Edge Davao 5 Issue 191 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

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Comelec cleanses Davao’s voters list By Anthony S. Allada

HE Commission on Elections is expecting a slight decrease in the total number of those who are registered for the May 13, 2013 mid-term elections when the cleansing of the voters’ list is over. Lawyer Aimee Ampoloquio,

Page 15

Sports

Davao City now had a total of 969,000 registered voters election officer of the city’s first district, said that right after the end of the registration of voters last October 31, the agency is

Dapat lang!

presently determining those who transferred their registration, double registrants and

FCOMELEC, 11

Page 16

Holganza elected ICT nat’l president L

SYMBOL. Members of progressive women’s group Gabriela hang clothes to symbolize commitment to end violence against women at the Freedom Park along Roxas Ave., in Davao City yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

IZABEL “WIT” G. HOLGANZA, president of the ICT-Davao Inc. (IDI) and vice president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., was elected unopposed as president of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP). This was learned from lawyer Samuel Matunog, president of the Davao Software Industry, Inc. and a pillar of ICT-Davao. Wit, who is CEO of Zipit Solutions, Inc. & Nanoscript, president of ICTDavao Inc. and NCIP vice chairman, will serve for two years, beginning January 1, 2013 until December 31, 2014. “This is not only due to her con-

tributions to the work of NICP as vice president, but also a recognition of the giant strides achieved by the ICT industry in Davao by maintaining its place as No. 1 among the Next Wave Cities for three years straight,” Matunog said. The lawyer technopreneur has proposed that players in the UCT industry meet with Holganza shortly to appreciate her election and what the industry can do to help her carry out her programs in the NICP. Undersecretary Alejandro “Buddy” Melchor of the DOST-ICTO announced during the 5th NICP Summit in Sta.

FHOLGANZA, 11

FDAVAO’S, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

GMA regional programs Group says violence against women continues to increase keep topping nationwide N T By Anthony S. Allada

ATIONWIDE ratings leader GMA Network, Inc. remains ay the forefront of the ratings game as its Regional News and Public Affairs programs in Philippine key cities Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, continue to beat their counterparts. Regional morning programs remain unrivaled based on monthly data from widelyrecognized ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. “We are truly grateful to our regional audiences for their continued patronage. Time and again, they have shown that when it comes to news and information, the choice has always been GMA Network,” said Rikki O. Escudero, vice president of GMA regional

TV and concurrent head of the expansion and production services division of GMA News and Public Affairs. Davao’s Una Ka Bai Balita at Iba Pa registered an increase of 2.1 percent from 6.6 percent in October to 8.7 in partial November. Similarly, GMA’s regional local news programs remain to be the most preferred source of news and information aired over key cities nationwide. Since its relaunch last October, Isyu Mindanao’s rating continues to improve as it further inches away from programs in the same timeslot, with in-depth reports and heart-warming stories that affect the lives, especially of Mindanaoans. Isyu

BIR 12 exceeds collection target

Mindanao’s latest episode which aired on November 17 rated 9.7. In 2013, viewers can look forward to more ground-breaking activities and programs from the Kapuso Network. Preparations are underway for Eleksyon 2013, the country’s biggest, most comprehensive, and most credible elections coverage. “GMA Regional News and Public Affairs has been in the forefront of both local and national reportage for the network. Our regional reporters have been trained to report news as it happens, when it happens, where it happens. Our programs see airing in GMA’s international channels’ -

FGMA, 11

HE Women Studies and Resource Center, a Davao Citybased women’s research institute, has reported a continuing increase in the incidence of violence against women and children (VAWC) in the Davao region. Leah Emily Miñoza, the center’s regional executive director, said that data gathered from Women and Children Protection Desk showed there has been a steady increase in VAWC cases since the passage of Republic Act 9262, otherwise known as Anti-Violence Against Women and Children, in 2004. Miñoza said from 184 in 2004, VAWC cases soared an average increase of nearly 800 percent within an 8-year period, where

in 2011, VAWC cases already reached to 1,450 already. She said that this put the Davao region to be in the third spot to have the most number of VAWC cases in the entire country. In 2012, from January to October, there were 1,391 domestic violence cases reported to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). This means, 139 cases per month, five cases per day, or one case filed every five hours. Miñoza said domestic violence remains the most prevalent form of gender violence among women, adding sexual harassment is the second most recorded form of VAWC while rape is third. “The spike in VAWC cases for the last 8 years points

to an increasing awareness and assertiveness among our women to file cases but at the same time, it is a grim reminder of how VAWC remains unabated and how true equality and empowerment are impeded by VAWC,” she said. She said the passage of national and local laws has helped women and the general public break silence about VAWC but it has not eradicated the violence. “Impunity and victim-blaming averts women’s struggle to access legal and judicial mechanisms to stop violence. A prominent case in Davao City would be that of Karen Vertido, who filed a case with the UN (United Nations) after failing to get justice for rape,” she said.

By Aquiles Z. Zonio

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in region 12 has exceeded its tax collection target by more than 20 percent as of October this year. BIR regional director Rozil R. Lozares told Edge Davao that the is due to the intensified tax collection drive launched by his office. Lozares bared that the BIR in the region is conducting periodic tax compliance verification drives and closely monitors, and coordinates with, private, local and national government agencies to make sure withheld taxes

are remitted properly and promptly. Aside from these, Lozares exerts efforts to establish close working relationship with his subordinates to inspire them to work harder. “Call it good management and leadership style. I don’t act like a boss. I’m a father, big brother and confidant to them. This is done through constant dialogue and informal meetings. Result is, they are inspired and happy in collecting taxes,” Lozares said. As of last month, BIR12 was able to collect more than P4.372 billion taxes in

FBIR, 11

TURNOVER. Davao City 1st District Rep. Karlo Alexi B. Nograles (2nd from right), Teddy King Su, president of Angelo King Foundation, the principal donor, (2nd from left) and Charlie C. Ayco, chief executive officer and managing director of Habitat for Humanity Philippines (leftmost) cut the ribbon during the turnover ceremony of AKF

Community Center in Brgy. Matina Pangi Saturday afternoon. With them are Brgy. Captain Benjamin T. Badon of Matina Pangi (4th from left), Joaquin Sy, Angelo King Foundation Inc. board member (rightmost) and lawyer Abdussador B. Sawadjaan Jr. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Davao media awardees As shooting locations receive cash, trophies Film producer urges LGUs

INNERS of the first-ever Globe Media Excellence Awards received cash prizes and trophies at a Christmas party over the weekend at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. Virginia Arcilla-Agtay, Sun.Star Davao news reporter bagged three of the seven awards in the print category. She led the winners for Sun.Star Davao when her piece “Back to the Dark Ages” was adjudged Feature Story of the Year. Also winning for Sun. Star Davao were reporters Antonio L. Colina IV and Ivy C. Tejano, who were cite as Reporter of the Year for Information

and Communications Technology and Reporter of the Year for Youth and Education categories, respectively. Kristianne Marie Fusilero of Mindanao Times also grabbed the Reporter of the Year award for both Environment and Disaster Response and Governance and Social Progress categories. Sharing honors in the print category were Roger Balanza of the Durian Post as Reporter of the Year for Business and Entrepreneurship category, and Rene Bartolo of the Mindanao Times as Columnist of the Year. Balanza, through his

durianburgdavao, also won the Blogger of the Year award, Vinafel Araneta of ABS-CBN Davao emerged Reporter of the Year for Television, while Admar Vilando of DXRD Sonshine Radio Davao was cited as Reporter of the Year for Radio. John Paul Seniel of GMA Davao received the Feature Story of the Year for Television award, while Randolph Cañedo of ABS-CBN Davao won the award for TV Broadcaster of the Year. The Globe Media Excellence Awards also coincided with the 3rd Davao Media Freedom Day.

to promote their places

OCAL Government Units should start promoting their places as shooting locations now that the country has been the site of two big international productions. Lope Juban Jr. head of the Philippine Film Studios which brought the hit reality show Survivor USA to Caramoan in Camarines Sur and the Hollywood action flick The Bourne Legacy to shoot in Manila and Palawan said that this is the country’s best chance to promote itself to the world that it is a good film location for their productions.

Juban cited the tremendous advantage to a locality when it is made a shooting location. One of the prime examples is the town of Caramoan which was once a fourthclass municipality before the Survivor series chose its pristine beaches to be the site of its reality show. “Today, it is a second-class municipality,” Juban said. Survivor has been adapted by numerous countries with Caramoan as their site for Survivor Serbia, Israel, Bulgaria, France, India and recently the United States.

Juban also cited Bourne Legacy which was was shot in Manila and Palawan. “Bourne pumped in P250-million directly to the Philippine economy when it was shot here.” Juban said. Aside from the economy the shooting also benefitted businessmen particularly the hotel industry as the film production booked 20,000 hotel nights for its film crew here. The movie also hired local crew, actors and extras plus hiring transportation, vehicles and rentals for locations. [PIA/RG Alama]

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 191 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

DavNor opens Pasalubong Center T

HE Provincial Government of Davao del Norte launches on November 26, 2012 the Produkto DavNor Pasalubong Center, which makes the quality home-made products of the province accessible to tourists, visitors, investors and residents, alike. DTI-11 Regional Director Marizon Loreto, together with Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, will grace the inauguration rites at the DTI-Davao del Norte building located at the Government Center, Mankilam, Tagum City. The facility supports the sales and marketing of the One Town One Product (OTOP) outputs

of all LGUs in Davao del Norte, together with the merchandises produced by the Ugmad Komunidad recipient communities. Del Rosario said the Pasalubong Center is not only designed to display souvenirs and gift items to allure tourists to buy. He revealed the store will also provide a venue for trading quality locally-made products and services, as well as, to promote them for domestic and foreign markets. The governor said the center will help the homegrown products get more trade exposure, as he encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the growth of the tourism industry.

Feeding program benefits Pupils in Davao Oriental

By Anthony S. Allada

LOSE TO 1000 pupils benefited from the feeding program initiated by the Kiwanis International of Golden Tagum, in coordination and participation with Department of Education, Davao Oriental Division and the 28th Infantry Battalion in a three-day activity last November 21 to 23. The Batch 2 schools of said program included elementary schools of Dawan,

Danao, Sanghay, Libudon, Cabuaya, Luban and Langca all of Mati City, Davao Oriental; Dugmanon, Lapulapu and Maag all of San Isidro, Davao Oriental; and, Lavigan, Tagabebe, Pundaguitan, Tandang Sora and Anitap all of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Jeffrey Mataro, president of the Kiwanis International Golden Tagum, said that addressing the malnutrition as early as

during preschool will make a huge change in the performance of a child. “This feeding program is only supplementary to what the parents feed their child, and this will not sustain without your (parents) commitment in providing the right nutrition to your child”, Mataro said. He said the uniqueness of this feeding program lies on the strength of the six pillars, converging togeth-

er in implementing and monitoring the activity. First pillar is the school head who see to it that the program is implemented on a regular basis; second is the feeding coordinator who domestically manages the actual daily feeding; third is the PTA organization who is crucial in assisting the school in the feeding and motivating parents to undergo

the complainants are residents of T’boli while some come from nearby Norala town. “These were just the initial victims who surfaced last week and signified to file charges against Aman and its local agents. We’re expecting that more of them will come out and also file their complaint-affidavits within the next few days,” the official said. He said they have assigned a team from the NBI regional office based in Koronadal City to meet with the other victims of the Aman Group in T’boli and assist them in filing their complaints. Magno said they were just waiting for the “right number” of complaints to come up before filing them to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila. The official said all charges in connection with the case will be filed at the DOJ in Manila as directed earlier by Justice Secretary

Leila Delima. Delima had created a special panel that will handle the complaints and the filing of charges against leaders and agents of the company, which reportedly amassed around P12 billion in Ponzi-type investments from 15,000 people in several parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Several top officials of the Aman Group led by its fugitive founder Manuel Amalilio, who has reportedly fled to Malaysia, are presently facing charges of syndicated estafa based on the initial complaints filed by some of their victims in Pagadian City. In a raid last week on a house that served as Aman Group’s alleged branch in T’boli town, NBI operatives uncovered documents detailing around P888 million worth of investment transactions in the area that were facilitated by its agents Rhoda Lil-

io-Corpuz and Girlie Lilio-Paner. Timmy Rejano, NBI12 supervising agent, said the house was owned by Pastor Rolando Lilio of the United Alliance Church and father of the alleged Aman agents. He said the search yielded “stunning” evidences that showed direct connections and transactions between the Lilio children and fugitive Aman Group founder Manuel Amalilio as well as bank records and related documents that detailed the firm’s operations in the area. Magno said the results of their initial investigation showed that Aman Group has several other agents in the area but have already gone into hiding due to supposed threats on their lives. “They’re reportedly willing to surface and cooperate with the ongoing investigation once they are assured of their safety and security, he said. [Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews]

FFEEDING, 11

SC Aman victims file cases T

WENTY alleged victims of pyramiding investment company Aman Futures Group Philippines, Inc. in South Cotabato province have formally filed separate complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Region 12 against the firm’s leaders and agents in the area. Lawyer Angelito Magno, NBI Region 12 director, said Monday the complainants were among the estimated 400 residents in several municipalities in South Cotabato that were supposedly duped by the Aman Group through its Ponzi-type investment scheme. He said the victims executed complaint-affidavits detailing the illegal investment operations of the Aman Group through its local agents, who were earlier identified by the NBI-12 as sisters Rhoda Lilio-Corpuz and Girlie Lilio-Paner of T’boli town. Magno said most of

AusAID urged to continue road project in Bukidnon

UKIDNON Vice Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. is seeking a meeting with officials of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) to request them not to divert the funds of a road project in Kibawe town that was terminated due to alleged extortion by the New People’s Army. Zubiri told provincial board members last week that seven barangays will be affected if the Kibawe -junction Sayre Highway (Kibawe) Natulongan road component will not push through. “They cannot bring out their products… they cannot commute because the road is impassable,” he was quoted as saying in the minutes of the November 14 regular session. The project cost was pegged at P19.14 million for the road rehabilitation covering a span of 3.6 kilometers. Maria Clarissa E. Rendon, provincial coordinator of AusAID’s Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF), was quoted as saying in the records of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that the project was terminated last February 23 after the contractor, Allado Construction, invoked security issues. She admitted that at least P6 million of the project cost has been released to the contractor before it was terminated—15 percent for mobilization and about 20 percent for initial project accomplishment. Rendon said the Provincial Development Council had passed Resolution 05 2012 on June 27, 2012,

realigning the remaining fund of the terminated project to a road project in northern Bukidnon. But Zubiri said that any amendment in the agreement between the provincial government and AusAID regarding the PRMF needed the approval of the provincial board. He said that the provincial government will request that the fund be retained for the Kibawe project. “We will be the one to implement it. We will get a contractor that is not afraid to finish that [road],” Zubiri added. Bukidnon is among the10 provinces selected to avail of road rehabilitation and maintenance funds under the P3.5 billion AusAID package. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Australian-funded PRMF project on July 21, 2009 at junction Damay, Impasug-ong. Bukidnon has proposed about 161 kilometers of provincial roads to the project. A press release said the road project is under the Southern Philippines Provincial Road Maintenance Program (SPPRMP) that covers 10 provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, funded with Aus$100 million (P3.5 billion) by Australia through AusAID. The program provides P50 million each year to every beneficiary province for the construction and repair of provincial roads over a five-year period. [Walter I. Balane/MindaNews]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Extinct tortoise species could come back to life A

species of giant tortoises from the Galapagos Islands could be brought back from extinction despite the death earlier this year of the famed “Lonesome George,” a tourist magnet and conservation icon who was the last of his kind. Genetic material from George’s species, which was largely killed off in the 1800s by pirates and whalers who hunted their meat, has survived in tortoises on the islands - and scientists think they may be able to bring the species back to life. A study by the Galapagos National Park and Yale University found at least 17 tortoises on the Isabela island that are descendents of George’s species, the Chelonoidis abingdonii. “The study showed that among the population of tortoises living in the Wolf volcano there were 17 individuals that have genetic traces of the tortoises that lived in the Pinta island, where Lonesome George hails from,” park director Edwin Naula told Reuters. George was believed to be around 100 years old and the last specimen of a species of giant tortoise from La Pinta, one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos archipelago - w h ich belongs to Ecuador and lies 1,000 kilometers (621 km) west of the country’s Pacific coast. Researchers believe some Pinta tortoises may have been thrown overboard by sailors and they found their way to Isabela, wh ere they mated with local tortoises. Naula said these tortoises are similar in shape to George and have a sad-

Two Galapagos giant tortoises gather during their annual weighing at Riga Zoo July 12, 2012. [REUTERS ]

dle-back carapace like him. He said the park could crossbreed the tortoises and after two or three generations they may be able to obtain Pinta purebreds. “We could start a long and complex process that would take between 100 to 150 years,” he said. George was found in 1972 and had become the poster boy for the islands, which attracted some 180,000 visitors last year. He held a Guinness World Record as the most endangered animal. He lived in an outdoor pen on the island of Santa Cruz and hundreds of

tourists from all over the world used to visit him every month, eager to take a snapshot of the one-of-akind giant tortoise. George’s death was such a blow to the park that authorities there said they were considering embalming his body so that it could be displayed in the park. “We’re about to start that ... We plan to do it with the Museum of Natural History in New York. At present the corpse is frozen in nitrogen,” Naula said. Scientists had been trying to get George to mate since the 1990s, when they introduced two female tor-

toises of a different subspecies into his pen. They laid eggs twice, but they were infertile. The giant Galapagos tortoises, which can live up

to 200 years, were among the species that helped Charles Darwin formulate his theory of evolution in the 19th century. Some 50,000 giant tor-

toises still live on the Galapagos. The park is breading them in captivity and reintroduces some 300 tortoises every year into the wild. [Reuters]

the soonest possible time. The first Kyoto Protocol is from 2008-2012. During the Durban Conference on Climate Change in 2011, at least 35 industrialized countries agreed to a second commitment period of the agreement. The European Union’s proposal is to extend the Kyoto Protocol for eight years. “Climate change is a problem that we have to confront everyday. There is a necessity to adopt a united and proactive response, considering a recent World Bank report that highlighted the worse impacts of a 4-degree Celsius global temperature,” Legarda stressed. She noted that a “4°C world” may have seem impossible twenty years ago, but today, the World Bank warned that the whole world is nearing a crisis that if not responded to proactively, will continue to endanger the survival of the present and

succeeding generations.

Legarda supports five-year extension of Kyoto Protocol

S nearly 200 countries send their representatives to converge in Doha, Qatar to discuss the impacts of climate change, Senator Loren Legarda urged leaders to extend the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that legally binds developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, but only for a five-year period. Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, supported the call of the Philippine delegation to the Doha Climate Change Conference led by Climate Change Commission Vice Chair Mary Ann Lucille Sering, that the Kyoto Protocol must be extended, but not longer than five years, because the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a matter that must be addressed

“Reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change is a matter of high importance to the world now, especially to developing countries where disaster risks abound, and to the poor and the marginalized who are most affected by disasters. We urge developed nations to immediately establish and strengthen measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, because we do not want to see the extinction of one-third of the world’s flora and fauna, aside from the extreme weather events that we are going to experience with a hotter global temperature,” she added. “The issue of the environment cuts across age, gender, or ethnicity, and without a united front against disasters and climate change, we could do little to minimize risks,” Legarda concluded.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 191 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

THE ECONOMY

Malaysian economic mission explores opportunities in ARMM

DAVAO BOOMING. Raf Vlummins, a Belgian businessman who is opening a school for entrepreneurs and a business incubation lab in Davao, says local businessmen have to be technically-trained to take full advantage of the current economic boom. To Vlummins’ left is lawyer Aimee Ferolino Ampoloquio, Davao City first disctrict election officer, who spoke on the progress in the

19-member Malaysian delegation attended a forum in Cotabato City last Saturday to explore business opportunities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the first foreign economic mission in the area after the October 15 signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya accompanied the Malaysian business delegation in attending the ARMM International Investment Forum, themed “Philippine-Malaysia Investments: Fostering Sustainable Development in Muslim Mindanao.” At least 200 stakeholders in the impoverished region attended the forum, including officials and businessmen from the ARMM’s Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The investment forum is part of the month-long celebration for the 23rdfounding anniversary of ARMM. In his keynote address, OIC ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman urged Malaysian investors to locate in the ARMM, citing the reforms initiated, particularly the

and ghosts students,” that were initiated after he assumed office on December 22, 2011. “In that short period (since I assumed the post) pockets of reforms have been initiated…and slowly felt on the ground,” he said. “With the reforms, we (the ARMM) are ready, Malaysian partners, to receive you,” Hataman said. He recalled that the economic activity between ARMM and Malaysia “is not new to us (since) the route of Islam dates to a hundred years back” between these areas. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the governor’s wife and the forum’s convenor, expressed optimism the visit of the Malaysian delegation would eventually translate to the actual pouring of Malaysian investments in the region. “This is just exploratory and a series of investment meetings would follow,” she told MindaNews. Ambassador Malaya disclosed at the plenary that a Philippine team will visit Kuala Lumpur next week for a follow-up investment forum which will be headed by Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, and OIC ARMM Governor Hataman. In a press conference after the forum, Malaya said that visiting Malaysian

investments in the ARMM.” “It’s worth the trip to come here and it’s a good eye opener (to the visiting Malaysians). The image of Mindanao is not positive but it was not the place that they thought it was,” said Malaya, apparently referring to relative stable peace and order condition in the ARMM and neighboring areas. He said the signing of the FAB, which will replace the ARMM with the new autonomous political entity called “Bangsmoro,” was a major breakthrough to help attract investments in Mindanao. Malaysia is the third party facilitator in the peace process between the government and the MILF. Malaya said that with the FAB, foreign investors “have taken a serious look” at the business potentials of the Moro region. He said the Malaysian delegation, which he described as “a strong Malaysian economic mission,” includes those in the fields of manufacturing, infrastructure development, education and micro-finance. Also in the press conference, Senator Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud, representing the chief minister of Selangor State, said the coming of the Malaysian investors shows their seriousness to put up investments in the ARMM. [Bong

preparations of the Commision on Elections for the 2013 election during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Cafe Rysus of the SM City Davao in Matina. LEAN DAVAL JR.

THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

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

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

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

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

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

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

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

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

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

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

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

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Citibank introduces Smart Banking in PHL

ANKING giant Citibank continues to bring innovations in the country with the introduction of Smart Banking, a combination of digital banking and environment-friendly concept. The Citibank branch in Makati was recently transformed into a branch where clients were greeted by a media wall even before they enter the building. And once inside, they can check their existing accounts as well as the bank’s other products on the 4x4 184” touchscreen LCD media wall. Citi Country Officer Sanjiv Vohra said their Philippine office is the 11th market in the Asia Pacific that uses the Smart Banking concept wherein customers can use pioneering facilities available only in some major cities around the globe. “As a customer-centric bank, we continue to offer cutting-edge facilities and relevant market information to further enhance our customers’ banking experience,” he said. And although Citibank Philippines is not the first in use this concept, Vohra said their Makati branch is the first in the world to have the 360 Station. The 360 Station is similar to the regular ATM machine but has added features like the ability to scan receipts of check deposits, to complete overseas fund transfers, book time de-

GLOBAL SHIPPING. Alexander Querol, chief operating officer of Magsaysay Maritime Corp., delivers an inspirational message during the company’s Family Day and Christmas Party at Nobi’s Restaurant in Quimpo Blvd. last

Sunday. The company is one of the largest providers of skilled manpower and human resource solutions for the global shipping and cruise industries in the country. LEAN DAVAL JR.

posits, request for statements, and allow users to speak with a CitiPhone officer on one screen and receive personalized promotions and offers on another screen. “We wanted to create an environment that will be attractive to our clients as well as to the public. Since we opened, we’ve had visitors so impressed that they opened accounts after

getting a tour (of the branch),” Citibank Philippines Consumer Business Manager Sergio Zanatti said. “We’re excited to be the first country to launch the 360 Station and Citi to clients around the world. This is a strong proof of our commitment to innovation and the importance of the Philippines to the Citi global franchise,” he added. Citibank has six branches in

the Philippines along Paseo de Roxas in Makati, Libis in Quezon City, Binondo in Manila, Greenhills in San Juan, in Alabang and in Cebu. Vohra said they target to have all these branches use the Smart Banking concept but declined to give a time. He said Citibank has set a US$ 1-billion capital spending for innovations like this in Asia Pacific operations. [PNA]

who are specifically engaging in cacao, coconut, and rice farming. If approved by USDA, the four-year project which is eyed to start by later part of 2013 will benefit about 15,000 farmers particularly in Mindanao’s Regions 9 and 11, Richards said. The post harvest facilities must be socially acceptable, efficient, and must produce quality products to boost production, Richards added. ACDI/VOCA thru USDA has granted $5,4 million to the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (Cidami) for the implementation of the CocoPal Farming System. The project started in 2008 and will be finished by July or August

next year. Of the 25,000 targeted farmer/beneficiaries, about 20,000 have already availed of the program. Richards said ACDI/VOCA is bent on continuing its intervention to small farmers in Mindanao in view of the island’s growing demand for its diversified crops specifically cacao, coconut, and rice. Philip Shull, foreign agriculture services counselor of USDA said Philippines particularly Mindanao is considered one of the priority countries of USDA thru ACDI/VOCA in 2013. He however said USDA has yet to decide in the next few months on the total amount of investments and projects it

will earmark and implement, respectively, for Mindanao next year. Richards and Shull were in the city to grace the first Kakao Konek two-day conference last November 21-22. CIDAMI president Charita Puentespina said the private and government sectors are working closely to gain sustainability of the fast growing cacao industry in Mindanao. She said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is currently focusing on the training of technicians on the proper way of planting and producing cacao. These trained technicians will pass on the technology they learned to the small farmers.

ACDI/VOCA eyes new project for Mindanao farmers in 2013 S

MALL cacao, coconut, and rice farmers will continue to get assistance from ACDI/ VOCA , an international organization currently implementing CocoPal Farming System project in Mindanao. Nicholas Richards, ACDI/ VOCA chief of party, at a recent press conference in Davao City said the organization has proposed over $6million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund a new project for small farmers in Mindanao. ACDI/VOCA is being funded by USDA. He said the new project will focus on the establishment of post-harvest facilities to farmers

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

COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 191 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

Davao City civil engineers’ group tops national awards T

HE Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Davao City Chapter (PICE DCC) bagged the top two PICE National Chapter Awards 2012 when it garnered the “Most Outstanding Chapter Class A” and the “Best Celebrated Civil Engineering Month Award.” The recognitions were given during the PICE’s 38th National Convention and 75th Anniversary Celebration held on November 22-24, 2012 at the Cebu International Convention Center, Mandaue City, Cebu with the theme, “75 Years of PICE: Great Milestones in the Civil Engineering Profession which was attended by approximately 3,500 delegates throughout the country. The awards were humbly received by Engr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, chapter president along with other chapter officers and members present. The chapter’s entry theme is “PICE Davao City soars high in

2012.” “This is the first time that the chapter tops these awards and this is history as we got these during the 75th year anniversary of the PICE,” Suero said. “The honors that we get now is an indication that we have already grown to be a dependable and responsible chapter of the PICE as we humbly accomplished remarkably this year all the aspects of our existence from members’ welfare, continuing professional development, community services, involvement to national and local programs and affairs, chapter’s sustainability, strong student affairs, unity and cooperation of membership, among others,” Suero added. At present, the board of directors of PICE Davao City are President- Erdsan Rene S. Suero; 1st Vice President - Hector A. Magno; 2nd Vice Presdient - Hilario A. Fernandez; Secretary - Ana Marie C. Marte; Treasurer - Juliet T.

Luy; Auditor - Roderick R. Tecson; Business Manager -Juan Claudio Y. Tinga and PIO - Anacleto V. Calamba Jr. The Directors are Cary

pansion and growth of the production and export sectors. Dubbed as the Industrial Machinery, Factory Automation, Hardware Products, Power Tools, Material Handling, Welding Technology & Accessories Exhibition, the event will occupy over 2,800 square meters of exhibition space covering eight (8) specialized sub-shows: Agritech Davao (Agribusiness and Aquabusiness), DAVAO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO (Travel and Leisure), Davao Food Expo (Food and Beverages), Metal, Hardware and Woodmach Davao (Industrial Machinery), Plastics and Packaging Davao (Plastics and Rubber), Print & Label Davao (Printing Technology), T.O.P.S Show Davao (Total Office Products Show), WATER TECHNOLOGY DAVAO (Water, Plumbing and Sanitation). As Patrick Lawrence Tan, CEO of Global Link MP Events, International, Inc. puts it, “Collectively, the show will feature some of the most dynamic and innovative manufacturing and production technology, machinery and services available in the market that will provide new, efficient and practical solutions to ev-

ery business concern. The show will bring together decision-makers, major industry players, professionals and consumers under one roof, making this a total industry experience where attendees can share the latest developments and advancements in the manufacturing industry”. Aside from being co-organized by Konkordans, Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP), Philippine Center for Print Excellence Inc. Foundation (PCPEF), Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA) and Printing Industry Association of Davao, Inc. (PIADI), MTD has also been supported by the Office of the Vice President, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Office of the Governor, Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Councilor, Mindanao Business Council, Philippine Franchise Association and the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers and many more. The previous expo saw over 5, 003 quality trade visitors and buyers flock the displays of 102 companies. Collectively, reported on-site sales reached over Php 48 million. The 2012 edition is anticipated to surpass its past achievements.

SMX Davao Convention Center to host biggest manufacturing,technology expo

OW on its 6th year, Mindanao once again opens Manufacturing Technology Davao (MTD), the biggest and most comprehensive machinery, products and services exhibition on November 29 – December 2 at the newly built SMX Davao Convention Center, organized by the internationally-renowned exhibition and event’s organizer, Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. This year, MTD is expected to attract a huge number of various leading manufacturers, plant production managers, purchasing and corporate management officers, suppliers and retailers from all inter-related industries as it opens with over 250 exhibiting companies representing products and services from 18 countries. Over 100 exhibiting companies from around the country representing products and services from 24 countries worldwide will be flying in to Davao to display their latest products and services at the event. Manufacturing Technology Davao (MTD) centralizes on the latest and hard-to-find products, technology and machineries critical for the ex-

H. Beatisula, Sharon Angelica G. Bonguyan, Angelita L. Caballero, Silvino G. Presto Jr., Teresita D. Ragonton, Francis R. Rizon, Angel T. Torrejon. Immediate past

president and ex-officio director is Albert A. Ancla. Davao City chapter has the PICE charter no. 005 and now on 37th year of existence in the city of

Davao. It is the only accredited professional organization of civil engineers in the city recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission. [PICE/PR]

AirAsia offers P13 travel treats to celebrate 2013

O celebrate 2013, Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, has unveiled its P13 travel treats promo fare for all international and domestic destinations. Promo seats start selling yesterday, November 26, until 2 December 2012. “AirAsia is setting off the fireworks for 2013 this November by offering a 13peso promo to all our red hot destinations including seats to our newest routes from Clark International

Grab promo seats from Clark Int’l Airport to HK, Taipei, Singapore, KL, Davao and Kalibo (Boracay)

Airport to Taipei, Singapore and Hong Kong,” Freddy Herrera, AirAsia Inc. Commercial Head, said. Promo seats for Clark International Airport to Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Davao and Kalibo (Boracay) are up for grabs viaAirAsia’s website www. airasia.com from 26 November - 2 December

2012, and the travel period will be from 3 December – 31 March 2013. Guests are also able to book their flights via AirAsia’s new and improved mobile apps as well which are available for download at Apple’s App Store for iPhone, Google’s Play Store for Android phones, or at mobile.airasia.com for WAP enabled phones.

benefit from if you drop by Garden Oases on Bonifacio Day, November 30 starting at 6 p.m. for the Friday Acoustic Night Out at the Trellis. If you come with your group of friends, business partners or colleagues at the office, you’ll be treated not just to a soothing night of entertainment until midnight but lots of beer as well. The Trellis is at the poolside of The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases along Porras St. in Obrero. Just come with your family, friends or

colleagues to enjoy good music as well as great food and drinks on a cool night. No entrance fee is required. Beer will be offered at only P199.00 per bucket on this occasion. But you’re free to order more if you think that’s not enough to keep you and your group warm. This is definitely one great way to enjoy a holiday and usher in the month of December at the same time. It will surely be one cool night to remember so mark your diary for this date.

Welcome December in an Acoustic Night Out

COUSTIC music is always soothing to the senses. As such, listening to this kind of music is one of the best ways to end a busy day and take off the stress. The sound of an acoustic guitar, in particular, relaxes the mind and body in a way that no other musical instrument can. Whether played on just the guitar or accompanied with vocals, unplugged music can surely provide listeners with great relief and satisfaction. This is what you can

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

When money talks, everybody listens

EDITORIAL

The last resort

ROM civilian to military operation. This is what is happening to the anti-illegal logging campaign in Mindanao, a transformation that was authorized by no less than President Aquino. The “militarization” was resorted to after 25 civilian members of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) were killed by armed groups said to be employed by illegal loggers, particularly in Mindanao, in the last two years. In its resolution to transfer its operation to the military, the AILTF, which is composed of three department secretaries (DENR, DILG, DND) plus the Armed Forces chief of staff and the chief of the Philippine National Police, also noted the presence and involvement of insurgents in the logging hotspots. The transformation may be a manifestaton of President Aquino’s determination--political will, if you may. However, the drastic change is not necessarily an assurance that it will be more successful this time. A worrisome possibility is for the

EDGEDAVAO

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drive to turn bloody since the illegal loggers are reportedly backed up by heavily-armed groups who are determined to fight the enforcers as shown in the past. The presence of armed insurgents in forested areas will only serve to exacerbate the situation. This is not to mention the very possible scenario of task force operatives and officers succumbing to the ever present temptation of corruption. The history of anti-illegal logging campaigns in this country is replete with examples of collusion between enforcers and illegal loggers, a major reason why such drives became dismal failures. The change in the nature of the campaign, therefore, bears watching as it would certainly spawn headline-grabbing incidents. We can only hope that civilians in the hotspots will cooperate with, and share the passion of, sincere law enforcers, if they really want the campaign to succeed. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

ALBERTO DALILAN Managing NEILWIN L. BRAVO Sports and Motoring ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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kENNETH IRVING k. ONG Creative Solutions

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

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ANUEL Amalilio, the Malaysian founder and owner of Aman Futures Group, Inc., an investment swindling company, must be a firm believer of the adage “When money talks, everybody listens.” So he went to Pagadian City in Zamboaga del Sur early this year and talked about money to the people. He promised lots of money in much lesser time than what the banks assure their depositors. Eyes wide open, the people listened, welcomed him with open arms, and opened their wallets for Amalilio to pick up their money. In Just a matter of months, thousands of people poured in some 12 billion pesos in Amalilio’s kitty. That was how Aman Futures Group was born. Bandied about as a financial wizard, Amalilio talked about money, promised more money, and then ran away with much money (of the people). Another adage which has a ring of truth in it, is “money makes the world go round.” I don’t know the wise guy who coined it, but I guess it simply means money makes people go crazy. Now, that’s not too difficult to understand, really. Money has a double-edged effect on people. One can go crazy just thinking about money, especially if one doesn’t have it. On the other hand, one who has so much money, much more than one needs, can make one go crazy. I have heard of people who, during a drinking binge, light a cigarette with a 20-peso bill. Then, there are those guys watching a floor show inside a night spot, who fold peso bills in half, roll them half-way into a beer bottle, shove it in the middle of a table, then watch intently a naked dancer slowly sit on it, and stand up with the money safely stuck between her legs. Crazy stuff, indeed. And the allmale audience go bananas. Money works wonders. It can also wreck havoc on one’s life. It is unquestionably a defining factor in creating a certain kind of lifestyle. A London study made by the University of Warwick reveals that money can cause positive changes in the way people conduct themselves. The survey concluded that people with substantial amount of money (in thousands of dollars), feel a marked improvement in their psychological health. They show more self-confidence, and display a pronounced pleasant disposition. They talk clearly, smile broadly, and exhibit an infectious cheerful demeanor. Conversely, lack of money or complete absence of it, can drive one to do crazy things, like rob a bank, or kidnap foreigners or steal religious statues. Final question: Do you want to get rich? You may do the following: 1) Go into business 2) Buy a lottery ticket 3) Find the Yamashita treasurers 4) Go find a rich widow/ widower 5) Go to Congress. If none of the above works, just be careful that you still can breathe fresh air, eat junk food, and watch stupid shows on the idiot box. Choice quote: Love of money is the root of all evil, so says the Bible. So, don’t love money, love the one who has it.

EDGEDAVAO

Economic optimism now official

conomic optimism is now official. The year ahead could be “a very good one for the American economy,” Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, declared on Tuesday. If he turns out to be right, these words could probably be applied to the world economy as a whole. Since Bernanke, even more than other central bankers, has spent the past four years warning of perils such as the “fiscal cliff” and the dismal condition of the U.S. labor market, this statement, delivered in the carefully worded peroration of a speech to the prestigious Economic Club of New York, marks an important turning point. Not because Bernanke has a crystal ball that offers him economic clairvoyance. But because his views have an enormous impact on business and financial sentiment around the world. And sentiment — especially about government policies — is the biggest problem for the world economy today. In terms of objective economic and financial conditions, the end of this year looks like a turning point in the slow recovery from the global financial crisis. Outside the euro zone, which now accounts for just 17 percent of global output and will shrink to just 9 percent by 2060 according tothe Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development, economic statistics are clearly improving. Unemployment, though still high, is steadily falling. Banks are now adequately capitalized. Property prices have stabilized, stock markets are rising and credit conditions have returned more or less to normal. For much of this year, the main obstacle to hiring and investment decisions, according to many business surveys, has been uncertainty about politics and monetary policy. That uncertainty is almost over. This may sound preposterous. After all, businesses and financiers have been obsessed all year with the euro crisis or speculation about Fed monetary policy or the U.S. presidential election or China’s surprisingly chaotic leadership transition — and now the prospect that the United States will fall off a fiscal cliff, dragging down the whole world economy. But that is the point. Political uncertainties have been resolved or dramat-

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

COMMENTARY

By AnAtole KAletSKy ically improved in all the most important economies. Yet business sentiment is so negative that almost nobody believes this. Consider what is happening around the world — with the glaring exception of the Middle East, where war and political chaos is unfortunately quite normal. China has belatedly anointed its new leadership, which should end the paralysis in economic policy and ensure that the country’s gradual adjustment to a slower growth does not deteriorate into an economic collapse. In Europe, the crisis has certainly not ended, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to back unlimited ECB bailouts and to keep Greece within the euro, essentially guarantees that the euro will not disintegrate, nor the banking system suffer a Lehman-style meltdown. At least until next October’s German elections. Best of all, the uncertainty about U.S. politics and monetary policy, which have preoccupied businesses and investors this year to the exclusion of almost all other issues, is about to disappear. Bernanke made clear on Tuesday that his optimism about the economic outlook depended entirely on the assumption that Congress would ultimately back away from suicidal legislation that would deliberately push the U.S. economy over a fiscal cliff on January 1. The bad news is that a plausible deal to avert this self-inflicted catastrophe has not yet been outlined. Fear of another Lehman-style financial crisis therefore quite reasonably restrains business decisions around the world. But the good news is that this uncertainty is almost over. By New Year’s Day, 2013, Congress and President Barack Obama will have chosen one of two options. The first is to deliberately sabotage their nation — in which case the world will be back to economic Armageddon. The second will be to tear up the fiscal suicide pact. As long as Washington decides to avoid fiscal suicide, it hardly matters how. The best outcome would be to

agree on broad outlines of long-term fiscal consolidation, while avoiding any spending cuts or tax hikes in 2013. The alternative would be merely to “kick the can down the road” by extending today’s fiscal legislation and increasing the Treasury’s borrowing powers. This is not ideal, but investors and business leaders could live with it. The Fed would then continue financing Washington’s deficits at near-zero interest rates for another two or three years, as explained last week in this column — and as Bernanke has now promised again. The long-term problems of demographics and healthcare costs would then have to be addressed in the next election cycle, after 2016. Whichever option Washington chooses, the current uncertainty about U.S. fiscal policy will, for better or worse, be resolved by January 1. Assuming the fiscal cliff is averted, investors and businesses around the globe will have lost their main excuses for avoiding decisions. When they look at Europe, they will see a continental economy in recession, but no longer close to a Lehman-style financial shock. In China, the new leadership is now in a position to act, if necessary, against risks of the economic slowdown getting out of hand. In the United States, monetary policy is now fixed until 2014 and the presidential election is out of the way. Business leaders may like Obama or hate him. They may agree with Fed policy or disapprove. But there is no longer any point in delaying business decisions until after the next Fed meeting, or until healthcare reform is abandoned or until a new president with new policies is inaugurated next year. That leaves the fiscal cliff as the only serious policy uncertainty to fret about. Assuming that Washington decides not to commit economic suicide on January 1, the business obsession with politics will then have nothing left to feed on. Business leaders and investors will be forced to redirect their attention to economics and the financial fundamentals of their businesses. They may be pleasantly surprised. Once this political uncertainty is neutralized, prospects for most of the world economy look pretty good.

350,000 Pinoy sailors at any given time

IGHLIGHTING the Filipinos superior seafaring skills, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) officer-in-charge Nick Conti said that there are 350,000 Pinoy seafarers working aboard the international merchant fleet at any given time. This is equivalent to 30 percent of the 1.2-million strong seafarers now in active duty. “These men are responsible for remitting USD3.4 billion annually to the national coffers,” Conti said. He also said that the figures could go higher as Filipino seafarers were expected to hit the 400,000 mark by 2015. “Clearly, the Philippines has a lot to protect and to promote in terms of its interests in the overseas seafaring trade. We are therefore strongly committed to reinforce the work we are doing with the help of the various stakeholders, to do what we can to speed up the process,” Conti said.

SPECIAl FEATURE By PhiliPPine newS Agency Among the steps being undertaken by the Philippine government to ensure the competence and quality of the Filipino sailors are the upgrading of standards by the various maritime agencies tasked to monitor and supervise the local manning industry. “With the assistance of the Norwegian Government, the National Quality Standards System (NQSS) is being revised for ISO Certification in 2013 to incorporate the oversight function of MARINA over the other agencies involved in maritime education, training, assessment andcertification such as Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Professional Regulation Commission, National Training Center and Department of Health.

The NQSS also laid down the over-arching framework, which would be followed by the member agencies in their policy formulation,” the MARINA chief said. Conti said that it was considered that the MARINA NQSS would adopt the ISO/ IEC 17024:2012 (general requirements for bodies operating certification of person) standard and the relevant elements of the ISO/19011:2011 (guidelines for auditing management systems). “This agreement is also aligned to the recommendation of the Norwegian team. The MARINA NQSS as documented adopted the ISO 9001:2008,” he said. The MARINA chief also said that they would also avail of another technical assistance from the Norwegian government and as well as support programs from foreign governments for the existing ISO/ NQSS auditors, through the provision of training on Internal Auditor’s Course and Lead Auditor’s Course. [PNA]

Mideast’s dynamic opportunity for peace ANAlYSIS By RoBin wRight

HE Arab world may be in turmoil, but its leaders actually need an enduring peace—now in Gaza and long-term with Israel—because regimes across the region are vulnerable as never before. Whether they like it or not, that’s true for newly elected Islamists. And old-order autocrats need resolution to prevent protests at home from turning against them. The challenge for Washington is taking advantage of the vulnerability to work with the new political roster — including players it doesn’t know all that well. The tectonic political shift over the past two years offers a dynamic opportunity. Committed U.S. diplomacy could not only spur meaningful movement on the 64-year conflict. It could enhance Israel’s security and prevent a whole new type of tension with the region’s new governments. The potential is visible in budding relations between President Barack Obama and Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate who has evolved since June from an unknown engineering professor to the most powerful Arab leader. They’ve talked often during the crisis. Mursi is now brokering what happens next. Washington’s relationship with this new Egyptian leader will also influence Phase 2 of the Arab awakening. U.S.Egypt relations under a Muslim Brotherhood president will shape American ties with the wider Islamic world. The Obama administration needs to move through three phases. Phase 1 is a lasting truce—not just a “period of calm.” Ceasefires never last if not followed by substantive solutions. So Phase 2—in weeks, not months—is tackling immediate flashpoints, including security for Israel, easing the crippling blockade of Gaza and a settlement freeze in the West Bank. Hamas has no incentive to end military pressure on Israel unless Israel eases economic pressure on Gaza, and vice versa. Hamas can never win militarily, but it can thrive politically by not losing — the Hezbollah model created during the 2006 war. The now weakened West Bank government of President Mahmoud Abbas won’t convince Hamas rivals to consider any deal without proof that Israel is seriously engaging. Phase 3 is negotiations on a broader Palestinian-Israeli peace. Ironically, after four years of virtually neglecting the peace process, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton now has an opportunity to pick up where President Bill Clinton left off in his final days in office. The working assumption has long been that the Camp David plan outlined 12 years ago would form the basis of any peace. Phase 3 needs an urgent deadline that doesn’t slip, as the other efforts have since the original 1993 accords. Diplomacy short of all three means indefinite rounds of these conflicts — which neither side can win militarily. The administration needs to move at a clip to ensure events on the ground don’t again overtake diplomacy. The moment of opportunity is short. Phase 3 could begin to take shape when Mursi makes his maiden visit as president to Washington next month. The new Egyptian government reflects the broader political reality today: Fragile new Arab governments are no longer resistance movements. Their primary focus is on creating jobs, writing constitutions, reconstruction and disarming militias. They don’t have a lot of time. Egypt, Tunisia and Libya all face elections over the next year for permanent parliaments, after writing constitutions. They know there is more power on the streets today than in presidential palaces. They also know utopian expectations are not being met.

10 NATION/WORlD

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

Show of force NATION BRIEFS

Influence

obel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Poland Lech Walesa on Sunday recognized the influence of the late Philippine President Corazon Aquino on his country’s own fight for democracy. “For sure there were a lot of solutions which she [Cory] gave to us which we could also use in our own building up of democracy,” Walesa said on the sidelines of the 9th Media Nation Summit in Tagaytay, where he spoke with the aid of a translator.

Highest paid

ho are the highest paid members of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s cabinet last year? A report from the Commission on Audit (CoA) revealed Foreign Secretary Alberto Del Rosario is the highest paid cabinet member after earning P2.936 million in 2011 alone. In its 2011 report on salaries and allowances, CoA said Del Rosario’s earning included salaries, bonuses and allowance as well as P2-million discretionary, extraordinary, and miscellaneous expenses (EMEs).

Highest award

resident Benigno Aquino III on Monday conferred on the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo the Quezon Service Cross award, the highest the Philippine government can give to a citizen. “Sic Floret Respublica: Iyan po ang tatlong salitang Latin na nakaukit sa medalyang ipinagkaloob natin ngayon. Sa Filipino, ‘Pagsibulin ang Republika.’ Iyan din po ang nagawa ni Jesse Manalastas Robredo,” Aquino said in his speech after handing the award to Robredo’s widow, Leni.

Warned

Ignored

WORLD TODAY

China lands fighter D jet on new carrier

World’s largest

ubai, famed for its mega-projects before it was hit by the global financial crisis, on Saturday announced a new development to open the world’s biggest mall and a park larger than London’s Hyde Park. The ruler of the Gulf desert city state, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, announced the plan for a “new city within Dubai,” according to an official statement, naming it after himself.

HINA has carried out its first successful landing of a fighter jet on its first aircraft carrier, state media said on Sunday, a symbolically significant development as Asian neighbours fret about the world’s most populous country’s military ambitions. The home-built J-15 fighter jet took off from and landed on the Liaoning, a reconditioned Soviet-era vessel from Ukraine which only came into service in September this year. China ushered in a new generation of leaders this month at the 18th Communist Party Congress in Beijing, with outgoing President Hu Jintao making a pointed reference to strengthening China’s naval forces, protecting maritime interests and the need to “win local war”. China is embroiled in disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam over South China Sea islands believed to be surrounded by waters rich in natural gas. It has a similar dispute with Japan over islands in the East China Sea. It has also warned the United States, with President Barack Obama’s

China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is berthed at the northeastern port of Dalian in September 2012. China has conducted the first landing of a fighter jet on its new aircraft carri-

“pivot” to Asia, not to get involved. “We should make active planning for the use of military forces in peacetime, expand and intensify military preparedness, and enhance the capability to accomplish a wide range of military tasks, the most important of which is to win local war in an information age,” Hu said. China has advertised its long-term military ambitions with shows of new hardware, including its

er in a move that extends Beijing’s ability to project its growing military might in territorial disputes. [AFP]

first test flight of a stealth fighter jet in early 2011, an elite helicopter unit and the launch of the aircraft carrier. China is boosting military spending by 11.2 percent this year, bringing official outlays on the People’s Liberation Army to 670.3 billion yuan for 2012, after a 12.7 percent increase last year and a near-unbroken string of double-digit rises across two decades. Beijing’s public budget is widely thought by for-

eign experts to undercount its real spending on military modernisation, which has drawn repeated calls from the United States for China to share more about its intentions. China’s state-run Xinhua news portal said the J-15 - which can carry multi-type anti-ship, airto-air, and air-to-ground missiles - is comparable to the Russian Su-33 jet and the U.S. F-18. It did not say when the landing on the carrier took place.

New monorail coaches arrive

Two train coaches for a new monorail system arrive in UP Diliman Nov. 25, with photos posted online by a group called Phil-

ILIPINOS had their first glimpse Sunday of a new monorail system to be piloted in the University of the Philippines in Diliman, which is hailed as “the future of mass transport systems made by Filipinos.” Photos of the Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) developed by UP and the Department of Science and

Restricted

n official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged yesterday the faithful to use the “Catholic vote” to choose prolife candidates in the May 2013 senatorial and local elections. Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, former vice chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said it is high time that Filipinos exercise their religious beliefs in rejecting candidates who are not following the Church’s teachings.

resident Benigno Aquino will not quit smoking despite the country’s top medical body publicly appealing for him to lead by example and kick the habit, his spokesman said. The Philippine Medical Association called on Aquino to give up after noticing his frequent coughing, spokesman Edwin Lacierda told government radio. But Lacierda said that Aquino’s cough, which was first noticed during official visits to Australia and New Zealand late last month, was not related to his smoking but in fact caused by an allergy to pollen.

EDGEDAVAO

ippine Railways. [Photo from Philippine Railways’ Facebook page]

Technology (DOST) made rounds in social networking sites, after it was posted on Facebook by a group called Philippine Railways. Shown in the photos are two train coaches which have arrived in UP Diliman Sunday, as well as parts of the 465-meter test track elevated at 6.1 meters, running from the campus’ C.P. Garcia Ave-

nue to Jacinto Street. The construction of the AGTS railway has began only after the P22-million contract was awarded in June to construction and engineering firm Miescor Builders Inc. The test track will be used to “fine-tune the technology’s mechanisms and operation, which include speed, stability, brake distance, and pow-

er, among others,” the government’s news agency reported in June. If successful, the monorail system will be expanded to ply routes currently covered by several jeepneys in UP Diliman, including the famous “Ikot,” which only travels around the campus in a loop. The project has also meanwhile been cited as a possible “home-grown mass transport solution that would cost us as little as P100 million per kilometer” by President Benigno Aquino III during his 2011 state of the nation address. “The potential savings could result in more kilometers of cheap transport, decongesting our urban centers and allowing rural communities easier access to centers of commerce and industry,” Aquino added. Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo was also earlier quoted as saying that the monorail system “will be the future of mass transport systems made by Filipinos.”

srael restricted Palestinian access to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound and kept a tight grip on security as a first fatality tested a hard-won truce ending fighting in and around Gaza. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud party prepared for a primary on Sunday amid signs its popularity is slipping among Israelis who would have preferred a ground invasion of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

Dialogue

gyptian President Mohamed Morsi said on Sunday the sweeping new powers he has assumed are only temporary and called for dialogue, as clashes in the Nile Delta saw a member of his party killed, medics said. Morsi’s constitutional declaration on Thursday, allowing him to issue decisions and laws unchallenged, triggered a wave of protest and has set him on course for a showdown with Egypt’s judges, whom he is due to meet on Monday in a bid to defuse the crisis.

Unacceptable

ussian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev slammed as “unacceptable” the recognition and support by France and other states of the Syrian opposition battling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. In a wide-ranging interview with Agence France-Presse and Le Figaro ahead of a visit to Paris starting Monday, Medvedev also spoke of the EU economic crisis as a “serious threat” and did not rule out returning to the Kremlin in the future.

Apologized

ustralia’s government and defense force commander apologized to hundreds of victims of abuse within the military on Monday, clearing the way for victims to receive compensation. In an address to parliament, Defense Minister Stephen Smith acknowledged that soldiers, sailors and member of the air force had suffered abuse, often by superiors under the excuse of toughening up younger recruits, since the early 1950s.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 191 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

Comelec... FFROM 1

who are deceased. Ampoloquio said he expects the city’s first district’s over 420,000 registered voters could still be reduced by as many as 5,000 to 10,000. “But this number (420,000) is still high compared to the 2010 elections where there were only a little more than 390,000 voters,” she told reporters during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao’s Café Rysus Monday morning. She said the cleansing of the city’s list of voters is aimed to ensure that only qualified can exercise their right of suffrage in the 2013 midterm elections. Ampoloquio said those to be deleted from the list of voters will be those who had sought to transfer their registration outside Davao City, upon

Holganza...

the confirmation of the office of the Commission on Elections in the town where the voter has relocated. She said that the total number of registered voters may be reduced as soon as their office receives the application for transfer coming from Comelec offices in other municipalities. Ampoloquio disclosed that after the final day of registration last October 31, Davao City now had a total of 969,000 registered voters, with 420,000 in District I (City proper), 299,000 in District II and 250,000 in District III, respectively. She explained that these numbers might still be reduced after the cleansing process is over, including the names of deceased voters. In the latest ERB hear-

ing, several applications for transfer were disapproved on the ground that the residence indicated on the voter’s address was inaccurate. Ampoloquio said they are currently finalizing the list of deceased voters since the local poll body is provided only with a soft copy from the Civil Registrar’s Office. From 2009 to 2012, the Civil Registrar’s Office listed 37,000 deceased individuals for all three districts of the city. The poll body will also cluster a maximum of seven precincts into one precinct to ensure efficient handling of the elections. Based on the guideline issued by the poll body, a clustered precinct must not have more than one thousand registered voters. [With PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

said Matunog.

The 5th Summit was held at The Monochrome, the exhibition venue of Nuvali, the premier Ayala development project in Laguna. Wit’s election was met with elation by Dabawenyos identified with information, communications technology. Aside from Matunog, the others who congratulated Ms Holganza’s significant election were Eriberto “Bert” Barriga Jr., Holden Hao, Prof. Randy Gamboa, Myrna Padilla and Nelly

Sia-Agabin. Lu Pasawa, Davao City head of the Department of Trade and Industry., said Ms Holganza can count on the support of DTI “for you to succeed in your volunteer work of steering the Philippines’ ICT industry. Holganza thanked all those who have worked with here, saying that “now, more than ever, we will need to join hands and help NICP primarily throughout Mindanao carryout the mandate, as ICT Davao continues to be looked upon as the big brother of the island’s ICT councils. [AMA]

was more than P.7 billion higher compared to the recorded collection of P3.631 billion from January to October last year. “We have exceeded our tax collection target by about 1.41 percent as of October this year,” Lozares said. Of the five revenue districts in region 12, General Santos led by collecting P1.175 billion revenues;

followed by Cotabato City – P1.168 billion; Koronadal City – P917 million; Tacurong City – P555 million and Kidapawan City – P554 million. This year, BIR-12 has a collection target of P4.311 billion. “We are number two throughout the country, next only to Metro Manila in terms of tax collection this year,” Lozares said.

polls in 2013 and these are PLDT, SMART, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer. Net, PCIJ (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism), Catholic Media Network, COMELEC, PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting), AMA Education System, Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, UP College of

Mass Communication, UP School of Economics, University of Sto. Tomas, Youth Vote Philippines , RockEd, Punongbayan & Araullo, PCCI (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CCPI (Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands ), Philippine Bar Association and the Philippine Red Cross.

FFROM 1

Rosa, Laguna, that the NICP will be the principal partner of the DOST-ICTO in the implementation of its principal program called “Smarter Society, Smarter Countryside”. This is the mandate that president Wit will be carrying out in the next two years, Matunog said. The NICP started as a 10-member confederation in 2008. Today, it has 48 ICT Councils nationwide. Member trade associations, public and private partners, of ICT Davao, Inc. support Holganza’s leadership, so does the media,

BIR...

FFROM 2

five revenue districts. These are revenue district offices 107 in Cotabato City, 108 in Kidapawan City, 9 in Tacurong City, 110 in General Santos City and 111 in Koronadal City. Lozares is expecting more increase as soon tax collections for November and December are remitted. BIR-12 tax collection as of October this year

GMA...

FFROM 2

GMA News International and GMA Life. Definitely, we will be the people’s eyes and ears in next year’s elections,” said Cel Amores, AVP for GMA Regional News and Public Affairs. GMA Network counts 21 prestigious names from the government, the private sector, the media, and the academe as its partners in the upcoming

Pres. Aquino wants LP candidates reassessed

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has ordered a reassessment allowing members of the Ampatuan clan to run under the administration political party in next year’s elections, a senior Cabinet official said Monday. “As a matter of policy and recognizing that our local leaders are in the best position to know the situation on the local level, then, as a policy we gave the prerogative of choosing who our candidates should be on the local level -- let’s say municipal mayors, municipal councilors, provincial board members, barangay captains -to the local candidates or official candidates of the party,” Budget Secretary and LP stalwart Florencio Abad told a press briefing. Reports said 71 members of the Ampatuan clan, including nine under the LP, were issued certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONA), and will join next year’s midterm polls. Abad said it was Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu who was given the prerogative to choose his candidates in the province. Abad said, when Mangudadatu was asked how come there are those candidates belonging to the

Feeding...

Ampatuan clan, the latter replied: “Well, not all Ampatuans are like the Ampatuans who are being tried now for what happened with the massacre of journalists and those other people of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.” Former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son, former Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. were accused of masterminding the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre of Mangudadatu’s wife and female relatives including 32 media practitioners. Abad believes Mangudadatu’s decision of approving the CONAs for some members of the Ampatuan clan was made “with due consideration to the memory of his wife and loved ones.” Despite that, he said President Aquino has tasked LP secretary-general and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and himself to look into the CONAs issued to the Ampatuans “and see whether, in fact, those designations should be upheld.” Abad said they were tasked “to find out whether in fact that is true to establish the facts. Then, secondly, to understand why of all people Gov. Toto Mangudadatu would

choose candidates of said family name. And, third, whether in fact that reason is something that is consistent with our party principles. And then, fourth, to make that recommendation to the President.” “We can see the fact that he (Mangudadatu) is a victim himself. So I think human nature dictates that -- why would he do something that has brought such tragedy to himself and to his family? So we presume that he is doing this with due consideration of the memory of his wife and his loved ones,” he said. Sen. Franklin Drilon earlier said the party “should revoke whatever certificates of nomination and acceptance that may have been issued to” the members of the Ampatuan clan. “I will not agree that they should run under our party,” he said. Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said it would be up to Drilon to decide whether or not the LP would revoke the CONA of the Ampatuans. “We leave it with them because they are the political party. Sen. Drilon is one of the officials, so definitely they will be in a position to decide,” he said.

who will provide for the food pack, monitor and link the remaining five pillars. “I thanked DepEd for identifying the right beneficiaries of our advocacy, and I also thank the 28th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Francisco Lorenzo Jr. for bridging us to these (beneficiaries) communities,” Mataro said. For his part, Lorenzo assured all the stake-

holders of the continuous support of the Philippine Army to activities that will promote peace and development like the feeding program which aims to have healthier and dependable youths. He encouraged those who participated in the launching to give their share in nation building by collaborating with different agencies in the implementation of developmental projects.

FFROM 3

nutritional counseling; fourth is the Division and district nurses who will distribute, motivate and collect data report from all participating school; fifth is the Philippine Army who will assist in transporting the food pack, monitor and help establish “Gulayan sa Paaralan” which is a good complimentary program to support the feeding; and lastly, the Kiwanis Club of Golden Tagum

Edge Davao hiring editor, 3 reporters

EDGE DAVAO is in need of an editor and three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program. The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/ environment and political beats. On the other hand, the editor will supervise the reporters and do gate-keeping tasks. Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. For reporters, experience is not needed although preferable. The editor should have at least one-year experience in editing.

Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 221-3601.

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NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC., that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT NO(s). 80000166 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No(s) NNN5752712 issued to ANGEL E. FERNANDEZ was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 11/20,27, 12/04

LOT FOR SALE

180 sq. meter, Farland Subd., Dumoy, Toril, P 350,000 only Contact: 0927-706-2510

APARTMENT FOR SALE 3 Door Apartment, lot 320 sq. m. located at Bo. obrero near Victoria Plaza 10 M, Direct Buyers only contact: 0932-532-7304

PROPERTY FOR SALE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRIAL / MANUFACTURING PLANT, 3 hectares, Santa Cruz along the National Highway, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0927-706-2510

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

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along national highway, facing east, beside nccc Panacan, Davao city. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the national highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the national highway in Bincungan, tagum city. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao city. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina town center, along the national highway, Dumoy, toril. 9) Ready-for-occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3t&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao city; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, obrero, Davao city. 11) FoR ASSUMe (RUSh): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. note: items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. if interested, please call Jay (PRc ReB lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com. Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate A PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service with Correction of Entry

WALTER M. DEVERO, JR., Petitioner-Vendor

WALTER L. HO, Petitioner-Vendee Case No.2012- XI-00834 (2003-XI-01283) x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by WALTER M. DEVERO, JR. in favor of WALTER L. HO of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: DARONG (DAVAL DEL SUR)-DAVAO CITY ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate is still valid and subsisting up to July 17,2016

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 03, 2012 at 09:20 a. m. at this office at the above address. At least, FIVE (5) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 28th day of September 2012 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

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ZACARIAS R. MANCIA Petitioner Case No.2003-XI-00147 x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x NOTICE HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: MAGTUOD ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE(1) unit, which certificate will expire on January 23, 2013. In the petition filed on September 26, 2012, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate as well as to correct the Make of the unit subject of this petition from FUSO to ISUZU and Engine Number from 1749564 to 143098.

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NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 03, 2012 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least, FIVE (5) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 191 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

The Dudelz Band to play at YMCA Christmas dinner By Nonoy Villa-Abrille

HE Dudelz Band, a 6-member student musical group from Brokenshire College, is invited by the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Davao to play during its Grand Raffle and Christmas Dinner for a Cause event on December 16, 2012, Sunday, at The Apo View Hotel Grand Ballroom. YMCA Davao also agreed to make the Dudelz Band its entertainment partner for the scheduled Dinner for a Cause after its board directors were enthralled watching the band’s performance during the YMCA World Challenge 2012 celebration at the NCCC Mall in Matina, president & lawyer Antonio Partoza Jr. explained.j The entire band is composed of Aaron Paul Monteagudo, rhythm guitarist; George Russel Bacsarpa, lead guitarist; Trace John Tadle, bass guitarist; Boni Martinez & Jade Michelle

Sabornido are vocalists and Kimberly Joyce Porras is the drummer. With the exception of Trace Tadle, an accountancy freshman, the other 5 are all psychology students. In the beginning when the Dudelz Band was organized only two musicians, Aaron and George, composed the small musical ensemble. The boys called themselves The Dudes. Today, the band has evolved into a mixed group of 6 musicians, with three boys and three girls. With the belles complementing the group, they renamed the band Dudelz – a descriptive combination of dudes and belles. While the musical style of the band caters mostly to the young, who are their peers, yet Dudelz, just like any other bands, dishes out modern, soft and mellowed instrumental and vocal music, as well. The repertoire of music and songs the band will play for the Dinner for

THE DUDELZ BAND. (From left) Jade Michelle Sabornido, vocalist; Kimberly Joyce Porras, drummer; George Russel Bacsarpa, lead guitarist; Aaron Paul Monteagudo, rhythm guitarist; Bonieve Martinez, vocalist and Trace John Tadle, bass guitarist.

a Cause would be popular music and perhaps with a variety of rock & roll music to entertain the guests. Having a well-organized band, Kim Porras confidently claims their band can play all kind of music including

Christmas carols. When away from books and music, the band members would individually lay their hands as volunteers doing civic and community work under the banner of YMCA Davao. In fact Vol-

unteer Kim is also an active member of the college Y of Brokenshire. Among the strongest contributions Dudelz Band has shared for youth empowerment was the impressive support the

musical band gave during the YMCA Youth World Challenge on October 13. As the lead band in a fully packed concert night, more than 300 youth were entertained by their musical performance at the NCCC Mall.

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

P243-M DavNor sports complex near completion By Neil Bravo

OVERNOR Rodolfo Del Rosario walked into the 80 percent complete Davao del Norte Sports Complex project yesterday and liked what he saw. The sports facility, one of Governor Del Rosario’s legacy projects, is set for completion next month and primed for upcoming major sports events beginning next year. It sits on a sprawling 12-hectare property in Mankilam, Tagum City. Gone are the fire-ravaged remains of the old sports complex and the provincial gymnasium. In place is a sports facility that can be best described as “just the right size and the right amenities.”

Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario inspects the Davao del Norte Sports Complex project along with some provincial officials. (NJB)

The main grandstand of the 12-hectare Davao del Norte Sports Complex can seat a capacity of 5,000 and features an all-weather track oval with professional sports lighting system. (NJB)

The Aquatic Center of the Davao del Norte Sports Complex has a 10-lane Olympic sized pool with bleachers and practice pool. (NJB)

The project costs P243 Million and features the main arena with a grandstand that seats a capacity of 5,000, an all-weather track oval, football field and collapsible bleachers. This main arena boasts of professional sports lighting system that allows for night games. It also boasts of an Aquatic Center with 10-lane Olympic-sized pool, practice pool, and multi-purpose building with dressing rooms. “It’s ready for the big events,” said Governor Del Rosario. The project is set to be inaugurated on De-

cember 12 in time for a significant “12-12-12” date with history. However, weather conditions in the past two weeks set back the construction of civil works for the track oval. The facility is set to host the PRISAA Regional Games in January. Aside from the PRISAA event, Governor Del Rosario is looking forward to hosting the Davao Regional Athletic Association meet (DAVRAA) and the Palarong Pambansa in 2015 when the turn of Mindanao to host the annual school-based sports conclave comes.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Ippudo’s Central branch. Ippudo’s menu

NothiNg says comfort food more than a piping hot bowl of ramen. And no ramen is better tasting than the ones being served at ippudo. And given that downtown Central is a far commute back to ippudo hK at tsim Sha tsui, me, Erwin and otoi were lucky to have found the exact building where ippudo in Central is located. honestly, trying to find a restaurant or a store in downtown hong Kong can be a bit tricky especially when the said stores and restaurants are often located on the upper floors of a building as in the case of ippudo in Central that is located the third floor of Century Square (an office tower), along D’Aguilar Street a couple of blocks from Lan Kwai Fong. i remember me and otoi trying to find a baking goods supplier earlier for Joel that was also said to be near the area, only to find out that the building where the store was located was torn down to make way for a new development. Back to ippudo, we all had our regular Akamaru (red) ramen with tonkatsu sauce with an additional egg that as always, is boiled to saucy perfection. ippudo’s broth really shines here and makes the dish a

special treat. The noodles were also perfect, properly cooked yet still springy and Arriving at ramen heaven.

chewy. Another treat not to be missed are ippudo’s delicious steamed pork buns that are soft to the bite yet packed with lots of flavors thanks to the tender, fatty pork slices sandwiched in the middle. And as we finished our bowls of ramen and sip on some delicious tea, we were re-energized for more shopping and exploring. Follow me on twitter and instagram @kennethkingong for more foodie finds, travel mis-adventures, and happenings in and out of Durianburg.

Busy Central HK where stores and restaurants are regularly found higher up on a building.

Delicious and tender pork buns.

Otoi and Erwin

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

UP ANd AbOUT

CEB names Bali as 20th international destination

Launches new Manila-Bali direct service with P888 seat sale ThE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PsE:CEb) announced it will soon fly to bali (denpasar), indonesia, its 20th international destination.

“CEb will launch its direct service from Manila to bali on March 16, 2013, just in time for peak summer travel in the Philippines,” said CEb VP for Marketing and distribution Candice iyog. CEb’s Manila-bali (denpasar) twice weekly service will be every Tuesday and saturday. it will depart Manila at 4:00am and arrive in bali (denpasar) at 7:50am. The return flight will depart bali (denpasar) at 8:35am, and arrive in Manila at 12:25pm. The most popular tourism destination in indonesia, bali has been ranked by bbC Travel, Lonely Planet and Travel&Leisure Magazine as among the world’s best islands. Visitors often go to Kuta for the shopping, night life, surfing and beach activities, and then go to the arts and cultural center of Ubud in the center of the island. bali (denpasar) is CEb’s 2nd destination in indonesia, aside from Jakarta where CEb operates a four times weekly service. To introduce this route, CEb offers an P888 seat sale from Manila to bali (denpasar) from November 20 to 23, 2012 or until seats last. This is for travel from March 16 to June 30, 2013. After the sale period, lowest year-round fares for bali (denpasar) start at P3,499, which is up to 38% lower than other airlines. “Passengers now have more choices when traveling on CEb’s extensive southeast Asian network, since we are also the only airline flying from Manila to hanoi and siem Reap, and the only low-cost carrier flying from Manila to Kota Kinabalu,” she added. Presently, CEb flies to 19 international destinations: bangkok, beijing, brunei, busan, Guangzhou, hanoi, ho Chi Minh, hong Kong, incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, shanghai, siem Reap, singapore, Taipei and Xiamen. For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www. cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEb’s official Twitter and Facebook pages. Quoted fares are exclusive of check-in baggage allowance, taxes, fuel surcharges and admin fees. CEb currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 22 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. its fleet of 40 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is the largest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. it is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

PAL Mabuhay Miles Golf Champ - Ramon Nolasco (center) is this year’s overall net champion in the 2012 Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Elite invitational Golf Tournament – the flag carrier’s prestigious golfing event exclusive for its frequent flyers – held recently at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club inCavite. Presenting the trophy are Felix Cruz Jr. (right), PAL vice president for marketing support, and Ria Carrion domingo, PAL assistant vice president for product loyalty marketing.

The stylish kitchen by SMEG EsTAbLishEd in 1948 by Vittorio bertazzoni from Guastalla in Northern italy, sMEG is an italian acronym that stands for “ smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Gustalla” meaning “an enamelling plant working with metals.” sMEG has a long and rich history when it comes to kitchen appliance design and development. in the second half of the 1950s, sMEG launched one of the first gas cookers with an automatic switch-on function, an oven safety valve and cooking programmer/timer. in 1963, the laundry and dishwasher range was launched and soon produced a world first in 1970: a 60cm, 14 place setting dishwasher. The mid 1970’s heralded the arrival of the very first built-in hobs and ovens and the establishment of partnerships with internationally renowned architects and designers. in the 1990’s, sMEG added even more products to its various product lines, including sinks, hoods and coloured retro 50’s refrigerators, which were soon to become iconic items all over the globe. Every smeg product combines refined style and excellent performance. Careful attention to consumer needs allows smeg to interpret a new concept of living,

where domestic appliances represent the synthesis of technology with style. Every new product is, for smeg, a handmade special, born from a design studio where form, ergonomics and function have been carefully studied. sMEG’s products strongly express a “Made

in italy” style by perfectly combining design, performance, and attention to detail. Giving every kitchen with a sMEG, an air of sophistication, and elegance. sMEG also utilizes the latest technologies for production, incorporating laser cutting facilities for steel, avant- garde

mechanics workshops, exhaustive life-cycle testing of materials, and laboratories constantly engaged in research, all testify to smeg’s commitment to offer aspirational products destined to endure over time. sMEG is available in davao at sKs home depot.

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ENTERTAiNMENT

Rush Hour 4?:

‘It’s going to be a lot of fun,’ says Chris Tucker ThE Rush hour 4 guessing game marches on.

Even though Jackie Chan has announced that he’s retiring from action movies, his Rush hour costar Chris Tucker is pretty confident that they’ll make a fourth installment of their hit comedy franchise. “it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Tucker told me the other night at the silver Linings Playbook screening in L.A. “i hope it happens. We need to do one more.” The first Rush hour hit

said. “i love working with Jackie, being around Jackie. stuff just happens when we’re together.” Chan said in May that after 100 films, Chinese Zodiac would be his last because he was getting too old for the action stunts and wasn’t happy how violent movies have become.

theaters in 1998 followed by a second in 2001 and the last one in 2007. brett

Ratner directed all three. “i just want us to be free and do our thing,” Tucker

February 2010, according to billboard. “#Gangnamstyle just became the most watched video @you-

Tube!! #history,” Psy tweeted saturday. Psy catapulted to international stardom this summer with the release of the hit single and music video, most recently performing the dance with Madonna at her New york City concert, and with MC hammer at the 2012 American Music Awards. ironically, Psy became label mates with the bieber in september, when he signed to scooter braun’s schoolboy Records.

Gangnam Style becomes most-watched YouTube video of all time As it turns out, it’s not just Justin bieber’s world.

south Korean rapper Psy’s contagious hit, “Gangnam style,” just nabbed quite the impressive title from the biebs’ “baby”, becoming the most-watched youTube video of all time. The music video has earned about 803,761,000 views since it was first posted to the site in July. Meanwhile, the music video for“baby” racked up 803,732,000 since it was released in

Rihanna tweets photo of Chris Brown in bed

NObOdy’s ness, huh?

busi-

After hopping on a plane to meet up with Chris brown in berlin Wednesday, Rihanna made no secret that the duo was still spending time together. “dis n-gga....... #bartObsessed,” Rihanna tweeted saturday evening, along with an instagram snap of what appears to be a shirtless brown lying face down on a bed that has a simpsons comforter on it. While the “diamonds” singer never mentions her ex-boyfriend by name, the singer’s tat-

toos are visible, and he tweeted a photo of himself just hours before, in which he is wearing the bart simpson jacket that is on the bed. Rihanna recently

laughed off romance rumors regarding brown in a Facebook Live! chat with Andy Cohen, saying they were not dating again. Riiight.

Michelle Obama, and daughters welcome giant White House Christmas tree

iT’s officially Christmastime at the White house. First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and sasha, along with bo the dog, welcomed the official White house Christmas tree yesterday morning.

The stylish family greeted the 19-foot Fraser fir from Peak Farms in Ashe County, N.C., which was brought in by two huge Clydesdale horses and hugely festive

men wearing top hats and crisp red bow ties, with the Marine band playing “O Christmas Tree.” Michelle gave the tree her approval after smelling the needles and offering a thumbs up and saying it’s “it’s a go,” according to AbC News. The Michelle-sanctioned tree will be set up for display in the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’s blue Room throughout the holiday season.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

sTyLE ENTERTAiNMENT

thE classic Ballet “Swan Lake” is Salad’s inspiration for this year’s Fall/Winter collection. The collection focuses on decorative elements such as ballet girls, animal & plant embroideries with tassels, beads & bow designs to a mix sense of ballet performance. Light fabrics are the important elements of this season, such as see-through chiffon, the clothes are perfect for mix & match with draping collar design to create the elegant and playful style of ballet.

Leather Jacket Collection Leather Jackets are highly recommended to be worn with Jeans with unique designs this season. Slim-cut colored leather biker jackets with fur collar such as peacock green, fuchsia, light purple, orange and ivory color are easily to mix & match and are perfect for this season. in addition, padded jackets and down jackets with bright color and polka dot patterns are also the highlighted items of Salad FW12. Jeans Collection Come Fall/Winter 2012, embellishment and embroidery with studs and patchwork will be the main design elements of Salad’s

jeans collection. Apart from blue color, jeans in red color are also the hot items for this collection. These jeans come in different cuts and lengths such as slim cut, straight cut and

wide leg cut, which will no doubt give license to young girls looking adorable everyday. Salad’s latest FW collection is available at Bauhaus, 2F Abreeza Mall.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 191 •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

AAK Davao bets in Adidas Cup T

Japeth ponders next move Arthur Lao III of AAK Davao scoring a kick to the head of a Sri Lankan opponent during the 2nd Silent Knight Karate Cup held last month in Singapore.

IG man Japeth Aguilar now has to make up his mind on whether to resume his career in the Philippine Basketball Association or accept the offer to stay on as practice player of the Sta. Cruz Warriors in the NBA

D-League. Marvin Espiritu, the Philippine-based agent of the athletic 6-foot-9 Aguilar, said the former Ateneo center has yet to talk to him regarding his next career move. “Hindi ko pa alam kung

ano ang plano ni Japeth, kung ano ang outlook niya,” Espiritu disclosed to Spin.p. In the end, Espiritu said Aguilar will definitely have to make a decision. “But it will be his decision in the end,” the agent added.

Aguilar failed to make the final 10-man roster of the Warriors last week, but coach Nate Bjorkgren offered the lanky Filipino center a spot as practice player of the team. Aguilar asked for time to think about the offer.

Weiss, who is set to sit out the Vietnam match, said on Sunday. “I don’t think it’s realistic. We’ll take it as it is,” Weiss added. “Sometimes, it’s good to observe from the bird’s perspective to see some things…its not a drama, but we are used to take difficult situations positively.” The Azkals lost to Thai-

land in the opener last Saturday in a game where the German mentor was ejected for throwing the ball at a hurting Thai booter who was lying on the pitch in the second half. Despite being prohibited to stay on the bench and is just allowed to watch the game against Vietnam on November 27 on the bleachers, Weiss will still

give instructions like he was on the sidelines. “I will prepare the team as if I would be on the bench and I will try to get in contact and if it’s necessary in halftime, I will send out some directives and also make some changes from there,” said Weiss, who’s duties will be handed over to assistant Edzel Bracamonte.

HE fancied AAK Davao Karatedo Team will be competing in the 2012 Adidas Karate Cup which begins on November 30 at the SM Mall of Asia. AAK Davao manager Rommel Tan said the team will be leaving on November 29 in time for the coaches meeting at the AAK fitness center at the SM Megamall . AAK Davao will be fielding 15 karatekas in the age group categories. They are Rick Davaid Aquino 7(Davao Central High School), Alexa Barnes 7, Oona Ysabelle Barnes 11, Kassandra Barnes 15, Manuel Sy 11 ( Davao Christian High School), Pavel Jervis Bacayo 17, Angelica Noro 16, Mary Ann Pilarte 16, Vivian Cortes 15, and Danya Paquil 14 (UIC), John Paul Ponce, 8, (Precious International School), Denzel

Mara Mara,14, and Darlene Mara, 12 (Tecarro), Carmela Marie Estarija, 15, (Stella Maris Academy) and team captain Arthur Lao III, 17, (ADDU). The categories to be contested in the age group division are kata and kumite 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 1213,14-15 and 16-17 years old boys and girls. Two teams from Japan will be arriving under former Phl Karate Team coach Shin Tsukii Sensei. “This will be a good exposure for the team because Japan and other countries will be also joining the said championships. We hope that the team will be able to bring medals because most of the team members are new,” Tan said. AAK Davao will be mentored by Tan and assistants Jeofrey Albarico and Dodong Bacalla.

Azkals appeal Weiss suspension

ANGKOK – The Philippine men’s football team is weighing an appeal on coach Michael Weiss’ suspension ahead of the Azkals’ second match in the Asean Football Federation Sukuki Cup on Tuesday. “We’re considering that but normally it’s very difficult to reverse the decision of the referee,”

DSA Forum back on Thursdays at new venue

James Younghusband of the Philippines chases a Thailand player in their AFF Suzuki Cup match. Thailand dealt the Azkals a 2-1 loss before the Thai homecrowd in Bangkok.

HE weekly forum of the 18-year-old Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) has been moved to Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at its new home along McArthur Highway Matina - the Dexter’s Pizza Stadium. The DSA Forum had been hosted on Tuesdays by the Tower Inn along Quirino Avenue early this year. The Tower Inn was home to the DSA Forum for over a decade. Outgoing DSA president Charles Raymond Maxey thanked the Tow-

er Inn management for hosting the DSA Forum over the years. He is also upbeat about DSA Forum’s new home. “We are looking into having two regular homes for the DSA Forum. We will have yet to finalize details with the other venue,” Maxey said. DSA, Davao’s oldest-running umbrella organization of sports media, is also set to hold a general assembly and an election for the new set of officers before the year ends.

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EDGEDAVAO

Davao booters ousted Golfing businessman Boy Tan coaxes his putt in this bit of action during the DOW Aquascience Fun Golf at the Rancho Palos Verdes. (Boy Lim)

By Neil Bravo

ard-luck Hooligans FC got stalled anew on their one last chance to get the last ticket to the Round of 16 of the PFF Smart National Club Championships. The Southern Mindanao titlists from Davao City failed to get a ‘W’ against Romgarjal FC of Dipolog on the final day of the Mindanao Finals before a disappointed home crowd at the Tionko Field. Hooligans could only manage a draw against Romgarjal FC in a match where no less than a win is needed to shove the Davao booters to the quarterfinal stage of this Suzuki Cuptype tournament. The Hooligans were

FINAL STANDINGS TEAM

PTS

Romgarjal FC

Mlang FC

Hooligans FC

Advocates FC

-9

GP= Games Played; W=Win; D = Draw; L = Loss; GF = Goals For; GA = Goals Against; GD = Goal Difference [GF minus GA]; PTS = Points [W = 3 pts; D = 1 pt; & L = 0 pts].

actually on the verge of forging a three-way tie after veteran Michael Jay Fernandez knocked in a goal in the 79th minute. Needing just to keep the scoreline to the very end, the Hooligans gave up a game-tying marker in injury time as Sergio Alexis

Pellerin found the net in the extra two minutes. With the draw, Romgarjal thus topped the Mindanao Finals with 2 wins and a draw for 7 points, while Davao tormentor M’lang FC booked the other spot with a 2-01 slate for 6 points. Davao

finished the tournament with a 1-1-1 card for 4 points. The Nationals will resume in January next year with the top 6 qualifiers from the regional group stages joining the top 10 UFL squads after the UFL Cup tournament.

Nonoy Llamas sinks his putt during the DOW Aquascience Fun Golf at the Rancho Palos Verdes golf and country club. (Boy Lim)