Edge Davao 5 Issue 202

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VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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City to impose envi users tax

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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HE government of Davao City is expected to collect an environment user’s tax or environmental tax from individuals and companies operating plantations within the watershed areas of the city starting next month.

This was the decision of the

LGU to build environmental fund User’s tax found in Watershed Code Watershed Management Council (WMC) headed by Mayor

Sara Duterte-Carpio during its monthly meeting last week. The meeting was presided over acting city administrator Zuleika Lopez, WMC vice chair.

According to lawyer Gil Norman Cuidadano, who represent-

F25, 11

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WASHED AWAY. Amidst a backdrop of devastation from the wrath of superstorm Pablo in the once vibrant Baganga town in Davao Oriental, fishermen paddle their way through a puddle of logs and other debris washed away in the waters around the Lambajon Port. As of 12 noon yesterday, 403 were

Vessels, aircraft deployed to search for missing fishermen

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Dugang kita!

ESSELS and aircraft of the Philippine Navy are deployed to conduct search operations for hundreds of missing fisherman, nearly a week after typhoon Pablo lashed out a huge area in Southern Mindanao.

Captain Robert Empedrad Commander of the Joint Task Force Maritime Search and Rescue, the Philippine Navy has deployed four ships and two islander aircraft for the search of the missing fishermen of which an estimated 300 fishers mostly tuna catchers are still unaccounted for.

Among the vessels are the Patrol Ships BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19), BRP Iloilo (PS 32) along with patrol crafts BRP Salvador Abcede(PG 114) and BRP Felix Apolinario (PG 395).

Empedrad said that the vessels have covered a wide swath of maritime area as he cited that PS 32 is already patrolling 100 nautical miles from land.

The Navy’s two Islander aircraft have conducted four search sorties reaching as far as Indonesian airspace to look for the fishermen. Empedrad said that they have gotten clearance to proceed into Indonesian airspace.

Empedrad said that Indonesia has also been helpful in the search with one Indonesian Navy vessel conducting the search within their territorial waters, he said that with clearance from the Indonesian Navy, some Phil-

FVESSELS, 11

declared dead, 1,900 injured and 110 more missing in Davao Oriental. The ravished towns of Baganga and nearby Cateel and Boston need all the help it can get from food, shelter materials and water. [EDEN JHAN LICAYAN]

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

IGaCoS is positioned as Korean destination

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HE Department of Tourism (DOT) has identified the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) as a priority area for investment for 2013 and is being positioned as a top destination for Korean tourists.

“The Koreans are looking for beaches where they can spend their vacation and we are positioning Samal Island as a top destination,” DOT XI regional director Art Boncato said.

He said the Koreans top the country’s tourist arrival for this year as it hit the one million mark already. The country’s tourism sector is eyeing at least two million Korean tourists by 2016, he added.

“We have many breakthroughs in tourism and a more unified provincial, local and national tourism sector which has decided to position Davao City and the region

primarily as the next international destination,” he said.

He said the DOT secretary has already given his commitment about prioritizing Davao. The investors have put up hardware and are physically present now, he added.

Boncato said the Korean Association in Cebu already visited the city and evaluated the existing tourism facilities. “We have prepared a package for Korean tourists to encourage them to visit the city,” he said.

He said Davao City and Samal Island in Davao del Norte province have been identified as a tourism cluster with key attractions like sun and beach, entertainment, leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events). This tourism cluster will be promoted for the cruise, nautical, health and wellness niche, he added.[LAC]

HE University of Southeastern Philippines, the first state university in the Davao Region, is commemorating its 34 years of service to students.

On December 15, 1978, Batas Pambansa Bilang 12 was passed, thereby, creating the University of Southeastern Philippines. In celebration of USeP’s 34th founding anniversary, the University has set six-day activity-based program that will start on December 15.

Among the highlights of the celebration are the pamukaw and mass, December 15; fun run dubbed as run for charity since proceeds will be giv-

en to two charitable institutions in Davao City, December 16; torch lighting (release of lanterns) and bonfire, December 17; cheer dance Competition, December 17; launch of USeP health and wellness program, December 18; Children’s Christmas party, December 18; giving of loyalty awards and most outstanding awards in the areas of instruction, research, and extension, December 19; faculty and staff Christmas party, December 19; and inter-campus intramurals, December 17-20.

The opening ceremonies set on December 17, 9:00 am at the USeP Gymnasium and Cultural Center

EDGEDAVAO

TRADITION. Children patiently wait for their turn to ride the carousel at Rizal Park last night. It’s already a tradition whenever Yuletide season comes that the city government of Davao gives free carousel and other rides to less fortunate children. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Dabawenyos are eligible USeP celebrates 34th founding anniversary for GSIS emergency loan T FUSeP, 11

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HE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) assured Dabawenyos that they can avail themselves of the emergency loan that will be made available by GSIS to members affected adversely

by Typhoon Pablo which has resulted to the loss of lives and destruction of property in the three Davao provinces.

“GSIS members from the city already flocked to our office and lined up at our kiosks since Friday,” Edwin Alconera of the GSIS Billing and Collection Unit said Tuesday.

The loan may be availed of between De-

GSIS members in Davao City and Davao del Sur can also avail themselves of the Pablo emergency loan

cember 7, 2012 and January 5, 2013, he said.

The initial news release from GSIS indicated that only GSIS members living or working in specific areas in Mindanao namely Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur,

Davao del Norte, Samal Island, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, North Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao were eligible for the emergency loan.

However, Alconera said the release was issued on December 7, prior to the declaration of President Benigno S. Aquino III of a national disaster.

GSIS said they already

Oriental at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) compound in Panacan, Davao City yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

FDABAWENYOS, 11

Davao looks up to prestige in bid as site for Ad Congress

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HELPING HANDS. Army reservists are seen lending their hands in loading relief goods into a hauler for the victims of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao

included Davao del Sur (which includes Davao City) in the list.

“Dili mi makasigurado pila na ang nag apply ug na grant pero daghan kay puno man pirmi ang amoang kiosks (we are not sure how many actually applied and those granted the loan but our kiosks were full since Friday),” he said.

GSIS has nine kiosks in the city, five at the GSIS office and four more in different offices in the city including City Hall, City Council, Department of Education and Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

INNING its bid for the 23rd Ad Congress will not only give prestige to Davao City but will provide a boost to its tourism efforts with up to 5,000 people, 90 percent from outside Davao City, expected to join the Congress next year.

“The regular attendees for the first two days of the Ad Congress will be around 3,000 to 3,500 but the last day which is the Aliw Awards night will definitely bring in up to 5,000 people,” Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) chief Jason Magnaye said.

We will formally present our bid to the Ad Board and Execom on December

17 but we still have to meet and decide on our presenters,” Magnaye said. He added that they already got the templates in matrix form for the presentation, which is more or less just filling in the number of hotel rooms and other facilities required by the Board.

He said the city can meet the requirements of the Ad Board considering that it already has an inventory of 6,600 rooms including the small pensions,” he said. But even if they subtract the small pension houses, he added, the city still has an inventory of around 5,600 rooms which is more than enough for the Congress.

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL.5 ISSUE 202 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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Tagum earmarks P3 million for repair of damaged houses T

REPAIR. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy announces that the City Government of Tagum will allocate P3 million for the repair of damaged houses in Tagum City after Typhoon Pablo devastated Davao Region. The houses were identified by the city’s Resettlement and Anti-Squatting Task Force. The mayor also announced the cancellation of

Preemptive evacuation saves thousands of Bukidnon folk

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AST floods failed to force farm laborer Nelson Lumilang, 24, to leave his house along the bank of Tigua River.

But when ‘Pablo’s’ heavy rains poured on December 4, the overflowing river washed out his house along with 34 others in Tumawas village, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

“If we didn’t take the advice, we could have perished,” the father of two said in a corner of the municipal gymnasium here where they sought refuge. He cited that the decision to leave started with reports on the radio and personal warning from local authorities.

Lumilang belonged to the 31,261 families in Bukidnon who fled on account of preemptive evacuation, according to the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The PDRRMC cited however that 12, 454 families evacuated only when the typhoon had hit the province or after it had left.

Arsenio Alagenio, PDRRMC operations officer, said in his December 7 report to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) that preemptive evacuation in the province saved lives from the fury of “the worst typhoon to hit the province so far.”

Except for those in Valencia City’s river banks, he added, Bukidnon’s local disaster risk reduction and management

councils (DRRMC) were “successful in conducting preemptive evacuation in high risk areas.”

Alagenio noted in his report that people living along Valencia’s river banks “were not afraid of flood waters after [being given] warning” until the water’s depth increased by three feet.

The council recommended forced evacuation in case another disaster occurs.

It was the first time that Bukidnon was placed under Storm Signal No. 3.

The province was placed under Storm Signal No. 2 during tropical storm ‘Sendong’ in December 2011.

The PDRRMC noted that their operation center and rescue teams were on alert 24/7 even before the typhoon came.

As of December 7, the council reported four casualties from the province, including a six-year old boy from San Isidro, Valencia City who was hit by an uprooted coconut tree while fleeing for safety.

Lumilang told MindaNews he initially hesitated to vacate as they were able to manage the past floods on Tigua River, a tributary of the Pulangi River.

“The water reached our house but it never bothered us before,” he added.

When local police officers knocked on their door to warn them of the typhoon and the possibil-

FPREEMPTIVE, 11

AGUM City Mayor Rey T. Uy has ordered the City Budget Office to release P 3 million that will be used for the repair of houses in Tagum City damaged by Typhoon Pablo that recently hit the country.

This was announced by the local chief executive last December 10, 2012 during the city employee’s flag raising ceremony when he explained the urgent need to help those households who suffered the wrath of the typhoon.

Uy said the amount will be used for the acquisition of galvanized iron sheets, woods, nails and other materials for the benefit of 1,040 households that were assessed by the city’s Resettlement and Anti-Squatting Task Force.

These households, the mayor said, were catego-

rized as severely damaged or partially damaged and are located in the different barangays of the city.

Meanwhile, Uy also announced the cancellation of the LGU Christmas Party, which was supposed to be last week but was immediately postponed. In light of the extent of the damage of the calamity, Uy’s administration decided to use the funds intended for the party for the relief efforts instead.

As of the present, the local government is still taking care of the several injured survivors of the wrath of Pablo from New Bataan at the city’s Rotary Park gymnasium.

Uy also extended his gratitude to all the volunteers who helped in several relief operations conducted by the city. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

sultants, the rubber industry cluster listed huge land areas for rubber as one of its “strengths” and a good opportunity for the industry to increase rubber production.

The ARMM rubber industry cluster also reported that the region’s rich fertile soil, typhoon-free region, existing nursery operators supplying rubber tree seedlings, skilled workers, and a stable production system for rubber are among the factors ideal for rubber production.

“Big opportunities are also opening up for the rubber industry to grow

and move forward, especially with the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) that officially recognized rubber as one of the trees in its agro-reforestation program,” the cluster said in its report to JICA. Also considered as opportunities for the industry, are the ongoing rubber seedling dispersal of local government units, incentives for new investments in rubber production, available financing funds for rubber farming, presence of rubber equipment operators and the growing demand for rubber in both

domestic and global markets.

High cost of power and obsolete rubber processing equipment were, however, some of the industry’s weaknesses in the ARMM region, specially in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

The lack of supply of quality planting materials, lack of infrastructure, high cost of processing equipment, poor management of some cooperatives and lack of government support for small rubber growers are factors faced by rubber producers in Basilan and Sulu.[PNA]

Pacific Ocean.

Tuna industry cluster chair Rey Billena, who also sits as vice president of the General Santos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said this concern was taken up during the recent National Tuna Congress in this city.

“This has always been a major concern of the tuna industry and some conservation measures had been discussed by stakeholders and put into place to help sustain the growth of this industry,” Billena said.

General Santos alone exports around 100 to 200

metric tons of high-grade, export-quality, fresh, chilled and frozen tuna to the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan, he said.

Although the nation’s “tuna capital” is General Santos, a considerable bulk of the country’s fresh tuna exports are also shipped by air from Davao, Zamboanga and Manila to the world’s tuna markets.

The tuna industry churns out some 100,000 jobs for Filipino workers and fishermen and generates export earnings of around 325 million US

dollars average annually.

The total Philippine tuna exports last year covering the period from January to December 2011 racked up a total of 366 million US dollars from exports of 27,708 metric tons of fresh, chilled and frozen tuna as well as canned tuna to the world’s tuna markets, according to Billena.

He said the Philippines today ranks second in world tuna catches, making the Filipino tuna fisherman one of the world’s best catchers of tuna in the world’s oceans.[PNA]

LGU Tagum’s Christmas Party for its employees. This was announced last December 10, 2012 during the city employee’s flag raising ceremony held in front of the City Hall when he explained the urgent need to help those households who suffered the wrath of the typhoon. [Photo by Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum]

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ARMM offers vast lands for rubber plantations

HE administration of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)has offered thousands of hectares of vast fertile lands for rubber plantations.

The ARMM rubber industry cluster presented during the recent workshop of the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP), a joint project of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)the region’s potential in growing rubber plantation.

In a report to JICA con-

Dwindling tuna supply a big worry for PHL tuna industry

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WINDLING supply of tuna has remained a big concern of the country’s tuna industry as it grappled with increasing world demand for fresh, chilled and frozen tuna in global markets.

Although the tuna fishing ban had been lifted by the Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (CPFC) late last year (2011), the strict conservation measures imposed by the group, aggravated by the global climate change, are slowing down the tuna output coming from the

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

Solon raises need for national disaster prevention blueprint

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lawmaker stressed yesterday that government must now put in place a comprehensive national disaster prevention and response blueprint that would set a national program to meet and mitigate extreme weather conditions due to climate change.

“In the wake of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, government must focus on mitigation, in relation to loss of lives, property and infrastructure. These need short and long term action blueprint,” Aklan congressional aspirant and Ang Kasangga partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco said.

Foremost, he said is to conduct a continuing public education/information on climate change and the protection of the environment.

“We can start by institutionalizing environment protection through education. The education sector must start from the elementary to college levels. Our people must understand that environment degradation is the shortest way to tragedies,” Haresco said.

Local governments – from the barangays to the provincial level -- he said, must lead the way in promoting environment protection with the strong and active participation

of non-government organizations .

“It is the local government units which can determine the actual circumstance that prevail in their areas. There’s need to emphasize waste management and waste disposal at the barangay level,” Haresco added.

The current efforts of the national and local government to put in place efficient warning systems using public and private media to disseminate weather bulletins and warnings really helped mitigate loss of lives and damage to public and private infrastructures.

Local government units must also strengthen environmental laws that would particularly cater to their respective circumstances and capabilities and resources in protecting the environment.

“National and local environmental laws must be implemented strictly or else we all pay the price,” he said, emphasizing that the national and local governments must adopt programs that would involve the active participation of the people.

Sustained vigilance and heightened public awareness on the destructive effects of destroying the environment is the call of the moment, Haresco concluded.

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Hedcor Sibulan bags earth-friendly award

SEAL OF APPROVAL. Hedcor’s president and COO Rene Ronquillo (4th from right) and Environmental Officer Junessa Guimalan (3rd from right) accept the DENR Seal of Approval. Looking on is the Director of DENR-EMB, Juan Miguel Cuna (4th from

left) and Hedcor’s vice president for Business Development, Boy Jabonillo (2nd from right). The award is part of the DENR’s Philippine Environmental Partnership Program recognizing companies that incorporate green policies in their business platforms.

EDCOR Sibulan was recognized as among the most earth-friendly companies in the country this year. The company was awarded the Seal of Approval by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its efforts in incorporating green policies

The awards are part of the DENR’s Philippine Environmental Partnership Program (PEPP), which covers public and private industrial and commercial establishments, including agri-industrial facilities and manufacturing companies.

“One of our top envi-

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in its business platforms.

In a statement, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said “the (winners) were chosen because of their exemplary environmental performance and for going beyond mere compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations.”

Task force says illegal logging no longer a problem in Region12

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HE National Anti-illegal Logging Task Force (NAILTF) has cleared Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region from among the areas in the country with existing illegal logging hotspots.

Dr. Noel Dungca, Forest Resources Development Division head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 12, said

such development was based on the yearend report released last week by the NAILTF during a conference in Clark, Pampanga.

“This is a major accomplishment for the region in terms of forest protection and it was acknowledged by no less than the President (Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III) and DENR Secretary (Ramon) Paje,” he

FUNDRAISING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) and Banco de Oro Unibank (BDO) have committed to extend its award-winning fundraising partnership: Finding and Funding Ways for the Environment recently won 1st place at the 5th KYRA Fundraising Awards and empowers BDO ATM cardholders to voluntarily donate PHP5 to WWF after each ATM transaction. Donations support WWF’s climate change, food security and environmental conservation programmes across the country. From left to right are WWF Marketing

EDGEDAVAO

said in a radio interview.

Dungca said the report cited that illegal logging activities in the region have continued to slow down due to the continuing intensified enforcement of the provisions of Executive Order (EO) No. 23 issued by the President that halted all authorized logging operations in natural forests nationwide.

Region 12 covers the

provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Since last year, the DENR and local government units in the region have stepped up their crackdown against illegal logging activities as well as forest poaching.

Vice-president Reggie Olalia, BDO First Vice-president Expedito Garcia Jr., WWF Vicechair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, BDO Senior Vice-president Emmanuel Narciso and BDO Vice-president Juvencio Pereche Jr. Says WWF Vice-chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, “This is fundraising for the environment – the first ATM micro-giving programme in the hundred-country WWF network. Together with BDO, we shall find ways and build futures.” WWF invites BDO cardholders to continue supporting its initiatives when using ATMs.[WWF-Philippines/Gregg Yan]

ronmental priorities in Hedcor is riverbank stabilization through series of tree planting,” said Hedcor’s president, Rene Ronquillo.

“We have adopted 1000 hectares for tree planting within the protected area of Mt. Apo Natural Park for its preservation and protection,” he added.

More to be done for disaster resilience

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ESPITE praise from the European Union coordinating body for humanitarian aid, Senator Loren Legarda said that there is much more to be done in order for us to become a disaster-resilient country.

“Officials of the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) cited an improvement in the government’s response compared to last year when Tropical Storm Sendong devastated parts of Mindanao.

While we note that this is certainly better, it is not our best. The best is to be prepared to lessen the need for response.

The best is to have zero casualty,” she said.

Legarda, author of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, noted that Davao Oriental, which was awarded the Gawad Kalasag for heading the Best Prepared Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, still suffered immense losses from Pablo.

“It seems that even

those who are prepared could not withstand the strength of our natural hazards today. Even communities who already have disaster mitigation programs in place still suffer from the effects of extreme weather events.

This is an opportunity for us to re-evaluate our current strategies, and build on them based on recent events,” she stated.

The Senator, also the UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, expressed deep regret for the deaths and damages brought about

by Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials to step up to the challenges.

“Climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness and risk reduction constitute the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time.

These challenges we can overcome if our programs and mechanisms in place actually address the specific vulnerabilities present in each community in the country,” Legarda concluded.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 202 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

THE ECONOMY

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Exports continue growth in October V

PHL among top Asian performers in first 10 months of 2012

ALUE of merchandise exports grew by 6.1 percent to US$4.4 billion in October 2012, making the Philippines one of the strongest performers among its selected East and Southeast Asian neighbors for the first 10 months of the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

From January to October 2012, total exports receipts from the Philippines already totaled US$44.5 billion, which is a 7.1-percent jump from the same period last year.

“The year-to-date exports growth of 7.1 percent made the Philippines among the top three performers among selected East and Southeast Asian economies for the said period,” said NEDA officer-in-charge (OIC) Rolando G. Tungpalan.

Citing country data, Tungpalan said that other countries that posted positive exports growth were Vietnam (18.7%), China (7.8%), Hong Kong (1.4%), Thailand, and Singapore (both 0.3%). On the other hand, Indonesia

(-6.0%), Taiwan (-3.7%), Japan (-1.4%), and South Korea (-1.3%) experienced contractions.

“The positive outturn of our exports in October reflected the strengthening global economic activity as industrial production and business sentiment indicators primarily point upward,” said Tungpalan.

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), growth of exports receipts from major commodity groups such as manufactures (6.5%), minerals (21.5%), petroleum products (43.5%) and total agro-based products (1.6%) contributed to the country’s performance in October 2012.

“The increased demand for manufactures was largely due to firming industrial activity in developing economies and in some advanced regions. Exports of Philippines manufactures were supported by electronic equipment and parts, processed food and beverages, wood manufactures, and machinery and transport equipment,” said Tungpalan.

The NEDA official added that exports of agrobased products increased in October 2012 following three consecutive months of contractions. The positive performance was contributed by higher

revenues from bananas (101.9%), copra meal/ cake (530.1%), coconut oil (5.6%), and fish products (15.7%).

“The growth in banana exports, which contributed about 1.2 per-

AWARDEE. In behalf of the Davao Light and Power Co., Joselito B. Ortiz, vice president for human resources (center), receives from the Department of Labor and Employment a plaque of recognition as the Regional Awardee of the 2012 Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards. Janice Kristie S. Remolona, Human Resources associate, right, holds the certificate of appreciation for Ortiz’ having shared

centage points to overall export increase, reflects positive expectations of global demand, specifically from China, which is seen to buy more food products due to the approaching winter season.

Meanwhile, coconut oil exports mainly benefited from the robust demand of the country’s traditional foreign markets as well as the ample domestic supply of the said commodity,” Tungpalan said.

his expertise and valuable time as a member of the Tripartite Certification Committee (TCC). The DOLE awards night was held at the Pinnacle Hotel, Sta. Ana Ave, Davao City Thursday night. Seen at left is Jade Hazel D. Gamas, DLPC corporate communications staff. LEAN DAVAL JR.

6 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

P 42.78 Jun 2012

11. Peso per US $ 5/ 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 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Mindanao seaweed growers to keep world-class quality M

INDANAO seaweed industry stakeholders have all agreed that the industry must maintain its distinction of producing the world’s highest quality seaweeds.

Seaweed industry players coming from Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Sarangani provinces who took part in the replication workshops of the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP) in nearby General Santos City, want to remain number one as far as the high quality of seaweeds is concerned.

“The world had been recognizing the Philippines as the main source of the highest quality seaweeds. We want that distinction to remain with us for as long as possible,” said Jolly Aha-

ja of Sitangkai Seaweeds Export Company.

The industry stakeholders discussed various issues and concerns of the seaweed industry in Mindanao, analyzing strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats in the industry, as they mapped out their moves for the coming years and come up with an inter-regional industry plan.

On top of having the best quality seaweeds, industry players cited the various strengths of the Mindanao seaweed industry that include the availability of vast areas good for seaweed farming and good quality seedling, low labor cost, low cost farm facilities due to recycling and low cost of operations, In Tawi-tawi alone, there are

still at least 150,000 hectares of coastal areas that are good potential sites for seaweed farming, according to seaweeds farm expert Al-hasil Nahul.

“We also enjoy a typhoon-free location. Our seaweed farming in Tawi, Sulu and Basilan is a 24/7 activity that ensures continuous production of seaweeds,” Nahul told the industry cluster group during the NICCEP workshop.

NICCEP is a joint project of Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry, supported by government agencies, academe and local government units.

Nahul said the seaweed industry’s biggest threat right now is Indonesia which has

overtaken the Philippines in the world’s seaweeds market.

“Their success is attributed to full support from their government, a well-organized industry, presence of many country-based processors and cultural values formation,” she said.

But despite this threat from Indonesia, the Philippines still has the capability to produce more high quality seaweeds to meet growing global demand in the world’s markets, added Nahul.

The Mindanao seaweed industry cluster is now drawing up plans to take part in more trade fairs, review existing trade agreements, and work hard to get more foreign market acceptance of Philippine natural grade carrageenan.[PNA]

was almost half lower compared to the P60 billion introduced by the DOF. ”When we came in, we targeted P60 billion. It went down to P31 billion, it went up to P34 billion, up to P39 and went down to P33.5 billion. But that’s part of legislative process. You cannot get everything that you go in for,” Henares said in media interview.

Once signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III, Drilon said additional 5.2 million Filipino families will be enrolled to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in 2013, allotting P12.5 billion of the amount to be generated from the

proposed measure. ”By 2014, the whole amount of P25 billion for the payment of premiums in PhilHealth will be sourced from the revenue to be generated from the excise tax on sin products,” he explained.

Drilon said the bicam agreed on the 69-31 burden sharing with the tobacco industry to shoulder the 69 percent or the P23.4 billion of the total P33.5 billion incremental revenue. The remaining P10.56 billion will be collected from alcohol products.

He said that after 2013, the expected total revenue to be collected would increase to P42.86 billion in 2014; P50.63 billion in

2015; P56.86 billion in 2016; and P64.1 billion in 2017.

On the earmarking, Drilon said the bicam agreed that after deducting the allocations under Republic Act 7171 and RA 8240, the 80 percent of the incremental revenue will be allocated for the Universal Healthcare while 20 percent will allocated nationwide for medical assistance and health enhancement facilities program of the local governments.

He said 15 percent of the P23.5 billion incremental revenue to be collected from tobacco industry will go to the Virginia tobacco farmers in northern Luzon. [PNA]

Bicam signs final version of Sin Tax bill

T

HE bicameral conference committee of Congress finally signed on Tuesday the final version of the Sin Tax Bill dubbed as the ‘reform tax’ measure that primarily aims to create additional revenue for the universal healthcare program of the government. ”I’m glad that we’re able to put to bed this reform measure which everybody was waiting for. For the past 16 years, we have achieved something that we really need in order to move our excise system forward,” Senator Franklin Drilon, chairman of the Senate panel to the bicam, said after the signing of the bicam report at the Recto room of the Philippine Senate in Pasay City.

The House panel, chaired

by Rep. Isidro Ungab, was represented by Reps. Jocelyn Limkachong, Eric Singson, Janette Garin, Danilo Suarez, Luis Villafuerte, Arnulfu Puentebella, Neptali Gonzales and Henedina Abad, wife of Budget Secretary Butch Abad.

Aside from Drilon, the Senate panel members include Senators Pia Cayetano, Sergio Osmena III, Ralph Recto, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

The signing was witnessed

by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Cesar Purisima and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) commissioner Kim Henares.

Under the bicam report, the incremental revenue to be generated from the sin products would be P33.5 billion in the first year of implementation. The amount

PROFITABLE. A cotton candy vendor makes a cotton candy in front of a young lady customer at Rizal Park last night. Because of the large volume of people frequenting the park every night due to the free carousel and other

rides from the city government of Davao, vendors troop to the place hoping to earn bigger profit. LEAN DAVAL JR.

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/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 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 12:55 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 09:05 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Mon/Sat Silk Air Wed/Sun Silk Air Thurs 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

MI588 / MI588 MI566 / MI566 MI551 / MI551 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 18:55 15:45 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 Davao-Singapore 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

13:35 15:20 12:05 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 202 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

7

Baganga: Waking up to a ‘holocaust’ ( 1st of Three parts )

Text by Neil Bravo Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

B

WHAT LIES AHEAD. A young boy ponders what the horizon will bring for him and the rest of the surviving children of Baganga. With no more schools to attend to the day after the storm, Baganga’s children will have to wait for school buildings to be rebuilt from the ruins and normalcy is restored.

An old woman looks for her mobile phone inside a plastic bag. Without cellular signal and without power to charge her phone, making contact outside of the ravaged town is remote she had to ask the photographer to locate her relatives in Mati and seek help.

Joven Gomera survived Pablo by hiding under his truck. With no food after the storm, he survived by eating coconuts.

A Saddam truck, a workhorse in transporting agriculture products in the countrysides, was among those flattened by Pablo. This truck nevertheless became a makeshift home for survivors.

A woman and her son reconstruct their home under a pile of fallen trees.

Their destroyed home in the background, these kids find time to play under their makeshift roofless new home.

EFORE superstorm Pablo on December 4, 2012, typhoon is as strange as snow in Baganga, Davao Oriental.

On that fateful morning, residents of the coastal town in the southernmost tip of the country woke up to the growl of gusty winds.

Hours after, what was once a quiet but vibrant town was a picture of a virtual holocaust. Not one house stood. Not even the municipal hall was spared. Not even the hospital.

There was no power.

No communication signal.

No help too from outside as the bridge connecting the town to the provincial capital of Mati was also felled.

Baganga is one of the hardest hit by typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental.

As of yesterday, 403 have been reported dead, 1,900 injured and 110 more are missing in that province.

These images, taken by Eden Jhan Licayan of the Provincial Planning and Development Office of the Province of Davao Oriental a day after the storm, show the devastation left by Pablo.

Survivors of Pablo in Baganga are crying for help. Donations may be channeled through various agencies and organizations initiating relief operations to the towns like Baganga.

Surviving residents of Baganga await relief from a Navy ship set to dock at the Lambajon Port.

A man stood atop a pile of logs washed out by the storm.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

The game plan for the next Secretary of State (1st of two parts )

COMMENTARY

By Ian Bremmer

I EDITORIAL

Lessons to be learned

W

HILE most Dabawenyos are doing their share in gathering all the assistance they could gather for distribution to their hapless comprovincianos in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, lessons must be learned from the tragedy should it happen to us here in Davao City.

In the case of three towns in Davao Oriental and another three towns in Compostela Valley, it appeared that there was nowhere for the victims to hide because the fury of freak storm Pablo wiped out all vertical structures and crops that nothing was left standing in the aftermath.

Lesson No. 1 therefore is for the government to build evacuation centers that can withstand the strongest wind possible. These structures should be so built that they are not vulnerable to floods or easily collapse in case of earthquakes.

Disasters will become more common than ever before, especially with the so-called climate change, a

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phenomenon which we can no longer ignore no matter the assurance from government. Therefore, all structures from hereon should be designed to withstand the vagaries of nature.

In this effort, we expect the government to lead us and the private sector to readily cooperate and follow suit, if not in fact initiate, considering that it has less constraints than government. Politics, a usual spoiler of so many good ideas, should be a no-no. However, political will is a necessity.

Meanwhile, we urge our fellow Dabawenyos and all those reached by Edge Davao elsewhere in the world to continue giving assistance to our pitiful brethren in Davao Oriental and ComVal. No less than the United Nations and other government and non-government groups admit that barely a tenth of the more than 5 million people in typhoon-ravaged places have been reached by assistance.

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N a country balanced on the precipice of a “fiscal cliff,” we sure are talking a lot about the next secretary of state. In his second term, President Barack Obama will also likely have to name a new treasury secretary, defense secretary, transportation secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission chairman and Central Intelligence Agency director, at the least. But, despite an imminent fiscal cliff, suffocating unemployment and a widening disparity of wealth across the United States, it is the anticipation of Hillary Clinton’s replacement that has sparked the most discussion.

Largely, this is because of Susan Rice.

Rice, a longtime foreign policy adviser to Democrats, has been Obama’s United Nations ambassador for four years.

Obama, reports suggest, would like to nominate her to be the new secretary of state. Republicans, reports are clear, are having none of it. Rice’s involvement in the administration’s initial confusion over the embassy attack in Libya — she repeated the administration’s misinformed talking points — has made her the target of withering critiques before she is even officially nominated.

So what is Obama to do? If he nominates Rice, he will have an unnecessary fight on his hands. No matter how competent she might be, it is not clear that she would be confirmed, which is what matters most. And in a moment when bipartisan negotiation is — at least ostensibly — the most important goal in Washington, launching a politicized candidate into a nomination battle may not fly.

Instead of Rice, Republicans are whispering that that they would prefer John Kerry. And of course they would. Kerry’s ascension would leave an open Senate spot in Massachusetts, inviting Scott Brown to try to regain his title as junior senator. That may be too big of a risk for the Obama administration.

It is very much in vogue to discuss “outside the box” candidates. New York Times columnist Tom Friedman’s pick, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, certainly qualifies as an unlikely choice — and for good reason. Duncan is an absurd suggestion, as he carries no experience in the two areas that will be most vital for Hillary’s successor. (Duncan was able to poke fun at the absurdity himself.)

What are these two vital areas? They are the hallmarks that define Hillary Clinton’s exemplary tenure as secretary of state. Being well-versed in these is a sort of prerequisite for a secretary of state nod: 1.) The pivot to Asia. Clinton and Obama recognized that the biggest threat to America is not the Middle East but China’s rising influence with its neighbors — and its emergence as a global economic powerhouse. All evidence suggests that China will continue to be a “frenemy” for the foreseeable future, and it is quite likely that relations will get worse. As China continues to grow (and as the U.S. finally disentangles itself from Afghanistan), China will become America’s No. 1 priority.

Clinton has already started the preparations for that moment; the next secretary of state will have to further them.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

T

extension amounts to P7.29 billion of investments in agri-fisehery infrastructures, livelihood programs and environmental conservation.

I wish a program like this is implemented in coordination with the extended agrarian reform program.

This is to enable beneficiaries to take advantage of new infrastructures providing direct access to markets for their farm produce. The lack of direct access to markets places small farm-

ers, such as agrarian reform beneficiaries, at the mercy of compradors.

The problem is such in some cases that small farmers are compelled to abandon their farms and migrate to the cities hoping for a more viable means of livelihood.

But coordination is huge problem in government. The creation of regional development councils is supposed to mitigate if not entirely remove problems with coordination in the implementation of government projects and programs. But not all regional councils are created equal with some being more functional than others. We here in Region XI are fortunate to have a more dynamic regional development council. This I suppose is due to the fact that most of our politicians and bureaucrats are more responsible.

Indonesia working hard to stop illegal fishing

NDONESIA is home to more than 17,500 islands and vast water bodies, reason it is difficult to protect the country`s waters from illegal fishing.

Illegal fishing activities are carried out by foreign vessels, and they are rampant in Indonesia’s waters.

The country suffers material losses of around Rp30 trillion or approximately US$ 3.21 billion because of illegal fishing, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, a UN body.

However, the People`s Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA), an Indonesian NGO, pointed out that the actual losses are more than Rp50 trillion (US$ 5.2 billion).

“So far, we have not been able to stop illegal fishing,” said Sharif C Sutardjo, marine resources minister, in Malang, East Java. He said although efforts are being undertaken by various government bodies, illegal fishing has not been eradicated.

He added that safeguarding the country`s waters is not the responsibility of his office alone. In fact, it is also the responsibility of the defense forces and the customs office. He admitted that the country does not have enough ships to control and patrol its seas, adding that there are only 21 ships.

The minister explained that illegal ships will be monitored closely. His office will receive surveillance equipment from France, which can detect illegal ships. Through this equipment, pictures of the ships can be obtained, and these will be sent to the FAO. The FAO will then reject the fish obtained from illegal fishing.

He said his office plans to use this monitoring equipment, which has become popular with ship owners, fish-

SPECIAL FEATURE

By FarDah FarDah ing businesses, fishing boat agents, fishing associations and other concerned parties.

Ships that carry out illegal fishing in the country`s waters will be reported to the FAO, he stated.

The FAO has recognized that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a global threat to long-term sustainable fisheries, particularly in developing countries, according to MarcoPress, a South Atlantic News Agency.

During the adoption of the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures, the FAO’s members agreed that port state measures are powerful and cost-effective tools to combat IUU fishing, and they embraced the forthcoming FAO Technical Consultation on Flag State Performance.

The FAO also supports the development of a global record of fishing vessels, an online database that will provide information on fishing activities and support vessels. It is yet another useful tool in the fight against IUU fishing.

The FAO`s International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing describes the term `IUU’ in a comprehensive manner. The plan was endorsed by the FAO council in 2001.

The United Nations General Assembly and the UN Secretary General also stated in their 1999 report that IUU fishing is one of the most severe problems that is affecting fisheries all over the world.

By hindering attempts to regulate an otherwise legitimate industry, IUU

fishing puts at risk millions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs, as valuable fish resources are wantonly depleted below sustainable levels.

Considering the negative impact of illegal fishing activities, Indonesian authorities have investigated 3,782 cases of alleged illegal fishing activities in Indonesia’s waters this year.

“A total of 3,782 boats were caught and 94 boats (37 Indonesian boats and 57 foreign boats) faced legal actions,” said Syahrin Abdurrahman, Indonesia’s maritime affairs and fisheries ministry`s director general.

Fishing ships from Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines are dominating Indonesia`s waters.

Around 7,000 ships are operating in the country`s exclusive economic zone, according to the data compiled by the marine ministry. About 70 percent of foreign fishing ships enter Indonesia’s waters to gain access to subsidized diesel fuel and to avoid crew fees.

They also transport their catch to the ports of neighboring countries. “Illegal fishing has resulted in huge losses socially and economically,” he said.

Abdurrahman stated that the ministry is committed to eradicating illegal fishing through improved monitoring and supervision. “Therefore, the ministry plans to develop the necessary infrastructure facilities to tackle illegal fishing,” he explained.

Currently, the ministry has 25 patrol boats, when the ideal number is 80.

The ministry`s Secretary General, Gellwynn Jusuf, said the ministry`s efforts to combat illegal fishing has reduced the state’s losses by Rp912 billion. [PNA/Antara]

9

Italy’s recession-ridden economy

Good News

HE National Economic Development Authority, chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino lll, has recently approved a two-year extension of the Mindanao Rural Development Program Phase-2 (MRDP-2). The approval is expected to reinforce ongoing initiatives of the administration to ensure inclusive growth. Growth in this country has largely favored the urban centers since the end of World War II. This uneven growth has created a dual economy and social unrest in the countryside.

The MRDP-2 extension consists of P7.39 billion of investments in agri-fishery infrastructures, livelihood programs and environmental conservation. It is collectively funded by the World Bank, the national government and local government units. The

I

VANTAGE POINTS

ANALYSIS By marzIa De GIulI

F

EARS loom Italy may step into the unknown on the recession-ridden economy following Prime Minister Mario Monti’s decision to resign and his predecessor Silvio Berlusconi’s comeback to politics.

After the surprise announcement that he would quit because Berlusconi’s center-right People of Freedom party, the largest group in parliament, had withdrawn its support for his cabinet of unelected technocrats, Monti said he was “confident” that the next government would be “very responsible.”

Any political government coming out from upcoming elections would be “oriented to the European Union and in line with the enormous efforts made by Italy,” the outgoing prime minister told a press conference Monday in Oslo, where he was a member of the European delegation receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Yet, despite the reassurance, Italy’s government bonds came under intense pressure with the spread between the 10year bonds and the German benchmark, a barometer of borrowing costs, soaring almost 40 basis points to reach 362.

Meanwhile, the Milan stock exchange suffered Europe’s biggest losses before closing down 2.2 percent.

Bank stocks were especially hit, while concerns that Italy’s political uncertainty could deepen the eurozone crisis affected all main money markets on the continent.

After several weeks of calm, markets are now expected to experience increased levels of volatility driven by the unstable political picture in Italy.

“Investors are worried that Italy may return to the same situation of one year ago,” Maurizio Mazziero, a Milan-based financial analyst, told Xinhua.

Over the past months, the Monti government has managed to restore Italy’s credibility but the possibility, even a vague one, that Berlusconi could influence the next government rings alarm bells by “renewing fears over the country’s unreliability,” he said.

And, considering the “serious sickness” of Italy which is mired in rising public debt, record-high unemployment and zero productivity, the atmosphere remains heavy and full of unknowns, Mazziero added.

Monti has promised to resign only once the 2013 budget law is approved by parliament, probably before Christmas, which has brought forward to February an election that was initially expected in March or April.

But there remains a big question mark over whether the emergency cabinet is in time, probably not anymore, to implement other important measures such as a reduction of the costs of politics and a development decree.

The perspective of a next government, unbalanced and made up of a likely winning center-left Democratic Party, a strong anti-European movement headed by former comedian Beppe Grillo, and a populist component represented by Berlusconi’s followers, adds unpredictable consequences.

Attention was focused on whether Monti might enter politics himself after he was quoted in an interview with La Repubblica national daily as saying that he had not yet made up his mind but was “very concerned” by the situation.

However, most local experts agreed that the step back was the only possible choice of “great dignity” in line with the responsible policies carried out by the Monti government, as highlighted by Elio Veltri, a politician and writer.

Veltri said he did not think that the 69-year-old economist and former European commissioner, facing a political campaign that prepares to be “extremely harsh,” would run for a second mandate.

Rather, he said, Monti could stay on in some capacity, either by endorsing one of the centrist forces that have backed his reforms, or possibly as Italy’s president.

COMMUNITY SENSE 10 NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

DSWD opens media center

F

OR queries, clarifications, and updates on typhoon ‘Pablo’ Disaster Relief Operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has set up an Information Booth at the Operations Center at the DSWD Seminar Hall, Regional Office along R. Magsaysay Avenue corner Suazo Street here.

The Information Booth contains data as to the number of food packs and non-food items delivered in affected areas. It also has information and latest data on disaster relief and rehabilitation clusters such as shelter, food and non-food, camp coordination and camp management, livelihood, protection and communication.

The DSWD also has a text hotline where the public can direct their queries. They may contact any of these numbers: 0917-6429366 (Globe), 0928-8681532 (Smart) and 09227710061 (Sun). [DSWD/ Sheryll Jane B. Sanico]

AID. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman comforts the residents of Baganga in Davao Oriental during her visit to the town Monday. Typhoon Pablo has made its landfall in the munici-

pality at around 4:45AM of December 4. To date, a total of P5.3 million-worth of goods were released to the town. [DSWD/Leslie Lao-Francisco]

Red Cross helps provinces worst hit by Typhoon Pablo “S I

N a matter of hours, some communities in Eastern Mindanao were literally blown away

by Typhoon Bopha (locally called Pablo). The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), working together with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), is bringing relief to thousands of survivors in this part of southern Philippines, which was hit first and hardest by the typhoon when it made landfall on 4 December.

“There’s nothing left in some places. We tried to find evacuation centres, but many of them had collapsed,” says Wilson Mondal, an ICRC emergency team member who was deployed to an area where the eye of the typhoon passed. “Some people are just living on the side of the road. They need everything.”

About 80 to 95 per cent of the area has been destroyed in four of the worst-hit municipalities alone, an area with a population of roughly 141,000. The ICRC’s emergency response is particularly focused in these four communities of Baganga, Cateel, Boston and Caraga. People here have not only lost their homes but are facing almost total destruction of the crops and

Oxfam, partners provide safe water in affected areas

vegetation upon which they depend for their livelihoods.

Delivering food and relief At the request of the Philippine Red Cross, the ICRC immediately dispatched food kits and relief items for 21,000 people in the three worst-hit provinces (Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Surigao del Sur). With bridges destroyed and roads impassable along the most direct coastal road, other means and routes have been found to bring these life-saving goods to the people. These supplies will be distributed in the coming days, while several hundred more tonnes of food and thousands of emergency kits are already on the way.

Meanwhile, ICRC relief has already arrived in New Bataan, Compostela Valley province, which also experienced mudslides and flash floods. The Red Cross had already distributed food for 3,700 people for three weeks, plus enough hygiene, emergency shelter and cooking items for 600 people. Emergency relief kits, accompanied by food to last for three weeks, have been issued to 2,000 people in Surigao del Sur, while 1,600 displaced people in Baganga,

Davao Oriental, received food for three weeks.

Helping treat the injured Local hospitals have been attempting to cope with the sudden flood of patients injured during the typhoon. Bopha, with winds of up to 185 kilometres per hour, was one of the most powerful in recent years, even for a country that is accustomed to extreme tropical storms.

Even before the typhoon’s arrival, medicines and medical supplies had been positioned for use in case of such emergencies in numerous hospitals around Mindanao. This positioning of stocks has formed part of the ICRC’s regular support for many years. The ICRC provided additional support to such sites as Davao Regional Hospital, the main referral facility for the region, that has experienced an influx of nearly 300 patients. At least 125 of them are seriously injured, placing a strain on a hospital of this size. This hospital, along with two others in Bukidnon and Compostela Valley provinces, received additional donations of specialized supplies to treat the wounded that would not otherwise have been available, includ-

ing intravenous fluids, painkillers, antibiotics and plaster for fractures.

Improving access to water Bopha severely or completely damaged existing water networks in some municipalities, making access to water an urgent need. Joint ICRC/Philippine Red Cross emergency response teams are currently working to treat and transport water to be distributed at strategic locations.

Montevista, a municipality in Compostela Valley province, was struck badly by the typhoon.

The ICRC’s donation of pipes and other materials helped a provincial hospital repair its damaged water system. Similarly, a donation for construction materials helped repair its district jail, which was damaged in the typhoon and left without electricity or water. Such support is in line with the ICRC’s ongoing work in places of detention, where the organization monitors the treatment and living conditions of detainees.

The ICRC has also provided 150 body bags to the Philippine Red Cross at their request, so they can deal with the bodies of those who died in the disaster.

AFE water is an urgent need of affected families from the severely affected towns of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, but livelihood and shelter also pose as urgent issues which should be dealt with,” according to humanitarian agency Oxfam and its partner the Humanitarian Response Consortium (HRC).

Typhoon Pablo (International name: Bopha) affected five million people all over the country with the severely hit needing urgent assistance numbering 504,603 persons or 123,063 families in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, according to data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“What we will be doing in the next two weeks is to provide clean, safe drinking water, start rebuilding damaged water systems and distributing much needed items such as water disinfection materials. We will also help communities rebuild their shelters, and support the rebuilding of economic activities in the coming months,” said Paul Del Rosario, Oxfam in the Philippines humanitarian coordinator.

The humanitarian agency has water bladder-tanks already in Compostela Valley, and potable water will be trucked

to affected barangays starting today.

In Barangay Kidawa, Laak homes were destroyed while electricity is still down and will likely paralyze the area for at least a month. Families are living in tiny shelters of wood with plastic tarpaulins on higher ground about ten minutes walk from where their original homes were. Pipes were also destroyed by the typhoon.

“We also need drinking water and blankets. Children are sleeping out in open ground. Over the next few weeks we’ll need more medicines. We are afraid there will be an outbreak of diseases like diarrhea,” appealed Laak Mayor Reynaldo Navarro.

Food security and livelihood also count as major problems because agricultural lands producing bananas and coconuts, which are the main cash crops in the region have been totally destroyed. Rice fields have also been wiped out. The past two years Oxfam helped to lobby for a national policy that was successfully enacted into laws, namely the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the People’s Survival Fund. The challenge is to help local governments put these policies into practice, and become better prepared.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 202 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

25...

FFROM 1 ed the city legal office, the collection of an environmental tax is contained in Section 42 of Rule 13 of the Watershed Protection, Conservation and Management Ordinance or Ordinance No. 031007 captioned “Levy and Collection of an Environmental Tax to Constitute the Environmental Fund.”

“An annual Environmental Tax shall be imposed on all agricultural businesses, both principals and growers, operating the Agro-Forestry/Agricultural Non-Tillage Areas and Prime Agricultural Areas of not less than 50 hectares at the rate of twenty-five centavos (P0.25) per square meter, payable upon renewal of the annual business permit,” Cuidadano quoted the implementing rules ans regulations (IRR).

Vessels...

Although the environmental tax shall accrue to the General Fund, however Cuidadano said the fund shall be appropriated in the city’s annual budget solely for the purpose of the implementation of the ordinance, the operational expenses of the WMC and all its instrumentalities and for the watershed protection, conservation and management programs and projects, subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Following the explanation of the assistant city legal officer, the WMC passed a resolution asking the city’s Business Bureau and the city treasurer’s office to start the collection of the environmental tax during the renewal of business permits, according to presiding officer Lopez.

Violations of the environmental tax and other provisions of the Watershed Code, including its IRR is punishable with imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding P5,000, or both at the discretion of the court.

If the violation is committed by a corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association or any other juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, general manager, and other guilty officer or officers of such corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association or entity, provided that in addition, a penalty of P5,000 shall be imposed on such corporation, trust, firm, partnership or association violating any provision of the code and the IRR.

search and rescue fleet while they are also asking for one more air asset to replace one Navy Islander plane which is due for mandatory check-up.

Aside from the Navy, three vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard alongside fishing vessels

from General Santos City are assisting in the SAR efforts.

So far according to the Philippine Navy figures (as of Dec. 11) they have rescued 13 people and recovered 34 cadavers washed out to sea.[PIA 11/RG Alama]

the top 300 Asian universities as rated by education and career network Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). For the second year in a row, USeP joins the roster of top Asian universities. In 2011, the University also made it to the top 201+ ranking, still rated by QS. Also for the second time, USeP ranks fifth among the Philippine universities that made it to the list. When it comes to recent performance in licensure examinations, the University was the Top 2 Performing School in the August 2012 Agricultural Engineering Board Examination; Top 1 Performing School in the August 2011 Agricultural Engineering Licensure Examination; and Top 2 Performing School in the August 2011 Geologist Licensure Examination.

Several graduates of the University belong to the top 10 of different government licensure examinations. This year, USeP graduates were ranked third (3rd) in the August 2012 Agricultural Engi-

neering licensure examination; seventh (7th) in the September 2012 Licensure Examination for Teachers; sixth (6th) in the Forestry; and ninth (9th) both in the Agriculture and Geologist Licensure Examinations. The University is also recognized as the Center of Excellence for Teacher Education; Center of Development for Agriculture; Center of Development for Agricultural Engineering; National University for Agriculture; and Provincial Institute for Agriculture.

President Alibin attributed these achievements and accomplishments to the quality and unity of the faculty and staff and administrative competence and support of the University.

This year’s anniversary celebration with the theme “USeP: Reaching towards the Frontier of Global Excellence” is hosted by the School of Applied Economics and Institute of Computing.

(USeP PIO)

FFROM 1

ippine Navy vessels will be crossing into Indonesian waters to help look for the fishermen who were caught in the huge typhoon.

Another Philippine Navy vessel is also expected to be deployed in the region to reinforce the

USeP...

FFROM 2

will feature Congressman Juan Edgardo M. Angara, of the lone district of Aurora and chairperson, Committee on Higher and Technical Education, House of Representatives, as keynote speaker.

The foundation celebration gathers the officials of the University headed by President Perfecto A. Alibin with the three Vice Presidents: Dr. Rodulfo C. Sumugat, VP for Administration, Dr. Marcelo M. Angelia, VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Sophremiano B. Antipolo, VP for Research, Development and Extension; and the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the five (5) campuses of the University located in Obrero, Davao City (main); Mintal, Davao City; Apokon, tagum City; Mampising, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. In its 34 years of service to the public, it is worth mentioning that the University has achieved a lot. This year, the University is again hailed one of

11

7 more fishermen from GSC rescued

S

EVEN more crewmembers of tuna fishing vessels from this city that went missing at the height of typhoon “Pablo” a week ago were rescued on Monday off Mindanao’s eastern seacoasts, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Commander Lued Lincuna, spokesperson of the newly-activated Task Force Maritime Search and Rescue Operations-SarGen (Sarangani/General Santos City), said three of the fishermen were found by rescuers near a “payao” or fish aggregating device off the coasts of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

The recued fishermen were identified as Peter Magnasi, Dennis Codilla and Rene Maulas, who were all residents of this city.

“They were holding on to some log debris upon their rescue,” said Lincuna, who is also commander of Philippine Navy patrol gun boat 114 BRP Salvador Abcede stationed in this city.

The official attributed the rescue of the tree fishermen to the “air reconnaissance” activities launched by joint government and private rescue teams in the area.

The task force earlier pushed for the conduct of aerial surveys to help locate the 46 fishing vessels and 315 crewmembers from this city and the neighboring areas that were declared missing following the onslaught of typhoon “Pablo.”

Aside from the three survivors, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that four others were also rescued off the coasts of Caraga town in Davao Oriental on Monday morning.

The fishermen, who were recuperating at the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital in Mati City, were identified as Roger Mendoza, Joseph Resnera, Bobby Farcaldo and Dante Barsina, all from this city.

The survivors were listed as crew members of M/V Shekina, which

capsized at the height of typhoon “Pablo.”

As of Tuesday morning, Lincuna said the search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the missing fishermen that have so far gone down to 306.

Based on the task force records, he said two more light boats were confirmed to have earlier capsized, bringing the total number of unaccounted fishing vessels to 44.

“We’re still on the search and rescue mode, meaning we’re hoping and very hopeful of locating more survivors,” Lincuna said.

Joaquin Lu, president of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc., said they were also hopeful that the missing fishermen were still alive and had drifted into the open seas as a result of last week’s typhoon.

He said some of the unaccounted fishing boats might have been damaged and had problems with their radio communication equipment. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

are on leave of absence without pay, have pending criminal or administrative charges, have arrears in their monthly contributions and have loans declared in default are not eligible for the loan, he said.

He said all emergency loans applications will be processed through the

kiosks using the eCards.

However, he added, those who only have temporary eCards can apply in any of the GSIS office counters.

GSIS said those who have existing emergency loan can still avail of the new loan provided they have paid 12 monthly instalments.[LAC]

of preemptive evacuation was difficult due to the resistance of many families.

Alagenio added that despite the previous occurrences of disasters, people continued to occupy areas that are prone to flashflood, erosion, and landslide.

“Affected inhabitants were not (even) supportive during rescue operations,” he added.

Capt. Alejandro Larosa , Valencia CDRRMC operations officer, said they encountered such problem with the residents of the city’s 20 flood-prone areas.

“But these are the same people who seek to be rescued at the eleventh hour,” he said.

Valencia City Mayor Leandro Jose Catarata

noted that the concept of preemptive evacuation is not easy to introduce to the community, saying it would take time for the people to appreciate it.

The PDRRMC also cited lack of lifesaving equipment such as rubber boats and chainsaws.

One of the two rubber boats of Valencia’s CDRRMC was not functional during the rescue operations.

Alagenio said the provincial government has only one rubber boat for its five rescue teams.

Also, more chainsaws were needed to cut fallen and uprooted trees, which landed on the roads and properties. The PDRRMC owned only one chainsaw. [Walter I. Balane/ MindaNews]

Dabawenyos..

FFROM 2

Under their emergency loan program, members could borrow up to P20 thousand and they can pay this in equal monthly instalments for three years. The first payment for the emergency loan will start three months after it has been drawn.

GSIS members who

Preemptive..

FFROM 3

ity of flood they conceded.

“We know this was something already and there was nothing we could do to stop it,” added Lumilang, who lives about 30 meters from the river bank. His neighbors built houses along the bank.

As the warning to evacuate reached the town, residents were asked to go to the main road where a truck transported them to the evacuation center in nearby Barangay Halapitan.

When the typhoon hit Bukidnon around 11a.m. heavy rains poured, the Tigua swelled and swept the 35 houses along or near its banks. The house owners were already in the evacuation center.

The PDRRMC noted, however, that the conduct

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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 2213601.

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Realty

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 202 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

DCWD bares customer satisfaction survey results

C

USTOMERS gave Davao City Water District a 93% overall rating in terms of water quality, availability, pressure and customer service in the recently conducted

customer satisfaction survey from September 17 until October 11. The result is 5.1% higher compared to a similar survey conducted in 2009. Both surveys were done by Orient Integrated

Development Consultants, Inc. (OIDCI).

DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado explained that the survey results reflect that more customers are sat-

isfied with the improved services of the water utility.

In terms of water supply availability, more places in Davao City already have 24-hour water service as evident in the

Here in Davao City, fireworks may not be allowed but you can still grab an opportunity to experience a fun New Year’s eve celebration and watch an amazing show of fireworks from the Island Garden City of

Samal. All you need is just be at the Garden by the Bay on New Year’s eve to view a spectacle of fireworks on Samal Island’s skyline.

Reward yourself and your family with a unique celebration and a get to-

gether by the bay would be a perfect idea. What could be more exciting than being with your loved ones while savoring great Filipino food and feeling the cool breeze from the Davao Straight at Garden by the Bay’s Moray’s Bar and Deck area. And while waiting for the fireworks right across the island, be entertained by drum beaters, fire dancers, some games and who knows, you may just win a prize from the raffle.

Dinner will be served starting at 7 p.m. of December 31. Ticket is at P499 per person.

Usher in year 2013 beside Davao City’s bay area and experience an amazing fireworks display across Samal Island’s skyline.

Garden by the Bay is located at Maryknoll Drive in Lanang, Davao City. Get your tickets early by calling 234-8491.

Welcome 2013 by the bay and view Samal Island’s spectacular fireworks

T

HE New Year is often celebrated with fireworks together with the family. Tradition has it that the use of pyrotechnics wards off negative vibes and bring in good fortune to people.

92% rating. Customers rated water pressure with 96% which suggests that it is within the normal to high range. Water quality ratings of 91% for taste, 93% for clarity and 94% for odor have satisfied many customers and explain why 82% of the respondents are confident to drink DCWD water directly from the tap.

It can also be noted that even with the recent changes in water rates this year, 93% of the respondents think that the new water rates are still within the affordable range.

As for customer service, 96% of the customers who lodged a complaint or request were satisfied with the way their billing concerns were handled and 95% were pleased with how the DCWD call center staff attended to their needs. Those who used the website to view their bills gave the bill viewing facility 99%.

Regalado explained that the 2012 survey results are very important in guiding the water utility formulate plans and programs to improve its services in the city in terms of enhancement of taste, clarity and odor especially in areas served by the water supply systems in Panacan and Cabantian; 24-hour

water service availability in Panacan, Lubogan and Calinan water supply systems; water pressure especially in areas served by Panacan, Cabantian and Dumoy water supply systems; incorporating upgraded technology-based services such as electronic bill payment and pre-paid metering services; educational campaign on water conservation and DCWD services; and bill delivery, customer waiting time in DCWD Collection Centers, mainline and service line leak repairs and customer handling.

Regalado noted that the survey is also an important basis in updating customer profiles and water use behaviour. “The survey helps us gauge the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction of our customers because it allows us to get their feedbacks regarding our services. These feedbacks are very important because they become our bases in improving our performance as public servants,” he said.

For the 2012 survey, 1,945 respondents from the eight water supply systems of DCWD namely, Dumoy, Tugbok, Cabantian, Calinan, Malagos, Panacan, Toril and Lubogan were sampled. [Jovana T. Duhaylungsod]

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Tan leads RPV MM winners

By Neil Bravo

B

USINESMAN Boy Tan led the winners in the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club December Monthly Medal over the weekend.

Tan exploded for a gross 73 to win the overall gross trophy and end the year with a bang. He was joined in the elite winner’s circle for members by Korean expat Lee Suk Ki who had a net 65 to take home the overall net trophy.

Toffee Tionko took the Class A gross title with a gross 78 card while Archie Moralizon had a net 72 for the Class A net plum. Lee Hyo Sung (79) and Jung In Kyu (75) finished runners-up in Class A. Kim Min Suk carded a gross 77 for the Class B gross championship while Joseph Ng had a 66 for the net championship. The other winners in the Members Division are Ed Guevarra (88) for

counter from the Mexican, who won for the first time in four fights with the Filipino great.

“My prayers go out to the Pacquiao family. I know he loves the sport of boxing, so hopefully he can bounce back,” wrote Mayweather, who has had a contentious relationship with Pacquiao over the years.

For a long time, the two men were the most heated rivals for the sport’s mythical poundfor-pound title, and a mega-fight between them was expected to generate record revenue.

But a fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather was never made. The two camps have traded accusations, with Pacquiao’s side saying Mayweather is too afraid to fight the Filipino. A prison term for Mayweather earlier this year has also messed up the potential bout between the two men.

Mayweather, meanwhile, has hinted about Pacquiao’s use of performance enhancing drugs, an accusation that has led to a defamation lawsuit the two parties settled last September.

Class C gross and Gadi Sorilla (70) for Class C net, and Joe Lafuente (91) for Class D gross and Bill Campbell (69) for Class D net.

Teddy Barnuevo won the Division 1 gross title in the Guests Division with a gross 78 while Boy Herrera had a net 67 for the net title. In Division 2, Pete Zamora’s gross 88 gave him the gross title while Ed De Guzman’s 62 was enough to hand him the

net title.

Maricel Kim won the Ladies gross title with a round of 86, Kim Sun Nae had a net 75 for the Ladies net trophy, Manny Nitorreda won the Seniors gross title with a 77, Larry Miculob fired a net 66 for the net trophy besting Joe Marfori who had a 70, and Fumio Ohashi’s 92 was enough to win him the Super Seniors gross title with Elindo Lo winning the net trophy with a 72.

Floyd: I hope he Politics and boxing don’t mix can bounce back

BOY TAN

MAYWEATHER

F

OR once, Floyd Mayweather had kind words to say about Manny Pacquiao.

The undefeated American fighter took to Twitter to post his reaction to the Filipino icon’s loss last Sunday to Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao was knocked out cold with a brutal right

Angel Guirado cools down during the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semis against Singapore. Guirado and the rest of the Azkals will meet the Lions once more tonight in Singapore for leg 2 of the semifinals (see story on page 16).

L

ET’S put things simple.

There is no way Manny Pacquiao can get back on track and dedicate himself fully for boxing.

No way.

You tell me how.

Congressman Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, or Manny Pacquiao for short, is a government official. He is covered by the laws of government service. He is duty-bound to serve as member of the House of Representatives with a moral and ethical duty to devote his time to his legislative functions.

Under civil service rules, Congressman Pacquiao is essentially a government officer who works 24/7 except when he is officially on leave.

Let us not dwell on the specific periods and limitations but common sense dictates that a legislator has to attend sessions of Congress, conduct public hearings and inquiries in aid of legislation, and be in touch with his constituents.

Now, if Manny wants to redeem himself from the devastating defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez last Sunday (Manila time), he needs to devote time to boxing and realize that his old ways of cramming at the last minute will no longer work for him.

Simply put, if he wants to reconstruct his legend, he must give boxing ample time.

Question, how much time does it require for Manny to prepare himself for a fight? Freddie Roach will tell you anytime, two months is not enough. He wants Manny to be fully devoted to training in LosAngeles. Not in GenSan. Not in Baguio.

Now, does Congressman Pacquiao have that enough time out of his

work in Congress?

C o n g re s sional work is no joke.

The mandate is participatory legislation.

Not legislation in absentia.

The Speaker of the House can order any member’s arrest if Congress needs their presence. You tell me, what if Congress needs Manny on the day of his fight and public interest dictates that he has to be physically present in session?

These are hypothetical situations but again let’s put it plain and simple, does he have the time to excel in both his boxing career and his political career?

We know Manny’s passion for excellence.

He wants to be the best athlete and at the same time be the best government official. But Manny, these two careers are incompatible. Boxing and politics both demand one’s time and 100 percent commitment.

While most of us never doubted that Manny can still bounce back and at the same time never doubted his commitment to public service, Manny has to realize also that he cannot have the best of both worlds.

Manny is not the first athlete to venture into politics. Bill Bradley (US Senator), Kevin Johnson (Sacramento Mayor), Robert Jaworski (Senator), and even our very own late Rajah of the Rebounds Francisco Rabat (Governor, Mayor of Davao Oriental)--they were among the athletes who conquered politics like Manny. The only difference is that these men did it after their career in sports was over.

Simply put, what does Manny want?

Only Manny knows.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

Yesteryears saw a highly classified era where only celebrities and models got a taste of the sweet success in the business of advertising.

Endorsers, as they are called, are utilized as ethical promotional marketers of products and services. While giving a face to a product and service through these personalities maintains to be one of the highest (and most expensive) forms of advertising, the with-IT culture created by social media gave birth to a new breed of endorsers in the form of brand ambassadors.

A brand ambassador is described as an advertising model that leverages the authority and credibility of online personalities to create a powerful direct marketing strategy.

This formula is now being adopted by companies to build a closer relationship with their consumers and customers. After all, a brand ambassador has to be, first and foremost, a true passionate consumer who agrees to sponsor the product or service he or she believes in. In the eyes of the general public, a brand ambassador, is a person who embodies the values of each brand he or she speaks for.

This new wave of endorsement paved way for the celebritweets and bloggers who showcase and promote the latest from each brand. They utilize communication approaches across the web and social media that are more in tune to how one would normally give advice to friends. The voice

and style is more personal and direct, which proves to be a more effective vehicle for marketing communication than that of the most expensive advertising campaign. This, to a certain extent, help build a stronger relationship between the audience and the brand.

Taking this to the POV of fashion, a consumer’s first moment of truth with a new product comes right before a new dress hits the racks.

In this generation, an outfit post, scrapbook assembled photos on Intagram, and plugs on Twitter have raised the bars in product endorsements, making it THE customer’s first moment of truth.

So, what does it take to be a brand ambassador?

The role of the brand am-

The role of the brand ambassador is to transcend all aspects of the brand. In a sense, the brand personality and the endorser must hold the same morals and principles, style and appeal.

bassador is to transcend all aspects of the brand. In a sense, the brand personality and the endorser must hold the same morals and principles, style and appeal.

They can be a respected followed authority, a blogger

or small publisher targeting a specific niche. Just as the brand endorser embodies the product’s values, the product must also reflect elements of the brand ambassador’s personality.

Last Saturday, December 8, the What A Girl Wants clothing brand revealed the Young Ambassadors of Style campaign during the official opening of their newly renovated flagship

store in Davao. Its “Young Ambassadors of Style” project is an annual selection of the city’s fresh new faces and stunning style setters, individuals who epitomize the brand’s image of style, substance and youthful exuberance. Featured in the campaign’s debut are Davao’s eco-advocate Lorenzo Rabat and fashionable doctors in the making, Milen Aquino and Ccia Ang.

WAGW Founder and CEO Diane Uy enthuses “It has always been a dream for us to open here since Davao is known as a home to some of the most elegant, stylish, and fashion forward people in the country. This dream was realized when we opened our doors to the Davaoeños last year in May right here in the heart of Davao. We have been

FMEET, 4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

UP AND ABoUT

Want to feel better? Looking for your soul mate?

Just follow your nose

IT’S as plain as the nose on your face. The sense of smell is a very powerful emotional trigger.

Scientific studies have long shown smell, one of our oldest senses, has the uncanny power to stir up memories and transport us to another place. It can help relax us after a stressful day, reduce pain, or make us feel queasy.

There’s even a good chance your nose can get you to spend more money or arouse you to select a life partner.

The late Thalassa Cruso, the “Julia Child of horticulture”, perhaps said it best.

“The sense of smell can be extraordinarily evocative; bringing back pictures as sharp as photographs of scenes that had left the conscious mind.”

It’s all in a day’s work for the unassuming nose.

Take aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to alter mood or improve health.

The practice gained new popularity about a decade ago.

It’s considered by many to be a safe and natural way to help people cope with stress, chronic pain, nausea, and depression, and to produce a feeling of wellbeing.

In fact, breathing in aromatic oil scents such as Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender or cedarwood is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for patients with cancer.

Aromatic oil scents are primarily used as supportive care, to help ease the side effects of traditional

therapies.

Proponents claim aromatherapy can also help relieve bacterial infections, stimulate the immune system, and fight colds, flu, and sore throats. They believe that aromatherapy can improve urine production and increase circulation.

Some maintain that it can cure cystitis, herpes simplex, acne, headaches, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome, muscle tension and even cancer.

Available scientific evidence doesn’t support claims that aromatherapy cures or prevents any disease. However, according to the American Cancer Society there are studies which do show that breathing the vapors of peppermint, ginger, and cardamom oil seems to relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation. It also seems to help prevent illness-related depression.

Aromatherapy practioners believe fragrances from different oils have specific health benefits. For example, lavender oil is used to relieve muscle tension, anxiety, and insomnia.

If you are looking for that special someone, he or she might be under your very nose. Sniffing out your next soul mate is a trend catching on around the country, even replacing dating search sites.

Pheromone Parties are a modern-day adaptation of using the more primitive parts of the brain to sniff out an attractive mate,

If you are looking for that special someone, he or she might be under your very nose. Sniffing out your next soul mate is a trend catching on around the country, even replacing dating search sites.

something all mammals seem to have in common.

Sexual attraction is as much based on how someone smells naturally as his or her aesthetic qualities, according to Rachel Herz, an expert on the psychology of smell at Brown University, and author of The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Enigmatic Sense of Smell.

“For heterosexual women, smell turns out to be the number one physical factor, as well as the most important social factor, aside

from pleasantness. And this isn’t about avoiding a man who smells ‘bad’,” she said, “but rather about being especially attracted to a man who smells ‘good’. “ Giving the nose a dose of the holidays also works for increasing Christmas sales receipts too. Researchers, marketers and retailers have known for decades that certain scents — pine boughs at Christmas, baked cookies in a house for sale — can get customers in the buying spirit.

Eric Spangenberg, Dean

at Washington State University’s College of Business, is a pioneer in using smell to spur retail sales.

He’s been homing in on just what makes the most commercially inspiring odor.

Recently he worked with researchers in Switzerland and together they found that simple scents work best.

Writing in the Journal of Retailing, the researchers describe exposing hundreds of Swiss shoppers to simple and complex scents.

Cash register receipts and

in-store interviews revealed a significant bump in sales when the uncomplicated scent filled in the air.

Spangenberg’s team developed a simple orange scent and a more complicated orange-basil blended with green tea. Over 18 weekdays, the researchers observed more than 400 customers’ buying habits in a home store, as the air smelled of the simple scent, the complex scent or no particular scent at all.

The researchers noticed that one group of about 100 people on average spent 20 percent more money, buying more items while shopping in the presence of the simple orange scent. Talk about paying through the nose.

The simple scent worked best, the researchers say, because it is more easily processed in the brain, freeing the customer’s mind to focus on shopping and spending their cash.

Past studies point to aromas stimulating smell and emotion, which are located in the same network of neural structures, called the limbic system.

The limbic system is the ancient core of the brain, sometimes called the rhinencephalon – literally, the “nose brain”. This indicates, quite remarkably, that our ability to experience and express emotion grew directly out of our brain’s ability to process smell for good or bad.

“No other sensory system has this kind of privileged and direct access to the part of brain that controls our emotions,” said Herz.

7 immediate body changes after your baby is born EVEryoNE’S well aware of the changes a woman’s body goes through over the course of a pregnancy.

So much focus is put on maintaining maternal and baby health, that sometimes the immediate physiological aftermath of the pregnancy and birth is forgotten.

There are seven significant body changes after your baby is born: Changes to the Uterus, Bladder and Bowel 1) Uterus At the onset of labor, your uterus is about 15 times heavier than before you became pregnant not including the baby, am-

niotic fluid, and placenta, and its capacity is 500 times what it was before conception.

After birth, your uterus will continue to contract, especially if you breastfeed. These contractions can feel like mild labor contractions.

2) Weight loss you will lose about 12 pounds immediately after birth: one 8-pound baby plus the placenta (1 pound) plus several pounds of blood and amniotic fluid. your body will flush out the extra water and blood volumes that it no longer needs over the following days and weeks.

3) Bladder and Bowel your bladder can swell as a result of labor and delivery and

you may lose your normal“needto-pee” sensitivity. you may also experience difficulty in holding the pee in until you make it to the toilet.

Bloating and mild constipation are also common after birth.

Birth, slower food processing, dietary changes, pain medications, and more time in bed can all contribute to constipation.

Changes to Vagina and Breasts 4 )Vagina and perineum Whether you delivered vaginally or via cesarean section, you will experience vaginal bleeding like a heavy period for up to six weeks as the lining of the uterus is shed.

Some women experience

pain during intercourse after giving birth, sometimes up to a year later.

If you didn’t require stitches, the perineum should heal quickly and there should be little to no associated pain.

5) Breast changes At first, your breasts produce colostrum which is a rich, creamy fluid full of antibodies.

As the baby suckles, he/she triggers the “let-down” reflex which occurs when prolactin and oxytocin are released.

It is common to experience engorgement — swollen, tender, hard, throbbing, full breasts — when your milk “comes in” around the second or third day.

If you decide not to breastfeed

your baby, you may still experience engorgement for a few days.

Changes to Hair and Activity Level 6) Hair loss During pregnancy, hormones prevented normal rates of hair loss and made your hair thicker and more luxuriant. As those hormones start to drop after birth, you may experience hair loss.

7) Changes in Activity Level The physical recovery, hormone changes, sleep deprivation, and the stress of caring for a newborn (and perhaps other children) means you probably won’t be able to do all the things you used to.

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTErTAINMENT

Kate Middleton prank call tragedy:

Australian DJs break silence

THE two Australian DJs responsible for pranking a Kate Middleton nurse who was later found dead of an apparent suicide have been vilifed for their tragic hoax.

But can a mea culpa even begin to mute the public’s scorn of them?

The DJs, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, have now spoken publicly for the first time since duping Jacintha Saldanha into releasing private information about the Duchess of Cambridge’s condition last week, saying there were “shattered, gutted, heartbroken.”

“There’s not a minute that goes by where we don’t think about her family and what they must be going through,” a tearful Greig said Monday on the Australian TV show A Current Affair. “And the thought we may have played a part in that is gut-wrenching.”

Greig also expressed her concern for Saldanha’s family, saying, “I’ve wanted to just reach out to them and just give them a big hug and say sorry. I hope they’re oK, I really do. I hope they get through this.”

Christian, meanwhile, added, “I hope that they get the love, the support, the care that they need.”

He did, however, appear to take a

somewhat defensive stand.

“We thought a hundred people before us would’ve tried it,” he explained. “We thought it was such a silly idea and the accents were terrible, and not for a second did we expect to speak to Kate, let alone have a conversation with anyone at the hospital. We wanted to be hung up on.”

The repercussions of their tragic prank, however, continue to reverberate: on Saturday, the radio station behind their show, 2DayFM,

announced that the duo were being yanked off the air indefinitely.

“They will not return to their radio show until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy,” the station said in a statement. The station has also issued a ban on all prank calls while it reportedly reviews its policies on such stunts.

This past weekend, a photo surfaced of Saldanha, and her husband, Ben Barboza, took to Facebook to share his pain over his wife’s death. “I am devastated with the tragic loss of my beloved wife Jacintha in tragic circumstances, She will be laid to rest in Shirva, India.”

Meanwhile, the hospital where Saldanha worked has sent a scathing letter to the DJs’ radio station blasting them for the “appalling” stunt.

“King Edward VII’s Hospital cares for sick people, and it was extremely foolish of your presenters even to consider trying to lie their way through to one of our patients, let alone actually make the call,” wrote King Edward VII Hospital chairman Lord Glenarthur. “The longer term consequence has been reported around the world and is, frankly, tragic beyond words.”

Tom Cruise walks first red carpet since divorce at Jack Reacher premiere

ToM CrUISE may have faded into Oblivion right after his divorce from Katie Holmes, but he’s back in action now.

The actor walked his first post-split red carpet tonight, donning dark jeans and a tieless suede blazerand-sweater combo for the London premiere of Jack reacher at the odeon Leicester Square.

Costars rosamund Pike, who lit up the night in a bright yellow Alexander McQueen gown, was also in attendance, as were interested moviegoers Nicole Scherzinger and Formula one driver boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, and Tom Hardy and girlfriend Charlotte riley.

Though he’s been spotted here and there with

daughter Suri, as well as on the set of the sci-fi thriller oblivion, Cruise has been keeping a relatively low profile since his summertime split.

But, with Jack reacher due in theaters Dec. 21, expect to see much more of Cruise in the coming weeks. Well, you know, if he wants people to go see his movie, starring Cruise in cruise control as a daredevil investigator who doesn’t play by the rules on the hunt for some very bad people.

Holmes, who seemingly couldn’t go anywhere without a paparazzi escort in the months following the divorce, finds herself in the spotlight most every night while performing on Broadway in Dead Accounts.

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Meet...

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

FFROM 1

very grateful and blessed to have received such a warm welcome since then.” Marketing Director Jacklyn Uy continues, “To mark what has been over a year in the Land of Promise and to unveil the much awaited Holiday Collection, WAGW launched the first annual search for the Young Ambassadors of Style Davao, which celebrates and recognizes some of Davao’s most stylish and promising young personalities who epitomize the WAGW’s image of style, substance and youthful exuberance.”

Marianne Louise Aquino, or Milen, is a 20 yearold BS Biology major who just recently graduated from De La Salle University. She aspires to become a successful doctor someday.

Milen is a classic beauty which translates to her style – simple yet sophisticated.

It’s no surprise that her style icon is Audrey Hepburn, whose delicate features are much like Milen’s. During her down time, she likes to do pilates, travel, dance and read.

Chelsea Marie Ang, or Ccia as her friends and family call her, is a 20 yearold Dentistry student of the Davao Medical School Foundation. She dreams of putting up her own orthodontic practice as soon as she finishes medical school.

Ccia’s style is simple and elegant, and, like Milen, her style icon is Audrey Hepburn. When she isn’t too busy with school, Ccia enjoys spending time in the kitchen, cooking and baking sweet delicacies.

Lorenzo Leon Rabat, or Enzo for short, is a 21 year-old Civil Engineering Student at the De La Salle University. He dreams of making the world a better place by promoting sustainable development.

He wants to focus on ecofriendly contruction methods and technology to help preserve the earth’s natural resources and fight global warming. A sporty adventure seeker, he enjoys playing basketball, working out, and going to the beach and mountains. Enzo’s personal style reflects his easygoing nature. His staples include

shorts and sunglasses, both essentials in the outdoor world he enjoys so much.

WAGWs Young Style Ambassadors of Davao were featured wearing the brand’s holiday collection.

Inspired by oriental highbuild embroideries, opulent fabric and immensely decorative details, a collection of ornate grunge is born. According to WAGW’s Creative Director Kryz Uy, “This collection brings about feelings of luxury and elegance

juxtaposed with rawness and distressed modernity, making use of stunning brocades against laser cut leather, metallic spikes on elegant satin, heavy embellishments on figure skating spandex, giving the wearer a sense of refinement, excessiveness and class with today’s edge and sense of self-power.”

The ladies behind What A Girl Wants, the Uy sistersJacklyn, Kryz and founder Diane Uy-Ang - continue to stand behind their vi-

sion to satisfy the shopping needs of vibrant, edgy, street chic girls and boys by providing them with a wide selection of clothes, bags, footwear and accessories to further enhance their personal style. New collections hit their racks every Friday, all of which are in line with the current fashion trends.

From what started as a corner stall in Cebu in 2004, What A Girl Wants will have a total of 10 boutiques in key cities all over the Philippines.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 202 •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Spurs edge Rockets in OT H

OUSTON — Tony Parker was happy about getting his first career triple-double on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

When it became clear that the performance was going to help the San Antonio Spurs win, the 12-year veteran could enjoy it so much more.

Gary Neal scored a career-best 29 points and Parker had 27 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to lead the Spurs over the Houston Rockets 134-126 in overtime.

“I was like: ‘Man if we lose, nobody is going to care,’” Parker said with a laugh about his triple-double. “Now that we won the game it makes it even better, because at the end of the day people only care about wins.”

Parker’s outing complemented Neal’s 7-of-10 performance from 3-point range.

Parker’s teammates had fun with him after the game, with a couple of them bellowing “Mr. Triple-double” as he entered the locker room, eliciting a sheepish grin and a shake of the head from him.

“All night long, he kept us in the game,” Spurs coach Gregg Poppovich said of Parker. “With his play on both ends of the floor, he was magnificent.”

Jeremy Lin had his best game since joining the Rockets, scoring a career high-tying 38 points with leading scorer James Harden sidelined by a sprained right ankle. It was just the second time he’d scored more than 20 points since coming to Houston.

Neal’s last 3-pointer followed by a three-point play by Manu Ginobili put the Spurs ahead 130-122 with two minutes left in overtime, and they held on for the win. It was San Antonio’s fifth straight win overall and second over Houston in three days after a 114-92 victory Friday.

“Gary was unbelievable,” Parker said. “He made some big shots for us. He was the one who kept us in the game with timely 3s, very timely 3s in the fourth quarter and in overtime.”

The Rockets provided a stronger challenge in this one after San Antonio never trailed in Friday’s win. But Houston’s inexpe-

rience showed in overtime as the Rockets had three turnovers to help the Spurs build the lead.

Houston fell to 0-2 since coach Kevin McHale returned to the bench Saturday after taking a

11 rebounds for Atlanta, which briefly held the lead midway through the third quarter before the Heat got rolling and moved 1½ games ahead of the Hawks in the Southeast Division.

Atlanta has dropped both games against Miami this season and is 1-7 against the Heat since March 2011.

“We gave LeBron and D-Wade some opportunities to be able to get some layups early on and whenever you play against a team like that or whenever you give a great player opportunities to get layups first, the rim gets that much bigger,” Smith said.

“And they started hitting all kinds of shots.”

A big third-quarter run put the Heat in control, and one of James’ best dunks this season helped seal it in the fourth. Cole took a pass from Ray Allen, dribbled once and nonchalantly flipped the ball toward the rim.

James, who also had seven rebounds and six assists, did the rest.

James leaped — the top of his fingers stretched easily more than a foot above the basket — for a slam with 9:51 left, and the Heat weren’t threatened in the final minutes.

“Cole made me go get it, for sure,” James said.

“He actually took that literally when I told him, ‘Just throw it anywhere.’”

Said Wade: “That’s his bionic leg.”

Wade is now 20 for 25 in his last two games from the floor, scoring 26 points in each, and maybe it’s not a coincidence that those outings came after NBA analyst Charles Barkley — Wade’s onetime cell phone commercial co-star — said what he’s been saying many times in the past couple years: The 2006 NBA Finals MVP’s game is declining.

“It means Charles Barkley needs to shut up,” James said. “I mean, the man’s shooting 80 percent from the floor in the last couple games. Come on, man. That’s like crazy, right? That’s why who he is.”

The Heat came into Monday night talking about how this particular game was significant for many reasons, foremost among them the Hawks’ position in the division.

And while it’s way too early to take more than a passing interest in the standings, Miami had taken notice of Atlanta’s early success.

“We’ve been watching,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

leave of absence Nov. 10 to be with his family as his daughter’s health worsened. Alexandra “Sasha” McHale died Nov. 24 of complications from Lupus.

She was 23.

“Those guys, those

closers have been in a million of those games,” McHale said of the Spurs.

A 3-pointer by Ginobili put the Spurs up two before Omer Asik tied it on a jumper with 37 seconds left. Parker then missed a

Too much Heat M

IAMI — LeBron James leaped as high as he can soar. Dwyane Wade shot better than he ever has before.

And when the Miami Heat stars are on their games like that... “We probably won’t lose,” James said.

Such was the case Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time). James scored 27 points, Wade had 26 and the Heat pulled away in the second half to beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-92, improving to 10-1 at home this season.

James (10 for 16) and Wade (11 for 13, the best single-game shooting percentage of his career) made 21 of 29 shots for Miami, which shot 58 percent as a team. Chris Bosh had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Norris Cole made all four of his shots to score 10 for the Heat, who handed the Hawks just their second loss in 11 games.

“Just trying to be as efficient as I can,” Wade said.

“Shooting 13 shots, it’s nothing I’m used to. Some nights you go for 11-for13. Some nights you go 3 for 13. But you just try to continue to be aggressive and continue taking shots.”

Josh Smith scored 22 points and Al Horford finished with 20 points and

shot, but Lin dribbled out the shot clock under pressure from Danny Green, giving the Spurs another chance. Carlos Delfino blocked a shot by Tim Duncan to send it to overtime tied at 120.

Tony Parker registered his first career triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to help the Spurs beat the Houston Rockets despite Jeremy Lin’s season-high 38 points. AP

Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are .909 at home so far this season. AP

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VOL.5 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Offensive-minded Azkals Philippines-Singapore face off for finals seat

By Neil Bravo

T

HIS time, offense will be the best defense.

That will be the key strategy shift the Philippine Azkals will bring against Singapore tonight in the second leg of their semifinals clash for a place in the finals of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. How they will execute it amidst a very hostile atmosphere will be a big question.

The Azkals are used to playing a hostile atmosphere having to play their semifinal matches in the 2010 edition in the home turf of Indonesia.

This one in Jalan Besar Stadium is no different.

Philippine national men’s football team coach Hans Michael Weiss said that the Azkals need to change their strategy if they want to overcome the Lions.

“In general, the defensive approach is something that serves us at this

moment but we have to change our style of play,” Weiss said. “We have to more and more look at the ball possession, play offensive.”

The Azkals have only conceded two goals so far, which came in a 2-1 loss to Thailand during the group stages. Since then, they did not allow their opponents to score in victories against Vietnam (10) and Myanmar (2-0) to help the squad propel to the semifinals.

The situation didn’t change in the first leg of the semifinals between the Azkals and Singapore, with the Filipinos preventing the Lions to enjoy the advantage of away goals and forcing a nil-nil draw last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

But another goalless match for the Azkals won’t help them beat Singapore in the second leg, as they need a victory or at least score in a possi-

In order to win, the Azkals have to shift to offensive mode tonight.

ble draw to beat the Lions and advance to the finals.

Despite that, Weiss is confident that the Azkals will get the job done.

“We have many, many good players (who can) do more in that respect,” he said.

The Azkals will meet

Singapore in the second leg of their Suzuki Cup semifinal encounter on Wednesday at the Jalan Besar Stadium in the city-

state.

If the Azkals win tonight, a cash bonanza of P3 Million awaits them courtesy of SMART.

The Azkals top scoring threat Phil Younghusband (left) will be battling with Aleksandar Duric (middle) of Singapore.

Lions’ striker calls for 12th man

S

INGAPORE – Veteran striker Aleksandar Duric has issued a rallying cry to Singapore fans to be the team’s 12th man at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday when the Lions clash with the Philippines for a spot in the AFF Suzuki Cup final.

With a 55,000-seat arena currently under construction at the site of the now-demolished National Stadium, the venue for Singapore’s triumphant 2004 and 2007 campaigns, the match will be played instead at the compact Jalan Besar Stadium which has a capacity of just 7,000.

As a result, demand

has far outstripped supply with all of the tickets for the match snapped up within hours of going on sale.

Noting that the game is taking place on December 12, 2012 (12/12/12), the 42-year-old Duric now wants those fortunate fans who will be in attendance to create an intimidating atmosphere for the visit of the Azkals for the second leg of the semi-finals.

“On such an auspicious date, it will be fitting to have our 12th man behind us in our bid to reach the AFF Suzuki Cup final,” said the 42-yearold in his weekly column in The Straits Times.

“Tickets for tomorrow’s semi-final were sold out in less than a day and I am looking forward to the wall of noise our fans will generate.

“Sure, last Saturday’s first leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila was well attended by 15,000 fans. But, even with only half that number at Jalan Besar, I am sure our supporters will create an equally intimidating atmosphere.

“Their support can make a real difference. I have played at Jalan Besar for years and, every time there is a full house, it just gives me an extra lift, an extra yard and that extra dose of confidence.”