Edge Davao 4 Issue 51

HIGHLIGHTS

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20-26, 2012

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ON THE COVER

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Mindanao mining debate heats up

IT FIGURES

del Sur were in unison in asking the President that their respective communities need the project badly for them to eventually realize better economy.

Escobillo, whose municipality is where the main part of the $5.9 billion project is located, assured the President that his constituents support the project based on the survey that he c o m m i s s i o n e d .

He pointed out that even when the company has yet to start the project it already has provided free education to the people of the municipality.

The two other mayors also said that their municipalities have started benefiting from the project as the company has been doing corporate social responsibility activities to ensure that the lives of the people in these areas will be uplifted.

Allaying fears that the project will cause environmental destruction, the mayors said they will do their roles as chief executive officers of their towns to ensure that the company will protect the environment by sticking to the programs that it has submitted to the government. “We will make sure that SMI will do its best to come up with mechanisms need to preserve the environment,” Escobillo said, as he appealed to those blocking the project to be open-minded to the benefits that it will bring not only to his

town but to the entire country if the project pushes through.

Top industry officials and the whole business sector, particularly in Mindanao, have pushed for the project.

Artemio F. Disini, chair of the Chamber of Mines of the Philipines, said the government must ensure the project will proceed to assure the business community of the country that it is serious in protecting the investors, Disini said the government must ensure all its instrumentalities to “follow the law” considering that the mining company has been doing its best to comply with the requirements that the government is imposing so that the project will proceed.

Like Disini, Mindanao representatives Jesus Dureza, formerly the presidential adviser on Mindanao affairs, and Vicente T. Lao, chair of the Mindanao Business Council, believed the project will help Mindanao and the entire country in its fight against poverty.

Dureza, who left government after the President was elected, said this is a huge project that the present administration needs to support.

Lao added there is “no way for the project to be stopped” considering that it will become the engine of economic growth of Mindanao.

He said President Aquino must be decisive enough in immediately approving the project.

Lately, the company asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to immediately approve its environmental compliance certificate as it already has submitted all the requirements needed for the approval of the project.

Environment Secretary Paje last month denied the appli-

BUDGET of government-owned and –operated Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp.

(PNOC-EC) for 2012, slightly higher than lasy year’s P5.02 billion. Also PNOC-EC’s net income last year grew by 22 percent to P3.027 billion from P2.476 billion in 2010.

health clinics,” Ambassador Tweddell said.

While a large portion of the program’s funds will be spent on road rehabilitation and maintenance in the provinces, the program is also supporting local governance reforms to improve the quality and efficiency of public service delivery to communities. Provinces compete for extra resources through the program’s incentive mechanism by progressing reforms in the key governance areas of planning and budgeting, procurement, internal audit, human resource development and increasing locallygenerated revenues.

“Australia’s use of incentives aligns strongly with President Aquino’s performance-based approach to fast-track local governance reforms. Our partner provinces are building momentum and introducing good governance reforms. They are increasing their revenues to fund essential services to the poor. Their budgets are more transparent and allow for easier expenditure tracking,” Ambassador Tweddell said.

“Good governance practices are critical to sustain service delivery, including quality roads. The program aims to ensure each province can sustain the reforms without ongoing Australian assistance.”

The Facility has so far completed 14 road rehabilitation projects, benefitting at least 51,000 people and

delivering material economic and social benefits to the communities. There have also been improvements on how the partner provinces do their business, including: implementing their provincial plans with appropriate resources; rationalising their human resource management and development plans; exercising internal control and audit procedures; contracting out road service delivery using their own resources and generated higher local revenue; and even increasing community participation in road rehabilitation and maintenance.

Also present at the ceremony were the governors of the program’s 10 partner provinces: Adolph Edward Plaza (Agusan del Sur), Carlito Marquez (Aklan), Edgar Chatto (Bohol), Alex Calingasan (Bukidnon), Rodolfo del Rosario (Davao del Norte), Felipe Hilan Nava (Guimaras), Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte), Herminia Ramiro (Misamis Occidental), Oscar Moreno (Misamis Oriental), and Sol Matugas (Surigao del Norte).

Australia is a longstanding development partner of the Philippines and the country’s largest bilateral grant aid donor. In the current financial year, Australia will provide over Php5 billion in development assistance to the Philippines, focusing on economic growth, basic education, and national stability and human security. ENDS

n 3 town mayors favor SMI n Draft EO stirs mining sector

T

By Antonio M. Ajero

HE draft executive order (EO) on mining prepared by a task force headed by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje is now the most-talked about piece of unsigned document in the business community and among mining activists.

This developed as the debate rages on the demand of mining oppositors for an immediate moratorium in large scale mining embodied in a two-page declaration issued during the January 26-27 International Conference on Mining in Mindanao in Davao City.

The declaration in the mining summit, organized by the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) and the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (Ceap), also called for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the immediate enactment of the proposed Consolidated Alternative Minerals Management Bill pending in the House of Representatives.

Leaders of the country’s mining sector sharply criticized the conference where they were barred from participating.

3 mayors want SMI This developed as three mayors whose towns will get affected by the implementation of the mining project of the Sagittarius Mines Inc. have appealed before President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to immediately allow the project to start.

In a forum on the economic impact of the project, Mayors Leonardo Escobillo of Tampakan, South Cotabato; Amir Musali of Colombio, Sultan Kudarat; and Marivic Diamante of Kiblawan, Davao

Australia helps improve road infra in 3 more provinces

T

HREE provinces in southern Philippines will soon benefit from improved road conditions through an innovative partnership between the Governments of Australia and the Philippines.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, today launched the Philippines Provincial Road Management Facility in three more provinces – Aklan, Davao del Norte and Lanao del Norte – in a ceremony held at the Ascott Makati.

The five-year, Php 4.3 billion (A$100 million), Provincial Road Management Facility helps provincial governments upgrade and then maintain their core road network in provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas. The program started in seven partner provinces: Bohol, Guimaras, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental. After showing early results, Australia decided to extend the program to another three provinces.

“In partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and provincial governments, Australia is working to improve the quality of roads across the country. Roads upgraded by the program are cutting transportation costs and increasing access of poor Filipinos to basic services, such as schools and

cation on the reason that the South Cotabato government has yet to lift its ban on openpit mining, the mining process that the company will use in extracting gold and copper.

Paje’s position contradicted the position of other top officials, among them Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, that the ban cannot supersede the national law, the Mining Act of 1995, which only spells out responsible mining and does not ban any other mining process.

Some government officials who did not want to get identified even criticized the South Cotabato government for considering the plan of some small scale mining groups to apply to operate in the mining area.

They said this plan does not only contradict the claim of the provincial government of

protecting the environment, but a way to scare well-meaning investors. “The question is, does the provincial government want to destroy the environment? WE know what the small scale miners have done to the environment,” he said.

Small-scale miners in Comval defiant In a remotely-related development, small-scale miners reportedly opened new mine tunnels last week in Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley in defiance to the government’s no-habitation policy enforced after close to 40 miners and their family members were buried alive during the killer landslides last January.

A news account stated that at least a dozen tunnels were opened in Napnapan with the defiant miners not minding the driving rain.

Mindanao waters program takes high priority—MinDA

A

S threats of flooding and related environmental incidents now taking high priority levels with the emerging effects of seemingly changing climate patterns, Mindanao leaders have cited the need to step up efforts for integration of Mindanao watershed and river basin programs.

In a recent meeting in Iligan City of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Board, consisting of all Regional Development Council (RDC) chairs, LGU officials, and Congress and sectoral organizations in Mindanao, it unanimously pushed for the implementation of Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters (MindaNOW) as one of its flagship programs.

Secretary Luwalhati Antonino who convened the 5th MinDA Board meeting said that the program adopts the “ridgeto-reef” approach in integrating interventions for the development, protection and conservation of the watersheds and river basins in Mindanao.

“Mindanao has been suffering from massive deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices”, said Antonino, adding that these contributed to major disasters including the recent flashfloods.

The MinDA chair noted that prior to the flashfloods that hit Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City last December, massive siltation and riverbank migration along the Pulangi river have caused flooding in the Allah Valley in North Cotabato.

She added that forest denudation along the Pantaron range in Bukidnon has also increased the water flow down to Agusan and Compostela Valley province, causing soil erosions and floods during rainy season.

With only 10% forest cover left, Antonino said that Mindanao must catch up with the national greening program which aims to plant 1.5-billion trees covering about 1.5-million acres nationwide.

Antonino stressed that the remaining forests especially those in the watershed buffer zones are no longer capable of holding rainwater during storm and heavy rains.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) has recorded a total of 11 landslides and 43 flooding incidents in Regions 10, 11, 12, Caraga, and ARMM which affected 172,798 families in 283 barangays from January to July 2011.

“The flashfloods brought

by Typhoon Sendong in December accounted for the loss of more than 1,000 lives and P1.45-billion damage to infrastructure and agriculture”, said Antonino, citing a report of the NDRRMC. Antonino said that while Mindanao economy is projected to grow even more in the next decades, she emphasized that economic growth need not come at the expense of the environment.

She added that the MindaNOW program is anchored on President Benigno Aquino’s Social Contract with the Filipino People which promotes responsible use of the country’s natural resources.

“Economic and ecological integration as well as inclusive wealth creation must be anchored on planning Mindanao’s sustainable development based on its rich ecosystems”, she said, adding that these are the twin thrusts of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), the island-region’s peace and development roadmap for 2010-2030.

The MindaNOW program takes cognizance of the carrying capacity of Mindanao’s ecosystem including its archipelagic nature as the basis for planning the future of the island-region.

Antonino said there is a lot of work ahead for MinDA but she is grateful for the overwhelming support of the President, her fellow cabinet secretaries, Mindanao congressmen, and the private sector. ”We’ve been roaming around Mindanao and successfully forging partnerships with various organizations”, said Antonino.

Meanwhile, local city officials here welcome the MindaNOW program and pointed out the need to take action against illegal logging.

Mayor Lawrence Cruz said the flashfloods that hit the two neighboring cities were aggravated by hundreds of ‘hot logs’ that came with it.

Cruz said they are just waiting for results of the investigation which President Aquino directed following the devastation of Typhoon Sendong.

“With careful planning and strategic interventions such us infrastructure, only then can we prevent this kind of disaster,” said Cruz. [MinDA]

P5.484 billion

73

AVERAGE number of movies produced by the Philippine cinema industry during the last decade, compared with the annual average of 140 films during the years from 1960 to 1999, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). The movie industry employed a total of 3,531 people, representing about 0.10 percent of the total employment in the domestic economy.

4 million

APPROXIMATE number of tourists who apparently found the Philippines to be more fun in a manner of speaking because they came here as tourists last year. They tourist arrivals came from the country’s three major markets – South Korea, the United States and Japan.

P221.7 million

TAX obligations of the National Transmission Corp. (NTC) which the National Grid Corp. (NGP) was ordered by the Court of Appeals to assume.

The amount represented tax debts of NTC to the municipality of Labrador, Pangasinan.

21 percent

PREMIUM growth rate of the country’s non-life insurers despite the financial travails of the preneed industry. The nonlife insurers earned P86 billion in 2011 and the industry forecasts P100billion premium income this year, according to the Philippine Life Assurance Association during a press conference co-hosted by Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc.

P19.6 billion

COUNTERPART fund earmarked by the government to help rev up its public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure initiative this year, an amount higher by 57 percent than the P12.5 billion allotted last year.

With the increased funding, Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said the government hopes to gain more traction for the PPP scheme this year and boost its ability to respond to high-demand public services.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

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THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 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. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices) 2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011 3.7% 4th Qtr 2011 USD 3,342 Million Nov 2011 USD 4,985 Million Nov 2011 USD -1,643 Million Nov 2011 USD -114 Million Dec 2011 P4,442,355 Million Nov 2011

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities 8. Interest Rates 4/ 9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt

4.71% Oct 2011 P128,745 Million Nov 2011 P 4,898 Billion Oct 2011

11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - January 2011)

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

2011 43.31 43.64 43.27 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Davao MSMEs seek simpler tax exemption applications M

ICRO, small, and medium entrepreneurs in Davao are asking for a simpler processing of application to avail of local and national tax exemptions under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) law.

This was the common clamor among most participants of the third public hearing for the amendment of the BMBE law.

House Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development

chairman Representative Teddy Casino explained that certain provisions of the law need to be amended as data show only very few MSMEs have availed of the benefits of this law.

Only 44 small and medium entrepreneurs of Davao City have applied for the benefits of the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) law which includes local and national tax and permit exemptions.

Casino said most of the applicants have waited

long because the process includes approval by the Bureau of Internal Revenue central office.

«So, instead of making this bill attractive to small business owners, they see it as an additional burden,» said Casino.

The amendatory bill once approved, will shorten processing time and exempt MSMEs from local and national tax and fees for six years.

«This is one way to help our MSMEs establish

themselves and at the same time get the informal layers into the system,» said Casino.

One of the highlights of the amendatory bill is the expansion of institutions mandated to provide lending to registered BMBEs. It now includes the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as among the government agencies which will set up a credit window to serve the financing needs of members.

The Workers in the

Informal Sector of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC-WIS) is also included among the agencies that can tap the BMBE Development Fund.

Casino said the various proposals to amend the BMBE law aim to encourage small firms to register their business by increasing and rationalizing the incentives granted to micro business enterprises, as well as increase their access to credit. [PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACAP-

OARD of Investments (BOI)-registered companies in the country committed a total investments of P 3.74 billion in January this year, up 14.6 percent from P 3.26 billion in the same period last year.

The growth in committed investments shows increased investor confidence at the start of the year.

The BOI approved 18 projects which are expected to generate 3,026 jobs once operational.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said investment commitments for the month of January showed dispersion of investments in the countryside and among key sectors, signaling that economic activities in the country were becoming more widespread.

“We see strategic investments specifically in the sectors of tourism, energy, and agriculture – priority areas that the government has identified to boost income and value-added as well as create more jobs in the rural areas,” Domingo said.

Region 3 accounted for

38.18 percent of total investments, generating P 1.42 biullion; Region 10, 18.8 percent; and Region 7, 17.37 percent.

“Manufacturing will continue to be a critical driver of our economy, accounting for 24% of our GDP (gross domestic product) in 2011. This sector, together with tourism, agriculture, and construction create important multiplier effect in generating jobs and in reducing poverty,” said Undersecretary and BOI managing head Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. Investments in the manufacturing sector for January amounted to P 496 million, or 13 percent of total investments approved.

This was led by investments in motor vehicles manufacturing amounting to P 368.4M. Big-ticket tourism-related projects were approved in Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro. “The tourism accommodation facility projects could spur economic growth for the region,” said Cristobal.

Meanwhile, the geo-

thermal project approved in Camarines Sur is also seen to provide long-term benefits in lowering electricity costs and reduce dependency on traditional energy sources.

“The agriculture-related investments, particularly for banana exports validate our core strategy in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). We are gradually lessening our dependence on electronics. This highlights the importance of diversification to sustain long-term growth,” Cristobal added.

Ninety-two percent of investment commitments came from domestic investors. Among foreign investors, Japan ranked highest at P 190.4 million following the gradual strengthening of its economy and the midterm impact of brisk trade under the Philippine Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA). New investments from Japan were on motor vehicle manufacturing possibly brought about by the supply chain disruptions in Thailand.

Among the top inves-

tors for the month next to Japan are China, Australia, Malaysia, and Russia.

Leading investment projects approved were on real estate, P 1.76 billion; followed by accommodation and food service, P 875 million; manufacturing, P 496.4 million; electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, P340.3 million ; and agriculture, P 228 million.

Motor Vehicle-making industry led Manufacturing investments at P 368.4 million.

The biggest project approved for the period was on low cost mass housing project of Fiesta Communities, Inc. amounting to P 1.40 billion. This was followed by the tourism facility project of Northgate Hotel Ventures, Inc. amounting to P 680 million; Cavendish banana production for exports of Anflo Banana Corp., P216 million; and tourism facility of Robinsons Land Corp., P 195 million.

Under the BOI’s Investments Priorities Plan 2011,

priority sectors include agriculture, tourism, ship building, mass housing, energy, infrastructure, research & development, motor vehicles, green projects, creative industries, disaster prevention; and public-private partnership.

The DTI is working closely with the private sector through the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Joint Foreign Chamber in developing industry competitiveness roadmaps as well as policy strategies for inclusive growth.

Meanwhile, economic forecasts for the country’s GDP are on high note at 5 percent to 7 percent for 2012 amid weaknesses in Europe and United States markets. This was echoed by the latest Moody’s Investors Service Report, which classified the Philippines as among the countries in the Asia Pacific to have the least exposure to the current Euro debt crisis. [PNA]

flagship programs of the Aquino administration, which seeks to encourage greater participation of the private sector in the provision of basic public infrastructure through construction, investments, and operations and management.

Paderanga said the PPP recognizes the private sector as a reliable and capable partner in pursuing infrastructure

projects that will help improve the lives of Filipinos.

To enhance private sector investments in development projects, Paderanga said that the government has already initiated the necessary amendments to the existing Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) Law for a more transparent and level playing field.

“While the proposed

amendments are yet to be finalized to become a new law, revisions to the existing implementing rules and regulations of the BOT Law will soon take effect. Further, revisions to the existing Guidelines and Procedures for Entering into Joint Venture (JV) Agreements between Government and Private Entities are also being finalized,” he said. [PNA]

AGAT]

BOI-registered firms commit PHP3.74 B B

NEDA assures private sector of fair deal T HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Friday said the public-private partnership (PPP) would “work well” if the private sector is assured of getting a fair deal.

“Thus, the Philippine government has put into place a business environment characterized by broader emphasis on transparency,

accountability and good governance. Ultimately, this environment should be able to create new jobs, improve delivery of basic socioeconomic services, and spur positive economic growth,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. during the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)-PPP seminar.

The PPP is one of the

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Camella Northpoint studio: A lifestyle of convenience

C

AMELLA Northpoint studio units are your one-room abode that gives you so much more than just a home.

A studio unit is the home of choice for those who want to spend more time on their pursuits – be it business, career, or family. That’s because living in a studio unit is so convenient, you have more time to spend on things that matter to you most.

As a single-room home, your Camella Northpoint studio unit does not require a lengthy time to clean and maintain. You can clean left and right as you go along, as everything is efficiently positioned and easily accessible. With an easy cleanup, maintaining your studio unit is a breeze.

As the only master-planned condo community at the junction of J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada and Buhangin Road, Camella Northpoint has the best location for a studio unit in the city. Situated within the heart of north Davao’s growth area, it is quite close to business establishments, modern offices, shopping outlets, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, schools and universities, department

stores, churches, public markets, hospitals, as well as the airport, seaport, and public transport.

If you work, study or do business within city limits, Camella Northpoint’s location is excellent for you as you will be living within close proximity to your workplace, business, or school.

No more early morning rush or anxiety over traffic congestion as your travel to your destination will be short and convenient.

What’s more, you can even detour to your favorite coffee shop to grab a hot cup and sandwich, or even read the freshest news from the newspapers in one of the many nearby coffee shops.

After a day’s toil at work, school, or managing your business, it’s another brief travel going home to Camella Northpoint. When you get to your studio unit, just kick off your shoes and settle down on your comfy couch to relax and while away your time watching TV, playing games, cuddling up with your loved ones, or enjoying the great view outside your window.

When the nightlife beckons to you, it’s just another quick trip to the many bars, restaurants,

A well-appointed Camella Northpoint studio unit, stylishly designed with your comfort in mind.

movie houses, and watering holes in hotels, malls, and entertainment areas in the city. Within a five kilometer radius, you can jaunt off to the many hotspots of Davao found at the Abreeza Mall, Damosa Gateway, Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall, the restaurant row along Torres Street, or even the quaint, home-grown establishments at the Rizal Promenade, Habana Compound, and along the streets of Legaspi, Mabini, and Torres.

Or you can simply choose to stay home and take advan-

tage of the luxurious facilities and amenities of Camella Northpoint. Stride over to the clubhouse, the stately Wakefield Manor, and lounge away at multi-purpose hall or at the cabanas beside the pool.

Or melt away those stresses by buffing it up at the fitness gym or diving into the wellness pool and lose yourself knifing through its salinated water for an invigorating lap. Better still, share laughter with family or friends while having a barbecue at the clubhouse grill pits.

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

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AGRITRENDS

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

Temporary ban ordered on FMD-prone products A

GRICULTURE Secretary Proceso J. Alcala issued a memorandum order for a temporary ban on the importation of animals, their products and by products originating from Paraguay.

Report submitted to the Office of International des Epizooties states that there was an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Paraguay

which was confirmed at a cattle farm in San Pedro Paraguay last January 2, 2012.

Alcala ordered the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to immediately suspend the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance to import the above-stated commodities from Paraguay.

He also ordered the Vet-

erinary Quarantine officers to inspect all ports, stop, and confiscate all shipments of FMD-susceptible animals, their products and by-products into the country originating from Paraguay.

Region 11 Livestock Division Chief Rafael Mercado said this Memorandum order will help the preservation of Mindanao being FMD-free without vaccination since May, 2000 and the whole country since June last year.

He added that the memo was also sent to all veterinary offices in the provinces urging them to be vigilant and do the outright inspection of suspiscious meat supplies in their areas.

Mercado also assured that even if all meat products from Paraguay are banned, it will not affect the meat supply in the country.

“We have enough supply of meat products in the country even without the supply from Paraguay,” Mercado said.

Alcala also ordered a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen originating from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This is due to an official report that there was an outbreak of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenz (LPAI) which was detected on the index duck meat grower farm in this place during surveillance on a healthy flock.

All the shipments of poultry and poultry products (with the exception of heat treated products originating from this country) will be stopped. [EGDELIGERO/AGGIE MEDIA SERVICE]

HAND TRACTORS. Engr. Leonilo Patayon, Supervising Agriculturist of Davao del Norte checks the five units of hand tractors with trailers delivered by the Department of Agriculture (DA)11 intended to boost the P26-million rice sufficiency program of the province. The farm tools are not part of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award, which Davao del Norte won along with nine other provinces in the country. The province received P4-million worth of agricultural projects

as the award. Recipients of the farm implements include: the New Corella Integrated Development Cooperative in New Corella municipality; Mandapaan New Balamban Rice Farmers’ Association in Tagum City; Balisong San Vicente Irrigators Association in Sto. Tomas; Dujali Free Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in B.E. Dujali; and, San Vicente Development Cooperative, also in Sto. Tomas town. [Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO]

P160-M rice production zone being constructed in Matanao

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ONSTRUCTION of the P160-million modern rice processing complex in Matanao, Davao del Sur is ongoing. The project is aimed at improving the quality and quantity of rice production in the area.

The complex is a joint project of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) which gave a grant of P120 million for the project and the region, the local government of Matanao and the Departmenrt of Agriculture also contributed funding for the project.

“This postharvest facility aims to introduce modern facilities in the area for palay processing,” said Rodolfo P. Estigoy chief of the Applied Communication Division of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-

PhilMec).

He said the rice complex in Davao del Sur is included in Phase II of the Korea-Philippines Modern Integrated Rice Milling and Complex project which includes one in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan which is already operational, one in Pototan, Iloilo which has started and in Pilar, Bohol which is awaiting completion. Phase 1 of the project involved the construction of a rice processing complex in Aurora province in 2006.

The Korean government, through KOICA, provided funding for the rice processing complex project after it was impressed by the success of its Agricultural Machinery Rental System (AMRS). Korean farmers were able to cut their postharvest losses from six to one percent after the construction of 328 rice processing complexes

and up to 568 drying and storage complexes.

The project aims to increase the value of milled rice by up to P24 million per year, increase the rice farmers’ income, and achieve the country’s rice self-sufficiency by 2013.

Estigoy said the rice processing complex in Matanao, which is being built on a 1,700-square-meter lot, will help the farmers raise the quality of their palay harvests and improve their income through the use of a kerosene-powered furnace. The mechanical dryers are expected to shorten the drying time of the palay, and are expected to improve the quality of the grains.

The rice processing complex will include post-harvest facilities like modern rice mills, mechanical dyers and warehouses. [DA-PHILMEC]

AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

7

Climate Change impact on agri at APEC forum

Alcala optimistic rice self-sufficiency target is attainable despite calamities T A

GRICULTURE Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has remained optimistic that the Department of Agriculture under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s administration would attain its target of rice self-sufficiency in 2013 despite the occurrence of calamities. ”In spite of the calamities brought about by typhoons, ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel’ in September last year (2011) we still attained 98 percent rice production, although we lost 1 million metric tons of rice. We only imported 600,000 MT of rice. Had it not been for the typhoons, we could have met our rice sufficiency,” Alcala said as he discussed DA’s 2011 achievements during the Communication and News Exchange Forum on Friday at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Conference Room in Quezon City.

He explained that DA will tap hundreds of irrigation associations (IAs) in Luzon, particularly those served by the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS) and the Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS), to advance farmers’ cropping calendar from October to August to avoid strong typhoons that usually occur in the months of October to November.

“We are usually hit by strong typhoons in October, so we have to set the cropping season earlier,” the DA secretary

Based on DA’s record, about 190,000 hectares will be covered under the early planting scheme -- 110,000 hectares at UPRIIS and the rest at MARIIS. Traditionally, Alcala said, the country gets 60 percent of annual palay harvest from the wet season, and 40 percent from the dry season. ”If we have more irrigation systems, we can shift the trend, where we would harvest 60 percent of our total production during the dry season,“ he stressed.

With this scheme, the ag-

riculture chief said “we could attain the no-importation policy or rice self-sufficiency target” by 2013. ”This year, we are importing 500,000 metric tons of rice, gradually decreasing from the volume of rice importation in the previous years,“ he added.

His optimism generates from the department’s most significant achievement, that is, the restoration of the trust of the farmers and other agriculture stakeholders in government. ”I took over a department that was scandal-ridden and

listed among the most corrupt agencies of government. The DA is no longer in that list,” he said.

He likewise believes that the target would be achieved due to the growth in agriculture the DA has obtained. The agriculture and fisheries sector has proven its resilience in the face of severe natural disasters.

Recovering from the long dry spell in 2010, both palay and corn recorded 15.9 percent growth in volume at production levels of 10.75 million MT of rice and 5.49 million MT of corn. [PNA]

gress (NCSSIC) in March this year.

The NCSSIC will push for the establishment of a system to safeguard the coconut sap sugar industry through a product quality certification.

The congress will be held on March 5 to 6, 2012 at The Marco Polo Davao.

The BAR has been funding product development with PCA for coconut under a P2-million project.

Part of the fund aids the development of coconut sap as an excellent alternative to sugar.

“We believe our farmers and entrepreneurs can create a niche in natural products whose primary value is their health quality. Coconut sap sugar is one of those products that have already taken off in the market and which still offers so much valuable growth potential,” said Dr. Nicomedes Eleazar, BAR director.

PCA Administrator

Euclides Forbes said they are gathering stakeholders through the NCSSIC since the coconut sap sugar industry is on a roll.

“There are only three countries competing in the coconut sugar sap supply in the world market today. But we have competitive advantage over Thailand in volume and against Indonesia in terms of quality. We are the pioneer in this product,” he said.

The Philippines broke into the coconut sap sugar market in the United States in March 2007 after proving that coconut sap sugar has a low glycemic index (GI) at 35.

Any sugar-based product is considered low when its GI is 54 and below. This is comparably lower than the 65 to 100 GI range for sugarcanebased sugar.

This is based on a scientific study by the Philippines’

Food and Research Nutrition Institute-Department of Science and Technology and affirmed by studies in the US and Australia.

This makes coconut sap ideal as a sweetener for diabetics and health buffs in general.

Since 2009, the local industry has been exporting coconut sap sugar to Japan which took up 53.6 percent of the country’s export market and the United States, 44.4 percent.

The country also penetrated other export markets in 2010, including the Middle East, Korea, Hongkong, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.

The coconut sap sugar industry will generate more livelihood for rural farmers as the product has become an important job-generating enterprise for poverty-stricken provinces, particularly in Mindanao. [PNA]

said.

PHL eyes major share in $1.1 billion alternative sweetener in global mart

A

master plan aiming to develop coconut sap sugar will be set up in March to seize a bigger share of the $1.1 billion alternative sweetener global market.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) see great prospects for Filipino farmers to capture an international market for coconut sap as a healthful sugar.

“With the increasing demand, the coconut sap sugar industry presents a promising business opportunity for coco farmers and small to medium enterprises,” said Erlene Manohar, PCA project development officer.

“The increase in demand could be related to the high prevalence of diabetics and the growing interest of health enthusiasts locally and worldwide,” she added.

The two agencies will hold the First National Coconut Sap Sugar Industry Con-

T

PhilMech to put up 63 village-type grains centers vs post harvest loss

HE Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) is looking for the establishment of 63 village-type grains processing centers (VTGPCs) in 2012 to further address the problem on post harvest losses.

DA-PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela said the facilities will enable farmers to mill and store their palay (unhusked grains) on time, and reduce post harvest losses.

The agency has pro-

posed a budget of P189 million for the establishment of the 63 VTGPCs in 2012.

“These village-type rice processing centers will definitely help reduce post harvest losses in palay since farmers can immediately have their harvests milled and stored. Each facility can also have driers so farmers can immediately dry their harvests that were doused by rains or have a high moisture content,” Cachuela said.

According to agency statistics, post harvest losses in rice could reach as much as 15 percent but this can

be reduced to as low as 5 to 10 percent with proper interventions like drying and storage facilities.

Each VTGPC will have a rice mill to process palay (unhusked rice) and grain driers, preferably those using rice hull as fuel to generate heat.

Storage facilities will also be built so rice farmers can store their newly-milled rice, which will enable them to sell their rice at a higher price in the future.

Qualified farmer organizations (FAs) like irrigators association (IAs) are

being eyed in the operation and maintenance of the VTGPCs, which are envisioned to become business entities that are self-sustaining.

Over the years, a big number of qualified FAs and IAs have proven their worth in managing and maintaining post harvest facilities like flatbed driers.

While the DA-PhilMech can allocate funds for the construction of each VGTPC, the agency welcomes the support of local government units (LGUs) in building the facilities in their jurisdiction.

[PNA]

HE Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) membereconomies account for half of the world grain production as well as the major exporters and importers of agricultural products.

APEC can therefore be an influencing force to push forward the increase of food availability by raising agricultural productivity, trade and investment facilitation and market expansion.

This was the statement of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at the opening Monday morning of the APEC Symposium on Climate Change with the theme “Adaptation Strategies with Mitigation Potential for Food and Water Security” at EDSA Shangrila Hotel.

Alcala said that since most of the members are situated along the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire” where

75 percent of the world’s volcanoes are found and 90 percent of the world’s earthquake occur, the region experiences 70 percent of the world’s natural disasters that can disrupt food supply and livelihoods, displace people and reduce access to food.

He said that it is worth recognizing the collective efforts of APEC to improve emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction in response to disasters affecting agriculture.

The three-day forum was attended by 14 member economies. It will map out climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, provide appropriate financing mechanisms, and implement what needs to be done to sustain the productivity of the land, water and marine resources to fee the region’s ever-increasing population. [PNA]

GM crops cultivation expands worldwide

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HE cultivation of genetically-modified (GM) crops expanded with more farmers in many countries adopting new varieties of disease-resistant crops.

Dr. Clive James, chairman of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA), at the launching of a report on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/ GM Crops in 2011 held at the Hyatt Hotel in Manila on Wednesday, said the rapid expansion of hectarage devoted to GM crops confirms the acceptance of such crops in many regions of the world.

James said there is a growth of GM adoption worldwide and revealed the advances made by biotech crops in Asia, Latin America, Africa, North America and even in Europe and Australia.

He said strong growth continued with a double-digit increase of 12 million hectares, at an annual growth rate of 8 percent, reaching 160 million hectares, up from 148 million hectares in 2010.

A 94-fold increase from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 160 million hectares in 2011 makes biotech crops the fastest adopted crop technology in recent history.

The most compelling testimony to biotech crops is that, from 1996 to 2011, millions of farmers in 29 countries worldwide made more

BizQUIPS

than 100 million independent decisions to plant and replant an accumulated 1.25 billion hectares.

This means risk-averse farmers have trust and confidence that biotech crops would deliver sustainable and substantial, socio-economic and environmental benefits.

Of the 29 countries planting biotech crops in 2011, 19 were developing and 10 were industrial countries.

James said the top 10 countries each grew more than one million hectares and they provide a broadbased, worldwide foundation for diversified growth in the future.

In 2011, a record 16.7 million farmers, up 1.3 million or 8 percent from 2010, grew biotech crops—notably over 90 percent, or 15 million, were small resource poor farmers in developing countries.

James noted that biotech crops are now planted in more than 148 million hectares of farms, many of which are maintained by smallholder farmers and subsistence food producers.

Since biotech crops like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn can increase output per unit area, the cultivation of GM crops actually reduces the pressure on transforming more areas into agricultural zones. [PNA]

‘WE believe that we have invested significant time and resources over the past years to bridge the huge gap between the supply and demand to serve Cebu’s needs.’

--Manila Water president and consortium representative Gerardo C. Ablaza Jr. on the P700-million water system project in Cebu

8

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

Mining: a potent economic engine

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OR the last few weeks, Philippine stocks have been upbeat and growing, showing significant stability. This also reflects the resilience of the Philippine economy even in the midst of economic turmoil in the US and Europe.

All stock market sectors have been shown strength and stability, except for the mining sector. Even in periodic reviews of last year’s stock market performance, the mining sector somewhat remained trapped in the solid foundations of the earth and unable to gain some stock points.

During the “Arangkada 2012” Business Forum – an event mounted by the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) in January 2012 – a concern was raised to the President by a foreign chamber official that the mineral resources that we have are not being put into good economic use. The official said that while mining companies do recognize some concerns in the sector, the government has not come up with a clear direction or policy on mining. The President responded that an inter-agency body has been created at the executive level and by the middle or end of February 2012, the “framework” for the mining sector would have been formulated.

All that is needed at this time, in my own opinion, is a pronouncement from the President on how the present administration is viewing mining as a potent economic engine. The country already has a law on mining, and it has been said that our Mining Law is one of the best around the world. When the “framework” being worked out at the executive level comes out, will it serve as the policy of the State in so far as mining is concerned or will the Mining Law prevail? Probably, the “framework” would give us clearer guidance on how to do mining, supplemental to the already good Mining Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Well, that’s only my guess.

I am neither an ultra pro-mining nor a super antimining person, but with my background - albeit a bit limited - on resource economics, I recognize the value of untapped resources. I am not also oblivious to the many concerns on mining especially those that relate to environment but I acknowledge that there are ways to address

these concerns – or perhaps, I am just a bit naïve or simply ideal that I thought there is a solution to every problem.

Nonetheless, what the country needs now is for everybody to be more responsible when it comes to resource utilization in a way that we balance between what we can derive today and what we retain for use of future generations. Quite a cliché, but it is still true and desirable. And the only way to do it is to face squarely the issues and concerns, and make the necessary promulgation. In the absence of such, more damage are done to the environment and to local communities. I will stop there because everything becomes so acad+emic where many of the issues had been the subjects of unending debates and protracted discussions.

For mining to be economically feasible and socially acceptable, it should take into serious consideration MINE – an acronym that stands for: M - for the marginalized sectors in our society. Benefits that could be derived from mining should trickle down to the poor segments of the population even if they were not directly involved in mining operations; somehow, they should “feel” the gains of mining exploration and development. There should be a way to redistribute the benefits and wealth that the capitalists and mining operators extract from the industry.

I – for the indigenous peoples. Though there may be some controversies on the law protecting the rights of indigenous peoples over their designated domains, their welfare and well-being as Filipinos and humans should likewise be recognized and protected when mining operations begin.

N – for nature. With this, I mean our respect for nature and the law of nature.

It is as simple as what goes up shall come down. What we do with nature, nature has a way of getting back on humanity. Hence, we should do mining with a lot of caution and vigilance not to abuse or misuse what nature provides.

E – for the environment and the economy. There is such a thing as environmental economics. These two terms are no longer mutually exclusive. Hence, a balance between the 2 is no longer impossible.

BizQUIPS ‘I will not pass the buck to the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court.

As the presiding officer, I am personally bound to assume the consequences of my action.’

--Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

EDITORIAL

Hospital traffic

T

HERE’S an ongoing, albeit, quite movement in the Department of Health aimed at maximizing the use of government hospitals by changing the attitude and mindset of patients.

Actually, this involves nothing but seeing to it that our public hospitals with their sophisticated equipment and competent medical professionals are utilized to the hilt, not wasted on some primary cases like delivering babies or circumsizing boys.

Take the case of the Southern Philippines Medical Center, the DOH’s flagship hospital in Mindanao, which is indubitably the island’s best. Instead of utilizing its full potentials as a wellness center, SPMC is hampered by constant congestion of its space and facilities because everybody and his sick uncle go to SMPC even for minor injuries.

We fully support the campaign, reportedly part of an advocacy of DOH assistant secretary Romulo Busuego and strongly hope it will stop this unfortunate situation of public hospitals being underutilized.

Of course, it is everybody’s fundamental right to choose a medical facility that he thinks can give him the best service even if his problem is just a cut in the hand. However, not at the expense of the other patients afflicted

with graver sickness who could no longer be given space in overcrowded rooms.

Naturally, the hospital which is full of patients with superficial wounds can not be expected to fully attend to emergency patients or those with life-threatening diseases when even the hospital corridors are full of say pregnant women about to deliver their babies.

Yet, the problem can not be solved by a simplistic act of establishing traffic and order in the hospital. Obviously, this involves first changing the mindset of the people by way of educating them that they don’t have to come to the big city to avail themselves of sophisticated medical service because such service is available in the district hospitals and their health centers. This needs a vigorous, non-stop campaign to educate the public. Wise use of our public hospitals will go a long way in maximizing our limited resources and meager budget for medical service.

Asec Mulong Busuego, who’s known for the numerous reforms he had introduced as concurrent director of the Davao Regional Hospital, should be encouraged to wage the campaign among the 70 or more public hospitals under the supervision of the DOH. EDITORIAL

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vantage POINTS

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

T

HIS column talks about women, specifically women of power.

I found it a little limiting to write about women in power, and thought it would be more liberating to write about women of power.

That would give me more leeway in writing about different stories of women, from those in top level executive positions, to those noble-hearted classroom instructors, to the selfless women organizers who empowered fellow women to make a better life in their community.

Heck, we can even have that woman selling banana cue near Ateneo who I was told put her children through college with her meagre income. What a feat that is, and what power she exhibited hurdling that formidable challenge.

Women like this make a difference in other people’s lives, and that’s what I aim to capture in this column. Since it will be International Women’s Day on March 8, I would like to pay tribute to women. And with whom shall we start but our mothers?

March 8 is incidentally my mother’s birthday, and I used to find it ironic that she was born on the date when women’s empowerment is celebrated. That’s because I never saw her as empowered when I was a child. I grew up in a family dominated by men, even though there were more women than men in the family. My father was the eternal patriarch, while my mom the silent, dutiful wife who attended to his beck and call.

It was only when we were all grown up that I realized the real power lay in my mother’s hands. As my father travelled abroad for the good part of our child-

S

HORT LETHTAL PUNCHES – It is the duty of the national leadership to assert the prerogatives of the people, create a prosperous, and most importantly a democratic and just society. It needs to build a bridge between the rich, the middle-class and the poor. It is so degrading to see the line between the rich, the middle-class sector and the poor blurring as the latter struggle with unemployment and underdevelopment.

COMPARISON IS ODIOUS – Was there anything else going in a progressive and well-developed country like Canada? Indeed there was, notably in the city of Toronto, the country’s biggest city, but much has been overshadowed by the fast growth related to the high-end retail business. But amid the highend retail trade there is evident progress. Small but smart investors, particularly of Chinese ancestry who euphorically were looking to the future, embarked on the retail business peddling cheaper consumer-based products.

For now their merchandizing scheme is gaining ground and clearly visible at the Spadina and Dundas commercial areas popularly known as Chinatown. This reminds me of the business atmosphere

FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

Go grab the power

hood, my mother brought up five strong-willed daughters who now enjoy their chosen paths, majority with thriving careers in different parts of the world. I think that speaks a lot about the regal looking woman who gave us gentle words of advice, which we realize, now that we’re older, were really nuggets of wisdom.

I think that’s the case with everybody’s mothers.

They gave us life, cared for us, and set us off to live our own lives. Whether they were working moms or stay-at-home moms, they all deserve our tribute because being a good mother is one of the most difficult roles to take on in life.

So I pay extra homage to those women who performed more roles other than being mothers. They may have chosen to take on several roles at the same time, but more often than not, they had to do it because they had no choice.

To Aida, the simple housewife who lost her husband as he fought for labor rights, and who had to summon the courage from within herself to raise three kids on her own. Aida did not only empower herself, she became an organizer of women while working for a women’s research institution back in the 80s. She taught women they had the power to change their lives by teaching them skills and showing them their inherent rights as women.

To Ma’am Luz, whose

human rights lawyer husband was detained at the height of the people’s movement in Davao three decades ago. She was unwittingly thrust into the limelight as the wife of a political detainee. She was my professor and one of the most admired in Ateneo.

She is now in Congress advocating women’s rights.

To Manang Sufferina, that dark-skinned, weatherbeaten woman farmer I had interviewed decades ago for the book “Women’s Stories from the Land of Promise”, who tilled the land with their loyal carabao, because she was stronger than her frail husband. She had braved the scorching heat of the sun and mustered all her strength to plow the hard, unforgiving dirt under her bare feet, so she could feed her family.

To Amy, the political detainee turned researcher and women organizer, whose intelligence and artistic skill could not be held back by years of being behind bars. She illuminated hundreds of women with her eloquence and talent. She used her artistic skills to illustrate complex ideas while giving seminars to women, teaching them how to improve their welfare through basic women’s education and skills training.

To that battered woman who left an abusive husband to save herself, and reared three children alone.

Working in a women’s in-

The thriving cheaper consumer-based products retail trade

along the stretch of Ramon Magsaysay Avenue here in Davao City, specifically in the Chinatown commercial district where Chinese and Taiwanese traders who even can hardly speak Pilipino and the native tongue are now dominating the cheap consumer-based merchandise retail business. The retailing concept is exactly the same.

The clearest sign of progress is the proliferation of this kind of retail stores which have stocks of products ranging from garments, footwear, kitchenware, electronic items, gadgets and accessories, sportswear, athletic equipment, textile, toys, food stuff and many more newly imported, mainly from China. These hard-nosed business smarts are upbeat on the results because shoppers have shown interest in cheaper consumer-based productsand spend far more money than before on

affordable items.

Well, I presume small Chinese entrepreneurs in Canada are mimicking – and still continuously doing so – their fellow Chinese small traders in different parts of the world.

The way I look at it, courageous and determined Chinese capitalists embraced the low-cost consumerbased merchandise retail trade much earlier than their Indian counterpart s did – and have been more devoted to the retail business trend. As a result, their economical business scheme has been growing and spreading fast. With incomes rising in a country such as Canada and the rest of North America, retailers of inexpensive consumer-based items have found a more sizable market for their wares.

However, comparison is odious. There is a huge consumer audience in Canada, notably Toronto, and

stitution allowed her to empower other women in the same situation, making them realize they did not have to bear the violence inflicted upon them, that they could fight back by emancipating themselves from the abusive relationship.

To the wife who devoted her life to six wonderful kids, but whose husband barely treated her well. She always had a ready smile for the rest of their family and friends, while carrying the hope of having a respectful and honest marriage. She finally had the courage to leave when faced with indisputable proof of her husband’s philandering ways.

To that grandmother who bravely came out as a comfort woman during the Japanese occupation. Her withered frame and genteel eyes belied a determination of steel, wanting justice, no matter how late in her life, for the horrifying acts committed on her person decades ago.

To that mail-order bride who gathered enough courage to come out and tell her story to the public, despite the disdain of other people, so that women may learn that finding a foreign husband by way of mere correspondence does not necessarily lead to a charmed life.

There are countless other stories of women that I won’t be able to share here, but they all deserve the tribute.

If you’re a woman, whatever your story is, there are other women out there who share your plight.

If all these women I mentioned were able to break the shackles that imprisoned them in whatever dire straits they were in, you too can do the same. So, grab the power and go change your life. other big bustling cities because of high and stable income of the working sector. Unlike here in the Philippines, including Davao City where job opportunity is scarce and average daily income below the minimum wage, consumer audience is largely limited to those who have enough money to spare. But the Chinese and Taiwanese traders doing business in the country, particularly Davao City, have remained optimistic. Despite the fundamental economic difference they are taking the risk as part of the highly competitive endeavor.

Now the inexpensive consumer-based products retail trade is thriving not only in Davao City but throughout the country and the rest of the world.

The tangible proof could be seen in the city’s different busy commercial districts. More retail outlets are cramped with varied collections and lines of low-cost consumer-based goods. The main reason foreign traders doing business in the city, many of whom I suspect are aliens, prosper because they certainly know how to reshape small spenders including the spendthrifts and tightwads into using their hard-earned money and expect the big growth will still be coming.

9

Triers on trial

I

T is not only Chief Justice Renato Corona who is being tried in the on-going impeachment trial, but the senator-judges and congressman-prosecutors as well—at least from a political standpoint.

Their individual conduct and performance will have a relevant bearing and impact on their political agen da – the local elections in 2013 and the national polls in 2016.

They simply cannot escape notice by the people.

The exciting, but often boring past three weeks of the trial have given us an inkling as to who has a brighter political future.

After having been bombarded with legalistic jargon –objections, manifestation, stipulation, representation, jurisprudence, ruling, resolution, subpoena duces tecum ad infinitum, this corner has made the following assessment of the performances of the leading players in the impeachment teleserye: MIRIAM D. SANTIAGO, senator from Iloilo – The “D” stands for devastating. Far from being gentle, this woman is ballistic but sonorous. She’s immensely enjoying herself, having a grand time berating and lecturing prosecutors on court rules and procedures.

She’s like a schoolmaster at an English school for boys.

Every time she has the floor, she floors everybody with her trademark highfalutin language and overbearing tone. Her wit, her typical arrogance colored by her heavily accented tagalog are the exhilirating antidotes to boredom. She has everyone including the defense lead counsel, under her thumb.

JUAN PONCE ENRILE, senator from Cagayan Valley – unquestionably, he is the star of the impeachment trial.

His stint role as presiding officer is the biggest feather in his cap. People will not forget his impeccable handing of the trial. Two years short of 90, he displays clarity of mind and knowledge of the law. The Corona impeachment trial will be Enrile’s crowning glory – corona de gloria in Spanish.

What an amazing semantic coincidence.

FRANKLIN DRILON, SERIO OSMEÑA III, TEOFISTO GUINGOÑA III, PIA CAYETANO, senators from Iloilo Cebu, Agusan, Taguig – They

have what we may call pusong P-Noy, meaning whatever P-Noy wants, they will give, like Corona’s head, for example.

BONG REVILLA JR, LITO LAPID, senators from Cavite and Pampanga, respectively – Well, what can you expect something sensible from high school graduates? Ang Panday and Leon Guerrero belong in the barangay hall, not the Senate Hall.

JOKER ARROYO, senator from Makati and Bicol – At past summers, he exudes true senility when he takes the floor. He rumbles his thoughts when he expresses his doubt ton certain issues, and when he takes his seat, he leaves everybody in doubt as to what was the point he wanted to point out.

ANTONIO TRILLANES III, senator from Bicol – This former rebel soldier and coup plotter is outstanding in his silence. Let’s hope that he will keep his silence throughout the trial, save himself from embarrassment and possibly ridicule. As political neophyte, we cannot expect much from him.

MANUEL VILLAR, FERDINAND MARCOS JR, PAFILO LACSON, GREGORIO HONASAN – senators from Marikina, Ilocos Norte, Cavite and Bicol, respectively – Being non-lawyers, they cannot hope to untangle legal cobwebs and make an impact on the court understandably, they wisely keep their peace.

PETER ALAN CAYETANO, senator from Taguig – He is the typical grandstander. Obviously, he’s knowledgeable of the law being a lawyer, and brilliant to a point, he likes to play to the crowd.

JINGGOY ESTRADA, senator from San Juan –Mischievous as ever, in his body language and his patented, condescending smirk. He is the brighter version of “Asiong Salonga”.

NEIL TUPAS JR, Lead prosecutors from Iloilo – Anak ng Tupa, He gets the thumbs-up sign for courage under fire. The guy should have stepped down on Day One of the trail when he admitted the panel was not prepared for Article One of the complaint. His English is impeccable, but his argument are garbled.

BizQUIPS ‘THE finalized EO (executive order) will take into consideration all the concerns of the stakeholders— the mining companies, the environmentalists as well as the government.’

--Presidential v on the apprehensions of businessmen over the leaked draft mining EO.

10 VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

COMPETITIVE EDGE

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Caltex energizes Davao presence with new tagline and 20th station

DTAA Mega Travel Sale Expo 2012 links you to the world through travel C

N

OW on its 3rd year, the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA), once again, opens the doors of the world to all travel enthusiasts by bringing back the much-awaited travel sale event in the city with more hoopla and excitement. Dubbed 3rd Davao Mega Travel Sale, the event will be at the Atrium of the Abreeza Mall, JP Laurel Av-

enue, Davao City from March 2-4, 2012.

This year, DTAA promises a travel sale show where special promotional packages will be offered available only during the sale period. This will be a great opportunity for travel enthusiasts to shop for the best deal. Expect big discounts from participating airlines, for land arrangements and hotel ac-

TRAVEL SALE. Top Davao-based travel and tour operators brief the media attending the Club 888 media forum in Marco Polo Hotel on their Mega Travel Sale Expo 2012, March 2-4. (See story above). From right, Alex Divinagracia, president of the Davao Association of Tour Operators

commodations. Suppliers of the industry will be participating such as hotels, cruises, resorts, tour operators and travel agencies – local and national.

To add color to the show, the three-day program is packed with fun-filled activities such as the holding of the 2nd Mr. and Ms. Davao Travel Ambassadors for tourism students.

With the competition, an in-

creased awareness of the travel industry is hopefully achieved.

More than this, special prizes will also be raffled for the benefit of the show visitors.

For more information, please contact DTAA at 3007325 / 2278690 or through email address data. dmt@gmail.com. Visit the show and get connected with the world!

(Dato); Pia P. Montano, past president of Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA); incumbent DTAA president Trizia Tan, and DTAA vice president Fraz Pasquil. (Lean Daval Jr.)

CEB cited in Singapore conference T

HE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) won Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) of the Year, and its President and CEO Lance Gokongwei was named LCC CEO of the Year during the Budgie$ and Travel Awards 2012 last February 9, 2012.

The Budgie$ and Travel Awards 2012 was one of the highlights of the 2012 Low-Cost Airlines World Asia Pacific Conference held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore last week.

Representing the Philippines, CEB bested other airlines such as Air Asia, Jetstar, IndiGo, Spring Airlines and SpiceJet for LCC and LCC CEO of the Year, two Budgie$ Awards categories that were introduced just this year. CEB won Friendliest LCC of the Year award in 2011.

“We at Cebu Pacific are

very happy and humbled by these awards, especially since they were voted by our peers in the Asia Pacific aviation industry. It is a very exciting time for the airline since we recently announced we will offer long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013. Rest assured we will continue providing the lowest fares, extensive route network and more innovative travel products to our passengers,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei announced last month that the airline will lease A330-300 aircraft to expand its range to possible destinations such as Australia, Middle East, and parts of Europe and the US. The airline’s domestic destinations are: Bacolod, Boracay

(Caticlan), Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela), Cebu, Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legaspi, Laoag, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian,

Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Mindoro), Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tawi-Tawi, Tuguegarao, Virac and Zamboanga.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales and promos can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and 2 Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements.

of Malagos Farmhouse, vice president; Thelma ReyesMiclat of Rey-Mic Enterprises; secretary; Celerina Dayanan of Davao Orient Foods, treasurer, Christina Ramos of Timeless & Beverage Products, auditor; Mary Grace Belviz of Rosario Foods, chair of the Committee on Trade & Promotions; Genaro Sandoval of Sagrex Foods Incorporated, Asst. Trade & Promotions Offi-

cer, and Evelyn Lavina of Lavina Food Products, chair of the Committee on Membership.

The newly inducted members of FPAD are Genaro Sandoval, Tayna Reyes-Miclat, Naome Basilio of Pacquito y Catalina de Davao Processed Foods, Felecitas Pantoja of Coffee for Peace, Sheehan Jay Laguindan of Safepac and Michelle Louise Enano of the Philippine Women’s College.

Gokongwei

FPAD inducts its new set of officers

T

HE Food Processors Association of Davao City (FPAD), a group of 30 micro to large size food processing companies in Davao, convened at the Garden Oases on February 9, 2012 for the induction of their new members and CY 2012-2014 set of officers.

The occasion was attended by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pro-

vincial Director Teolulo T. Pasawa and Mari Ann N. Daran, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Regional Director Ms. Elsie A. Solidum and City Agriculturist Office Division Chief Engr. Nanette delos Santos.

The new set of officers inducted by DTI’s Teolulo Pasawa, are Ms. Marilou Fernandez of KOKI Foods, president; Olive Puentespina

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ALTEX, one of the world’s leading energy brands and marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), today rolls out its new tagline “Enjoy the Journey” in Davao as it opens its 20th station in the city along Diversion Road.

Speaking before the local Davao media, Chevron Philippines Inc (CPI) Country Chairman Jim Meynink said, “Enjoy the Journey is a new and fresh promise from Caltex to the Dabawenyoa to provide safe and quality fuels so that Davao can continue on its journey to progress.”

Caltex plans to expand its business in Davao City and nearby areas. This is part of CPI’s strategy to increase the Caltex brand’s presence in growth centers around the country. CPI will continue to upgrade its infrastructure network in Davao City to serve the needs of the fast growing city which hosts a vital Caltex terminal in barangay Sasa.

Meynink revealed that aside from being the 20th Caltex station in Davao, the station forms part of its planned 25 new Caltex stations to be opened all over the country in 2012. Caltex met its target of 20 new stations nationwide in 2011 which also started with the opening of the TWC Caltex station in Waan, Davao.

Out of the 400 new stations that Caltex will open throughout Asia Pacific in the next five years, about 125 will be located in the Philippines. Prior to opening its latest station in Davao and just a day before, Caltex opened its 34th station in Cebu City. These activities underscore the commitment of Caltex to grow its business in Davao and the whole of

the Philippines.

Meynink noted, “The energy demand here in Davao City is surging – and with our strong brand, dedicated people and partners, we are well-positioned for success.”

The Caltex brand of topquality fuels and lubricants include Caltex with Techron®, Caltex Diesel with Techron D®, Caltex E10 with Techron – all designed to deliver lower emissions, higher performance and cleaner engine. Caltex lubricants products are Caltex Havoline®, and Caltex Delo®, which give quality and protection for gasoline, motorcycle, and diesel engines.

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

Caltex™ is Chevron’s marketing brand in Asia Pacific and parts of the Middle East and Africa. Caltex products and associated brands are sold in approximately 60 countries across these regions. More information on Caltex is available at www. caltex.com.

Veterans Bank nets P520 million in 2011

P

HILIPPINE Veterans Bank (PVB) reported an unaudited net income of P519.89 million at the close of the year 2011. The Bank’s total resources were pegged at P56.48 billion while capital funds stood at P5.76 billion.

Bank officials said the net income was mainly derived from interest income from lending, trading gains and strategic management of its foreign exchange and investment portfolio.

PVB President Ricardo A. Balbido Jr. said that “The Bank was able to generate substantial results in 2011 inspite of the historical low interest rates and intense industry competition brought about by the excess liquidity in the system.”

The 2011 yearend figures are slightly higher than the previous year’s net income of P515 million. Total resources dipped slightly by 3% from P58.24 bil-

lion. Capital however moved up slightly by 5.5% to P5.766 billion from the previous year’s P5.465 billion. The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 16.15% under Basel II, still well above the 10% minimum requirement of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For 2012, the Bank hopes to achieve a growth target of 15% or about to P65 billion in total assets by yearend. Target net income is set at P500 million.

Philippine Veterans Bank is a private commercial bank owned by some 400,000 World War II veterans, widows & their heirs. The Bank is also committed to providing 20% of its annual net income to the Board of Trustees for the Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII) which manages programs for the benefit of the WWII veterans, widows & their surviving families.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

competitive edge FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

Coco water partnership. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) has partnered with Peter Paul Philippine, Corporation (PPPC) to launch PCPPI’s latest product offering that is touted to become the next global health drink. In the presence of PCPPI Chairman and CEO Hwang Chung (second from right), PCPPI President Partho Chakrabarti (left from center) and PPPC President Jose T. Quimson

Araw ng Dabaw video contest expected to help promote City

T

OUTED as the most exciting video contest of the year, Davao-In-A-Minute is seen as a vehicle to help promote Davao, particularly with the production of creative and appealing one-minute videos, this according to Dax Canedo, a member of the organizing committee of Davao-In-A-Minute which is part of the major activities for the 75th Araw ng Dabaw.

Canedo founded the Mindanao Film and Television Development Foundation

(MFTDFI) organizers of one of the country’s longest running independent filmfest, the Davao City-based Mindanao Film Festival.

Canedo says that the oneminute videos are audience friendly, can easily be shared among a broad audience with potential to be an internet viral it also poses an exciting artistic challenge for those who will be making it. “Imagine the challenge of telling people why life is here in Davao within a span of 60 seconds.”

The one-minute videos must adhere to the theme fitted to the city’s Life is Here branding campaign. Major criteria included relevance to the theme, creativity of the concept, visual and narrative appeal and technical proficiency.

“It is really about being creative in telling us why life is here. The video contest values creativity because we believe there are so many creative people in Davao City.”

Canedo added. (pr)

11

shake hands after signing the contract recently in Makati. Also witnessing the event are (from left): PCPPI Adviser to the Chairman Antonio Ongpin, PPPC Marketing Manager Rhoey Lee Dakis, PPPC Chief Finance Officer Danilo Garcia , and PCPPI Chief Finance Officer Akash Shah (extreme right).

Dos Mestizos opens

F

OOD lovers in bustling Davao City have another reason to celebrate. An authentic Spanish restaurant from Boracay is the new welcome addition to the burgeoning culinary choices scattered like gems all over this progressive city.

The softly lit restaurant framed by tall windows open to a manicured lawn right by the shores of the Davao Gulf in Pearl Farm Marina. Strains of mellow tunes greet the diners and set the mood for dining and relaxation.

Dos Mestizos was first conceived in Boracay in 1997

by Juan Carlos Remedios with another Spanish mestizo – Jose Ramon Nieto – thus the “Dos”. The “Mestizos” came from their proud FilipinoSpanish blood and heritage.

In the early 90›s, Juan Carlos, also known as Bing-

goy to friends felt fortunate enough to come back to the Philippines after 15 years abroad from the U.S, Europe and the Middle East working for different food service companies. He is a beach person and understandably fell in love with Boracay. Davao is where he went to grade school and high school and has many friends that he grew up with and has not seen in 40 years.

A childhood friend Tonyboy F. invited him to Davao and he felt good to be back.

As the owners and cooks are Spanish mestizos, they bring to the table classic Castillan dishes passed on to them by their grandparents. Even as they derive their cuisine from Spain, many of these dishes are from the northern region – the Basque country where many Spanish-Filipino comes from, so they have dishes that

are very familiar to the Filipino taste like the lengua estofada, bacalao vizcaina, and callos to name a few.

The four-week old roasted piglet, the cochinillo, and their very fresh seafood dishes; dorado fish fillet in parsley sauce (salsa verde), sopa de Mariscos are a must have.

Paella of course is a bestseller.

Green salad is also very popular as they grow organic produce such as different types of lettuce, coriander, parsley etc. in their own organic farm located in Nabaoy near the airport of Caticlan.

For the first-time diners to Dos Mestizos, Binggoy, highly recommends the tapas while having sangria and to highlight the night with their famous seafood paella. For dessert, you can cap off the meal with bread pudding glazed in a light natilla sauce.

Search for Happiest Pinoy 2012 goes to Davao City

C

ALLING all Dabawenyos—the search for the Happiest Pinoy 2012 is ongoing and you still have the chance to be the lucky winner.

This year, Happiest Pinoy 2012 moves on to seek out hopefuls in Davao, and it might be someone you know or even yourself, who may be the lucky Happiest Pinoy. Out of 95 million Filipinos, only one will be crowned the Happiest Pinoy 2012.

The Happiest Pinoy 2012 is a project of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, inc.

(CLIS). It seeks and recognizes the country’s most optimistic and passionate Filipinos who overcame difficulties and exhibited resilience amid life’s challenges, without losing their cheerful attitude.

The contest is open to any Filipino aged 18 and above who has an optimistic outlook in life, unwavering cheerful disposition, capacity to rise above

life’s challenges and ability to give a positive impact on the lives of those around him or her. If you know anyone who qualifies for these criteria, you can nominate that person to the contest.

Five finalists will be chosen, but only one will receive the title of Happiest Pinoy 2012

and a PhP250,000 cash prize, tax-free.

Entries should depict the life story and exemplary traits of the nominee, feature the elements that make the candidate constantly optimistic and happy and show how he or she has demonstrated resilience and inner strength in times of crisis.

BizQUIPS ‘IF we want higher economic growth, if we want to created jobs, if we want to reduce poverty, won’t revitalizing the film industry help?’

--Secretary General Romulo A. Virola of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

GOVERNANCE

12 VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

City needs floodgates and pumping stations

T

HE City Engineer’s Office sees the need for engineering interventions like the construction of floodgates and pumping stations to mitigate the flooding problem in the city.

Engineer Alan Tibor told members of local media that these are the immediate needs in the city given that are many of low-lying areas that suffer from severe flooding after heavy rains. «A part of the city is below sea level,» Tibor said.

City consultant Danny Dayanghirang cited the Candaba flood project as a potential solution for Davao›s case.

“We would definitely be needing billions, but this is what we really need. A flood gate that we can close during high tide and open again when the tide is low,” Dayanghirang said.

The city often experiences heavy rainfall that results in flooding in many parts of the city.

Tibor explained that

Davao has a total of 25 outlets in the form of creeks, natural waterways, canals and rivers.

However, most of these outlets are no longer functioning normally. Instead of directing canal water to the sea, the water often gets blocked along the way and tends to back up to where it came from.

There is a need to require industries to put up their own water impounding system to temporarily store excess water which the industries can later use.[PIA 11]

EGION 11 has experienced continuous rain for the last few days, in view of this, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau reminds the local government units of the region to be alert and be prepared especially in landslide and flood prone areas.

Local government units in areas that are extremely high in susceptibility to landslide and flooding are advised to immediately relocate to other safer areas.

MGB Dir. Edilberto Arreza said, “In Davao City, certain areas are identified as prone to flooding, areas however that are highly susceptible to landslide include Marilog, Paquibato and Calinan District.”

A number of barangays in municipalities of New Corella, Santo Tomas, Braulio Dujali, Carmen, Tagum and Panabo are

prone to flooding. Most of the areas prone to flooding in Davao del Norte are those in close proximity to rivers and creeks. Said areas in Sto.Tomas are near Libuganon River and Tuganay River which also cause riverbank erosion and scouring to dwelling areas adjacent to riverbanks.

Areas that are both prone to landslide and flooding are found in the municipality of Talaingod in barangays Palma Gil and Dagohoy. Barangays in the municipalities mentioned are advised to be alert especially during storm and rainy days. Fourteen barangays in Tagum meanwhile, are identified as high in terms of flooding susceptibility.

In Davao del Sur, the municipality of Jose Abad Santos has high incidence of flooding in most of its barangays. Six-

teen barangays out of the twenty three that was mapped for geohazard are high in flooding incidence. And four of these barangays are also high in terms of flooding. Other hazards identified in this municipality include among others, flashflooding, storm surge, coastal erosion and tidal flooding.

Conversely, the municipalities of Hagonoy, Padada and Sulop, have only few identified areas prone to flooding. Sta Maria, on the other hand, have twelve municipalities out of twenty two are landslide prone areas and six of these are either very high or extremely high in landslide vulnerability. Barangays high in flooding are Basiawan, Buca, Pongpong and six others.[MGB/PIA- ETI]

PRO LEGAL ADOPTION. Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio receives a plaque from Director Ester A. Versoza of DSWD for her valuable support of DSWD programs and for her inspirational message during the Adoption Forum Friday at the DSWD Office. In her message, Mayor DuterteCarpio revealed she is a happy and proud adoptive

Dad eyes leased recreation zones to break the impasse

Disaster hot spots bared R T

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HE local government of Davao City is eyeing a recreation zone along the Times Beach area as a remedy for resort owners with pending reclamation permits to operate their businesses.

City Councilor Arnulfo Cabling said the lawyers of Emar’s Wave Pool, a beach and pool resort located at Times Beach has manifested to the City Council of the owners’ proposal to simply lease the property from the City Government. The owners initially offered a lease rate of P120 per square meter annually.

Cabling, guesting at Kapihan sa SM Davao at Cafe Rhysus last Feb. 13 said they

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 11 Davao City IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY OF HIS GENDER FROM “FEMALE” TO “MALE” IN HIS CERTIFICATE OF LIVE

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 13033-11

parent, urging other adoptive parents to apply for legal adoption in the best interest of their adoptive child and for the whole family as well. Also in photo is Assistant Director Priscilla N. Razon. The Adoption Consciousness Week is held every first week of February. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

SPEC. PROC.NO. 11,650-2011

ROEL V. ELDUAYEN Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against ROEL V. ELDUAYEN, with postal addresses at 88 Lopez Joana, Mt. Apo St. DAVAO CITY and Lot 20, Blk. 6, Topaz St. (road Lot 6),CRYSTAL MEADOWS SUBD., BO. SASA, DAVAO CITY ,DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 25, 2010 amounts to One Hundred Ninety Eight Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Four Pesos and 85/100 (198, 334.85.00), Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on March 22 2012, at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-201353

“ A parcel of land of the subdivision project (Lot 20, Blk.6 , of the subdivision plan Psd-112402-034126 being a portion of Lot 26 (LRC) psd-97023) situated in the Barangay of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of EIGHTY ONE (81) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 19, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 11, 2012

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG

Sheriff IV Noted by: SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

CHYREL QUINDAO ALEGRIA rep. by ABRAHAM R. ALEGRIA, JR. Petitioner

Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- ROEL V. ELDUAYEN PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 2/13,20,27)

Copy furnished: 1. Atty. Dennis R. Ampon, Calinan, Davao City 2. The Local Civil Registrar, Davao City 3. The City legal Office, Davao City (Edge 2/13,20/27)

-versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY x-----------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

BY THIS VERIFIED petition and for the reasons stated therein, the above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court directing the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to correct petitioner’s gender as appearing on his Certificate of Live Birth from “female to “male” and to correct the spelling of petitioner’s name due to the blurred entry “CHYREL QUINDAO ALEGRIA”.

Finding the petition to be to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice,Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City on MARCH 8, 2012 , Thursday at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which place, date and time any interested person may appear and show cause if any, why the samw should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper published in the City of Davao and of general circulation in the said city and the provinces of Davao as determined by raffled in accordance with law.

Furnish each with a copy of the petition and of this Order the Local Civil registrar of Davao City and the City Legal Office of Davao City as counsel for the City of Davao.

SO ORDERED.

`Given this 26th day of January 2012, Davao City, Philippines.

(SGD) VIRGINIA –HOFILEÑA A. EUROPA Presiding Judge

had referred the proposal to the appraisal board at City Hall as the City Council has no expertise on land valuation. If the appraisal board comes up with a finding, they are looking for a council resolution which would authorize the city nayor to sign a lease contract with the owners of Emar’s and also with Queensland which also has a pending reclamation controversy.

The mayor’s office enforced a closure order against Emar’s Wavepool last December after it failed to secure a business permit.

The 15th City Council also denied the resort’s application for reclamation and directed the resort to first secure a permit from the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

Cabling said the application at the PRA has been moving at a snail’s-pace.

However, everything will still end up ultimately with the the city government as the PRA would simply turn over the application of Emars to the city. Cabling said they are eyeing for the city to just lease the area to the resort.

The Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it could not also enter into a lease agreement with the company as Presidential Proclamation No. 20 signed

by President Ramon Magsaysay in 1954 gave the area to the city as a reservation area for recreational purposes.

Cabling said that they are also looking to repeal the resolution in the last Council which mandates the company to endorse the reclamation project to the PRA. He said that the resorts would still fit the purpose as recreational areas as embodied in the provisions of the Magsaysay law and that they could require certain conditions, like solid waste management, liquid waste management, environmental rehabilitation and monitoring of the compliance.

Emars Wavepool occupies about five to 10 hectares while Queensland is a three to five5 hectares of reclaimed property. The reclamation projects were done without permit from the PRA and despite issuances of cease-and-desist orders from the city government.

[PIA 11/RG ALAMA]

Sara prefers visual warnings

D

AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte prefers visual warning rather than sophisticated but expensive river sensors to detect impending flashfloods from the city’s rivers.

“Let us go visual” said the City Mayor in answer to questions on which flood warning system she would prefer during a press conference at The Marco Polo Davao last February 15.

“We have designated watchers who will periodically check the water level and coordinate it with the chief of police.” Duterte said.

She added that sensor technology is still untested, adding that manual visual warnings are more reliable.

Among the areas where the

manual systems are put in place are rivers in Calinan and Marilog.

Last December ICT Davao, a group of IT stakeholders, came up with a proposal to develop the prototype system of sophisticated GPS river sensors whose findings could be sent to SMS and social media sites in real time.

However, early this year, City Planning and Development Officer Roberto Alabado said the City Government prefers manual river alarms as he found the cost of securing modern river sensors as too expensive. Of the four prototype river sensors, three were looted with only one model still functioning. [PIA 11/RG ALAMA]

BizQUIPS ‘AS I said before, the planned 100-percent increase in PhilHealth contributions is unnecessary.’

--Senator Ralph Recto, who’s asking the Senate to investigate PhilHealth

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

SUBURBIA

FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

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Sarangani top classroom builder S

ARANGANI province may be the best performer in the whole country in terms of implementing school building programs, a top education official said during the turnover ceremony of new school buildings for elementary and high schools in a far-flung village of Malapatan Wednesday, February 15.

SPPC (Southern Philippines Power Corporation)-funded school buildings in the capital town of Alabel. In the school year 2012-2013, Sarangani will receive 90 school buildings valued at 61 million pesos from the regular budget of the Department of Education’s school building program, according to Dr. Allan Farnazo, DepEd schools division superintendent.

Governor Migs Dominguez sourced the funds through Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the construction of 162 classroom buildings in the province.

The two new elementary classroom buildings were funded by DepEd through its Basic Education Facilities Fund

with a project cost of P2.2 million and built through the Department of Public Works and Highways’ School Building Program.

After the program, Gov. Dominguez met with barangay officials and tribal elders and leaders to come up with a solution to minimize, if not eliminate, school dropouts.

The caucus produced a written agreement between the governor and the barangay officials that the governor would only outsource funds from private partners for the construction of a P0.5 million worth so-called “classdorm”—a classroom converted into a dormitory, for incoming high school students living in the remotest area of the barangay if all the Grade VI graduate this summer.

The tribal elders and leaders in this Blaan community also agreed that tribal women will only be allowed to marry if they finish high school as per appeal earlier of Dr. Farnazo.

Meanwhile, in Alabel, two new classrooms were inaugurat-

Compostela Valley first district Representative Ma. Carmen Zamora-Apsay [center] receives a plaque from DSWD Director Ester A. Versoza following her keynote address at the recent

DSWD 61st Founding Anniversary Program and Awards Ceremonies. Also in photo is Assistant Director Priscilla N. Razon. [DSWD/Leslie La0Francisco]

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

ed last February 6. The Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) turned-over two classrooms worth P1,327,000 which marked the firm’s 26th donation to Sarangani.

The donation was in cooperation with the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. and Sarangani Province Empowerment and Community Transformation Forum.

The new facilities are the 102nd and 103rd classrooms constructed under the administration of Governor Dominguez.

The two classrooms, costing P672,000 and P655,000, respectively, are fully furnished, complete with 40 school chairs each, electrical lightings, comfort room and ceiling fans.

Tirso Santillan Jr., chief executive director of Power Business Unit of Alcantara Group of Companies which donated th facilities, said the classrooms are the company’s contribution to education in Sarangani as part of its corporate social responsibility and community relations program.[SARANGANI PIO]

FIRST PLACE. Dancers from Kiamba National High School, Sarangani province won 1st place in the 8th Timpuyog Festival’s street-dancing competition February 14. The town was also celebrating its 64th Foundation Anniversary

GSC intensifies dengue watch

L

OCAL health personnel in General Santos City are closely monitoring four villages here due to the rising incidence of the deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever since last month.

Dr. Lalaine Calonzo, acting head of the City Integrated Health Services Office (CIHSO), said they have so far recorded 32 confirmed dengue cases within the city’s 26 barangays.

She said most of the confirmed dengue cases were recorded in Barangays City Heights, Labangal, Apopong and San Isidro, where several housing subdivisions and crowded residential communities are situated.

“These areas are presently the focus of our (anti-dengue) monitoring and campaign because they commonly register significant cases of dengue based on our records,” Calonzo said.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13032-11

SPS. JOEL P. ENERO AND REBECCA A. ENERO Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. JOEL P. ENERO AND REBECCA ENERO, with postal addresses at Bunawan Davao City and Lot 1, BLK 3, Jade cor. Road Lot 14, MARIETA VILLAGE, BRGY. TIBUNGCO, DAVAO CITY ,DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of Fbruary 18, 2010 amounts to Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Six Hundred (280,625.00), Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on March 22 2012, at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-195753 “ A parcel of land (Lot 1, Blk.3 Psd-11-013698 being a portion of Lot A-2 , Psd11-007077) situated in the Barrio of Tibungco, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY ONE (181) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 19, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 11, 2012 FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- SPS. JOEL P. ENERO AND REBECCA A. ENERO PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 2/13,20,27)

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13031-11 RETCHEL P. DIABORDO Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against RETCHEL P. DIABORDO, with postal addresses at 30 Juan dela Cruz St. Davao City and Lot 20, Blk.48, Turkey St., CABANTIAN COUNTRY HOMES, BO. CABANTIAN, DAVAO CITY ,DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of May 06, 2011 amounts to Two Hundred Eleven Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Pesos (211,250.00.00), Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on March 22 2012, at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-215056 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision (Lot 20, Blk.48 of the consolidation –subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001696 , situated in the Barangay of Cabantian, ,City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of NINETY SEVEN AND 100/65 (97.65) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 19, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 11, 2012

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- RETCHEL P. DIABORDO PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 2/13,20,27)

which culminated with a Valentine’s Ball and concert/disco in the evening. Visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/ > Province of Sarangani </a> [Russel Delvo]

The official said they have not yet recorded any dengue fatality in the area but she urged residents to take some extra precaution and observe the recommended anti-dengue measures, among them the maintenance of clean surroundings.

She said households should regularly replace their stored water, especially those in big containers, after 24 hours to prevent the dengue-carrying aedes aegypti mosquitoes from using them as breeding places.

“We should clean up our households and surroundings of open, unattended containers like tin cans to stop the dengue vectors from invading or spreading to our areas, especially now that were experiencing occasional rains,” Calonzo said.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 12 showed that the city posted 161 confirmed dengue cases, including four fatalities, in the first half of 2011.

The succeeding monitoring and surveillance reports released by the agency noted that dengue cases in the area increased significantly during the rainy period from the months of July to Sep-

tember.

In three quarters last year, the city’s confirmed dengue cases reached 364 or down by 76 percent when compared to the 1,525 cases recorded in 2010.

But local health personnel recorded 11 dengue deaths as of the end of September last year or up by a case compared to the same period in 2010.

Meantime, in nearby South Cotabato province, provincial health officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido said they recorded 12 confirmed dengue cases in January.

[PNA]

He said half of the cases, which included two members of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, were monitored in Tupi town.

“Our intensified (antidengue) campaign is ongoing and it is still anchored on the 4-S strategy because we found it very effective as a control measure,” Aturdido said.

The 4-S strategy, which was introduced by the DOH, stands for search and destroy, self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

DavNor training institute planned

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OV. Rodolfo P. del Rosario is pushing for legislation creating the Davao del Norte Training Institute (DNTI) in order to attain excellence in local governance.

In pursuit of the P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda of promoting education, the training center shall serve as venue for the training of local government officials, functionaries and employees.

The provincial training institute will offer in-service trainings, orientation courses, seminars, workshops and other training programs designed “to upgrade the knowledge, moral fitness, probity, efficiency and capability” of the local officials and civil servants.

It will also implement a curriculum for practical education in modular masters program, that allows the participants to earn appropriate and equivalent credit units towards attaining a postgraduate degree.

Aside from the aim of em-

BizQUIPS

powering LGU officials and staff, Gov. del Rosario is pursuing the project as part of the cost-cutting and revenue-generating measures of the province, in keeping with the president’s thrust of instilling budget discipline among government agencies.

The governor earlier said the training center would enable the province to save millions of pesos spent on travels of provincial officials and employees who attend trainings and seminars outside of the Region 11. To help conserve the resources of the province, Gov. del Rosario had declared a moratorium in 2010 on such exorbitant outside trainings.

Del Rosario said the center will initially cater to the training needs of local functionaries and staff in Davao del Norte. However, the facilities of the center will be available later on to other provinces and government agencies, as well as, non-government organizations. [NOEL BAGUIO]

‘RURAL electrification is a program that has the approval of the President and both houses of Congress because it is good for the economy, for the Philippines and for the Filipinos.’

--Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras on the P33-billion rural electrification program during the next five years.

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

14 VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

PHL could be global leader Apple brings iPad to the Mac in healthcare BPO in 2012 A T HE Philippines is poised to become the world leader in the multi-billion-dollar worth of healthcare information management outsourcing this year, an executive of the Information Communications and Technology Office (ICTO) said.

According to Mr. Alejandro Melchor, ICTO Deputy Executive Director, the availability of licensed healthcare professionals such as nurses in the country would ensure the steady supply of agents to fill in the seats for healthcare outsourcing.

Aside from medical transcription, the healthcare outsourcing market has evolved to include high-value services namely, clinical coding, disease management, revenue cycle management and pharmaceutical benefits management.

Healthcare information management outsourcing is one of four areas that the Philippines is looking into for expansion, alongside finance and accounting, HR outsourcing, and animation and

creative process outsourcing, said Melchor.

As the number one voice services provider worldwide, Melchor said that it is crucial for the country to move into “highvalue chain” services such as the four growth areas.

“Medical information outsourcing is the most promising of the four sectors we are targeting for growth. In fact, the Philippines is the de facto number one this year, not in the total number of seats but in terms of being a destination of choice,” said Melchor.

To date, some 14,000 Filipino health care professionals earned P2 million in revenues for the healthcare sector.

ICTO promised it will work and coordinate efforts closely with the Business Process Association Philippines (BPAP) and the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines to plan a roadmap for the four highgrowth areas.

During a press conference

held last week, Ms. Gillian Joy Virata, BPAP executive Senior Executive Director, said that eight in ten companies that visit the country will do business here, a recognition of the country’s skilled workers and favorable business climate.

Driving the growth of the huge market for Healthcare information management outsourcing is the steady growth of the aging “baby boomers” in the United States and the recently signed landmark healthcare law “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” under the Obama administration, Melchor said.

“A little retooling of skills is needed to make the Filipino medical workers IT-savvy,” he said.

In a press statement, BPAP Chairman Alfredo Ayala said that the outsourcing industry will grow to a billion in export revenues in 2016. By that year alone, the sector will generate 1.3 million direct and 3.2 million indirect jobs. [PNA]

Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon during the launching of e-Innovations of PhilHealth held at the Discovery Suites, Ortigas, Pasig City.

E-Innovations of PhilHealth includes new corporate website www.philhealth.gov. ph, which takes pride in the inclusion of several online services in response to what the stakeholders need ranges from electronic registration, claims eligibility verification, and online mapping, to electronic premium

reporting and payment for employers.

Online mapping services is a facility for viewing the locations of PhilHealth’s Regional and Branch Offices, as well as those of accredited health facilities and provides a visualization of various corporate data using statistical maps. It can be accessed through three locations in the corporate website: About Us, Health Facilities Locations and PhilGIS. [PNA]

PPLE released a preview version of its new Macintosh operating system on Thursday, bringing some features of the iPad to the personal computer.

The Cupertino, Californiabased company said the updated operating system, called Mountain Lion, will be available to Macintosh developers immediately and Mac owners can upgrade to the new software in late summer.

Apple said Mountain Lion includes a new Messages application which replaces iChat and allows a user to send unlimited messages, photos and video from a Mac to another Mac or a device running iOS software such as the iPad or iPhone.

It also includes integration with Twitter allowing users to sign in and tweet directly from Safari, Photo Booth and thirdparty applications.

Game Center allows for live multiplayer games to be played across iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch devices while with AirPlay Mirroring, a Mac user can wirelessly send video from a Mac to an HDTV using Apple TV. Mountain Lion is the first Mac operating system built with the Internet “cloud” in mind, Apple said.

“More than 100 million users have iCloud accounts, and Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to set up iCloud and access documents across your devices,” it said.

Mountain Lion entices users into iCloud, which Apple chief executive Tim Cook this week described as one of the “profound changes” people will one day talk about with their grandchildren.

“If you dial back 10 to 12 years, Steve (Jobs) announced a

e-Innovations @ PhilHealth

T

HE Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) on Tuesday unveiled e-Innovations of PhilHealth such as e-claims for employers to verify members and dependents prior to benefits availment.

“The site welcomes our visitors to three major sections that are of primary interest to our stakeholders. These are members, our corporate partners, and our online services,” said PhilHealth president and CEO

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 17, Davao City REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff,

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY CIVIL CASE NO. 32,378-08 FOR: ESCHEAT

-versusDEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES,DAVAO BRANCH; EQUITABLE PCI BANK (NOW BANCO DE ORO), AGDAO, BANGOY,BANKEROHAN, C.M. RECTO, R. MAGSAYSAY, AND SAN PEDRO DAVAO BRANCHES; LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, DAVAO (RECTO) BRANCH; MAYBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES , DAVAO CITY BRANCH; METRO BANK, AGDAO, BAJADA, BANKEROHAN, DAVAO CENTER, DAVAO DOCTORS, RIZAL, STA. ANA, AND D. SUAZO BRANCHES, PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATION, MONTEVERDE BRANCH, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK, TORIL ,DAVAO BRANCH; PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK, DAVAO BRANCH; AND ALL CREDITORS/DEPOSITORS AS LISTED IN ANNEXES “A” TO “I” THEREOF, Defendants, x------------------------------x ORDER The plaintiff Republic of the Philippines filed the instant Complaint, praying that after publication and hearing, judgement be rendered declaring that the deposits with the defendant banks, credits and unclaimed balances in question be escheated to plaintiff Republic of the Philippines, and commanding defendant banks to forthwith deposit the same with the Treasurer of the Philippines.

Finding the Complaint to be sufficient in form and substance, set hearing of this case to May 21, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, directing all interested persons to appear on the said date ; and to show cause, why plaintiff’s prayer should not be granted.

Plaintiff through counsel, is directed to publish this Order, at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, prior to-the-date of hearing, in a designated and assigned qualified newspaper of general circulation, pursuant to Act No. 3986.

Furnish a copy of this Order to the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, for raffling of the publication.

SO ORDERED.

Given this 16th day of January 2012 at Davao City, Philippines

(SGD) EVALYN A. MORALES Presiding Judge Serve on: Asst. City Prosecutor Carlos Castaños- City prosecution Office Solicitor General- 134 Amorsolo St. Legaspi Vill. Makati City The Clerk of Court-RTC hall of Justice, Davao City (Edge 2/06, 13 ,20)

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13030-11

MAE LYNN D. DORINGUEZ Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against MAE LYNN D. DORINGUEZ, with postal addresses at 7-1 Del Pilar St., Agdao, DAVAO CITY and Lot 18, Blk. 4, LA VERNA HILLS SUBD., BO. PAMPANGA ,DAVAO CITY DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 09, 2010 amounts to Two Hundred Eighty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Five Pesos (289,625.00), Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on March 22 2012, at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-179643 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 18, Blk.4 of the consolidation –subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001422 , situated in the Barangay of Pampanga,,City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE (145) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 19, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 11, 2012

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF:

(SGD.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- MAE LYNN D. DORINGUEZ PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 2/13,2027)

big base, but 100 percent is still good,” he said. “China is a big focus for us.”

Macintosh computers have benefited from a “halo effect” that started with the success of culture-changing iPod players introduced in 2001 and which has continued with iPhones and iPads, according to Cook.

“The world changed for us in many ways when the iPhone launched,” Cook said, explaining that the hit smartphones brought the California company to the attention of millions of people around the world who “had never met Apple.”

“You can definitely see a synergistic effect of these products,” he said.

The iPad is eating into desktop computer sales in what late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs branded the “post-PC era” but is taking a bigger bite out of sales of machines powered by Microsoft’s Windows software, according to Cook.

“I do believe the iPad is cannibalizing some Mac, but it is cannibalizing more Windows PC,” Cook said at the conference.

“The way we see cannibalization is we prefer to do it rather than have somebody else do it,” he said. “It doesn’t mean the PC is going to die; I think the Mac can still grow.”

strategy for Apple that positions the Mac or PC at the hub of everyone’s life,” Cook said Tuesday at a Goldman Sachs technology conference in San Francisco. “iCloud turns that on its head,” he said. “It recognizes that, across that decade, you and I live off multiple devices.”

A new security feature called Gatekeeper protects Macs against malicious software by giving users control over what applications can be installed and downloaded, Apple said.

Cook, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, said the new Macintosh operating system takes advantage of features popular on the iPad and iPhone.

“We see that people are in love with a lot of apps and functionality here,” Cook said of the iPhone. “Anywhere where that makes sense, we are going to move that over to Mac.” Apple sold a record 5.2 million Macs last quarter.

In a nod to the booming China market, Mountain Lion boasts features tailored for Chinese users, giving them the option of using Baidu search in the Safari browser or uploading video directly to China websites Youku or Tudou.

Sales of Macintosh computers in China more than doubled last year, Cook said. “Not on a

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION (NHMFC) Mortgagee, -versusCHRISTOPHER JAMES B. MONDEJAR Mortgagor/s.

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13,181-12

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation against the mortgagor CHRISTOPHER JAMES B. MONDEJAR with postal address at Crystal Meadows Blk.8 Lot 2 Sasa, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of December 15, 2011 amounted to Php 641,792.20 Philippine Currency, plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of Regional Trial Court, Davao City; the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 15, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland ,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-218258 “ A parcel of land (Lot 2, Blk. 8 xxx) situated in the Barangay of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY SIX (186) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on April 19, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon , if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 8, 2012.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagor- CHRISTOPHER JAMES B. MONDEJAR The Mortgagee -NHMFC PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge-Feb. 20, 27,March5)

My brother’s wedding

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

E-mail: edgedavao_editorial@yahoo.com.ph

UP AND ABOUT TRAVEL

Delightful afternoon treats at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao

BASK in the serene surroundings and classical music as you enjoy tasteful treats to brighten up your afternoons. Starting this February, Pizzaiolo offers a selection of sweet and savory dishes to fill your afternoon cravings. Sample a variety of local and international delicacies daily from 2-5 pm for only Php 300.00 nett per person.

Visit the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao or call (082) 233 2881 for inquiries.

Underwear sale at SM Dept Store

VISIT SM Department Store Davao for the Underwear Sale today until Feb. 29, 2012. Up to 70% markdown on selected items including high end brands Triumph and Wacoal and a 10% discount on all regular priced-items from Maidenform and Dickies Underwear . That’s all available at the Ladies’ Wear Department located at the second floor.

And not only that from Feb. 1 to 19, 2012 we have the TRIUMPH “NEW YEAR, NEW DEALS” for a required purchase of Triumph regular priced items, customer can avail of the second item with a corresponding special price. And not to forget the GIGI AMORE - BUY 1 TAKE 1 Promo from Feb. 10 - 19, 2012!

So what are you waiting for? No more slogging round the shops looking for the underwear you want at the price you can afford. It’s all available at SM Department Store Davao!

Koronadal

15

P18

YOUTH TRENDS

Partyphile mish-mash

W

Photos by Wacky Masbad

e are about to enter the third month of the year, and it seems like there hasn’t been enough action in Partylandia. The good news is that there are a handful of events coming in during the second quarter of the year; most of which are geared towards the start of the quarter to welcome the Season of Sun. The first quarter has not left the social calendar bare either.

There were two events that truly made a mark in the Partyphile Scene as they brought new flavour to partying.

The first event happened during January 27, 2012. It was the launch of Aidx Paredes’ photo exhibit which featured the seventeen-year old’s works; a collection of three years worth of photos. The exhibit was attended by a quirky mix of photographers, models, students, photo fanatics, partyphiles, and artists, to support the teenage photographer’s first exhibit. Paredes is a popular blogger and fashion photographer that has taken dozens and dozens of gorgeous photos since he was fourteen; some of which were highlighted during the exhibit at Lions Reggae Bar and Plates along Juan Luna Street.

The exhibit will run until the end

DJ DU JOUR Torch whipping out the hottest club hits.

BLUSH wih collaborator Snoop Dogg.

of February.

The second notable event went down at Starr: vDine. Party. Shine. on February 3, 2012.

The event, dubbed “Party with a Cause” was a project of fourth year Mass Communications students from the Ateneo de Davao University that seeked to raise funds for the benefit of the victims of the typhoon Sendong. The party featured Starr’s resident

THE COLUMNIST and friends help the victims of typhoon Sendong the best way they know how

DJs, Torch and Wacky who gave the party’s attendees a fusion of all the biggest dance floor hits combined with some classic party ditties, creating a melange of, and was well-attended by a gorgeous mix of students and yuppies who wanted to help the typhoon victims in the best way we partyphiles know how, by getting wasted, having fun, and dancing; making it a party to remember!

Cocktails If you have been following this column, you would know that I love giving out cocktail recipes because I find that new cocktails make parties more exciting.

Because we are still stuck in the month of Love, here is a cocktail that is easy to make, goes down

ACTRESS IN HIBERNATION, Juliana Palermo and friends graced the event held at Starr COLLEGE STUDENTS showed their support for the latest Atenean event

smooth, and packs a punch.

The Cupid’s Arrow may not be a very popular cocktail, but I think it would be a hit in your next house party. Here is how you make it: In a shaker filled half way with ice, combine two ounces of Raspberry or Peach Vodka, two ounces of Cranberry Juice, half an ounce of Triple Sec, and a splash of Lime Juice. Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker until cool and combined and then strain it over a Martini glass and serve.

Music One of the most important parts of the Partyphile lifestyle is Music. Keeping up with the ever-changing dance floor ditties is almost a requirement for every club-goer. Thus, I am always on the lookout for brand new tunes that may soon invade local clubs.

One of the freshest tracks I’ve discovered is by a girl group called Blush. The band is comprised of five Asian women namely: Alisha Budhrani from India, Ji Hae from Korea, the Japanese Natsuko “Nacho” Danjo, Victoria Chan from China, and our very own Angeli Flores (who was a runner-up of Sarah Geronimo in Star for a Night and Gretchen Espina in Pinoy Idol). Their current single, Dance On, is at the top of Billboard’s Dance/Club Charts, and is currently making rounds in al the hottest bars in the United States.

Dream On, pleases the dance junkie even though it does not really stand out from all the current radio hits. With obvious ‘80s influence, and a catchy loop, the track is sure to give you hardcore LSS. Although there is nothing very original about the latest offering from Blush, the track is good enough for the listener who wants music to dance to and not think about. I give it three out of five stars.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile, the radio show, on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday evenings. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or follow him on twitter.com/zhaun

The five faces of John Lloyd Cruz HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

During his mall tour to promote his Valentint movie, Unofficially Yours at Abreeza Davao, Indulge captured the five different faces of John Lloyd Cruz that has swept millions of Filipinas off their feet. CM

TRAVEL

16

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

The Business PAPER

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Davao

Tulip Drive, Ecoland, Davao City

Hong Kong spring eating S pring is in the air and with a new year comes new adventures. And these new adventures come by way of another visit to the City of Life, Hong Kong, this time with a group of brave foodies composed of Anavi Laxa-Ramos, her husband Bryan, her daughter Briana, tita Itang Tionko, pastry chef Booboo Maramba, her husband Alex, Shella Laxa, and Jovie Unchuan

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

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

Now I have visited Hong Kong for many years but there is always something new or interesting around every corner, be it in the form of new shops, restaurants, or experiences. This time around, I was at the “Fragrant Harbour” with the sole purpose of food tripping. Honestly, the best way to experience a city’s culture as long as you are not too queasy with unfamiliar cuisines.

Given that Hong Kong has thousands upon thousands of restaurants, eateries, food

courts, and night market hawkers; it does not take long for the foodie to find THE perfect bowl of noodles or roast meats. Here is a tip, just look for the queues, chances are what the establishment is serving is good.

Ippudo HK This may seem as a cop out since one can say it is just a ramen house. But for foodies it is THE ramen house to go to when visiting Hong Kong. I tried their Akamaru Shinjai, perfectly cooked firm noodles in rich tonkatsu broth that literally coats the tongue with flavor. I suggest you get the extra Flavored Soft Boiled Egg to complete the Ippudo experience.

Also try the savory sweet and tangy Ippudo BBQ Pork Bun, a hand-sized white bun stuffed with a thick slice of pork, lettuce, Ippudo’s secret BBQ sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and mustard. I suggest ordering two right away since one bun is really not enough for the average foodie.

Ippudo HK: Shop No. 210, Silvercord Tower, 2nd Floor, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Delicious Kitchen Having dined here before, Anavi was literally raving about the Delicious Kitchen. At first glance, this nondescript eatery with fast food decor might raise some eyebrows but the long queues on its front door is adequate proof of the delicious food it serves.

If Singapore is famous for its Chicken Rice, Delicious Kitchen is famous for its Double Pork Rib Rice. Sink your teeth into fried, sweet, sticky, juicy, yet crispy slices of pork served with rice that has been cooked in pork and vegetable broth. Pair the already delicious Double Pork Ribs with some Stir-fried Noodles and you have a venerable feast. Add to that the fact that

Delicious Kitchen’s dishes are quite affordable making it good eats.

Delicious Kitchen: Shop B, 9-11 Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Sun Dau Gei Cantonese cuisine is known for the many different roast meats and that is exactly what brought our rowdy food group to Sun Dau Gei that was conveniently located at the second floor of our hotel. Many thanks to Shella, we were able to get a table and as soon as we were settled started ordering.

We ordered Stir-fried green beans, Roast Pigeon, Sweet and Sour Pork, Steamed Crab and Egg Rice and a whole Suckling Pig. The Roast Pigeon was simply divine as the bird was tender and juicy without the gaminess associated with squab. Too bad they ran out of pigeons which is why we had to settle for their version of Sweet and Sour Pork. But instead of being disappointed with having just a dish we can normally taste in Durianburg, lo and behold, the Sun Dau Gei’s Sweet and Sour Pork was clearly levels above the ordinary Sweet and Sour Pork dish, with crisp bell peppers, succulent pork slices and a distinct sweet and sour sauce that paired surprisingly well with the Steamed Crab and Egg Rice.

We had expected the suckling pig to arrive as an appetizer along with the pigeon, unfortunately due to some mix up on the part of the waiters, we did not get our pig until after much explanation and sign language (yes I speak Mandarin and Fookien but I don’t speak nor understand much Cantonese) our Roast Suckling Pig finally arrived and smiles flashed all around the table. The skin was crisp with all the excess fat scrapped off. The meat of the pig was tender and well seasoned which made for a great end for a delicious meal.

Although Sun Dau Gei can be a bit pricey, it sure was worth the experience. And a Michelin guide bib proves it.

Sun Dau Gei: 2/F, Express By Holiday Inn, 33 Sharp East Street, Causeway Bay

HEALTH THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

Fat and fit G

ETTING and staying physically fit might help fend off heart disease even if you’ve put on a few pounds, new research suggests. “If you would like to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, you want to be cautious about weight gain but at the same time concerned about maintaining or improving fitness,” said study author Duck-chul Lee, a research fellow at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia.

Maintaining or improving fitness could somewhat counteract the increased risk of fat gain, researchers found. On the other hand, reducing body fat helped make up for the added heartdisease risk linked with losing fitness.

Experts have long known that both fatness and fitness affect heart-disease risk factors. However, the researchers say the new study is one of the first to look at how a change in fitness or fatness (or both) affects the development of these risk factors later. The new analysis allowed for fitness and fatness to be adjusted for each other, which isn’t taken into account in many studies.

Lee and his colleague followed 3,148 healthy adults enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study.

All received at least three extensive medical exams from 1979 to 2006 at the Cooper Clinic, in Dallas.

They looked for any of

three risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol or metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of signs that raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

To be diagnosed, someone must have at least three of the five signs: large waist (abdominal), high triglycerides, low “good” cholesterol, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar.

Researchers measured fitness with a treadmill test and calculated body fatness with

bodymass index (BMI) -which takes height and weight into account -- and skinfold testing.

Researchers looked at changes over time.

At the end of the study, 752 participants had high blood pressure, 426 had metabolic syndrome and 597

had high cholesterol.

T h o s e who maintained or improved fitness over time had a lower risk of developing any of the three risk factors.

Those who maintained fitness has a 24 percent lower risk of high blood pressure, 38 percent lower risk of metabolic syndrome and 25 percent lower risk of high cholesterol. Those who gained fitness reduced their risk of each about the same or slightly more.

Those who gained body fat were more apt to develop one of the risk factors than those who lost fat. Gaining fat put the men and women at 24 percent higher risk of getting

part o f t h e higher risk linked with losing fitness. “If you lose fat and gain or maintain fitness, you have the lowest risk of all three risk factors,” Lee said. Being fit and not being fat work independently to reduce risk factors, Lee said. If you can’t improve with fitness or fatness? Try to at least maintain, he said.

The study provides some good news, said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women and Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City.

The study, she said, seems to be saying: “If you are fit, it sort of gets rid of some of the risk of being fat. If you are less fat, it gets rid of some of the risks of being less fit than you Those who maintained should be.”

She sees this take-home fitness has a 24 message: “If percent lower risk of you are going to be overweight, high blood pressure, you have to be fit. Ultimately 38 percent lower risk you have to pay attention if not of metabolic syndrome to both at least to one.” and 25 percent lower We go back to living a healthy risk of high cholesterol. lifestyle. Even if you are overweight you can be “fit” by exercising regularly high blood pressure, 52 per- and gradually changing your cent higher risk of getting eating habits. Start doing metabolic syndrome and 41 things that make you move percent higher risk of high such as going to the gym, cholesterol. go swimming, go dancing, Maintaining or improving do yoga, gymnastics, bikfitness modified but did not ing, walking, running, etc. eliminate the increased risk It’s good for losing weight, caused by fat gain. And re- keeping fit and keeping our ducing fat seemed to offset hearts healthy.

17

EVENTS

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THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

ABOVE: The bride wore a creation by Erwin Tan of Kasuotan. LEFT: The bride and groom share a romantic kiss.

My brother’s wedding M

By Jay-Jay Barlis-Veloso Photos by Simply Gray

y brother Alain, or Boods as we fondly call him, is the youngest among the five of us, and works as a personal banker at Citi Bank, while, Aizza, or Atot as she is known in her family, is the eldest among her three siblings and works as a dialysis nurse in Australia.

Joseph Tan, Aizza Celene Barlis, Eleen Tan, and Jared Tan.

Jayjay Veloso, Jhanice Reodique, Armand Barlis, Alain Barlis, Jean Barlis, Jenelle Cuison.

They met seven years ago when mutual friends introduced them at a badminton court in Davao City over the summer break and from that point on they started seeing each other.

It was the first of January 2005 when I first met Aizza as my brother, Boods, had a small drinking session at home. At that time, he was still in college and was studying in De la Salle University and Aizza was studying at San Pedro College

taking up B.S. Nursing.

They clicked and started out in a long distance relationship.

Boods was in Manila while Aizza was in Davao. However, when my brother decided to go home to Davao in January 2005 after he graduated from college, I realized that this relationship must probably be a serious one. My dad had just passed away that year so Boods also had the perfect reason to go home to Davao instead of looking for a job in Manila. He told me that he wanted to go home because someone needs to take care of our mom in Davao. So, he found a job in Davao as a medical representative for a pharmaceutical company.

Thus, they were together in Davao until Aizza decided to work as a nurse in Australia in 2009. When Aizza left in August 2009, they went back to

TOP: Mika Marie Lua, Geona Macrohon, Ricci Dyenghong, Nadine Ching, Aizza Celene Barlis, Althea Hong, Bavyn Ching, Chelsea Padilla. ABOVE: Jim Villanueva, Louie Torno, Ton Tacandong, RJ Estanislao, Alain Barlis, Daniel Diaz, Karlo Tesoro

the long distance relationship mode again.

My brother at the time was so sad and lonely and tried every way possible to get an immigrant visa for Australia.

Skype, email and Yahoo messenger became their constant companions. But alas the immigration process suddenly stalled and by October 2010, my brother decided that he can’t wait anymore and asked me to help him buy an engagement ring. So, we chose the perfect ring and bought it. He then asked permission from Aizza’s parents and luckily they gave him their blessings.

So, when Aizza came home to Davao in December he surprised her with glow in the dark stickers in her room that said, “Will you marry me?”

And of course she said “Yes!” Preparations for the wedding began while Aizza was still

in Australia so my brother had to make all the arrangements.

We called him the groomzilla but kidding aside he was a very hands-on groom. While majority of the guys would leave everything up to the bride, he would know all the details needed for the wedding. Then, four months before the wedding, Boods flew to Sydney to take his fiancée home. So, when Aizza came home all that she had to do was give approval and feedback. Luckily they also had very reliable suppliers who made the whole process easier and stress free for them.

On the third of January 2012, Boods and Aizza were finally married in a Christian ceremony at the Lotus Court of the Marco Polo Hotel. Thanks to technology, their relationship is another proof that long distance relationships can also work.

Trust Hardware’s Building Dreams Run

I

t looked pretty bleak as the rains poured and the wind howled the night before the Building Dreams Run last February 12, 2012. The rain that turned into an eventual drizzle did not stop enthusiasts from arriving early at Trust Home Depot.

As the crowd grew, fitness instructor, Vicky Javier led the participants in an energizing warm-up and stretching. Pastor Abraham Lanaban then led the group in a prayer of thanksgiving and protection.

At 5:30 am, the first gunshot rang, signaling the release of the 10k runners. The 5k and 3k runners followed shortly after. The 500-meter dash, a special category for children 5-12 years old, garnered the most attention as 45 determined faces were cheered on by family members and friends.

Results of the Building Dreams Run Male, 10K Category are as follows: 1st Antho-

ny Nerza , 2nd Brian Lupio, 3rd James Castillo, 4th Gilbert Maluyo, 5th Jaime Valencia, 6th Mario Ecalner, 7th Ronald Dagaang, 8th Milky Esquierdo, 9th, Jurry Portoza, 10th, Alexander Fulgencio. Female, 10K Category are as follows: 1st Cynthia Jaro, 2nd Creselyn Jaro, 3rd Monalisa Ambasa, 4th Emily Avergonzado, 5th Celie Rose Jaro, 6th Karen Macapagal, 7th Ardeen Abella, 8th Irene Toh, 9th Lota Amistad, 10th Jocelyn Gumpad.

Results of the Male, 5k Category are as follows: 1st Philip Ocon, 2nd Kim Corbeta, 3rd Alejandro Ventura. Results of the Female, 5k Category are as follows: 1st Diana Mae Memoracion, 2nd Denice Garcia, 3rd Leah Garcia. Results of the Male, 3k Category are as follows: 1st Marwin Mamburam, 2nd Jobert Maluyo, 3rd Lito Mendoza. Results of the Female, 3k Category are as follows: 1st Cecilie Jaro, 2nd Vienne Ira Celajes, 3rd Tracy Joyce Lu. CM

The

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Trees dotted the route serving as a shade to the runners.

The Building Dreams Run was a family RJ Ong guides his son along the slippery streets. affair.

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

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

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FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012 VOL. 4 NO. 51

19

PAL Interclub: Big boost to host-city UM, USEP top UPMin bootfest T T HE PAL Interclub the country’s longest-running team golf tournament enshrines not just the deep commitment of Asia’s first airline to sports development but also to stimulating economic growth and progress in the country-side.

For the last 65 years, the PAL Interclub has catalyzed in no small measure the overall economic activity of the host city where the tournament is held, generating job opportunities and revenues for various tourism and hospitalityrelated businesses as well as to the coffers of the local government.

In fact, local officials and business leaders of Davao, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro rotating venues of the Interclub, look forward to their city’s hosting of the tournament by regularly sprucing golf courses and various leisure spots.

This year, the PAL Interclub will infuse an estimated P60 million into Davao’s economy, representing the expense allocation of more than 150 participating golf teams as well as PAL’s budget for the two-week golf extravaganza set at the Apo and Rancho Palos Verdes golf courses.

More than a thousand golfers, flew in from various Filipino communities abroad, and are pumpin in about P53 million for hotel accommodations, transportation, meals, caddy and other golfing fees and many more.

PAL’s direct contribution will reach more than P7 million for the lodging, meals and other related expenses of tournament working committee members.

The two golf courses, Apo Golf and Ranchos Palos Verdes, will generate about

P4 million from registration fees alone from the event.

The Interclub’s P29,000 registration fee per team goes directly to the golf courses.

In the run-up to the tournament proper, PAL called for a meeting of the Team Captains in Davao.

This, plus a couple of working committee coordination meetings, bring to Davao almost a million pesos in revenues. Meanwhile, the players’ spouses, companions and alternates were expected to contribute approximately P1.3 million also for meals, hotels, taxis, souvenirs and city night-outs.

Caddies and umbrella girls meanwhile earn from P 400 to P 500 a day, or an aggregate income of P6,4 million for two weeks. Another P3.1 million is expected to be spent on golf carts and vans.

The 65th edition of the

PAL revived the Ladies Interclub which was held also at the two golf courses in Davao, signaling the return of another much-anticipated golfing event.

In 1948, PAL started the Interclub to encourage domestic travel in the years following the war. Through the next six and a half decades, it has attracted golfers from around the country and the globe not just for the prizes but more for the bragging rights as the best golfers among peers. In the very near future, PAL hopes to bring the Interclub back to Cebu, one of the original host cities.

Aside from Manila and Cebu, Davao is one of PAL’s major domestic hubs. PAL operates four flights a day to Davao from Manila using the wide-body B747S and the twin-engine A320s.

LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

NOTICE HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: SASA VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate expired last March 8, 2011. In the petition filed on January 20, 2012, 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 MARCH 26, 2012 at 09:40 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 20th day of January 2011 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer /hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, Deogracias M. Espino, Jr., 55 B Sasalit St., Nova Tierra Village, Lanang, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Magin C. Natividad, Balusong Ave., Matina, Davao City NOTE: Affidavit of Publication and newspaper where notice was published must be submitted three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

CEREMONIAL DRIVE. Richard Miller, the Chief Group Aviation Adviser to the Chairman and CEO of Philippine Airlines, hits the ceremonial drive marking

the start of Senior play in the 65th Philippine Airlines Interclub at the Apo Golf course last Feb.14.[PAL]

Del Monte amateurs dominate PGTI Qualifying tournament

A

MATEURS Banny Abaño and Clyde Mondilla underscored their readiness for big-time golf when they took the top two spots after two rounds of the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying tournament at the Filipinas Golf Club in Laguna last Thursday.

Abaño sizzled with a two-under 70 despite a late tee-off, surging ahead of the field with a 36-hole aggregate of 143 for a threestroke lead over Mondilla heading to the final round of the 54-hole qualifier that offers 20 ranking spots for this year’s ICTSI-PGT circuit.

Mondilla, the former national champion, came through with a fiery windup of 32 at the front for a 71

and a 146 as the spearheads of the Del Monte squad likewise primed up for their title defense in the PAL Interclub in Davao next week.

The two, along with national team mainstay Art Arbole and Lawrence Celestino, are expected to turn pro after the PAL Interclub with the 2012 ICTSI-PGT circuit kickoff March 28 at Splendido in Tagaytay.

Jomar Pepito carded a 74 for a 147, Dino Villanueva took the fourth spot with a 148 after a 74 and Danny delos Santos likewise shot a 74 for a 152 as they made it to the final round of the elims conducted by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., which organizers the ICTSI-PGT. Under the PGT Eligibil-

ity Category 4, only players who shot 152 or better after 36 holes will advance to the final round for rankings although the next 15 players get to play the full schedule of the ICTSI-PGT for finishing in the Top 20.

They include Paul Minoza (71), Dan Cruz (75), Enrico Opinion (75) and first day leader Solomon Gines (81), who all had 153s; Eddie Bagtas (74-154), Arbole (80-155), Jett Plete (78-156), John Bernard Salvador (78-156), Belem Arancon (76-157), Edwin Estrera (77-157), John Rey Pactolerin (77-157), Lino Retuerto (77-157), Hanson So. Jr. (78-157), Celestino (77-158), Demetrio Sanchez (78-158) and Angelo Anzuris (79-158).[PR]

on March 11, Sunday. The event will support Phoenix Philippines Foundation’s advocacy to provide books to pre-school students. The beneficiary schools are: Davao City Special School (SPEDBangkal), Corcuera Elem.

School., Quezon Elementary School, Sta. Ana Elem.

School, and Lapu-Lapu Elem.

School.

The race will start at Roxas Boulevard fronting Ateneo De Davao University. Categories of the Phoenix Marathon are 500M, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K. On March 17, the ongoing Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Basketball Cup Season 3 which opened last January

29 will have its championship at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Phoenix Petroleum also sponsors the Araw ng Dabaw Cyclomax Motocross race that will be held on March 25, 2012 at the Moto-X Davao Racetrack at Crocodile Park Complex, Ma-a, Davao City.

Phoenix Petroleum is also initiating other sport events for the year 2012 such as the PBA-Phoenix Fuels On Tour, Compostela Valley Phoenix Run, and the Kadayawan Phoenix Sports.

These will benefit the Phoenix Philippines Foundation’s programs on Education, Environment, Health and Safety, and Outreach.

Phoenix Petroleum lines up major events for 75th Araw ng Dabaw

P

HOENIX Petroleum Philippines, Inc. joins the 2012 Araw ng Dabaw celebration with four major sports events: the 4th Phoenix Open golf tournament, the Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Marathon, the Cyclomax Motocross, and the ongoing Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Basketball Cup. The 4th Phoenix Open will be held on March 10 at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club. Proceeds will go to schools hit hard by typhoon Sendong in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan.

The biggest Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix event will be the “Phoenix Marathon: Takbo Para sa KinaBOOKasan”

emerged as champion in the Division 2 category. Member of the team are Gerard Castor, Melvin Sanico, Jovinel Isidro, Ulysses Asidor, Jonnel Brian Compacion, Christel Orpilla, and Roger Ederosas Jr. The coach is Jillian Sitchon. USEP Yellow clinched second place.

Davao FA president Edward Lam and Technical Director Albert Ryan Lim were on hand to watch the games.

This event is organized by UP Mindanao’s NSTP class.

Last 18 February, the women’s version of the event was played with teams from the Central Mindanao University, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, Ateneo de Davao, and Medvil participating. [PR]

2012 Nestea Beach Volleyball leg to start in Samal Island

T

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications

DEOGRACIAS M. ESPINO, JR. Petitioner Case No.2000-XI-02135

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

HE University of the Philippines Mindanao, as part of its 17th Anniversary Celebration hosted the Davao Football Association 7 a-side Intercollegiate Football Tournament in its Mintal Campus.

Division 1 was won

by University of Mindanao Red composed of Jeffrey Albon, Roeder Ignacio, Patrick Asoque, Marlon Demapanag, Junard Pinonggan, Roger Ubas, Lester Landa, Roelfred Napuran, and Rocky Custodio. The coach is Jason Mortillero. The second place went to the Rizal Memorial College team coached by Ryan Escovilla.

The University of Southeastern Philippines Red team

HE nationwide 15th Nestea Beach Volleyball Championships this year will start on Feb. 23 to 25 at the Paradise Island Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal.

Local organizer Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotion said the top three teams from both the men and women’s divisions will qualify to the national finals slated on April 19 to 23 in Boracay Island.

“They will get free transportation and accommodations but their pocket money will be shouldered by their schools,” he said.

Sai said the event is sanctioned by the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) and conforms with the standards of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) allowing the participants to play and compete in a league with international standards.

He said the annual competition is one of the country’s most prestigious wherein participants eventually become members of the Philippine national beach volleyball team.

This year’s summer event will also be accompanied with three other sports -– beach football, beach basketball and frisbee contests.

Sai said the competition will also launch the Nestea Loves the Beach coastal clean-up campaign as a continued effort to raise awareness and encourage action on preserving the country’s pristine beaches.

Nestea will be working with local government units and the Boracay Beach Management Program to produce and disseminate beach preservation informational materials to raise awareness on the importance of keeping the Philippine beaches litter-free. [PNA]

Shamcey backs sports tourism

M

ISS Universe 2011 3rd runner up Shamcey Supsup said sports tourism will promote competitiveness and excellence as she impressed the crowd in Wednesday’s launching of the 65th Interclub Golf Tournament of the Philippine Airlines at The Marco Polo Davao.

“I applaud sports tourism because it will help us become competitive and help us climb to excellence,” she said.

Ms. Supsup, proclaimed as Miss PAL 2011, wowed those present who admired her beauty and took turns for photographs and admiring her fluency in English and her wit.

Growing up in General Santos City, Shamcey said her mom, an engineer, and dad, a farmer, were her inspiration from childhood to where she is now.

She drew such “competitive spirit” from her parents who, she said she treasures so much.

Speaking on sports, Shamcey said the spirit of

sports and competitiveness were first instilled in her as a very ordinary child in General Santos playing patintero, luksong tinik, and other traditional childhood games.

She commended boxing icon and kababayan Manny Pacquiao, as a true model of competitive spirit given the huge success he has achieved in the field of boxing.

A certified architect, Magna Cum Laude from the College of Architecture, UP-Diliman, the 5’8” beauty queen is also called Miss Talent and Miss Cream Silk. [PNA]

Shamcey Supsup

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VOL. 4 NO. 51 FEBRUARY 20 - 26, 2012

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