Edge Davao 5 Issue 138 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 138 â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

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Better late than never

Customs exec is suspended By Anthony S. Allada

Agritrends

Sports

HE Bureau of Customs-Davao finally implemented the suspension order against beleaguered deputy district collector for administration lawyer Aniceto Sanchez Jr. in connection with the

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The preventive suspension order should have been served last January 5 yet.

administrative case filed against him in 2006. BOC-Davao district collector lawyer Martiniano Bangcoy admit-

ted that the preventive suspension order against Sanchez should have been served last January 5 yet, but was withheld due to his pending

appeal before the BOC. Bangcoy said upon receiving the order he immediately wrote Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon on its implementation but

FBOC, 11

NUMBERS GAME. A self-proclaimed number combinations expert explains how to get the correct combination for last-two numbers game along San Pedro Street yesterday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

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Lawmaker, PRC exec to grace RESA forum Follow Us On

HE LAWMAKER who wrote the Real Estate Service Act or RESA and a top executive of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) are expected to arrive in Davao City as the top per-

sonalities to grace the RESA Forum set tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Grand Menseng Hotel. This was learned from DMCI company executive Leonora Guti-

errez, national director of the Philippine Association of Realtors Boards, Inc. (PAREB). Gutierrez said the forum is part of the celebration of the 61st founding anniversary on Sept. 14-

15 of the PAREB-affiliated Davao Board of Realtors Foundation, Inc. (DBRFI). Ms Eileen O. Sugano, DBRFI president and chairman of the

FLAWMAKER, 11

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THE BIG NEWS No water service Sept. 15 and 18

HE Engineering and Construction Department (ECD) of the Davao City Water District has scheduled four sets of temporary water service interruption on September 15 and 18. First set of water cut will be on September 15 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and will affect a portion of the Davao-Bukidnon Road specifically from Mangga St. in Tugbok Proper to Mahayahay road and the areas of Purok 1 to 6 in Brgy. Tacunan, Deca Homes Subd., and Purok 18 in Upper Mintal. This water cut is needed to allow the tapping of the newly installed 4-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the

mainline improvement at Pomelo St. in Tugbok Proper. The second, third and fourth sets of water cut are all scheduled on September 18. Second set is from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and will affect Purok 2 in Brgy. Communal in Buhangin and Blue Diamond Village. The ECD crew will tap the newly installed 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Purok 2 in Blue Diamond Village Homeowners Association Inc. in Brgy. Communal. Third set is still from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and will affect some portions in Maa specifically

FNO, 11

ORIENTATION. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 conducts an orientation on the convergence framework on poverty reduc-

DSWD 11 steps up info drive

HE Department of social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 is stepping up information dissemination on its three major poverty alleviation projects after striking alliance with media practitioners and local government information officers. DSWD 11 conducted an orientation on September 11-12 for LGU information officers and media practitioners on the convergence framework of its unified poverty alleviation strategy dubbed Tatsulo DSWD Convergence Program. Bearing the symbol of a torch, the Tatsulo groups, together with the three major poverty alleviation programs of DSWD, namely, Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahi-

rapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. DSWD had been implementing the programs but now provides a wholistic approach of easing the plight of the poor. “There is a need to strategically pool together the expertise and resources of the Department to achieve greater impact in poverty reduction,” Convergence Team head Merlinda Paragamac said in her presentation. The budget of the DSWD has increased ten-fold over the last 10 years from P5.38 in 2003 to P53 billion in 2013, but Paragamac ex-

plained the need to harmonize the implementation of the KC, 4Ps and SEA-K through Tatsulo Program to maximize resources and to serve more poor families. The Davao region is out of the list of regions with high incidence of poverty among families, based on 2009 survey which ranks CARAGA, the Autonomous Regions in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Region 9, Region 5 and Region 8 among the top highest in poverty incidence. None of the provinces in the Davao Region are ranked among the poorest provinces which include Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Maguindanao and Masbate. [PIA 11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

Sen. Enrile confirms move to unseat him

ENATE President Juan Ponce Enrile confirmed on Wednesday a move to unseat him on the ground that some of his colleagues are no longer happy with his leadership. ”I got the information from a reliable source but I will not discuss that,” Enrile said in a Senate media interview after the Senate inquiry on rice smuggling. Enrile said some of the members of the Senate are unhappy “because I rebuke them.” ””There are always people who are unhappy with the leadership of anybody,” the 89-year-old veteran lawmaker added. Enrile, however, clarified that he would be happy to give the Senate leadership to any interested sen-

Enrile

ator. ”I would be thankful if somebody would take my place because it’s a difficult job because I have no more time to go around,” Enrile said. Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the move to oust Enrile will not prosper now that it is already known to all senators. ”A Senate coup is like military coup. If it will be exposed, the element of surprise will banish, and almost always, it will fail,”

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Lacson said. Lacson believed that controversial Reproductive Health bill has nothing to do with oust move against Enrile. Enrile opposed the measure. ”The RH bill is not a big issue in Malacanang. We all know that. You will really feel if Malacanang is interested because they would at least talk to a senator. But this time, as far as RH bill, none from the government talked to the senators,” Lacson said. Lacson said he would never support any move to unseat Enrile. ”I will not join because I helped install SP Enrile in the last Congress. Why would I participate in a plot to oust him? That’s out of character,” Lacson said. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO

tion attended by members of media and information officers at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Girding for battle

Mangudadatu, Sema join forces for 2013 elections M By Anthony S. Allada

AGUINDANAO Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and first district Rep. Bai Sandra Sema are joining forces to seek re-election in the May 11, 2012 midterm elections. This was confirmed by the governor himself during the mass oathtaking of 26 municipal mayors under the administration’s Liberal Party last Monday in his hometown of Buluan, the seat of the provincial capitol. Sema was not present during the gathering, but

Mangudadatu said he would meet her and her husband, Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema, on September 16 for their slated political coalition. Mangudadatu and Sema are first-termers. Mangudadatu’s brother, Pandag mayor Sajid Mangudadatu, is running for congressman in the province’s second district, which will be vacated by Rep. Simeon Datumanong, who ends his third and last term while the governor’s running mate

will be Mayor Lester Sinsuat of Datu Odin Sinsuat town. The oathtaking of 26 among 36 mayors in the province on Monday came barely a month before the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 1 to 5. Mangudadatu will slug it out with former political ally Mayor Hadji Tucao Mastura of Sultan Kudarat town. Mastura, who was designated in 2010 by the LP’s national directorate as provincial party chairman for

FMANGUDADATU, 11

Mother tongue-based multilingual education produces better students

Vicky Berdina M. de Guzman

HE use of mother tongue-based multilingual education (MLE) enhances and strengthens the child’s cognitive development and acquisition of the third and fourth language. According to Ms Cecille Osorio-Van Zante, literacy specialist of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), if we use the mother tongue in teaching, it would create better performance in the child and enhance the child’s self-esteem inside the class aware that his choice of words is right, thus building the child’s confidence. Guesting at the Club 888 media forum, Van Zante said a study on the 2007 TIMSS reiterated early findings that students who spoke the language of test at home had higher mathematics and science achievement while achievement was highest

among schools where the language of test was 90 percent or more in the students’ home language. MLE is the use of more than two languages for literacy and instruction and starts from where the learners are, and from what they already know. This also covers learning to read and write in their first language and also teaching subjects like mathematics, science, health and social studies. MLE will empower learners because students can immediately use their first language to construct, explain, and argue for the sake of learning their ideas and stands without worries of committing mistakes in terms of grammar, choice of words and the like. It would boost confidence since they are not required to speak the language they are not com-

fortable using. Van Zante also added that the acquisition of the third and fourth language would be better and easier if MLE is practiced. In line with this, a multilingual education conference will be conducted in celebration of the International Literacy Day in Davao on September 15, 2012. 100 participants are expected to come at Ateneo de Davao University. This conference will discuss ways by which multilingual education under the K to 12 curriculum seeks to provide greater access to education and quality instruction. This is open to the public with a registration fee of P700 inclusive of two snacks, a buffet lunch, and a forum kit. For students and graduate students with valid IDs, the registration fee is only P500.

SUBURBIA 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 138 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 GenSan linking up with Microsoft for computer literacy program

HE General Santos City local government is set to link up with software giant Microsoft Corporation to enhance its ongoing efforts to mainstream Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled learning and teaching in local public schools. Percival Pasuelo, executive assistant for information technology of the city mayor’s office, said they are currently working for the adoption of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning (PIL) program as a component of its expanded SHEEP-computer literacy program (CLP). SHEEP stands for Social Transformation, Human Empowerment, Economic Diversification, Environment Security and Regeneration and Participatory Governance and Transparency, which are the city’s main development thrusts. Pasuelo, who heads the SHEEP-CLP, said Microsoft representatives recently met with city officials and CLP implementers to discuss a possible partnership for the implementation of the PIL program in the area. “It will be adopted by the city for the benefit of local residents, especially the public school sector,” he said. Microsoft PIL is a global initiative that aims to equip teachers and their students with the necessary ICT skills and enable schools to effectively integrate ICT in classroom teaching. Through its partnership with the Department of Education, the program has trained around 40,000 educators on digital literacy and ICT integration as well as various advanced ICT courses. During its visit here,

Pasuelo said the Microsoft team headed by its Philippines business group lead Tovia Va’aelua visited the SHEEP-CLP office located inside the Mabuhay IT Park and were given a glimpse of the city’s ongoing ICT-related education programs. He said they presented the Arduino PIC-trainer module, which they use to impart and transfer the technologies to high school students in the city. The Microsoft team also visited the offices of Rapid Signal Electronics (RSE), which is a partner of the SHEEP-CLP in its robotics program for local high schools. Pasuelo said the Microsoft team proposed for the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the local government to facilitate the program’s expansion in the city. Citing discussions with Microsoft’s territory manager for Southern Philippines George Parrilla, he said the company will initially train SHEEPCLP implementers on modules covered by the PIL program. He said the SHEEPCLP team, in turn, will integrate the PIL modules in its continuing computer literacy training program for local public school teachers. “Both the city government and Microsoft PIL will later evaluate and certify the schools that have taken part in the program,” Pasuelo said. He said the certification is in line with SHEEPCLP’s ongoing efforts to attest the schools that have achieved 100-percent computer literacy among its students and teachers before the end of 2012. [ALLEN V. EstAbILLo/ MINDANEws]

Edge Davao hiring editor, 3 reporters

EDGE DAVAO is in need for an editor and three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program. The three reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats. On the other hand, the editor will supervise the reporters and do gate-keeping tasks. An applicant must be a graduate of a fouryear college course. For reporters, experience is not needed although preferable. The editor should have at least one-year experience in editing. Interested parties are requested to send their applicant letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 221-3601.

BUTUAN ARTS. After winning the first prize for the open category in the Sayaw Mindanaw 2012 finals in Davao City, the Kulture Revival

Production International is training to compete in the 2nd Global Cultural in Singapore. [MindaNews/Erwin Mascarinas]

OCD SoCCSKSarGen to create DRRM communication network S

OCCSKSARGEN Region’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD 12) is organizing the Regional Communication Network that would ensure efficient delivery of information to complement efforts in disaster risk reduction and management. “We are also reviving the emergency broadcast system,” OCD 12 Regional Director Lita Enok said. On September 18 to 20, OCD 12 will be spearheading workshop to be held in General Santos City where the CommNet as well as the reactivation of the emergency broadcast system will be discussed. Participants will include representatives from regional offices and other stake-

holders involved in the government’s DRRM program. Roy Dorado, OCD 12 operations chief, said the gathering aims to familiarize the participants with the mechanics and protocols of the operations of the Regional Communication Network and its its functions in DRRM . How the program should be implemented will also be made clear in that workshop, he added. Gaps in the quick response operations will also be discussed and addressed. Director Enok further explained that the creation of the CommNet is in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen delivery of information to warn the public of

imminent dangers , ensure constant flow of information that would aid in disaster response and efficient dissemination of reliable information regarding incidents. This is also in accordance with the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) that the OCD 12 is pushing for local government units to implement. Recently, OCD 12 in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA 12), conducted a seminar -workshop on laymanizing environment, weather and climate reports where participants included media practitioners and information officers of local government units and national line

agencies. “I really commend the support of PIA 12 in coming up with such training for our partners in disseminating important information using terminologies or explanations that are easily understood by the public,” she said. Discussions focused on clarifying highly technical terminologies used in weather and climate reports of PAGASA as well as those used in tsunami, earthquakes, and landslides. She lauds PIA for helping the OCD in promoting ICS among LGUs and other stakeholders and in the implementation of the disaster risk reduction program. [PIA

ed the massive display of government services. The governor expressed his satisfaction to see for the first time all the regional directors in one setting personally attending to the needs of the constituents. “This is really a big boost to the convergence program of the province,” he said. Bravo lauded the province for initiating its own convergence activities that shares the same purpose of bringing the government closer to the people, in coordination with the army, the police and other agencies. He bared ARENA 11’s one-stop-shop of services and the convergence program are the only one of its kind in the whole country, where the various national and local line agencies banded together to haul essential services directly to the communities. “It is a pleasure to work with the conver-

gence program of the province, as we have long been hearing about its numerous accomplishments,” he said. According to him, the recipients were able to save a lot of time and money by directly availing the vital services at their doorsteps instead of going to capital cities or towns.

Services during the caravan include medical, dental and surgical services, legal services, livelihood and capital assistance, supplemental feeding, OTC payment for 4Ps and social pensioners, agri-services and animal care, issuance of ICC stickers, mobile licensing, dialogue, among others.

12]

Gov’t. services, assistance rain down on Kapalong

VER 4,000 constituents benefitted from the widest array of government services in one setting when the ARENA 11 Serbisyo Caravan joined forces with the local convergence program of the province in the municipality of Kapalong. Hordes of beneficiaries crowded the Kapalong Town Square and nearby facilities last Friday to avail of the millions worth of services and assistance brought by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region 11 (ARENA 11). Budget and Management Regional Director Achilles Gerard Bravo, who is President of ARENA 11, led about 250 officials and personnel from the 36 participating NGAs in serving constituents at the 10th and last leg of the serbisyo caravan. The whole contingent of the Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development, led by Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, further augment-

ALLOCATION. An indigent family receive their 4Ps cash allocation at the joint ARENA 11 Serbisyo Caravan and convergence outreach in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, led by DBM 11 Reg’l Dir. Achilles Gerard Bravo, 3rd left, and Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, 4th left. [Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Virgin births discovered in wild snakes

form of virgin birth has been found in wild vertebrates for the first time. Researchers in the US caught pregnant females from two snake species and genetically analysed the litters. That proved the North American pit vipers reproduced without a male, a phenomenon called facultative parthenogenesis that has previously been found only in captive species. Scientists say the findings could change our understanding of animal reproduction and vertebrate evolution. It was thought to be extremely rare for a normally sexual species to reproduce asexually. First identified in domestic chickens, such “virgin births” have been reported in recent years in a few snake, shark, lizard and bird species. Crucially though, all such virgin births have occurred in captivity, to females kept away from males. Virgin births in vertebrates in general have been viewed as “evolutionary novelties”, said Warren Booth, from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, US. Professor Booth is lead author of a paper published in the Royal Society’s Biological Letters that challenges this label. He and his collaborators investigated virgin births in wild populations of two geographically separated and long-studied species of snake.

They captured pregnant copperhead and cottonmouth female pit-vipers from the field, where males were present. The snakes gave birth, allowing the scientists to study the physical and genetic characteristics of the litters. Of the 22 copperheads, the scientists found one female that must have had a virgin birth. Another single virgin birth occurred within the 37 cottonmouth litters. “I think the frequency is what really shocked us,” said Prof Booth. “That’s between 2.5 and 5% of litters produced in these populations may be resulting from parthenogenesis. “That’s quite remarkable for something that has been considered an evolutionary novelty,” he said. Sex or no sex A virgin birth, or parthenogenesis, is when an egg grows and develops without being fertilised by sperm. It results in offspring that only have their mother’s genetic material; no fatherly contribution is required. This is not uncommon in invertebrates such as aphids, bees and ants. It also happens in a few all-female species of lizard; geckos and whiptails for example. But here it occurs across a generation; all female reproduce asexually via a process called obligate parthenogenesis. But asexual reproduction by a normally sexual vertebrate species is still rare, having been reported

in under 0.1% of species. It was only in the mid1990s that virgin births began to be documented in captive snakes, followed by a captive giant lizard in 2006 and a captive shark in 2007. To date this now includes around 10 species of snakes including a couple of boas, and a python, four species of shark, and several monitor lizards, including the endangered Komodo dragon. Recently the zebra finch and Chinese painted quail were added to the list. All were kept in isolation in unnatural conditions and away from any males. So to find asexual reproduction in two species of snake in the wild on their first attempt was “astounding”, according to Prof Booth and his collaborators. Virgin births should no

longer be viewed as “some rare curiosity outside the mainstream of evolution,” he said. Evolutionary dead-end? It remains unclear whether the female snakes actively select to reproduce this way, or whether the virgin births are triggered by some other factor, such as a virus or bacterial infection. “Any answer is pure speculation at this point,” says Prof Booth. In captivity, two sharks, and three snakes, have been shown to have had multiple virgin births, producing more than one litter via facultative parthenogenesis. As yet, it also remains unclear whether the offspring of these wild virgin births can themselves go on to have normal, or virgin births of their own.

tion of appreciation and awareness of biodiversity and the services it provides, while encouraging conservation efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. According to Dr. Berthold Seibert, project director of the ACB-GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project, “the relationship between biodiversity and climate change cannot be translated into a gut issue that the man on the street can understand without the help of the media, especially the newspapers. GIZ and ACB recognize media’s significant role as a partner in demystifying biodiversity and promoting the link between biodiversity and climate change and highlighting their importance to humans”. Rolly Inciong, head of ACB’s Communication and Public Affairs, said that through this spe-

cial category, ACB, GIZ and PPI will recognize the efforts of community journalists in educating the public on the linkage between biodiversity and climate change. Are the Filipino community journalists up for this challenge? Now is the opportunity for local newspapers to publish articles related to biodiversity and climate change and submit entries to PPI from September 2012 to May 2013. The winners of this category will be announced in June 2013. Community journalists may check the following websites for more information on climate change and biodiversity: UN-REDD www.un-redd. org, Global Issues www. globalissues.org, PBS Newsletter www.pbs.org, Science and Development Network www.scidev. net, Conservation International www.conservation.org.

Search is on for best reporting on biodiversity, climate change

HE search is on for the best news and feature reporting on biodiversity and climate change. The hot issue of biodiversity and climate change received a much-needed public awareness boost when the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), GIZ and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) launched the special award on “Best in Biodiversity and Climate Change Reporting” at the 2012 National Press Forum held in Manila. This is a special award under the 2012-2013 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards that will be presented during the 17th National Press Forum in June 2013. It has become evident that climate change and biodiversity are intrinsically linked. Ecosystems and their biodiversity are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, when

conserved and managed sustainably, intact and biodiverse ecosystems pose immense opportunities for climate protection and adaptation to climate change. Biodiversity and ecosystems provide livelihood to millions of Southeast Asians in rural and urban areas. The region is home to more than 20 percent of the global biodiversity, approximately 35 percent of the global mangrove forests, and 30 percent of the coral reefs. It is therefore not surprising that the Philippines, as part of the ASEAN, is considered as the haven of a multitude of the world’s rarest plant and animal species. However, many of these ecosystems and their biodiversity are already being affected by climate change, which puts sustainable development in peril. The challenge lies in the promo-

In captive snakes studied so far, offspring have so far not been proved viable, that is capable of surviving and reproducing. However, earlier this year Prof Booth and colleagues reported that a checkered gartersnake that has had consecutive virgin births, appears to have produced viable male offspring. Parthenogenicly born copperheads and cottonmouths are also currently being raised and “in the next two to three years we will know if they are

indeed viable,” said Prof Booth. “If they cannot survive and reproduce, then this is a reproductive deadend. “However, if they are healthy and can reproduce, that opens an entirely new avenue for research,” he said. Being able to switch from sexual to asexual reproduction could be advantageous; in the absence of males a female could still give birth and start a new, albeit inbred, population.

School to use tree cloning in reforestation program

state-run university in Southwestern Mindanao or Region 12, one of the oldest academic institutions in the area, has accepted the challenge to operate a clonal facility to support a reforestation program in the region. Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije, president of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, North Cotabato, said the school has agreed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to host a clonal facility for the seedling requirements of the National Greening Program (NGP). “We will utilize our students to assist activities related to the [implementation] of the greening program in our region,” he said.

Previously, Derije said the school’s participation to the reforestation program of the DENR was dismal because a sense of ownership was never felt. With the agreement, he said this is a “welcome development as the university is joining hands with the DENR to contribute our share in the meaningful implementation of the NGP.” The NGP is the flagship reforestation program of the Aquino administration that seeks to plant 1.5 billion trees until 2016 across the country in an area of about 1.5 million hectares. Adeluisa Siapno, DENR Region 12 director, said that under the agreement, the DENR will extend P3.5 million to USM for the operation of a clonal facility. [boNg s. sARMIENto / MINDANEws]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 138 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

THE ECONOMY 5

Lapanday Properties, Northbank sign MOA for Commercio MarQuella L

Partnership marks milestone in Ciudades development

APANDAY Properties Philippines and Northbank Holdings have signed a Memorandum of Agreement signaling their partnership for Commercio MarQuella, the commercial market and transport hub envisioned for the Ciudades township. “Commercio MarQuella is envisioned to be a traders’ haven, where buyers and sellers all over Davao can enjoy the unique, fiesta-like shopping experience,” reveals Simeon P. Marfori, President of Northbank Holdings. Plans include a transport terminal open area bazaars and bargain centers, fresh and wholesale markets, multi-purpose pavilions, and – in keeping with the lush natural setting of Ciudades – landscaped parks and promenades to complete a memorable shopping and recreational experience. “We’re continuing to create and develop new choices for the people who want alternatives to what is presently in and around Davao,” notes Tomas P. Lorenzo, President of Lapanday Prop-

erties. “We also believe that we offer great real estate investment options, and we’re happy to welcome partners who share our vision for the future of Davao City.” Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc. is the master developer of Ciudades, Davao’s first integrated mixed-use masterplanned community which is envisioned to set the stage for the future of Davao City. Located in Buhangin District, just minutes away from downtown, the township is shaping up to be Davao’s newest prime real estate address where people can live, work, play, shop, and relax within a self-sufficient environment. It already comprises exclusive housing communities such as Las Palmas Verdes and Nizanta Homes, as well as soon-to-be-launched Altea Homes in partnership with Robinsons Land and Sta. Lucia Realty. All of these subdivisions appeal to buyers looking for ideal, family-friendly, and secure neighborhoods. Ciudades also features the First Mind-

FLAPANDAY, 11

MOA. Tomas P. Lorenzo, president of Lapanday Properties Phils., Inc. (3rd from left) and Simeon Marfori II, president of Northbank Holdings (2nd from right) together with Ricardo N. Jacinto, lead project manager of Lapanday Properties Phils., Inc. (leftmost), Lalaine L. Regino, general manager of

Lapanday Properties Phils., Inc. (2nd from left) and Jose Maria Marfori, chairman of Northbank Holdings (rightmost) sign the Memorandum of Agreement for Commercio MarQuella partnership at Marco Polo Hotel yesterday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Davao, Samal beef up economic programs to generate more funds

AVAO City local government has introduced specific business activities not only to provide exemplary service to the public but to generate more funds. One such project involves proposed amendments on the Revenue Code, including revision of policies, rules and guidelines on cemetery charges, which the city government through the Economic Enterprise Office (EEO)is pushing forward. Gary Castillo, officer-in-charge for Cemetery Operations of the EEO, said they need specific policies to sup-

port their projects regarding the supervision of public cemeteries. He said that among others, there must be specific provisions as to fees by grave lots, niches including overload niches; lease of grave lot, niche and ossuary; perimeter niches and ossuaries. Davao City has nine public cemeteries located in Wireless, Ma-a, Panacan, Tibungco, Bunawan, Mintal, Tugbok, Calinan and Toril with a total area of 57,102 square meters. He said the Wireless Public Cemetery is undergoing rehabilitation with an estimated fund-

ing cost of P23 million although Phase 1 has already been completed at a cost of P5 million. The project also includes construction of administrative building, guardhouse, candle lighting station, road network/ pathways, beautification and landscape, electrical works and water connections and comfort rooms. He said annual financial projection at the Wireless Cemetery is at P2.14 M for ossuaries and niches while the pre-rehabilitated cemeteries are projected at P 12.3 M. He added that the operation of cemeteries follow the Code of

Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

Sanitation of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Samal Island City administrator Cleto Gales, Jr. said they launched lately a government-run Memorial Park and named as “Pahulayan” (resting place) in a five hectares area in Barangay San Agustin, Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte. At the Park would be a landmark where the names of the crash plane victims of Air Philippines Flight 541 will be inscribed. The concept is a green park that will not only have a portion for subterranean but a bone niche and crematorium, he said. [PNA]

Legarda alarmed over high 2 biggest US-based rate of unemployed women BPO firms merge

ENATOR Loren Legarda expressed alarm over the high rate of unemployment among women in the country, and called for more gender-responsive development priorities that should be reflected in the 2013 budget. “We must begin to evaluate the budget in a new light, taking into consideration our changing social landscape. According to statistics from an SWS survey last May, the percentage of unemployed women is 36.4% or 6.5 million, which is significantly higher than the percentage of unemployed men at 18.9% or 4.4 million. Taking into

account the abilities unique among genders, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Commission on Women should begin addressing this situation especially now that we are planning next year’s budget,” she explained. Legarda stated that there are two strategies that the government should strongly explore. The first is greater support for industries that women frequent, such as textiles, crafts, farming, and food-processing and helping women start their own businesses and cooperatives. The second is appropriate training

that will build women’s opportunities in entering economic sectors such as telecommunications, tourism, leisure services, and traditionally male-dominated jobs. “Women are a valuable yet vulnerable sector, and this alarming rate of unemployment is one of the key factors that fuels migration. Hundreds of thousands of Filipino women seek jobs abroad every year, and are then often subjected to exploitation. Away from loved ones and the government’s assistance, their yearning for better lives unfairly pushes them deeper into harm,” she remarked.

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month

EDGEDAVAO

WO of the largest United States-based business process outsourcing (BPO) firms operating in the Philippines have formally announced their merger yesterday. NCO Philippines and APAC Customer Services are now combined under Expert Global Solutions (EGS). “As a result of this merger, we now have one of the most comprehensive, unique, and compelling BPO offerings in the marketplace,” said EGS chief executive officer Ron Rittenmeyer in a statement. EGS President Bong

Bank lending continues to expand in July--BSP

ACCESSIBLE. A lady vendor makes mobile phone SIM and prepaid cards accessible to the public by selling them at the city’s main street sidewalks. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Borja said both firms are “equally strong” as the two are leaders in customer care services and accounts receivable management. “We did the merger last April but the rebranding is happening now. We’re still retaining the NCO brand,” he said at a press conference. Borja said NCO acquired APAC early this year. With the acquisition, he said the total number of workforce is estimated at 12,000 while the number of sites are now eight. By yearend, Borja said he expects the workforce to reach more than 15,000.[PNA]

OTAL outstanding loans of commercial banks, net of banks’ reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, expanded in July at a faster pace of 16 percent from 14.9 percent in June. Bank lending, inclusive of RRPs,m also recorded a higher rate of 15.2 percent from 12.2 percent in the previous month. Commercial bank loans have been growing at double-digit rates since January 2011. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank lending in July increased by 2 percent for loans net of RRPs and by 5 percent for loans inclusive of RRPs.

Loans for production activities, which comprised more than four-fifths of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio, grew by 16.4 percent in July from 15.1 percent a month earlier. Meanwhile, the growth of consumer loans eased slightly to 15.4 percent from 15.8 percent in June due mainly to the slowdown in auto loans. The expansion in production loans was driven primarily by increased lending to the wholesale and retail trade (by 48.7 percent); manufacturing (25.1 percent); real estate, renting, and business services (24.7 percent); financial intermediation (31.7 percent); and transportation, storage, and communication (26.9 percent). [PNA]

as of august 2010

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

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

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

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

AGRITRENDS 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 138 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Rice variety can survive days of flooding--PhilRice A

MIDST horrendous flooding around Manila and major rice-growing across Luzon in the Philippines, some good news has emerged for rice farmers – Submarino rice – rice that can survive around two weeks of being under water. Rice is unique because it can grow well in wet conditions where other crops cannot, but if it is covered with water completely it can die, leaving flooded farmers bereft of income. Submarino rice was bred by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and can survive floods if they occur before flowering. The latest Submarino variety was released in the Philippines in 2009 and disseminated and promoted by the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) to help rice farmers in times of floods and typhoons. Philippine Secretary

of Agriculture Proceso Alcala said, “IRRI is one of our partner agencies that studies and promotes the propagation of Submarino rice varieties that can recover even after being submerged for 14 days.” Since its release, Submarino rice has been widely adopted by rice farmers across the Philippines, thanks to efforts by the DA and its agencies, which have been actively promoting Submarino rice to farmers. Their effective strategies have included involving farmers in early field trials and seed multiplication efforts across the country alongside information, education, extension, and communication campaigns and materials. “By planting Submarino rice, farmers have a fighting chance to outlast most rains and floods that unfortunately beset the country,” said IRRI Deputy Director General for Communications and Partnerships, Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino. The Submarino rice

Young rice plants can take care of themselves

OME planting season, forego spraying pesticides against defoliators on the first 30 days after transplanting or 40 days after sowing, advised Gertrudo Arida, PhilRice crop protection specialist. “Spraying pesticides this early will not only kill the defoliators in your rice plants, but also the natural enemies preying on pest defoliators,” Arida said. According to Arida, early spraying prevents the colonization of beneficial organisms in the field. He also said that young rice plants can recover from early season damage by producing new leaves and tillers. So, why spend on pesticides? You are not alone Undoing pest problems is really burdensome to farmers. But, farmers are not alone in keeping the problem in control. Arida said farmers have friends in the field that are natural enemies to rice pests. Instead of spending money to buy pesticides, these early defoliators can be managed by allowing natural enemies like spiders, beetles, among other friendly organ-

isms to do the work for farmers. “Pesticides are not the only solutions to [your] rice pest problems. Indiscriminate use of pesticides can solve your pest hitches, but can drain your money, put your health to risk; giving more than one problem,” Arida stressed. Adding more damages, continuous pesticide use will eventually make the pest resistant. Safe and cheap preventive measures It is imperative that farmers monitor their fields early in the morning of everyday, Arida said. This way, farmers are aware of the conditions up and about their fields. “During field monitoring, farmers should check for signs and symptoms of pest infestation in their field, nutrition of the plants, and population of insect pests and vectors vis-à-vis the natural enemies, and assess the magnitude of the damage,” Arida advised. An early-morning habit of checking one’s field is necessary as some of the insect pests move to other fields later in the morning. [PhilRice]

varieties currently available in the Philippines include Submarino 1 (NSIC Rc194, released 2009) and Sacobia (PSB Rc68, released 1997). Seed for

these varieties can be obtained by contacting the PhilRice Text Center on 0920 911 1398, plus IRRI can provide small “starter seed” packs for mul-

tiplication by contacting info@irri.org. To help others in the community affected by the recent floods, IRRI is also coordinating dona-

tions from its staff to give to people in affected areas in the communities of Los Baños and Bay around IRRI headquarters. [PhilRice]

HE National Food Authority (NFA) in South Cotabato has created a procurement team to plan out the establishment of four buying stations in four strategic locations in the province to buy palay from farmers. NFA provincial manager Avelino Usman said they will set up the buying stations in the towns of Suralah, Tampakan,

Norala and in the city of Koronadal to make it easier for farmers to sell their farm produce. Usman also said that the procurement team will directly contact the farmers and will buy their produce like private traders do. The team will also visit the farmers to transact business, bringing with them moisture meters and platform

scales. “This will make it easier for farmers to sell their farm produce,” Usman pointed out. The NFA support price to individual palay farmers is currently at P17.40 per kilogram and P17.70 per kilogram to farmer-cooperatives and organizations. The procurement team has been tasked to pay the farmers in

cash instead of issuing checks. This move is aimed at reducing the volume of rice importation, Usman said, adding that the program also intends to encourage farmers to plant and increase their production. South Cotabato, a rice producing province, will have a bumper harvest at the end of this year.

gram of DA-12 in coordination with the Department of Education. Led by Joy Misterio, DA12 agricultural program coordinating officer, DA has distributed high value crops like “kalabasa, kamatis, talong and okra” in a pilot area distribution center at Johnny Ang National High School,

General Santos City. Apart from seedlings, DA also distributed farm inputs like shovel, rake, grab hoe, bolo, hand trowel and drums. Dr. Sylvia Acuña, Technology and Livelihood Education Supervisor of DepEd Division Office, said the education department is all

out support in this program “because it brings back and re-live the culture of planting vegetables in our backyards.” Acuña said organic farming or natural way of planting among pupils would ensure fresh and nutritious food that they could harvest out of the “Gulayan sa Paaralan.” [PNA]

NFA puts up mobile buying teams in 4 SouthCot towns T [MINDANEws]

DA 12 distributes planting materials to public schools

N an effort to inculcate planting among students in public schools, the Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed planting materials to 30 elementary and secondary schools in Gen. Santos City, DA-12 said on Tuesday. The project is part of the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” pro-

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Raising notes for PHL’s regional folk songs Special Feature By Honor Blanco caBie

EDITORIAL

Scolding President

RESIDENT AQUINO scolded officials and employees of the Bureau of Immigration during their 72nd foundation day celebration last Tuesday. The President blasted BI personnel for the role they played in the escape of fugitive former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron ex-mayor Mario, who are wanted for the murder of environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega. This is not the first time the President did some scolding of his “hosts” during an anniversary celebration. The first time he did it was during the 25th anniversary gathering of the Philippine Press Institute in April when he lashed out at media’s lack of balanced reporting. Next was during the 25th founding anniversary of ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, where he delivered a sermon on media negativity, but not naming the program’s most important personality, former Vice President Manuel Leuterio “Noli” de Castro. Although far from being a “taray” (brutally frank) like his immediate predecessor, President Noynoy’s scolding has de-

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veloped into a pattern – he does it to his hosts during anniversary celebrations. But the country’s chief executive might be elated to know that the public appreciates instead of disapproves his occasional tongue-lashing. The immigration bureau is not exactly known to be a haven for angels. It is public knowledge that some of the most corrupt government officials and employees can be found in the bureau. The same may be said of many media practitioners, the other pet peeve of the President. For sure, many Filipinos will want the President to do his scolding more often, especially of personalities in some agencies of his administration known to be notoriously corrupt. One of them is the Bureau of Customs under Commissioner Raffy Biazon. People will not really mind if after the scolding some heads roll, or better still some scalawags in government end up staring blankly at the outside world from behind iron bars. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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OME Filipino culture buffs, among them musicians of small town bands, are raising notes for more open or covered auditoriums and stages for the country’s slowly fading out regional folk songs. They believe these songs can well keep up to the beat and melody as well as message of English songs that have made inroads in the industry. They say, on the sidelines of some weekend musical rehearsals, that these Filipino folk songs can have the same lilting tune and mighty message as, for instance, the American singer-song writer Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” or ”If I Had A Hammer” written in 1949 by Pete Seeger and Lee Hayes. Guthrie’s chorus has the lines: The sun comes shining as I was strolling/ The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling/ The fog was lifting a voice come chanting/ This land was made for you and me.// The song “If I Had A Hammer,” a Civil Rights anthem of the American Civil Rights movement, has the words: It’s a hammer of justice/ It’s a bell of freedom/ It’s a song about love between my brothers and my sisters/ All over this land.// Some sources say the Philippines, which has several regions with major regional languages and musical brands, is literally a treasure trove for folk songs that give sheen to the country’s over-all culture as a Southeast Asian nation. Sources say people in the regions, particularly the younger generations, should be exposed to this wealth of Filipino folk songs “since it is an essential way to pass down tradition that has been the signature of their ancestors.” There are also those who say singing these folk songs and helping the young ones appreciate the message helps preserve and protect these folk songs which cover a variety of musical styles although the song is commonly used to refer to a narrative song that uses traditional melodies to speak on a particular topic. Folk songs – the music of a nation, a sub-culture or a community of people -- address social and political issues like work, war, and popular opinion and communicates a message and has a strong meaning about them. In the Philippines, these folk songs are abundant – from as far north as Ilocos Norte and Cagayan to the warrior-type Tausugs in Jolo in the far south – but are hardly known and heard, if at all, by young Filipinos. Those in the Queen City of the South have their “Usahay” whose lyrics, partly, say: Usahay magadamgo ako/ Nga ikaw ug ako nagka higugmaay/ Nganong damgohon ko ikaw/ Damgohon sa kanunay…// A loose English translation puts some graphic image: Sometimes I am dreaming/ That you and I love each other/ Why are you the one I dream of/ And always dream of my loneliness…// The Tausugs of Sulo have their “Unu In Hi Langan” whose lyrics include: Unu in hi langan/ Sin hidlaw kan jungjungan/ Ayir bajanggang/ Sukkal banding di kapasangan/ Hi ula katumbangan/ Bang maisa kulangan/ Dayang in pagngnnan.// The loose English translation: What can I sing/ (To ease my) yearning for my beloved/ (Her) incomparable presence/ cannot be matched/ (My) dear idol and lover/ When lying in the chamber/ I utter the name of my beloved.// Culture aficionados say there are other regions rich in folk songs which need wider dissemination and appreciation by the younger generations– if only for the message of patriotism, love for kin and what the songs say of the community, the aspirations of the people, their laughter, their grief, and their dreams. Many ordinary Filipinos agree. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO

Competitive positioning

RIGHTER ECONOMIC OUTLOOK – Signs that the economy is perking up are feeding expectations the country may soon see resurgence in growth led by stronger economic fundamentals. The Philippines brighter economic outlook is largely due to the fact that, after some setbacks in the second half of 2011 and the first half of 2012, fund managers have again obtain easy access to short and long-term loans with much lower interest rates. An optimistic attitude for the remainder of 2012 propelled not only the property and stock markets, but Gross Domestic Products (GDP) is going up fast in the range of 6 to 7 percent. The economic mood has improved tremendously in the past three weeks and even Davao-based entrepreneurs predict the economy will be much stronger within a year. Their bold prediction is based on the recent world ranking in competitiveness that pushed the country into the top 50 percent level out of 144 countries. Not every region, however, is out of the wood; China’s economy, for example, is slowing down and the US economy is sluggish while what they have in Europe right now is some sort of a debacle. The current economic tendency is increasing the country’s exposure for most capitalists – domestic and foreign-based and opportunities were bound to seem like relief. And entrepreneurs are now looking at the Philippines as a major growth area. A well-known Davao-based trader and business leader Vicente Lao, who is into construction, agri-business and mining ad-

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

vised investors in the Davao region and elsewhere in the country that today is the best time to invest and should take advantage of the situation where the country is rated only one notch below investment grade. It is perhaps understandable that there has been a rash of press stories proclaiming the competitiveness ranking was based on the country’s much improved image in the international community. The Philippine market is very good according to financial experts and fund managers and hopefully by providing a decent rating most likely will improve its liquidity. Eventually, the Aquino government pretty much got what it wanted. Ironically, thanks were probably due the same debt-rating agency, Standard and Poor, which earlier has engendered such animosity. Although it is technically a step below investment grade – the new rating is a big improvement. The headlines generated around by the country’s high ranking in competitiveness is helping restore domestic and foreign investors’ confidence and investment is expected to be coming in large volumes. Another factor that certainly brought about lots of long-term investment opportunities is the fact that Philippine banks are reportedly awash with cash for borrowing, which should encourage entrepreneurs to invest and expand because the

cost of money is relatively cheap and interest rates low. Economic theory suggests that if the country can sustain such a growth for the next two or three years would men thousands of new jobs particularly for Dabawenyos because of the fast acceleration of economic growth in the city. Furthermore, it is widely believed that if the country’s economic fundamentals will remain firmly strong, higher growth rate and increased productivity will surely lead to high employment rate. With such development, higher productivity spurs increased consumption, requires increased production that leads to lower prices – and more jobs. The country’s competitive position is improving internationally – slowly but steadily. International competition has intensified dramatically, trade barriers elsewhere have fallen, but luckily the Philippines snapped out of its slumber and have proven that it can match other countries in terms of trade and investment opportunities. But rather than confront a new competitive landscape head on, the country should still act as a developing nation that needs to be protected. The high growth and competitive stories had just started, but with such development the country may manage to settle into a kind of affluent status and probably will be known as an economic achiever. All of which means that someday soon in Davao City and its suburban areas, and across the nation, you will no longer see there is a sense of urgency, no indication that the Philippines has a credit rating equal or maybe even lower to the more poorer African countries.

Science in Physical Therapy, a course she put to good use working later in Japan as a volunteer physical therapist for a few months in 2006 and again in 2007. She was to fly off to Kuwait to start a more prosperous career as a PT. The day she was brought home to Midsayap after a few days of wake in Davao, her confirmation papers for Kuwait had come in. I can’t imagine how her family and close friends must feel about losing her. I can imagine though, the anger they must feel for the perpetrators. This year alone, there has been several such incidents of holdups in the city, executed in broad daylight, at the most unexpectedly public places, and victimizing the most common victims - women. No one, except for the perpetrators, may really know why Cherryl had to be stabbed 17 times. One can only surmise that, fit as she was, she must have fought to save her life. But a wisp of a girl like Cherryl cannot overpower three armed men. And for that she lost her life. I believe Cherryl is not totally lost to us. We can take from our memories of her the steadfast commitment she gave to her job, the warm friendship she extended to colleagues and friends, and the love she had for her family and those close to her.

Most of all, we can take the love for life that she exuded every day of her short life. So that even as we bid Cherryl goodbye, we will smile with fondness when we remember her.

Remember Cherryl with fondness

T was with a sense of disbelief that I came to know of the passing of Cherryl Gay Grafilor, mainly because we had known her to be full of life and energy. As the lone female instructor in one of the premier fitness gyms in the city, Cherryl attended to her clients with eagerness, attention, and care. It was difficult to imagine that bundle of energy was no more. When we read in the papers the horrifying details behind her passing, there was such a huge sense of loss and dismay among those who knew her. I couldn’t believe that this young woman who had a full, exciting life ahead of her had her life cut short so indiscriminately. The way Cherryl was killed--17 stab wounds on such a petite frame--was such a blatant display of wanton disregard for life. And all for her wallet and cellphone. I met Cherryl when I went back to d gym last year after months of absence. She made me feel welcome and encouraged me to keep my eyes on the ball - to keep fit and healthy. She was keen, dedicated, and pleasant. A pretty lass, she was hard to miss, but what was catching about her was the lilt to her walk, the ready smile on her face, and the exuberance she exhibit as she went about doing her job as fitness instructor. Beyond that I didn’t know anything else about her, except that her effervescent presence and vitality were infectious. From her workplace, I found out Cherryl was 31 years old and hailed from North Cotabato. She graduated from the Davao Doctors College with a degree of Bachelor of

‘I can’t imagine how

her family and close friends must feel about losing her. I can imagine though, the anger they must feel for the perpetrators. This year alone, there has been several such incidents of holdups in the city, executed in broad daylight, at the most unexpectedly public places, and victimizing the most common victims women.’

‘Just Talk’ peace slogan paying off Special Feature By Ben cal

“J

( 1st of two parts)

UST TALK,” a slogan launched by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in 2009 to revive the stalled peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is paying off. Negotiations have resumed and the peace panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF have made great and steady progress, especially during the 31st formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur last week wherein the two panels reported reaching “substantive gains.” The “Just Talk” slogan was initiated by then OPAPP Secretary Annabelle Abaya after the negotiations broke down in August 2008 following the aborted signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) declared by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. As a consequence, heavy fighting broke out between government forces and MILF rebels in Central Mindanao in August 2008. The military said 312 people were killed, 154 were wounded while another 693,158 were displaced from their homes during the fighting from August 2008 to February 2009. The fighting started in North Cotabato province and spread to 10 other provinces in Central Mindanao. However, despite the fighting, backdoor negotiations between the government and the MILF continued, an indication that there was hope to revive the talks in the future. That hope came to fruition when late in 2009, the two peace panels agreed to restart the negotiations. It was a bold and daring move by both sides to “just talk” than to fight when there are no clear winners. From then on, the exploratory talks steadily moved for-

‘During the past three years, there have been attempts by “spoilers” called the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to derail the peace negotiation.’

ward. During the past three years, there have been attempts by “spoilers” called the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to derail the peace negotiation. BIFF renegades mounted attacks on government forces in Central Mindanao but the GPH and the MILF peace panels pursued all the more the peace process vigorously. To date, the two sides have met 31 times in Malaysia, the third party facilitator to find a genuine and lasting solution to the armed conflict in southern Philippines. At the conclusion of the 31st formal exploratory peace talks in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, the two panels reported that they have “reached substantive gains in the negotiations.” The four-day meeting was “marked with mutual trust, sincerity and cordiality.” The GPH and MILF peace panels have vowed to work towards the crafting of a framework agreement. Marvic Leonen, chief GPH negotiator, said that “by next meeting, we hope that we not only move forward but find a quantum leap in our negotiations.” The two panels tackle the contentious issues in the negotiations power and wealth sharing. On his part, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said there was clear, positive movement in the negotiation. [PNA]

10 NATION/WORLD NATION BRIEfS

Slide

OP Philippine schools slid further down a world university ranking this year, a poor performance linked by an official of the highest-ranked Filipino school to weak state support. The country’s universities failed to make it to the top 300 in the20122013 list released Tuesday by London-based education research firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Accosted

HE Philippine Coast Guard has accosted a Vietnam-flagged cargo ship in Bicol province over shipments of rice that allegedly lacked proper documentation. According to the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters in Manila, Coast Guard District Bicol boarded and detained MV Minh Tuan 68 and its 16 crewmembers at the request of the Bureau of Customs Enforcement and Security Service (BUCUS).

Jabbed

RESIDENT Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III jabbed at customs and immigration workers in a speech Tuesday, as he stood his ground that their overtime pay should not be charged against airlines operators. After outlining the Bureau of Immigration’s accomplishments during the agency’s 72nd founding anniversary celebration, Aquino said: “Narito na rin po tayo, pag-usapan na rin natin ang tungkol sa inyong overtime pay (Since we’re at it, let’s talk about your overtime pay).”

Still on

E may have resigned, but now-resigned Local Government undersecretary Rico Puno will still have to appear before the Senate over his attempt to enter the late DILG secretary Jesse Robredo’s condominium. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Puno must face the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws as it holds a hearing on the “Evaluation of the DILG Undersecretary Rico E. Puno Event, under the Administrative Code and the 1990 DILG Act, as amended by the 1998 Police Reform Act” on Friday morning.

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Philippine maid escapes H employer to flee Syria

WORLD TODAY

Philippine maid gave a dramatic account of how she escaped her demanding employer to flee besieged Syria, by sliding down a rope after he refused to let her quit her post as war raged around them. As the country was torn apart by civil war fearful Nurmina Canapia pleaded to leave the country along with hundreds of other maids, but her Syrian boss insisted she stay and see out the final year of her three-year contract. The last straw came when a bomb exploded outside her employer’s home in Aleppo and still he would not let her go, despite the Philippine consulate advising all Filipinos evacuate, the 33-year-old said. “My employer was so mad. He said I would not be able to leave till I finished my three-year contract,” Canapia told AFP. “I climbed down from the balcony of the house with a rope. Then I called a taxi and went to the Philippine consulate in

DISEMBARKED. Philippine workers, who had been working in Syria, wait for their luggage after they disembarked from a plane chartered by the International Organization for Migration at the international airport

in Manila. Over 260 Philippine workers returned from Syria, recounting tales of the violence that forced them to flee the country, even if it meant risking poverty at home. [AFP]

Aleppo,” the mother of three, from the impoverished southern Philippines, recalled. “My employer went to the consulate and tried to get me back, but the consulate would not let me go. They said all Filipinos must leave Syria,” she said. After reaching the consulate, Canapia, along

with another 262 domestic maids from the Philippines, were driven to Damascus where they were flown by charter plane to Manila on Tuesday. A further 20 are scheduled to arrive late Tuesday on a regular flight, the Philippines foreign department said. The Philippine government has repatriated

more than 2,100 workers from Syria since December last year. About 5,000 remain in the country, although the government says it is seeking to bring home as many as possible. One Philippine maid was killed in the war, when she and her employers were ambushed

reached the waters around the Diaoyu islands -- known in Japan as the Senkaku islands -- and would “take actions pending the development of the situation,” the Xinhua news agency said. The arrival came as the Japanese government announced it had

completed its planned purchase of the islands, which lie in a strategically important shipping area with valuable mineral resources thought to be nearby. “This should cause no problem for Japan’s ties with other countries and regions,” said Japan’s Chief

Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura. “We have absolutely no desire for any repercussions as far as Japan-China relations are concerned. It is important that we avoid misunderstanding and unforeseen problems,” he told reporters. Beijing had earlier summoned the Japanese ambassador and lodged a strong protest over Tokyo’s move to purchase the islands, while vowing to take counter-measures. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the islands were “an inherent part of China’s territory” and vowed his country would “never ever yield an inch” on its sovereignty. However, the ships China dispatched were from the State Oceanic Authority and not military vessels and analysts downplayed the significance of the move, saying the deal may even allow Beijing and Tokyo to temper tensions. “That some patrol vessels were deployed in the vicinity of the islands was almost inevitable, but now, at least, there is no longer a risk that some nationalist Japanese politician would gain control of the islands,” said China expert Jonathan Holslag. [AFP]

FPHILIPPINE, 11

China dispatches ships to islands purchased by Japan

HINA has dispatched two patrol ships to “assert its sovereignty” over islands at the centre of a row with Japan, state media said Tuesday, as Tokyo completed its purchase of the disputed territory. The two marine surveillance ships had

Evicted

ONG Kong “Occupy” protesters scuffled Tuesday with bailiffs who began evicting them from their camp outside the Asian headquarters of HSBC, the last outpost of the anti-capitalist movement in Asia. Police-backed bailiffs exercised a court order to clear around a dozen protesters along with their tents and banners denouncing capitalism from the ground floor of the bank, which has been occupied since October last year.

Deal

OURISM in Palawan will soon receive a lift not only from the province’s world-renowned Underground River but also from a new airport development that has moved closer to completion. The government has inked a $71.6-million deal with South Korea to fund the project, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Wednesday.

EDGEDAVAO

DISPUTED. The disputed islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China in the East China Sea. China has sent two patrol ships to the group of islands at the

centre of a territorial row with Japan, Xinhua reported Tuesday, after Tokyo said it would nationalise them. [AFP]

Killed

HE U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff were killed in a rocket attack on their car, a Libyan official said, as they were rushed from a consular building stormed by militants denouncing a U.S.made film insulting the Prophet Mohammad. Gunmen had attacked and burned the U.S. consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, a centre of last year’s uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, late on Tuesday evening, killing one U.S. consular official. The building was evacuated.

Cleared

HE eurozone cleared a key hurdle towards resolving its debt crisis Wednesday as Germany’s top court approved a new European firewall for ratification, with some minor conditions. In a landmark ruling watched around the world, the Constitutional Court overturned a raft of legal challenges aimed at preventing President Joachim Gauck from signing two crucial crisis-fighting tools into law.

Barometer

HE Netherlands voted in crunch polls Wednesday seen as a barometer of anti-European sentiment after a riveting campaign that has shaped into a tight race between two pro-Europe parties. The ruling Liberal VVD party of pro-austerity Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Labour PvdA of rising star and former Greenpeace activist Diederik Samsom are battling it out for the top spot in the fifth election in 10 years.

Burnt

T least 261 people burnt to death as fires swept through two factories in Pakistan, police and government officials said on Wednesday, raising familiar questions about industrial safety in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. Flames raced through a garment factory in the teeming commercial capital of Karachi, killing 236 people. Weeping relatives in hospitals and morgues heaped criticism on the deeply unpopular government.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 138 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

President Aquino signs AO 29 naming West Philippine Sea

Alessandra Melba Antonio-Villas, president of City Buzz Creative Multimedia Co., left, announces the pre-launching of www.davaocity.ph, CBCMC’s web page, on September 26 at the Business Class in Bo. Obrero, Davao City

during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. With her is CBCMC Vice President Perry Paul Galario-Lamalinao, [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

BOC... FfROM 1

that therte was no response from Biazon, prompting him to write another letter addressed to deputy commissioner for administration Juan Lorenzo Tañada for the same purpose. He said he was later told that Biazon had responded to his letter telling him to implement the suspension order and that the appeal of Sanchez has no merit at all. For seven months since January, Sanchez still acted as the customs deputy district collector for administration in the Davao port until Bangcoy issued a memorandum dated September 4, 2012 implementing the order.

On January 5, the Department of Finance ordered the suspension of Sanchez together with other customs officers Jaime Maglipon, Solomon Sumpo, and Alfredo Opao Jr. and BIR revenue officer Emily Singson. The Revenue Integrity Protection Service or RIPS, the finance department’s anti-corruption unit, filed the cases against the respondents in 2006. An Ombudsman memorandum dated April 21, 2006, but only received by RIPS on Dec. 13, 2011, said probable cause was established to charge the four Customs officials with grave

misconduct and dishonesty. Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said they should be placed “under preventive suspension pending the conduct of administrative adjudication of the case against them.” Singson, on the other hand, was found guilty of less serious dishonesty for failure to declare properties in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth as prescribed by Section 8 of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees. She was ordered suspended for six months without pay.

the mass oathtaking, declared that Mangudadatu and those who pledged allegiance to the party are the LP’s official candidates in next year’s elections in the province. In a related development, the Masturas had already reportedly rescinded their membership in the LP even before Monday’s

oath-taking in Buluan. Vice Gov. Mastura and his mayor-uncle, along with their supporters, from across the province, are to pledge loyalty to the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, or PDP-LABAN anytime this month, reportedly at the behest of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

nors, had entered Syria to work illegally. One of the repatriated minors, 17-year-old Archelle Araojo, said she had worked in Aleppo since she was 15 and had been terrified by the outbreak of violence there. Earlier this month she was on the balcony of her employer’s home when she saw helicopters and tanks arriving to attack a group of rebels. “I was so scared. My employer told us all to just sit down in the bathroom. We stayed there for days. We had nothing to eat because the stores were all closed and we couldn’t go out,” she told AFP. During a lull in the fighting the entire household fled by car to Damascus, 310 kilometres (193 miles) away, where

her employers dropped her off at the Philippine embassy with advice to go home, while the family fled to Lebanon. Araojo, who said she no longer wanted to work abroad, told AFP virtually all the money she sent home from Syria had been spent on her ailing mother, leaving her with savings of just $100. Araojo is one of almost 10 million Filipinos who have gone to work around the world, earning money which they can send home to their impoverished homeland. While the money they earn is a major boost to the economy, the government has also been forced to scramble to evacuate hundreds of them from strife-torn areas like Lebanon and Iraq in the past decade.[AFP]

Mangudadatu... FfROM 2

Maguindanao, and Mangudadatu were allies in the last local elections. The incumbent Maguindanao vice governor, Dustin Mastura, who was Mangudadatu’s running mate in 2010, is Mayor Mastura’s nephew. Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., an LP stalwart, who administered

Philippine... FfROM 10

by unknown gunmen in a car, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters. “Our policy is not to leave anyone behind. Anyone who wants to come home, we will bring him (or her) back,” del Rosario said as he welcomed the women at Manila airport. He said some 600 Filipinos were still waiting to return home from Syria, with a third of them in hiding in various parts of Aleppo. But 3,000 more said they did not want to leave the country, believing their employers would protect them, the minister said. The government cannot force Filipinos to return, del Rosario added, saying it was difficult to find all of its nationals since many, including mi-

RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has signed Administrative Order (AO) No. 29 “Naming the West Philippine Sea of the Republic of the Philippines.” With the signing of AO 29, signed Sept. 5, it states that the Philippines has the “inherent power and right to designate its maritime areas,” which include the Luzon Sea as well as the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo De Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. “The naming of the West Philippine Sea is without prejudice to the determination of the maritime domain over territories which the Republic of the Philippines has sov-

ereignty and jurisdiction,” the order said. As such, AO 29 orders the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to “produce and publish charts and maps of the Philippines reflecting the West Philippine Sea.” The official map, including a copy of relevant orders, shall then be submitted before the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other organizations, such as the International Hydrographic Organization and the United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names. All government offices and instrumentalities are also enjoined to use the official maps produced and

published by NAMRIA. Specifically, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been ordered to issue circulars requiring the use of the maps in relevant subjects, researches and instructional materials, such as, among others, text books, instructional materials, and audio-visual presentations. “The expenditures which may be incurred in the implementation of this Order shall be funded from the existing annual budget of the concerned agencies, subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations,” it said. (PNA)

sonnel of local government units and other government agencies, bankers, investors, media practitioners and the general public by holding the RESA Forum. The group has invited Congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia, considered the main author of the RESA law, and Eduardo Gutierrez-Ong,

chairman of the PRC Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service as guests of honor and main panelists of the forum. They are expected to be joined by a representative of the Commission on Higher Education and prominent players in the current property boom. [AMA]

of newly installed 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Albero Compound in Trinidad Greenhills in Bugac Maa. DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado said that upon completion of these projects, additional new service connections will be accommodated. Likewise, he appeals for the understanding and cooperation of the would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled

water service interruption as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may call the DCWD trunk line at 221-9400 and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to the latest daily water updates, or contact its call center through the 24-hour hotline 221-9412 or 09277988966 for updates, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. [Sylvia May L. Vosotros]

produce to international markets. It has established a successful track record in property development through projects in Davao, Manila, and other growth cities. Similarly, Northbank Holdings has built a strong reputation for residential and commercial developments in Davao. The partners’ expertise is expected to translate into unique advantages for Commercio Mar-

Quella. These exciting features and amenities emphasize the developers’ commitment to make Commercio MarQuella a truly worthwhile investment for locators and entrepreneurs amid an emerging community in Davao City. Inquiries are welcome at (082) 282-4068, or visit www.ciudades-davao. com for more details.

Lawmaker...

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board, said the foundation wishes to highlight its advocacy to help professionalize the practice of real estate brokerage in the country. She said as the leading real estate brokers’ organization in the Davao Region, PAREB-DBRFI will inform and educate real estate practitioners, developers, per-

No...

FfROM 2

St. Michael Village I and II, New Argao Village, JPMI Subdivision, Datu Loho Village, Gem Village, Don Julian Village and Orange St. in Spring Village. Another ECD crew will tap the newly installed 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline extension at San Rafael road to the main entrance of Twin Palm Residences in Ma-a. The last set is from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM and will affect Trinidad Greenhills Subd. in Ma-a. Reason for said water interruption is the tapping

Lapanday...

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anao Industrial Park, which is ready to accept locators in its modern Business-Industrial-Residential Estate. With the unveiling of plans for Commercio MarQuella, market interest in Ciudades is expected to even further increase. Lapanday Properties is an affiliate of Lapanday Foods corporation, Davao’s home-grown producer and exporter of to-quality fresh

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VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Realty

FOR SALE: 1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along national Highway, facing east, beside nccc Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town center, along the national Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City. 11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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Deadline for submission of materials is 12:00 NN. Deadline for Friday and Saturday issues is 5:00 PM. Deadline for Sunday and Monday issues is Saturday 12:00 NN. For more information, please call our Advertising Office 2213601; 301-6235 and ask for Jane or Chay.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

The fight-marred match between the Philippines and Laos was declared unofficial by FIFA and will have no bearing in the world rankings.

RPV ladies line-up to PAL Interclub bared By Neil Bravo

IX Korean expats and two local golfers banner the line-up of the Rancho Palos Verdes squad to the Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub which gets going at the Sta. Barbara golf course on September 18-21 in Iloilo. The RPV Ladies will be led by Team Captain Jean Gotianse and another RPV regular Leni Hao. The squad will also be leaning on the shot-making prowess of Korean expats Kim Ok Hee, Park Young Ran, Jo Mi Sun, Kim Sunae, Chon Young Rung and Ku Ja Soon.

Also with the squad as support crew are Renato Casas and Jose Albert Casenas. The RPV will battle against the best ladies club teams from all over the country in the annual event put up by Philippine Airlines. Meantime, in-form Jayvie Agojo will lead Manila Southwoods’ title-retention bid in the same tournament. Agojo won the women’s individual crown of the recent Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Championship recently

Tan, Baluran lead RPV MM winners

RIX Tan and Fred Baluran led the winners in the recent 12th Monthly Medal of the Ramcho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Tan dominated the Guest Division 1to take the gross title with a gross 82 while Baluran took the Division 2 gross honors with an 85. Roy Quemada won the net title in Division 1 with a net 73 while Richard Bad-Ang won the net title in Division 2 with a 65. Boy Herrera (83) was runner-up to Tan, Chikoy Saavedra (75) finished runner-up to Quemada in Division 1 play. Bob Empedrad (86) was gross runner-up in Division 2 while Stella Barnes

(68) was net bridesmaid in Division 2. Chon Young Rung, gearing up for the forthcoming PAL Ladies Interclub, won the Ladies title with a gross 93 way ahead of runner-up Phing Waters with a 130. Sally Seguenza’s 67 gave her the net title. Diemy Monedero (77) won the Seniors gross crown with Joe Daigdigan (68) winning the net plum. In the Super Seniors, Rolly Lazarte (92) and Yonozuke Iino (73) won the gross and net titles, respectively. In the Jungolf division, it was Gio Mackay for the title with a gross 113. (NEIL bRAVo)

in Indonesia. Supporting Agojo are teammates Lora Roberto, Miya Legaspi, June Hee Kyung, Regine de Guzman, Bernadette Abiera, Sunshine Baraquel and Marie Claire Ong. Expected to give Southwoods a run for its money is last year’s runner-up Del Monte, led by Lovelyn Guioguio. The other members are Kristine Leonen, Taj Tabanas, Apple Fudolin, Rainstar Roque, Eva Minoza, Ping Jarales and Pam Mariano.

At least 27 teams, including four foreign squads, are entered in the event sponsored by People Asia, Avis Car Rental, Airbus, TV5, Crossover, The Filipino Channel, 100Plus, Summit Water, Tanduay Ice and the Department of Tourism. Also supporting the four-day golfest are B/E Aerospace, Boeing, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Conventions Center, Diamond Hotel, EDSA Shangri-La, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Print

Town/Lexmedia and Tanduay Distillers. Sta. Barbara, the country’s oldest golf course, is being spruced up for the Interclub. “The club is excited to host the Ladies Interclub,” club manager Butch Jamerlan said. “The field will be in for a very different challenge.” The 105-year-old course is a par-70 course that, when stretched for pro tournaments, can measure up to just a little over 6,400 yards. But Jamerlan warns

against underestimating Sta. Barbara. Every hole requires an accurate tee shot for placements on the fairways to make for the best approaches to its undulating greens. “This course is all about accuracy,” Jamerlan continued. “It doesn’t necessarily require super long tee shots, but well-placed drives that can reward a player in the end.” Format calls for a team to field four players each per day with the top three scores counting.

Philippine Azkals’ Stephen Schrock shows tough defense against Singapore which they beat 2-0 in a monumental upset recently. The Azkals are building up for the 2012 Suzuki Cup.

Webb: Fixed term for PSC

NE of the primary authors of the bill that created the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said its high time that Republic Act 6847 be amended to pave the way for a fixed term in office for its future leaders. Former Senator Freddie Webb pointed out that politicization of the government sports agency has become an accepted norm as its chairman and commissioners usually come and go at the pleasure of the appointing person -- the President. Webb admitted losing such foresight when he first authored the bill in

Webb 1990 along with Senators Aquilino Pimentel and Joey Lina, together with Congressman Victorico Chavez.

Azkals loss to Laos unofficial T HE Philippine national men’s football team’s heated match against Laos Monday night turned out to be not an official international friendly match after all, which means that the Azkals’ 2-1 loss would have no effect on their world rankings. FIFA confirmed that it

withdrew consideration for the game after learning that referees who officiated the game were not recognized by the world governing body. “Indeed, not all four referees were from FIFA which is a must for an official A-match,” FIFA wrote in an email Tuesday night. At the 66th minute, the

match turned ugly after players from both sides engaged in a heated encounter, delaying the match for almost five minutes. One Laos player was caught in camera punching Azkals sub Misagh Bahadoran, but the referees curiously slapped a red card on the Filipino midfielder. Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge also

got collared by three Laos players, who all appeared to not receive any sanctions. Despite the length of delay the incident caused, referees also only added three minutes of extra time in the match, dimming the comeback chances for the Azkals after defender Rob Gier scored in the 92nd minute.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Eats all here and all over FOOD

I love food, be it a simple one Singaporean dollar roadside ice cream, to a beautifully prepared pork cutlet sandwich in Macau, I love food and the many cultures and ideas that spawned them. Here is a shortlist of some of my favorites this year that I have tasted in my travels and around Durianburg. I may be a carnivore but I also love the occasional salad once in a while when I feel like the whale in me needed to lose a few pounds. A good choice would be Picobello’s Ceasar Salad, but for pure simplicity and clean flavors, I would recommend Picobello’s Tomato and Mozarella Salad with Pesto. Once dispensed with the salads, try a taste of Italianni’s Crispy Pork Belly that is deliciously crisp yet has meat that is so tender, it falls off the bone, a great alternative to the old baby back ribs.

If you want your meat light and delicious though, then try Din Tai Fung’s many variations of Xiao Long Bao. These delicious dumplings are stuff with meat and rich broth that is a delight eat. Meat-eaters on the go though may want to consider a Crispy Pork Sandwich from the one and only Macau Restaurant in, where else, Macau. The ciabatta bread of the sandwich is lightly toasted and compliments the crispy fried pork cutlet well. Speaking of Macau, the one food that comes into mind when one talk about Macau is it’s famous egg

tart. My favorite egg tart though is not found in a specialty egg tart store but instead is found in a fast food chain, an American fast food chain at that. KFC Hong Kong’s egg tart has got to be THE best tasting tart so far. The crust is flaky and the Colonel was not stingy with the delicious egg filling. And for six Hong Kong dollars a pop, it is a delicious steal. Another tart that I love would be the round pineapple tarts of Singapore’s Le Cafe Confectionary & Pastry. These delicious bites of pineapple pastry goodness are light and fluffy yet are stuffed with a pineapple compote that bursts in the mouth once you bite into it. Also when in Singapore, I suggest a trip to the local “potong” ice cream hawker. Literally meaning cut ice cream, Singapore’s spin on a favorite dessert consists of a slice of ice cream cut from a bigger block and then served either on a slice of loaf bread or wafer. And

for the price of only one Singaporean dollar, it is one of the best way to beat the Singaporean heat. When beating the heat though, there is nothing better than to go with a delicious ice lolly. And while traveling in Cambodia, I discovered Cremo’s Tropic Lemon Flavored Water Ice. The tart, limey, lemony tasting dessert was refreshing especially after a full day exploring the temples of Siem Reap. Last but not the least on my list so far is Harold’s Cheese Bar by Machiavelli Chocolatier. A dark chocolate bar paired with Davao’s famous Malagos Blue Peppato Cheese which added a little surprising punch to the already delicious chocolate.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Fun with hair accessories at SM!

Girls just want to have fashion fun! And hair accessories are one they can keep their pretty do’s in place and also indulge in some self-expression. At sM Accessories they have a pick of fun headbands for school, cool clips, and pearl and rhinestone party pieces. Check these out at the Children’s Accessories Department in all sM stores.

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

FOOD

Versatile cheese by Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto, MBA

Spread melted unsalted butter on one side of 2 whole wheat bread slices/ Spread cheese and butter spread and pickle relish over unbuttered side of the one bread/ Top with another bread/ Grill over medium heat and cook until grill marks appear. Brown but do not burn. Serve hot.

CHEESE is a nutritious food made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep and buffalos to name a few. It is produced in various flavors, colors, sizes and textures. Usually, it contains proteins and fat and is typically acidified. More so, most cheese melt at cooking temperature.

Cheese is valued for its portability and long shelf life compared to milk. More so, cheese could be ‘dressed up’ and additional flavors could be added such as herbs, oils, black peppercorns and even rose petals. There are many types of cheeses and as such, there are various storing techniques for them. At refrigerator temperature, the fat and protein in cheese become stiff. Above room temperature, most cheese melts. For improved flavors, it is widely advised that cheeses be warmed up to room temperature before eating. As a self-confessed cheese lover (FREAH tops the list though), I crave for anything with cheese in them. Whether it be for snack or appetizer or even main course, I love the interplay of cheese inside my mouth and the marrying of flavors it creates with other ingredients. Mostly, I love cheese as it is. Chewing and munching on them while watching an equally cheesy

love flick, is but the perfect scene to end a tiring work day. This week’s recipe pays homage to homemade cheese delights that are easy to make and affordable compared to deli prices. The versatility of this week’s recipes would allow you to experiment on different cheese recipes with two (2) of the most common and craved for cheese sauces. Remember, you imagination is your limitation! Vodka infused Cheese Sauce Coming up with an ultimate barkada sauce that could be enjoyed all day long, would certainly involve cheese and liquor.

This time, I was able to come up with something that combines the two. This recipe makes quite a lot and could be stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to a month. Pour over fries, burgers, pasta and fondue for that magical kick in the mouth. Blend together shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, hot sauce and freshly cracked black pepper at low speed until smooth and well blended. Gradually add the vodka (I used a flavored one), blending continuously. Continue blending until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for two (2) hours . Garnish with crème fraiche o dollop of cream. Grilled Vodka Infused Cheese and Pickles Sandwich Simple yet addictive sandwich everybody would love. Pack it during picnics and simple get together and they would ask for seconds faster than a speeding bullet.

Easy to Make Mac and Cheese with Chorizo bits Simple yet addictive meal that everyone would love. To show you its versatility, I came up with an easy to make mac and cheese with the vodka infused cheese sauce. Bring this to the office and have a blast with your workmates. Cook elbow macaroni shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping pasta water for later use.

Saute onion and garlic on oil and butter over medium heat. Add chorizo bits (casing removed) and sauté until chorizo meat is cooked. Add cooked pasta and stir constantly. Add cheese sauce and continue stirring. You can add cheese for a sharper flavor. Season with salt and pepper.

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ENTErTAiNMENT

George Clooney denies Stacy Keibler breakup rumor

HOw MANy ways are there to say that George Clooney and stacy Keibler have not broken up?

well, ask Clooney’s rep, because he’s the one who has to come up with the new verbiage to assure folks that the Oscar winner and his leading lady are still a couple. “A story published by a london tabloid, The sun, concerning George Clooney and stacy Keibler is not true. Total fabrication designed to sell newspapers,” the actor’s rep, stan rosenfield, told E! News Tuesday. Britain’s infamous sun, which most recently made its own headlines for pubbing Prince Harry’s naked Vegas photos in defiance of the royal family’s wishes, is reporting that Keibler herself has

been telling friends that her relationship is over.

“she said George wants to be on his own again

cole scherzinger and Paula Abdul!) “Of course i’d hope to be on it for more,” lovato told us. “This show has been so incredible. The best experience of my life. i can only hope for another season.” spears was a little more shy, but oh so sweet, on the topic. “it’s a possibility,

definitely,” spears smiled. Cowell seems all right with the idea of sticking with the current format for a season three of the show. “Based on what you’re going to see in the first episode, they are really, really good,” he dished. “And they do bring this kind of excitement and star power to the show. They’ve done a great job. i’ve got to hand it to them.” As for who’s the tougher judge between her and lovato, spears told us, “i think Demi. she’s a little bit younger than me. she’s a spitfire.” “i am a bit of a spitfire,” lovato said. “That wouldn’t be the first time

and has no intention of getting married,” a socalled friend of the leggy beauty told the tabloid. “stacy hoped they would be together long-term. it was a big breakthrough to spend time with his parents. But over the last few weeks George has pulled away from her.” The pair certainly spent quite a bit of the summer together, including several weeks at his villa on lake Como and otherwise zipping around Europe. Keibler, fresh from her extended vacay, was flying solo today at Mercedes-Benz Fashion week, however. Asked at this morning’s Vera wang show if Clooney would be joining her in the front row one of these days, she told E! News, “i don’t know, ask him.” (E! Online)

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato talk returning for X Factor season three

BriTNEy sPEArs and Demi lovato have been officiallyand permanentlycemented into the X Factor family for life!

The 30-year-old pop princess and 20-year-old “skyscraper” singer, along with fellow show judges simon Cowell and l.A. reid, were honored today during their very own walk of Fame handprint ceremony at Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. we chatted with spears and lovato on the red carpet about whether they’d want to return for another season of judging (cover your ears, Ni-

i’ve been called that.” (E! Online)

INdulge! A3

Is Ryan Lochte dating Miss USA Olivia Culpo? sEriOUsly, we’re about to go blind due to gorgeous couple overload.

First, Blake lively and ryan reynolds become the hottest Mr. and Mrs. of Hollywood, and now? it looks like ryan lochte and Miss UsA Olivia Culpo might be giving them some stiff (and good-looking!) competition. The Olympic athlete and Miss UsA stunner were spotted at the Evening sherri Hill spring 2013 fashion show during New york’s Fashion week where the attractive twosome posed for pics with Miss UsA organization owner Donald Trump. ryan and Olivia continued the night together at NyC hotspot 1Oak where they were seen sitting and chatting at a table around 1 a.m. Although it’s too soon to call the cuties a couple, the 20-year-old brunette beauty and 28-year-old gold medal star clearly enjoy each other’s

company. According to various reports, the handsome duo met last wednesday at shoe designer Brian Atwood’s party at the Four season’s restaurant. well, since ry’s “huge crush” Blake lively is now officially off the market, we can’t think of a better gal for the hunky dude to cozy up to! Then again, we’re not sure if we can handle another abtastic ryan casualty. Do you think ryan and Olivia make a cute couple? (E! Online)

Kirsten Dunst stuns at Rodarte

KirsTEN Dunst stunned in stripes at rodarte’s New york Fashion week show.

The Hollywood actress was in the coveted front row of the fashion label’s spring/summer 13 show yesterday fresh from the Toronto Film Festival, where she has been promoting her new movie On the road. Kirsten looked bang on-trend in a brown and cream midi-length striped dress, which featured ruffles and lace detailing on the front panelling. The blonde beauty kept the rest of her look natural, choosing to wear her shoulder-length locks loose and opting for her signature minimal makeup look. Kirsten was joined in the front row by stylist rachel Zoe and Vogue editor Anna wintour among other guests. stacy Keibler was spotted taking in the latest trends at Vera wang’s runway show at the lincoln Center in Manhattan. The blonde star turned up alone - amidst rumours she has split from Hollywood beau George Clooney. stacy showed off her enviable pins in a monochrome minidress at the coveted show. The former wrestler finished

off the look with matching black pumps and a clutch. stacy was thrilled to be sharing the front row with some of fashion’s finest, including Anna wintour. The star took to Twitter to gush about the experience. “wow. what a true fashion moment... @VerawangGang and Ana wintor #nyfw (sic),” she exclaimed. Jenna Dewan-Tatum also showed off her fashion credentials as she sat front row at Naeem Khan’s spring/summer 13 show. Channing Tatum wife’s looked gorgeous in a daringly plunging monochrome knee-skimming dress that was adorned with sequins. The star showed off her newlydyed brunette locks after showcasing her blonde hair on Twitter last month. Also at the Naeem show were Julianne Hough and Jordana Brewster, who showed off her figure in a form-fitting black shift dress adorned with silver mini-stripes. Meanwhile, acclaimed actress Hailee steinfeld has been on somewhat of a front row marathon at New york Fashion week of late. The star has been spotted sitting front row at

nine shows at the prestigious fashion event, cosying up to the likes of Diane von Furstenberg and fellow fashionistas Kate Bosworth and Alexa Chung. The 15-year-old star has already made waves in the fashion industry - and caused controversy as the face of Miu Miu’s campaign last year.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 138 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

sTylE ENTErTAiNMENT

50 colorful years of summer and style:

Havaianas celebrates golden anniversary in MYOH 2012 THis yEAr, Havaianas will take you through a colorful and exciting tour back to where it all started. As the brand celebrates its’ 50th anniversary. Make your Own Havaianas 2012 is geared to be the most special one yet. Havaianas will let you experience this through Make your Own Havaianas’ exhibit. The Havaianas story is told through a blaze of color and fashion, showing how Havianas paved the way for flip-flops to become a respected style statement the world over.

“we believe that every Havaianas pair that you own has a story to tell, and those stories combined

from our fervent supporters play a big part in the brand’s history. For this reason, Make your Own

Havaianas will not just be a branding event where they can design their own pair, but a gathering that will honor everything that contributed in making the brand what it is now,” shares Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. in true Havaianas fashion, self-expression has never been this chic with its thirteen special pins that speak volumes of its heritage. The happiness, 1962, Basilpinas, soccer ball, and crown designs among others, all trace back to its roots in Brazil. Embellish these on soles that run the vibrant spectrum of the rainbow: from a pop rose, to an ice violet and lemon green, to the exclusive Make your Own Havaianas estampas sole, these all remind you of the beautiful bursts of sunshine on a warm summer day.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 138 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Bantay Bata fun run attracts couple with autistic kid, 81-year-old grandmother, 2-year-old boy By Anthony S. Allada

T was never an ordinary fun run during last Sunday morning’s Takbo Para sa Bata, a yearly run organized by the ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata 163. Aside from the usual veteran, elite and neophyte runners, a young couple together with their first-born child joined for the first time the footrace but the father, Richard Allan Quitinio, had to run while pushing the stroller of Chadric Elmar, who was born not normal. The supportive mother, Maric Joy, was also there to help carry the load. The three-kilometer distance – starting from the car park of Victoria Plaza and turning around fronting the office of the Social Security System (SSS) along J.P. Laurel Avenue – was completed

with fulfillment and joy. “We are very happy. This is our first time to join and this may not be our last. This is really fun. We might be joining in the next fun runs together with our son,” Richard shared, adding that their very purpose in joining is to give tribute to Chadric, who is turning 6 on September 16. He is literally the babysitter (Bantay-Bata) as his wife is the one working to meet the family’s ends. Maric is employed with ENZI Corporation, a financial management company. They live in Spring Valley, Diversion Road, Buhangin. Cris Morallas, 81, also seized the moment to be awarded as the oldest runner and completed the five-kilo-

meter distance ahead of other young runners. She is a proud member of the Davao Sunday Runners Club. The youngest runner award went to two-year-old Kylle Busales, who appeared to be surprised when he was accompanied by his mother to receive the award. It was his first time to run in a formal running event. Organizers also awarded Computer Sense College of Communications and Technology to have the biggest number of delegation. The student-runners reached to 285 and received a huge frame and a trophy. Winners for the three categories – 3k, 5k, and 10k – were the same elite runners who won the previous fun run activities.

Chadric Elmar Quitinio with his parents Richard Allan and Maric Joy.

Aguilar gears up for Spurs workout

OS ANGELES, California – One of the biggest days of Japeth Aguilar’s basketball life will be today, when he will be evaluated by a scout from the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) San Antonio Spurs. Aguilar, the top pick in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft, will work out with Spurs’ advanced scout Dave Fehte at 11 a.m. in a Los Angeles gym. This, according to Aguilar’s US-based agents, Chris McGarry of the McGarry Basketball Group and Brent Lofton of Slam Dunk Management. The private workout will be about an hour to an hourand-a-half long, said McGarry. “It’s going to be a scripted workout to showcase Japeth’s skills,” he said. “As of now, we don’t know if Dave is bringing in any other guys to work out along with Japeth.” “For now, all we know is it’s just going to be them two

inside the gym and I think a Spurs video coordinator taping everything,” McGarry added. E-mails to the Spurs media department asking for confirmation of the workout have not been returned. Fehte is a well-respected high school principal who moonlights as an advanced scout for the Spurs. He was an interim head coach at St. Mary’s College, an NCAA Division 1 school in Northern California, in 1991 and a former assistant coach at California State University. Fehte has served as a scout for the Spurs for over 10 years. The 6-foot-9 Aguilar is fresh off an impressive performance at an open workout for the NBA Development League (D-League) Bakersfield Jam this past weekend. Hernando Planells, a former scout for the NBA who now works for the Duke women’s basketball program,

Davao del Norte wants to host 2013 Palaro

believes Aguilar is ready and will make a good impression in his workout with the Spurs. Planells worked out Aguilar earlier this year when the two were in the Philippines. “I expect Japeth to do really well. He has all the abilities,” said Planells, who has

worked under NBA director of scouting Marty Blake and served as a D-League assistant coach. “I think the Spurs scout will get blown away by Japeth’s athleticism. He’s going to show he has great timing and he’ll look like an animal,” Planells added.

Cris Morallas, 81, receives an award as the oldest runner.

AVAO del Norte intends to host the Palarong Pambansa next year with the expected completion of its multi-million sports complex project in December, Gov. Rodolfo Del Rosario yesterday announced. In an interview after the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) board meeting, Del Rosario said the P242-million state-ofthe-art sports complex will be turned over to the provincial government on December 12. “Our next move is to host the Palarong Pambansa,” he said after the DAVRAA board declared Davao del Norte as the host of the regional games in February during its meeting at the Department of Education (DepEd) Region XI office. Mati City in Davao Oriental also bid for the host-

ing of the DAVRAA games but Mayor Michelle Rabat later conceded to Davao del Norte. Del Rosario said the provincial government has planned of hosting the country’s biggest multi-sports event for elementary and secondary students “a long time ago.” He said hosting the Palaro is one of the top priorities of his administration as “we have to utilize the existence of our sports complex” “That is one of my priority projects now. Hopefully, we can make it before the end of my second term,” he said. A letter of intent to host the games will be sent to DepEd Central Office, according to Giovanni Gulanes, Davao del Norte sports coordinator. [Rico Biliran/MindaNews]

Spain, Germany scrape victories in World Cup qualifier National cycling race to ONDON (Reuters) - against neighbors Austria Spain’s Xabier Alonso, left, battles for a ball with Georgia’s Tornike Okriashvili during their World Cup 2014 Group I qualifying soccer match between Georgia and Spain in Tbilisi, Georgia on Tuesday. (AP Photo/ Misha Japaridze)

Spain stretched their winning run in tournament qualifiers to 23 as they began the journey to the 2014 World Cup with a 1-0 victory in Georgia on Tuesday but along with Germany and Italy they struggled to take the points. The world and European champions, who last failed to win a qualifying match five years ago in Iceland, needed an 86th minute Roberto Soldado strike to kick-start their Group I campaign in Tbilisi. Germany, who won all 10 of their qualification matches for Euro 2012, made it two from two in Group C but had to battle all the way for a 2-1 victory

in Vienna. Italy, beaten by Spain in the European Championship final, were unimpressive in a 2-0 win at home to lowly-ranked Malta. England had to settle for a point against Ukraine in Group H, Frank Lampard’s late penalty salvaging a 1-1 draw at Wembley that put Roy Hodgson’s side level on four points with Poland and Montenegro. England had skipper Steven Gerrard sent off for a second booking late in the game. France, who will battle for top spot in Group I with Spain, beat Belarus 3-1 in Paris to claim six points from two games.

start in Zamboanga City

HE organizers of Ronda Pilipinas 2013, a nationwide bicycle race, has chosen Zamboanga City to be the starting point of the competition. Ronda Pilipinas 2013, the biggest nationwide cycling race covering 2,500 kilometers through Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, will take place on January 10-February 1, 2013. Representatives of the organizers met on Monday with Mayor Celso Lobregat, city administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. and chief executive assistant Mario Roca to discuss the

details of the event. Organizers of the race include the courier company LBC, Total and MVP Sports Foundation. At least 96 Filipino cyclists will join the race, which offers cash prizes totalling almost P8 million, the biggest prize ever, according to Jaideep Chulani, Ronda Pilipinas 2013 project director. From January 1011, Chulani said the 400-strong entourage of Ronda Pilipinas 2013 will arrive in the city in time for the race day, which is on January 12 at 9 a.m. It will start at City Hall. (MindaNews)

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EDGEDAVAO

Philippine kayak squad proclaimed world’s 4th best M

ANILA-- The Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) squad brought home six gold medals and a silver in stripping world-acclaimed and long-time dragon boat powerhouse Germany of its reputation in the just concluded 22nd International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships in Italy. Six Navy athletes who were part of the victorious Philippine team paid a courtesy call and reported their accomplishments to Vice Admiral Alexander P Pama, the Philippine Navy’s Flag Officer in Command. The Philippines bested over 10 other countries and remarkably gained the same number of gold garnered by another powerhouse Hungary in a momentous participation. The squad is now proclaimed as the world’s 4th best, according to the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the only recognized International Federation by the Inter-

national Olympic Committee (IOC). Surprisingly, the Philippine Team was composed of only 28 athletes and officials and participated in only seven events –- situations that made the tournament a remarkable and historical one for the squad. The championship was conducted from August 30

to September 2, 2012 at the Idroscalo Club in Milan. On Monday, the Navy athletes – SN2 Leonora Escollante PN, PO2 Manuel Maya PN, Tsgt Raquiel Espinosa PN (M), PO3 Alex Sumagaysay PN, SN2 Edward Balbuena PN, and Sgt. Alberto Hugo PN (M) -– reported their accomplishment to Pama at the Hall of Flags, Headquarters Philippine

Navy (HPN), Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Pama congratulated the six Navy personnel for their exemplary accomplishment. Capt Narciso A Vingson, Acting Chief for Personnel, and Marine Col Romeo T Racadio, The Naval Special Services Officer (TNSSO), accompanied the athletes during the courtesy call. (PNA)