Edge Davao 5 Issue 14 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Brgy. captain against city councilor

Indulge! Page A1

Olanolan files 6 raps vs dad n “Plain harassment and

politically motivated,” says Councilor Reyes

By Ayan Mellejor

T all started with a toilet. Barangay Captain Robert Olanolan of Barangay 76-A Bucana yesterday formally filed charges of libel and obstruction of justice against City Councilor Jackson Reyes; Corazon Refulle, the family of Jeremias Tuba Cesar for malicious mischief, damage to property, direct assault and oral defamation. The filing of charges stemmed from the demolition of a newly-built public toilet along the shoreline of Bucana, reportedly by the Cesar family and Refulle sometime lasat February, prompting Olan-olan to complain and have them arrested. According to Olanolan, the Cesar family and Refulle did not go through the proper procedure of filing a complaint against the construction of the toilet. In the first place, the area is government property. “Nag-complain unta sila kadtong nag construct pa. Wala man sila’y gihimo…

Game Changers Page 7

FOLANOLAN, 13

Sports Page 16

Rody to finance Sara’s reelection By Jade C. Zaldivar

Brgy. Captain Robert E. Olanolan [LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR.]

ICE Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said he would finance City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s campaign if she seeks reelection in the 2013 local elections. The vice mayor said this when asked

n ‘The decision remains with her’ posterous, saying, “Ay nabuang na. Look, n Hails Sara for successful ‘Araw’ ani ni. I may have differences with my

to comment on Sara’s statement she had not yet set her mind on running for the same position next year due to financial constraints that stand in the way of a reelection bid. Duterte found Sara’s hesitation pre-

daughter sa governance, but it’s nothing personal. If she wants to be mayor again for another term I will spend for her. She’s my daughter,” Duterte told Edge Davao. Asked whether he wants his daugh-

FRODY, 13

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Ibuyan denies 2 murder tries By Jade C. Zaldivar

AVAO City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan has sought the aid of Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Deputy Mayor for Maranao Tribe Randy Usman following accusation of an attempted-murder made against him. The accusation arose from an alleged shooting incident at about 6 a.m. of last February 26 wherein one Tanandatu Manding Malawi, a long-time resident and businessman in Bankerohan and his son were shot at while inside their kitchenware store. Both father and son survived unscathed. Malawi identified the two alleged assailants as SPO1 Dodong Jumalon and one Roy Galledo whom he claimed in his

blotter report at the San Pedro Police station are “people of Ibuyan”. On learning of the incident, Ibuyan immediately sought Usman’s assistance to act as a “go between”for him and Malawi to settle any misunderstanding. Ibuyan had served as barangay captain of Bankerohan before becoming a city councilor while the two suspects are “well known faces” in Bankerohan. Ibuyan’s son succeeded him as barangay captain. “Ang nabanggit niya is ‘tao ni Ibuyan’, Usman said. After Usman patched things up between Ibuyan and Malawi, both presented themselves before Vice Mayor Duterte who reportedly directed them to “clear things up with no

In one year

violence.” “I am very relieved that the misunderstanding has been cleared up after we met with Vice Mayor Rody, knowing there’s no ill feeling between me and Tani,” Ibuyan said, referring to Malawi. “I recall no incident or reason for me and Tani to be enemies. We have known each other since we were kids,” Ibuyan said in the dialect. Malawi spoke up: “What is important is that there is peace between us.” A former member of the Moro National Liberation Front, Malawi said he’s been a resident of Davao City since he was three years old. “Ako, ayoko rin ng gulo. Hindi ako naniniwala sa dahas, lalo na nasa relihiyon ako,” Malawi said, referring to him being a

devout Muslim. Meanwhile, the police have yet to report on the whereabouts of suspects Jumalon and Galledo, who have not been seen in Bankerohan since the incident. Asked whether he has sought the assistance of the vice mayor regarding his problem, Malawi said he should not as “this is the job of the police.” “Pinauubaya ko na lang sa batas. That is my challenge to the intelligence unit of the police,” he said. However, when asked on whether he’s willing to forgive his assailants, Malawi said he is “open to forgiveness.” “Kung pupunta sila sa akin, humarap sa akin at manghihingi ng tawad then perhaps I can offer a forgiveness,” he said.

Magallanes Residences proving condo living is a trend in Davao

P1.5B increase in city’s business capitalization C By Lorie A. Cascaro

HE total capitalization of all 34,566 registered business establishments in Davao City increased by P1.5 billion in 2011--from P183.3 billion in 2010 to P184.8 billion as of January 4 this year. This was reported by the head of the Business Bureau Division under the Davao City Mayor’s Office, lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo last Wednesday during the Club 888 Forum at The Marco Polo

Davao. Based on most recent data, there are 32,562 registered micro enterprises, with total capitalization of P10.8 B; 1,585 small enterprises (above P500,000 but below P2M) with P10.5 B total capitalization; 340 medium enterprises (above P2M but below P10M) with P11.3 B total capitalization; and, 79 large enterprises (above P10M) with P155.4 B total capitalization. Domingo said the large enterprises have

Domingo

It figures

PRNUMBER of ecotourism sites in the Philippines where mining activities will be barred. The sites have been identified by the Department of Tourism for nurturing and sustaining tourism growth.

ADDITIONAL number of nursing schools facing possible closure of their degree programs for failure to improvetheir passing rates for three consecutive years in the licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulatory Commission.

the largest capitalization in the city although majority of the enterprises are at micro level. Most of the large enterprises are banks and banana industries, such as Sumifru and Unifrutti. New registrants As of March 20, 2012, he said, there are 2,474 new businesses registered and 1,514 of them had been issued business permits. Majority of them belong to micro and small enterprises, whose capitalization is below P500,000, such as sari-sari stores and small hardware stores, among others. Given the number of business establishments operating the city, including the newly registered ones, Domingo bared the lack of manpower as one difficulty of the bureau to conduct regular inspections. There are 10 to 12 personnel who are official inspectors of the Business Bureau against some 37,040 businesses registered in Davao City.

$2.6billion

AMOUNT involved in the planned investment of Texas-based Quantum International Group Inc. on five plasma gasification plants in the Philippines that can produce as much as 13,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Ibuyan

ONDOMINIUM living is a growing trend in Davao City as exemplified by the Magallanes Residences, a project of David M. Consunji-Urban Planners Development Inc. (DMC-UPDI), which opened Toledo, its third seven-storey building, for occupancy last Tuesday. This has been the perception of its project manager, Leonora Guttierez, since the company’s first project in Davao City, the Ecoland 4000 Residences, historically pioneering condo development in the city. “Condo living is the ‘in’ thing here now, especially since most people are already living a fastpaced life,” she said. “In 2007, when we started Ecoland 4000 Residences, some people said it would not be sold out because Davao City is not ready for condominium development. There were a lot of available residential lands. But, we had 100% occupancy in less than a year,” she said. In the same manner, the Toledo already achieved 70% occupancy out of 122 rooms in less than a year, she added,

P85.15billion

TCOLLECTIONS of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in January, which is below its target for the month of P87.28 billion but higher than the collections a year ago.

and is ready for habitation. In all three buildings--Toledo, Valencia and Barcelona, the Magallanes Residences has 40% foreign owners, while some are professionals and students who came from the cities of Davao, General Santos, Cotabato, Bukidnon and Manila, Guttierez said. Some parents of students from outside the city prefer to house their children in condos than in apartments because of security reasons, she added. Guttierez also mentioned that their condo units are selling fast because Magallanes Residences and other properties of DMC-UPDI are the “cheapest around.” “Being in the industry for 60 years, we offer affordable prices because we own the properties.

Quips

We construct, develop our properties, and control the quality,” she said. For one, she bared that in constructing the Toledo, they had to replace the doors when their quality did not pass the standards of the company’s quality control management even if those had already been installed in all the rooms. She also noted that there are some owners who rent out their units to foreigners for P25 to 30 thousand a month. “Kahit di pa nila bayad ang unit, they use their income from rental to pay for the condo,” she said. Therefore, condo living has not only been a growing trend in Davao City, but has also been a source of income not only for brokers but also for the unit owners themselves. [LORIE A. CASCARO]

‘THERE is an economic reality that if something becomes cheaper, normally there will be more consumption of it, that is universal. When the price of fuel is rising, of course you will save, import only what you need.’ --PRESIDENT AQUINO

46percent PERCENTAGE increase in sales of imported vehicles which reached 2,881 units in February, from the 1,971 sold in the same month a year ago, driven by strong sales of passenger cars (PC) the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID).

P2.5billion

AMOUNT San Miguel Pure Foods Co., Inc., is investing P2.5 billion in a bulk-grains terminal in Batangas province in line with its efforts to save on costs and protect margins. Purefoods said he facility, which is located near its two flour mills, is expected to start operations by the fourth quarter quarter of 2013 and has a socalled payback period of seven years.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

LGUs urged to use e-branding By Lorie A. Cascaro

H AMBASSADOR. Menashe Bar-on, the newly installed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Philippines, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte yesterday. Bar-on said they want to share the

best practices of their country in agriculture especially on vegetable production to improve the quality and volume of agricultural products in the city’s agricultural areas. [JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA]

By Jade C. Zaldivar

structures sa taas. Naay uban natabunan tungod sa pag-construct ug balay o public structures,” she said. “Tanan to nga areas identified nga naay structure sa taas dapat hatagan na ug notices to voluntarily remove or buhatan ug agianan sa ilalom para malimpyohan. Dili dapat tabunan,” she added. At the start of her administration, the city mayor created the Food for Work program which has 15,676 volunteers from 28 barangays in the city. The program has been able to address two concerns at the same time—namely, (1) poverty and (2) community cleanliness. From 2010 to 2011, 720 linear-meters of dirt net fences were installed and regular de-clogging of barangay canals were done, covering 38 kms. City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) officer in charge Robert Alabado earlier admitted

that the most recurring problem in 2011 “had been flooding whenever it rained.” Busy avenues, like Quezon Boulevard and CM Recto (Bajada) flood easily, sometimes stranding hundreds of students and people off from work late at night Alabado welcomed the national government’s, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), commitment to improve national roads and avenues in the city. The Davao City Engineering division of DPWH this month started the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and upgrading of damaged portions of the national road along Quezon Boulevard and R. Castillo Street. The repairs along Quezon Boulevard have a total budget of P36 million while almost P40 million was allotted for the R. Castillo project. “These roads are past their life expectancy.

Many of us here do not know that most of these roads are national roads. There are also city roads that need repairs, but main avenues here are mostly national roads, “Alabado said, adding that the flood problem was a strain on the local administration. Historically, the city has experienced heavy rains from November to February; however a shift began 10 years ago when the rainy months crawled towards summer. for the past years, the city experienced great flooding in the month of June. Only last year, rains struck hard near the end of June resulting to the destructive floods experienced in by barangays Matina Pangi, Matina Aplaya, Matina Crossing, Talomo Proper, and Maa. At least 26 people, most of them children, perished in the floods while some 25,000 families (about 125,000 persons) in the five villages were displaced.

cacy officer of Tambayan Center, said there is a high risk of child prostitution as the tourism industry progresses. At present, children are more vulnerable to pornography, she added, because internet access is so affordable at P1 per minute. Also at the Kapehan, Renee Boy Binondo, CWC secretariat, said the Internet Café Monitoring Board, together with the

Business Bureau of the city government, is responsible for monitoring all internet cafes in the city that allow access to pornographic sites. Acera said sexual abuse among children and commercial sexual exploitation such as trafficking, prostitution and pornography are a community concern. “As long as there is a demand for prostitution, the problem

of child sexual abuses will remain,” she said. Tambayan Center served 209 girls in 2011; 66 of them were children in conflict with the law; 40 were sexually abused; and 10 were victims of commercial sexual exploitation, according to Acera. The CWC, under the office of Councilor Leah Librado, provides a venue for wholistic approach in addressing problems that

City hastens declogging work on drainage canals n Owners of obstruc-

tions to wate flow to get notice

HE city government is intensifying its drainage canal declogging efforts in anticipation of the advent of what Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio calls the “flood months.” “Sa atoa dako ang contribution sa clogged na drainage canal. Giingnan na nako nga pakusgan ang (operations of) de-clogging of drainage canals,” Duterte-Carpio said in an interview at the Davao City Convention Center on Torres St. The mayor said she had given orders to acting City Administrator Zuleika Lopez to identify drainage canals and waterways over which some privately-owned structures have been built. “Ang problema is some are not just clogged, but are even covered by

NGO alerts public vs sexual abuse of kids

AMBAYAN Center for Children’s Rights, Inc., a nonprofit organization protecting the welfare and rights of adolescent street girls in Davao City, bared the alarming trend of child sexual abuse and exploitation through the use of the internet. Guesting is the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao last Monday, Alma Donsabas-Acera, advo-

FNGO, 13

ELPING local government units to create their tourism master plan, the Mindanao Tourism Council (MinTC) is urging local government units o use electronic branding (e-branding) or to use the internet in reaching out to their tourism markets. The tourism master plan should answer the question: “Whom to attract with what?” This, according to Jonallier Perez, executive director of MinTC, who added that the master plan should not only be about developing the product, but coming up with strategic communication approaches. These strategic communication approaches include e-branding, composed of travel blogs, social media, and website. He said 70% of tourists get information from the internet based on the 2010 data of the Pew Research Centers Project for Excellence in Journalism. In the survey, Google is the number source of information online. However, in order to be found in Google, a company should have a website, which is expensive as it may cost an average of P25,000 to put up a website, including domain name and IT maintenance, he added. Facebook is the number two in online information, he cited, and MinTC highly emphasizes that LGUs should utilize the site for their tourism promotion. According to him, as of June 2011, Facebook or FB is the number one social network with 132 million unique visitors; 250,000 register per day; active users double every six months; and, and more than 50% of active users visit the site daily and spend an average of 20 min. daily on site. Among social networking sites, he continued, FB is number one in photo sharing application with 14 million photos uploaded every day. “In the US, 70 of its top 100 advertisers have advertised in FB, you can even find New York Times in FB,” he said. Saying that FB is only one component in e-

Quips

branding, Perez noted that blogging is another way to promote tourism destinations online, particularly travel blogs. He mentioned the official travel blogger of MinTC, Olan Emboscado, a recent awardee on blogging in the whole Mindanao with his thetravelteller. com. “We want LGUs to make use of FB much more,” Perez said, and enumerated some advantages of using FB. He said, “FB is cheap. It’s almost free as long as you have internet connection. You don’t have to spend for website to get the domain name, maintenance, IT expert.” It is intrusive, he said, so one can capture his or her audience better compared to corporate websites where one has to type the address before accessing the information. “It takes an extra effort to go to a specific site to get information about your business. Sa facebook, whether you like it or not, you don’t have to type, nagagawas sa imong wall, samukan siya ba,” he said. “It’s not just about words, but images. For me, in advertising, images are far better than words,” he continued. Aside from having lesser maintenance than a corporate website, he said, FB has a captured audience, who are the users, and majority of them are actively visiting and interacting through the site in a real time. “Knowing those data, I think LGUs would recognize the vast potential of reaching out their market by using Facebook,” he said. Perez pointed out that a tourism master plan does not have to be a 100-page plan as long as the basic question is answered which results in having a good brand and brand image, which will be conveyed to the audience who are expected to have a good brand experience. “Gina-emphasize namin sa mga LGUs when we help them make their master plan, define first what is your brand. Once you have it, come up with a brand image and convey it to your market through appropriate use of brand communication strategies,” he said.

‘LET him be called crazy because when God convene people, others cannot understand whether I is the great grace of God.’ --Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes on Manny Pacquiao

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

PPA pursues web set-up R

PRIVILEGE SPEECH. Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte delivers a privilege speech during Tuesday’s regular session questioning the legality of the implementation of the gun-

ban in Davao City, saying that it is in violation of the Constitution. [JOSEPH LAWRENCE

By Lorie A. Cascaro

out of the four printers used in printing of renewal logos malfunctioned for two weeks in midFebruary. He said that the bureau could not buy new ones considering the government’s purchasing system. However, recently, his office was able to do emergency purchases of six new printers, and they are doubling their efforts to complete the backlog jobs, he said. “We are appealing to the public for their patience,” he told reporters, adding that his office did not fall short in reminding business owners to renew their business permits earlier. He also ad-

mits that the problem on printers was something they did not expect. By the end of April, Domingo aims to complete the processing of those affected by the delay. However, he only expects 90% of them as others have not returned to their office after application. Undeclared employees In most cases, lack of proper documents and failure to declare the number of employees have also caused delay in the renewal application. Domingo said employers are required to advance the payment of occupational permits at P100 per employee. But

because of undeclared number of employees which the Business Bureau discovered after verification, employers failed to catch the deadline (January 20) payment for those undeclared. Aside from paying the fines worth 25% of the occupational permit fee or P25 for each employee, their renewal application has already been delayed. He said more than 80% of all business establishments in the city were guilty of not declaring the correct number of employees. But employers are not solely to be blamed, he added, because it is also part of the bookkeepers’ responsibility.

he said, adding that the agreement is still subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). In a separate statement, Sarangani Energy said it will supply 15 MW to DANECO and 10 MW to ASELCO. The company, however, did not disclose the details of the agreement. The two PSAs are the second and third of its kind that Sarangani Energy has entered into. Last year, the power company, through its holdings company Conal Holdings, likewise agreed to supply 70 MW of electricity to the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II).

Rodolfo Ocat, SOCOTECO II manager, earlier said that public consultations have been conducted regarding the power sales agreement with Sarangani Energy, in line with the requirement of the ERC’s approval process. SOCOTECO II serves this city, the entire province of Sarangani and Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato. Late last year, Sarangani Energy held the groundbreaking for its $450-million power plant in Maasim town, with a generation capacity of 200 MW that was expected to help bring stability to the power situation in Mindanao in

the next few years. It will be the biggest single investment in the province since it was created in 1992, Sarangani Energy said. The Alcantara Group is one of the emerging players in the power sector in Mindanao, which is largely dominated by the Aboitizes of Cebu. It owns and operates the Western Mindanao Power Corporation and the Southern Philippines Power Corporation, both diesel-fired power plants. In addition to the Maasim power plant project, the Alcantara Group has bared plans to build another 100 MW power plant in Zamboanga City.

P. GARCIA]

Business Bureau chief: 91.8% renewed permits L

AWYER Tristan Dwight Domingo, head of the Davao City Mayor’s Office Business Bureau Division, said 31,728 business establishments or 91.8% of the total registered businesses, have applied for renewal this year. The deadline for application was last January 20, but processing of 32% of the applcations has been delayed due to printer problem. Speaking at the Club 888 Forum of The Marco Polo Davao last Wednesday, Domingo said the delay is due to printer failure; particularly, three

Alcantara firm inks power supply deal with 2 coops

N Alcantara-led power generation company has forged separate power supply agreements (PSA) with two more electric cooperatives in Mindanao that will be sourced from its planned coal-fired plant in nearby Maasim, Sarangani. Joseph Nocos, Conal Holdings, Inc. vice president, confirmed recently that subsidiary Sarangani Energy Corp. inked a power supply deal with the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO) and the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO). “The deal with these cooperatives include a supply of 25 megawatts,”

EPRESENTATIVES from the Port Management Offices (PMOs) covering Dapitan, General Santos and Zamboanga recently gathered here for the initial orientation of the creation of their respective websites. Heeding the call to incorporate Social Media (SocMed) concepts to be more interactive with port clients, the PMOs will be anchored on the template that the PMO-Davao -launched in September 2010. “We live in changing times where we need to stay responsive to our customers by being visible in the Internet superhighway,” said Philippine Ports Authority Port District Office-Southern Mindanao (PPA PDO-SoMin) Port District Manager Atty. Christian V. Santillan. Led by the Management Information Services Section (MISS) of the PDO-SoMin, launching of local websites for the PMOs principally aims to: 1) Enhance social interaction between the PPA and its stakeholders; 2) Promote client-orientedness and efficiency in frontline service or business delivery and; 3) Communicate corporate vision, mission, goals and organizational milestones. Julius C. Maturan, a

clerk processor assigned at the Terminal Operations Office of PMO-Davao and currently its Information Technology (IT) Administrator Designate shared the templates to the other PMOs as valuable inputs for their web development. Early in 2010, Maturan was tasked to design and establish the systems and applications for operations-related documents that could be downloaded, generated and submitted online. He attributed Davao ’s successful web development project to the initiatives and openness to explore the extent of advocating for paperless government transactions and to improve real-time service to port users by the recently-retired Port Services Division Manager Atty. Romulo C. Andres. Andres, who reached compulsory retirement at age 65 last February 9, 2012, pioneered a more interactive PSD management especially with port customers by digitizing the following reports/ data: Berthing Minutes, Daily Berthing/Anchorage Schedule, Daily Shift Operations, Daily Marine Operations, Notice of Arrival, Application for Berth/Anchorage, Vessel Information Sheet, among others.

Mindanao regions mark high employment rate in January

HE National Statistics Office (NSO) announced that three regions in Mindanao have registered high employment rates in January of this year. The Mindanao regions that earned high marks in the NSO’s labor force survey for January are the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), 97 percent; Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 96.6 percent; and Region 12 (Soccsksargen or Southwestern Mindanao), 96 percent. Nationwide, Cagayan Valley registered the highest figure at 97.6 percent. ARMM followed second while Zamboanga Peninsula is tied with Region IVB (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan or MIMAROPA). Soccsksargen is in fifth spot.

Quips

The NSO’s labor force survey for the month of January registered an employment rate of 92.8 percent nationwide, which is slightly higher compared to the same period last year at 92.6 percent. The NSO survey showed that an estimated of 40.3 million out of the estimated 62.7 million population 15 years old and over are in the labor force. This figure, according to the NSO, translates to a labor force participation rate (LFPR) of 64.3 percent, which is higher compared to the LFPR in January 2011 that registered at 63.7 percent Among the regions, MIMAROPA registered the highest labor force participation rate at 70.4 percent; ARMM garnered the lowest at 57.8 percent.

‘I will not stay long in boxing because God said: You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but his is harmful, --Rep. Manny Pacquiao

EDGEDAVAO

Stat Watch

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities 8. Interest Rates 4/

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Mini-hydro plant eyed in Lake Sebu R

ENEWABLE energy firm Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings Inc., is set to launch a pre-feasibility study for its planned 5 megawatt (MW) mini-hydro power plant in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato. Engr. Santiago Tudio, general manager of South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco I), said the company has already sought clearance from the Lake Sebu municipal government to pursue with the project’s pre-feasibility study, which will mainly look into its environmental impact and water utilization. Socoteco I earlier forged a partnership with the power producer for the construction of a 5 MW hydropower plant within the famed seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu. “The pre-feasibility study is scheduled to begin in a few weeks and we’re looking forward to it since it would determine the viability and the future of this project,” Tudio said in a radio interview.

Tudio said the pre-feasibility study, which was initially scheduled last year, was delayed after Euro Hydro found out earlier that the Department of Energy (DoE) had issued a service contract over the proposed project area to another company. He said the DoE earlier awarded the contract to Renouvel Development Corporation, which is reportedly owned by former National Power Corp. executives, but the latter supposedly failed to pursue the project due to funding problems. Renouvel’s contract, which was issued for its proposed 21-MW Lanon Hydroelectric Power Project, was reportedly cancelled recently by the DoE, he said. Citing initial details of the Lake Sebu hydropower project’s pre-feasibility study, Tudio said Euro Hydro will initially explore the viability of utilizing the third of the town’s seven waterfalls as its main site.

He said the company is looking at constructing a small impounding structure at waterfall no. 3 to allow it to generate 5 MW of power. “We will later present the results of the pre-feasibility study to the municipal government, provincial government of South Cotabato, DoE and other concerned agencies for the issuance of further clearances related with the project’s implementation,” he said. Should the project eventually become operational, Tudio said the 5-MW power supply that it would generate will be enough to cover for the requirements of the entire Lake Sebu and nearby Surallah town. “If we will mix it with the other power supplies we purchase from other providers, it will reduce the overall costs of power that we supply to our consumers in the entire Socoteco I service area,” he said. Socoteco I covers Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat, the city of Koronadal and the municipalities of Tampakan, Tantan-

the second 135-MW unit within the next five years. The company also plans to increase the capacity of the Mt. Makiling geothermal project by another 20 MWs, which will cost P3 billion. Trans-Asia has a 25 percent stake in Maibarara Geothermal Inc., the project developer of the Maibarara geothermal project. Trans-Asia is also looking at a new 135 MW coal project in Northeastern Mindanao estimated to cost P13.7 billion. The company has started pre-engineering and feasibility studies for the Northeastern Mindanao coal project, which they hope to start operations by 2015 or 2016. Trans-Asia also pursues the the P6.5 billion 54-MW Guimaras wind project in Panay; but the company is still waiting for the approval of the feed-in tariff rates now pending with the Energy Regulatory Commission. Trans-Asia’s shares are listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange. It has an existing 3.4 megawatt Bunker Cfired power plant in Jordan, Guimaras. The company also runs a 52 MW power plant, which supplies all the requirements of Union Cement Corp. in Norzagaray, Bulacan. [PNA]

The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Insurance Commission (IC) are currently training forty Dabawenyos from March 20 to 22 at the Apo View Hotel, this city for the microinsurance literacy campaign. The training aimed to push for a wide acceptance of microinsurance among the informal and low income sectors. A nationwide campaign, this literacy program is anchored on developing advocate-partners in promoting microinsurance among key stakeholders. Both DOF and the IC are implementing various initiatives on microinsurance such as projects supported by the Asian Development Bank-Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and the German International Cooperation. Aside from the 3-day training, the same team will conduct the Magpaseguro Para

Trans-Asia eyes P5 billion power projects nationwide

ISTED Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. is looking at several power generation projects estimated to cost P33 billion to increase its capacity to 687 megawatts (MW) in the next five years. According to Trans-Asia chief finance officer Roberto Laviña, the company’s equity in the planned four generation projects is around P5 billion. Included in the new power generation projects is the second phase of Trans-Asia’s ongoing 135-MW coal-fired power project in Calaca, Batangas, in partnership with AC Energy Holdings of the Ayala Group under South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. The Trans-Asia official said the firm planned to add another 135 MWs to the project estimated to cost P9.6 billion. This will bring the capacity of the Batangas project to a total of 270 MWs. Trans-Asia earlier awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the first phase of the Batangas coal plant to DM Consunji Inc. Trans-Asia targets to complete the first 135 MW unit by 2013. Trans-Asia president Francisco Viray said the company hoped to complete

gan, Banga, Norala, Surallah, T’boli, Sto. Niño and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. Euro Hydro is currently pursuing seven hydro power plant projects in Mindanao that have potential capacities of 1 MW each. The company said it has already complied with the requirements for the pre-development stages and have paid the prescribed application and processing fees for their proposed power projects. Aside from South Cotabato, Euro Hydro is also setting up hydro power plants in Iligan City and Kapai in Lanao del Norte, Calamba in Misamis Occidental, New Bataan in Compostela Valley and in Alamada, North Cotabato. The company has yet to disclose its planned investments for the Lake Sebu project but Tudio earlier said the development costs for a hydropower plant in the area may reach P1 billion per MW or a total of P5 billion for a 5-MW facility.[ALLEN V. ESTABILLO / MINDANEWS]

DOF brings microinsurance literacy campaign to Davao

Quips

Protektado: Advocacy Seminar on Microinsurance on Friday (March 23). This one-day event will provide basic information on the current initiatives on microinsurance and the roles of government, the private sector and development partners in promoting micro-insurance. During this event, a presentation will be made on the establishment of appropriate policy and regulatory environment that will encourage and facilitate safe and sound provision of microinsurance products and services. Participants will look at the salient features of the National Strategy and Regulatory Framework for Microinsurance as it promotes increased access by the low income and informal sectors to affordable and simple insurance products. [PIA/FRANCES MAE GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

“If we use surveys to convict or not to convict a person charged in courts, then we do not need the courts. All we have to do is conduct surveys whenever somebody is charged.” --Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on the surveys asking the public whether Chief Justice Renato Corona is deemed guilty.

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

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Senator wants probe on Mindanao power crisis O W

ITH widespread power interruption gripping Mindanao and conflicting reports as to its main cause, Senator Chiz Escudero has asked the Senate to look into the true power situation in Mindanao through Senate Resolution No. 753. Escudero, a member of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), has asked the Senate committee on energy to immediately conduct an inquiry into the power deficit in Mindanao in order to 1) confirm its true situation; 2) determine the issues to be resolved; and; 3) institute policy reforms, even if it would mean amending Republic Act 9136 or the EPIRA Law. Residents have been experiencing rotating brownouts lasting one to two hours daily. Many fear of prolonged power outages that may last up to eight hours with the on-set of the summer season. Escudero said getting down to the bottom of the present power problem in

EDGEDAVAO

POEA warns against use of travel visa in seeking jobs abroad

Mindanao was “a matter of significant concern because its impact may impair the economic soundness and competitiveness of Mindanao as an investment hub.” “Just because this is not happening in the metropolis does not mean this problem is not important. One-fourth of our population lives in Mindanao. Immediate intervention must be given to this persisting problem given the already volatile peace problem in Mindanao. The only way to avert and finally solve the peace problem is by improving the state of development of the people and their livelihoods. This cannot happen if future investors and current businesses pull out from Mindanao because of unstable power supply which is a solvable problem”. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which has been blamed for the daily power outages, said power supply in Mindanao was acutely short due to “lack of power supply generated by plants.”

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman Luwalhati Antonino has accused the NGCP of creating an “artificial shortage” in its bid to have the Angus-Pulangi Power Plant privatized. The Department of Energy (DOE), on the other hand, said the shortage of supply and the electric cooperatives’ decision not to contract and purchase the necessary capacities within their respective areas were the primary causes of the power interruptions. Escudero said the DOE can consider opening up the market for competitive players to construct more power plants in the island, with the government still maintaining, if not controlling, at least influence over the market. “There is a dormant asset lying in the electric cooperatives nationwide who has an asset base of 130 billion pesos at any given time. The Agus-Pulangi hydro power plants, which supply half of Mindanao’s power demand, need to be rehabilitated

for at least 3 billion pesos so it can generate additional capacity,” Escudero said. “The government can tap the electric cooperatives to rehabilitate the said plants. In return, the government can sell them power at a low cost competitive for the cooperatives to earn and get their return of Investment,” he added. Escudero also said the government, through an executive order, can make an inventory of all privately-owned generator sets through mandatory registration. The combined power generated from all the private generator sets has a capacity to supply an entire city. “As an example, in Philippine Export Zone Authorities (PEZA) sites all over the country, power pooled from all their generation sets can provide 278 megawatts in capacity. If we can convince them to use it in times of need, it’s like creating a 278- megawatt plant. Compensation and incentives should be given to them of course,” the senator suggested.

City mayor; Gustavo Tambunting, Parañaque City Vice Mayor, Enrique K. Razon Jr., BRHI chairman and CEO; Teresita Sy-Coson, Banco De Oro Unibank chairperson; and David Consunji, DMCI Holdings, Inc. chairman. “Only a year ago, this same spot where we are was but barren, unproductive land. But today, you see massive structures and a bustling commune with a 5,000-strong labor force who work 24/7 to complete our integrated resort complex. It is getting more exciting as we shift to higher gear towards inaugurating our integrated resort. We are doubly proud because Solaire Manila will be the first resort to be built and operational here in Enter-

tainment City. Once open, I have high hopes that Solaire will immediately contribute to furthering tourism in the country, and the economy in general,” said Mr. Razon in his welcome message. Phase 1 of the integrated resort covers 180,000 square meters of floor area, which includes a hotel tower, three levels of podium that has the ballroom/convention facilities, gaming areas, restaurants, retail shops, and health and wellness facilities. Ample parking is provided with a 10-storey parking building. Investment for the first phase of the development is estimated at US$650 million, while total investment for the long term is expected to reach US$1.2 billion. Aside from attracting

local and foreign visitors, the complex is expected to generate over 4,600 jobs as well as boost the country’s ancillary service sectors. “This topping off ceremony comes at an exciting time for the Philippines. We have an upbeat economy and vastly improved business confidence. Our tourism sector is experiencing double-digit growth rates. Infrastructure development in key sectors and sensible fiscal management provide a solid and sustainable growth platform. Looking around us now, I have no doubt that Solaire will be successful. PAGCOR is committed to seeing through this project to full completion,” said Mr. Naguiat is his message. The Philippines is high in the radar of the global leisure and entertainment industry. Citi Group tagged the Philippines as the «market to watch,» reporting that upon the completion of the integrated resorts at the Entertainment City, the total revenue that can be derived from gaming activities would most likely approximate the earnings capacity of Singapore’s integrated resorts. “This is the handiwork of Filipino talent, of Filipino dream, of Filipino action, of Filipino capital. This is a challenge to the outside world, that there is a

VERSEAS Filipino workers without the proper employment documents are more prone to abuses and exploitation by their employers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said as it warned anew against the use of tourist or visit visas to secure overseas jobs. POEA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said illegal recruiters are using a third or fourth country, usually Asean-member countries where visa is not required of its citizens, and other countries in the Middle East as jump-off points to send Filipino workers to banned destinations. The POEA has existing deployment bans on Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Nigeria. Cacdac cited the case of undocumented household workers repatriated from Syria and Lebanon who complained of low or unpaid wages, long hours of work, and physical and verbal abuse suffered from their employers. The workers were found to have left the

country using short-term visit visas. The POEA administrator said Dubai is one of the favorite destinations of Filipino workers wanting to find work overseas. But Cacdac said a foreigner holding a visit visa is not allowed to work in Dubai and other countries. In addition, holding a visit visa which expires in 60 days has pressured many Filipinos to agree to a substandard employment contract or submit themselves to physical and emotional exploitation. “The legal way is to obtain an employment contract and employment visa or work permit and submit them to the POEA for processing and issuance of exit clearance,” Cacdac added. Cacdac also reminded job applicants of the new guidelines issued by the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation establishing stricter procedure on screening Filipinos leaving as tourist. A traveler found to be misrepresenting the purpose of his or her foreign trip will not be allowed to board the plane, he added. [POEA-XI/PIA XI]V

Bloomberry completes major infrastructure works for its integrated resort in Entertainment City

AJOR infrastructure works at Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Inc.’s (BRHI) world-class integrated resort (IR) project at the Entertainment City Manila were completed with the recent concrete topping out ceremony of the IR’s hotel facility, Solaire Manila. The ceremony was attended by top Philippine government officials and leading business leaders headed by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Congressman Amado S. Bagatsing, House of Representatives committee chairman on games and amusement; Cristino L. Naguiat Jr., Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO; Florencio Bernabe, Paranaque

A step away from inauguration. Business leaders and government officials led the topping out ceremony of Solaire Manila’s hotel (from left): Gustavo Tambunting, Paranaque City vice mayor; Juan Ponce Enrile, Philippine Senate President; Enrique K. Razon Jr., Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Inc. chairman and CEO; Teresita Sy-

Coson, BDO Unibank Inc. chairperson; Amado Bagatsing, Congressman of the 5th District of Manila and chairman, Committee on Games and Amusement of the House of Representative; Cristino L. Naguiat Jr., PAGCOR chairman and CEO; and Isidro A. Consunji, DMCI Holdings Inc. president.

NEARING COMPLETION. Bloomberry’s onging construction of Solaire Manila complex at Entertainment City Manila.

country here populated by talented people, courageous people, risk takers who will make a mark not only in this country but also in the entire world. I am elated, honored and fortunate that I was able to witness the looming progress of this country through the vision of men and women like Ricky Razon and Tessie Sy,” said Senator Enrile in his keynote message as he lauded Bloomberry and the Entertainment City project. Ms. Sy-Coson’s BDO Unibank is the bank tapped by Bloomberry in financing the project. Simultaneous with the topping out ceremony, Bloomberry also began structural works on the extension of Phase 1, which will see the expansion of the retail outlets, a boutique

hotel, a live performance theater and a bigger parking building. The Entertainment City Manila is a multi-billion dollar project of PAGCOR, covering 120 hectares of prime reclaimed land at the western portion of the Manila Bay in Parañaque City. It is also a special economic zone. The Philippine government’s tourism blueprint, the National Tourism Development Plan, seeks to achieve 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016. Entertainment City’s 3,200 hotel rooms, which will have an annual capacity of one million tourists, will be among the key drivers to achieve the target. Aside from tourist arrivals, Entertainment City is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

GAME CHANGER

Draped in beauty By Carlo P. Mallo

Photos courtesy of Kasuotan and M Magazine

F there is one quote Erwin Lee Tan lives by, it would be that of designer extraordinaire Coco Chanel, who said “to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” Thus, it comes as no surprise that day in and day out, the three-car parking slot in front of his atelier along J.P. Laurel Ave. is always filled with cars, sometimes even obscuring traffic in the area. On normal days, Erwin will be found sitting behind his desk sketching for his clients, and, more often than not, sharing jokes with everyone inside the room. Unlike the snooty and uptight image portrayed of fashion designers, Erwin is a breath of fresh air – jolly, vibrant, and easy going. This is one thing that most of his clients like about Erwin; they feel comfortable around him it’s like asking a friend to design for them. And as Erwin would always say, “being comfortable is one thing that makes a person

beautiful.” Just looking at his clientele, one can easily surmise that Erwin is one of the most successful fashion designers in town. Not to rest on his laurels, Erwin continues to strive to be the best designer in town, making his clients the most beautiful. On a regular basis, Erwin travels almost every month to see the latest trends in fashion, scout the best fabrics, and expose himself to new and innovative inspirations that he applies on his designs. For the past years, the prom season is something that Erwin always looks forward to, as it is one of the most challenging seasons in the local fashion industry. “Every year you have to outdo what you did last year, to be better than before, and to create more designs for the many high school students who will be attending their proms,” Erwin said. “Aside from the high

volume of gowns and suits, it is also very important for us because it is a special milestone for both the student and their parents. It is very rewarding to see the smiles and awe of parents seeing their children suddenly all grown up wearing our gowns or their sons wearing our suits,” Erwin said. While some designers would say that their expertise are in weddings, ball gowns, casual wear, and others, Erwin refuses to box himself in any category. “I make my clients feel comfortable with my designs, and that is how you are able to bring out the beauty in every person. A timid 15 year old girl can look ordinary in RTW, but our clothes can give her the confidence that will make her look and feel like a princess,” Erwin shares. “Everyone is naturally beautiful, what we do is we just help them bring out that beauty,”

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Loose cultures and free women COMMENTARY By Chrystia Freeland

EDITORIAL

The scientific way

HERE is today in Davao City an institution called Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) which was launched by the University of Mindanao Tuesday morning. Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr.. UM president, bared that the IPO is the first institute of opinion survey ever established in the city. IPO fulfills one of the three traditional functions of the university, which are instruction, extension and research. This is a laudable move on the part of the UM, Mindanao’s biggest private university, in so far as pursuing relevant research to contribute to the improvement of quality of life and search for helpful new knowledge is concerned. We agree with Dr. Torres’ statement that the role of research in total human development cannot be gainsaid “because it lies at the center of economic, social, cultural and political advancement.” Institutions like IPO can empower the people with scientifically gathered knowledge and information data as bases for making enlightened decisions individually or collectively. Well-researched opinion or information will enable people to leave behind an era wherein decisions are formed on the basis of rumors and misconceptions spread usually

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by some charlatans and demagogues, many of whom occupy influential positions in society, some media practitioners and politicians included. This is not to say that the social scientists and researchers who are manning research institutions can now throw all caution to the winds and no longer guard against manipulations. Let’s be reminded that even the wonder invention called computer with all its sophisticated software and apps is vulnerable to hacking. Conducting a popularity and trust rating survey on elected city officials, department heads and the city’s impact projects as initial salvo is a good strategy on the part of the IPO. Trust rating is a very interesting research topic guaranteed to appeal to all Dabawenyos who are known to be sensitive about local governance. To a large extent the survey confirms or denies certain held opinions purely based on hunch and gut feel rather than scientifically generated data. As a paper imbued with the mission to help readers arrive at informed decisions, Edge Davao considers the launch of the IPO as a significant day in the lives of Dabawenyos, particularly in their lofty aspiration to become an enlightened and prosperous society. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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ITH hindsight, we may find that the 2016 U.S. presidential race began last week, when Hillary Rodham Clinton made a politically electrifying point. ‘‘Why extremists always focus on women remains a mystery to me,’’ she said at the Women in the World conference in New York. ‘‘But they all seem to. It doesn’t matter what country they’re in or what religion they claim. They want to control women.’’ At a time when birth control has reemerged as a political issue in the United States, 94 years after the first legal ruling to permit it, Clinton’s comments were an inspiring rallying cry for worried American women. But what about the mystery she identified? Why, as the secretary of state asserted, do extremists, from the Taliban to conservative Christians, want to control women? An intriguing new study by two professors at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto suggests a possible answer. (Disclosure: I am on the school’s Dean’s Advisory Board.) Soo Min Toh and Geoffrey Leonardelli didn’t set out to discover why extremists want to control women. Their question was more familiar: Why aren’t there more female leaders? Toh and Leonardelli argue that women are held back by ‘‘tight’’ cultures and can emerge more easily as leaders in ‘‘loose’’ cultures. ‘‘Tight’’ cultures are ones that have clear, rigid rules about how people should behave and impose tough sanctions on those who color outside the lines. Socially conformist, homogeneous societies like Japan, Malaysia, Norway and Pakistan are tight cultures. Tight cultures, Toh and Leonardelli believe, hold women back because ‘‘cultural tightness provokes a resistance to changing the traditional and widespread view that leadership is masculine.’’ Loose cultures, by contrast, do not have clear norms and are more tolerant of deviation from the rules. Heterogeneous societies and countries in the midst of social and political transition, like Australia, Israel, the Netherlands and Ukraine, are loose cultures. These are cultures in which ‘‘societal members tend to be more open to change, and this openness may become manifest in changing expectations and attitudes about the masculinity of leadership.’’ Here is where Clinton’s mystery comes in. Tight cultures are not necessarily sexist ones — witness the inclusion of Norway on the list. But extremist subcultures are certainly tight cultures, and they are built on historical assumptions of male dominance. The perspective of Toh and Leonardelli helps to explain why these rigid ideologies are so fixated on keeping women down. But what about the places like Norway: tight cultures where women do extremely well? Toh and Leonardelli’s answer to that apparent paradox is that where there has been a top-down decision to support female leaders, tight cultures are very good at executing that directive. That is because these societies are effective at acting on the collective will. If the decision is made to elevate women, tight societies will implement it.

Quips

‘I am happy to welcome the results of the January 2012 Labor Force Survey of the NSO showing that the employment level grew by three percent.’ --LABOR SECRETARY ROSALINA BALDOZ

EDGEDAVAO

T least to me, it’s such a waste to still be carrying with me some bundles of personal memories of this country’s most memorable moments in history without sharing it like others did. I don’t know why it wasn’t such a big deal to me to have spent the night with other photojournalists in the sala of Cory Aquino’s home at Times Street in Quezon City just a day after Ninoy Aquino was killed by assassins’ bullets at the Manila international airport. This particular memory rushed back to me when someone pointed out a black-andwhite photograph of the late Ninoy lying in a coffin, unwashed and still splattered in blood, while being viewed by a long line of supporters inside the sala of Cory’s home. This photo was one of the many displayed in an exhibit last week called “Revolution Revisited” by the Pulitzer Prize award winning photojournalist Kim Komenich of the San Francisco Examiner at the Abreeza Ayala Mall here in Davao. I remember waking up the following morning as the Aquino household was preparing for the day’s momentous funeral procession, when a bespectacled teenage girl in black dress approached us on the long sofa where we slept, carrying a big tray containing hot coffee. “Would you like to have coffee?” she asked. My fellow photographers from Associated Press and Agence France Press who apparently knew her, took the steaming cups and said,”Thanks, Kris”. Many people didn’t know Kris Aquino unless they’re close to the family, as she was just fresh from Boston where she spent much of her young life. Another photograph in the exhibit showed a man, a Marcos loyalist, being

Recalling some moments of a revolution beaten up by people near Malacanang on the night the huge crowd overran the palace. I was near this spot when it happened because these loyalists were raining us with big stones as they attempted to defend the palace from the attacking Aquino supporters. One of the stones hit me, shattering my Nikon flash which shielded me from the full force of the stone, “Don’t touch him, don’t touch him!” one of the Aquino supporters tried to protect the frightened loyalist from further harm. Later, I heard from them that the loyalist was stabbed near the palace gates as the people rushed in. Thousands of people were now in front of Malacanang, pushing the main gate trying to force it open. Marines in full combat gear were inside, keeping the main gate closed. I noticed however that their helmets were all tied with little yellow ribbons including the barrels of their Armalites. One Marine officer was telling us that they can’t open the gate yet, warning us “there might be some booby traps here.” But a small side gate was forced open and people started streaming inside the palace compound. I joined this group and made my way carefully inside the darkened palace grounds. Later, the main gate was eventually opened when people started climbing over the big iron gate, shaking it violently as they climbed. I could see my fellow photojournalist Tom Haley of Sipa Press, (a French photo news agency), perched on top of a concrete pillar, shooting away with his Nikon. I was part then, of the Sipa Press team from Paris with Thomas Haley, Reza, Christian Poveda, Alain Evrard and two others whose names escape me at the moment All the lights inside were put off, only the orange-colored sodium street lights were lighting the street fronting the palace. I found myself inside a small dining room

where plates with bread, ham and spaghetti were still strewn on the table, barely touched it seemed left by people in a great hurry to evacuate the palace. The EDSA crowd, by the thousands were already overrunning the palace grounds, ripping off and stomping on the paintings of Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda . The following morning in front of the palace, the people were more subdued and quieter, probably because most of them didn’t get some decent sleep, but they were at every window, every porch, every stairway, trying to savor the moment when the Marcoses were finally gone forever from Malacanang. I saw many of them holding a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer with the banner headline “Marcos flees!”. I wanted to see a picture of people showing that headline to the world, so I approach a small group of mothers and fathers with their children, asking them, “Can you hold that newspaper in front of me and shout Cory! Cory! Cory!” ? Trying to recall that moment now, I think they were just waiting for someone to prompt them to yell out the Cory call, for they eagerly obliged and started shouting Cory!Cory!Cory! until hundreds of others waiting all over the palace building joined the fray, all raising that Inquirer copy, showing it off to all the media people wandering around. As I was taking that historic photograph of joy and victory of the Filipino people finally toppling a dictator, I could see the other photographers and TV cameramen from Time, Newsweek, CNN, ABC,NBC, CBS, BBC, and other international media, all shooting the same picture. Naturally with all these guys shooting the same picture, it wasn’t an exclusive. So, for lack of a better ending, the rest is history….

COMMENT By Patricio P. Diaz

ble to get a caretaker and get an allegedly fake notary public? I don’t see the reason to make a fake transaction 22 years ago when Corona was not even in government (ABS-CBNews. com, March 14: Defense: No reason for fake sale of CJ property). A defense lawyer, while believing the sale to be valid, suggested that the issue of the allegedly fake notary public be investigated. There is reason now for simulation – the impeachment. There are signs of simulation. The incredible non-transfer of the titles in Vicente’s name and his insistence that this is unnecessary cannot just be ignored. A simulated sale must look genuine – so the time of the sale and notarization. But the inclusion of the property in Corona’s 1992 SALN and the titles being legally still in Mrs. Corona’s name indicate there was no sale. Vicente’s being a close Corona relative as the land’s caretaker is consistent with Filipino custom. There is no third party or third source confirming Vicente’s words he had been a successful businessman and had owned a house and lot in Tandang Sora. His open-court inconsistency, “I’m the caretaker … It’s not hers. I have the deed of sale,” appears to betray the lie behind the simulated truth. Can the prosecution be faulted for its incredulity? (“Comment” is Mr. Patricio P. Diaz’ column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. The Titus Brandsma Media Awards honored Mr. Diaz with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate.” You can reach him at patpdiazgsc@yahoo.com.)

‘Incredible’, says prosecution

HE prosecution said Vicente could not recall the circumstances concerning the signing of the deed of sale. He could not remember where in Makati the notary public held office. At first he said Mr. Corona was not present but he corrected himself to say Mr. Corona was a witness. The second witness “Regina” was not present. It could be asked: Did Mrs. Corona have the copies of the deed of sale pre-signed, have them notarized by herself and just gave Vicente his copy? She intimately called the notary public “Beth Mantoya”. Mrs. Corona’s personal knowledge did not explain the court certification that notary public Ma. Beatriz Mantoya had no authority or commission to practice in Makati – implying the illegality of the deed of sale. Questions: Was she still with SGV when she notarized the deed of sale? If the Romulo Mabanta Law Office really had a branch in Hongkong, was she qualified to practice law there? She is no longer around to clarify questions about her commission and the deed of sale. If Vicente was a businessman, he must have valued the importance of legal papers in business deals. Yet, he gave no importance to transferring in his name the titles of the land he had bought. When his heavy equipment rental business “slowed down” he sold his house and lot for P3.5 million. Using P1.8 million to buy land was good business sense; but not using the rest of the money to revive his business or start a new one was inconsistency. Be the Judge Was Vicente’s testimony the whole truth? Corona included the land in his

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

(Conclusion)

`1992 SALN when he first joined government service? Can the defense just dismiss that as irrelevant to Corona’s impeachment case because he was then not yet chief justice? Does the present condition of the titles not show that the Coronas still own the property? Does Vicente really own the land as he has persistently claimed? Or, as the prosecution believes, he is just the caretaker, a dummy? Philippine Daily Inquirer (March 14: Cristina Corona retained lot title 21 years after sale) quoted him telling the court: “I’m the caretaker of the property. She (Mrs. Corona) has nothing to do with this. It’s not hers. I have a deed of sale.” Had he really been keeping the documents he showed in court as the rightful owner of the land or have these just been given to him to make his testimony look truthful? Could the deed of sale have been faked to support a simulated sale? The prosecution to reporters: “In the larger picture, pwedeng (possibly) simulated sale … fictional … Pwedeng totoo (possibly true) … There are just many questions raised that are not in accord with human experience (ABS-CBNews.com, March 13: Sale of Corona property raises red flags – prosecutors). The defense spokesperson says having the sale simulated in 1990 was pointless. “Why go through all that trou-

The catchword is ‘fair competition’

(First of 2 Parts)

A N D I D SHOTS – Political promises must be kept, of course, and there is no shortage of critical issues to be examined. Our legislators should always remember they have one important duty that precedes all others: to keep the country stable and prosperous before their terms expire. That would mean less political pointscoring and grandstanding, and more practical policymaking. Our lawmakers will need to involve themselves in the affairs of government, especially economic management, liberal social environment, infrastructure system, poverty alleviation, and maintenance of peace and order. Handling the responsibilities of a representative government is something that requires precious time and effort for our political leaders to learn. The question now is whether the present crop of lawmakers can learn quickly enough to leave a positive legacy that will transcend their terms. oooOooo NO ONE ENDS UP BUYING – Sometime in 2010 when my wife and I were on vacation in Toronto, Canada, my daughterin-law who works as a senior financial analyst of Molson-Coors, a popular homegrown beer producer, broached the idea of supplying me boxes of beer every week. My only consolation is that neither I nor my daughter-in-law would pay for it. Well, absolutely incredible was my first reaction when my daughter-in-law gave me booklets of free beer coupons one weekend. A booklet contains 10 coupons and each has 12 bottles per box. MolsonCoors’ ranking employees each receive several booklets of beer coupons every quarter as part of their benefits. What they only have to do is pay the 13% commodity tax. On my part, I had to redeem the coupons at a nearby beer store, and mind you folks, tell anyone who drinks beer that it is no joke consuming boxes of beer – alone. The experience is less like playing a game singlehandedly against a whole team. Right now, Canadians are among the world’s renowned beer drinkers that include Americans, Europeans, and notably the Germans. After all this time, an analyst noted, these people drink more beer than potable water. With improving quality and taste, state-of-the-art facilities, high-tech market research, distribution and sales-tracking capabilities, beer companies churn out various brands and introduce new products that no one, beer enthusiasts in particular, ends up buying. And as long as they can afford it, they will. Fair competition is the catchword for beer producers in Canada. In the city of Toronto, for example, beer products are largely sold not by brigades of truck salesmen, but sold exclusively in governmentregulated beer stores. All beer companies are obliged to deliver their products only to beer stores where consumers likewise purchase their beer consumption. And then, as a strict government policy, no one below 19 years old is allowed to buy beer or liquor products. Another factor is that the government pursues consistently protectionist, anticompetitive business policies probably with the intention of keeping as many beer companies afloat as possible. Try to visit one of the beer stores there and you will find hundred or more brands of beer including the imported class. That’s why, according to a noted economic analyst, fair competition is the single-most-important strategy for driving productivity and higher consumption.

10 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Nokia sweeps top awards at GSMA Mobile World Congress P N

OKIA proves once more that it remains a global leader in mobile communications with prestigious awards won at the recent GSMA Mobile World Congress 2012 held at Fira Montjuïc, in Barcelona, Spain. The GSMA Mobile World Congress is the world’s largest annual trade show in the mobile industry that brings together industry leaders, key players, mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners worldwide to showcase the latest in mobile technology through exhibitions and conferences provide a venue for participants to collaborate and network to strengthen and explore high-growth opportunities in the mobile phone business. This year’s GSMA Mobile World Congress featured the theme “Redefining Mobile,” which showcased how mobiles,

now more than just a mere communication device, have innovated the world today through its various uses – now serving as books, health monitors, payment transfer devices, social connectors and tour guides. This year’s theme also offered a glimpse into where mobile has the potential to go next. One of the highlights of the event was the Global Mobile Awards, which recognized the greatest, most creative and innovative products and services driving the mobile ecosystem today and into the future. At the Global Mobile Awards, Nokia scooped the prestigious Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet Award for the new Nokia 808 PureView. The first smartphone to feature Nokia’s exclusive new PureView technology, Nokia 808 PureView features a revolutionary 41-megapixel camera with the highest performance Carl Zeiss optics to date,

redefining the quality of today’s camera phone photography. This new cutting-edge smartphone also created quite a stir among visitors of the Nokia Booth at the Mobile World Congress. They raved about the Nokia 808’s PureView technology, which uses oversampling to combine up to seven pixels into one “pure” pixel to eliminate the visual noise found on other mobile phone cameras. On top of that, users can zoom in up to 3X without losing any of the details in the shot and without creating any artificially created pixels in the picture. The oversampling technology also allows for significantly improved low light performance than previous camera phones. Apart from the prestigious award for the Nokia 808 PureView, Nokia likewise received more top awards at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2012. Nokia was awarded Best Feature Phone for the Nokia C3-00; Tom’s Hard-

ware Best of Show, Laptop Magazine’s Best Budget Smartphone, and Computer Active’s Best Windows Smartphone for the Nokia Lumia 610; and Computer Active’s Best Education Service Award for Nokia Mobile Education. Through these international recognitions, Nokia is inspired even more to step up its game and bring more innovative handsets to the public. Explained Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales of Nokia Philippines: “The Nokia C3-00, introduced almost two years ago, continues to be a well-received product in the Philippines as it gives instant access to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Filipinos can look forward in the next couple of months to the Nokia Lumia 610, our most affordable Lumia smartphone and the Nokia 808 PureView, featuring a high-resolution 41 megapixel sensor and high-performance Carl Zeiss optics.”

SSS ramps up efforts vs. erring employers

HE Social Security System (SSS), seeking to compel companies to fulfill their obligations to their workers, said the annual total of erring employers it sued last year surged 66 percent last to 1,227 from only 740 in 2010. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said nine out of every ten employers the agency charged in 2011 were for non-remittance of contributions amounting to P460.52 million, including penalties of over P217 million. “SSS also collected more than P360 million in overdue contributions last year from delinquent employers through legal action. We will continue to step up our filing of cases this eyar to send a strng message to employers that they must obey the law,” de Quiros said. Among those charged last year were 115 employers that failed to register workers for SSS coverage and refused to show company records to SS account officers, who are tasked to check their compliance with the Social Security Act of 1997. Employers face stiff fines and imprisonment of six to 12 years for violations of the SSS charter. The law requires employers o report new workers for SSS cov-

erage within 30 days from start of employment and provides a three percent monthly penalty for overdue premiums. De Quiros said SSS is poised to intensify its drive against companies with unremitted loan amortizations anf employees with the upcoming Loan Penalty Condonation Program for Individual Members, which will open for availment on April 2, Under the condonation program, members whose amortizations were deducted from their montly salaries bu were not remitted by their employers to SSS will have 100 percent of their loan penalties waived, he said. “Members applying for condonation will execute an affidavit to certify their employers’ failure to reit the deducted loan payments. SSS will then go after these employers, who face possible criminal charges for estafa or swindling under the Revised Penal Code,” he said. Other borrowers with unpaid short-term loans can also apply for the program which will condone fifty to 100 percent of penalties depending on the mode of payment and type of delinquent member. SSS charges a monthly penalty of one percent on overdue loans.

EDGEDAVAO

New Globe offer to boost Facebook penetration in PH OISED to increase usage of Facebook among Filipinos, Globe Telecom unveiled its newest offer that provides users with unlimited access to the social networking site via their mobile phones at an affordable price. Exclusively available to Globe Prepaid subscribers, Globe SuperFB is a mobile internet plan for Facebook users who are always on the go. Accessible via m.facebook. com for internet-enabled mobile phones*, the service allows users to browse through their Facebook accounts to post status and comments, add friends, upload and tag photos, and more. TM subscribers can avail of the promo via the AstigFB offer. Globe SuperFB and AstigFB offers are available for only P10 and valid for an entire day of unlimited use. At less than P0.50 per hour, this is one of the most affordable mobile internet plans in the market today. With these new offers, Globe targets to exponentially grow its mobile browsing subscriber base by end of the year. The company has recently been cited as the most popular service provider for mobile internet in the Yahoo! Net Index 2011. The Philippines ranks

BOARDED UP. Ayala’s Avidahas boarded up the site of their new condominium project along C.M Recto St., here in Davao City.

8th in the world with the most number of Facebook users, with over 27 million Filipinos accessing the social networking site. Online penetration has been recorded at over 92%, which means that out of 10 Filipinos who have access to the World Wide Web, 9 users have Facebook accounts. “Globe continues to make the mobile phone Filipinos’ primary source of social interaction, entertainment, and information. With our new Facebook mobile offers, we are bringing the world’s favorite social networking site closer to Filipinos, complete with a worry-free experience. You don’t need to wait until you’re home with your PC or laptop or constantly search for Wi-Fi just to be Facebookconnected. Get full-day Facebook access at a cost within reach with Globe SuperFB and AstigFB,” shared Joanna Africa, Head for Portfolio Management of Globe. To avail of the offer, Globe Prepaid subscribers can dial *143#, the company’s newest service that allows subscribers to easily register to various Globe promos without having to memorize keywords. TM subscribers can register by texting ASTIGFB10 to 8888.

EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Banana growers plant 1,500 malibago seedlings at Callawa T

HE Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and Lapanday Foods Corporation successfully

planted 1,500 malibago seedlings last March 08, 2012 at Brgy. Callawa, Buhangin District, Davao City. PBGEA Community

Development Chairman Dondon Jimenez said the activity was the outcome of the proceeds generated from the Treebute Run, the

first fun run organized by Bayer CropScience, Inc. and PBGEA, last November 20, 2011. Dubbed as “Sagip Ka-

likasan”, the activity was initiated in support to President Benigno Aquino III’s “National Greening Program”, which seeks the

(L-R) Brgy. Callawa chairman Renante G. Gumahin, Sr., Bayer CropScience Plantation Business Manager Leo Diaz, and PBGEA Community Development Chair Dondon Jimenez.

attainment of sustainable human development, and economic and ecological security. “The malibago plants that were planted here before thrived well because the residents of Brgy. Callawa really took care of them. We will continue planting trees with them and we’re hoping that this effort will contribute to creating a healthy and sustainable environment,” stressed Jimenez. More than 80 volunteers teamed up to plant malibago, a deep-rooted fresh water mangrove species, in the easement areas along the Davao riverbanks. Doña Luisa Center for Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Bayer CropScience, Inc. also partnered with the organizers for this tree planting activity. The event also drew the participation of the barangay council of Callawa headed by their chairman Renante G. Gumahin Sr.. Other volunteers included students of Gorgonio Tajo Sr. National High School and other non-government and local civic organizations.

(L-R) DAVCO QMS and Compliance Supervisor Adjianeib L. Limpio, Lapanday’s Gilien Montejo, PBGEA Executive Assistant Betty Francia, Bayer CropScience Commercial Manager Tony

Tormis and Crop Manager Mark Anthony Subido pose for a souvenir shot beside one of the 1,500 malibago seedlings planted at the Davao river bank in Brgy. Callawa last March 08, 2012.

Bayer CropScience Plantation Business Manager Leo Diaz (middle) is joined by Bayer CropScience Plantation Account Administrator Gloria Mae Pastorin and Crop Manager Mark Anthony

Subido in planting malibago seedlings at the Davao river bank in Brgy. Callawa last March 08, 2012.

WORLD/NATION

NATION BRIEFS Welcomed

ALACANANG welcomed the move of the Syrian government banning Filipinos from working in Syria in light of the Philippine government’s efforts to fast-track the repatriation and extraction of all Filipinos from the conflict-torn country. “If you consider the situation in Syria, this will actually help us. Remember we are trying to get our people out from Syria. The ban will help us in such a way that will prevent entry of new OFWs to Syria from the time being,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

Water Day

N attempt to create the largest human water drop formation, a variety show, and a national water summit will highlight this year’s celebration of World Water Day (WWD) in the country. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the WWD 2012 celebration on March 22 would center on the local theme, “Katiyakan sa Tubig, Katiyakan sa Pagkain,” an adaptation of the international theme “Water and Food Security.”

Amendment

ENATE Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III assured Malacanang on Tuesday that the Senate will be able to pass the bill amending the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) before the June deadline set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). ”The deadline is June. We can pass it by last week of May. We will do our best. That’s the most I can say,” Sotto said after the regular Senate session where the senators discussed the Senate Bill No. 3009 or AMLA Amendment Bill.

Investigation

ITH widespread power interruption gripping Mindanao and conflicting reports as to its main cause, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has asked the Senate to look into the true power situation in Mindanao through Senate Resolution No. 753. Escudero, a member of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), urged the Senate committee on energy to immediately conduct an inquiry into the power deficit in Mindanao in order to confirm its true situation; determine the issues to be resolved; and institute policy reforms, even if it would mean amending Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Pakistan parliament body demands end to US strikes D

WORLD TODAY Emissions

IA will urge its airlines not to take part in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a senior official said, the latest salvo in an escalating row over an EU law requiring all flights in and out of Europe to pay for their emissions. The official, with direct knowledge of talks between the EU and other countries on the issue, said that India would soon ask local airlines not to share emissions data with the bloc or buy any carbon credits.

Pakistani parliamentary committee reviewing ties with the United States said on Tuesday it wants a halt to attacks in Pakistan by U.S. drone aircraft, a request that could further strain an uneasy alliance with Washington. A NATO cross-border air attack on November 26 that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers created a deep crisis in relations and prompted Pakistan to review its relationship with the United States, a source of billions of dollars in aid. Pakistan halted overland supplies to U.S.-led NATO troops in Afghanistan in protest and forced U.S. personnel off a base that had been used to launch drone strikes on militants in Pakistan’s ethnic Pashtun areas along the Afghanistan border. Raza Rabbani, chairman of a parliamentary committee on national security, outlined its recommendations in the house, and said Pakistan should

Investment law

A policeman stands watch outside the parliament building in Islamabad March 20, 2012.

demand an unconditional apology for the “condemnable and unprovoked” NATO attack. Drone strikes, which U.S. officials say are highly effective against militant groups, fuel anti-American sentiment in Pakistan because they are seen by the public as a violation of sovereignty which inflict civil-

ian casualties. The Pakistani government officially objects to the drone strikes, and politicians criticize them in public, but many of the attacks have been carried out with Pakistani approval, officials in both countries have said. Pakistan’s cooperation is seen as critical to U.S. efforts to stabilize Afghani-

stan before most foreign combat troops leave at the end of 2014. Rabbani said that if and when supplies to foreign forces in Afghanistan were resumed, the shipments must be taxed. He insisted that parliament should approve any future use of Pakistani bases or air space by foreign forces.

non-BIR operations. Compared to the collections in January 2011 when the BIR generated P74.57 billion, this year’s actual collections are ahead by P10.58 billion, or an increase of 14.19 percent. The Aquino administration reiterated it is not imposing new taxes but is focusing on how to improve the tax collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs. Leonen cites need for patience, understanding of GPH, MILF as exploratory talks open in KL Government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen cited the need for both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be patient in understanding the possi-

bilities that lie ahead to find a genuine and lasting solution to resolve peacefully the long-drawn Mindanao conflict. “The welfare of our people is at the core of these negotiations,” Leonen said in a statement at the opening of the 26th formal exploratory talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur Monday. “All of us know that the heart of what we are discussing in this negotiating table is not what the government can assert or what the MILF can gain. It is, first and foremost, what we can really get for our people, their communities and their future,” Leonen said. “Let us stay focused, be patient so that we can have

greater understanding of the possibilities that still lie ahead of us,” Leonen said. The MILF peace panel is headed by Mohagher Iqbal. Leonen said that the frame of these discussions at this very difficult stage of the negotiations should always take into consideration “our ideas of democracy, viability and mandates for the representation of those who will temporarily lead the forms of governance that both panels will agree upon. “Democracy is, of course, a loaded term,” he said, “but, it is the very reason why we have always maintained that the end of these discussions should always result in real and genuine representation for the Bangsamoro.”

Malacañang underscores 14.19% tax revenue increase year-on-year

ALACANANG said the 14.19 percent year-on-year increase in tax revenue, achieved without imposing new taxes, is another positive testimonial for the administration’s efforts to improve tax collection. “The tax enforcement program of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has increased actual collections by P10.58 billion to P85.15 billion in January 2012 from P74.57 billion in the same period last year,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Monday. For the month of January 2012, the BIR said it collected P85.15 billion in tax revenues- P80.69 billion from BIR operations and P4.46 billion arising from

HOMAGE. Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, together with her son Borgy Manotoc, wave at the media during a press conference in Tomas Morato, Quezon City last March 16. They don a fake mustache as an homage to the painter Juan Luna who hail from

Ilocos Norte. The presscon was held to promote “Paoay Kumakaway!”, Ilocos Norte’s tourism brand. [COURTESY OF ALARIC YANOS]

OREIGNERS will not need a local partner to set up businesses in Myanmar, in line with current legislation, and may be granted a five-year tax holiday from the start of commercial operations, according to the draft of a new investment law. The long-awaited new investment regulations come after plans to float its currency, the kyat, from April, one of the boldest economic reforms since resourcerich Myanmar emerged from decades of dictatorship last year, its economy decimated by chronic mismanagement and trade-crippling sanctions.

Labor laws

RIME Minister Mario Monti began a final push for a deal with unions over a revamp of labor laws aimed at creating jobs and underpinning wider reforms to Italy’s weak economy. The former European Commissioner opened informal discussions on a number of disputed points in the morning ahead of a meeting with labor leaders to try to reach a deal on easing long-cherished legal protections for workers.

Concern

HINA’S envoy on North Korea has expressed concern about the North’s planned rocket launch, a Foreign Ministry official, in China’s latest bid to coax the North to abandon the launch that could stymie a U.S. aid offer. The Chinese envoy, Wu Dawei, met early this week the North’s vice foreign minister, Ri Yongho, in Beijing, the second meeting between China and North Korea in five days over the North’s planned rocket launch.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Malnutrition rate declines in Davao By Lorie A. Cascaro

n Tagum City is consistent winner

Ms Ma. Teresa L. Ungson [LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR.]

Rody...

FFROM 1

ter to continue as mayor, the elder Duterte said the decision “remains with her.” “It’s her choice. Naa sa iyaha na. Ako, isa lang ako sa mga taong tumulong sa kanya (in the 2010 elections). I will be the last person who will say ‘Umalis ka diyan’. Siya na ngayon eh,” Duterte said in an interview Tuesday at the City Council. He made light comments on the highlights of City Mayor Sara’s administration. “Kung sabihin niya ‘Pa, gusto ko pa mag-mayor kasi gusto ko pang manuntok’ eh anong magagawa ko?” he said. “Siya na ngayon. Kahit

gawin niyang (permanent) ang gun ban o pagka-nahuli kang bukas ang zipper mo bantay ka lang, idemanda ka, ma-ordinance violation ka, wala tayong magagawa,” Duterte added. With the filing of a certificate of candidacy set on October 1 to 5 this year, this reporter asked whether the Dutertes had discussed their plans. “Wala pa. It will come naturally. We do not discuss these things. I mean kung nag-uusap kami then we could have avoided this kind of public discussion. But since we do not talk about governance. Wala talaga,” he said, referring to his and the City Mayor’s opposing views on the im-

Olanolan...

FFROM 1

gihulat pa nila nga mahuman ang project. Sila sila lang ang nag demolish (They should have complained during the construction phase. The family demolished the toilet on their own),” Olan-olan told the press during the Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Following the arrest of the Cesars and Refulle, Reyes reportedly intervened and asked the San Pedro Police Station to release them. Reyes, a resident of Purok 12 in Buacana, brought the issue to the City Council and lambasted Olan-olan in his privilege speech. “Karon ra ko nakabalo nga ang konsehal nakialam sa trabaho sa kapitan (This is my first time to learn that a city councilor can interfere in the work of a barangay captain)”, Olan-olan said. Olanolan explained that the construction of the toilet came about after a group of students from San Pedro College conducted a household survey on hygiene and

sanitation, the result of which showed that residents along the shoreline of Bucana lacked proper garbage and human wastes disposal. “Diretso tanan hugaw sa dagat. So, ang mga estudyante nag ambag ambag para maka construct ug public toilet. Naulaw mi sa barangay mao nihatag mi sa among counterpart in the form of labor (residents throw their wastes direct to the sea. So the students raised funds for the construction of a public toilet. We were embarrassed and decided to offer our share)”, Olanolan said, adding that the use of the public toilet is free. “That is also part of our contribution to marine conservation and protection. In an interview with Edge Davao, Councilor Reyes said the filing of the case is an attempt to keep him from helping his poor and oppressed constituents and neighbors. “It is plain harassment and politically motivated,” Reyes said.

HE malnutrition rate among preschool children in the Davao region declined in 2011 by .49% from 6.69% in 2010 to 6.2% last year, according to Maria Teresa L. Ungson, RND, MPS, regional nutrition program coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) 11. Ungson, who guested in the Club 888 Forum at The Marco Polo Davao last Wednesday, said there was a significant decrease in number of malnourished children last year and expects that everyone will continue efforts in addressing the problem.

plementation of a gun ban about which he talked at length during his privilege speech. “I told you before di kami nag-uusap niyan, eh but that’s another thing. Basta kung gusto pa niyang maging mayor, of course I will spend for her,” Duterte said. During the live airing of his TV show Ato ni Bay, Duterte said he does “not care for the limelight” anymore, in reply to a query on why he was rarely seen duting the events marking the Araw ng Davao celebration last week, like the civic-military parade and the street-dancing competition. “Even before, I never wanted to be in the limelight. I do not care for the limelight,” he said. “I am now light years away as a politico. I prefer a quieter time, more on legislation. I make it a point to be in the shadows,” Duterte added. Successful festivities Still on the subject of Araw ng Dabaw, the vice mayor was asked to issue

NGO...

In the region, Tagum City maintained its rank for having the lowest malnutrition rate the past two years with 3.54% last year from 3.83% in 2010. Ungson cited the city’s Crown Award of the NNC 11 as a recognition of the local government’s contribution to the low prevalence rate of malnutrition in the region last December. Meanwhile, Davao City is the forerunner in promoting iron-fortified rice in the whole country, she said, adding that the city government has an agreement with malls and grocery stores to allot a portion of their grocery sections to fortified foods. However, Davao City had an increase in malnutrition rate by .51% from 4.75% in 2010 to 5.26% congratulatory message for the success of the festivities. Duterte said, “Yes”, adding that the celebration was the “biggest so far.” “Pinakabongga daw karon and I am pleased. Gusto ko ang taga-Davao maka-experience pud ug ingana. Mag-lingaw lingaw,” he said.

Vice Mayor Rody Duterte

This is only moments after he lashed at the declaration of a gun ban here, saying it’s a “fractured claim to say the city was more peaceful during the Araw ng Davao because of the gun ban.” Duterte delivered a 20-minute privilege speech regarding his opposition to

the declaration of the gun ban and was followed by an inquiry from councilors wherein he elaborated on his stand. The vice mayor then left for his weekly mediabriefing ‘Ato ni Bay’ wherein he discussed the matter again, and how the gun ban violated two constitutional privileges which are (1) due process, and (2) equal protection of the the law. Duterte emphasized that Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, being the approving authority, should have published a memorandum approving the gun ban declaration as many visitors with licensed guns “who are law-abiding citizens, found themselves ‘criminals’ upon entering the city during the festivities.” “The declaration was not published, therefore it was not effective. If there is no rule for punishing, then there is nothing to punish,” Duterte said. “The reason I am making noise here, the mayor should understand, is be-

recipes. This is in line with their promotion of “Give me Five”---promoting five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day. Another campaign, she said, is “Project Boobies”, which promotes breastfeeding in the communities and families. With mobile groups visiting communities, she said, this project will remind the whole family that female breasts are there for feeding babies. She added that they are pushing local government units to come out with ordinances for a breastfeeding movement which will provide breastfeeding stations in municipal halls, malls, bus terminals, and other public places where mothers can breastfeed peacefully.

cause of what has been lost sight of, what was more fundamental, which is due process and equal protection of laws,” Transition Duterte said the city had “been through a lot” and it’s about time for the locality to experience a much more peaceful time. “For so long, before, we were in disarray with rampant criminality, terrorism. We experienced losses. Ang mga taga Davao have endured a lot. I know ang kahadlok kay naa gihapon sa psyche sa mga tao,” Duterte said. “It’s about time naa tay transition karon,” he added. Duterte also emphasized that he remains ready to go at lengths in order to keep the peace of the city. “Dako na ko na-invest sa syudad. Daghang singhot. Lalom na akong connection sa syudad. Even if magka-kaso kaso pa ko I am willing to go to prison. Even if it will cost me my life I will not let the peace of Davao City be destroyed,” Duterte said.

Volcano... FFROM 15

FFROM 3 concern children’s welfare, Binondo said. This approach, he added, involves addressing the child’s family and community which greatly affect the development of the child. Further, Tambayan Center provides an alternative “halfway” house for girls in Davao City who are vulnerable to abuses, helping them avoid the situation, Acera said. The center is a venue for lectures on children’s rights and laws protecting children. It also serves as a drop-in

last year. Except for the cities of Davao and Digos (from 8.17% in 2010 to 9.55% in 2011) which had an increase in rate, there is an average of 1% decrease in malnutrition rate among eight other cities and provinces in the region. Ungson said the next evaluation in the nutrition program will be in May, and the NNC is promoting eating vegetables and fruits with its nutrition theme for this year, “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin. Araw-araw itong ihain.” She mentioned that there will be a recipe contest this coming April 20 which aims to develop low cost meals and compile them into a recipe book for people to have various and nutritious

center for girls to learn skills such as sewing, baking and cooking. It encourages children to get involved in sports and other activities that will bring out their potentials such as in arts, music and theatre. The Davao City’s Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) conducted a stakeholders’ forum yesterday at the Sangguniang Panglungsod to discuss the proposed unified referral on child sexual abuse and exploitation in the city. [LORIE A. CASCARO]

Women’s Rugby Team headed by Chris Everingham, and Survivor Philippines Celebrity doubles showdown castaways Mara Yokohama and Arnold Aninion. The event is supported by Philippine Eagle Foundation, Deca Wakeboard Park, Zip City, Davao Crocodile Park, PAGCOR, Waterfront Hotel, Davao City Chinatown Development Council, Museo Davaoweno, Ayala Abreeza Malls, Robinson’s Abreeza, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and Duaw Davao. The complete results: Token Winners per stop: 1.) Philip-

pine Eagle Center – Team Violet 2.) D E C A Wakeboard Park – Team Red 3.) ZipCity – Team Red 4.) Tribu K’ Mindanawan – Team Black 5.) Wa te r front Hotel – Team Blue 6.) D C L A Chinatown – Team Red 7.) Museo Davaoweno – Team Orange 8.) A L DEVINCO – Team Violet 9.) People’s Park – Team Pink 10.) Abreeza - Orange

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VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Phoenix-SSC to play minus key players STRONG PRESENCE. Calvin Abueva of the Phoenix Vega-SSC Stags power his way deep under the rim in this bit of action against RR De Leon of the UE-RMH Mandaya Warriors. Abueva carried the Stags to a 98-79 win in the Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament. Below, JM Roble of Phoenix Vega making his way against the sticky defense of RMH Warrior Chris Mamie. [BOY LIM]

Abueva, Sangalang recalled to play for NLEX in D-League By Neil Bravo

HE Phoenix VegaSan Sebastian College Stags, who unveiled their championship form Tuesday night blasting chief rival Royal Mandaya Hotel-University of the East, will be playing their final outing without its two stars in the Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament. The reigning Philippine Collegiate Champion’s League titlists will miss the services of top guns Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang who will be playing for their mother club NLEX in the PBA DLeague on Friday. Abueva and Sangalang led the Stags attack in the 98-79 win against RMH Warriors. Stags coach Topex Robinson confirmed this during a meet-the-press luncheon yesterday after its auspicious debut in the four-team tournament by drubbing the Mandaya Warriors. “We are here to win,” Robinson boldly declared. “If some of the guys will not be around, we still have a bunch of good

MISD Invitational bikefest March 24

HE Mayor Indaya Sara Duterte Invitational Cycling Championships will reel off on March 24 at the Rizal Park with some 10 teams battling for the title. Race organizer Jun Paholio said the bikefest will cover a total distance of 81 kilometers or five laps around the MaaShrine Hills-DiversionMcArthur Highway loop. A loop covers 16.2 kilometers. Paholio said the team’s official time will be counted from the top three team finishers.

“We are expecting a tight race with the Butuan team a solid favorite to win although we cannot count out our homegrown riders,” Paholio said in the weekly DSA Forum at the Tower Inn. “Hindi rin pwedeng balewalain ang ibang teams from the provinces depende kasi iyan how they race as a team.” Butuan’s Cycle Stream will be the bettor’s pick to win the team championship considering their experience racing in the last LBC Ronda Tour. The Inday Sara Cycling TeamDavao will be the race’s

players who can step up anytime.” The Stags mentor believed that his team has what it takes to go all the way. “We are confident we can win the title. We have the advantage of having the core of our San Sebastian team and we have been playing together as a team for quite a while.” Robinson beat another former PBA player-turned coach Jerry Codinera who sat at the Mandaya Warriors bench. Robinson played for Tanduay, Red Bull, Purefoods and Alaska in the PBA and had career averages of 4.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1 steal per game. He took over the coaching reins of the Stags last year after long-time mentor Turing Valenzona retired. The Stags were gunning for the important win last night against Goldstar Hardware who upset the Montana Pawnshop squad 80-76 on Tuesday. A win last night can practically wrap up the title for the Phoenix Petroleum-backed Stags.

JUMPBALL. Mayor Sara Duterte prepares to toss the ceremonial ball during the opening of the Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center. Looking on are Liga Dabaw’s Butch Ramirez and Atty. Mans Carpio. Preparing to jump are Shoti Tateshi of Royal Mandaya Hotel and Noel Bonleon of the Phl Under-13 squad. [BOY LIM]

POWERADE TENNIS. DATEC Women’s Tennis Federation president Adel Snyder (secondfrom left) receives her Head t-shirt as prize from Philta-XI B Regional Vice President Engr. Carol Angel (left) and Alex Bernan (right) of DATEC during the opening of the 3rd Powerade Interclub Tennis Tournament. The tournament resumes this Sunday.

darkhorse. The race is part of the ongoing sports event of

the 75th Araw ng Dabaw and is organized by Philcycling Region XI.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

things about halal food

THE common misconception on halal food is that it is only exclusively available to people of the Muslim faith. It is actually widely sold in commercial quantities for all consumers at large. They are a healthy food source for all to eat.

Most Halal food producers are regulated by a Halal Standard Industry Committee, which comprises Islamic scholars, producers, users, consumers and other stakeholders before they can obtain their Halal certification. Therefore, Halal food is healthier because of the thorough and constant inspection it undergoes. Here are guidelines that guarantee the quality of Halal food: Food or ingredients do not contain any component or animal products that are non-halal (“haram” is anything illegal to the Muslim faith) or products of animals that have not been slaughtered, according to Syahriah law. Pigs and animals with canine teeth that hunt other animals (e.g., dogs, wolves, etc.) are considered non-halal, hence should not be used in the production of halal food at all times. A halal animal must be slaughtered the Islamic way where all blood is drained from the animal minimizing the chance of microbial infection. Any food made from blood are also forbidden. Food or ingredients do not contain anything filthy or impure, according to Syahriah law. An example are food ingredients that are plant or plant-based that causes intoxication are forbidden (i.e., alcohol, illegal drugs, poison etc.). Food or ingredients are hygienic, clean, and safe for consumption. Food or ingredients do not contain any human parts or derivatives (i.e., placenta, blood, etc.) Food are not prepared, processed, and manufactured with equipment or facilities that have been contaminated with filth and impurities (haram). The raw materials or finished products must be protected and transported separately from non-halal or impure goods. The Halal concept is further reinforced by the concept of toyyiban, which means wholesome as in safe, nutritious, and hygienic making it impossible for producers from adding food additives that are harmful or hazardous to health. HALAL products are available at Robinsons Supermarket Cybergate, Robinsons Supermarket Abreeza, Robinsons Supermarket Gensan, Robinsons Supermarket Cagayan de Oro, and Robinsons Supermarket Pagadian. (Source: Yummy.ph)

Road trip snacks S

UMMER is the perfect time for a road trip with the family or a close group of friends. It gives you time to bond with people who are close to you and has the potential to become a celebration all in itself. So this summer, plan a road trip to some exciting destination, play your favorite party music, wear something extra festive (but comfortable), and pack gorgeous eats to create a party atmosphere on the road!

I know, I know. It will hurt your figure. The thing with travelling by land is that everybody seems to end up bloated by the time the destination is reached. One of the reasons for that are probably the unhealthy food ad drink options that you take with you whenever you go on a road trip. To give you some easy solutions, here are some easy recipes that you could whip up for your next road trip: The best snacks for road trips are those that you can easily munch on because it keeps your mouth occupied ad your brain interested. People munch on a lot of things during road trips because there isn’t anything else to do. So your choice of munchies is very important. For your next road trip why not make your own easy granola? Here’s how: a. Preheat your oven to 150

The best snacks for road trips are those that you can easily munch on because it keeps your mouth occupied ad your brain interested.

degrees C b. In a bowl, stir together 4 cups of oats, 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins, and two cups of roasted nuts. I like equal parts of walnuts and almonds but you can replace them with any other nut you fancy. c. In another bowl combine 13 cup vegetable oil, 1 ¼ cups of honey or 1 cup of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Drizzle this liquid mixture all over your dry ingredients and mix until everything is coated with this glaze. d. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes. It gets crunchy when it cools down. Sometimes you just crave for some sweet dessert during a road trip. Instead of stopping at a convenience store to binge on chocolates, why not make your own healthy dessert? This easy-as-pie chocolate pudding gives you a sweet taste in your mouth without being too heavy on your tummy. Here’s how you make it: a. In a saucepan, heat two cups of Chocolate Milk until bubbles form at the

edges. b. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and slowly add in three tablespoons of corn starch while mixing well. (If you do not mix well the starch will form lumps) c. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens. d. Place in single serve cups that come with lids and pop in the refrigerator overnight. e. Take these dessert cups with you during your road trip and keep them chilled in a cooler with your beverages. One of the biggest health mistakes people commit when travelling is taking some sugar-filled beverage with them. Sodas and bottled iced teas are not the way to go when it comes to travelling healthily. Instead, whip up this easy (and arguably most refreshing) beverage, the Cucumber Calamansiade: a. Grab a cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and then run it through a juicer. Reserve the liquid. If you do not own a juicer, run the cucumber in the food processor until you get a watery liquid. Run it through a strainer or sieve and reserve the liquid. b. Make some calamansi-

ade by combining some calamansi concentrate and water. The proportions depend on your taste. c. Combine the cucumber juice and calamansi-ade and freeze. d. On the day of your trip, remove the CucumberCalamansi-ade mixture and store in a cooler to enjoy for the rest of your trip. One of the things we always crave for during road trips is a little something that’s full of carbs. Instead of stopping for a burger or purchasing some sweet cake, why not create your own snack and take it with you? Waffles are probably the easiest snacks to prepare and are easy to eat in a car. Here’s how you make it: a. Simply make waffles with instant pancake mix. b. Add in chocolate chips, raisins, dried fruit, or bacon and ham bits in the middle. c. Slice your waffles in fours to make it easier to munch on inside the car. Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) every Wednesdays from 6PM to 9PM on 105.9 Mix FM. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or twitter.com/zhaun

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A2 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

FOOD

Feeding the hybrid goats.

The Disneyland of organic farming By Jims Vincent Capuno

ORGANIC farming fights hunger, tackles climate change, and is good for farmers, consumers and the environment. That’s according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s report, Organic Agriculture and Food Security.

Organic farming, explains FAO’s Nadia Scialabba, is “a holistic production management system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of plants, animals and people.” “Organic agriculture is the answer,” points out Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, about 86 kilometers away from Davao City. MBRLC is one of the most-often visited farms in the country’s second largest island. People from all over the world – from Australia to Zimbabwe, from Afghanistan to Vietnam, from United Kingdom to United States – have come and go at the center. “From an initial effort to train and improve the productivity of farmers in the area, it has spread as a reputable model throughout the

Philippines and touched all of Asia,” commented Jerry A. Rankin, the president of the International Mission Board based in Richmond, Virginia. “Agricultural technology and methods have turned barren hills into productive farms.” “What we are promoting at the center is organic farming,” says Alimoane, the first Filipino who directs the center. (Previously, the center was managed by Americans: Mississippi’s Harold R. Watson, Tennessee’s Jon J. Palmer, and Kentucky’s Steve L. Mus-

under the crops planted in between the hedgerows. Aside from being used as mulching materials, the cuttings are also the source of fertilizer for the crops. InSimpleAgro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), goat raising is introduced into the system. Twelve does and one buck are raised in one-half hectare. The goat house is located at the center. The lower portion is planted to various leguminous crops which are the source of forage for goats. The upper portion is allotted to agricultural crops.

trees like durian, mangosteen, lanzones, marang, and guava. While the fruits are still young, the area is planted to annual crops (banana and pineapple) and vegetables (string beans, peanuts, cucumber). All four systems are designed for uplands. For lowlands, the center has developed a vegetable gardening called Food Always In The Home (FAITH). “A refrigerator in the farm is how we call it,” says Alimoane. In a sense, it is. You can pick fresh tomatoes, egg-

MBRLC entrance

Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology

pest control,” Alimoane says, “begins with knowing your crops and checking them regularly to make sure they are healthy and not bothered by something that might want to eat them before you do! When you see a pest or disease problem, with diligent scouting it can be controlled before it becomes a major problem.” If infestation is immense, however, the center makes homemade pesticides using neem, kakawate, marigold, en.) “We want to show to “As we are raising dairy plants, ampalaya, alugbati, garlic, and hot pepper. At MBRLC, wastes are our visitors that farming goats, we practice zero winged beans, malunggay, systems that protect the en- grazing,” Alimoane says. and okra. You can even no waste. They use them as vironment can also be pro- The leguminous crops are harvest fruits like pineap- feed for their night-crawlductive and sustainable.” cut and given to goats. The ple and papaya, which are ing earthworms (Eudrilus MBRLC is known in- manure is used as fertilizer planted along the boundary eugeniae). “With the aid of aerobic microorganisms ternationally for its four for the forages and agricul- of the garden as fences. upland farming schemes. tural crops. “The sources of The 100-square meter (that is, bacteria and fungi), First, there’s the Sloping Ag- income for the farmer are garden can provide 300 earthworms digest proricultural Land Technology milk, goats, and some from grams of fresh vegetables cessed organic materials (SALT 1), where two hedge- his crops,” he says. daily. The central feature under favorable temperarows of nitrogen fixing The two remaining sys- of the garden is a series of ture and moisture condiplants are planted together tems have more trees in raised garden beds into tions,” Alimoane explains. following the hill’s contour them: Sustainable Agrofor- which bamboo baskets “The materials that pass lines. “The idea is to stop est Land Technology (SALT and trench composts are through the digestive tract the topsoil from eroding,” 3) and Small Agrofruit Live- set about one foot in depth. of the earthworms come Alimoane says. Hilly agri- lihood Technology (SALT These are filled with little out in a texturized, sanicultural lands under culti- 4). The two-hectare SALT manure and some decom- tized and deodorized form vation in the country have 3 is a small-scale reforesta- posed garbage and packed of castings known as verlost about two-thirds of tion; one hectare is planted with leaves of grasses and micompost.” They use vermicompost their valuable topsoil, the to agricultural crops while leguminous plants like primary resource in agri- the other hectare is allot- kakawate, flemingia, ren- in fertilizer their crops. “While low in major plant culture. ted to trees like mahogany, sonii, and ipil-ipil. The nitrogen-fixing narra, and ipil-ipil. In all its systems, the nutrients compared to plants are cut every 30-45 One-half hectare SALT center doesn’t use pesti- chemical fertilizers,” Alidays. The cuttings are placed 4 is planted to various fruit cides. “The key to good moane says, “vermicom-

“We want to show to our visitors that farming systems that protect the environment can also be productive and sustainable.”

post supports microorganisms, which make nutrients more readily available to plants and produce substances that promote plant growth and health.” MBRLC also has fishponds, where it raises tilapia. In some parts of the ponds, azolla and golden apple snail are also raised (although not together). Azolla is used as feed for tilapia and ducks. Azolla contains 4-5 percent nitrogen, 1-1.5 percent phosphorus, and 2-3 percent potassium. “As such, azolla can be also be applied as organic fertilizer in fresh, dried, or composted form.” As for golden apple snail, they are utilized as feed for ducks. Chicken and pigs also dominate some areas of the farm. Instead of being a problem, the center uses pig manure as source of biogas. They are using biogas to pasteurize goat’s milk and cook food prepared in the canteen. Alimoane himself uses biogas at home. “Our farming systems are far from perfect,” admits Alimoane. “Everyday, we are learning. But we are happy to share what we know. We don’t hide anything here. Everyone is free to copy what we do.”

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

SM City Davao’s Annex opens

VERYONE’S favorite community mall, SM City Davao just got better! The city’s hippest hub— The Annex, will be opening its Ground Floor TODAY.

And this comes with everything hip! Hip Gadgets Cyber zone – the country’s largest chain of IT retail stores is in The Annex! This will be the biggest in Mindanao and the 3rd, nationwide. Cyberzone’s wide array of tenants like iCenter, Sony Vaio, Nikon, Digibabe, Meetrovi, Case Logic, Game Place, Ghostrecon and many more will remain at the forefront of consumer electronics which brings nothing but the latest. Hip Styles Our favorite SM Supermall is certainly ‘in’ with its fashion-forward trendsetting shops like Team Manila, Roxy, Call it Spring, Payless, Sledgers, Bench Edited and many more. Plus, the Australian retail chain, Cotton On, will be opening its very first store in the Philippines at SM City Davao’s The Annex. Hip Flavors Satisfy your cravings for good sumptuous food with friends and family at Peri-peri Charcoal Chicken, Sumosam, Grab a Crab, Bonchon Chicken, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island Grill, Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar and more. Relax and get your coffee fix at your favorite shops-- Starbucks, Bo’s Coffee and Coffee Club 101. Plus, catch all Davao hip talents DJ Gary and the young Davao String Quar-

tet perform. It’s all hip, all here! Visit the City’s hippest hub The Annex today! For event and promo updates, like SM City Davao on Facebook or visit www.smcitydavao.blogspot.com.

ACTOR/ SINGER SAM MILBY reminisces his summers in Tago, Surigao del Sur in M (Life & Living in Mindanao) Magazine’s latest edition. The mag also features bossa nova singer Sitti, Mindanao’s Bone Museum, the Bats of Samal, Sagayan and Kaliguan festivals, among others. M Magazine is now available in more than 200 outlets nationwide.

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A4 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

You can now buy your favorite Business Paper from any of these establishments still at Php 15.

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Gen. Santos Drive, Koronadal City Telefax No.: (083) 520-0816 Mobile No.: 0922-843-9427 email: manggorio09@yahoo.com

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HAVEN BODY WORKS SPA & SALON Door 5 Kaykay Baloons Bldg., Laurel North Cor. Bayabas St. General Santos City Tel # (083) 301- 1991

Tel No. (083)- 553-2211

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

SM Foodcourt gives away another set of Chevy cars

THREE lucky SM Foodcourt diners enjoyed great food, and went home with a Chevrolet Sparks car in SM Foodcourt’s Dine and Drive Raffle Promotion. Alvin Mendezabal, Michael Adapon, and Lourdes Jacob, the second set of winners of the Dine and Drive promotion, were recently awarded keys to their cars, during turnover ceremonies held at The Block in SM City North EDSA. Mr. Adapon, a construction material agent, was doing his Christmas shopping with his wife when they went to SM City Marilao when they made a stop at the mall’s Foodcourt. He says he likes eating at SM

Foodcourt because “they had a lot of choices.” Ms. Jacob, a public elementary school teacher in Camarines Sur, got her lucky stub during the precelebration of her daughter’s birthday at SM City Naga last January. “It’s God’s blessing,” Ms. Jacob says. “This experience made me see that SM really knows how to give back to their customers.” Mr. Mendezabal, 22, who works with a telecom company took his girlfriend on a date at the Foodcourt at SM Megamall because they wanted “food that looked delicious and affordable”. He even shares that he and his girlfriend talked to the drop

Three lucky winners Michael Adapon, Lourdes Jacob, and Alvin Mendezabal receive their keys to the Chevy Sparks car from SM Supermall’s President Ms. Annie Garcia, Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Ms. Ruby Reyes, and SM Foodcourt’s Alvin Saronicman.

box before they dropped their raffle stub for good luck. Coca-Cola, the world leader in the soft drinks industry, was the spon-

sor of the food during the awarding. The Dine and Drive Raffle Promotion is one of the many exciting events at the SM Foodcourt.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

Celebrity Adventure Race

SPORTS Will Phoenix find a home in the D-League?

Volcano, castaway, tour A guide, trucker power team By Neil Bravo

THE CHAMPS. Team Violet, composed of Arnold Aninion of the Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Team, Mara Yokohama of Survivor Philippines, Samuel Libre of Guide Davao and Ryan Tee of Tee Trucking Services celebrate at the podium after the race (top). They showed their gameface before the race started indicating their desire to win it

team composed of a Volcano, a Survivor castaway, a tour guide and a trucker emerged as the big winners in the recent Great Davao Adventure Race Celebrity Edition. Team Violet, composed of Arnold Aninion of the Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Team, Mara Yokohama of Survivor Philippines, Samuel Libre of Guide Davao and Ryan Tee of Tee Trucking Services arrived at the finish line just in the nick of time to win the top prize. It didn’t come easy. The Violets engaged Team Pink to a head to head down-the-wire finish in the last stop and almost let the title slip away when they took the wrong gate. A shift in time did the trick and the Violets touched the tape five ticks ahead of the hotly pursuing Pinks. “Winning the race was our second priority” said team leader Aninion

as they only targeted to get the tokens for every stop, wherein each token is worth P10,000. The race was composed of 10 stops and was dominated early by team Red. However, the team lost momentum in the second part of the race giving team Violet the opportunity to take the driver’s seat. At the last stop, team the Violets arrived first but the Pinks were right behind. Teams at the last stop where asked to shop for listed items provided by the organizers and after shopping, they must proceed outside to assemble a puzzle and answer the trivia questions written on the puzzle. It was a battle of wit as Violet and Pink went head to head in the last task before the mad dash to the finish. Organizers thanked the celebrity guest players from the Philippine Volcanoes Men’s and

FVOLCANO, 13

all. The participating teams were presented at the City Hall before the Great Davao Celebrity Adventure Race (bottom photo). They all took on ten stages of varying challenges located at points of interest in Davao City. In the end, Team Violet reigned supreme. [PHOTOS BY BIBOY NGOJO]

FTER failing to enter the PBA last year, Davao-based Filipino oil firm Phoenix Petroleum is still not giving up hopes of landing a franchise in the big leagues. Phoenix CEO Dennis Uy is said to have not given up hope the Phoenix brand will make its way into the professional loop. With the PBA closing its doors to Phoenix last year, the Davao firm rerouted to the semi-professional football league UFL as the chief sponsor of the Philippine Air Force. The Airmen responded with a title conquest over the favored Loyola FC-Meralco starring the popular Younghusband brothers Phil and Games. The Airmen had Chieffy Caligdong and a bunch of locally-bred players. Yesterday, Phoenix threw a luncheon meetthe-press for the San Sebastian Stags, reigning Philippine Collegiate Champion’s League titlist, a team Phoenix Petroleum is sponsoring in the ongoing Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament. I hurled a question to Phoenix corporate affairs manager Ben Sur if Phoenix is pursuing a long-term relationship with the Stags. Ben said he is yet to discuss this with his boss Dennis Uy but indicated he is excited at the prospects of partnering with the Stags who play in the NCAA. For their part, the Stags through coach Topex Robinson and Allan Trinidad revealed that they have been looking for a corporate partner for what appears to be a bigger plan for the Stags basketball development program. The Stags are dead serious

about winning the NCAA title and they are breathing closely to that. “They told us we could partner for a franchise in the PBA D-League,” said Neb Bulaclac, Phoenix’s tireless marketing supervisor. The Stags plan is to use the D-League as venue for developing their competitiveness. Two Stags players are playing for NLEX in the PBA D-League. They are Ian Sangalang and ace gunner Calvin Abueva. Aside from the D-League, the two players are also being eyed for the national team Smart Gilas II along with Michael Miranda and Jovit dela Cruz. Will Phoenix, after failing to enter the PBA, barge into the D-League? I’m excited to see Phoenix step on the gas for this. ------Mayor Sara Duterte and her husband Atty. Mans Carpio stayed for three hours watching the games of the Araw ng Dabaw Invitational…Someone told me Jerry Codinera ‘misbehaved’ as a coach in the game against the Stags. Codinera reportedly hit a Stags player in the face. If that’s true, Jerry had better suit up in uniform.

DDS. The victorious DDS Women’s squad after wrapping up the title in the women’s division of the PSC-DFA Jose Te Memorial Football Festival at the Tionko Field. The tournament was held in honor of the late coach Jose “Sensei” Te who brought Davao football to national prominence in the 80s and 90s.

Woods shows no problem with ankle

IGER Woods made it through two days of a golf exhibition without any trouble with his left Achilles tendon. Woods withdrew from the final round at Doral on March 11 with tightness in his left Achilles tendon, the same one that forced him to miss two majors last year. Woods later said he was being smart about his injury, and that it turned out to be a minor strain.

If he makes the cut this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it will be seven straight days of golf in his final competition before the Masters. In the Tavistock Cup, a two-day exhibition among four private golf clubs, Woods shot an even-par 72. Ian Poulter, his teammate from Albany, was the only player who had a higher score. Lake Nona won the event.

VOL.5 ISSUE 14 • MARCH 22, 2012

EDGEDAVAO