishments involved in the tourism business. The new Dabtoa officers are Charito Aranda of 829 One World Travel, president; Lino Lee of John Gold Group, vice president; Susan Alvarado of

109 Ticket Zone, secretary; Aida Avila of Pacific Blue Travel, treasurer; Estrelita Jagonia of Jewelry Express, assistant treasurer; Jerome Camina of RCBC, auditor; press relation officers Darius Relatado of GMA Davao Channel 7 and Lito delos Reyes of Mindanao Daily Mirror. Board directors are John Baricuatro of John Gold Group, Domingo Ang of Marina Tuna, Ronald Go of EcoTrans Car Rentals, Evelyn Elemino of D’Leonor Hotel, Jaime Llames of Philippine Retirement Authority, Elizabeth Dureza of Seagull Mountain Resort and Alma Uy of Tagum Tourism Council, who was represented by Edith Julian of Haven’s Peak Mountain Resort.

Inducted as new members were Mary Vic Alvarez of Sunny World Travel, Ronelyn Llanos of Miso Spa, Ray Irwin Rubio of Cubepixel, Abegail Dionela of Bonjee Clowns, Jazmine Middleton of Bluejaz Resort and Queenie Fukuoka of Oriental Restaurant. Dabtoa, which has 30 officers and members, will celebrate its first anniversary on June 14 at the D’Leonor Hotel in Bajada at 2 pm. Among Dabtoa’s activities held last year were the first Davao Tourism & Trade Expo at the NCCC Mall in August, Kayak Summerfest at Bluejaz Resort in Samal in May and participation in the Philippine Travel Mart at the SM Megamall last September.

measure seeking to professionalize the Bureau of Customs was filed in the House of Representatives. House Bill 5631, principally authored by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro), amends Republic Act No. 9280 also known as the Customs Brokers Act of 2004. Rodriguez and co-author Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Partylist, Abante Mindanao) moved to professionalize the BoC to enable the Philippines to comply with its commitment to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures otherwise known as the Revised Kyoto Convention. They also sought to make

customs brokers more aware of their responsibility and accountability as professionals. In filing the bill, Rodriguez noted that “Section 6 of RA 9280, which covers the scope of practice of customs, the broker profession in its present form does not consider employment in government as practice of profession unlike other regulatory laws on accountancy or mechanical engineering, among others.” They proposed to amend Section 6 to make exclusive the Customs Broker Licensure examination (CBLE) and BAR Examination converted into professional level civil service eligibility under Republic Act 1080 for second level positions requiring expertise in customs and tariff administration.

It figures 1.6 million

NUMBER of Social Security System (SSS) pensioners whose eligibility will ne validated starting this year. To validate eligibility, pensioners will be required to report or appear to their depository bank of nearest SSS branch as part of the process.

141,616 units

VEHICLE sales last year, showing a 4-percent decrease compared to the 147,488 units in 2010, due largely to disruptions in the supply of vehicle units and automotive parts. Sales of all types of vehicles posted declines by the end of 2011, according to a report jointly made by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association.

19.4 percent

DROP in Philippine export receipts in November 2011, from the $4.146 billion reported in the same month in 2010. The sharp drop in outbound shipments of electronic products pulled down overall sales in November to $3.342 billion, according to the National Statistics Office.

5.8 percent

AVERAGE annual contribution of the tourism sector to the Philippins’ gross domestic product from 2000 to 2010, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board. In 2010 alone, direct gross value added from tourism reached P518.5 billion, or 13 percent higher than the P459 billion reported the year before.

P1.626 trillion

ALMOST the entire or 98.9 percent of the P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011 released as of December 31, 2011, according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

P1.62 billion

TOTAL contributions of Pag-IBIG members in Southern Mindanao in 2011, showing an increase of 14.59 percent over members’ contribution made in 2010 which reached P1.415 billion. Davao City, which accounted for P644.002 million, increased its contribution by 13.79 percent.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

The economy

VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 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

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/

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

DTI’s export program generates $53.92 M

auto manufacturers in the Philippines. “We need to act quickly because there is a huge opportunity to grow the domestic vehicle and parts sectors and create jobs,” Torres said. In a 2010 study by Dr. Cid Terosa of the School of Economics of University of Asia and the Pacific, findings show that a “one-peso increase in consumption or investment spending for motor vehicles will result in 3.67 pesos worth of additional output in the economy.” In addition, a P100 billion worth of investments in the domestic automotive manufacturing industry is estimated to generate

at least 169,061 new jobs. The study also shows that the output multiplier of the Philippine automotive manufacturing industry is greater than that of all the investment priority industries of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – tourism, business process outsourcing and information technology services, electronics, mining, housing, and agribusiness. PACCI members recognize that the barriers to investment and industry development are high, but they believe that they can be effectively addressed. “With renewed and strong government support, we are com-

mitted to do our part to invest in the Philippines and create tens of thousands of new jobs,” Torres said. PACCI was established to support the domestic auto and auto parts manufacturing industries and increase their overall future competitiveness. The group is composed of auto manufacturers Ford Motor Company Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Isuzu Philippines Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., and parts maker Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Association of the Philippines. [PNA]

lion was allotted by the national government for health infrastructure development alone. However, Busuego said the improved health facilities cannot serve the target beneficiaries well if patients still opt to be treated in regional hospitals or big private hospitals in the city, even if they are afflicted with simple illnesses treatable in the rural heath centers. “This is when we urge local government units to invest in training

programs so that the human resource in provincial and rural health centers can be at par with the medical doctors in the regional hospitals,” he said. Busuego added that part of the regular programs of the DOH is the constant training of medical doctors from the provinces to learn from the experts. He said the the national government is providing for the poor financial risk protection, adding that nationwide, 10.5

million Filipinos are targeted to have Philhealth insurance cards. In Mindanao alone, 2.5 million Filipinos identified by the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) may avail of the No Balance Billing Policy of Philhealth. Not a single centavo will be asked of them even if they have excess charges in the hospital or medical bill. “The national government didn’t have a budget for health insurance program in the

local level after local government units were devolved. But this time, you will notice that it allocates a budget along with the budgets provided by the provincial government, congressmen, and mayors.” Busuego explained. The government is also eyeing to double the premium contribution of Philhealth members so as to increase coverage and elevate the support value of the Philhealth benefit.

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P4,423,849 million Jun 2011

8. Interest Rate 4/

4.48% Apr 2011

15. Core Inflation Rate 2000=100

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

must develop and sustain a public-private partnership (PPP) that creates reforms and public policies that support industry development and encourage investment,” Torres said. Besides generating new jobs and providing substantial export revenues to support public spending, these policies, according to Torres, could eliminate uncertainty in the regional supply chain. He cited as an example the floods that hit Thailand, a major auto production hub in the region, which forced parts manufacturers to slow or entirely suspend production, including parts for

USD 4,128 million Jun 2011

USD 222 million Jun 2011

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2000=100

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

EPRESENTATIVES of the local vehicle and parts manufacturing sector called on the P 4,777 billion government to work with May 2010 them for expansion of the domestic market to capture a significant share P 42.81 in the Association of Jul 2011 Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) single market 4,503.6 starting 2015. Jul 2011 “Auto and parts manufacturing in the Philippines is both viable 126.4 and sustainable. An ambiJul 2011 tious but realistic strategy can take it to the next 4.6 level,” Feliciano Torres, chairman of the PhilipJul 2011 pine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. 3.7 (PACCI), said. Jul 2011 “To achieve that, we

6. Balance of Payments 2/

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

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

of domestic sales, infusing P146.80 million of investments, and providing 3,210 jobs. DTI 11 Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said that DTI 11 is determined to sustain these major accomplishments and will even implement some more innovative strategies in order to meet its goal of unleashing the region’s full economic potential. First pilot-tested in Davao, the EPP is now implemented in all exporting regions of the country. “It is our constant quest to continuously provide a conducive environ-

USD -376 million Jun 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

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

nine percent; and other sectors (wood and furniture, gifts, toys, and housewares, fresh and processed fruits, and processed food) at seven percent. EPP’s innovative and emerging products such as cacao/tablea, coco coir/peat, virgin coconut oil (VCO), coco syrup, granulated charcoal, and Cavendish banana from the small-scale producers generated much of the trade transactions. Apart from its export performance, the EPP also reaped other impressive accomplishments like generating P509.87 million worth

5. Trade Balance

11. Peso per US $ 5/

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

them to penetrate the international trading arena and sustain their export activities. This package of assistance includes export mentoring, product development consultancy, and market intelligence, among others. Since it started in 2006, the program has already served more than 300 exporters in the region. Top exports cited in the 2011 EPP report included banana, which contributed 52 percent of the total figure; coconut at 32 percent; construction materials of the Nakayama Technology Corporation in Digos City at

USD 4,503 million Jun 2011

10. National government outstanding debt

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

HE Export Pathways Program (EPP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 generated US$53.92 million in export sales in 2011. Based on the preliminary annual report of DTI 11, the said export sales is 54 percent higher as compared to last year’s EPP performance. This is even higher by 67 percent of the agency’s annual target. The EPP is DTI’s banner program for export development, wherein entrepreneurs are being nurtured and given the appropriate and tailorfit package of assistance for

4. Imports 1/

9. National Government Revenues

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

P100,139 million Jun 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

Marizon S. Loreto

ment for business to keep on flourishing in the region and of course without sacrificing the welfare of consumers,” she said. [DTI 11/JEN-

MENDOZA]

PHL car, parts makers seek gov’t tie-up R

DOH prioritizes health infra in Mindanao

HE health department has announced 90 percent accomplishment in the building and development of district hospitals and rural health centers in Mindanao . Health assistant secretary for hospitals Romulo Busuego told Davao media that starting 2011, some 1,500 rural health centers were put up to cater to the health needs of Filipinos, especially in the barangays. A budget of P7 bil-

[PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

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JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

Camella welcomes New Year with ‘Lucky 888’ U

SHER in the Chinese New Year with Camella’s “Lucky 888” promo, the lowest packages ever for studio units of Camella’s British colonial-themed condo development, Camella Northpoint. “Set your lucky streak this year by getting your Camella Northpoint studio units with our triple Lucky 8 promo available now up to New Year’s day only, January 23,” said Anna Mae dela Pena, Camella Davao Marketing Head. Camella’s “Lucky 888” is a triple offer promo that gives buyers a sweet deal when getting their Camella Northpoint studio units. Buyers can get their preferred studio unit for an all-time low reservation fee of only P8000, a steep drop from the usual P30,000. Camella also gives a New Year’s treat of an 8% discount on the down payment, that’s more savings for

homebuyers. As if that wasn’t enough, Camella has further lowered the down payment to an affordable P8000 for the first eight months of the 18-month stretched down payment term. It’s unmatchable as far as selling propositions come this early in the New Year, as Camella leads the way in making a homebuyer’s dream come true. Homebuyers can call 222-0963, 222-5221, or 222-5223 for any inquiries about “Lucky 888”. Camella Northpoint studio units remain the wisest choice for those eyeing a single-room abode. These choice units offer its owners incomparable privileges such as possessing a premier address that gives them the best of both location and amenities. Camella Northpoint is located in the heart of all the excitement that north Davao offers, being minutes away from major locators, public

utilities, and the throbbing business and commercial district this part of the city. Its location at the heart of north Davao’s growth area makes it the perfect choice of any type of homebuyer, from newlyweds, startup families, young professionals, empty nesters, businessmen and entrepreneurs, even transient students and their families. Everything they need to live, work, and play are right outside the condo property. Its location alone makes Camella Northpoint studio units a sound investment. Business savvy unit owners can grab the opportunities their studio units give them, as these command a higher rental rate with its very desirable location. With Northpoint’s increasing market value, its studio units can also fetch a higher resale value for its owners in the future. It’s not only location though, that sets Camella Northpoint apart from all

other condo developments in the city. It is the only condo community dotted with imported Caribbean pine trees on its vast open spaces, turning it into a veritable pine grove with a fresh, pinescented ambiance and natural green surroundings. Imagine coming home to the sight of towering pine trees and the scent of freshness enveloping your home, not one minute away from the city’s hustle and bustle. That’s the unmatchable living proposition that Camella Northpoint offers its residents. Its world-class facilities and amenities are enough to make Camella Northpoint stand out, with its clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, as the centerpiece. The stately multi-purpose function hall is complemented with an al fresco café, a fitness gym, and cabanas and grill pits around the city s only salinated wellness pool.

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

agritrends

VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

Two-year Pacific tuna fishing ban extended T

HE two-year ban on purse seine tuna fishing in the Pacific Ocean has been extended for another three months following the deferment until March of last month’s scheduled annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission or WCPFC, a tuna industry leader here said. Marfenio Tan, director of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. (SFFAII), said the 8th regular session of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean or WCPFC8 was moved to March 26-30 in Guam from its December 5-9, 2011 schedule in Koror, Palau.

He said the postponement of the meeting extended for another three months the resolution of the purse seine fishing ban in pockets of the Pacific Ocean that practically slowed down the tuna fishing industry here in the last two years. “The WCPFC will convene on the last week of March in Guam and part of the discussions will center on whether the fishing ban will be extended or (purse seine fishing in the Pacific) will be totally banned,” Tan said. The WCPFC, a treatybased organization that leads the conservation and management of fish stocks in the Pacific Ocean, imposed a two-year fishing ban starting on January 1, 2010 in two pockets of the

high seas in the western and eastern areas to replenish the dwindling stocks of the highly migratory tuna species. Pocket one covers Palau, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, which are the areas closest to the Philippines and where local purse seine tuna fishing companies operate. In an official notice to its members, cooperating non-members and participating territories dated December 22, WCPFC executive director Prof. Glenn Hurry noted that the WCPFC8 meeting will take place on March 26-30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Guam with logistical and administrative support from the US (United States) and Guam officials.

Tuna

The notice did not cite the reasons for the postponement of the meeting but a report posted last week at the global tuna resource website www.atuna. com said WCPFC8 “has been shifted to Guam after a fire in November at Palau’s

Rural program makes good progress in 2011

AINING broad-based support from the national and local governments, the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) can look back 2011 as a year where the program has made a good progress in its implementation. The program has released a total of P1.60 billion across the six regions of Mindanao for the various subprojects of its major components: Rural Infrastructure (RI), Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) and Natural Resources Management (NRM). RI component has issued Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) amounting to P2.11 billion out of its P4.85 billion portfolio. The rest of the amount was already obligated to those subprojects under the procurement stage. Of the CAF issued, P821.58 million has been downloaded to a total of 215 LGUs as of December 2011, about 58% increase of the downloaded funds in May of the same year. Bulks of the funds were allocated on farmto-market roads, communal irrigation projects bridges and post harvest facilities. Region 11 as of yearend has raked in a total of P573.11 million worth of subproject with CAF. Of which P204.51 million was already downloaded to its LGUs, a dramatic increase from its downloaded amount of only about P42.51 million in the first semester. Region 10 has accessed a total of P203.49 million out of its issued CAF of P483.58 million. Caraga region ranked third which has distributed among its LGUs a total amount of P143.

ing and training PO-beneficiaries helped push the livelihood program forward. “Such developments have been attributed to the active involvement of the provincial and municipal counterparts in the CFAD implementation as well as the string support of the local chief executives, the timely response of the regional coordinating offices and the better social marketing system of the Program,” she said. Funding nature The program has released a total of P70.21 million for the total 24 covered sites under the NRM component. The subprojects funded under this component are at various level of implementation. Year 1 sites has physical accomplishment of 96.29% of its 24 subprojects with the total projects cost of 33.54 million for the six covered sites. Year 2 sites which have been released P24.45 million for the total projects cost of P33.60 million has accomplished 43.15% of the proposed environmental protection subprojects. While, the 12 sites under the year 3 implementation have been downloaded an aggregate total of P12.55 million. As of this writing its physical accomplishment is yet to be reported. “The projects in NRM focused on protecting and conserving the critical food production areas as well as applying the watershed management approach in its interventions that looks into the connectivity of the upland, the lowland and the coastal areas,” Ramos said.

30 million from the CAF issued of P351.72 million . Region 9 has total CFA of P319.76 million and 121.08 has been accessed by its enrolled LGUs. While Region 12 was issued total CAF of P266.27 million and has so far downloaded P112.95 million and ARMM has accessed 39.93 million from the CAF issued of 176.32 million. Of RI funds, P489.73 million has been completed, P1,299.89 billion are on-going while P2, 753.11 billion are under the procurement stage. The sudden surge in RI proposals is attributed to the CoFinancing Agreement (CFA) – a support extended by the national Department of Agriculture (DA) to shoulder at least 40% of the 50% equity requirement for the covered LGUs. This trimmed-down the LGU’s equity to only 10% making it more affordable and manageable both for the LGU and the Program. Putting money where the mouth is DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala in his meeting with the Mindanao local chief executives in the early part of the year assured them of his agency’s support in fast tracking the implementation of infrastructure projects under MRDP. “True to his commitment, Secretary Alcala had been putting money where his mouth is. A total of P752.91 million had been released as part of the CFA which triggered the fast implementation of the projects,” said MRDP program director Lealyn Ramos. Ramos said the national government’s support led by Secretary Alcala was instrumental for the program to meet its

2011 target. “As of the yearend, the program has attained 29.40% disbursement of the loan portfolio, enough to meet the World Bank’s 29% midterm requirement,” she said. Into the big ticket For CFAD, the program’s livelihood portfolio has also made significant improvements in its implementation as the component embarked on bigticket projects increasing the former P2.5 million CFAD fund to P5 million for municipal beneficiaries and P10 million-budget for the provincial governmentinitiated projects. The component has downloaded to LGUs the total amount of P752.91 million in as of December last year out of P1.80 billion cost of subprojects issued with CAF. The Program has released for Region 12 have been released the aggregate total of P117 million as of December 2011 out of the P180 million CAF issued. Region 10 was downloaded a total of P115.50 million from the CAF issued of P165 million. Caraga region LGUs have been downloaded a total of P 105.50 million; Region 11 with P81 million; ARMM with P79 million; and Region 9 with P56.56 million. The Program noted the 66% increase of CAF issued to the municipal and provincial beneficiaries as well as 42% increase of total fund release to LGUs from June to December of 2011. Ramos said active involvement of the LGUs particularly in mobilizing its technicians and administrative staff in organiz-

[MRDP]

tered into with banks and/or other financial intermediaries. HB 825, which he filed together with Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, proposes the lifting of the restriction on the right of farmer-beneficiaries to mortgage and/or encumber the lands awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. The Arroyos pointed out that the country’s experience with the implementation of the agrarian reform law has shown that the mere distribution of land to farmers does not fully secure their livelihood and productivity. “Indeed, many of them have

found it difficult, if not, nearly impossible, to maximize their shares due to deficient funding and the unavailability of credit,” the young Arroyo said. Even as they acknowledge government’s efforts to address this problem by making credit more accessible through microfinance and other similar schemes, they also noted that credit accommodations extended under these programs are short-term and limited which could not sustain farmers’ pressing credit requirements. Since present provisions of the law prevent farmers from using the lands awarded to

them as collateral for any loan transaction, there is an urgent need to lift such provisions to make land reform genuine. This prohibition, the authors said, effectively impairs the farmers’ right to avail of credit from different sources and consequently limits their options for a better life and future. “Lifting these restrictions in the law would be a welcome reprieve to our farmer-beneficiaries. Not only will this enhance their chances of gaining credit but it will also equip them with the necessary tools to improve their living conditions,” the Arroyos concluded.

Bill proposed to help CARP farmers use their CLOA as collateral for loan

ENUINE land reform is not just giving land to farmers but empowering them to make it productive, said Rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo. “We should take steps to strengthen their capability to avail of long-term and commercial loans from banking and other financial institutions,” Arroyo said as he urged Congress to pass HB 825 which lifts restrictive provisions of R.A 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988. Arroyo is proposing that the submission of the Certificate of Land Ownership Award be made sufficient collateral for loans en-

main power plant.” The incident, which forced electricity rationing in Palau’s capital of Koror, reportedly prompted the commission to move the meeting to Guam in March. The national government earlier constituted a team composed of officials from the departments of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry, Mindanao Development Authority and fishing industry leaders to push for the country’s agenda in the WCPFC meeting, among them the lifting of the fishing ban. The team was tasked to present country’s position in the discussions on the stock status of key tuna species and evaluation of the WCPFC’s Conservation and Man-

agement Measure (CMM) 2008-01, which provided for the two-year fishing ban. The Tuna Canners Association of the Philippines earlier reported that the country’s tuna production dropped by 20 percent in the first three quarters of 2011 as a result of the continuing fishing ban. The city, dubbed “Tuna Capital of the Philippines, hosts six of the country’s seven tuna canneries. Around 2,000 workers from tuna fishing companies in this city who were affected by the fishing ban have been displaced and availed of livelihood and emergency employment assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment since early 2010. [PNA]

Davao City to boost cacao production T

HE city agriculturist office is eyeing improved cacao production via additional hectarage. City agriculturist Leo Avila said they intend to plant 2,000 hectares of cacao a year after having identified 22,000 hectares as potential planting sites. The city governmentrun central nursery has propagated 80 thousand cacao seedlings while private nurseries have about 200,000 seedlings in their inventory. For the intensified cacao program the city would need about one million to 1.5 million cacao seedlings, said Avila. They are also talking with Small Medium Enterprises Development Councils for financing that could benefit cacao farmers in the city. Assistance of the Cocoa

Foundation of the Philippines (CocoaPhil) and Agricultural Cooperative Development International/ Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ADCI/ VOCA) will be availed of for training farmers to grow cocoa and provide the right seedlings. Aside from producing high grade cocoa beans the city is eyeing to purchase an extruder which can process higher value cocoa powder and butter. Davao City aims to become the largest cocoa producing area in the country. Currently the city has an area of 1,139 hectares planted to cacao. The municipality of San Isidro in Davao del Norte is the leading producer of cacao in the Davao region with 4,000 hectares planted to the crop. [PIA/RG ALAMA]

BizQUIPS ‘WE have to take into account that this is an election year, and so it may be an electionrelated statement.’

--President Aquino on the support of US President Obama to the proposed US Call Center Worker and Protection Act.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

governance

JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

Gov’t rejects SMI mining bid T

HE Philippine energy and natural resources department last week thumbed down the application of Sagittarius Mines Incorporated for an environmental clearance for its planned commercial production of copper and gold in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The department of energy and natural resources (Denr) cited the ordinance of South Cotabato which banned open pit mining method in the province as basis for rejecting the application. “We are returning herewith the application documents with instruction to deny the same without prejudice to resubmit until the issues and concern on the use of open-pit mining method shall have been clarified and resolved by the company[SMI] with the provincial government of South Cotabato,” Denr secretary Ramon Paje said in a memorandum dated January 3, copy of which was obtained by the

local Catholic diocese in South Cotabato. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, director of the Environmental Management Bureau, then ordered Sagittarius Mines “to refrain from undertaking any development activity in the areas mentioned in the application for ECC” until it will be able to obtain the necessary permit. The order was dated January 9 this year, several days after Paye issued his memorandum denying SMI’s ECC application. The ECC is a mandatory requirement before any mining project could proceed. To appeal SMI president Peter Forrestal said they were disappointed by the Denr decision but said they will seek reconsideration. “SMI intends immediately to file an appeal for a reconsideration of the decision as permitted under the ECC application process,” he said even as he claimed the decision “was not made on

the merits of our Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which fully complies with the requirements of the DENR’s own ECC process and is backed by a world-class environmental impact assessment study.” SMI’s minority partner Indophil Resources, which only in December said it was confident the company will get an ECC, also confirmed the ECC rejection in a disclosure to the Australian bourse. SMI held several public scoping and at least five public hearings during the last two INAUGURATION. Department of Health (DOH) inauguration ceremony last January 8 at the Davao years in a bid to obtain an ECC. Secretary Enrique Ona and Gov. Rodolfo del Regional Hospital, Tagum City. These hearings drew partisan Rosario lead the unveiling of the marker during the reactions from both pro-mining and anti-mining groups Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel hailed the decision, however. Gutierrez, along with two HE city government been receiving flack for late tional government to alloother bishops in the areas where SMI planned to operate, is a of Davao is looking response, when they are cate more fire engines for strong advocate against open pit forward to a better merely a backup unit of the the City’s different fire stamining. [ EDWIN ESPEJO] working relationship with BFP. tions. the Bureau of Fire ProtecThe Central 911 WebThe local BFP reportedtion this year as it prepares site states that “To comple- ly has 13 working firetrucks. to give additional monetary ment the fire-fighting ability Davao City, which is considand other assistance to the of the Bureau of Fire Protec- ered one of the largest cities national agency. tion, Central 911 has estab- in the world, should have at delivery highlighting how the Mayor Inday Sara lished its own Fire Auxiliary least 64 firetrucks. results were utilized and the Duterte said the local gov- Services Unit. These highly The City has also givbenefits derived from their utiernment has plans of donattechnical and well trained en financial support to the lization. The third document is a ing some of its firetrucks to fire fighters operate and fol- BFP and has in fact turned statement from the technology the Bureau. low the incident command over P1 million in 2011 for user(s) describing the contri“We can give firetrucks system during fire cases the purchase of communibution of the technology in im- to the BFP but not all as for the efficient operation cation equipment like twoproving health delivery. Vicente said that nomina- the Urban Search and Res- and collaboration with the way radios and computers tions and documents should be cue unit of the City’s 911 Bureau of Fire Protection for the data banking and submitted to the Office of the will also need firetrucks,” and other Volunteer Fire records. Executive Director of PCHRD, Duterte said. Groups. The 911 Fire AuxilThis year, Duterte 3rd floor Administration Bldg. However, the mayor iary Services Unit is trained added that the city has alof the Department of Science and Technology, Gen. Santos clarified firefighting is not and equipped to respond to lotted another P1 million Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City. the job of 911 but the re- high-rise fires and even the for the BFP and that the Nominations should sponsibility of the Bureau dreaded inner-skirt fires in city is just waiting for the reach PCHRD not later than of Fire Protection. The 911, highly populated areas.” agency’s response as to January 31, 2012, he added. Meanwhile, Duterte, how they will use the monFor more details and according to Duterte, has a information, interested indi- Fire Auxiliary Service (FAS) who also heads the City ey and what to buy with it. viduals or institutions may unit, which only augments Peace and Order Council, “But we asked them visit PCHRD website at www. the BFP in fire-related emer- said she and the CPOC have to use it for improving pchrd.dost.gov.ph or rethrown their full support their response in firefightgion11.healthresearh.ph, or gencies. Duterte said it is unfair behind the BFP. She added ing and answering related may call the regional office through telephone numbers for the Fire Auxiliary unit the Council has in passed emergencies,” Duterte (082) 221-5971 or 227-1313. of 911, which allegedly has a resolution asking the na- said. [CITY INFORMATION OFFICE] [PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE]

BFP to get support

Nominations for outstanding health research awards extended to Jan. 31

HE deadline for nominations for the 2012 Outstanding Health Research Award (OHRA) has been extended until January 31, a health research consortium official announced. Dr. Warlito Vicente, chair of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Region 11, said the search is open to all Filipino health researchers or in groups in either biomedical research or health services research. Vicente said nominations may be made by individuals, scientific, technological and professional societies or associations, research institutes and universities and colleges. He clarified that selfnomination is not allowed. The OHRA is given to a qualified health researcher “who has been able to demonstrate the link between research and practice through the absorption or utilization

of his/her research project in the health delivery system,” Vicente explained. The recognition “rewards those whose research efforts are relevant to prevalent health problems,” he stated. He further said that the award would like to encourage researchers to be “sensitive to the scientific and technological requirements of the health delivery system.” Each awardee for the biomedical research and health research categories shall be conferred of a trophy and a cash prize of P500,000. Nominations for each of the category should be made on the prescribed nomination form, with document attachments such as one copy each of the technical reports and publications of the completed projects leading to the technology. Another required document is a write-up on the impact of the project on health

[PIA-11/CARINA L. CAYON]

Transportation and Traffic Code which will allow for operation of motorized tricycles for-hire, designation of one-way streets, and public-pay parking zones. The code provides for the creation of a rationalized and unified City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO). “At present, we do not have an office that oversees the entire traffic management like planning, traffic education and other concerns,” Braga said. If approved, the city will then be allowed to hire city-paid traffic enforcers other than the

Police. The city government can then issue city traffic citation tickets apart from the LTOissued TOP. From the penalties of the erring motorists and their registration fees, the Traffic Management Trust Fund will be put up and used for traffic improvement projects. Another salient point that Braga shared is the institutionalization of traffic impact assessment as requirement for selected establishments. This way, even if new infrastructures are built the traffic flow would

remain smooth flowing. It also enshrines the policy that urban road space is scarce resource whose usage must be allocated judiciously through sound traffic management. The proposed Rationalized City Transport and Traffic Management Office will then be composed of divisions like administrative and support, traffic engineering, traffic enforcement and street management, transport planning and management, facilities management and operations, and franchising and regulatory. [PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

ment offices due to calamities. EO 66 has set the following guidelines in the cancellation or suspension of classes in public and private schools and work in government: • Signal No. 1 - Classes at the pre-school level, in the affected area, shall be automatically cancelled or suspended. • Signal No. 2 - Classes at the pre-school, elementary and secondary levels, in the affected area, shall be automatically cancelled or suspended. • Signal No. 3 - Classes at pre-school, elementary, secondary and tertiary levels,

in the affected area, including graduate school, as well as work in all government offices, shall be automatically cancelled or suspended. President Aquino directed the PAGASA to issue weather forecasts through various media outlets, including radio and television, not later than 10 p.m. of the previous day and 4:30 a.m. of the day of the intended cancellation or suspension of classes and work. The President, however, said that in the event where there are classes and work in the morning and suspension of

classes and work is only effective in the afternoon, PAGASA should issue the forecast not later than 11 a.m. of the said day. At the same time, EO 66 provides that in the absence of typhoon signal warnings from PAGASA, the local chief executives shall implement localized cancellation or suspension of classes and government work in coordination with the weather bureau and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), particularly in flood-prone or high risk areas.

Council to tackle proposed traffic code soon T

HE city council is scheduled to tackle the traffic code, considered a pet project of Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio who sees it instrumental to the sound management of the city’s road network. City councilor and committee chair for transportation Pilar Braga announced that the traffic code is on the deck now. With these laws in place, Duterte sees a more efficient traffic flow and safer streets for Dabawenyos. Salient features of the code includes the expansion of Republic Act 4136 or the Land

PNoy revises guidelines on suspension of classes, gov’t work due to disasters

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino has expanded the existing protocol on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government due to typhoons to include flooding, calamities and other weather disturbances in order to avoid the unnecessary loss of lives. Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Thursday the President issued Executive Order No. 66 on January 9, streamlining and simplifying the procedures for the cancellation or suspension of classes in public and private schools and work in govern-

Davao to remain mining-free: Sara

N light of the recent tragedy that hit a mining site in Pantukan, Compostela Valley, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has made a firm stand against the setting up of mining and miningrelated operations in the city. The mayor said the entry of mining corporations in other local government units “totally depends on their officials if they will allow mining corporations to enter their areas of responsibility. We cannot stop them from allowing that to happen,” Duterte said when asked what she would advise other LGU’s. Duterte, who chairs the Regional Development Council11 (RDC 11), clarified that it is not the Council’s policy to interfere with decisions of other local government units. “We in the RDC only issue resolutions asking the concerned local government to follow the guidelines set by the Mining Law

BizQUIPS

of the land,” Duterte said. She stressed, however, that no mining corporation can enter Davao City and operate here during her watch, adding that she had already asked Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to keep mining operations out of Davao City. “Davao City is mining-free and I have made representation to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and sent letters to the Secretary explicitly saying that Davao City is a nomining zone,” she said. Instead of allowing mining investments, the city instead is focusing on agro-forestry, agrifishery, and agri-tourism. Duterte also said that Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab has the same stand and will in fact file a bill in Congress declaring Davao City as a no-mining zone. [city information office]

‘MUCH like what the US Congress is doing to protect its people, we must focus on creating opportunities from within the country, and the agriculture sectors hold the most promise and potential.’ --Senator Francis Pangilinan

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Real prospects

EAR 2012 is said to be the year of the Water Dragon. Most predictions indicate a favorable year ahead in terms of economic growth for most countries worldwide. Unlike last year, which was the year of the Rabbit, this year will be a lot better – according to forecasts based on what feng shui experts call the paht chee chart. I don’t know what that is but that is how they call it. If we look inward to our country and assess what actually happened in year 2011, we would probably wish that the feng shui predictions for this year would really come true. We did not have a very bad performance in terms of economic growth last year but it nonetheless needs some significant improvements. Hence, we can give our country and our economy another chance to do better this time. This however seems to be a repeat of our wish last year and all the years past. According to the most recent Pulse Asia survey, 38% of all respondents believe that our economy deteriorated in the last 12 months between October 2010 and November 2011, and 18% said it improved while 40% said it has remained unchanged. To put it simply and to quote the survey result, it says: “the percentage of Filipinos saying the economy is better now declined by 12 percentage points while the percentage of those who observe a deterioration in the Philippine economy increased by 22 percentage points.” The result of the survey further says: “Among those who say the Philippine economy is in a worse state now than a year ago, 66% were strongly affected by this perceived economic deterioration, 31% were somehow affected and only 3% did not feel the impact of the worsening economic situation in the country.” I will stop there because the figures alone could already tell the real story. On the other hand, if we look at what the economists and leading development institutions have to say about our prospects for year 2012, we find the following: (a) according to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch in its “Global Economic Weekly” released last week, the Philippine economy is expected to grow faster this year; (b) according to the First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in their joint 2012 Economic Outlook Briefing also held last week, “the country’s GDP is projected at 5%-6% anchored on an anticipated increase in government spending, robust dollar remittances from OFWs and higher

consumption spending”; and (c) according to UA&P economist Victor A. Abola, “…the domestic sector will do well and the lagging sectors last year will bring the economy into the fast lane,” referring to the agriculture, mining, construction and manufacturing sectors. In terms of investments, gaming, infrastructure and consumer sectors are expected to also remain favorable for investors. Further, many economists believe that government spending is expected to contribute in sustaining economic growth this year owing to its big-ticket items under the public-private partnership (PPP) program and the DPWH’s other infrastructure projects slated for construction this year. Hopefully, this scenario will create more jobs and employment opportunities which in turn are expected to boost personal consumption and consumer spending to higher levels this year. Likewise, it is foreseen that international trade performance will also improve with export earnings growing by 5%-7% coming from a “negative performance” last year, while import earnings will likely grow by 10%. Inflation this year, on the other hand, is seen to ease within the 3.5%to-3.7% range. On the whole, the forecasts on the economic performance of the country for this year offer some rays of hope to all of us. What seems to be the only negative prospect for the year is the exchange rate which is projected at P43-P45 per dollar - as the US economy is expected to continue to outperform the euro zone. With the economic rebound of the US, it is anticipated that the peso will depreciate against the dollar. As of this writing, the peso-dollar exchange rate is now P44 per US dollar, compared to P43.8 per US dollar just a month ago, or P42 per US dollar some 5 months ago. While this may seem negative, it has positive effects to OFW remittances and international trade. As the year further unfolds, most of these positive projections and prospects will not happen without leadership, hard work, persistence and policy stability. Many believe that starting the year right would also mean a year of good disposition and prospects. And starting the year right means doing what we need to do – facing squarely the problems of the nation and moving it towards economic progress that is felt by all. If we just let things unfold, the positive forecasts and projections will remain fictional and illusionary, just like the Dragon – the only fictional animal in the Chinese Zodiac.

BizQUIPS ‘WE think our presentation of evidence will not be more than three weeks for all eight articles. We don’t known on the part of the defense, but we think that delaying the proceedings is part of their strategy.’ --Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada

editorial

Water Dragon imageries

HINESE New Year, the most important of the Chinese traditional holidays also known as the “Spring Festival,” will not start until January 23 and culminate 15 days later. This early, though, everybody and his uncle are occupied with talks about what kind of year will 2012 be and topics related to the festival. Thanks to the highly commercialized nature of the celebration, even before the end of the calendar year, we already knew that 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon. According to feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of foretelling the future by interpreting symbols and colors, the Year of the Water Dragon brings many possibilities for good fortune. Unfortunately to most Filipinos who are clueless about geomancy, after that December catastrophe in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete, and other places hit by earlier typhoonspawn floods, water now conjures images of death and destruction that continue to traumatize tens of thousands of hapless victims in the mentioned places. Yes, many of us are afraid that 2012 will simply be the year of the water, with no need for a dragon, to bring untold miseries to residents of inundated

communities and settlers buried alive in landslides brought about by the loosening of the soil after continuous rains. As we were writing this piece last Saturday, floodwaters continued to rise as high as one meter in the towns of Laak, Asuncion, New Corella and Kapalong due to the continuous rain since Friday, prompting the Armed Forces to activate the disaster relief and rescue units of the 10th Infantry of the Philippine Army, the Naval Forces, Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and Eastern Mindanao Command to help municipal disaster relief and rescue councils. So you see, we need no feng shui expert to tell us that in the Year of the Water Dragon, our attention and especially that of the authorities must be focused on the present and real dangers of natural calamities brought about by climate change. Government authorities, the private sector and the citizenry in general must at all times be mindful of risk reduction, disaster preparedness and be ready for forcible evacuation if such a need arises. Indeed, ignoring the angry aberrations of an avenging nature is just like committing suicide.

vantage POINTS

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

have been told that the current statistics show that there are now more men than women—in the world’s 7 Billion population. In China, it is said that the ratio is 120 men to 100 women. What will this mean to women nowadays? I guess for my daughter, she will not have trouble finding a partner later in life. Haha! But joking aside, I feel that it does not make so much difference. Women have now taken on two roles, or maybe three or four. Women have now entered the arena which was once a man’s world. I, for one, have been on the rat race right after graduation up to this time. And even as I married, became a mother, separated, I am still in-charge of the financial aspect of my family’s life. What a challenge to become a female or a woman in this day and age… During my mother’s time, when she got married, she stopped working to become a full-time mom to her children. She was there

JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

Challenges of a woman (1st of 2 parts)

on most of my activities in school, prepared our “baon”, make us a reviewer when exam time comes. While papa on the other hand is expected to bring home the bacon. Men take pride in being the provider and breadwinner of the family. But today, the scenarios have changed. While women should also be proud of what we have achieved, I could not say that we are totally fortunate. I would still love to, once in awhile be, dependent. This is coming from someone who would think not once

’M past the stage of being impressionable, so there are only a few people I really admire. My admiration for Margie Moran Floirendo stems not only from the fact that she is an accomplished individual and a celebrity at that, but also because she chose to go beyond the trappings of her name and stature to do good for others. As you have seen, heard, and read about her on TV, newspapers and magazines, I›ll refrain from talking about her public accomplishments and instead share with you a few anecdotes that can give you some glimpse into the person behind the celebrity name and stellar reputation. In the course of working on her many advocacies, Margie goes on regular sojourns around Mindanao. Three years ago, we went to Aleosan in North Mindanao, site of an armed encounter between government forces and Moro fighters just a few weeks back. Margie showed no signs of sharing my queasiness about taking a road trip to this conflict-ridden part of Mindanao. Leaving Davao early that morning, we made a stopover at a municipality for a late breakfast. Ever the multi-tasker, Margie had arranged for it to be a working breakfast, meeting with several municipal mayors to whom she presented the goals of Friends of Habitat to drum up support for housing for the needy. By the end of the meal, Margie had the pledge of some hectares of land in the mayors’ areas of responsibility—on which Habitat houses will be built—donated to HFH to benefit their most needy constituents. It was a good

but a thousand times before she buys that designer item. Because if she does, it would mean she would have to work doubly hard for the groceries, electric and water bills, the stuff the kids need, food, clothing ,shelter…although with a little exaggeration. What a wondrous time when husbands surrender their ATM’s to their wives… where has that time gone?? With a dual-income household, sometimes there is the tendency for women to provide for most of the needs at home and less for

Margie

way to have breakfast: enjoy a hot meal and provide decent housing to people at the same time. When we got to Aleosan, the barangay captain with a handful of people welcomed us. One of the men gestured towards the slopes of a nearby hill, saying MILF soldiers were up there, probably looking down at us. While I choked up, Margie was unperturbed, buckling down to work and discussing building more houses for barangay folks and strengthening their livelihood projects. I was further impressed when the barangay captain asked her to intervene on their behalf and talk to their congressman—whom they had difficulty reaching—to rebuild their broken bridge, an important artery to their barangay. I don’t think they do that to every visitor they get. In General Santos City, we had to cross a river to get to a remote barangay. I cringed when her Expedition traversed the knee-deep water and trudged on loose rocks. I did the same when the vehicle navigated a narrow winding dirt road, up the side of a hill. I glanced at her and instantly felt sheepish. She was quite calm, like traversing treacherous rivers and traveling up dangerous, wind-

ing roads was a typical part of her day. When we got to the community, Margie was all business as usual, talking with the barangay folks about housing, livelihood, capacity-building, and programs addressing their socio-economic conditions. On the side, there were people giving me folders, asking me to make sure Margie gets them. These were proposals asking for assistance for basic needs such as clean water and livelihood projects. In Lake Sebu where she spoke to tribal women weavers, Margie was having breakfast when she saw a group of people tentatively approaching her, asking “Ma’am Margie, puwede magpa-picture sa iyo (can we have our picture taken with you)?” She casually left her breakfast and obliged the group. It was the same thing in Midsayap, where a group of women leaders from far-flung barangays told me they simply wouldn’t go home without having their pictures taken with her. Although Margie was already in meeting, she obliged the group, gamely posed for the camera, and returned the smiles and hugs the women eagerly gave her. I have seen Margie in her element when giving keynote speeches in national conven-

herself. With the women in the workforce, some children are left in the care of helpers. Yet for other mothers abroad, they are taking care of other people’s children and their own children in turn are taken care of by relatives…I remember the news about a child beaten, scorched and burned with boiling water and left for dead on the street. The child’s aunt and uncle were later brought to jail for the monstrous deed. My cousin’s wife has been working abroad for years, so it is my cousin who takes care of 2 female children. One of which has been diagnosed of kidney problem. She is spending a thousand pesos a day for meds and her dialysis…it is heartbreaking to see a man cry in despair. The father now stands as the mother? Why have the roles been reversed? I also strongly feel that the distance will take its toll on any relationship. A family should be together…in tact . This is just my opinion. (To be continued…) tions, receiving prestigious film awards, or guesting in celebrity game and talk shows. The Margie I saw in the countryside was a total departure from all these. With her name and reputation, Margie could easily intimidate people in the countryside, but she was surprisingly comfortable dealing with people from all walks of life, and was pleasantly accommodating and accessible. My musings on this exemplary woman came to an ‘aha’ moment when we went to another community in South Cotabato. The barangay hall was filled to the rafters, and I asked the woman beside me why they were excited to see Margie. She said they were grateful Margie came all the way to their remote barangay, and knew that “naa siya’y gidala nga kaayohan para sa amo (that she had brought something good for us).” It struck me then that they weren’t there to ogle at a celebrity; all these people saw her as a beacon of hope, an instrument that could help give them decent housing, access to clean water, opportunities for livelihood, even improvement of local infrastructure, to name a few. When I looked at Margie giving a message in the small, crowded barangay office, too hot even for me, I saw her with different eyes. Margie moves people and makes things happen for those who need help the most. In her, I saw an ambassador of goodwill—without the title. This is the power that I see in Margie Moran Floirendo. Not the fame or the trappings of a privileged life, but by what she does for others, and because she does for others.

Dying for gold

INCE I last covered the gold rush and landslides of Diwalwal, Compostela Valley in the late eighties for the now defunct Asiaweek magazine, the stories of the dead and dying coming out of the mining areas there have always been the same: the do-or-die determination of hundreds of small miners to find gold --- or die trying. If you’re someone who’s jobless and so desperate to feed your family and aren’t afraid to take risks digging for gold in the Compostela mountains (whose soil is often so soft it may collapse anytime) then you’re probably are one of those smallscale miners who are ready to die for gold. True stories of cops, traders, vendors, hoodlums, soldiers, army officers, etc who made hundreds of millions from gold out of the gold-laden, landslide-prone mountains of Compostela--from Diwalwal to Pantukan--- abound every where in Davao, it has become a boring cliché. Compostela is a place where you can still find many “rags to riches” stories. Some powerful politicians and a number of Davao business tycoons started out with barely nothing in their pockets before they discovered the rich “mother lode” of gold in the bowels of Diwalwal and Pantukan in the late sixties. A recent United Nations report also confirmed that several towns of Compostela Valley are sitting on top of a “mountain of gold” so rich that it’s valued in billions of US dollars based on today’s price of gold in the world market. In fact, one of the world’s biggest gold deposits is found right in the mountains of Compostela, according to the UN report. That’s why the recent news of the Pantukan landslide that killed more than 30 people plus an undetermined number still missing wasn’t really surprising to us. Government mining officials had already been warning and banning miners from going back to that same mountain area after a series of earlier deadly landslides that killed many. With the world price of gold settling around US$1650 (P75,000) an ounce , it’s a very tempting

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‘WE are calling on all our Unicef supporters not to forget the children affected by Sendong. Any amount you give will go a long way to ensure that these children get on their feet. Please go to unicef.ph to learn how you can help.’ --Unicef National Ambassador Gary Valenciano

prospect for people who are either greedy or desperate to risk their lives because it looks so easy to simply dig under that mountain to find a huge fortune and completely change people’s lives.... (Comments? Email me at: tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com) I’ve read your column on doing business with government and it was so timely i was on the way to accounting office of davao city hall to follow-up my long overdue bill for payment. FYI, we are new entrant as bidder, being a Philgeps accredited and engage in the business of manufacturing customized shirts and other uniforms. We belong to what is called as “micro-enterprise” with meager capital. If delays in payment is happening to big contractors and providers, I thought, how much more for us small businesses. Bringing a copy of EDGE DAVAO, i showed it to CTO personnel and they themselves agreed and were somewhat resigned to what they are also experiencing these times- too much delay in the processing of vouchers. When we participated the open public bidding, we presumed there is sufficient budget to back it up. to my dismay and quandary, until now, nahilis na lang ang ligid sa akong lowly fx sa cge balik2 ug cge ko kahutdan load sa cge tawag mga end-users. initially, pasalig cla dali ra au process. ngaun dili na halos manubag. nairita na guro sa ako pestering. But what should a businesswoman do to collect her receivables except to pester and kung pwede pa unta mag mura para lang akakolekta. pero according to grape vines, kung mag cge ka ug followup ug pester mosamot daw ug kagahi sa pag pa irog sa papeles. Sa totoo lang, murag nakakaon ko ug tagam. Dunno if i have to participate future biddings with these unfortunate experiences im suffering. Anyway, thanks to a person like you who in a way is able to expose the snailpace movement of documents at Davao City Hall. ATTY. CRISTETA A. DUMAGAN-ROLDAN

10 VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

competitive edge

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ICTSI orders new equipment for PHL, Mexican operations

AsiaTemp goes green with Low E Glass I T

HE need for environmental awareness is essential now more than ever, and AsiaTemp is giving consumers a way to cut back on energy costs with its latest offering, Low E glass. The E stands for emissivity, which is the ability of a surface to absorb heat. Natural light is able to pass through Low E glass, but long-wave solar radiation is filtered, reducing heat and keeping a building’s interior cool. This lessens the need for constant air conditioning, translating to energy and money saved. In addition to its thermal efficiency, Low E glass can also be tempered to abide by building codes that call for strengthened

NTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) recently placed orders for new state-of-the-art container handling equipment for its operations in Mexico and the Philippines. “The new orders signify our commitment to further improve terminal operations and services across the ICTSI Group. We are doing this multi-million USD investment because we see the growth potential of our Manila and Manzanillo operations,” says Brian Oakley, ICTSI global engineering vice president. Finnish equipment maker Cargotec was tapped to supply four quay cranes (QC) and 10 rubber tired gantries (RTG), which were booked during the fourth quarter of 2011. In Mexico, ICTSI has started the construction of the Specialized Container Terminal-2 in the Port of Manzanillo in the country’s Pacific coast. Contecon

Manzanillo S.A., ICTSI’s Mexican subsidiary, is expected to receive four super post-Panamax Kalmar QCs and 10 Kalmar RTGs during first half of 2013. The QCs will have an outreach of 63 meters, a 30.5-meter rail span and a maximum lift capacity of 65 tons using twin-lift spreaders. The RTGs will be 6+1 wide and 1-over-6 high with a lift capacity of 41 tons. The terminal is projected to have an annual capacity of 450,000 TEUs in its first two year operation. In the Philippines, eight RTGs are due for delivery in its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in 2012. The purchase of the new container yard equipment is part of the Berth 6 project, an ongoing terminal expansion at the Port of Manila, the country’s largest trading gateway.

HE Social Security System (SSS) said employees, selfemployed workers and voluntary members with overdue loans can settle their unpaid principal and interest without paying the full amount of penalties under a new amnesty program that starts on April 2, 2012. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the amnesty «differs from SSS loan penalty condonation programs in the past» and its terms and requirements for applicants will depend on the type of delinquent borrower. “SSS will waive 100 percent of penalties of qualified applicants whose loan delinquency was not their fault, such as members whose employers failed to remit their amortizations to SSS despite deducting loan payments from their salaries,” he said. Members must have at least three contributions within the last six months before the month of application and present proof of deducted loan

amortizations such as pay slips, company certification and notarized affidavits to be eligible for full condonation of penalties. “They can pay their loan principal and interest in full, or avail of a three-year installment payment scheme at an annual interest rate of three percent,” De Quiros said, adding that SSS will take legal action against employers that fail to remit their workers’ deducted amortizations. SSS will also offer amnesty to beneficiaries of deceased borrowers who will file their death claim applications within the availment period. SSS will waive 100 percent of penalties and the member’s delinquent loan principal and interest will be deducted from the death benefit. De Quiros said delinquent borrowers who paid at least three amortizations can also apply for amnesty, provided that they have remitted a minimum of three monthly contributions within the last six months prior to the month of application.

“Members with at least three paid amortizations will have 90 percent of their penalties condoned if they pay in full. Those who will pay in monthly installments over three years at a three percent annual interest rate will have 80 percent of their loan penalties waived,” he said. Borrowers filing total disability or retirement claims within the availment period will have 50 percent of their penalties condoned under the amnesty program. The outstanding loan balance and remaining penalties will be deducted from their retirement or disability benefit. “The deadline of application for the amnesty program will be on September 30, but beneficiaries of borrowers who passed away without settling their delinquent obligations can apply until March 30 next year,” De Quiros said. The amnesty program covers overdue salary, calamity, emergency, educational, studynow-pay-later, stock investment and privatization fund loans. [SSS]

engineers and private individuals were given proper training, equipment, and instruments to capacitate them do energy audits in establishments that request for that particular service. DOST believes that an energy audit is a good starting step to earn more savings by way of ensuring efficient appliance and electronic uses in the workplace. This is considered a necessity by most industries that want to reduce input cost by ensuring the use of highly efficient gadgets and appliances. DOST has started its auditing in its own workplace and it has replaced ordinary fluorescent lights with T5 lights aimed at an eventual thirty percent lighting consumption reduction. The DREAM Team has also started doing energy audits in small and medium enterprises which make up the bulk of the business community in the region. DREAM Team is a multi-agency group with members from the Institute

of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), the University of Mindanao (UM), and DOST 11. The team is ready to provide energy audit services to all interested industries in the region. It will help industries in setting energy conservation goals, identify areas where energy wastes can occur, relate energy consumption to production, improve the process/equipment efficien-

cies, and recommend energy saving opportunities. The DREAM team suggests the replacement of old appliances with new but efficient ones as this could result to a remarkable reduction of electric consumption. Experts can determine the savings that an establishment can achieve after following recommendations provided by the team. The DREAM team is accepting requests for this particular energy audit service. [(PIA-11/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

glass. Tempered Low E glass makes for an unrivaled performance in energy saving and strength. For a smart and ecofriendly solution to your glass needs, contact AsiaTemp today and ask about Low E glass. AsiaTemp Glass Corporation officially launched its tempering services last June 2011 with the promise of speed and quality. Its Tamglass furnace is the largest that serves the VisMin market’s demand for safety glass. For more information call (032) 239-2398, 4221166 or 422-1188. You can also e-mail asiatempered@ yahoo.com, and find AsiaTemp Glass on Facebook.

Cebu Pacific targets flying SSS announces April launch 14M passengers in 2012 of amnesty on loan penalties

EBU Pacific is targeting to carry 14 million passengers this year, with the country’s healthy tourism industry, an executive said in a press statement. Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice-president for marketing and distribution, said the airline is hopeful it would exceed last year’s number of passengers. Iyog said Cebu Pacific flew close to 11 million passengers form January to November last year, an improvement of 14 percent of the same period in 2010. The airline also reported flying one million passengers each for the months of April, May, October, and November last year, the first for any Philippine carrier. Iyog credited the healthy growth of the airline to its low fare rates and extensive route network, as well as the country’s aggressive push in promoting Philippine tourism to other countries.

With the strong outlook of the industry this year, the airline announced it will increase its capacity, add more flights and open new destinations. Iyog said the airline expects delivery of six new Airbus 320 this year. The airline will also continue to add manpower, infrastructure, automating systems and airport stations to accommodate their growing fleet and network. Cebu Pacific also announced a USD3.8 billion deal last June 2011 for new orders of 30 Airbus A321neo and seven A320 aircraft for delivery from 2017 until 2021. ”As we accept delivery of more brand new aircraft, we will add more flights and open new destinations and routes such as additional flights from Cebu to Boracay, Dipolog, Legazpi, Manila, Pagadian, and Siargao this year,” Iyog said. Starting Feb. 8, Cebu

Pacific will add flights from Cebu to the following destinations: Manila, 11 weekly flights; Boracay, 4 weekly flights; Dipolog, 3 weekly flights; Legazpi, 4 weekly flights; Pagadian, 2 weekly flights; and Siargao, 1 weekly flight. Cebu Pacific will also be reopening its Cebu-Kalibo route thrice-weekly starting Feb. 24. Apart from increasing capacity, Iyog said the airline will also be working closely with government agencies regarding EO 29 or the open skies policy, additional seat entitlements to countries they want to open routes or add flights to, and air traffic congestion out of Manila. ”We believe the lowcost carrier model is still a strong business model that fits perfectly with the lowfare, great value travel trend in Asia now. People will always look for the lowest airfare and extensive route network,” Iyog said. [PNA]

gy consumption of business establishments and other sectors in the region. “If we can’t add power, then let us reduce power consumption,” said DOST11 assistant regional direc-

tor Elsie Solidum in last week’s Club 888 at The Marco Polo Davao. Members of the DREAM Team or the Davao Region Energy Audit and Management Team, mainly

DOST offers energy consumption audit in workplaces

ITH the looming power shortage in Mindanao is, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 11 is all set to send its DREAM Team to audit ener-

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‘…IF the tragedy of Tropical Storm “Sendong” has made him (President Aquino) finally pay attention to the monumental challenges of climate change and its impact mainly on the poor, we may yet get the transformational leader this nation deserves.’ --Professor Solita Collas-Monsod

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

competitive edge JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

Pag-asa turns twenty! P

AG-ASA, the first Philippine Eagle successfully bred and hatched in captivity, turned twenty years old last January 15. The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) celebrated the hatchday of Pag-asa with a Family Day inside the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City with several funfilled and educational activities for the kids and their parents throughout the day. The celebration started with a Holy Mass, followed by the Cake Presentation and Candle Blowing with Pag-asa’s keeper Eddie Juntilla. After that, Pag-asa’s visitors enjoyed the various booths inside the center including Face Painting, Henna Tattoo, Color Our World and Food Booth. Eco-

games, photo sessions with the Raptors and Keeper Talks were also held for the families to get to know more about the eagles. In 1992, Pag-asa became the most popular symbol of Philippine Eagle conservation in the country. To date, PEF has already bred and hatched 24 eagles. The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a giant forest raptor endemic to the Philippines. It is considered one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the world’s rarest and certainly among its most critically endangered vertebrate species. Pag-asa is an important reminder not only of the success of the conservation breeding program of the PEF, but also of the greater challenges that lie

ahead in saving the Philippine national bird. The program was started so that eventually, captive-bred birds could be released to the wild to augment eagle populations there. However, mortality rates in the wild remain alarming and are largely attributed to hunting. The PEF, apart from the conservation breeding program, is also engaged in community-based conservation programs that include enforcement of the Wildlife Act which protects wildlife species and their habitats. The registration fee for Pag-asa Family Day was pegged at Php350 for adults and Php330 for the kids inclusive of lunch, souvenir item, souvenir photo and access to all activities.

The most recent picture of Pag-asa. Taken on January 10, 2012.

Background information on Pag-asa DTI to revive Philtrade, garment industry

OMMONName:Philippine Eagle Scientific Name: Pithecophaga jefferyi Sex: Male Age: 20 years old (as of 2012) Origin:Philippine Eagle Center Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City Date of Hatch: 15 January 1992 Parents:Junior (male) and Diola (female) On November 11, 1991, Diola laid her third fertile egg that hatched after 56 days of combined natural and artificial incubation. The eaglet was named Pag-asa (Hope), the first Philippine Eagle bred and hatched in captivity through artificial insemination. Pag-asa

is the result of 14 years or research. Pag-asa passed through the process of rearing by humans. He stayed in the laboratory and ate through “forcep feeding” until he was old enough to feed by himself. During the first two months, he was already observed practicing his innate eagle abilities such as wing flapping and grabbing. At four months old, he was transferred into a bigger aviary where he can exercise his skills both in flight and other raptorial behavior. On August 31 and on September 3, 1995, Pag-asa at the age of 3 years and nine months issued sex vocals several times upon seeing his caretaker and

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Davao City OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR NOTARIAL COMMISSION Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for NOTARIAL COMMISSION of:

1. BEHN JOSEPH O. TESIORNA 2. JOEL D. BANCALE 3. JEFFREY JEFFERSON Y. CORONEL 4. RENATO S. BARTOLO JR. 5. PAQUITO G. BALASABAS 6. FORTUNATO M.MARANIAN 7. CONRADO O. MACASA, SR. 8. JOHN GARY U. TEVES 9. MELBA NIDEA-DONAIRE 10. EFREN L. DONAIRE 11. DENNIS G. DAGOHOY 12. ARTURO V. AGUDO

Shall be held on JANUARY 18, 2012 AT 1:30 P. M. at the courtroom of Regional Trial Court, Branch 12, Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Matina, Davao City. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto, received by the undersigned before the date of the summary hearing. Davao City, Philippines, January 10, 2012. PELAGIO S. PAGUICAN Executive Judge (BATCH 4) PUBLISHER EDGEDAVAO

surrogate mate - Eddie Juntilla. His early breeding behavior reflects adaptability to captive condition as a result of excellent rearing and caring. Pag-asa started copulating with his caretaker during the 1996-breeding season at the age of four. During the 1997-breeding season, Pag-asa was mounting but still no semen/seminal fluid was produced even up to this moment. We learned from the more senior members of the Philippine Eagle Foundation that though he is much celebrated now, fact is, we almost lost Pag-asa. Thirteen years ago, people like Dennis Salvador, Doming Tadena and Lito Cereño, who now head PEF and its various programs, were but first-time “fathers” who didn’t quite know what to do with the small hole that Pag-asa made on its shell on its 58th day of incubation. Pag-asa was only the third fertile egg in their years of eagle breeding research. At that time, they didn’t know that after its first pip, a baby eagle takes about 36 hours to rest and gather strength before resuming work on its shell and breaking into the world. There was a bit of panic in the air, for all they knew was that the baby was silent and unmoving for 30 hours. Feeling both panicked and eager, the team, along with Dr. James Grier, who in 1992 was already a respected zoologist but like everyone else was a first-timer with baby Philippine Eagles, decided to help the chick out of its shell. “A Caesarean operation,” Cereño jokingly said. The “Caesarean operation” was a big mistake. The operation hit some of Pag-asa’s blood vessels that had not yet come off the shell. “We feared his life was literally draining out of him,” Cereño recounted. They slowed down their work on the shell and hydrated the chick continuously by wiping him with cotton swabs dipped in water. Gradually, the vessels regained their color. They didn’t know they were very lucky. They didn’t know they were assisting the chick too early and it was just getting its own body ready for the outside world. As fate would have it, they completely removed Pag-asa from its shell at the exact time that the last stage of its hatch process, the retraction of the yolk sac, occurred. Had they pulled him out before the sac retracted, Pag-asa would have died. Without knowing it, their timing was perfect. Caltex Philippines, Pilipinas Shell, remain contributors to the Pag-asa Support Fund to this day. As Pag-asa’s adoptors, they provide for his needs as well as funds that go into research on the breeding behavior and rearing of Philippine Eagles. Thirteen named and two unnamed eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center are without benefactors.

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in a move to boost exports and investments this year, plans to revive the Philtrade as a permanent venue for exporters to showcase their world-class products. DTI-Public Relations Director Thelma Dumpit Murillo and Undersecretary for Trade and Investment Promotion Cristino Panlilio said talks were currently underway between the DTI and the owners of the property, Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine National Bank (PNB). Once re-established, PhilTrade Center will be a permanent exhibition center open yearround for buyers of products such as garments, housewares, furniture, Christmas decors and others. It will also serve as a venue for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to exhibit their goods, as well as to assist buyers find local products. Another strategy to boost exports and investments is the reorganization of the Foreign

Trade Service Corps (FTSC), DTI’s trade and investments promotion arm abroad which will focus on specific markets by geographic location such as Europe, North America, India-PakistanSri Lanka-Nepal market, and others, Panlilio said. Each market will be served by a team of experts in the area of export, importation, investments, commercial intelligence and data gathering. This move, which will start this month, is expected to make the FTSC more efficient and deliver results. DTI constantly holds talks with export groups to seek their suggestions on how the government can improve the department’s programs and services. Panlilio said one of the current initiatives of the department was the establishment of Shared Services Facilities in various regions in the country. This project, which is under the Regional Operations Group headed by Usec. Merly Cruz, aims to provide MSMEs affordable means to package their

products and eventually turn these enterprises into world-class exporters. On investment promotions, Panlilio said that good governance under the Aquino administration encouraged investors to put up their business in the Philippines. One of DTI’s priority sectors is the revival of the garments industry. Murillo said DTI is still hoping for the passage of the Save our Industries Act, which will provide preferential duty treatment to certain Philippine-made garments exported to U.S. She said the garments sector is making a comeback as garments manufacturers from China are transferring their operations here. The rise in the labor costs and the lack of skilled workers in China provide buyers an alternative investments destination for apparel makers. Its revival will mean creation of about 200,000 jobs and export receipts of three billion dollars. [PNA]

biserve. Ideal for advisories or announcements on office updates, emergencies, company activities and events, recruitment, pricing updates, staff notifications, traffic updates, info-on-demand and campaigns, Message Cast helps a business update clients and employees with company developments via text messages to individual or multiple recipients in just one click. Mobiserve, on the other hand, features SMS-based ticket creation and tracking; online customer database; and SMS customer registration and hotline. It also offers personalized categories; keywords, auto-replies, footers and templates; and can monitor agents’ performance and support hundreds of CSRs, all with hassle-free installation. To achieve its goal in pro-

viding inspiration to and empower business owners to follow the footsteps of the successful entrepreneurs, the organizers invited business gurus who gave useful and informative talks. These included Franchise Guru of the Philippines, Armando “Butz” Bartolome; Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, to name a few. To add more fun and excitement to the three-day event, Sun Business took charge of the games and raffles for the participants. For more of Sun Business and its mobile solutions for ventures, log on to http:// sunbusiness.com.ph or call the Sun Business Hotline 395-8PRO (395-8776) or visit The Sun Shop nearest you.

Fund – benefits which include long term savings with better than usual earnings, access to housing finance, and easy access to short-term cash loans in times of need,” Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Officer Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said in a statement. To help enforce the law, Pag-IBIG has forged agreements with local government units which provides for making PagIBIG registration a pre-requisite to securing or renewing a business permit. “We, however, recognize that some employers are unable to register with the Fund due to the accumulation of penalties on uncollected and unremitted

contributions,” the Pag-IBIG CEO added. “Thus, Pag-IBIG is implementing a penalty condonation program for unregistered or delinquent employers beginning January 2 until June 30, 2012 only.” Since the program will only run for a limited period, Berberabe encourages employers who have yet to register with the Fund to take advantage of this program. “After June 30, we have no other recourse but to file cases against unregistered employers as part of the Fund’s Intensified Membership Enforcement and Collection Campaign (IMECC),” the official said. [PNA]

Sun Business sponsors Philippine SME and Franchise Expo 2011

UN Cellular, through its corporate solutions arm Sun Business, continues to support the country’s businesses and enterprises. Proof was its recent sponsorship of the Philippine SME and Franchise Expo 2011 held at the PICC and organized by Tradecon and the Franchise Institute of the Philippines. Beyond providing Call & Text Unlimited, Sun Business is a company’s complete telecommunications partner that provides value-for-money wired and wireless voice, data and specialized services so enterprises can do more for their business for less. Sun Cellular’s Frontline Training Manager Martin Navarro presented two of the company’s most effective business solutions: Message Cast and Mo-

Pag-IBIG runs after employers not registered with the Fund

AG-IBIG has announced that the Fund will be intensifying its efforts to enforce the mandatory provision of Republic Act 9679. Under the said law (the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009), membership in Pag-IBIG Fund is mandatory for all employers and employees covered and should be covered by the SSS and the GSIS. By end of 2011, Pag-IBIG said there are some 250,000 employers around the country who are not registered with the Fund. “These employers are depriving their personnel of the benefits of membership in the

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communitysense

12 VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

Dolefil sends “Caravan of Hope” to victims of Typhoon Sendong D

OLEFIL’S Caravan of Hope left the Dolefil gym recently for the second wave of relief operations carrying with them the hope of all Dolefil employees for a better future for victims of Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao. During the first wave of relief operations, 45 volunteers consisting of members of the Dolefil Kaugnay, Dolefil Mountaineering Club, as well as the company’s partner cooperatives, left on-board three commuter vans on a ten-hour trip to Cagayan de Oro. Soon after,

three ten-wheeler trucks from Jomaray Trucking followed, carrying relief goods consisting of Dole canned pineapple products, rice, other canned food items, noodles, plastic mats, blankets/quilts, water all valued at an estimated P4.5 million, sufficient for 3,120 familybeneficiaries. The volunteers themselves distributed the relief goods to various evacuation centers in Cagayan de Oro City, bringing smiles to families left homeless by Tropical Storm Sendong. And only recently aid amounting to P1.2 million was extend-

ed to calamity stricken families in Valencia City, Bukidnon. Lawyer Melquiades L. Hernandez III, Dolefil HR division director, said, “In this season of love and sharing, it was heartwarming to note the outpouring of support from the Dolefil employees, unions, cooperatives and other business partners who unselfishly shared their blessings for the benefit of the typhoon victims just in time for the Holidays.” Dolefil employees alone raised over P1 million to purchase basic necessities such as rice and water for family-beneficiaries.

MORE SCHOOLS. Students of Tapudi Elementary School in the remote coastal municipality of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, are awed by the features of a desktop computer that was provided by the school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, USAID matches the funds raised by PTAs to establish mini libraries, multimedia centers, science and computer laboratories, and other education improvement

projects. This collaboration has helped to raise public awareness of the value of education, while providing students and teachers with resources needed to make learning more fun and creative. To date, PTAs have collaborated with USAID’s GEM Program on 1,077 matching grants, benefiting 949 schools and more than 645,000 students throughout remote, conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. The USAID’s GEM Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Tagum resumes distribution of school furniture in towns T

GIVEN HOPE. Almost 5,000 families were given hope this by the Dolefil Caravan of Hope, which

visited both Cagayan de Oro and Valencia cities doing christmas.

HREE schools in Kapalong, Davao del Norte received 337 pieces of brand new school furniture as the distribution of yellow school furniture resumed January 11, 2012, the first to be done this year, after the school’s holiday hiatus last December. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy led the distribution of the yellow armchairs, desks and kiddie chairs along with Kapalong town Mayor Edgardo Timbol and Vice Mayor Romy C. Estrada. Luan Elementary School was given 25 kiddie chairs, 84 desks, 60 armchairs while Semong National High School 75 armchairs and Mabantao National High School each received 93 armchairs. In Tagum, First Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” Uy led his colleagues in the 5th City Council of Tagum in the distribution of the same to day care schools in Barangay Bincungan last Janu-

ary 10, 2011. Joining him were City Councilors Mylene Baura, Nickel Suaybaguio and Bong Aala. Magangit Elementary School in the Municipality of Maco in Compostela Valley Province also received 20 armchairs and 10 desks last January 10, upon the request of their school head. Lapulapu Elementary School, also in the same town, was given 50 armchairs, 30 desks and 20 kiddie chairs. Jay F. Arguilla, president of the Supreme Student Government of Semong National High School in Kapalong said the newly-delivered school furniture could really help them in their studies since most of their armchairs need major repairs. Luan Elementary School Principal Adronico D. Lara, Jr. expressed gratitude since his problem of the lack of school chairs is now resolved.

MAYOR’S SON. In Tagum City, Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, son of Mayor Rey T. Uy, led his colleagues in the 5th City Council of Tagum in the distribution of yellow school furniture such as

“At least, we can now concentrate on improving our rank in the national achievement test,” the principal said referring to the yearly examination given by the Department of Education to assess the learning of school children. This is still part of the city’s “Care for School Chairs Program” which fabricates school furniture out from confiscated logs, as compliance to Executive Order No. 23 of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Ended, the City Government of Tagum had already distributed school furniture a total of 14,635 since August 2011 to present to the Provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao City. As of this writing, 6, 427 pieces of school furniture are in stock at the city’s motorpool which are ready for distribution in the coming days. [CITY INFORMATION OFFICE- TAGUM]

2 teacher’s table, 60 Kiddie Chairs and 11 kiddie table to day care schools in Barangay Bincungan last January 10, 2011. [Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum]

6 NorCot towns to benefit in Unicef’s CPC7 program

IX municipalities in North Cotabato have been identified as candidate partners for the implementation of the Seventh Country Programme for Children (CPC7) of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). After a series of thorough situation analyses and workshops conducted by Unicef on 1,500 municipalities in the country, the towns Aleosan, Arakan, Banisilan, Midsayap, Pikit and Pres. Roxas have been considered as beneficiaries of the program due to their inclusion in several national government priority lists. To be officially included in the program, they were advised through a letter signed by OICDeputy Representative of Unicef, Abdul Alim to place considerable emphasis on the role of the mu-

nicipality in the delivery of social services critical to the protection and promotion of children’s rights during the implementation of the CPC7 which will officially start this January 2012. The CPC7 has been spe-

BizQUIPS

cifically designed to assist municipalities that have identified their gaps in social development and have initiated work to address those gaps through Sanggunianapproved development program budgets. [EDV]

‘OUR assessment is that even if some of the euro zone countries are in a recession technically for some or all of 2012, the whole of the zone might not technically be in a recession.’ --Christine Lagarde, International Monetary Fund head

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Maersk Line taps Ericsson to deploy mobile connectivity to vessel fleet

AERSK Line, the world’s largest shipping company, has tapped Ericsson to deploy mobile and satellite communication to its entire vessel fleet. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide seven years of global managed services support, including 24/7 network monitoring and onboard maintenance services in a large number of ports across all major regions. The Maersk fleet comprises more than 500 container vessels. Over the next two years, Maersk will outfit 400 of these vessels with Ericsson antennas and GSM base stations, with upgrades to be made to the remaining vessels soon after. “We’re proud to be able to connect Maersk Line’s fleet with our technology. We believe in a Networked Society, Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Petition for Renewal of Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

BERNARD L. OLALO, Case No.2009-XI-00093 Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - x NOTICE HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service on the route: SASA VIA R. CASTILLO ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate expired last November 7, 2011. In the petition filed on November 14, 2011, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on February 01, 2012 at 10:00 a. m. at this office at the above address. At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 17th day of November 2011 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer /hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, Ber nard L. Olalo, Km.12, Bolinao Site, Sasa, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Magin C. Natividad, Balusong Avenue, Matina, Davao City NOTE: Affidavit of Publication and newspaper where notice was published must be submitted three (3) day before the scheduled hearing.

where connectivity will only be the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socializing. The result will be automated and simplified processes, higher productivity, real-time information allowing quicker, more informed decision making and problem solving,” Hans Vestberg, president and chief executive of Ericsson said. For the shipping industry, mobile communication provides the opportunity to employ new and efficient ways of addressing fleet management, managing delivery times, improving interaction with vessels, enabling proactive issue resolution and prompt information sharing with customers and even improving energy efficiency. Until now, Maersk’s high-tech modern container ships have been equipped

with satellite connectivity primarily intended to support communication for vital shipboard functions. Ericsson’s integrated maritime mobile and verysmall-aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite solution will bring extended connectivity to the entire fleet, allowing for new ways of communicating and contributing to efficiency, reliability and cost reduction. It also paves the way for immediate access to remote expertise, resulting in extended access to information and, in turn, improved efficiency in the vessels’ daily operations. “We’re quite pleased to be the first fleet to be connected with mobile communication technology. We believe it would provide us good opportunities to run our fleet more efficiently.” Soren Toft, vice president Maersk Operations said. [PNA]

Apple discloses suppliers

PPLE has disclosed a list of its suppliers for the iPhone, iPad and other popular gadgets for the first time amid growing criticism over labor and environmental practices, especially in China. The list for years has been strictly and fervently protected. Even a glimpse of an Apple iPhone or its components before a public release became a source of intrigue and controversy. Investors have played a guessing game about which contractors would become Apple’s next supplier, or who was on the outs. Apple disclosed its list of its suppliers responsible for 97 percent of its procurement expenditures worldwide. Some examples are Intel Corp., Broadcom Corp., Amphenol Corp. and Sanyo Electric Co. The transparency may be a sign of changes coming to the Cupertino, Calif. company in the post-Steve Jobs era under CEO Tim Cook. The 2012 “Supplier Responsibility Progress Report” released Friday, documents 229 audits throughout its supply chain last year by Apple Inc. That’s up 80 percent from 127 audits in 2010. The audits found labor, health, health and environmental violations, including instances of underage labor and discrimination based on pregnancy. Apple also outlined its response to each of the violations that were uncovered, which included ending its relationship with repeat offenders and requiring companies to come up with measures to prevent them from occurring again. The report was issued a day after distraught workers who make Microsoft’s Xbox video game consoles at Foxconn

Technology Group climbed to the top of a six-story dormitory and threatened to jump to their deaths. No one did, but the incident highlights growing labor unrest in China. Foxconn is a unit of Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. that makes iPads and iPhones for Apple. There was a rash of suicides at the massive Foxconn plant in 2010 in the city of Shenzhen. About 300,000 people work at the plant and industrial park. Plant managers installed nets to prevent more people from committing suicide by jumping from the roof. In its report, Apple found that 78 of the company’s suppliers complied with antidiscrimination standards it has set for them. But only 61 percent of them had systems in place to prevent discrimination from happening. Nearly all — 97 percent — prevented underage labor. But only 72 percent had policies in place keep it from happening. Just 38 percent of the suppliers observed Apple’s workinghours policies, and 69 percent followed its code for wages and benefits. In all, the audits found 74 percent of the suppliers to be in overall compliance with Apple’s policies. Examples of violations included testing job candidates for Hepatitis B, conducting pregnancy tests and exceeding weekly limits of 60 working hours. Apple said 109 facilities it audited did not pay proper overtime wages. In another shift, Apple also joined the Fair Labor Association, a group of companies and universities focused on improving labor practices. It conducts unannounced, random audits on its members’ factories.

Hotel chains team up for one-stop booking shop

EVERAL major hotel chains have launched a new website in an effort to increase their online booking revenue and lower costs associated with thirdparty travel services. This week, six hotel companies announced roomkey.com, a hotel search engine that routes consumers straight to participating hotel companies’ websites to book rooms. Equity partners, who stand to share in proceeds once the Room Key venture generates profits, are currently Choice Hotels International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels, Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group and Wyndham Worldwide Corp. Britain’s InterContinental

said it expects the website to boost its business in the United States. John Davis III, chief executive of Room Key, said the site would help ease the complexity of finding hotel rooms for consumers while helping the hotel companies lower their distribution costs. He said the service was targeted to leisure and small-business travelers. Davis told Reuters that fees the hotel companies pay to list on Room Key were cheaper than what they pay online travel services such as Expedia. He also said consumers would find the lowest rates on Room Key, and would have an easier time making changes to itineraries than when using online travel agencies.

JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

Nokia ushers in the New Year with Dual SIM Nokia Asha 200

OKIA has announced the availability of the Nokia Asha 200 in the Philippines – a colorful Dual SIM phone with a full QWERTY keypad for fast messaging. The Nokia Asha 200 offers Nokia’s Easy Swap feature for convenient changing of SIM cards without the need to turn off the phone or remove the battery. The phone allows up to five SIM cards to be personalized and managed, so that calls, texts or web browsing can be enjoyed with minimized costs and maximum network coverage. Available in a wide range of vibrant colours – including Graphite, Pink, Aqua and Pearl White – the Nokia Asha 200 is the perfect phone for staying connected. It includes a dedicated key for immediate access to favorite email and chat services through Nokia Messaging, and features an SMS view that shows an entire text message chain on the screen, to make chatting with

friends easier than ever. The pre-installed Nokia’s Communities application allows one-click sign-in to multiple social networks, letting users view, post, comment and update their status as well as share photos from networks such as Facebook and Twitter directly from the homescreen. With support for up to

32 GB of additional memory, music lovers can take their entire collections with them, enjoying favorite tunes through high-performance 106 phon loudspeakers and enhanced stereo FM radio, as well as an FM recording feature that allows users to record songs directly off the radio. “Consumers are calling out for the right mix of style and substance – phones that look great, but also give the richest possible experience in calling, texting or browsing the web,” said Mike Smith, Device Portfolio Manager, Nokia Philippines. “The new Nokia Asha 200 with Easy Swap Dual SIM helps people enjoy more affordable and connected chat, while new features like Nokia Messaging and Communities place social right on the phone’s homesecreen.” The Nokia Asha 200 is available in Nokia Stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of PhP3,500.

CER unveiled the world’s thinnest laptop computer as an array of “ultrabook” rivals prepared to debut this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Taiwan-based computer titan will begin shipping Acer Aspire 5 models in the second quarter of this year, with prices to be disclosed in coming weeks. “That S5 is quite significant,” analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies said after the Acer press event. “It looks like the thinnest and lightest, and it sets the bar for the rest of the ultrabook vendors,” he continued. The Aspire S5 has a 34cm (13.3-inch) screen and is 15 mm at its thickest point. The ultrabook weighs slightly less than 1.35 kg (three pounds). “We are committed to evolving this technology,” said Acer chief executive J.T. Wang. “By the second quarter of this year we will have

four models of ultrabook and more to come.” Ultrabooks powered by Windows 8 will be released by Acer after Microsoft releases the new version of its computer operating system later this year, according to Wang. He estimated that ultrabooks would make up at least 35 percent of the Acer product line by the end of this year. Since Aspire S5 is Windows based it is not likely to be a direct challenge to MacBook Air laptops, which have been winning converts to the sleek machines powered by Apple software, according to Bajarin. “The real battle is not with Apple, it is with all the other vendors coming out with Windows ultrabooks,” Bajarin said. “Apple will still do great with MacBook Air, but in the Windows world it is great news that five years after Apple set the tone the industry is finally getting something

equal,” he continued. Acer also announced plans to launch a free service that will let users of its computers store video, photos, music, and documents in the Internet “cloud” and access files from any Windows 8 or Android software powered gadgets. “We believe Microsoft will take care of Windows devices; Google will take care of Android devices, and Acer will take care of in between,” Wang said. “We will make Windows work very well with Android and other platforms too.” Bajarin described Aspire S5 as the first viable Windows equivalent of popular MacBook Air laptops built by California-based Apple. Acer Cloud appeared to be a Windows version of the Apple’s freshly-launched iCloud service that lets people access their content from iPads, iPhones, iPods, and Macintosh computers, according to the analyst.

Five cities in the Philippines were cited among the top 100 destinations for information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) services in a report by technology investment and research firm Tholons. Tholon›s January 2012 report states that the Southeast Asian region, particularly the Philippines, remains a “dominant figure” in the global outsourcing industry. Metro Manila is in fourth ranking in the Top 100, followed by Cebu City (9th), Davao City (69th) and Sta. Rosa, Laguna (86th). Iloilo City, meanwhile, is ranked 92nd improved by six notches. The top three cities are in India, which accounted for 13 locations in the Top 100. According to the report, voice-based contact support services continue to be a pillar for the outsourcing industry in the Philippines.

It also highlighted on the growth rate of IT-BPO employees for Metro Manila (pegged at 10.6 percent), as well as the establishment of delivery centers for major technology brands such as HP, IBM, Dell, Convergys, and Teleperformance. The IT-BPO industry in the Philippines generated at least $11 billion in 2011, up by around 20 percent the

previous year. Bulk of this is contributed by the contact center industry, which employs at least half a million Filipino workers. The Tholons report also forecasts that Southeast Asia would remain strong in 2012, though more growth is expected from areas in in Europe, especially Poland and the Czech Republic. [LO-

Thinnest laptop computer unvieled

Davao in ‘Top 100’outsourcing sites

BizQUIPS ‘THE one ordered to try and decide impeachment cases is the Senate so I don’t think the Supreme Court can interpret the Constitution.’ --Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, reacting to petitions urging the Supreme Court to stop the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

QAL.PH]

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14 VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

Mal-Mar irrigation project more transparent- Gov. Lala n Cost reduced; area increased

HE multi-billion peso Malitubog-Maridagao (Mal-Mar) irrigation project in North Cotabato is being implemented faster and with more transparency. This was the report of North Cotabato Gov. Lala Talino-Mendoza to Davao-based media practitioners. It may be recalled that last year, the lady governor had asked for the auditing of the Mal-Mar project, saying the project was much delayed and people, including local government unit (LGU) officials, were kept in the dark as to what was happening with it. “I am glad to report that no less than Commissioner Heidi Mendoza of the Commission on Audit is on top of the auditing of the project,”the governor said. “I was informed that as

Talino Mendoza

a result of the audit, from the original amount of P6.2 billion, the cost for phase 2 of the project is now only P6.1 billion,” she said. Also, from the original target of only 6,000 hectares, the area to be irrigated will be 9,000 hectares, she added. “Because of everyone’s vigilance, we have established the concept of monitoring the project as sanctioned by the Mindanao Development Au-

thority,” she said. Members of the the Regional Development Council in Central Mindanao meet every Friday to get updates on the project as to accomplishments, slippage, and if there is any delay, the problem is addressed immediately. Initiated by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1989 (when Governor Mendoza was still in her teens), the Mal-Mar project was designed to irrigate a total of 16,957 hectares to benefit 6,312 farmers in 56 barangays in the provinces of North Cotabato and Maguindanao. Phase 1 was designed to irrigate 10,840 hectares and cost P3.1 billion while Phase 2 was to cover 6,117 hectares and costing P6.2 billion. Presently, only 2,578 hectares have so far been irrigated in Phase 1.

Glan earns‘Seal of Good Housekeeping’

N recognition of its exemplary performance in governance, transparency and accountability, the local government unit (LGU) of Glan, Sarangani, has been chosen as one of recipients of the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) awards of the Department of Interior and Local Government. A mechanism that recognizes good performance, the SGH is given to LGUs that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, sound fiscal management and budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization, transparency and accountability, and giving value to performance management. An SGH award means that a recipient LGU has religiously complied with all the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act as well as the Full Disclosure Policy of the DILG with regard to project implementation

mentation of priority projects designed to boost tourism and local economic development as well as comply with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. For tourism and local economic development, the projects include school buildings, rural health units, health centers and birthing facilities, roads, bridges, tourism facilities, irrigation systems, post harvest facilities, cold storage facilities, ports and wharves and other economic infrastructures. On the other hand, projects--such as flood control, reforestation, solid waste management facilities, storm drainage and related flood protection---are on tap for Adaptation to Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness.

and financial transactions. Aside from topping the standards on full disclosure and transparency, LGU-Glan bagged the award because of its “no adverse findings” from the Commission on Audit, and because of the efficiency in the implementation of its programs and projects. A P1 million incentive from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) is usually given to the best performing LGUs, but, for one reason or another, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had decided to up the PCF incentive for Glan to P2 million, according to Zorayda Grafilo-Labos, chief, DILGGlan. “Surely, this is something for Glan to be proud of and another feather in the cap of the administration of Mayor Victor James Yap, Sr.,” she said. The incentive is in line with the Millennium Development Goals for the imple-

[GLAN INFORMATION & NEWS SERVICE]

the situation of the reported undocumented Filipino migrants and explore possibilities of helping them. Being called as “illegal workers” in said country having no legal documents in possession, she said Filipinos are subjected to crackdowns, denial of rights, low wages, abuses, exploitation, trafficking, and are being discriminated, stigmatized and criminalized.” Andres said most of the undocumented or irregular migrants living in irregular situation in Sabah are women, unskilled workers, indirectly hired workers, victims of Trafficking in Person (TIP), children of undocumented parents, overstaying migrants, and holders of fake passports. She said that the migrants work as plantation workers, domestic workers, professionals, construction workers, waitresses, and factory workers, as well as entertainment industry workers. There are also directly hired laborers, but most of them had run away after an experience of maltreatment and abuse from their employers, Andres reported. This particular situation, she said, forced many Filipino migrant workers to

become undocumented noting that employers in Malaysia have full control over work permit and are permitted to hold passports of their workers. Andres cited a situation wherein workers are required to deposit as much as 500 Malaysian Ringgit in order to get their passports so they could go out and enjoy a day-off. She said the workers would complain quoting them saying that “What is the use of having the passport, if we no longer have the money to go out and send to our families back home?” Based on her interviews, Andres said that most undocumented Filipinos want to go home but could not do so because its either they have bonded contract, or they are indebted with their employers, or they have no money for the fare back home. The RGS nun disclosed that Malaysia’s 2010 Census Population data shows that there are 800,000 non-Malaysians living in Sabah. About 200,000 are undocumented workers, while the 600,000 cover legal workers, expatriates and foreigners who married locals, she said.

CASH TRANSFER BENEFICIARIES. Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez encourages responsible parenthood to the 268 family-beneficiaries of local Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) project on its first sortie at barangay Domolok Thursday, January 12.

Sarangani’s poorest get cash grants

ARANGANI province released cash grants on Thursday (January 12) to augment the income of the poorest families in barangay Domolok thru the conditional cash transfer (CCT) project, a local initiative patterned after the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government. 4Ps is a poverty alleviation strategy which provides poor families cash assistance for the health and education needs of their children 0-14 years old. A total of 268 families received P500 monthly assistance each covering July, August, and September 2011. The first release entitled each beneficiary family the sum of P1,500. Governor Migs Dominguez urged beneficiaries to religiously submit to the conditions required of them, like sending their children to pre-schools and for pregnant women to avail of pre-natal services in barangay health centers. Community affairs officer Rene Punzalan said among the seven towns of Sarangani, only Alabel was not covered by the 4Ps program which

NGO urges help for undocumented workers in Sabah T

HE Center for Overseas Workers (COW) has called on the government and other sectors in the society to help address the increasing numbers of undocumented Filipino migrant workers and their condition in Sabah, Malaysia. In a multi-sectoral forum on Monday, COW raised the call after presenting the situation of the many Filipino migrant workers who have sought greener pastures in Sabah, but ended to become “illegal workers.” Religious of the Good Shepherd Sr. Alice Andres of COW said many are simply undocumented due to either having expired passports and working permits, or they entered Malaysia without any proper documents, or they were survivors of trafficking and bonded labor. After an exploratory five-month immersion with over a hundred Filipino workers in Sabah, Andres described the undocumented migrants’ state as disheartening, saying that the migrants are experiencing varied forms of violations. The Davao City-based COW catering to the welfare of migrant workers has assigned Andres in Sabah, Malaysia starting July to November last year to look into

This project is patterned after the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty alleviation strategy that invests in human capital to improve their living conditions by providing a cash grant of P500 per month. [RUSSELL DELVO/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE]

However, she said that Malaysia’s 5P programme that involves a program on registration, amnesty, monitoring, enforcement and deportation of migrants has listed only 161,370 undocumented persons or 85% of the 200,000. Andres shared the story of Edith, Linda, Elma, Susan and many other workers in sawmills who are stuck inside their compound, saying that the workers could not go for fear of being apprehended since they do not have the legal documents. She said the workers were not able to register during the 5P registration period, because their employers did not want to sponsor them for the reason that the registration process is expensive. She stated that Malaysia is the largest receiving country of migrant labor in Asia, having more than three million migrant workers from 14 countries including the Philippines. COW executive director Sr. Diane Cabasagan, RGS said that they are seeking concerted efforts from the government and other sectors to address the problems on migration, particularly on undocumented Filipino workers in Sabah. [PIA 11/CARINA L. CAYON]

By Beverly C. Paoyon prompted the provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO) to initiate local intervention using the communitybased management system (CBMS) as a tool to identify the poorest families. CBMS is an organized process of data collection and processing at the local level and of integration of data in local planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring. CBMS identified the barangays of Alegria, Domolok, Datal Anggas, and Paraiso with the most numbered constituents that fall below the poverty threshold. A social welfare indicator revalidated the level of wellbeing of the 1,261 households of these barangays which revealed that 1,199 or 95 percent did not meet the minimum household income. In short, “these households could hardly eat three meals a day,” Punzalan said. Punzalan, however, pointed out only the remaining five percent or 62 households that belong to the “subsistence” level have met the required daily meals, family bonding, and

participated in the community development activities. Punzalan said this initiative became a convergence task of PSWDO, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Provincial Agriculturist’s Office in responding to the basic needs in the communities. Basic requirements like pre-school education and health services are among the conditions that have to be met under CCT. Punzalan said beneficiaries would also be provided poverty reduction interventions such as family development sessions, organization of parent leaders, provision of livelihood trainings and assistance, provision of sanitary toilet, potable water supply, and enrolment to PhilHealth “to ensure that communities are resilient and capable” when they will be out of CCT’s list. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov. ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a> [BEVERLY C. PAOYON/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE]

IGaCoS, 3 Davao towns benefit from the challenge fund

HREE municipalities and a city in the Davao region benefited last year from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) subsidy, an incentive fund given to local government units for passing the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH). The PCF recipients were the 4th class municipalities of Braulio E. Dujali and San Isidro, the Island Garden City of Samal, all in Davao del Norte; and Sarangani town in Davao del Sur. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 11 reported that each of the three townbeneficiaries received P1 million, while IGACOS got P3 million.

Braulio E. Dujali used its PCF to develop its public market. Dujali was the only town in the region to be bestowed the SGH in 2010, and got a P1 million PCF. San Isidro undertook several projects such as the construction of three solar dryers, rehabilitation of farm-to-market road, installation of pre-painted roofing of multi-purpose building and construction of multi-purpose building. Sarangani, also a 4th class municipality, used its incentive for road maintenance. IGACOS’ funding was spent for the construction of access road and drainage outfall.

BizQUIPS ‘WE make sure we don’t only build roads and dams – we build them better, monitor them more closely and ensure they serve the purpose for which they were built.’ --Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala

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UP AND ABOUT

Enter the Dragon at SM City! The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. A creature of myth and legend, it represents power. It is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. It begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. To usher in the Year of the Dragon, exciting activities are lined up at your favorite mall. From January 12-24, strike a pose at the Enter the Dragon Garden and discover your fortune at the Chinese Zodiac Horoscope. Enjoy a sumptuous meal with your family and friends at SM Foudcourt’s Chinese Food Bazaar on January 16-24 and learn how to prepare your own Chinese treat with Grand Achievers Training Institute on January 22 at 11AM. Catch Infinity More than Medals as they showcase Chinese martial arts Wushu on January 22. On January 23, welcome the water dragon with a bang as Lion and Dragon dancers cover the entire mall wishes of good health and prosperity. Also, feast your eyes on the colourful Chinese Dance Presentations from Colegio de San Ignacio and the city’s Chinese schools. Plus, Feng Shui expert Richard Yu will help you in attracting everything that is good on January 23 and 24. Welcome a new year of good fortune. Celebrate new beginnings at SM City Davao! For inquiries, call 297.6998 local 126. Visit www.smcitydavao.blogspot.com and like SM City Davao on Facebook for event and promo updates.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao helps Tagum’s Care for School Chairs Program A strong partnership with Tagum City Major Rey T. Uy bolsters Waterfront’s effortsin coastal rehabilitation particularly its Mangrove Tree Planting Project. So it was the prestigious hotel’s turn to lend its support by sending staff members to volunteer at Tagum City’s Care for School Chairs Program last December 17, 2011. Encouraged by the generosity of Major Rey, as much as 17 volunteers traveled to Tagum to lend a helping hand. This group included several members of the hotel’s managerial team who were the Executive Chef, Francis Joseph Tugnao, the F&B Manager, Adelo Marquez, the Safety & Security Manager, Roldan Sacay, the Executive Housekeeper, Jose Rheniel Jamilaren, the Sales & Marketing Manager Jennifer Romero and IT Manager, Wilbert Aquino. They were also joined by another trusted eco-partner, the proprietor of Carmel Green Landscaping, Evelyn Calonzo. After working up a sweat painting almost 30 armchairs, the Waterfront volunteer team met up with Vice Mayor Allan L. Rellon to extend its regards and appreciation for their continual support in Waterfront’s Mangrove Tree Planting Project.

Welcome the Year of the Dragon at Marco Polo Davao

Marco Polo Davao welcomes the Year of the Dragon with a unique showcase of Chinese cultural arts and cuisine. Lotus Court opens the celebration on January 22 with the traditional Lion Dance, live musical performances, and a dinner feast. The premium buffet is a 2-day dining special featuring Roast Peking Duck, Chili Crabs, Yin Yang Garoupa, and other seafood best sellers. Sweet cakes and set menus will be offered from January 15 to 25. Cafe Marco joins the festivity as it includes selected Cantonese delights on the regular buffet lineup from January 16 to 30. They’re also adding more delicacies on the carvery on Chinese New Year’s Eve and Day. For reservations and inquiries, please call, (082) 221 0888 local 7222 or 7233.

A fashion explosion at Abreeza

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YOUTH TRENDS

Philippines: More Fun?

t’s More Fun in the Philippines—the new tagline for Philippine Tourism that was launched a couple of weeks back was received with general favour especially from social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Almost instantly, it became one of the hottest topics of conversation in every social gathering and was blasted all over the waves in news reports and talk shows.

Of course, it was not long before some controversy erupted. People started comparing the new Philippine Tourism slogan to that of Switzerland’s from a while back, 1950s to be exact. The uncanny similarity between the new Philippine slogan to our foreign friend’s “More fun in Switzerland” slogan seemed to leave a bad taste in the general public’s mouth. However, it is something that I think should be a nonissue. First of all, if anyone seriously thinks that the people in the Department of Tourism still remember this slogan from the 1950s, then you are over estimating our public servants. The thing is, I think the DOT has so much more to worry about than simply looking for taglines used by other countries to rehash it and use it as our own. Plus, we are the only nation that seems to care. Malaysia is popular for their Truly Asia campaign, while Truly Tuscany is also running. Incredible India and Incredible India are identical, but nobody seems to mind. So maybe instead of creating controversy and

Kiko Rustia

talks about the new slogan for our tourism, what we should do is to support it and help tell the world why it is more fun in the Philippines. But why is it more fun in the Philippines? The DOT Website www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com says “Wherever you go in the Philippines, it’s the Filipinos that will make your holiday unforgettable.” Here is what other people think: “It is more fun in the Philippines because travel itineraries here are adjustable to your budget.” – Zac Ferrero, Indie Actor

Zac Ferrero

“Because of Siesta Time and Salons in every street corner, it’s more fun in the Philippines!” – Irene PacanaLiwanag, Assistant Producer for GMA “It’s more fun in the Philippines because Boracay is here!”- Kiko Rustia, Model, TV Host “It’s more fun in the Philippines because you will never run out of dialects to learn”- Yasmin Fabricante, Virtual Assistant “It’s more fun in the Philippines because of our Jeep. Plus, almost every place has their own version of transportation like the motorella, skylab, and habal-habal.” – Nadia Shami, Beauty Queen “Because of you, me, and all of us here in the Philippines. Pure hospitality, smiles, talents, and sense of humour make the Philippines more fun than any other place on Earth” – Harold Geronimo, Lifestyle Columnist, PR Manager “We have great local bands“ – Enzo Villegas, Vocalist for Eevee No matter what you think makes the Philippines more

HAROLD GERONIMO

Nadia Shami

Enzo Villegas

fun than any other destination in the world, it still sticks that how we appreciate our own land, how we support our tourism campaign, and the pride we have as Filipinos dictate how people from other nations will view our country. Listen to Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio from six to nine in the evening on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059. com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile log on to http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist on twitter.com/ zhaun

TRAVEL

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

The flying tiger and the year of the dragon Romping about Singapore’s Chinatown for a unique Lunar New Year experience. The Business PAPER

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hen Tiger A i r way s sent an invitation to experience Singapore Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Celebrations, I gladly said yes being the culture freak that I am.

I had been to Singapore Chinatown before and as before, the sights and scents came wave after wave bringing me back to my childhood in Manila Chinatown, albeit more festive and frantic thanks to the upcoming Lunar New Year. We first arrived at the Buddah Tooth Relic Temple that was gaudily decorated with plus flowers and red lanterns as incense from people wishing for a more prosperous new year perfumed the air around it. I tried my luck at the wishing tree at the adjoining courtyard where one can make a small donation for the temple and literally throw their wishes onto the tree. From the temple we headed on to the night market that flourishes in Chinatown. The the bright and festive streets are lined with everything one needs

ENTER THE DRAGON. The giant dragon lantern at New Bridge Road.

TEMPLE IN BLOOM. Flowers and red lanterns adorn the courtyard of the Buddah Tooth Relic Temple. HARBRINGER OF GOOD HEALTH. Tangerines.

AM I LUCKY? Wishing for a year of good fortune at the wishing tree. A MILE OF EATS. Every corner of Chinatown had food items symbolising good luck.

to greet the new year, from preserved meats, to flowers, to lucky bamboo, lucky trinkets, and red paper charms. There is an air of excitement and I can feel the energy and effort the ethnic Chinese do to prepare for the coming year of the Dragon. “Everything becomes more hectic as one approaches Lunar New Year. The market becomes more jam-packed with shoppers preparing for everything they need at home because everything has a meaning,” beams Tiger Airway’s senior manager for customer communications Sharon Cheong “tangerines mean long life and good health, persimmons mean happiness and wealth, sweet sticky rice cake brings people and family together, and fish brings prosperity.” Chinatown was also awash

SPRING IN THE AIR. Nightly performers enliven the areas around Chinatown.

ROMPING ABOUT. Me and Sharon Cheong at the start of our Chinatown walk.

with activities like nightly stage shows, a lion dance competition, and street and stage performers. And as we left chinatown, I felt a sense of relief and amazement. Relief in the sense that I was able to touch base with my Chinese roots and amazement

that everything is just a short flight away. Tiger Airways is Singapore’s largest low-cost airline and flies direct from Davao to Singapore three times a week. For more details or to book your flights, you can check out www.tigerairways. com.

DRIED MEATS. Dried meats, fish and ham of every kind line the wall of this stall .

PLANT YOUR LUCK. A shopper picks a lucky bamboo and flowers for the new SEEING RED. Good luck charms fill a stall along Sago Street. year.

EDGEDAVAO HEALTH THE BUSINESS PAPER

Fitness crazes I

t’s January 2012! After all the parties and celebrations in December 2011, it’s time to get back to reality. It’s time to be mindful of what we eat and we need to start moving to get into shape. Here are twenty fitness crazes that you can choose from (if available in your gym or area) for your exercise routine in 2012.

Airobics: High Flying Calorie Burn - Does your workout have you jumping for joy? Springing into the air on a trampoline will. Airobics, a cardio class on trampolines, offers fat-burning fun that’s gentler on your joints. Check out these new exercises that can make your workout more fun and challenging. Remember, regular exercise has many benefits, including boosting your mood and controlling your weight. Suspension: Strength Training - A Navy SEAL created TRX Suspension Training, so you know it’s a tough workout. Suspension devices use your own body weight and gravity to create resistance. You should be fit and have strong core muscles to take on TRX. If you’re 45 or older or have a medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor before starting a fitness program. ViPR: Whole-Body Movement - ViPR stands for “vitality, performance, and reconditioning.” It’s a 40- or 48-inch rubber tube that comes in seven weights, from 8.8 pounds (4 kg) to 44 pounds (20 kg). Like the motions of everyday life, lifting, pushing, and twisting exercises with the tube work your whole body, not just isolated muscles. You can change the intensity of your workout depending on how you use the ViPR. Elite Fitness: Muscle Confusion - Ready to break through your fitness plateau? Then you might like cross-training programs that aim to cause “muscle confusion.” These switch up exercises, add new moves, and may include jump training (plyometrics). P90X and Insanity Workout are two popular programs. Ask your health care provider before trying these intense workouts, especially if you have joint problems. Jumping Shoes: Low-Impact Cardio - Putting a spring in your step can take stress off your joints. Kangoo Jumps are boots with springs on the soles -- like grown-up moon shoes. You can jog or do aerobics in them, burning calories while being gentle on your body. But if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure or balance problems, stick with springless shoes.

Pole Dancing: Vertical Workout - Interested in gyrating in gym shorts instead of a Gstring? Dance, spin, and do poses with a pole. You’ll burn calories while working your abs, butt, thighs, and more. You can make the workout as easy or intense as you like. Risks include falling, rotator cuff strain, and tendonitis. Boot Camp: Back to Basics This is basic training without a drill sergeant sneering and shouting in your face. There’s no fancy equipment -- just a series of push-ups, squats, kicks, other calisthenics, and aerobic movements. You’ll burn about 10 calories a minute or 600 an hour. The payback: total-body fitness. Floating Yoga: Balance on a Board - Put the serenity of a still lagoon together with the challenge of balancing on a paddleboard and you get the serene challenge of floating yoga. Doing yoga moves on a paddleboard, which is larger than a surfboard, takes muscle control to keep from making a splash. The board is either anchored down or tied to a buoy to keep you from getting swept away by the experience. CrossFit: High-Intensity Training - You can burn about 15 calories per minute with this intense workout, which includes timed challenges with squats, push-ups, gymnastic rings, intense runs, and weightlifting. CrossFit is used to condition athletes, military forces, police officers, and firefighters. Be ready to work to your limit. But also be aware that fatigue can cause poor technique while exercising, which can lead to injury. Exergaming: Aerobic Play Who said playing video games turns you into a couch potato? You can burn as many calories exergaming as working out at the gym -- about 270 calories vigorously dancing or 216 calories virtual boxing in a half-hour. Exergaming is a

great way to get kids moving. And slower-paced activities can help older adults be less sedentary. Zumba: Dance Fitness - Zumba wants your workout to party! This high energy dance-fitness class moves to a Latin and international beat, instead of counting repetitions. And it’s one of the most popular workouts, according to the American Council on Exercise. Plus, some classes focus on toning and strength training. Boxercise: A Workout Knockout - Among exercises, boxing is a knockout -- delivering agility, balance, muscle tone, strength, and cardio benefits. Sparring also improves handeye coordination and mental agility. Boxercise, which started in England, includes dancing, skipping, shadow boxing, kicking punching bags, and more. Be sure to protect your thumbs and knuckles, and consider wearing shin supports. Kettleballs: A New Weight to Lift - A vigorous workout with a kettleball -- a cast iron ball with a handle -- can burn 272 calories in just 20 minutes. Swinging the kettleball works muscles in a way that weight machines and barbells can’t. Start with a light kettleball -- 8 to 15 pounds for women and 15 to 25 pounds for men. Form is critical to prevent injury, so it’s a good idea to get a trainer to show you how to properly use them. Hulas: Whittle While You Work Out - If the last time you swung a hula hoop around your waist was in fourth grade, it may be time to give it another whirl. It’s easier to swing the new weighted hula hoops than the flimsy plastic ones. And hooping can burn more calories than step aerobics and raise your heart rate as much as cardio kickboxing. It works your waist and core muscles, and can tone your thighs and biceps.

Cheerleading: Cardio With Pep - Missed out on being a cheerleader? Here’s a chance to raise your spirits and reap the athletic benefits -- without the risk of being cut from the squad. Cheerobics -- workouts inspired by cheerleading -- include dance moves, jumps, and classic cheer positions. You get fun, flexibility, and a heavy dose of cardio. Aerial Yoga - Yoga blends are a huge fitness trend. This one’s name says it all: You do variations on traditional moves while hanging in “hammocks” suspended from the ceiling. The weightless poses relieve aching joints and stretch muscles as well as strengthening your core. For other fun twists, try Cy-Yo, a yoga-indoor cycling combo, or YogaFit, which includes squats, sit-ups, and other fitness moves. Barefoot-Style Running: Soft Gait - These shoes may be the next best thing to running barefoot. They have less cushion on the heels than most running shoes, though. So you’ll need to change your running gait to land near the ball of your foot instead of the heel for less impact and risk of injury. Some experts think less pounding on the heel may help prevent injuries. Walk before you run to strengthen your feet and get used to the shoes. Weighted Vests: Power Walking - Adding weight may be the simplest way to boost your workout. Extra weight raises your heart rate and makes you burn more calories. Instead of walking with hand or ankle weights, which can strain muscles and joints, consider wearing a weighted vest. Choose one that is 5% to 10% of your body weight. Techno Trainer: An App for Exercise - What if you want help losing weight and getting fit, but you can’t afford a personal trainer? No problem. Apps can help too. Fitness trackers such as the Fitbit and GoWear Fit measure your steps, calories burned, and calories consumed. They can even monitor your sleep. The information can also be downloaded and tracked on your computer. There are also apps that explain proper exercise form, a common problem among beginners. Finding a Good Trainer When you try a new style of exercise, getting instruction from a trainer helps -- especially if your workout is more intense. Choose a trainer with experience or special training in that type of workout. Look for someone who is certified by an accredited program.

JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

STYLE EVENTS LIVING

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

A fashion explosion at Abreeza

VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

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b r e e za Mall, in partnership with M Magazine recently held a largerthan-life fashion show featuring designs by the Davao Elite Fashion Group (DEFG) titled RunwAy - Fashion Preview 2012 last January 7 at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center.

The DEFG, composed of established Davao fashion designers - Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan, Popoy Barba and Emi Englis, gave fashionistas present at the Abreeza Mall’s Activity Center a peek into luxe wear with a unique Dabawenyo twist. The fashion show also featured collaborations between the designers and Abreeza Mall’s homegrown boutiques: Chimes Specialty Store, Mags, Soul Lifestyle and The Maze, bringing ready to wear clothes to a more stylish

level. “This will be the first and biggest fashion show tat we will have in Davao. Collections were taken from what we had presented during the Philippine Fashion Week last year in Manila and due to fashionistas’ demand, we are happy that we will be able to bring and share our collections to our fellow Dabawenyos” expressed DEFG designer Emi Englis. “The collections will also be interpreted by our local brands here in Davao” Complementing the fea-

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

tured clothes on the ramp are the newest looks in hair and make-up by Otoi Mercado, Hairzone Salon and Spa Professionals by Angelo Falconi III and Salon de Rose. MAlso unveiled during the show was M Magazine’s “Images of M” exhibit that showcased M Magazine’s best covers and feature photographs all in one colorful display. Runway Fashion Preview 2012 is also supported by Ranchero Grill, Trellis and Vines and Gourmet Bites.

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games

Lee checks skid, seals Open crown L

EE Jeong Hwa checked an impending skid with clutch par putts in the last three holes to thwart Princess Superal and annex the golden crown of the Philippine Ladies Open despite a closing three-over 75 at Wack Wack’s East course Thursday. Lee looked headed for a cruise after making the turn with a 35, hiking her overnight four-shot lead to as many as five over a charging Lovelynn Guioguio, who, however, reeled back with a 7 at the par-4 11th. But the 17-year-old Korean also made a triple-bogey on No. 11 and dropped another stroke on the next, enabling Superal to close within two with a birdie on No. 15. But the Busan native hung tough and matched Superal’s pars on Nos. 16 and 17 inside five feet then knocked down another par from three feet on the final hole which Superal bogeyed to complete a three-stroke romp at 217. “I didn’t mind the score and never felt threatened. I just played my game and stayed focused,” said Lee, who thus became the first Korean to win the country’s premier championship in a victory on the event’s golden staging. The win also erased the stigma of Lee’s failed title bid in the 2009 edition of the event at home at Southwoods and augured well for her pro debut in March. “I’ve decided to turn pro and join the Korean Tour this March,” said Lee. Superal, 14, settled for a 74 and a 220 for her best finish in a tournament of this magnitude.

“I had that feeling that I could win after the 15th hole,” said Superal, the newest member of the ICTSI golf team. “I gave it my best but I just fell short in the

erstwhile contender Felicia Medalla cracked under pressure and skied to an 83 to drop to joint ninth with Sarah Ababa, who carded a 78, at 231.

Lee Jeong Hwa holds her Philippine Ladies Open trophy

and with WGAP president Rio Co.CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

end.” Guioguio, winner of last week’s Philippine Amateur title, also made a 7 on the final hole but still wound up at third with a 224 in the 54-hole championship sponsored by Champion Infinity and presented by Pacsports. “I was doing great in the first 10 holes before that triple bogey on the 11th killed my chances,” rued Guioguio. Sunshine Baraquiel fired a 73 while Claire Amelia Legaspi had a 74 as they shared fourth place at 226 while Savitree Thavong emerged the top Thai finisher with a 227 after a 75 in a tie with former champion Jayvie Agojo, who sputtered with a 78. Thai Supamas Sangchan ended up solo eighth with a 229 while

Four ahead of Superal at the start of the day, Lee pulled away with birdies on Nos. 1 and 5 although Guioguio, eight behind after 36 holes, tried to make a run with four birdies after eight holes before settling for a 33 with a bogey-mishap on No. 9. Guioguio, also the reigning Samsung Am champion, birdied No. 10 to close within five but made an errant drive on No. 11 and needed two shots to get out of the stymied lie for that 7. Lee also dropped three strokes on the tricky dog-leg hole when she hit it into the threes and dumped her approach shot into the hazard. She failed to shake off that mishap and made a bogey on the next but recovered her bearing in time to fend off Superal’s late-hole rally.

ing stint that spanned over a decade. “With a heavy heart, we are sending coach Jong Uichico to the Philippine men’s basketball team because we feel that the national team is in need of someone like him to improve its performance in international tournaments. It is the national interest at stake here and we believe that the Philippines will be very fortunate to get the services of a coach with the intelligence and experience of Jong,”said Marquez about Uichico, who also coached the 2002 Philippine men’s basketball to a fourth-

place finish in South Korea. “We thank him for providing so many championships, the last two with the Ginebra franchise,”Marquez added. Uichico was part of the Northern Consolidated-sponsored national men’s basketball team under coach Ron Jacobs and later moved up to head coach for the San Miguel Beermen in 1999, ending San Miguel’s five-year title drought with the Commissioners and Governors Cup titles. Before his release, Uichico shared head coaching duties with Siot Tangquincen with Barangay Ginebra. [PR]

Barangay Ginebra’s Uichico to coach PHP national team

INEBRA San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) Thursday said multi-titled Barangay Ginebra champion coach Joseph “Jong” Uichico is joining the Philippine men’s basketball team coaching staff to help the country regain prominence in the world basketball scene. GSMI president Bernie Marquez wished Uichico well in his new endeavor after the former La Salle and national team stalwart provided San Miguel Beer with six championships and Barangay Ginebra with two, the last coming during the 2008 Fiesta Conference, in his professional coach-

JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 46

Golfer of the week

Paula Creamer

AULA Creamer is an American professional golfer on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. As a professional, she has won 11 tournaments, including 9 LPGA Tour events. Creamer has been as high as number 2 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. She was the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open champion, and is undefeated in three years of singles play in the Solheim Cup. As an amateur, Creamer won numerous junior golf titles, including 11 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments. Creamer joined the LPGA Tour in the 2005 season, and her victory in that year’s Sybase Classic made her the LPGA’s secondyoungest event winner. Creamer was born in Mountain View, California[3] and raised in Pleasanton, the only child of an airline pilot father and stay-at-home mother. The family’s home overlooked the first tee of the Castlewood Country Club’s golf course. Creamer participated in acrobatic dancing and gymnastics during her childhood,and started playing golf when she was 10 years old. At the age of 12, she won 13 consecutive regional junior events in Northern Califor-

nia, and the following year she became the top-ranked female junior golfer in the state. During Creamer’s amateur career, she won 19 national tournaments, including 11 American Junior Golf Association events,and was named Player of the Year by the AJGA in 2003. On two occasions (2002 and 2003), Creamer played on the United States team in the Junior Solheim Cup. She was a semifinalist in the 2003 U.S. Girls’ Junior and U.S. Women’s Amateur, and reached the same stage of both events the following year.In June 2004, Creamer placed second in the LPGA Tour’s ShopRite LPGA Classic, finishing one stroke behind Cristie Kerr. Later that year, she tied for 13th in the U.S. Women’s Open and represented the United States in the Curtis Cup. In December 2004, Creamer won the LPGA Tour Final Qualifying Tournament by five strokes to secure membership on the Tour for the 2005 season.[8] She opted to turn professional immediately after the event at the age of 18. In 2000, Creamer moved to Bradenton, Florida to attend the

IMG Golf Academy, where she graduated from the IMG-affiliated Pendleton School the week after her first LPGA victory.She relocated again in 2007, this time to Isleworth, a gated community in Windermere, Florida.[19] As of 2009, she remains a resident of Isleworth, where PGA Tour golfer Tiger Woods is among her neighbors. Creamer has endorsement deals with many companies, including TaylorMade-adidas, Citizen Watch Co., and NEC.[46] Golf Digest estimated her 2009 endorsement income to be $4.5 million, an amount that is secondhighest among female golfers. Her likeness has been featured in EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour series of golf video games.

ASEAN Para Games silver medalist thanks Taliño-Mendoza for support

SEAN Para Games silver medalist, Rosalie Terrofiel visited Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza last December 5, 2011 to thank her for the support she had given to the 30-year old visually impaired Para Athlete from Magpet, Cotabato. Terrofiel, who developed glaucoma, a visual impairment when she was 16, was accompanied by her local coach, Mrs. Jemelita Galaroza and her cousin during her visit to Governor Taliño- Mendoza at the latter’s office where she proudly presented the silver medal she won for the Javelin Throw event during the 6th ASEAN Para Games held December 1220, 2011 in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, Indonesia. She also thanked Vice Governor Gregorio T. Ipong and Congresswoman Nancy

Catamco of the 2nd district, for the financial aid that they gave her which enabled her to be one of the 46 athletes who represented the Philippines in the Asean Para Games. The only delegate from the Province of Cotabato, Terrofiel bested several other competitors from the countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam where Philippines landed on the fifth spot in overall ranking in the competition of athletes with mobility and visual disabilities, amputees or those with cerebral palsy from ASEAN member nations. Galaroza claimed this did not surprise her. Being Terrofiel’s SPED teacher since she was in elementary and as her local coach and mentor over the years, she had witnessed

the athlete’s determination and hard work. While working as a masseuse at the DSWD-accredited Massage and Reflexology Work Center with other visually impaired individuals in Magpet, Terrofiel underwent a diligent two-week qualifying training before she was chosen as a delegate for the Asean Para Games. She was then given two more months of additional specialized training in Manila by professional coaches of the Philippine contingent when she passed the qualifications. Before joining the ASEAN Para Games 2011, Terrofiel had already participated in many competitions both locally and internationally. In fact, she had won medals in other Paralympic events held in Vietnam last 2002 and in Manila last 2005.//IDCD-LAF//

Volcanoes’ coach to guest at the sports tourism forum McDonald’s extends Olympic Gov. Taliño-Mendoza, Rosalie Terrofiel and coach Jemelita Galaroza

HE Philippine Rugby Football Union coach Matthew George “Matt” Cullen will be present in the annual Sports Tourism Forum on January 31, 2012 to be held in Davao City. Cullen will talk about his experience with the Philippine Rugby team, also known as Volcanoes, and the road to the success the team is now enjoying. Matt Cullen, an Australian national, is currently employed by the Philippine Rugby Football Union in a dual role, as an administrator (general manager) and coach to the men’s 15 and under 20’s team. The Philippines national sevens rugby team won the gold medal in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games rugby sevens beating Indonesia. The Volcanoes played its very first international match in 2006 and went undefeated in the Asian Rugby Foot-

ball Union (ARFU) Under-19 Second Division Tournament. Since then, the team continuously impressed in other Asian tournaments. The team finished second place in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in 2007 against the home side Thailand. In 2008, the team dominated the Division 4 ARFU title. During the game, the team defeated Brunei in a crushing 101-0 and the home side Guam. During the inaugural Asian 5 Nations Divisions III rugby tournament last 2009, the Volcanoes defeated Iran and Guam, this victory promoted them to Asian 5 Nations Divisions II. By 2010, the team competed in this division which they won, beating India in the final score. In his interview at the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) last 2011, Matt Cullen was quoted, “In 2008, 2009, and

2010, we beat India, we beat China, we beat Thailand, we beat Guam, we beat Iran, and we beat Pakistan,” pointing out the impressive wins of the Volcanoes. Volcanoes’ most recent feat was last September 2011 during the Asian Men’s Rugby 7s Championships where they bagged second place against Japan in the final round. Considering that the team is ranked last (No. 7) amongst other teams, the second place finished goes to show the team is capable of competing with Asia’s best. The success of Volcanoes, headed by its coach Matt Cullen, is an inspiration to other Philippine teams. Once an unknown sport, the Philippine Rugby Team is happy to be recognized by their fellow countrymen and the support that it has garnered from them.

Games partnership to 2020 T HE International Olympic Committee (IOC) and McDonald’s Corporation announced last week that McDonald’s has extended its global sponsorship agreement until 2020. The announcement was made at the first ever Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, in the presence of IOC President Jacques Rogge and McDonald’s President and Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson. Commenting on the announcement, President Rogge said: “We are delighted that McDonald’s, our long-time and valued Olympic Partner for more than 35 years, is con-

tinuing its ongoing commitment not only to help fund the Olympic Games but also to support the Olympic Movement around the world and ultimately the athletes themselves.”

ficial Restaurant of the Olympic Games, the agreement with the Olympic Movement includes sponsorship of the National Olympic Committees and their Olympic teams for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Chief Operating Officer Don Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Thompson commented: “We PyeongChang 2018 Olympic share the Olympic ideals of Winter Games and the 2020 teamwork, excellence and be- Olympic Games, for which the ing your best. Those ideals are host city has yet to be elected. at the heart of what McDon- The agreement also includes ald’s stands for and how we’ve the Youth Olympic Games brought the Games to life. (YOG): the current Innsbruck Feeding the athletes is a tradi- 2012 Winter YOG, Nanjing tion we are extremely proud 2014 YOG, Lillehammer 2016 of, and we look forward to con- Winter YOG and the 2018 YOG tinuing our role in helping to and 2020 Winter YOG, for make the Games possible.” which the host cities have yet to As a TOP Sponsor and Of- be elected.

eVENT 20

VOL. 4 NO. 46 JANUARY 16 - 22, 2012

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