Edge Davao 5 Issue 139

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VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

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Page 4

Talaingod clash

Army officer, soldier killed

By Anthony S. Allada

Property

Sports

Page 14

A

n Army officer and another soldier were killed in an encounter with elements of the new People’s Army (nPA) at noon Thursday in a remote village in Talaingod town, Davao del norte.

Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesper-

son of the 10th Infantry Division, identified the fatalities as Lt. Arvin T. Queddingo and Private First Class (Pfc) Alfred O. Caballes, both of the 60thInfantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Paniza said two platoons of the 60th IB led by Lt. Queddingo and Lt.

Lacasandili conducted a combat operation in the vicinity of Mount Tambuko, Barangay Dagohoy in Talaingod after sightings of armed rebels were reported in the area.

The government troops clashed with over 50 communist rebels of the Front Committee (FC)

55 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), resulting to the death of Queddingo and Caballes. no casualty could be determined on the enemy side.

Pursuit operations were launched against the rebels.

MANEUVER. Three blind persons carefully maneuver on a pathway being constructed along Ponciano Reyes Street, Davao City yesterday.

Page 20

BOI helps LGUs review investment incentives codes

By Antonio M. Ajero

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T

HE BOARD OF InVESTMEnTS (BOI) is helping local government units (LGUs) in the Davao region review their individual local investment incentives code (LIIC) in order for them to jibe with national policies and pro-

BOI Gov. Butalid presides over discussion grams.

The review of LIICs was part of the 2012 Investments Priorities Plan Roadmap (orientation seminar) held at the Apo View Hotel

yesterday that was presided over

by BOI Gov. Oliver B. Butalid.

BOI regional chief Gil Dureza said eight LGUs participated in the review, but they were a mixture of those who wanted to amend their

existing codes and those still finalizing their economic and investment promotions programs.

Other LGUs want to strengthen their non-fiscal incentives, aside from improving structures they

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THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

DBP employees call for release of benefits

U

nIOn member-employees of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) here are calling on President Aquino to approve the release of their fringe benefits pending for almost three years now.

Randy Mendrico, president of the DBP Employees Union in Davao City, said all DBP-Davao employees have been wearing black arm bands since Monday to show their disappointment over their failure to receive merit increases, additional com-

If only…

pensation, representation and transportation allowance (RATA).

He said fringe benefits are institutionalized and are supposed to increase every year.

Mendrico said the bank employees will be wearing the black bands from Mondays to Thursdays while they will wear black shirts on Fridays.

“Three years is already a long delay. But,we are hoping that President Aquino will approve the long-stalled benefits,” he said. [PNA]

DILG-Davao official sees no need for Anti-Epal Law

By Vicky Berdina M. de Guzman

C

ITy director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Merilo Q. Limbaro said on Thursday the Anti-Epal Law is not really needed if only politicians would follow what is required in announcing projects funded by the government.

“They (politicians) go beyond what is required,” says Limbaro.

He also said politicians should not claim the projects they have proposed or passed as their own because the government funds them with money of the people.

According to him, what

should appear on a billboard are: the project’s name, the amount of cost, the name of the contractor, and the timeline for the project. “The name of any official is not required.”

Limbaro also said that it is improper for government officials to attach their names to schools, parks and pathways.

The Anti-Epal Law is titled, “An act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project.” This is Senate Bill no. 1967 authored by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

DLPC donates science instruments to school

T

HE Davao Light and Power Company through Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., its social development arm, recently donated a complete set of science and chemistry instruments and apparatus to Leon Garcia Sr. national High School in Barangay Leon Garcia Sr., Agdao district here.

Ross Luga, Davao Light’s assistant vice president for corporate communications, said the donation, consisting of almost all instruments, items and apparatus needed in science and chemistry laboratory cost over P200,000.

Luga said the science lab instruments along with some chemicals, were turned over on September 7 by Vic n. Sumalinog, corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager of Davao

Light to school principal Marcelo O. Roco.

The ceremony was also witnessed by second district congresswoman Mylene Garcia-Albano, Department of Education Davao City Division Science coordinator Betty Herceda, barangay and PTCA officials, principals of other high schools, faculty members and students of the recipient school.

It was Garcia-Albano who followed up with Davao Light the request of the school.

She said the donation by the Aboitiz-owned company is clear expression of a working public-private partnership (PPP) espoused by the present government.

Luga said two more public high schools are set to receive a similar donation from Davao Light within this month. [ASA]

SWEET SPOT. Gov. Oliver B. Butalid of the Board of Investments says the Philippines is in the sweet spot right now and in the right position to attract investors compared to other Asian countries during the 2012 Investment Pri-

orities Plan (IPP) Investment Road Show at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City yesterday. Also in the photo is Director Marizon S. Loreto of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

DACS adopts site in watershed area

By Anthony S. Allada

T

HE Davao Association of Colleges and Schools, Inc. (DACS) signed recently a memorandum of agreement with the Davao City Water District to adopt five hectares inside the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed.

“Adopting a watershed site is a significant and historical moment for us because protecting our watershed is to protect life as well, securing what we have, the cleanest and abundant water,” said Danny C. Montaña,

DACS president.

Montaña said it is not just a a matter of adopting a site, but constant visitation of the place and seeing what they can do.

“Our expression of support and partnership is not just on the adoption side, but more of a hands-on thing in terms of saving our water source,” he said.

During the MOA signing, DCWD community relations and external affairs department manager Imelda T. Magsuci gave an overview

on the utility’s adopt–a-site project and the shared responsibility of both parties.

The adopter shall annually donate 6,000 pesos per hectare for five years which will be utilized in reforestation and maintenance activities. These include procurement of seedlings, brushing, staking, holing, planting, weeding, fertilization and administration cost.

DCWD’s counterpart will be to subsidize the other monetary requirements and take charge of the rehabilita-

tion and maintenance of the site. Likewise, the utility will assist adopters in area visits and tree planting activities, provide annual progress report, enlist adopter’s name in the roster of adopters and recognition in publications.

The adopt-a-site project was initiated by DCWD to enable all sectors of society to take active part in saving the watersheds. The DACS, as the 77th adopter, has augmented five hectares to the existing 120 hectares adopted in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed.

to be at the grand event.

The Congress has 43 booths showcasing products from Unilever, nestle, Procter and Gamble and Philip Morris.

Other featured sellers are San Miguel B-MEG, International Pharmaceutical Inc, Wellmade, and others. nCCC affiliated companies HB1, nCCC Department Store, Hardwaremaxx and Choice also have their booths.

Shoppers who would

want to avail of big discounts in the Congress must first change their cash into Kanegosyo Money from the Kanegosyo Bank at the Activity Center for purchase dates and is not refundable.

Cash is only accepted in purchases of fresh products, rice and cigarettes.

The Kanegosyo Bingo and Kanegosyo Henyo will also heat up the event where members could win as much as P30,000.

Special guests Richard yap of Be Careful with my Heart, Enrique Gil of Princess and I, and JM de Guzman of Anghelito will also join the shoppers in this celebration.

In the words of marketing director Tjader Regis, “for the past 12 years, the event has given members access to product bundles, special selling schemes and big discounts.” [VicKy BERDiNA

NCCC Kanegosyo Congress

Thousands of NCCC card holders expected to participate

T

HIS year’s new City Commercial Corporation’s Kanegosyo Congress is expected to attract some 5,000 card-bearing member shoppers who will avail of the big discounts on selected products offered in the three-day event.

The Congress, which opened September 13 and ends on September 15, stars the 76 top shoppers based on their purchases last year at nCCC who are expected

M. DE GuzMAN]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

3

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Feed-in-tariff scheme to provide PHL with cheap, clean power W

ELCOME REPRIEVE. Over USD 257 Billion in new global RE investments were made in 2011. The long-awaited passage of the Philippine Renewable Energy Act’s FiT rates is a welcome reprieve for RE investors which can develop among other things - this smallscale hydroelectric power source. [WWF International] Leading renewable energy advocate World Wide Fund for nature (WWF-Philippines) has praised passage of the Renewable Energy Act’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme - a vital support mechanism to accelerate the development of our indigenous renewable energy resources.

Power harnessed from the sun, water, wind, geothermal and biomass sources today supply 16.7% of the world’s electricity needs. With over a third of its power sourced from coal plants however, the Philippine power mix - which was previously dominated by renewables - has gradually turned from green to black.

Fortunately, the country now has a chance to reverse this trend as one of the Philippines’ few competitive advantages is its vast renewable energy base.

“The Philippines is a fossil fuel-poor country,” explains WWF-Philippines Climate Change Programme Director Atty.

Gia Ibay. “Investing in RE shields us from the volatility of the fossil fuel market while taking ad-

vantage of what we have been endowed with.”

WWF’s PowerSwitch study shows the country can further develop 1200 MW of geothermal, 2308 MW of sustainable hydro, 235 MW of biomass and 7404 MW of wind power capacities in the next 10 years, raising the share of indigenous renewables in our power mix to 50%.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)’s approved initial FiTs cover hydro (PhP 5.90/kWh), biomass (PhP 6.63/kWh), wind (PhP8.53/kWh) and solar (PhP 9.68/kWh).

The FiT rate for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) was deferred for further data gathering and study by the ERC. It should be noted that

these rates are substantially lower than the FiT rates proposed by the national Renewable Energy Board (nREB).

The newly-passed FiT rates are meant to assure renewable energy developers of future cash flows as electricity end-users will be charged fixed amounts to cover the production of energy from renewable sources. The FiT will give renewable energy producers a fixed rate to ensure the economic viability of their RE projects.

It is through these FiT mechanisms that the volatility and risk of investments are lessened substantially, giving banks an assurance that anyone who seeks to loan money from them for a renew-

lapses, corrupt wildlife industry professionals and Asian crime syndicates, as early as 2003, visitors from Viet nam were regularly taking part in “pseudo hunts” for white rhino trophies in South Africa, interested not in the hunt itself but only in the horn; some of those participating in the hunting reportedly did not even know how to shoot a gun.

“A decade ago the first signs were on the horizon of the forthcoming rhino poaching crisis, but few then could have foreseen the magnitude and ramifications of what we face today,” said Dr Jo Shaw, a Programme Officer with TRAFFIC and a

co-author of the report.

“However, with the surging demand from Asia, people willing to pay high prices to get their hands on rhino horn, and little fear of capture by those smuggling horn, it was perhaps inevitable that this ‘commodity’ would catch the attention of the hardened criminal fraternity, creating a ‘perfect storm’ for rhino poaching and horn trade.”

Although South Africa soon enacted a range of regulations to stamp out “pseudo hunting”, in response resourceful horn traders began recruiting others, including Thai sex-workers as

able energy project will eventually be able to pay them back, creating a level national playing field for renewable energy projects versus fossil fuel projects.

Various groups which have opposed this measure have argued that these FiT rates will increase the burden of electricity rates on consumers. The estimated increase due to FiT as a whole actually only amounts to five centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh), while electricity rates went up 69.04 centavos kWh in Luzon, 60.60 centavos per kWh in the Visayas, and 4.42 centavos per kWh in Mindanao just a few months ago - a vicious trend which is bound to get worse if fos-

sil fuels such as coal succeed in dominating our power sector.

“Philippine electricity rates continue to increase almost on a quarterly basis - and at much larger amounts too - than the FiT. We need to ask ourselves what causes this.

Is it because of renewable energy or is it because of an over-reliance on a fossil fuel based system? I think we all know the answer to that,” says WWF-International Asia Pacific Energy Policy Manager Rafael Senga.

It must also be noted that to meet future energy demands, the government has opted to rely on coal-fired power plants.

Electricity from most renewable energy systems are predicted to achieve

grid parity rates within 10 years, meaning they will attain the same rate and gradually become cheaper than electricity from coal energy. Coalfired power plants have a minimum life time of 30 years which means that even if renewable energy becomes cheaper within 10 years, we will be locked-in to this imported, expensive and dirty energy source. The Philippines’ experience with previously more expensive geothermal energy now cheaper than coal - is instructive.

“The FiT allows renewable energy projects to become cost competitive today, rather than tomorrow. This will allow us to invest in clean and cheap energy in the long run and prevent the Philippines from being lockedin for 20 extra years to dirty, expensive energy.

This is why WWF-Philippines believes that the FiT is an investment, and not a subsidy as some have claimed,” added Ibay.

Concludes WWF-Philippines Chairman and former Philippine Energy Secretary Vince Pérez, “Three years and seven months after passing the RE Law, the passage of the FiT schemes couldn’t have come at a better time. Burdened with the highest electricity rates in Asia, Filipinos sorely need mechanisms to protect themselves from the volatility - ecologically and economically - of coal and oil-sourced power. In the end, this will provide us with cleaner and cheaper power.” [WWF]

‘Loose horns’, surging demand, easy money create ‘perfect storm’ for rhino poaching A

comprehensive new TRAFFIC report into the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa documents how poor compliance over rhino horn stockpile management, loopholes in sport hunting policy, and surging demand for horn in Viet nam created ideal conditions for the involvement of sophisticated criminal networks, leading to a dramatic escalation in poaching in southern Africa.

According to the 176page study, The South Africa—Viet Nam Rhino Horn Trade Nexus: A deadly combination of institutional

FLOSE, 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

5

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO Stat Watch BSP advances support to MSME sector T VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

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

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

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised the need to ensure credit standards in the country to guarantee a strong financial system that is supportive of the public’s needs.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said that some banks were complying more than the 10 percent allocation on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) lending.

“We’ve been telling the banks that this is probably the way of the future because we’d like to see the expansion of the MSME sector and as the sector expands so is the financial requirements,” he said.

The central bank chief said penalty for non-compliance on the MSME lending rule had been raised but stressed that more than the compliance is-

sue what is important is the support being extended to the MSME sector.

“If we can have these MSMEs driving economic growth then the growth would be broad-based, less susceptible and more resilient to shocks,” he said.

Republic Act (RA) 9501, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), requires banks to set aside eight percent of their portfolio for micro and small enterprises and at least two percent for medium enterprises.

Violators will be penalized with not less than P500,000 and the law states that 90 percent of the penalty will be given to the Micro and Small Enterprise Development (SMED) Council. The balance of 10 per-

cent will be given to the BSP “to cover for administrative expenses.”

Although the penalty for RA 9501 violators have been increased, BSP managing director for Central Supervisory Support Sub-Sector Johnny noe E. Ravalo said compliance to the law should not be the only focus.

“The issue is we need to build a financial system that responds to the needs of the Filipino people and the Filipino people,” he said.

Ravalo said the P500,000 fine is pro-rata but the central bank uses a ratio vis-à-vis compliance on the 10 percent requirement.

He said implementation of the pro rata penalty was based on the approval of lawmakers but some people had suggest-

ed that the P500,000 should be the minimum penalty.

“It’s mandated credit...

We’re not telling the banks to lend just for the heck of it because there’s credit standard and the money they are lending are not theirs but other people’s money,” he said.

“What is critical is how the (MSME) loan system will be improved without compromising credit standards,” he said.

Central bank data show that as of March 31, 2012 the number of banks involved in micro-finance totaled to 187 and borrowers number to about 976.94 million.

Outstanding loans extended under this program now reach about P7 billion and deposits to about P186 million.

[PnA]

PHL economy to grow 6% in Q3

T

HE Philippine economy is projected to grow between 5.5 to 6 percent in the third quarter of the year despite the effects of continued recession in the Eurozone and slowdown in the United States, according to First Metro Investment Corp.-University of Asia and the Pacific (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Market Research Center.

“While the economy’s growth may seem to ease, the outlook for second half remains positive considering that Meralco electricity sales in July remained elevated particularly for the industrial sector,” FMICUA&P report said.

The FMIC-UA&P attributed the modest growth to the continues strong domestic consumption and further national government spending as well as improved bank lending performance.

“Better export upticks will have to wait for the fourth quarter when the US and East Asian economies are expected to speed up Donuts copied from a popular donut brand are being sold by a lady vendor along Crooked Road in Davao City yesterday. again in response to [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

third quarter fiscal and monetary stimuli,” the report said.

The national Statistical Coordination Board (nSCB) had reported that the country’s GDP may slow down in the third quarter as the composite leading economic indicator dropped to 0.146 after four quarters of successive increases beginning in the third quarter of 2011.

In the first six months, GDP grew by 6.1 percent, faster than last year’s 4.2 percent.

In the second quarter alone, the Philippine GDP grew by 5.9 percent, higher than Malaysia’s 5.4 percent; Vietnam, 4.4 percent; Thailand, 4.2 percent; and Singapore, 2 percent.

But the country’s GDP was lower than China’s 7.8 percent and Indonesia, 6.4 percent.

The Philippines’ second-quarter GDP were boosted by the services sector, which rose 7.6 percent, followed by industry at 4.6 percent, and agriculture, which hardly grew at 0.7 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

THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

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Coal Asia gets SEC approval for IPO T

MEETING THE NEEDS. A shoe shine man patiently polishes a sandal along City Hall Drive yesterday. Shoe shine is a centuries old trade with a contemporary

spin in appreciation of the current hectic urban lifestyle, particularly in meeting the needs of busy employees and students. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Coal Asia Holdings’ application for an initial public offering (IPO) listing 800 million shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange’s first board.

Coal Asia, the parent company of Titan Mining and Energy Corporation, earlier announced its planned IPO aiming to raise P726.87 million net of IPO expenses to complete exploration and further expand production works for both Davao Oriental and Zamboanga-Sibugay mines to bring them into commercial production by 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Presently it is producing less than 100,000Mt of coal per annum.

The offered shares, representing 20% of the company’s total issued capital stock, are being made available at par value of P1 apiece to attract retail investors to own a stake in Coal Asia.

And all indications are pointing towards Coal Asia becoming the second major player in supplying the country’s energy generation sector after industry leader Semirara Mining Corp. who controls 94% of the market. To date, Coal Asia has been grabbing market share from Semirara.

Under the Department of Energy’s 2009 to 2030 Philippine Energy Plan, some 16,550 megawatts of additional power capacity is needed between now and 2030.

The country’s installed generating capacity is currently only slightly over 15,000 MW. Bulk of the capacity is needed by Luzon of 11,900 MW, followed by Mindanao of 2,500 MW and Visayas of 2,150 MW. In total, there are over 3,000 MW of coal projects in the pipeline that would need

a secure source of fuel supply.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras is pushing for baseload power generation such as coal to address the power deficit in Mindanao, which is heavily dependent on hydro. Hydro plant’s seasonality has caused widespread power outage in Mindanao during summer.

According to Almendras, the government would like to promote coal exploration “in the same breadth that we would like to promote geothermal exploration, upstream oil exploration.”

“We are looking for energy supply security, we’re looking for ways in which we are going to have a lot more domestic component to the supply of energy,” Almendras was quoted as saying.

“The only choice we have today for baseload generation is coal and we have got to secure supply for these coal plants,” he said.

Considering that majority of these expansion and new coal power projects will adopt circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustion technology that can utilize blended coal, demand for coal is seen to increase tremendously. not counting the increased utilization of coal from about 15 cement plants around the country and continuing demand for coal from industries such as alcohol, garment/textile, canning, coconut oil, rubber, plastic and seaweed processing plants.

Coal Asia has been drawing interest from potential strategic and financial investors from the power generation and cement industries to help ensure steady supply of coal and possibly hedge against another significant run-up in coal prices given the energy crisis in Mindanao.

Bakers expect lower flour prices

L

OCAL bakers on Thursday said that the strong peso should be able to reduce prices of wheat and lead to corresponding price reduction of locally-milled flour.

“The improving foreign exchange rate should offset partly the rising cost of wheat. The Department of Trade and Industry can ask flour millers to justify flour price changes and take into account the forex improvement,” said Jun Umali, president of Philippine Baking Industry (PhilBaking).

Umali said the price of high protein bread flour is placed at P920 per 25-kilogram bag.

The price monitoring report of the DTI showed that the prevailing price of hard remained steady at a range

of P880 to a high of P930 per sack for hard flour and P790 to P800 per bag for the soft flour.

The peso has strengthened to P41.58 against the US dollar and that means it would be cheaper to import, bakers said.

However, Ric Pinca, executive director of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL) said that prices of wheat are going up because of the drought that hit wheat-growing areas of Russia and Eastern Europe.

The drought in the US also affected corn and soybean production triggering a shift in the supply of wheat for animal feed, he said.

Pinca said that US wheat is now priced at $ 9.26 per bushel from $ 7.26 in May. [PNA]

8

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

South Cot’s 2 top pols join gubernatorial race

T

WO top political leaders in South Cotabato declared on Thursday to seek the province’s gubernatorial post in next year’s midterm national and local elections.

South Cotabato (2nd District) Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes and incumbent Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. formally declared to join the gubernatorial race and face each other for the first time, highlighting a bitter split months before the 2010 elections that ended their almost two decades of political alliance.

Former Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel, who lost the 2010 gubernatorial race, had declared in July to run anew for governor under the Partido ng Masang Pilipino.

Fuentes, who was governor from 2001 to 2010, said in a radio interview that she decided to seek anew the province’s top post to better serve her constituents.

“I felt that I can be more effective and accomplish more for the province as governor than

as a member of the House (of Representatives),” she said.

Fuentes made a successful comeback to the House of Representatives in the 2010 elections after completing her three straight terms then as governor.

She represented the province’s second congressional district for three straight terms before winning the gubernatorial race in the 2001 elections.

Fuentes, who will run under the nationalist People’s Coalition (nPC), said she will be joined by a complete provincial, city and municipal slates that comprise a mix of incumbent and neophyte politicians.

The nPC fielded former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority deputy administrator Ferdinand Hernandez as gubernatorial bet in the 2010 elections but he eventually lost to Pingoy, then outgoing representative of the province’s Second District.

But the party took control of the provincial

FSOUTH, 15

Investment priorities plan covers hospital services

H

OSPITALS and medical facilities, and iron and steel products have been listed as part of the 13 preferred areas in the 2012 Investment Priorities Plan, to be eligible for incentives.

The establishment and operation of primary and secondary hospitals and the development of iron and steel businesses are two additional features in this year’s IPP which was presented in a roadshow activity today at the Apo View Hotel, this city.

BOI Governor Oliver Butalid said covering the new categories in the priority areas to be entitled of incentives was based on the need for infrastructures to provide medical treatment services, and to improve the iron and steel production in the country.

The 13 preferred areas

for investments would address the main IPP goals for job generation, enhanced delivery of social services, competitiveness and climate change mitigation and adaptation, Butalid told the media in a press conference during the BOI Investment Roadshow.

The 2012 IPP was presented to more than 80 officials and representatives from the local government units, national government agencies and private companies of Regions 11 and 12, during the roadshow spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Among the 2012 IPP list includes the agriculture/ agribusiness and fishery which covers commercial production and commercial processing of agricultural, herbal and fishery products. [PiA 11/cARiNA L. cAyoN]

Panabo City holds fashion jewelry training for women

“M

AO ni ang pinaka-enjoy, malamboon ug mapuslanon nga livelihood training nga akong naapilan,” (This is the most fun, productive and useful livelihood training I participated) recalls Josephine Jonelas, a member Sto. niño council of women/Rural Improvement Club (RIC).

Jonelas was one of the participants in the oneday “Borloloy” (fashion jewelry) seminar sponsored by the City Government of Panabo headed

by Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr. in partnership with the Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on September 11 at the new City

FPANABO, 15

RELOCATION. Laborers work on houses at a relocation site for Typhoon Sendong victims in Sta. Elena, Iligan City Wednesday 12 September 2012. The 15-hectare site, which is being managed by Gawad Kalinga, is

EDGEDAVAO

intended to accommodate 1,700 families. Around 300 families have so far moved in. [MiNDANEws/BoBBy TiMoNERA]

Microfinance program to benefit poor families in Cotabato City T

HE local government of Cotabato City ventures in a microfinancing program to help poor families engage in productive activities to uplift their quality of life and further boost economic growth, a city official here said.

Aniceto Rasalan, secretary to Cotabato City Mayor Japal “Jojo” Guiani, Jr. said, financial assistance shall be extended to poor families who wish to engage in small scale business ventures and to those who need additional

seed capital.

Rasalan noted the increasing number of city residents who are into small business such as sari-sari store, carinderia and eatery operation, fish/fruit/ and vegetable vending, among others as family’s main livelihood and source of income.

Extending financial assistance under the microfinance program would discourage poor borrowers to resort to lending institutions and loan sharks who charge high interest rates of ten percent or

even higher, Rasalan said.

Rasalan said the city government’s microfinance program, financial loan ranging from P2,000 up to P10,000 with 5% interest rate is made available as part of the efforts strengthening health, education and livelihood programs giving priority to marginalized sectors.

“We are accessing easy financial loans as we have noted na karamihan sa ating mga kababayan sa lungsod ay umaasa sa pagtitinda, may mga sari-sari store, at iba

pang maliliit na negosyong pangkabuhayan at kapit-patalim sa malaking interes na pautang na pangkapital,” Rasalan said.

He added that beneficiaries will undergo screening and basic training on smallscale business entrepreneurship to ensure sustainability of their business ventures adding that interested applicants must apply directly with the Community Affairs Office of the Office of the City Mayor here to avail of the program. [PIA 12]

HE Koronadal City local government is set to install another automated weather station (AWS) to help properly monitor the weather pattern in identified landslide and flood-prone areas within the city and the neighboring localities.

Augustus Bretaña, city environment and natural resources officer, said Thursday the local government received earlier this week a complete AWS package through a grant facilitated by the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP).

He said the LCP earlier forged a partnership with Aboitiz Power and Weather Philippines Foundation for a rollout of the AWS packages to help improve the disaster risk reduction systems of city local governments, especially their capacity to address weather-related concerns.

“This is part of the 1,000

AWS systems that are being installed in various parts of the country through this initiative,” Bretaña said in a radio interview.

The city government’s AWS will be the second facility that would be operating within the city.

The provincial government of South Cotabato installed an AWS last month at the provincial capitol compound here through a similar grant initiated by the League of Provinces of the Philippines.

A project briefer cited that the AWS is a “meteorological weather monitoring instrument that has the capacity to capture atmospheric and meteorological data such as rainfall, wind speed and direction, humidity, and temperature.”

It said the instrument, which was based on a technology developed by a company based in Switzerland, mainly senses, measures, and transmits meteorolog-

ical data of weather conditions.

Analysis using the AWS will be done every hour and will be posted online for easy access, enhancing the local governments’ weather information system.

Bretaña said the AWS package comprises a sensor that is attached to a tripod or pole and a console where all the captured atmospheric and meteorological data are initially processed.

He said all the data gathered by the AWS will be stored in a database and transmitted to an online portal maintained by Weather Philippines Foundation through its technology partner Meteomedia Philippines.

“It will mainly allow us to have a localized weather forecasting that is regularly updated and easily accessible online,” he said.

Bretaña said they are currently evaluating several areas within the city, among

them the city hall complex and a portion of Barangay Saravia, as possible location of the AWS. But he said they are leaning towards installing the AWS in Barangay Saravia due to the area’s vulnerability to landslides and flashfloods.

The village was placed under the state of calamity last week due to the onslaught of floods and landslides that damaged around 60 hectares of farmlands and affected residents of its four residential communities.

“Our main consideration (in selecting the installation site) is the accessibility and security of the AWS,” he said.

Bretaña said they will install the AWS before September 27, which was set by the LCP and its partners as the system’s simultaneous launching nationwide.

(Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)

Koronadal to install another automated weather station T

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

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10 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

ASEAN Way and the toothless tiger

T

EDITORIAL

Planned city

T

HERE is some thing interesting about the much-ballyhooed property boom being experienced by Davao City.

This is the country’s first master-planned township rising in Tigatto, a once rustic barangay in the outskirts of the city, just a little over 10 kilometers from the city hall.

Called Cuidades, the township is the first integrated mixed-use community “where people can live, work, play, shop and relax with a self-sufficient environment.”

The other features of the rising unique community were presented during the signing of a partnership agreement between Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc., owners of Cuidades, and northbank Holdings. The memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by Lapanday president Tomas P. Lorenzo and northbank president Simeon P. Marfori II covers the partnership of the two companies in the development of Commercio MarQuel-

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la, the commercial market and transport hub and just one of the many envisioned features of the township. It may be worth mentioning that the MOA is between two old-time families –the Lorenzos and the Marforis –who pioneered in business ventures and have never abandoned Davao as a place for investment. The Lorenzos are behind the successful Lapanday Foods company, while the Marforis are responsible for developing with the government the burgeoning Bankerohan public market. Of course, there are a myriad other investment ventures of the two families in the city and elsewhere in the region.

The combined strength of the two families is only in one area of Cuidades, as the high-end township has many other locators who have started pouring their own investments into the project.

However, the Lorenzo-Marfori partnership will be more significant if it inspires other moneyed Dabawenyos to emulate what they have done, and are doing, with success.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEy Consultant KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate

CARLO P. MALLO Features and Lifestyle

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography

JADE C. ZALDIVAR • VICky BERDINA M. DE GuZMAN Staff Writers

Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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HE Association of Southeast Asian nations will soon celebrate its golden anniversary in five years time and it has yet to emerge as a formidable force to reckon with in the global arena.

The combined economies of its members constitute the ninth largest in the world, but that is not so because ASEAn is not yet a single economic and monetary entity. The 10 member-nations conduct trade as individual states and not as a single trading bloc.

ASEAn was established primarily to contain communist menace sweeping the region then during the Cold War era. Leaders of its founding members were all rabid anti-communists. It was only later when socialist countries, such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, were admitted to the group. ASEAn was founded at the time of rapid decolonization. There was so much distrust of Western powers, particularly among undeveloped and less developed countries. Reduced faith in genuine benevolence of the West motivated ASEAn fathers to institutionalize mechanisms that reduced interference in regional affairs, including non-interference in the internal affairs of every member-state. This is the theoretical underpinning of the so-called ASEAn Way. Central to the ASEAn Way are the principles of non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes and consensus, among other ideals enshrined in the ASEAn Charter. To many scholars, ASEAn Way is an odd, if not an anomalous, creature. Asian cultures are essentially paternalistic; communities are ruled by a revered figure and family affairs dictated by one person, mostly the father or the grandfather, in the case of the more common extended families. Directions are set through informal means, oftentimes through highly personal and unofficial mechanisms.

Musyawarah or the principle of consultation defines the manner member-nations settle differences and disputes among themselves.

After 45 years of existence, it hardly led us to higher tier of engagement in the global playing field.

Weberian concept of regional cooperation is legalistic, formal and highly structured. It has clearly defined mechanisms that enable members to arrive at collective actions despite dissent among their ranks.

The paternalistic Asian approach is only effective in smaller communities and extended families, and not for a regional grouping of countries with variant cultures and different historical experience and antecedents. ASEAn Way is a case of a square peg in a round hole. It is not even helpful in creating a distinct identity for the bloc. Rapid globalization and increasing hegemony of Red China in the Asia Pacific region contribute to what observers call as the “ASEAn identity crisis.”

Other regional blocs around the world, particularly those which adopted the Weberian model, are pretty successful, considering the speed and quality of collective actions they took. The European Union is already a distinct juridical personality at par with other missions in the diplomatic community. It has its own ambassadors and maintains embassies around the world, distinct and separate from its members. From mere steel and coal grouping established in Rome, EU emerged into a single and functional market with a common currency. The Organization of American States, supposedly just a talking club, was able to intervene in conflicts in Haiti and Honduras. The African Union has its own army, helping contain and punish blood-thirsty generals and tribal chieftains during some of the worst genocide cases in recent times. yet, when Vietnam invaded Cambodia, ASEAn leaders, as usual, took the ASEAn Way that led them to nowhere. It was a toothless tiger, contented in making loud growls, never even attempting to take a little bite. Having no army of its own and working under the principle of non-interference that practically gives each member a veto power, ASEAn simply turned to the United nations for help. Most recent of these inadequacies is the failure to contain Chinese aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea; Cambodia simply refused to include in the agenda a move to issue a communiqué during its last summit.

After almost half a century, ASEAn hat yet to create a single market base. The Chiang Mai Initiative is still an initiative. Many of its members remain authoritarian. EU stopped dealing with ASEAn as an entity because of this. The row over Spratlys, essentially a family affair, remains unresolved.

EDGEDAVAO

R

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

Another cup of coffee, sir?

ICARTE works as a correspondent in the Manila bureau of his overseas-based news agency while Ceferino, a tiller in a relatively vast tract of farmland in the Central Plains, shares a common denominator with the former.

Both are in their 40s and drink cup after cup after cup of coffee in various times of the day, starting from before they move out to their respective work places.

Ricarte begins his morning with a steaming cup of the imported Maxwell or Folgers Classic Roast while Ceferino, proud of his country’s products, blesses his day before sunup with a couple cups of hot rice coffee before he shuffles feet through his farm.

By the time Ricarte begins his day, before he starts checking with his news sources on the latest developments, he had consumed – shortly before midnight – nearly 40 cups although Ceferino himself, beaten like some pulp from sunrise to sundown, would only have gulped down seven cups before retiring to bed at near eight.

They have different reasons for taking cups of coffee daily, 365 days a year, although they sometimes mouth the same reasons in at least some.

The two agree in the belief, quoting studies from some medical pamphlets and journals, that drinking coffee on a daily basis has helped them reduce the deterioration of their intellectual faculties, like memory, concentration, and judgment.

They also, separately, believe that cups of coffee have helped them stop the inroads of diabetes in their system and coffee’s antioxidants have, according to them, helped check inflammation’s damaging effects on their arteries.

Here, there are some studies which suggest that the coffee compounds might boost activation of nitric oxide, a substance that widens blood vessels and therefore lowers blood pressure.

Many drinkers of coffee – the imported and the native varieties – say the health effects

W

Special Feature

By Honor BlanCo CaBie of coffee have been earnestly analyzed to determine how coffee drinking affects humans.

Coffee from coffee beans, according to them, contains several compounds which are known to affect human body chemistry, with the coffee bean itself containing chemicals which are mild psychotropics, a mood altering drug that affects mental activity, behavior, or perception.

Coffee experts say these chemicals are toxic in large doses, or even in their normal amount when consumed by many creatures which may otherwise have threatened the beans in the wild.

Coffee from coffee beans, not from rice grains, contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant, according to experts.

They say recent research has uncovered additional stimulating effects of coffee which are not related to its caffeine content, adding coffee contains what at present is an unknown chemical agent which stimulates the production of cortisone and adrenaline, two stimulating hormones.

According to a May 2012 study by the new England Journal of Medicine, researchers discovered during their study that coffee drinkers “who drank at least two or three cups a day were about 10 percent or 15 percent less likely to die for any reason during the 13 years of the study.”

The researchers said this did not necessarily provide a cause-and-effect relationship, but would help point other researchers in the right direction.

Some say when a drinker wants the flavor of coffee with only low stimulation, decaffeinated coffee (also called decaf) may be served, where most of the caffeine has been removed.

Some say the decaf coffee is a better option to getting a sense of bitterness in the stomach

after having consumed several cups of coffee but not the cups, as Ceferino would argue, of rice coffee from morning to twilight or beyond.

Decaffeinated coffee, according to experts, usually loses some flavor compared to normal coffee. There are also coffee alternatives that resemble coffee in taste but contain no caffeine. These are available both in ground form for brewing and in instant form.

Some have listed down the effects of coffee consumption, such negative effects mainly due to the presence of caffeine and tannic acid in it.

These effects start appearing slowly but, the moment they affect the body, they are most of the time permanent and, experts say, it is difficult to reverse the post.

According to some studies, while drinking coffee may increase energy levels in the near term, the drinker may tend to drink more cups after getting used to drinking cup after cup which eventually will point to addiction and a stumble to adrenalin exhaustion.

These studies however say a person on medication should avoid drinking coffee as it interferes with the medicines which can cause serious problems, given its capacity to block the medicines from working according to how it should work effectively on a patient.

Another negative effect that has been discovered is that the caffeine present in coffee interferes with a brain chemical named adenosine which researchers say helps in providing the calming effect.

At the same time, coffee may also give rise to constriction of blood vessels, this condition inevitable because of the increase in the cortisol levels.

Ricarte and Ceferino, both happily married, have not talked about it but researchers have found another negative effect of drinking coffee is the possibility of leading the drinker to slow or inactive sperms and also, in the case of women, inability to conceive.

In the meantime, Ricarte and Ceferino, working in different areas, separately take their additional cups after their initial first.

[PnA]

What exactly do we mean by ‘inequality’?

HAT do we mean by “inequality,” and why exactly is it bad for American democracy? Are we discussing inequality of wages within a given firm or industry? Or inequality in household income — i.e., the difference between the poor and the middle class, or between the rich and everyone else? What about political inequality — is it a cause or an effect of economic inequality?

These are not idle questions, and to contemplate even incomplete answers appears, on the basis of these two books, to reveal a kind of knowledge inequality. Unless you’ve got a PhD in economics or political science and what Princeton University political scientist Martin Gilens calls “a virtual army of research assistants,” there’s not much chance that you’re going to reach airtight answers on your own.

Gilens and James K. Galbraith are among the few experts who’ve been working on the subject for more than a decade. Their conclusions reinforce the fears of those of us who’ve suspected that inequality is a blight on American society. Indeed, the damage to democratic values is not in some distant dystopian future: Gilens states plainly that the relationship between the policy desires of the wealthiest 10 percent of the population and actual federal public policy over recent decades “often corresponded more closely to a plutocracy than to a democracy.” yet both books offer some glimmer of hope, as well as findings that will surprise partisans on any side of the inequality debate.

If Galbraith is correct, the overwhelming majority of Americans have not experienced inequality directly. It’s not really the case that the poor or the middle class are getting poorer; rather, the rise in inequality comes from a very small number of rich people becoming ultrarich. Galbraith maintains that just five U.S. counties — three in northern California, one in Washington State where Microsoft is located, and new york County, aka Manhattan — are responsible for about half of the rise in inequal-

Book review

By JameS ledBetter ity through the late 1990s, and just 15 counties — out of 3,143 counties nationwide — are responsible for all of it.

Galbraith believes that recent volatility in inequality levels stems almost entirely from the increased accumulation of wealth among those working at the top of the technology and finance sectors.

The biggest problem, he insists, is that in recent decades, we seem to have forgotten how to grow the economy except by increasing inequality. The result has been a series of bubbles, and bubbles always cause damage when they pop. Galbraith also trains his lens on Europe, and finds that the common assumption that Europe is “more equal” than the U.S. is untrue; precise measurements reveal that, aside from the handful of northern European social democracies, the opposite is true.

Gilens’s concerns are different, more pessimistic. He maintains that the poor and middle class have precious little representation in federal policymaking. Surveying a 40-year period, he finds that legislative outcomes almost never correspond to the public opinion preferences of the poor (at least when their expressed interests differ from those of the rich), whereas they much more frequently match the policy preferences of the wealthiest 10 percent. He does not flinch from the harsh conclusion: “The complete lack of government responsiveness to the preferences of the poor is disturbing and seems consistent only with the most cynical views of American politics.”

He could be underestimating the problem.

Gilens looks at public opinion surveys, and whether or not a given policy is enacted. It’s entirely possible, though, for a law to pass that superficially pleases the poor and middle class,

and then be implemented in ways that actually serve the interests of the rich. Such “wealth drift” would not show up in Gilens’s dataset.

Moreover, he acknowledges that he cannot reliably measure the public policy preferences of the top 1 percent or one-tenth of a percent of the population, and it seems plausible that elected officials are even more responsive to the desires of that upper echelon than to the top 10 percent.

Gilens’s explanations are hardly surprising.

Compared with the poor (and to a lesser extent the middle class), the affluent are more likely to vote; to volunteer for a campaign; and, crucially, to donate to campaigns, political parties and political action committees.

One reason why political inequality fails to generate much outrage is that the preferences of the economic elite do not uniformly correspond to policies of either left or right. yes, wealthy Americans are more likely than their poorer fellow citizens to favor cuts in personal and capital gains taxes, and to oppose protectionist measures. At the same time, they are more likely to support gay rights, abortion and gun control, and are more likely to want to maintain or even increase foreign aid.

Gilens finds other reasons to avoid declaring democracy dead. Federal policy tends to mirror overall public opinion a bit more during presidential election years. And while political gridlock is much derided by commentators of all stripes, he argues that it can sometimes force policy outcomes that correspond more closely to public wants.

It’s also worth remembering that when Galbraith’s groundbreaking book Created Unequal was published in 1998, almost no one in America — from Congress to the media to the public square — was publicly discussing inequality. now, at least, we are, and these two fascinating books will make that discussion better informed. [This book review was originally published in Pacific Standard magazine.]

VANTAGE POINTS

11

‘Just Talk’ peace slogan paying off Special Feature

By Ben Cal

“A

(Conclusion)

S we approach the last stretch of our negotiation on the issue of framework, it is very clear that there is a buildup of excitement and expectations among our people, and including the constituents of the government. If we succeed to sign the framework agreement, then we expect a very good atmosphere on the ground,” he said. (PnA) OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles has this to say on the ongoing peace process: “I will say that the prospects for peace in the Philippines have never been this good. It is better than it has been for a very long time at least.

And the reason for it is because of the political climate and the new political leadership. We have a political leadership that is keen not just to sign the agreement, but is also committed to the governance essential to the implementation of any agreement. We have a political leadership whose first and last question is: What do our communities on the ground need?”

Deles pointed out the importance of finding shared solutions that will last, adding that “the lessons we have learned some 25 years ago, when the peace constituency first emerged in our country, are the enduring lessons that continue to guide us in our path today.”

She cited two in particulars.

“One, that peace is not just made on the negotiating table while the people on the ground are just waiting for what will happen.

The building of peace corridors with the local

‘One, that peace is not just

made on the negotiating table while the people on the ground are just waiting for what will happen. The building of peace corridors with the local stakeholders and the victims of conflict have remained high in our priority.‘ stakeholders and the victims of conflict have remained high in our priority.”

Deles said: “Waging peace has never been easy and the people of Mindanao probably know this better than anyone else. yet citizens and communities have not failed in standing up again and again. Despite having walked on often fractured and fragile path to peace, our different peoples have persevered, with further resolve they engaged for the long haul knowing that shortcuts and fixers may work for the moment, but will really not hold.”

“Second, is a note that we are crafting a peace shared by all. And, in the process, our appreciation of the distinct but complementary roles of the different stakeholders has become deeper and palpable. I hope the relationships we have built based on dignity, mutual trust, and respect will continue to hold, especially in times when the grounds we stand on will become unsafe, as we are sure they will be in some point,” Deles said.

At the same time, Deles stressed the “need to sustain ourselves in this work. Peacemakers, being human beings, can get tired too. So we need to attend to our own rituals of renewal, and find new sources of strength and inspiration so that we can sustain ourselves in this service, which we know will still continue for the long haul. For some of us who have been in this work for more than five decades, the sense of impatience can set in, even as we know there are no shortcuts to achieving a just and lasting peace. It helps much to have a sense, every now and then of the strides we’re making, and the markers of our incremental successes whenever and wherever it happens.”[PNA]

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE AirAsia opens ‘Awesome New Year Sale’ and new pre-booked meals

P

HILIPPInES’ AirAsia yesterday unveiled its Awesome new year Sale promo from as low as P499 all-in fare to Kalibo and Puerto Princesa, from as low as P699 all-in fare to Davao, from as low as P799 all-in fare to Hong Kong and Macau, and from as low as P1,100 to Kuala Lumpur.

Guests can book online via www.airasia.com starting today until 16 September with travel period from 3 January to 31 March 2013.

“With our low fares, guests can expect superb inflight service and a safe and comfortable flying experience.” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said.

For domestic flights, fly to Kalibo and Puerto Princesa from as low as P499 all-in and to Davao from as low as P699 all-in. For international routes, fly to Hong Kong and Macau from as low as P799 all-in, and fly to Kuala Lumpur from as low as P1,100 all-in fare.

To complement this promo, AirAsia launched pre-booking for the two new hot meals online: Beef Caldereta and Chicken yang Chow. They can also pre-

book pancakes between 4:00AM to 11:00AM on all PQ flights. Guests can avail as much as 7% discount by pre-ordering their meals via airasia.com. All meals come with a 100ml water cuplet.

Staying true to its commitment to transparency, efficiency, high value service and affordable fares, AirAsia has included base fare, fuel surcharge, processing fee and government mandated fees such as aviation security fee and VAT in all its promo fares which are available online at www.airasia.com.

Philippines’ AirAsia call center also accepts booking of regular fares via +632 588 9999 from Monday to Sunday at 0800hrs to 2100hrs (GMT +8). Guests from Metro Manila may also purchase seats through AirAsia Travel & Service Centers (ATSC) located in SM north EDSA in Quezon City, in Mall of Asia in Pasay City and in Gaisano Mall in Davao City. never miss out on updates about upcoming bargain deals by following AirAsia via Facebook (facebook/ airasiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/airasiaph).

Globe Business powers cloud computing confab

G

LOBE Business recently backed CloudCamp 2012, one of the world’s biggest gathering of early adapters, proponents and developers of cloud solutions and related technologies in the country.

CloudCamp is a series of conferences held around the world each year, conceptualized by those who adopted cloud computing in its infancy so they can have a venue in discussing issues about it.

Using a unique conference format where the delegates freely exchanged ideas in pocket sessions, this year’s leg of the CloudCamp held at the Marriott Hotel in Cebu gathered IT experts as well as novices who intend to tap cloud

computing as a service for their businesses. The Cebu leg of CloudCamp focused on the types of cloud computing services such as infrastructure, software and platform.

The concept behind cloud computing is the sharing of resources similar to an electricity grid, with the Internet serving as its network. As a fully-managed service, Globe Business Cloud Solutions allows companies to gain access to a “pool of servers” connected to a digital network. This translates to lower cost structures of enterprises, enhanced business agility, profitability and operational efficiency, but more importantly, better focus on their core businesses.

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao youth leaders attend values laden leader seminar

PROMISING. Davao City Water District and Datu Bago Awardees Organization train promising youth leaders of Davao City. Forty-five student government leaders and advisers together with the Datu Bago awardees after the values laden leadership seminar.

F

orty-five student government leaders and advisers attended the values laden leadership seminar sponsored by Davao City Water District and Datu Bago Awardees Organization (DABAO) last September 5, 2012 at the Villa Margarita Hotel. Also present were Datu Bago awardees Atty.

Adoracion P. Cruz-Avisado, Apolinario B. Veruasa, Dulce Saavedra, Enrica O. Babao, Linda C. Tesoro, Ma. Ires A.

A

Melliza, Pat G. Montemayor, Pilar C. Braga, and Sister Mary B. Josephine Bacaltos.

This seminar is an annual event conducted by DCWD and DABAO for eight years now. It serves as an ideal venue where recipients of the prestigious Datu Bago award can share their experiences and expertise to mould better leaders from the pool of promising young people in Davao City.

The activities in the sem-

inar were very effective in imparting upon the youth how they can become ideal leaders. Analyses workshops on the prevailing perceptions of the participants on the present day situation of Davao City youths, gender sensitive leadership and the proper use of leadership power were conducted and facilitated by Atty.

Cruz-Avisado.

As output, participants came up with their respec-

tive action plans in order to address the issues identified in the workshops.

These action plans were then synthesized to come up with a holistic approach on how the youths can be instrumental in effect positive change among their contemporaries. The participants were also taught how the Theory of Power can be properly applied in leadership. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)

‘King Dome’, largest indoor cathedral to rise in Davao City

50,000-seater indoor cathedral, considered to be the largest in the world, will soon rise right here in Davao City inside Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the name Above Every name 23-hectare compound along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, this city.

The new worship center, which can accommodate up to 50,000 worshippers at one time, shall be called ‘King Dome’.

Pastor Quiboloy led yesterday morning’s historic

GROUNDBREAKING. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ leads the groundbreaking and dedication ceremony of the King Dome, the largest indoor cathedral in the world to rise in Davao City.

BPI FOUNDATION DONATES P14M TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. As part of the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ 161st anniversary celebration, BPI Foundation’s program entitled BPI: Build, Promote & Improve recently held a House Dedication Program at Bistekville 1, Payatas, Quezon City. BPI Foundation’s program includes building houses for teachers, scholarship for masteral studies and trainings. The Foundation provided a P14M grant to Habitat for Humanity to build houses for public school teachers and DepEd personnel in Quezon City. Houses for teachers will also be built in Panabo, Davao. The

signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and turn-over of the houses and presentation of keys to the home partners were led by (from left) BPI President & CEO Aurelio R. Montinola III, Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Habitat for Humanity Philippines CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco, Home Development Mutual Fund President Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. A Certificate of Recognition was also awarded to BPI for its support to DepEd Housing program for teachers and personnel.

site dedication and groundbreaking ceremony for the grand cathedral.

“This is going to be the epicentre of the greatest spiritual earthquake that will shake the whole world,” Pastor Quiboloy said of the significant event.

The groundbreaking ceremony actually formed part of the culminating activities of the 27th anniversary of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every name.

The event also capped the 10-day 16th International Kingdom Leaders’

Convention, held here in Davao City and attended by over 3,000 delegates from all over the world.

It will feature up-todate sound and projection systems as well as state-ofthe-art high-definition video production equipment which will broadcast live the Kingdom’s thanksgiving and worship presentations to various parts of the world.

According to Pastor Quiboloy, the King Dome is part of the development of the Kingdom Global City, a community complete with amenities and facilities for the

wellbeing of members who will be housed there.

The construction of the King Dome is expected to be completed by 2015, in time for the 30th Kingdom anniversary.

Kingdom administrators and kingdom ministers headed by Sis. Ingrid C. Canada, Sis. Tessie Dandan, Sis. Mariteo C. Canada, Sis. Felina Salinas, and senior workers, Sis. nelida Lizada, Sis. Andresa Amba, Sis. Liza Amba, Sis. nelly Canada, Sis. nori Cardona were also present in yesterday’s occasion.

13

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012 NATION\WORLD

NATION BRIEFS

H

Honest

ERE’S some feelgood news for today: a ‘Mamang Kutsero’ chose to be honest than become instantly-rich. Reports say Jaime Mayor, a 48-yearold coachman working in popular tourist spot Luneta, returned a pouch that contained at least €4,000 (over P200,000) to his French passenger.

The report quoted Mayor as saying that he saw the pouch in his coach, when the French tourist was about to board a separate vehicle. He opened the pouch and saw the money and chased the tourist. He added the French national hugged and thanked him for his deed.

Billions

“G

host” stories from wars are real, a senator said, as he bared that such entities have taken billions from state funds in recent years.

At least P4.2 billion yearly ended up in pockets of “ghost pensioners,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Franklin Drilon said in a statement Wednesday. This means that the government has been providing pension for “non-existing veterans or fictitious claimants,” he added.

T

Dropped

HE child death rate in the Philippines has been reduced by over half in the past two decades to a level below those posted by many other countries, a UnICEF report on Thursday showed.

The Philippines ranked 83rd out of 169 in a global ranking based on child death rates which was part of UnICEF’s report dubbed “Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed.”

S

In peril

EnATOR Miriam Defensor-Santiago warned Thursday that a Senate hearing meant to “evaluate” former Local Government undersecretary Rico Puno is in peril from what could be a “deliberate boycott” by senators.

Santiago, who chairs the Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws, said in a statement that the hearing might be “sabotaged” by a lack of quorum.

T

Two arrested over C US hostage murders

WORLD TODAY

T

WO Al Qaeda-linked militants have been arrested over a 2001 kidnapping of a group of tourists in which two American hostages were murdered, according to a military official.

The Abu Sayyaf members were arrested on the southern island of Mindanao on Wednesday following an 11-year manhunt for the killers of Christian missionary Martin Burnham and fellow American citizen, Peru-born Guillermo Sobero.

Regional military commander Major-General Ricardo Rainier Cruz said Jojo Imam Pai and a second suspect identified only by the military as “Aling” are to stand trial for the double murder and kidnapping of 20 tourists.

Abu Sayyaf militants raided the Dos Palmas island beach resort in the western Philippines in 2001 and forced 20 local and foreign tourists as well as local staff into boats, taking them to the gunmen’s Basilan island stronghold.

Most of the hostages were eventually released after ransoms were

CONDOLENCES. This file photo shows people expressing condolences in connection with American missionary Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap’s death in front of the US embassy, in 2002. Two Al Qaeda-linked

militants have been arrested in the Philippines over a 2001 kidnapping of a group of tourists in which two American hostages were later murdered. [AFP]

paid, but the kidnappers beheaded Sobero and brought Burnham and his fellow missionary wife Gracia Burnham to another hideout on Mindanao island near Basilan.

Martin Burnham was killed by the kidnappers and his wife wounded in a botched Philippine military rescue attempt in 2002.

In the succeeding years most of the kidnap leaders were later killed or sent to prison in a series of military operations, though the manhunt for the other suspects continues.

Founded using seed money from the Al Qaeda in the 1990s, the Abu Sayyaf is blamed for the worst terror attacks in the country.

These include a 2004

ferry bombing that killed more than 100 and a string of deadly kidnappings targeting foreigners and locals in the south.

About 600 US troops have been rotating through the southern Philippines for a decade to help train local troops in hunting the Abu Sayyaf. However the Americans are barred from taking part in combat. [AFP]

ate and a safe house refuge in Benghazi on Tuesday night. The attackers were part of a mob blaming America for a film they said insulted the Prophet Mohammad.

Obama said he had ordered an increase in security at U.S. diplomatic posts around the globe following the assault.

The U.S. consulate was overrun and torched in a military-style assault, the ambassador left lost and

dying alone in the smoke while rescuers ran into a deadly ambush as they sought to save survivors.

The attackers used guns, mortars and grenades. U.S. and Libyan officials said the attack may have been planned in advance.

The violence in the eastern city, a cradle of Libya’s U.S.-backed uprising against Muammar Gaddafi last year, came on the 11th anniversary of al Qaeda’s attacks on the United States

on September 11, 2001. Another assault was mounted on the U.S. embassy in Cairo on Tuesday in which protesters, who included Islamists and teenage soccer fans, tore down and burned a U.S. flag.

In Cairo, security forces late on Wednesday fired tear gas to disperse more stone-throwing demonstrators near the embassy.

Live TV showed hundreds of demonstrators at the U.S. embassy.

Stevens, a 52-year-old California-born diplomat who spent a career operating in perilous places, became the first American ambassador killed in an attack since Adolph Dubs, the U.S. envoy to Afghanistan, died in a 1979 kidnapping attempt.

A Libyan doctor pronounced him dead of smoke inhalation. U.S. information technology specialist Sean Smith and two other Americans who have not yet been identified also were killed.

Among the assailants, Libyans identified units of a heavily armed local Islamist group, Ansar al-Sharia, which sympathizes with al Qaeda and derides Libya’s U.S.-backed bid for democracy.

Ambassador’s killing

Obama vows to ‘bring to justice’

P

RESIDEnT Barack Obama vowed on Wednesday to “bring to justice” the Islamist gunmen responsible for a ferocious assault that killed the U.S.ambassador to Libya and three other Americans - an attack that may have been organized in advance.

Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the other Americans died after the gunmen attacked the lightly fortified U.S. consul-

Refused

HE government sees a “more advantageous” deal for the development of the Bonifacio South property through an open and competitive bidding, as it declined a P20-billion offer from real estate giant SM Land Inc. The 33.1-hectare military lot “will surely elicit keen interest from the country’s top real estate developers due to the strategic location and business potential of the area,” state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said in a statement Thursday.

Silent

HInESE authorities and media remained silent on the whereabouts of Vice President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, with rumours and speculation spreading over why Beijing was not more forthcoming on the health of its president-in-waiting.

Xi has skipped meetings with a number of visiting leaders and senior officials over the past week, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, because of what sources told Reuters was a possible injury to his back suffered while swimming.

IN FLAMES. The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames during a protest by an armed group said to have been protesting a film being produced in the United States September 11, 2012. [REuTERs/EsAM AL-FEToRi]

P

Disaster

OLICE in Karachi have registered a murder case against the owners of a garment factory where a fire killed at least 289 people in the country’s worst ever industrial disaster, officers said Thursday.

A case has been filed against Abdul Aziz, Mohammad Arshad and Shahid Bhaila and other members of the management of Ali Enterprises, Mohammad nawaz Gondal, the head of the local police station, told AFP.

Destroyers

W

ASHInGTOn sent destroyers and Marines to Libya after its ambassador was killed, amid speculation the US consulate in Benghazi was attacked by Al-Qaeda affiliates rather than by a frenzied mob.

A detachment of 50 Marines was dispatched to secure the main American embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli, where staff numbers were being cut to emergency levels, United States officials said.

D

Vowed

UTCH Liberal Prime Minister Mark Rutte vowed to form a government quickly Thursday after receiving a solid mandate to battle the eurozone’s debt crisis at the expense of anti-EU populism.

His ruling VVD won Wednesday’s election with 41 seats, just two more than centre-left rivals Labour, while far-right leader Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam PVV party suffered a humiliating defeat after changing tack to attack Brussels.

A

Postponed

FGHAn President Hamid Karzai has postponed a visit to norway fearing a violent backlash at home over an anti-Islam film that sparked riots killing the US ambassador in Libya, according to officials.

The assault, which killed four American diplomats in the Libyan city of Benghazi was triggered by a mob angered by a film deemed offensive to Islam that Afghanistan has condemned as “inhuman and insulting”.

14 PROPERTY

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Greening your Camella Northpoint condo home

C

AMELLA northpoint, the British colonial themed, landmark condo development of Camella in Davao, is the benchmark for green living with its green buildings and greener surroundings of imported Caribbean pine trees.

While homeowners of Camella northpoint already live green, they can further up the ante by taking some simple steps to enhance their green lifestyle.

Real greenery. A few potted indoor plants can enhance the feel of freshness inside your condo home. Live plants are not only cool to your eyes, they also make the room cooler with its fresh oxygen.

Real greenery are also decorative and can give your home a clean, lively look. The best part is, live plants remove air pollutants by absorbing toxins in the air, keeping the sick building syndrome away from your home.

Get a seamless view of greenery from the inside of your home by opening the curtains to reveal the green outdoors. Better yet, open the wide windows to see and hear the

pine trees swaying in the breeze, and let their aromatic coolnes enter your windows for you to inhale its fragrance.

Eco-friendly lighting.

Change environmentally-unfriendly incandescent bulbs to energy efficient bulbs or compact fluorescent lights (CfLs) to conserve energy and reduce power cost.

CFLs generate less heat, utilize two thirds less energy, and lasts much longer than incandescent bulbs, making them more cost-efficient.

They are friendlier to the environment by needing fewer watts to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.

Another good, costfree option is to let natural lighting come through your wide windows, and to take advantage of the skylights of Camella northpoint condo buildings.

The fourth tower, Liverpool, will have Sky Gardens that are wide spaces that open from the building’s facade, allowing natural lighting to stream into the condo building and illuminating its interior.

Make waste seg-

regation a lifestyle. In keeping with Camella northpoint’s green living, the condo community—through the administration of its property management team—implements strict compliance to proper waste segregation. This is also in compliance to the city government’s solid waste management program.

Waste segregation not only rationalizes Camella northpoint’s waste disposal, it also maintain’s the beauty and cleanliness of the condo property. The overriding objective is to help protect Mother nature by reducing wastes that may find its way into the environment.

Camella northpoint is the only condo community in the city that steadfastly promotes green living, benefitting not only its homeowners, but its immediate community and the rest of the environment as well.

All inquiries about Camella northpoint are welcome at Camella offices at 2/F Delgar Building, JP Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City, telephone numbers (082) 222-0963 and (082) 222-5221. #

Turning a Camella Northpoint condo unit into a green home is as easy as 1 - use greenery indoor, 2- use CFLs, and 3- segregate

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

HOME

Make room for ME & Luc

THErE is always a rush of excitement whenever a popular brand is ushered into town. I find this especially true in the realm of home fixtures and accessories where good finds can be far and between. In January 2011, married couple John and Farrah Dizon decided to open the Davao design consciousness to the world of Swedish home brand giant Ikea through their store ME & Luc. For those of you who are wondering, the capital “ME” is not a typo. Their store’s name is derived from the names of the couple’s three sons, namely Miko, Enzo & Luc. Whereas husband John or “Joc-joc” to those who know him is more involved in the nitty-gritty logistics of getting the goods to Davao shores, it is Farrah who is the creative force spurring their operations forward.

In such a short time since the birth of ME & Luc, the awareness that they have built locally and in the online community through Facebook is tremendous owing to Farrah’s fastidious and effective posts involving everything from new arrivals and upcoming sales. After talking to her more in depth about the business she is slowly building and her boundless passion and belief in the products she carries, it is clear that she and Ikea are a match made in home heaven Ikea imparts the idea that the assembly of one’s life can be easily attained and remain affordable at that without sacrificing quality, and this is what Farrah hopes that people will buy into like she does. There is an unmistakable overtone of coolness attached to Ikea that is hard to come by and which her shop successfully purveys. Her modestly sized spaces in Matina and Torres are artfully arranged to capture the essence of Ikea being an all-inclusive home emporium where the options abound are unbelievably aplenty. In the ground floor of her Matina showroom, Farrah has

simulated parts of the most design-challenged rooms in the household namely the living room and the kid’s bedroom. What is not currently seen on display is compensated by the use of picture collages that show everything from design ideas to product information.

Akin to a comment included in a 2005 BusinessWeek article about the brand’s popularity written

by Kerry Capell, she men-

tions how “Ikea is more than just a furniture merchant. It sells a lifestyle that customers around the world embrace as a signal that they’ve arrived, that they have good taste and recognize value.” Farrah notes how they originally did not plan to identify themselves as an Ikea reseller as part of their marketing strategy.

However, since they included it in their marketing collaterals, it has proven to be the lure that has expanded interest and their clientele.

It was the introductory remark that they needed to begin initiating customers into the vibrant world of functional, character-filled items that they carried.

Choosing to be a reseller of the popular Swedish brand is only half of the winning formula of her shop’s climb towards rec-

ognition and patronage.

Farrah herself is intimately involved in her business and it shows in just how much she can tell you about the materials, assembly and uses of just about everything in her showrooms. It is personalized service at its best and is a strong component of how her company’s motto rings true – “Modern. Simple. Fun.” There is also the design consultation that she does along with the installation and delivery to

her clients’ homes and office spaces.

As Farrah looks towards bringing in more brands that will complement their store’s character and shares dreams of outfitting more fun spaces with their products such as playschools, it is clear that this self-taught businesswoman is aiming to raise the bar in making good design accessible. And just like how ME & Luc chose perhaps the world’s most definitive design-for-

value brand to start with, their growing success can be owed to a mixture of both head and heart that makes room for nothing but the best.

Visit ME & Luc’s main showroom at Door 8 LUA Building, MacArthur Highway, Matina and their branch at Door 2 Grace Lu Building, Torres corner Mabini Street.

Contact numbers: (Matina) 295-1688, (Torres) 282-4575.

Find them on Facebook: www. facebook.com/meandluc.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

SM Store Davao holds Payday Sale this September 14 to 16 PAYDAYS are made extra special with SM Department Store Davao’s Payday Sale this September 14, 15 and 16 as shoppers enjoy up to 50% off on great selections store wide.

So head on over to SM City Davao to satisfy your payday shopping fix.

Abreeza Mall gives you one magical Saturday ON SEPTEMBEr 15, 2012, Abreeza will make your Saturday even more magical through simultaneous magic shows all over the mall!

This Saturday, the 9th Asian Magic Association will gather the best magicians from all over the world (Malaysia, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, USA and Indonesia) to perform a few vignettes in the open areas of the mall.

As of this writing, 4 pop-up stages have already been prepared for this very magical day.

The following areas will be the venues for the magicians’ main showcases: GF Hallway, between Chowking and Oxygen, GF restaurant row, 2F robinsons Hallways, between Bambu and GForce, and 3F robinsons Hallway Their first set will start on 3PM, the second one at 5PM and the last one at around 7PM. What’s more, several magicians will also perform surprise numbers for random shoppers at Abreeza Mall. We’re talking about 300 magicians total, so you’re truly in for something magnificently unforgettable this Saturday! The first time to happen here in the Philippines and it’s in Abreeza Mall!

These guest performances will be teasers for the association’s magic convention to be held at a local downtown hotel. Head on to Abreeza mall to catch a few of their shows. Who knows, you could even score a one-onone! Don’t forget to tell all your friends and bring your cameras! See you!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2012

Ten Qs with Gravefresh STYLE

THESE DAyS, online sellers populate too many pages on social networking sites like Facebook and Multiply.

Indeed, selling goods online has become one of the easiest options for newbie entrepreneurs as Overhead and Marketing costs are kept to a minimum. However, the online selling industry has become a marketplace that is even more congested and chaotic than a real-life market.

Online (selling) competition is cut-throat and several sellers sell the same products at virtually the same rate. To really stand out in a sea of generic online stores, one has to cater to an un-served niche market; and that is exactly what Ken Quiratman has done with his brainchild—one of the most popular Davao-based online stores—Gravefresh.

We got to interview the Owner/ Founder/Creative Director, Mr. Quiratman, about the creation, the passion, and the inspiration behind t h e brand.

CP: First of all, where did you get the name?

KQ: Gravefresh is a combination of two of the fields I am interested in.

Grave depicts the “Metal” side while Fresh depicts the “reggae, Hip-hop, Urban” side.

that you’d see in malls. I used to find it difficult to look for clothes that I really liked so I decided to make my own designs.

CP: So who makes your designs and how do you come up with them?

KQ: I make most of the designs. We have one release that is a collaboration between I Am Ink Tattoo Studio and myself. Basically, I create designs based on my mood and current mindset. I draft them by hand and then see how they translate on clothes.

CP: Who is the typical Gravefresh man? Who is your target market?

KQ: We target enthusiasts of music, skate culture, hiphop culture, and artists.

CP: Where are your orders usually from?

CP: So, what is Gravefresh?

KQ: It is an all-original Davao-made supreme brand. It showcases what Davao has to offer and creates a distinct and unique approach by bringing international trends to our market. We aim to bring Davao to the international scene. Gravefresh focuses on different (underground) lifestyles such as skate, music, and tattoo. Basically, we showcase unique designs that other brands do not offer.

CP: Why did you decide to start Gravefresh?

KQ: I was into digital designing before I started Gravefresh. I joined some online contests and did some collaboration work. I was very inspired by international artists who also started their own brand. Also, when Cebu brands emerged like Product of Uranus and Nick Automatic I realized that it was also possible to do it here in the Philippines. I also really wanted to wear clothes that were unlike those

KQ: We sell clothes but is not our only focus. We are starting to organize events specifically for the purpose of supporting the local music scene.

Soon, we will reveal and feature more fresh products.

CP: So how do these events work with your clothing line?

Are these events mainly for promotions?

KQ: yes, we promote our brand during the events but it is not just about promotions. It has become a way for Gravefresh to support the local scene. For us, it is not just about business, it’s more about the brotherhood.

KQ: Usually we get orders from Manila and other parts of Luzon. We also get a lot here from Davao and some from Cebu.

CP: Is Gravefresh just a clothing brand or do you have any other products?

CP: What differentiates Gravefresh from other online brands?

KQ: We sell all-original designs in limited quantities. We also organize events unlike most online sellers.

CP: Would you encourage other young people to follow your footsteps and open an online shop?

KQ: yes. If they decide to start an online shop they must be original and innovative. It would also be good if they supported the local scene and local products.

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTErTAINMENT

Pink outshines Paltrow in sex addiction film ‘Thanks for Sharing’ The Newsroom’s Alison Pill accidentally posts topless pic on Twitter

A LOT of people are surprised that singer-actress Pink is actually, ahem, decent in “Thanks for Sharing,” a film about sex addiction starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark ruffalo that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend.

While Paltrow’s performance -- which includes a lap dance given to her “Avengers” co-star ruffalo -- is not getting huge raves, industry insiders have noted Pink’s acting talent. “[Pink] proves a capable actor and a relaxed, enormously likable screen presence,” wrote THr’s David rooney, who criticized Paltrow’s “preening performance.”

The dramedy is about sex addicts who join a 12-step program -- and no, it shares nothing with last year’s Michael Fassbender Oscar contender “Shame” beside its theme. Pink’s character, Dede, seems enough in line with the singer’s persona as she is tattooed and tough.

As Dede turns 30 she realizes she can’t relate to men outside of the bedroom, prompting her to join the support group.

Indiewire wrote of the 33-year-old pop star, “But a special note must also be made about Pink who is a truly pleasant surprise in her first major screen outing (not counting animated gigs), with her first scene in the film

ANOTHEr DAY, another accidental Twitpic in the social media sphere.

among one of the best in ‘Sharing’ at large.”

“Josh Gad (The Book Of Mormon) plays a brand new group participant, a doctor who’s there on the order of the court that busted him for rubbing up against women on the subway. (Ew.) He quickly befriends another new participant, who is delightfully played by Pink — yes, Pink, the singer,” said NPr’s Linda Holmes, who noted her mixed feelings about Paltrow.

Pink, who has been credited in past film projects under her real name Alecia Moore, first eased into acting with a role as -- you guessed it -- a rock singer in a not-so-successful 2002

sci-fi-action film “rollerball,” starring Chris Klein and LL Cool J. Her next big-screen appearance -- albeit another bit part -- made more of a splash in 2003’s “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” Pink played a black-leatherclad lady who set the terms of a dirt bike competition, saying, “rules are: There are no rules.” A few years later in ‘07 she tackled a leading role in horror film “Catacombs,” co-starring with Shannyn Sossamon. But the job that set Pink alongside more A-list talent was last year’s “Happy Feet Two” wherein she provided the voice for Gloria. With her name on the bill alongside Elijah Wood, robin Williams

Heidi Klum confirms bodyguard romance in wake of Seal split

WHEN it comes to talking about her divorce from Seal, Heidi Klum’s lips are anything but, well, sealed.

While appearing on Katie Couric’s new show Katie today, the supermodel said she’s “doing kind of OK” in the wake of the couple’s split.

“It’s very hard and especially, you know, being in all of the magazine and gossip pages,” Klum remarked. “I mean, that is

definitely very hard and hurtful and it’s hard to go through a divorce. It’s not something I wanted. I’m someone who believes in a fairy tale and when I said ‘I do,” I meant forever.

But I don’t know, you never know what happens.

Life changes.”

But Klum insists both she and Seal did everything they could to make the relationship work.

“I tried my hardest, he tried his hardest,” she said, adding: “I want to be

friends with him, I want to be there for our children.”

Klum also addressed her relationship with bodyguard Martin Kirsten, who was spotted getting cozy with the Project runway host during a recent family vacation in Sardinia, Italy.

“I trust him with my children’s life,” she said.

“He’s a great man and, recently, we just got to know each other from a completely different side.”

and Sofía Vergara -- Pink surely earned more movies street cred. (Yahoo! Movies)

And this time, it’s from HBO’s The Newsroom star Alison Pill who accidentally tweeted a very revealing topless photo of herself laying on a bed to all of her 14,000-plus followers.

Pill quickly deleted the pic of her ta-tas, but not before owning up to her mistake: “Yep. That picture happened. Ugh. My tech issues have now reached new heights, apparently.

How a deletion turned into a tweet... Apologies,” the actress wrote in a selfdeprecating tweet.

And lucky for Alison, her fiancé Jay Baruchel found the whole scenario quite amusing: “My fiancee is an hilari-

ous dork. #imjustgladitdidnthappentomefirst.

Smartphones will get ya.

CC @msalisonpill #vivaludditism” he tweeted.

Hey, at least the gal has a smokin’ hot bod and her hubby-to-be can take a joke!

Too bad she didn’t learn her lesson from The Newsroom auto blast episode.

THE MISTRESS John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo R-13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 |10:00 LFS

RESIDENT EVIL 5- 2D Milla Jovovich , Michelle Rodriguez R-13

12:50 | 2:40 | | 4:30 | 6:20 | 8:10 | 10:00 LFS

RESIDENT EVIL 5 Milla Jovovich , Sienna Guillory R-13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE POSSESSION Natasha Calis , Jeffrey Dean Morgan R-13

12:00 | 2:00 I 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2012

BDO banks on Globe Business solutions for unparalleled interconnectivity

W

HAT does it take for the country’s largest universal bank to effectively link-up its vast network of branches and facilities?

For BDO Unibank, Inc., its decade-long synergy with Globe has been an integral component in interconnecting its 750-plus branches, close to 1,600 ATM terminals as well as multiple remote offices and business centers to reach a huge percentage of the nation’s banking populace.

Maintaining the integrity of the bank’s telecoms infrastructure is crucial in its centralized operations—a large portion of which is effectively powered by Globe Business.

In 2008, BDO became a full-service universal bank, providing a complete array of industry-leading products and services to the retail and corporate markets.

In the years preceding its phenomenal growth, BDO tapped Globe Business as one of its service providers to help the bank maintain its seamless and unparalleled connectivity with its numerous customer

touchpoints, said Rommel Parong, Vice President for Information Technology-Network of BDO. “Forming partnerships with reliable telecommunication providers is always at the top of our agenda because the business of banking has to be secure, dependable and fast at all times to satisfy client’s needs,” Parong said, who has worked closely with the integration of Globe’s business solutions to the bank’s operations when he joined BDO as Senior Manager for IT Applications Development in 2001.

“BDO has invested in Globe to empower our branches, ATMs, offices and business centers with carrier-grade connectivity solutions, such as leased lines comprising of fixed lines, multi-protocol label switching, as well as its internet services, digital subscriber lines or DSL, and wireless products,” he pointed out.

Having said that, the reliability of the aforementioned mission-critical services in the bank’s 24/7 functions is nothing less than crucial. This was put to the test just last year when two peer-to-peer issues with a local internet service provider (ISP) surfaced.

“After a series of tests, we were able to determine that Globe’s ISP peer-topeer connection was faster.

The problem has then been resolved, and now we are using the reliability of Globe as the bank’s benchmark,” declared Parong.

With Globe Business surpassing expectations and stringent infrastructure requirements, it has kept pace with a Philippine bank and financial services company that is passionate about redefining banking experience.

The bank’s VP for Information Technology-Network is of the opinion that Globe exemplifies the same

passion with regard to the bank’s attitude and commitment toward excellent customer experience: “BDO’s service delivery is summed up in our corporate philosophy, ‘We Find Ways.’ It is important for us that our partners are also one with us with that vi-

sion. And I believe that Globe likewise embodies such, not only in its cutting-edge roster of IT solutions, but also in the quality of service provided by its people.”

As Globe helps drive BDO’s day-to-day interconnectivity, the priceless part-

nership augurs well for the entire local financial industry.

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15

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

Lose...

FFROM 4

COKE. Joy Munsayac, regional representative of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation, discusses the background of the Sari-Sari Store Training and access to Resources

(S3TAR), a joint project of TESDA, local government unit and Coca-Cola at Marco Polo Hotel yesterday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

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 four- year 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.

BOI...

FFROM 1

would need to wage an investment promotional campaigns, Dureza said.

Governor Butalid said many of the incentives provided for in existing investment codes need to be amended, especially the outdated tax incentives.

He said that among the local incentives extended by LGUs that need to be reviewed are tax holidays granted to investors in the mining industry.

On the other hand, the passage of new LIIC is one of the measures local governments should take to promote investments in their areas.

He said these incentives

South...

have to jibe with the current mindset of the Aquino government which believes in the Regalian doctrine. The doctrine now enshrined in the Philippine Constitution stipulates that “all lands of the public domain, water, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State.”

Earlier, Butalid told investors and would-be investors that the government wants to benefit more from mining through increased taxation.

Regional director Marizon S. Loreto of the Depart-

ment of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there is a format to be followed in order to harmonize the local investment codes with national laws and policies.

Ivan Cortes, senior economist of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, said some tax holidays granted by some LGUs to investors have been found to be against the law and must be amended.

He said Davao City is one of the LGUs which welcome the BOI review of the LIICs. Dureza said fine-tuning the investment codes of LGUs in the Davao region would need more than just one session. AMA

and programs I initiated, especially in terms of the promotion of effective, transparent and accountable governance,” he said.

The governor’s declaration practically ended earlier speculations that he was planning to seek anew the province’s second congressional district seat, a post he occupied for three straight terms.

Fuentes and Pingoy

were former close allies and partymates in the nPC, which dominated the local political scene since the late 90s. But “serious political differences” forced them to part ways before the 2010 polls, with Fuentes remaining with the nPC and Pingoy joining then administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)

FFROM 8

board by winning 5 of the 10 contested seats in the province’s first and second districts.

Meantime, Pingoy also declared on Thursday to seek reelection as governor so he can continue with the reforms he introduced at the provincial government.

“I’m opting for reelection so there will be continuity of the reforms

“hunters”, to circumvent the new rules.

Meanwhile, criminals increasingly turned to other sources for horns: in recent years at least 65 rhino horns have been stolen from public display within South Africa with similar thefts carried out in the US and in Europe.

In 2009, the government of South Africa placed a moratorium on national sales of rhino horns to prevent unregistered stocks, so-called “loose horns”, from leaking into trade—all international commercial trade in rhino products is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Law-breaking wildlife industry individuals have since been convicted, with harsh prison sentences handed out for illegally dehorning live rhinos and the subsequent sale of the horns to Asian buyers. In April 2012, South Africa suspended the issuance of hunting licences to all Vietnamese nationals while also introducing other changes to tighten the loopholes allowing “pseudo hunts”.

“The web of complicity has even drawn in a small number of rogue game ranch owners, professional hunters and wildlife veterinarians, adding a new and challenging dimension to the rhino poaching crisis,” said Shaw.

Record poaching rates Rangers in South Africa are putting their lives in jeopardy protecting the continent’s rhinos. Although more and more resources are being expended to protect the nation’s rhinos, South Africa has witnessed a rapid escalation in poaching of live animals, rising from 13 in 2007 to 83 (2008); 122 (2009); 333 (2010) to a record 448 rhinos in 2011. In early 2012, almost two rhinos were being poached every day. By 17th July this year, the total stood at 281 rhinos, with a predicted loss of 515 by year end if current poaching rates continue.

South Africa has witnessed a rising spiral of organized, violent rhino-related criminal activity, with hard-

Panabo...

pressed authorities hitting back with increased enforcement efforts.

By 17th July this year, there had been more arrests (176) in South Africa for rhino-related crime than in all of 2010 (165), with middlemen and those higher up the trade chain increasingly being collared, including a number of high-level arrests of Vietnamese nationals since May 2012.

Rhino crime syndicates in South Africa have been linked to other criminal activities such as drug and diamond smuggling, human trafficking and illegal trade in other wildlife products such as elephant ivory and abalone.

Of 43 documented arrests of Asian nationals for rhino crimes in South Africa, 24 have been Vietnamese (56%) and 13 Chinese (28%), with the remainder from Thailand and Malaysia.

Furthermore, at least three officials based at Viet nam’s embassy in Pretoria have been documented as participants in the illegal rhino horn trade, although the last such case was in late 2008.

New user groups in Viet Nam At the other end of the illicit trade chain, the report identifies Viet nam as the main market, where demand for rhino horn continues to rise and serrated rhino horn grinding bowls are widely available for sale.

Four main user groups have been identified in Viet nam: the principal one being those who believe in rhino horn’s detoxification properties, especially following excessive intake of alcohol, rich food and “the good life”. Affluent users routinely grind up rhino horn and mix the powder with water or alcohol as a hangover-cure and general health tonic.

Horn is also used as a supposed cancer cure by terminally ill patients, who are sometimes deliberately targeted by rhino horn “touts” as part of a cynical marketing ploy to increase the profitability of the illicit trade.

“The surge in rhino horn demand from Viet nam has nothing to do with meeting traditional medicine needs,

it’s to supply a recreational drug to party goers or to con dying cancer patients out of their cash for a miracle rhino horn cure that will never happen,” said Tom Milliken, TRAFFIC rhino expert, and a co-author of the new report.

“Ultimately the only long-term solution to stamping out rhino poaching in Africa and Asia lies in curbing demand for horn. The fact that the Vietnamese Government has not played a greater role in ensuring such an outcome is problematic, but presents an opportunity for decisive action beginning now.”

Last month, a Rhino Working Group under CITES was tasked with developing a demand reduction strategy for rhino horn and called upon the government of Viet nam to table a report on measures it is taking to address the illegal trade.

“The only people benefitting from the current rhino poaching crisis are those running the criminal networks, who are making huge profits with little fear of prosecution in Asian markets,” said Milliken.

“This trade leaves a trail of carnage and hapless victims—both animal and human—from source to enduse market.”

Action needed from governments The new report calls for a number of measures to be taken to address the current crisis, including for Viet nam to “review and strengthen legislation and penalties concerning illegal rhino horn trade,” and to “employ effective law enforcement strategies in the market place.”

Ironically, the fate of South Africa’s rhinos is now inextricably linked with market forces in Viet nam, a country that recently saw its own Javan rhino population slip into ignominious extinction, when the last individual in Cat Tien national Park was shot and had its horn removed in early 2010. The Javan rhino is the most critically endangered rhino species in the world with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in Java. [WWF]

income I can use to buy things in the market) I’m looking that in two years time I will be having fashion jewelries, Jonelas added.

The first Fashion jewelry livelihood training was conducted last July 9, 2012 at ABC Hall of Panabo. About 40 participants actively joined the second livelihood training. The City Government provided the food,snacks and venue while the DTI gave the kits worth Php 150.00

along with Ma. Cecilia dela Cerna, trainor and business woman from Tagum City as training officer.

Women barangay captains; Sherley Magallen of Tagpore and Capt. Lucena Macasling of Kiotoy where also among the participants in the training. The women together have envisioned themselves to make life more productive, enjoyable with the training provided for the women’s sector in Panabo City.

FFROM 8

Hall of Panabo.

“Enjoy kay na lingaw gayod ako ug kuri-kuri (leisure to work with it), malamboon kay mokita jud ko (I have income) ug dili sayang ang akong time, mapuslanon in the since na mag-suroy2x ko nga naa koy borloloy ug chika2x, socialization, friendship, makapamalengke kay makahalin man” (it is not a waste of time, useful since If I am going out I wear fashion jewelries, catch stories, socialize,story and the

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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 221-3601; 301-6235 and ask for Jane or Chay.

EDGEDAVAO HealthandWellness

VOL.5 ISSUE 139 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 15, 2012

PRIME PROPERTY FOR SALE ROBINSONS HIGH LANDS, 173 sq. meters, 1.5 M, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0926-305-1555 0942-966-2444

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