Edge Davao 5 Issue 208

EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

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DavOr, ComVal roads passable

By Anthony S. Allada

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AtIoNAl roads connecting typhoon-hit areas in Davao oriental and Compostela Valley are now passable, the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 has declared.

DPWH regional director Mariano Alquiza has announced that all national

Sports

DPWH 11 declares damaged national roads already passable Bridge repairs underway roads damaged or blocked in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo in Compostela

Ayos!

Valley and Davao oriental are now passable.

Alquiza said vital road sections leading to the severely damaged towns in Compostela Valley such as New Bataan,

FDAVOR, 11

Page 14

Follow Us On EAGER. Detainees of the Davao City jail eagerly wait to get a chance to see Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio in person and to receive gifts from the city government of Davao during the latter’s recent visit as part of the Pasko Fiesta 2012. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Double whammy

Banana industry to lose P7.7 billion

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avao’s banana industry is bound to lose P7.7 Billion, no thanks to typhoon Pablo and an equally devastating financial crisis.

Small banana farmers in the Davao Region are reeling from a “double whammy” of sorts.

Ernesto Dilodilo, assistant manager of the Federation of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Banana-based Cooperative of Davao (Fedco), revealed that small banana farmers whose farms have been damaged by the typhoon are facing the grim prospect of paying their

loans out of nothing.

Affected farms comprise about 13,797 hectares (ha), mostly in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte, with potential revenue loss of P7.7 billion as of December 10, according to an industry briefer prepared by Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA).

In a hectare of land, an average of 3,500 boxes of Cavendish bananas can be produced with a buying price of

FDOUBLE, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

Bill increasing SSS pension passed on second reading

A

FtER the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill, the House of Representatives also made progress on a measure increasing the SSS pension.

Committee Report 2514 containing House Bill 4365 increasing SSS pension to a maximum of P2,000.00 per month was passed by the House on second reading right after the explanation of votes for the RH bill terminated and it is a matter of time before it will be approved on third reading.

“It has been a long wait since we filed the bill early 2011. the House approval of the bill on second reading is a very timely Christmas gift to our senior citizens” said Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares one of the main authors of the bill. “there are four pending bills in the Senate mandating similar increases in SSS pension.

We urge the Senate to approve the counterpart SSS pension bill so that the law can immediately be implemented next year.”

Rep. Colmenares also revealed a plan for the passage of an inflation

Immediate passage of senate counterpart bills urged indexed pension scheme next Congress.

“We were aiming for a higher increase in pension but an increase of two thousand pesos a month is more than enough for now. We will go for a higher pension increase next Congress. the new bill however will have an inflation based formula which means that pensions could increase if the inflation rate increases” said Colmenares.

Colmenares explained that this formula, adapted by countries like Canada, has two components: one depending on the amount of premium paid over the years and the other, for automatically increases in pension if inflation rate increases. this way, senior citizens will not have to beg the SSS for an increase in pension every time prices go up. there is also no need to pass a law each time an increase is required.

Colmenares said that SSS has the capacity to pay the P2,000 pension

Amendments to K-12 program introduced

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ENAtE Minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano has introduced three amendments to Senate Bill 3286 or the K-12 program to ensure that students and parents are assured of the quality of education that the proposed program promises.

“We are for the program, but we also believe that still not enough resources have been put into this to ensure its success which is why I proposed three major amendments,” he told the media after the period of amendments for the bill seeking to make the K-12 program a law in yesterday’s Senate session.

Cayetano expressed concerns regarding the funding requirement of the program and the added financial burden to poor families which could result in higher drop-out rates owingto the additional two years in senior high school.

“I am not against K-12 per se. I see the wisdom behind it. I just want to make sure that we are ready to implement it in a way that will not further add burden to the poor,” he said.

He introduced three new sections in the bill.

Section 15 seeks to create a joint oversight committee to oversee,

monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program.

Section 16, he said directs the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct a mandatory review and submit a midterm report to Congress on the status and progress of the implementation of the K to 12 Program vis-a-vis the reported shortages on teachers, classrooms, textbooks, chairs, toilets, etc.

“Shortages in classrooms, computers, books, laboratories, etc., in schools are said to be finally resolved and should be sustained, otherwise the proposed system will only prove to be an additional financial burden on parents and will result in an increase in the number of drop-outs of students,” he said.

He pointed out that in 2010, the country had a shortage of 148,827 teachers, 66,800 classrooms, 135,847 toilets, 2.5 million seats, and 60 million books. At present, only 29,261 of teaching positions have been filled, only 23,646 classrooms have been built, only 29,243 toilets have been provided, only 1.3 million seats have been produced, and only 52.7 million books have been delivered.

FAMENDMENTS, 11

increase. SSS earned Php 29.865 Billion from its investments alone in 2011.

It earned Php 14 Billion in the first quarter of 2012 enabling it to pay the pension of 226, 611 pensioners receiving less than Php 2,400.00 per month.

“Additionally, it has a collectible amount of Php 8.515 Billion in 2011 which more than 174,985 employers from all over the country unlawfully failed to remit to the SSS. Considering that SSS paid two of its Board Members in 2010 a total of Php 127 Million in bonuses, it is certainly in no position to claim that it cannot afford a pension increase, “ Colmenares said.

Another measure slated for second reading is HB 4409 which increases the penalty to eight years imprisonment for employers who fail to remit their employees’ contribution. the measure is expected to pass second reading when Congress resumes session in January.

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

2013 polls

EDGEDAVAO

Survey: Davao voters to junk Partylist bets

By Che Palicte

l

ooKS lIKE Partylist candidates hoping to win the votes of Davao’s electorate will have a lot of convincing to do.

According to a recent survey, fifty three percent of Davao City voters say they will not vote for Partylist candidates in the 2013 mid-term elections.

More than half of respondents in a recent survey conducted by IPo (Institute of Public opinion) think that partylist groups serve no benefit to the electorate, and are calling for a change in the partylist system to really serve its purpose otherwise it should be abolished.

Davao City has a population of 1,536,125, 61 percent of which is of voting age.

Some of the common flaws perceived by the respondents are (1) many partylist candidates come under the category of “nuisance” (43.90%),

(2) anyone can be a nominee (42%), (3) just talk without taking action (41.90%), (4) the presence of a powerful few to decide for the group (41.40%), (4) they do not represent public interest (40.20%), (5) they are controlled by a few rich and powerful members (41.10%), (6) not a true political party in the real meaning of the word (41.10%). the survey employed a three percent margin of error, and was conducted last November 20-28, 2012 among 1,400 respondents aged 18 years old and above, of whom 70.3% voted in the Partylist elections in May of 2010 while 29.3% did not vote for any group listed in the partylist. the middle-age group, 36-42 years old (18.5%) participated in the partylist elections, followed by those in their early 30’s (17.77%) and those be-

longing to the 43-49 years bracket (14.09%). Involvement in the partylist system was highest among those whose ages showed high political maturity and with economic standing. on the other hand, 37.9% of partylist voters believe that it provides the system of choosing their true sectoral representative and that the group represents the concerns and issues of the marginalized sector (37%) while 36% of the respondents say that they patronize the partylist system because it allows ordinary citizens to serve the public as it is the political party of the ordinary people. less than 35% believe that (1) the Partylist system is an alternative for achieving genuine public service, (2) partylist can help advance the welfare of the public sector and, (3) it presents a ready system to voice the issues of the marginalized sector.

CHRISTMAS PARTY. Dressed in Santa Claus suit, The Marco Polo Davao general manager Bruno Simeoni expresses gratitude to members of local media during Club 888 Christmas party at The Marco Polo Hotel Davao yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

ICT scores breakthrough year in Davao

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NFoRMAtIoN Communications technology (ICt) scored a breakthrough year in the Davao Region in 2012, a Davao-based ICt organization said.

Bert Barriga, Information and Communications technology (ICt) Davao executive vice president, yesterday bared the ICt development in the Davao region for 2012 while revealing bright prospects for 2013.

12 major engagements in 2012 5 more ICT giants to pour investments in 2013 According to Barriga, Davao City is a preferred destination for competitive and cutting-edge ICt products and services. there are 12 stakeholders in the agency who are planning to create more sectors in order to expand the ICt services in the region.

A successful partnership was achieved between ICt-Davao and government agencies including Department of labor and Employment (DolE) which produced the Voluntary Code of Good Practices on Decent Work of the ICt BPo Industry in Region 11;

technical Education and Skills Development Authority (tESDA) which trained 2,500 scholars in English Proficiency and Medical transcription and 60 scholars on trainer’s methodology; National ICt Confederation of the Philippines (NICP); Department of Science and technology (DoSt) which staged a succescul expo in 2012 and produced homegrown resources for It

FICT, 11

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL.5 ISSUE 208 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

3

DavNor, ComVal folk happy over return of power supply “l

IPAy gyud kaayo ko pagkakita nako nga naa nay nag-ayo sa mga poste ug linya diri sa amoa aron mubalik na gyud ang kuryente (I am so happy upon seeing that there are crew who starts to repair power posts and lines here in our place so that we can already be ener-

gized),” said 62-year-old Senerita Dagaraga.

Dagaraga, a resident of Barangay Bankerohan, Montevista town in Compostela Valley, who survived from the onslaught of super typhoon Pablo, has this all to say as the absence of electricity makes life more difficult for them. “lisud gyud kaayo sir.

REPAIR. Aboitiz Power - Davao Light & Power Co. crew work on the reparation of lines and poles destroyed by super typhoon Pablo.

Dako kaayo ang mawala kung magpabilin nga wala mi linya sa kuryente diri (It’s really very difficult sir.

We can lose a lot if there is still no power supply here),” she said.

But she was all smiles when she saw a five-man crew who happened to be dispatched by Davao light and Power Company and its sister company, Aboitiz Power, to augment personnel of the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECo) in reviving the power supply in Compostela Valley.

Almost all electric poles from the long stretch of Montevista to Monkayo were toppled down by strong winds after super typhoon Pablo severely hit the province and neighboring Davao oriental and had to be replaced with new ones.

Residents in the province were given an assurance by DANECo that power supply will be back before Christmas.

“We are ahead of time in fixing our power supply.

We assure that on or before December 20 we can already energize the entire province except for Mara-

HAPPY. Senerita Dagaraga expresses joy after knowing electricity supply will be back before Christmas day. Power was out after super typhoon Pablo hit the power lines at Compostela Valley.

gusan due to still impassable roads,” said Angelito Estaca, project supervisor of DANECo-National Electrification Administration.

Estaca said with the help of Davao light and 20 other electric cooperatives they have fasttracked the repair of power supply.

“If without them, it is impossible for us to immediately fix this problem. I think it will take us a year if only DANECo do the repair,” he said.

the entire province of Compostela Valley was in total darkness after the typhoon struck on December 4 but power supply slowly returned to some municipalities except for Monkayo, Maragusan, laak and New Bataan. San Isidro in Davao del Norte, the way to laak, is yet to be energized also.

“We are currently fixing the backbone parts in Monkayo and New Bataan and hopefully by Monday

these will already be energized and we will start the repair in San Isidro going to laak,” Estaca said in an interview on Saturday.

He said they experienced difficulty in penetrating Maragusan because of bad roads and a number of poles which were toppled down.

“We could not still give a time frame on when can we energize the town but we are doing all means,” he said. [PNA]

build the bunkhouses and they will be paid through the cash-for-work program. other national and local government officials also stressed the need for the affected families to work hand in hand with the government towards the road to recovery, encouraging them to cooperate with the national and local governments in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

DSWD has deployed its KAlAHI-CIDSS engineers in Baganga, Cateel, Boston and Compostela to oversee construction of the bunkhouses. Construction in New Bataan, Montevista and Monkayo will be handled by the provincial government.

For Compostela Valley, the provincial government has assured that all bunkhouses will be completed within five days.

DSWD has earmarked P81 million to build the 81 bunkhouses in the seven severely-affected towns in the two provinces. [DSWD/SMS/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

NtEllIGENCE operatives in South Cotabato province have identified at least 10 personalities as allegedly behind the rampant illegal “banlas” or sluice mining activities in the mineral-rich mountains of tampakan town.

Siegfred Flaviano, acting Provincial Environment Management office (PEMo) chief, said tuesday a list of the supposed “banlas” mining operators, financiers and protectors in the area was submitted recently to the local government by the Provincial Anti-Banlas Intelligence and Investigation task Force.

He initially refused to name any of the alleged personalities who were tagged in the illegal mining operations saying the list is still subject to further verification and deliberations by the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB).

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr., who heads the PMRB, has yet to convene the board but noted that he already

received a copy of the list, he said. “the deliberations will determine what further actions we’re going to take against these personalities,” he said in a radio interview.

Flaviano said the task force, which includes operatives from the South Cotabato police’s intelligence unit and public safety company, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Provincial Intelligence Service unit and the National Bureau of Investigation, was still gathering evidences against those named in the list.

He said it was also investigating several other local personalities for possible involvement in the highly-destructive mining activity.

Banlas mining, which is considered a highly-destructive mining method, involves the pouring of large amounts of water using high-pressure water jets on a mountain’s surface to extract the rocks containing the gold ore, and then pan them with mercury. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

Bunkhouses now start rising in ‘Pablo’ hardest-hit towns I “o uR target date for completion of the bunkhouses is before end of December. At least before New year our typhoon-affected and homeless families in Davao oriental and Compostela Valley will have roof over their heads,” said Director Priscilla N. Razon of the Deparment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

As temporary shelter, the bunkhouse measures

7.40 x 24.0 meters with corrugated G.I. sheets roofing and marine plywood walling. lumber from felled coconut trees will be utilized for framing while flooring is made of concrete slab. A concrete walkway will also be installed on the sides measuring 1.o x 24 meters. Each bunkhouse will have 10 rooms with one bathroom each for male and female.

For cutting of coconut trees, site preparation

Builders work on the first bunkhouses in Baganga, Davao Oriental.

and clearing, hauling and mixing, and other requirements for manual labor, local manpower will be mobilized through the Cash-for-Work Program of DSWD that provides P218 per day per labourer.

Skilled workers from the area will also be tapped.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman earlier emphasized that as part of the livelihood intervention, the affected families will help

People suspected behind ‘banlas’ mining in Tampakan known

4

SCIENCE / ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Coal to equal oil as world’s top energy source within 10 years t

HE International Energy Agency (IEA) says that coal will catch up with oil as the world’s leading energy source by 2022.

In a report, the Agency says that increased demand from India and China are fuelling the push.

Natural gas offers the best hope of reducing carbon emissions in the short term the report concludes.

It comes as the European union acknowledged that it has been unable to fund a single project to capture and store Co2.

Economic and population growth in developing countries are spurring the drive for coal says the IEA, China on top By 2017 the agency says global coal consumption will stand at 4.32 billion tonnes of oil equivalent, versus 4.4 billion tonnes for oil itself.

“Coal’s share of the global energy mix continues to grow each year,” says IEA executive director Maria Van der Hoeven.

“If no changes are made to current policies, coal will catch oil within a decade.” the report forecasts that by 2014 China will account for more than half the world’s coal consumption, while India will overtake the uS in second place.

In fact the uS is the only region of the world forecast to reduce demand for coal says the report, highlighting the role being played by shale gas in the energy mix. “the uS experience suggests that a more efficient gas market, marked by flexible pricing and fuelled by indigenous unconventional resources that are produced sustainably can reduce coal use, Co2 emissions and consumers’ electricity bills without harming energy security” says Ms. Van der Hoeven.

Earlier this year the IEA reported that without a major move away from coal as an energy source, average global temperatures could rise by 6C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, leading to highly damaging climate change. to avoid that, governments are hoping that technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) can be utilised to curb the growth in emissions.

But in today’s study, the IEA says that CCS is unlikely to make any impact in the next five years. this pessimistic view was echoed in Brussels as the Eu was unable to find a suitable carbon capture and storage project to fund, despite having set aside 275m euros

(£224m) to kick start the technology.

A number of projects from different European countries including the uK had been in the running for a share of the money but all were forced to withdraw after they failed to secure necessary financial support from their home governments. this is despite the

uK outlining a new effort to develop CCS earlier this year.

Capturing the cash the Eu says that the money will remain available to fund CCS projects in a second call for proposals that the Commission says it will proceed with “swiftly.” liberal Democrat member of the European

Parliament Chris Davies blamed European governments for failing to come up with the cash, particularly when the IEA were reporting the unabated rise of coal.

“We may have fallen at the first hurdle but we mustn’t give up,” he told the BBC. “CCS becomes even more important globally

with coal set to overtake oil as the primary source of energy.”

While the Eu was unable to announce any progress on CCS, they were able to award 1.2bn euros (£975m) to 23 innovative renewable energy demonstrations projects across the member states. [BBC Nature]

year after storm “Sendong” struck Cagayan de oro City, residents living in the hazard-prone areas beside the Cagayan de oro River are still at risk from flash floods because police have yet to fully implement the order of President Aquino to evict them.

Raoul Geollogue, a former regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said in a press conference here that typhoon “Pablo” proved that the areas identified by President Aquino are really prone to flash floods. “the police should not pay lip service to the order of President Aquino.

When Pablo struck, the same areas were inundated by the flash flood. It is the same thing that happened during Sendong,” Geollogue said.

Days after Sendong struck last Dec. 17, 2011, President Aquino ordered the police not to allow residents and informal settlers to settle in Isla de oro, Isla Bugnaw, Cala-cala, parts of

Barangay Macasandig and Barangay Carmen.

Most of the 714 Cagayan de oro residents who died during Sendong have lived in these places like these were small low-cost subdivisions and housing projects.

Many of them have returned to live there after police turned a blind eye on the situation. last week, local Government Secretary Mar Roxas reiterated the president’s order to PNP Region 10 Director Gil J. Hitosis during his visit here after typhoon Pablo laid to waste some towns in Davao oriental and Compostela Valley. “your career is hanging on the balance. you have to implement this order even if it means you transfer your office beside the river,” Roxas told Hitosis during a meeting.

Geollogue, who now works as an environment consultant, said Pablo vindicated the president’s order to evict the residents.

[Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews]

Climate change tackled in tribal summit of ‘seven mountains’ A

t

RIBAl leaders from seven mountains in Northern Mindanao met in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City for a three-day summit, on Dec. 13-15, aimed at helping indigenous communities adapt to the impact of climate change.

Initiated by Bukidnon-Daraghuyan spiritual leader Bae Inatlawan Docenos tarino, the summit gathered about 70 tribal leaders from indigenous communities in seven mountains in the region namely, Kitanglad, Kalatungan, Pantaron, Kimangkil, Kalanawan, Sumagaya, and Pamalihi. “the biggest achievement so far is that the baylans (shamans) were able to hold a major ritual to appease the spirits of nature to stop disasters,” tarino, echoing the sentiment of the tribal leaders that rituals play a big role in taming disasters, told MindaNews Saturday.

For the tribes, tarino added, natural disasters and calamities are caused by human abuses and the only thing that can stop them is for people to unite, correct mistakes, and appease the spirits. tarino added that the wrath of the disasters like Pablo has become too heavy for humans. “that is why we needed to gather together, because one or a few baylans cannot sustain the conduct of the ritual,” she said, referring to the kaliga thanksgiving ritual which lasted for a night inside the tulugan or tribal heritage center in olanguhon. olanguhon, a secluded village at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad, served as the venue of the summit. the summit covered presentations on climate change, reflections on the tribes’ situation, the value of nature and ecosystems services, and an assessment workshop on the hazards in the communi-

ties.

Among the hazards cited by the participants were landslide, flood, storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, mining, logging, hunger, selling of lands, pest attacks, chemicals used by plantations, militarization and bombing, alleged ceasefire violations by the communist and Moro rebels [there is no truce between government and the communist rebels], abuse of sacred sites, entry to ancestral domains by non-lumads, religions brought by outsiders, and entry of investors without free and prior informed consent. the participants also cited “anit” or “gava” (curse) as another problem encountered by the tribes. the Higaonons cited the quarrying for a road project in Impasugong, Bukidnon in an area called Pigtabidan (junction of rivers), which they consider a sacred ground.

Samuel Cadavos, Bukidnon Environment and Natural Resources office chief, told the summit that they did not grant a quarry permit to the firm.

In their responses, participants cited the need to strengthen and conserve their customs and traditions through the holding of rituals, establishment of tribal schools, exercise of self-governance and the protection of their territory, and guidance from the council of elders. the summit also became an opportunity for tribal leaders to share notes on their respective initiatives to address the problems at their level.

Datu Djimboy Catawanan of the Manobo-Matigasalug tribe in Simsimon, San Fernando, Bukidnon said discussions about disaster and disaster risk reduction in the community level have become paramount especially after typhoon Pablo. [Walter I. Balane/MindaNews]

EDGEDAVAO

Police not heeding PNoy’s order to clear geohazard areas in CDO

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 208 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

THE ECONOMY

5

Construction industry optimistic on economy t

PREFERRED. Bert Barriga, executive vice president of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Davao, says that the ICT-Davao aims to make Davao City the

preferred destination for ICT products and technologies during Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

HE construction industry in the Philippines will continue to do well, with most construction professionals anticipating improvement on their workload for the next 12 months, a survey on construction stakeholders showed. the market sentiment survey conducted by BCI Asia-Philippines consisted of 94 respondents from different regions of the country, 39 percent of which were based in the National Capital Region and 11 percent each from Central Visayas and North luzon. the rest were spread out from Eastern and Western Visayas, central and southern luzon, and Northern and Southern Mindanao.

Sixty percent of the respondents were architects while the rest were contractors, developers and subcontractors. Forty-six percent were from companies consisting of between 11 and 100 employees while 43 percent were form companies with less than 10 employees.

Asked to describe their workload last october, responses yielded positive results, 45 percent saying their workload is “fair” and 27 percent saying their workload is “very good.”

In Central Visayas, 70 percent considered their workload fair while 17 percent though their workload is very good.

None of the respondents considered their workload poor or very bad.

Compared to their workload 12 months before, 32 percent felt they have roughly the same workload while 43 percent said they had a “somewhat better” workload. twelve percent reported having significantly better workload. However, 13 percent said they ha a somewhat worse workload. But in Central Visayas, none of the respondents reported negative responses.

Eleven percent said their workload was significantly better and 44 percent said it was somewhat better. Another 44 percent said it was roughly the same. Asked to assess their workload progress in the next 12 months, respondents are optimistic, with 70 percent anticipating improvements. the report stated the greatest expectation for future work is found in Western and Central Visayas, Mindanao and North luzon. Some 22

percent in Central Visayas said their workload will significantly improve while 52 percent expect it to somewhat improve. twenty-six percent said their workload will stay roughly the same, but none of the respondents felt that their workload will deteriorate. the survey also sought to ask how market conditions made an impact on their project states. overall figures suggested that the current market conditions have a positive impact on the five stages-concept, design, documentation, tender and in post-tender or construction stage.

As for the impact of different project categories, the figures indicated that publicly-funded projects were still considered to be the most negatively-affected while commercial and single residential projects stand out with positive ratings.

Respondents predicted an increase in building opportunities, with 62 percent believing there will be growth. In Central Visayas the figure was even higher at 80 percent.

As for their staff members, 50 percent have decided to keep their existing staff while 28 percent will be adding to their staff. twenty-two percent plan to reduce their staff members. In Central Visayas 57 percent will be retaining their staff, 29 percent plan on making additions while 14 percent will be reducing. the researchers asked respondents to rate influential factors in sector development.

Majority griped that the effort and time to get development approval as the top variable holding back construction development. they also cited overall business sentiment, overall consumer sentiment, cost of raw materials, availability and cost of finance and counter-productive government legislations as some factors holding back growth.

Asked what supporting initiatives they want from the government, they highlighted anti-corruption measures and improved infrastructure as the top priority. In Central Visayas, 90 percent wanted the government to improve infrastructure and simplify documentation.

Some 15 percent also cited skilled migration as a problem they wanted the government to address. Majority also expect prices of selected construction goods to increase. [PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Philippines tips 2012 GDP t growth to beat forecasts

GROWTH. People can be seen shopping at Divisoria Market in Manila on October 29, 2012. The Philippines economy will likely grow more than government forecasts this year and pick up over the next two years. [AFP]

EDGEDAVAO

HE Philippines economy will likely grow more than government forecasts this year and pick up over the next two years, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said tuesday.

He told a year-end economic briefing that gross domestic product would exceed 6.0 percent for 2012, well above the 5.0-6.0 percent expansion tipped by officials in Manila. the foundation was set with growth of 6.5 percent in the first nine months of the year, Balisacan said, adding: “We forecast growth in 2013 to be between 6.0 to 7.0 percent and in 2014, between 6.5 to 7.5 percent.”

He said the stronger outlook should help the government create more jobs, which has long been a drag on the economy.

Despite having nine million Filipinos or more than 10 percent of its

citizens working abroad, 6.8 percent of its labour force was unemployed in october, the National Census office said tuesday in a statement.

A further 19 percent had just part-time jobs of less than 40 hours a week, it added.

“Given the latest labour and employment figures, generating employment and ensuring that these are of good quality remain our greatest challenge,” Balisacan said.

Next year should see an improved electronics industry, which accounts for more than half of the country’s exports, thanks to an expected pick-up in the global economy, he added.

Construction, growing demand for power, water and gas, the expansion of business process outsourcing, tourism, and financial services would also help drive growth, he said. [AFP]

Hewlett-Packard to invest in Davao

By Che Palicte

I

NFoRMAtIoN technology giant Hewlett-Packard Philippines is eyeing Davao City as its next hub.

Ryan Guadalquiver, Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard Philippines Corporation, bared his company’s plans to make Davao City its next BPo site. the investment will cover the opening of HP Philippines’ branch office, BPo outlets and Systems Applications.

Guadalquiver led a team from HP Philippines in a recent visit to the Davao City Investment Promotion office.

He did not divulge the investment capital his company will be pouring into the city’s financial pipelines but considers it sizeable. the HP Philippines executive said that Davao City has long been on its radar for future expansion having seen a lot of progress in recent years.

ICt Davao President Bert Barriga received the Makati-based HP contingent who presented their portfolio at the Davao City Investment Promotion office.

HP’s world-renowned applications which they intend to bring here include business solutions and industry core applications example of which is for

HR systems. Part of its portfolio is to expand the core software for applications and infrastructure management, information management and security and risk and management.

For business solutions, HP offers Capital optimization Solution, Asset Management and leasing and Financial Services.

“We will be pushing Windows 8 applications. With this, a more advance application will be introduced and will add up to the phasing of HP products and services,” Guadalquiver said.

He added that HP plans to link with colleges and universities in Davao in integrating its systems and applications which are compatible with the needs of It-based companies. this will spur employment opportunities for graduates.

Among the schools being eyed by HP for the curriculum integration are university of the Philippines Mindanao, university of Southeastern Philippines and university of the Immaculate Conception. Jose Noel Morales, HP Philippines Business Consultant, said that HPs applications are helpful to both business and academe.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 208 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

COMMUNITY SENSE

SM donates P10 M, distributes relief packs to Pablo victims

7

SM turns over 10M to the Philippine Red Cross for the victims of typhoon Pablo. In the photo are (L-R): PRC Sec. Gen. Ms. Gwendolyn Pang, SMFI Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Ms. Connie Angeles, PRC Chairman Mr. Richard Gordon, SM Investments Executive Vice President Mr. Jose T. Sio and Gov. Miguel Zubiri of PRC.

l

ASt December 12, SM Investments Corp., through the Philippine Red Cross, donated P10 million for the victims of typhoon “Pablo” in Min-

danao. the cash donation is in addition to the numerous assistance extended by the SM Group in the affected areas in Mindanao.

SM Supermalls activat-

Affected families in Compostela Valley receive assistance from SM.

DSWD distributes ‘noche buena’ packs to typhoon Pablo victims

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o share the spirit of Christmas to families affected by typhoon ‘Pablo’, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman will start the distribution of ‘noche buena’ packs in New Bataan on December 22.

A total of 173,000 noche buena packs will be distributed in all severely affected areas in Davao Region. Further, DSWD Regions XII and X will be helping in the packaging of the ‘noche buena’ packs.

Each ‘noche Buena’ pack contains 1 ½ kilos bihon, 2 cans corned beef, 2 packs fudgee bar,

1 bottle sandwich spread, 1 can fruit cocktail, 1 can condensed milk, 1 box cheese, 1 pack choco candies and 1 piece malong which will be used as packaging.

At present, a total of 418,973 family food packs amounting to P89,191,397.00 have already been distributed to the affected families in the four provinces of Davao Region.

For queries, clarifications and updates on DSWD relief operations, please contact any of these text hotlines 09176429366 (Globe), 0928-8681532 (Smart) and 0922-7710061 (Sun).

[DSWD/Sheryll Jane B. Sanico]

ed its operation tulong Express Booths at SM City Davao, lanang Premier and SM Cagayan de oro in last December 5, in response to the devastation that super typhoon Pablo caused when it visited parts of Mindanao. later, SM City Cebu , SM General Santos, SM Bacolod and SM Iloilo followed suit. the operation tulong Express is a project of SM Supermalls’ corporate social responsibility program SM Cares and SM Group of Companies’ social arm, SM Foundation Inc. tulong Express Booths accept cash and

kind donations from shoppers.

Headed by SM Foundation AVP for Community outreach Cristie Angeles, volunteers from SM lanang Premier, SM City Davao, SM Supermarket and SM Cinema visited to Compostela for relief distribution last December 10 where 1500 families received grocery items.

SM Foundation with SM Supermalls AVP for Mindanao operations Debby Go also deployed additional 5,000 packs of relief goods in Monkayo, Montevista and New Bataan last thursday and Friday.

SM Foundation’s partner HarBest is turning over 70 litres of EM (Effective Microorganisms) Solution with 20 units of 16l backpack sprayers to the office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development which will be used in disinfecting affected areas to aid in managing the cleanliness especially in evacuation centers where health and sanitation concerns are expected. HarBest will also be training local government staff on how to use the technology. operation tulong Express Booths will be ac-

cepting donations until December 20. Parties and groups interested to donate are encouraged to contact respective SM Mall Admin offices for inquiries.

SM Relief Operation in New Bataan.

SM Foundation volunteers from SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao distributed Hauling of 5,000 relief packs from SM Volunteers from SM Cinema assists in the Supermarket. relief distribution at Brgy Ngan, Compostela. relief goods in Montevista last December 14.

SM Supermalls AVP for Operations Debby Go with SM Foundation AVP for Community Outreach hand goods to affected families in New Bataan.

Operation Tulong Express at Compostela

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Next step is gun control ( Conclusion ) ANAlYSIS

By Celinda lake and JoShua uliBarri

W EDITORIAL

Pass the FOI fast

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oW that the controversial RH Bill has been passed, what fate awaits the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI)? the FoI Bill did not receive the same urgency as the RH Bill in the mind of President Aquino. With that, the FoI Bill was not certified urgent and will most likely languish in Congress for some more time.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning office (PCDSPo) Secretary Ricky Carandang has said that while the Palace supports the FoI measure, Congress can spend another four years on the FoI Bill.

Malacanang says it is satisfied with the pace the FoI Bill is going in Congress. the pending FoI bill in the House reportedly contains inputs from the President who is satisfied with the pace at which the FoI bill is moving. that may not be the case for

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people, especially the media, who are hoping the measure is passed soon. the FoI Bill will open an avenue for the public to be informed of vital information concerning the government, with the exception of certified classified information. take the case of the recent slaying of a suspected terrorist in Davao City. there is no clear information on the progress of the investigation of the detained wife of the slain Malaysian national suspected as a member of the dreaded terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.

Where is the woman now and why has she not been presented to the public by the police at all? Media of course want to know more than just gobble up police statements lock, stock and barrel.

Malacanang may think otherwise, but the passage of the FoI is as urgent as the RH Bill, unless someone wants to hide something or cover things up.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

ALBERTO DALILAN Managing

NEILWIN L. BRAVO Sports and Motoring ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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

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E found, in a 2011 survey we conducted for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, that 57 percent of Americans support a law that would limit the size of ammunition clips so that the gun could not fire more than 10 bullets without having to be reloaded. only a third, or 34 percent, of Americans opposed that law. the Brady Bill, which expired under President George W. Bush, and that obama said he supported, regulated these kinds of assault weapons (AR-15). those guns are now unregulated and the result is tragedy after tragedy that won’t end until elected leaders step up.

Support for sounder, safer gun laws is not restricted to blue states or big urban cities. In a study conducted by lake Research Partners earlier this year in swing state-senate districts in Virginia, we found that two-thirds of voters (65 percent) in a rural western Virginia district believe the gun laws should be made stronger — including 52 percent who strongly believe so. Just 24 percent say they should be less restrictive.

Ninety-two percent of voters in a state senate district centered in Roanoke, Virginia, strongly endorsed requiring background checks for people purchasing guns and permits for people who want to carry a concealed loaded weapon. the NRA and those who oppose gun safety measures should welcome a gun-control debate — especially if they think they have the winning hand. the consistent lack of leadership on this issue is stunning. But what is most unnerving is that it does not have to be this way – the American people support common sense gun laws. others have said, even on Friday, that now is not the time to discuss more gun laws. they said this same thing after Aurora, after Portland, and now after Newtown. they are trying to silence the millions of Americans who want stronger protections from gun violence in their communities. these silencers, led by the NRA, continue to use the 2011 Gallup poll, which we have already explained is problematic, to shut down the debate about new gun laws that will make us safer. that poll said that 43 percent of Americans support stricter gun laws, a 6 percentage point drop from 2008.

But as the numbers we have cited here show, this single Gallup question is too shallow to really tell the story of what Americans think about gun safety measures.

Now is the time to have a discussion about gun laws that will make our communities and families safer. the American people are ready. obama showed great courage earlier this year when he stood up for the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry. His courage and leadership is needed here too. these tragedies will happen again and again until our leaders stand up and pass meaningful gun-safety laws that the American public supports.

EDGEDAVAO

W

Bangsamoro: After June 30, 2016, What?

HAt does Moro Islamic liberation Front want Bangsamoro to be? leading the Bangsamoro transition Authority, MIlF may be able to set up in transition the Bangsamoro it envisions. But after that, starting July 2016, what assurance is there that the Bangsamoro will grow as envisioned? this is what could be and must be asked on reading “Break not the partnership”, the December 16-22 editorial of Luwaran. As the official website of the MIlF Central Committee on Information, Luwaran, in its editorial, reflects the thinking and position of the MIlF leadership. ostensibly, the editorial is an appeal to Government to “seriously nurse, care, and nurture” the Government-MIlF partnership born with the “signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB)” if Government wants “to succeed in their peace-making in Mindanao”. this partnership will last until June 30, 2016. obviously, the appeal refers to the vital issue of who will chair the BtA. MIlF wants the FAB to be followed – providing that MIlF would lead BtA. Government, advocating “inclusivity”, proposes the chairmanship to be open to any member of BtA. MIlF is vehemently objecting as “the MIlF’s ability to account for its share of the responsibility to implement all the agreements would be extremely difficult, because it has no control over the chaotic situation”. the MIlF plea is clear: “this partnership should not be interrupted, let alone be broken, until all their agreements shall have been fully implemented, hopefully in time for the May elections in 2016…” After that MIlF guarantees that “it is everybody’s game” as “… MIlF … either converts itself into a political party

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

MINDA DA NEWS

By PatriCio P. diaz or organizes a political party and joins the political fray”. the plan is admirable and noble.

However, while nurturing that partnership is one vital key to the success of peace making in Mindanao under the Aquino III administration, the successful entrenchment of Bangsamoro as MIlF has envisioned is a greater concern – much, much beyond the term of the Aquino III administration, in fact, until the end of time.

MIlF must control the BtA to guarantee that it takes off according to its vision. But BtA is just the beginning. the growth of Bangsamoro, the new polity, must be nourished and sustained according to MIlF’s vision. Should Bangsamoro fall into the control of other-minded Moro leaders too soon by July 2016, how will Bangsamoro’s development according to MIlF’s vision be assured? to guarantee the proper autonomous take off of Bangsamoro under its regularly elected government, the necessary political, civil and economic institutions must be strongly set in place. the task during the transition is to build the pillars of political and economic autonomy – so sorely lacking in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

At this juncture, it may be asked: Can BtA set up these institutions within one and a half year of transition? Properly speaking, the tC phase of the three-year transition period MIlF has granted is not real transition. this begins only from the implementation of the Bangsamoro Basic law. And it should be recalled: the original MIlF proposal of one-year pre-interim (pre-transition) and six-year interim

(transition) periods was most practical.

What is the basic concept or bottomline? During the transition period not only the institutions for political and economic autonomy will be established firmly but the thinking, attitude, outlook and values of the Moro leaders and people must also change – be in transition – from the old to the new. Hence, Moro leaders other than the MIlF will be able to carry on the MIlF vision of Bangsamoro. this requires some time; one year and a half is too short.

“Inclusivity” as advocated by the Aquino government is ideally democratic. But that it will unite the Moro leaders now for the good of Bangsamoro is fallacious. let that evolve in time. the MIlF fears and objections are well founded.

Important note: The first regular officials of Bangsamoro should be elected under the system suitable to the ministerial form of government. this is provided in the FAB. But since there is no time during the present transition period to set up the suitable electoral system, the first election of Bangsamoro officials will be synchronized with the May 2016 national elections. this is starting the ministerial form of government under the unitary electoral system. Will future Bangsamoro elections be under a different system?

We believe that Government will keep its partnership with MIlF in order to establish Bangsamoro during the Aquino III administration. this is President Aquino’s legacy.

However, since the Aquino government can commit only what it can give, it can be inferred that it will be concerned with Bangsamoro during its term only ending on June 30, 2016. After that its partnership with MIlF ends. Henceforth, let MIlF worry about what may befall Bangsamoro. [MindaNews]

Most people don’t care about their digital privacy

oSt of us simply don’t care about our digital privacy. Sure, you see people citing their displeasure every time Facebook changes their terms of service, but with more than a billion users, few actually leave. today, Instagram took a chance on its own privacy policy, betting that people will treat its service the same way.

Instagram now will feature advertising on its mobile application that uses your name, likeness and content, tracks your location and shares the data with Facebook. the geek chorus is again warming up its pipes. However, I doubt that many will bother to stop taking fauxstalgically filtered photos of every waking moment.

Here are the key additions from Instagram: Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. to help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored

COMMENTARY By anthony de roSa content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you. If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf. you acknowledge that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such.

Personally, it doesn’t bother me because I know and accept the tradeoff. I understand, begrudgingly, that I have to be vigilant about checking my account settings on Facebook, for example.

Every time Facebook makes a change to its terms, I must review them to make sure it hasn’t added some default sharing function that I need to switch off. I accept this in exchange for using the service for free. I realize if I don’t like the rules it has set, I can leave anytime I want to.

When it comes to services such as Facebook, most users aren’t even aware that they have to check , and as Facebook changes its policies, people give up more of their control over their personal information than they realize. though some argue, leaving is not as easy — that having a Facebook account is somehow necessary to be a productive member of society.

9

Gloom haunts Europe amid crisis, austerity SPECIAl FEATURE

By Miao XiaoJuan, rahul Venkit

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olA olmedo, a divorced single mother in southern Spanish city of Seville, finds herself hardly in a festive mood as Christmas draws near.

“I could be fired as early as next year. I might have to do odd jobs, such as cooking meals for other people, or whatever else I can manage,” said the 53-year-old who now works for a public company planning on redundancy.

“My salary dropped from 2,000 to 900 euros, and I am saving for my kids’ university fees. the future is completely black,” she added.

Her frustration was shared by many others from eurozone countries in the middle of a three-year-old sovereign debt crisis and unpopular austerity measures.

For the past months, the single currency zone was on track to establish a fiscal union and a banking union as a long-run solution for the debt crisis, while Athens was granted 50-billion-worth new aid to avert a catastrophic default.

But still, high unemployment and welfare cuts had triggered widespread social discontent over austerity and economic recession over recent years.

Dozens of large-scale protests took place in 2012, particularly in such countries as Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Belgium. Most of them failed to block governments’ austerity plans, but led to massive economic losses nevertheless in the process of venting public anger.

November 14 saw a European-wide protest organized by labor unions, during which protesters in Madrid clashed with police, Portugal was nearly paralyzed by a general strike, while Italian police arrested a few people, among others.

Austerity measures, often imposed upon troubled economies in exchange for bailout funds from the Eu, were accused of aggravating recession and mass unemployment through salary and welfare cuts, investment shrink, tax hike among others.

In fact, an increasing number of eurozone countries were trying to shift their focus from spending cuts to economic growth and structural reforms this year, as they realized the function of austerity as a double-edged sword that could hurt investment, jobs and consumption. the current unemployment rate, increasingly high and yet disproportionate among eurozone countries, largely resulted from tough austerity measures and labor market reforms as well as economic stagnation.

“It is hard to find a job in Brussels, but in my home country Spain, it is seen as a miracle... Going back is no longer an option or solution for me,” said Esteban Perez Resina, a graduate student in Belgium.

Eu statistics showed the eurozone’s unemployment rate, expected to peak by next year, stood at 11.7 percent last month, while youth unemployment rate was nearly 24 percent on average. the figure is even higher in southern Europe.

According to Dr. Stephanie Hare, senior analyst with global consulting firm oxford Analytica, unemployment will continue to rise next year, mainly hurting those under age 25 and women who tend to work in public sectors. “there is a rise in poverty levels, a widening gap between the haves and the have nots... there will be further protests,” she said in an interview with Xinhua. the eurozone is forecast to remain in recession and the 17-member bloc’s GDP is expected to mildly contract next year.

Even the economic powerhouse of Germany is likely to witness flat growth in 2013.

Earlier this month, European Central Bank president Mario Draghi also warned that Europe would not leave the crisis until the second half of next year by the earliest.

“It depends on whether Europe gets its act together on the reforms and finds innovative ways to get people working again... It also depends on growth prospect in the uS and emerging economies,” Hare said. [PNA/Xinhua]

10 NATION/WORlD NATION BRIEFS

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Death toll

he death toll from typhoon “Pablo” (international name: Bopha) has reached 1,043 as Philippine government workers with the recovery of 23 more cadavers in Compostela Valley, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.

In its latest report, the NDRRMC said the typhoon destroyed more than 24.1 billion pesos worth of properties, including close to 16.4 billion pesos in agricultural crops and products. the agency said searchers found and identified 22 bodies in Monkayo town and another cadaver in Compostela town, both in Compostela Valley province.

Take it easy

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embers of the House opposition bloc appealed to their colleagues on Wednesday to “take it easy” on the Roman Catholic Church and not rush the divorce bill at the lower chamber. At a press briefing, House Minority leader Danilo Suarez said House Bill 1799, which allows couples legally separated for two years to file a petition for divorce, should be junked because it “defies morals.” the opposition leader made this statement after House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte reiterated his support for the divorce bill and stated the possibility of legislating it during the next Congress.

P

Budget

resident Benigno Aquino on Wednesday signed into law a 2.005 trillion-peso ($49 billion) budget for 2013, vowing to use higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol to boost programmes to reduce poverty.

Education, health, agriculture and a cash-transfer scheme for the poor are the key priorities of the appropriations, which are 10.5 percent higher than the 2012 national budget, he said during the signing ceremony.

S

Challenged

even more petitions challenging the order of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying party-list groups in the 2013 national elections have been filed with the Supreme Court (SC). he new petitioners are the Confederation of Savings and loan Associations, Inc. (Consla), 1st Kabalikat ng Bayan Ginhawang Sangkatauhan (Kabagis), Pilipinas Para sa Pinoy (PPP), 1 Serve the People, Educational Development Services for ARMM Party, Angat Ahon Magsasaka (AAM) and the Isang Kasambahay Po, Inc.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Iraqi leader in hospital after suffering stroke I

RAqI President Jalal talabani, a Kurd who has mediated among Shi’ite, Sunni and Kurdish parties, was in hospital on tuesday after suffering a stroke that left him in “critical but stable condition”, government officials and lawmakers said.

Without talabani, Iraq would lose an influential peace-maker who often eased tensions in the fragile power-sharing government and negotiated in the growing rift over oil between Baghdad and the oPEC member country’s autonomous Kurdistan region.

Reports on his medical condition varied. three government sources said he was in critical condition, but his office said the 79-year-old president was stable under intensive medical supervision after receiving treatment for blocked arteries.

“President talabani has suffered a light stroke.

His condition is stable now and doctors are closely monitoring him and if they decide he should be transferred outside then he’ll go,” veteran Kurdish politician Mahmoud othman, a close talabani associate who was in the Baghdad hospital. talabani had been suffering from ill health much of this year and received medical treatment overseas several times in the last two years.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki visited the hospi-

Iraq’s President Jalal Talabani addresses the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York September 23, 2011. [REUTERS]

tal earlier on tuesday. touGH tIMES AHEAD? under Iraq’s constitution, the parliament should elect a new president if the post becomes vacant and Iraq’s power-sharing deal calls for the presidency to go to a Kurd while two vice presidents are shared by a Sunni Muslim and a Shi’ite Muslim.

Political analysts said former Kurdistan prime minister Barham Salih is favoured candidate to replace talabani should the president be incapacitated.

But his exit from Iraqi politics would come at a sensitive time and any succession would be complicated, a year after the last American troops left the country.

“He is the most moderate among Iraqi politicians

and the most able to defuse political shocks. I do not think any one will be able to fill his position as a president and as a politician,” Iraqi analyst Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie said.

Iraq law would see one of the vice presidents take over talabani’s duties before the parliamentary vote. But Iraq’s Sunni Vice President, tareq al-Hashemi, is a fugitive outside of the country after he fled to escape charges he ran death squads. He was sentenced to death in absentia.

Any parliament vote would also be complex, with Maliki locked in a struggle with Sunni, Kurdish and some Shi’ite rivals in the power-sharing government. talabani was crucial in helping the Shi’ite leader survive a

no-confidence motion directed against him earlier this year. talabani also recently helped ease a military stand-off between Maliki’s central government and the autonomous Kurdistan president, Masoud Barzani, in their long-running dispute over oil-field rights and internal boundaries.

But that situation remains sensitive after both regions sent troops to reinforce positions along their internal frontier.

A veteran of the Kurdish guerrilla movement, talabani survived wars, exile and infighting in northern Iraq to become the country’s first Kurdish president a few years after the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. [Reuters]

ing, the bicameral conference committee approved the proposed legislation on Wednesday and proponents said they would

attempt to have it ratified before they go on Christmas recess. the committee will submit a unified legislation

that has to be ratified by both the House of representatives and the Senate before it can be submitted to President Aquino for enactment into law. the bill seeks to improve public access to reproductive health services, including natural and artifical family planning options.

It also promotes better maternal care, responsible parenthood, and youth education on sexual and reproductive health issues. the Catholic Church has staunchly opposed the bill.

Earlier Wednesday, Senator Pia Cayetano said she will push for the resolution of contentious provisions in the RH bill with just one bicameral conference committee meeting, paving the way for its approval and ratification on the same day. [yahoo!]

Bicameral conference committee approves controversial RH bill

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uSt two days after both houses of Congress approved the controversial Reproductive Health bill on third and final read-

Buyout

he Aquino administration has unanimously approved a plan to take over the full ownership of the Metro Rail transit (MRt) through a buyout of privately and publicly held bonds estimated to be worth $1 billion.

President Benigno S. Aquino III himself approved the MRt buyout,

according to transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

EDGEDAVAO

CELEBRATION. People celebrate after legislators pass a landmark birth control bill in Manila on December 17, 2012. Philippine Catholic church leaders vowed Tuesday to overturn a birth

control bill after lawmakers passed legislation to make birth control more widely available. [AFP]

WORLD TODAY

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Allowed

alaysian authorities have allowed 40 migrants from Myanmar into the country two weeks after their vessel sank in the Bay of Bengal, the united Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (uNHCR) said on Wednesday.

Singapore did not let the migrants enter despite an appeal by the uNHCR after they were rescued by a Vietnamese cargo when their vessel sank on December 5.

o

Protests

pponents of Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi staged protests in Cairo on tuesday against an Islamist-backed draft constitution that has divided Egypt but looks set to be approved in the second half of a referendum this weekend.

Several hundred protesters outside the presidential palace chanted “Revolution, revolution, for the sake of the constitution” and called on Mursi to “leave, leave, you coward!”. While the protest was noisy, numbers were down on previous demonstrations.

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Loyal

BC’s chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel says he believes the gunmen who kidnapped him and his crew in Syria were a Shiite militia group loyal to the Syrian government.

NBC said tuesday that Engel and members of his production crew were freed unharmed a day earlier following a firefight at a checkpoint in Syria. the team was taken prisoner thursday.

t

Resumed

he two rivals for South Korea’s presidency made a final pitch to voters tuesday -the eve of an election that looks set to go down to the wire and could produce the country’s first female leader. the eventual winner of Wednesday’s ballot will face numerous foreign and domestic challenges, including a pugnacious North Korea, a slowing economy and soaring welfare costs in one of the world’s most rapidly-ageing societies.

A

Rejected

French court on Wednesday rejected a request by former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn to drop a sex offence inquiry in which he risks standing trial on pimping charges, his lawyers said. the verdict came just over a week after StraussKahn settled a separate civil case in New york with a hotel maid who accused him of attempted rape in May 2011, ending his presidential ambitions and career at the International Monetary Fund.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 208 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Double...

DavOr...

FFROM 1

FFROM 1

$4 ($1=P40) per box.

PBGEA estimates the total rehabilitation cost at P6.9 billion, considering that each hectare needs P500,000, which will take nine months to a year.

Dilodilo cited a Fedco member-cooperative, Manuel Guianga Banana Cluster Cooperative (MGBCC), whose 14-hectare farm of highland Cavendish bananas in New Corella, Davao del Norte was totally wiped out by Pablo. the MGBCC, which also has a lowland Cavendish banana farm in the city, needs P4.9 million for the rehabilitation.

He said it was reported that some workers of the cooperative were temporarily laid off.

Dilodilo said the cooperative had relied on its harvest come February to pay off this year’s loss due to China’s refusal to accept bananas for quarantine and phytosanitary measures. the Philippine banana industry reportedly had an oversupply of export Cavendish bananas supposed to be shipped for China, losing at least P3 billion since March.

While farmers cannot pay for their previous loans, they have to avail another loan to rehabilitate their farms so that they can pay for their earlier loans, Dilodilo explained.

Collateral Some farmers, who used their land as collateral for their loans, he continued, lost their lands to the banks for not being able to keep up with their financial obligations. others who were agrarian reform beneficiaries had their lands revoked by the government for failing to pay the amortization, he said. two Fedco member-cooperatives in Asuncion, Davao del Norte with a total land area of 220.46 ha were also affected by 40 percent, losing about 770,000 boxes of Cavendish bananas.

Stephen Antig, PBGEA executive director, said in an interview the government should step in and help Pablo-hit small banana growers rehabilitate their farms.

He cited that agrarian reform beneficiaries are some of the hardest hit, adding that the Department of Agrarian Reform has to provide assistance.

“If the farmers could not cope with their loss, they cannot pay the land amortization that the government provided them,” Antig said in Cebuano.

He added that such government program of giving out lands fails if the

ClASSIFIEDS ADS11

farmers cannot improve their lives.

Antig pointed out that some members of the industry have existing loans with banks and other financial institutions. that’s why, he added, although banana farmers have started clearing their lands from the devastation, they cannot have an immediate rehabilitation unless the government helps them.

Antig said if a farmer asks for another loan from the same bank, it’s possible that the bank would hesitate granting him or her, adding, “Wala pa gani naimpas utang na pud.” (the loan has not been fully paid yet, and borrowing money again.)

Also willing Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala earlier said the land Bank of the Philippines allots P2.1-billion worth of loan for banana farmers affected by the typhoon.

Citing that the amount is not enough for the estimated rehabilitation cost in Davao alone, Antig said the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is also willing to finance the rehabilitation of Pablo-stricken banana farms.

But he added that the rate of interest has not been discussed yet during the PBGEA’s initial meeting with the DBP. He cited that some financial institutions, especially those that are already exposed to the banana industry, intended to extend loans for the rehabilitation.

Personally, Antig said, these banks will not think twice to help as they already have financed some banana growers because they know that if they would not help them, it would also be difficult for the banks to recover previous loans.

He mentioned that the Department of Agriculture should provide more assistance other than the loans offered by the land Bank like the Comprehensive Agricultural loan Fund (CAlF), which had been implemented since two or three years ago.

Still poor Small banana farmers have remained poor since 40 to 60 years ago, despite the fact that the industry is earning dollars, Dilodilo told MindaNews. these income in dollars do not reach the grassroots level, the small growers, he said.

He cited that banana growers are always losing as the average production cost of a 13kilo box of bananas is $3 and the buying price set in the contract with multinational banana exporters is also at $3

or $3.20.

However, Fedco, being a cooperative, sets a buying price as high as $4.65 per box for bananas shipped to Japan.

“Being in a cooperative is an advantage for small growers,” he said, noting that aside from the high buying price, members get a share from the 70 percent of Fedco’s net income. the government has to step in so that small farmers will not be exploited by multinational companies, he stressed. “the farmers will always be indebted from banks and other financial institutions, aside from debts spent for sustenance of their food and education of their children,” he added.

Antig cited that trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said the department will help the banana industry, considering its big contribution to the economy.

At least 1.6 million people are counting on the industry in the country, according to Antig.

He said the banana industry has about 80,000 ha with an average of four direct and indirect employees per hectare. Each employee will have at least five dependents.

“Imagine how many people are depending on banana plantations for their livelihood,” he told MindaNews.

Shortage the exact shortage of banana supply for export will be determined during the peak season (March-May) next year, Antig said.

Considering that the rehabilitation period will take up to one year, no supply will be expected from those typhoon-hit areas that provide 20 percent of the entire production, he added.

However, the volumes to be produced by next year that are intended for China will be used to augment the supply for the traditional ones, such as Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

Antig said Middle East and China will not be prioritized while the rehabilitation of devastated farms is ongoing, adding that tapping supplies from others regions may also be considered should the shortage increase. the region has pending commitments to some international markets, he said.

However, they will understand due to the calamity although they might be buying from other countries in the meantime, he added. [lorie Ann A. Cascaro / MindaNews]

Compostela and Monkayo are now fully restored to traffic while the Surigao Sur – Davao oriental Coastal Road and Compostela – Cateel Road are likewise cleared for passage.

With the opening of the said vital road sections, the DPWH is now working on the construction of a bailey bridge to temporarily connect the towns of Caraga, Baganga, Cateel and Boston from the provincial capital in Davao oriental. the Gov. teodoro Palma Gil Bridge in Manurigao, Caraga in Davao oriental collapsed in the onslaught of Pablo. Alquiza said they need some bailey panels to construct a temporary passage as it will take some time to reconstruct the collapsed seven spans of the said bridge.

“We are now in the process of retrieving available

bailey panels in the region in order to construct a temporary bailey bridge at the cut section of Gov. teodoro Palma Gil Bridge at Manurigao whose seven spans collapsed,” Alquiza said.

Alquiza said his men is also presently clearing the roadway and constructing a detour road since portions of the existing New Bataan – Maragusan (Brgy.

Andap Section) road is blocked by huge boulders.

Also, the ludag Bridge approaches in San Mariano that were scoured are being backfilled and will be serviceable soonest possible time.

Meanwhile, the DPWH 11 announced that some contractors are voluntarily donating tin roofing materials and nails intended to repair damaged school buildings and district hos-

pitals in the two provinces. “the DPWH, DENR and PCA are now coordinating to put up a band sawmills to produce lumbers out of logs and coconut trunks washed out and strewn all over. the lumbers can be used to construct temporary shelters,” Alquiza said.

He said construction teams from the different DPWH 11 district offices along with teams from DPWH 10 and 13 have been organized and fielded in the calamity-stricken areas to hasten the construction of temporary school buildings, hospitals and rural health units and to keep national roads and bridges passable to hasten the recovery efforts, reopening of schools come January 2013 and bring comfort to the people in the affected areas. (ASA)

other learning facilities including, but not limited to, computer and science laboratories and libraries and library hubs; sports, music and arts. the minority leader also asked for a commitment from the DepEd to deliver the health benefits to teachers as provided in the Magna Carta for teachers. lastly, the minority leader inserted Section 17 asking DepEd to endeavor to increase the per capita spending on education towards the immediate attainment of international benchmarks.

Cayetano stressed the importance of producing employable graduates

through quality education rather than simply by the increased number of years spent in school. “quality education requires qualified and motivated teachers, modern training and research facilities, and strongly motivated students,” he said.

Cayetano reiterated his support for the Aquino government’s thrust in education and acknowledged that the 20% increase in the budget for DepEd was unprecedented.

“It is an indication that it has the capability to meet the terms of the amendments I introduced for the proposed law in two or three years,“ he said.

Beyond Access, and the opening of IBM’S Intelligent operations Center and IBM Sales office.

Barriga likewise bared the following investors who are interested in putting up their businesses in the year 2013 led by ICt giants Convergys, teletech, teleperformance, Startek and Hewlett-Packard.

DolE and ICt partnership aims to increase productivity of ICt work-

ers through capability building and awareness, improved participation in Code of Conduct among It-BPos, relevant advocacy programs to promote careers in ItBPo (academe and ICt), capacitate PESo by increasing familiarity with It-BPo recruitment considerations and aid ItBPo recruitment through exclusive jobs fairs at least twice annually on 2013 and onwards.

Amendments...

FFROM 2

Cayetano said a mandatory review and the option for Congress to recalibrate the program will give not only the DepEd but also lawmakers the flexibility to make sure that everyone is ready – CHED, tESDA , teachers, schools, etc. – to implement such a monumental program.

Section 16 also mandates DepEd to include in this midterm report the essential key metrics of the access to and quality of basic education: participation rate; retention rate; National Achievement test; completion rate; teacher welfare training and profile; adequacy of funding requirement; and

ICT...

FFROM 2

based competitions; and National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Program (NICCEP) which is tapped by ICt entities in the local market. the year also saw successful engagements which include Piclyf now known as lifebit), installation of Pyroclave in SPH, embedding of X2Wave and Segworks Apps in HP’s H/W, extension of grant to the City Public library’s by

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VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along national highway, facing east, beside nCCC Panacan, davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina diversion road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina diversion road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the national highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/ residential lot along indangan road, Buhangin district. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/industrial lot along the national highway in Bincungan, tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/office condo units in Bajada, davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/ sq m commercial lots at Josefina town Center, along the national highway, dumoy, toril. 9) ready-for-occupancy residential Properties: 4Br/3t&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in dumoy, toril.; 3Br 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, diversion road. 10) 1Br/2Br residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, obrero, davao City. 11) For aSSuMe (ruSh): 1Br res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600k negotiable. note: items 1-9 can be paid in cash, inhouse or bank financing. if interested, please call Jay (PrC reB lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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Specialty Store Edge Davao hiring editor, 3 reporters EDGE DAVAo is in need of an editor and three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program. the reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats. on the other hand, the editor will supervise the reporters and do gate-keeping tasks.

Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. For reporters, experience is not needed although preferable. the editor should have at least one-year experience in editing.

Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 2213601.

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

Tel No. (083)- 553-2211 NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by loyolA PlANS CoNSolIDAtED INC. that CERtIFICAtE oF Full PAyMENt No(s) under loyolA PlAN issued to the following planholders, to wit; PH NAME

1. EDuARtE,tERESItA C. 2. EDuARtE, RAFAEl C.

CFP No.

1004673 21049402

CoNtRACt No.

uuu430004449 MRo530007497

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 208 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 REPuBlIC oF tHE PHIlIPPINES REGIoNAl tRIAl CouRt 11tH JuDICIAl REGIoN oFFICE oF tHE ClERK oF CouRt-SHERIFF DAVAo CIty

REPuBlIC oF tHE PHIlIPPINES REGIoNAl tRIAl CouRt 11tH JuDICIAl REGIoN oFFICE oF tHE ClERK oF CouRt-SHERIFF DAVAo CIty

REPuBlIC oF tHE PHIlIPPINES REGIoNAl tRIAl CouRt 11tH JuDICIAl REGIoN oFFICE oF tHE ClERK oF CouRt-SHERIFF DAVAo CIty

HoME DEVEloPMENt MutuAl FuND, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee

HoME DEVEloPMENt MutuAl FuND, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee

PHIlIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee

ElENA F. HAMDAIN married to ADRIAN t. HAMDAIN Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NElSoN B. loPEZ married to VICtoRIA B. loPEZ Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

SPS. APollo 11 B. RIVAS & VIlMA P. RIVAS Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-ibig Fund against NElSoN B. loPEZ with postal address at lot 06 Block 8 , Don lorenzo Homes, upper Piedad, toril, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of october 14, 2011 amounted to Php 442,302.95 Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to tEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 24, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: transfer Certificate of title No. t- 372951 “ A parcel of land (lot 6, Blk. 8 xxx) situated in the Barangay Marapangi, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of oNE HuNDRED SEVENtEEN (117) SquARE MEtERS, more or less”

upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above _mentioned mortgagee against Sps. Apollo 11 B. Rivas & Vilma P. Rivas with postal address at No. 403, Ruby St., San Juan Subd., Panacan, Sasa , Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of october 16, 2012,the outstanding obligation of the mortgagor with the mortgagee amounts to ( Php 3,642,817.19 ) Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest accruing after this date, penalties , attorney’s fees other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction on January 3, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: transfer Certificate of title No. t- 146-2012010396 “ A parcel of land (lot 38, Pcs-11003764 , being a portion of lots 1-47, Blk. 35, Road lots 2 & 2A; all of Pcs 11-002234), situated in the Barrio of Ma-a , City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of EIGHt HuNDRED SIXtEEN (816) SquARE MEtERS, more or less”

-versus-

EJF-REM CASE No. 13, 777-12

NotICE oF EXtRA-JuDICIAl SAlE

upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-ibig Fund against ElENA F. HAMDAIN with postal address at lot 29 Block 10 , Wellspring Highlands 2, Cataluna Pequeño Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of May 30, 2011 amounted to Php 506,573.47 Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to tEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 24, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: transfer Certificate of title No. t- 416288 “ A parcel of land (lot 29, Blk. 10 xxx) situated in the Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of oNE HuNDRED (100) SquARE MEtERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on February 21, 2013 without further notice.

this NotICE will be posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, NoVEMBER 15, 2012

FoR tHE EX-oFFICIo SHERIFF:

(SGD.) CoNRADo P. MACutAy, JR. Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) Atty. EDIPolo P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/6,13,20)

REPuBlIC oF tHE PHIlIPPINES REGIoNAl tRIAl CouRt 11tH JuDICIAl REGIoN oFFICE oF tHE ClERK oF CouRt-SHERIFF DAVAo CIty

HoME DEVEloPMENt MutuAl FuND, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE No. 13,856-12

MIllER l. DElIGERo Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NotICE oF EXtRA-JuDICIAl SAlE upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-ibig Fund against MIllER l. DElIGERo with postal address at BlK. 30, lot 11, VINCENt HEIGHtS SuBD., MAMAy, lANANG, DAVAo CIty to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of october 05, 2012 amounting to ( Php 415,644.39) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to tEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 7, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: transfer Certificate of title No. t- 267442 “ A parcel of land (lot 11, Blk. 30, of the cons.-subd. plan PCS11001996,xxx) situated in Barangay of Mamay, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of oNE HuNDRED FouR SquARE MEtERS,(104).”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on March 07, 2013 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, DECEMBER 05, 2012

FoR tHE EX-oFFICIo SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) HIPolIto A. BElANGDAl Sheriff IV

(SGD) Atty. EDIPolo P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/13,20,27)

-versus-

EJF-REM CASE No. 13, 778-12

NotICE oF EXtRA-JuDICIAl SAlE

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on February 21, 2013 without further notice.

this NotICE will be posted in three(3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, NoVEMBER 15, 2012

FoR tHE EX-oFFICIo SHERIFF:

(SGD.) CoNRADo P. MACutAy, JR. Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) Atty. EDIPolo P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/6,13,20)

REPuBlIC oF tHE PHIlIPPINES REGIoNAl tRIAl CouRt 11tH JuDICIAl REGIoN oFFICE oF tHE ClERK oF CouRt-SHERIFF DAVAo CIty

HoME DEVEloPMENt MutuAl FuND, or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE No. 13, 838-12

MANuEl l. loZADA, married to Elizabeth t. lozada Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NotICE oF EXtRA-JuDICIAl SAlE upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) Pag-ibig against MANuEl l. loZADA, married to Elizabeth t. lozada, mortgagors with postal address at Blk. 06 lot 56 , Bahay Pagibig Heights Subdivision, Catalunan Grande, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of october 18, 2011 amounted to Php 243,913.65 Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to tEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 7, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: transfer Certificate of title No. t- 282216 “ A parcel of land (lot 5, Blk. 6 of the subd. plan Pcs-11-000352, being a portion of lots xxx situated in the Barangay of Catalunan Grande, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of oNE HuNDREDtWENty (120) SquARE MEtERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on March 07, 2013 without further notice.

this NotICE will be posted in three(3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, December 5, 2012

FoR tHE EX-oFFICIo SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) SERGIo lEoNARDo J. tuPAS Sheriff IV

(SGD) Atty. EDIPolo P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/20,27,01/3)

-versus-

EJF-REM CASE No. 13, 812-12

NotICE oF EXtRA-JuDICIAl SAlE

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on February 7, 2013 without further notice.

Prospective buyer/s may investigate for themselves the titles herein above- described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, NoVEMBER 21, 2012

FoR tHE EX-oFFICIo SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) JoSEPH t. CAStRo, JR. Sheriff IV

(SGD) Atty. EDIPolo P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/6,13,20)

Republic of the Philippines REGIoNAl tRIAl CouRt 11th Judicial Region Branch 11, Davao City

IN RE: PEtItIoN FoR CoRRECtIoN oF ERRoNEouS ENtRIES IN tHE CERtIFICAtE oF lIVE BIRtH oF RIA AlPHA GERoNA AlCuIZAR SP. PRoC. No. 12,242-2012

1. Change her last name from Gerona to AlCuIZAR; 2. Change her middle name from Morelos to GERoNA; 3. Change her father’s name from Roger B. Gerona to RoGER BRuNIDoR AlCuIZAR 4. Change her mother’s name from Emelda S. Morelos to EMElDA MoREloS GERoNA; 5. Change the Date and Place of Marriage of her Parents from March 13, 1993, Sigaboy, Davao oriental to Not MARRIED. 6. Change the name of he Informant from Roger B. Gerona to uNKNoWN. Petitioner, -versusEMElDA M. GERoNA, Roger B. Alcuizar and loCAl CIVIl REGIStRAR Davao City, Respondents x------------------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

By this verified petition and for the reason therin stated, the above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel,seeks for an order of this Court directing the office of the City Civil Registrar of Davao City to cause the correction in the certificate of live Birth of petitioner RIA AlPHA GERoNA AlCuIZAR particularly the following entries to wit:

1. Change her last name from Gerona to AlCuIZAR; 2. Change her middle name from Morelos to GERoNA; 3. Change her father’s name from Roger B. Gerona to RoGER BRuNIDoR AlCuIZAR; 4. Change her mother’s name from Emelda S. Morelos to EMElDA MoREloS GERoNA; 5. Change the Date and Place of Marriage of her Parents from March 13, 1993,Sigaboy, Davao oriental to Not MARRIED; 6. Change the name of the Informant from Roger B. Gerona to uNKNoWN.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City on February 4, 2013 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which place, date and time any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted.

let this order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks I a newspaper published in the city of Davao and of general circulation in the said city and the provinces of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Furnish each with a copy of the petition and of this order the local Civil Registrar of Davao City and City legal office of Davao City for the City of Davao.

So oRDERED. Given this 19th of November 2012, in Davao City, Philippines.

(SGD) VIRGINIA HoFIlEÑA-EuRoPA Judge

Edge 12/6,13,20

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Wade, James key Heat win over Wolves M

IAMI (AP) -- the Miami Heat were outrebounded by 28, matching the second-largest margin in team history. they finished with only 24 boards, matching the second-lowest total in any game over the franchise’s quarter-century of existence.

Somehow, none of that mattered.

Dwyane Wade scored 24 points, leBron James added 22 points and 11 assists and the Heat survived a strangely one-sided night on the glass to beat the Minnesota timberwolves 103-92 on tuesday night - becoming the first team since 1994 to be outrebounded by such a wide margin and still win, according to StAtS llC. ‘’I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that, where you get doubled up on the rebounding and still escape with the win,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘’that’s a tough team. they’re unique.

Relentless on the glass. there’s not many teams

Dwyane Wade had another hot night for the Miami Heat in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

like them.’’ the final rebounding margin: Minnesota 52, Miami 24.

Chris Bosh scored 15 points and Mario Chalmers added 12 for the Heat, who gave up 21 of the game’s first 24 rebounds.

Andrei Kirilenko scored 22 for Minnesota, which played without guard Ricky Rubio, who’s being eased back after recovering from knee surgery. the timberwolves dropped their second straight. Kevin love finished with 11 points and 18 rebounds, and Nikola Pekovic had a 18-point, 12-rebound effort for the timberwolves. ‘’We were pretty active. What we take away from it is we’ve got to be more physical,’’ love said. ‘’I’m not saying we’re soft but we definitely need to be more physical. And we are in stretches.’’

James topped the 20-point mark for the 27th straight regular-season game and 43rd straight overall. ‘’We’re getting better every night,’’ James said.

A 24-9 run in the second half was the deciding blow for Miami, with James leading the way, getting 11 of those points and assisting on three other scores during the spurt. James had a pair of 3-pointers during the run, including one that put Miami up by 10 late in the third, and then he capped it with a three-point play after connecting on a running jumper with 10:26 left.

In eight minutes, what was a 63-62 deficit became an 86-72 Miami lead.

And when James took an alley-oop from Ray Allen for a dunk in transition with 7:36 left, the lead was 16 - then Miami’s largest - and the reigning NBA MVP’s streak of 20-point games was extended as well. on the next Miami possession, James found Shane Battier for a 3-pointer along the left wing. the lead was 97-78 with 7:09 left, and James walked back to the Heat bench pumping his right fist with satisfied emphasis.

won their third straight to match their longest winning streak of the season.

Pau Gasol, back after missing eight games with tendinitis in both knees, had 10 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes and shot 3 for 10. ‘’My stamina was good,’’ Gasol said. ‘’I think I kept up with them pretty well and I pushed through those times when I got a little fatigued. I was pretty active and my knees are feeling much better than they were. I just have to be more confident out there.’’

World Peace, who had a career-high 16 rebounds in the lakers’ 111-98 victory at Philadelphia on Sunday, was not in the starting lineup for the first time after starting the first 25 games. ‘’I want him to play the 4, and we have to be able to change our team,’’ D’Antoni explained. ‘’I hate it for Jordan Hill right now because he is the odd man out, and he doesn’t deserve it. He’s played well and he is a good player.

But for us to have a different team - a different look - Metta has to play the 4. ... As soon as Metta gets more comfortable with that role, he will be very productive as a 4.’’

Bryant has scored at least 30 points in seven straight games, equaling his longest such streak

since the final nine of the 2005-06 campaign. His longest streak of 30-plus games was 16, in 2002-03.

He has 236 points during his current streak. the most he ever had during a seven-game stretch was 344 in 2006-07, including five games with 50 or more.

Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 28 points, reserve Ramon Sessions added 20 and Gerald Henderson had 19. Byron Mullens finished with 17 rebounds and 13 points. the Bobcats, winless since beating the leagueworst Wizards in double overtime on Nov. 24 at Washington, are 1476 since the start of last season and haven’t won back-to-back games since the final two in 2010-11. their seven wins already have matched their total from last season’s lockout-shortened 66-game campaign, when they lost their final 23. the lakers, who came in 0-12 when trailing after three quarters, fell behind 80-62 after Walker capped a 14-5 run on a driving layup with 5:38 left in the third. Charlotte took a seven-point margin into the fourth, but that quickly evaporated as los Angeles opened the quarter with a 13-0 run to grab a 90-84 lead.

Lakers walk over tightrope again l

oS ANGElES (AP) -Beating the Charlotte Bobcats by one point isn’t a true barometer of where the slow-starting los Angeles lakers are at the moment.

Neither were the wins they recorded in their previous two games against the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers and NBA-worst Washington Wizards, following a four-game skid that tested new coach Mike D’Antoni’s patience - and his up-tempo offense.

All it means is that they can beat the worst of the worst. the real test comes in their next two games against a couple of vastly improved clubs, the Golden State Warriors on Saturday and New york Knicks on Christmas Day. Kobe Bryant scored four of his 30 points in the final 1:26 and the lakers had to overcome an 18-point third-quarter deficit to beat Charlotte 101-100 on tuesday night, handing the Bobcats their 12th straight loss. ‘’We just tried to grind it out. I think it was a big lesson for us,’’ Bryant said. ‘’We managed to stick together. We could have folded, but we didn’t. We stayed together and played hard.’’

Jodie Meeks and Metta World Peace each had 17 points for the lakers, who

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FOOD

I

admit, I fell in love with the place the moment I stepped down the car. It was enchantingly captivating and breathtakingly majestic. More than the façade, it boasts of a history that could make you believe in eternal love.

Coined as the Taj Mahal of the Negros and acclaimed as one of the 12 most fascinating ruins in the world, The RUINS sits right in the middle of Mariano Lacson’s 440-hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental as a faithful remainder of his burning and eternal love for his wife, Maria Braga.

The Pizzeria sits at the right most of the lot facing the main building. Tables and chairs were made available outside to allow the feeling of magnificence as you eat your way to a night of blissful experience. However, that night, it was drizzling so we opted to settle inside the pizzeria and peek through the opened windows instead.

The interior was simply captivating. Paintings of the Ruins line the walls and a nice tall cabinet of wines welcomes you by the door.

However, what strikes the most, was the piano at the corner where an in-house player plays while you eat.

I had the opportunity to talk to him and even asked him to play “Bakit Ngayon ka lang?” and believe me, I felt like it was my wedding day. I was even one to joke around that I would have my wedding here and have

ments.

As we bid The Ruins goodbye, I felt like I left a part of me in there. I cannot forget the glow of the place and how it sent chills over my spine. I will be back. Indeed I will.

May each and one of us have a happy Christmas

him play the piano while I walk down the aisle.

While trying to envision my wedding, I was disrupted by the smell of the food coming out of their quaint kitchen. We ordered their best sellers, as per advised by the staff, and it was indeed a feast.

First out was their Buffalo Chicken Wings. It was subtly spicy but a tasty way to begin the night. We munched on them while talking and forgot that the plate was almost finished.

It was that delicious that we opted to order one more plate.

My friends feasted on their Lumpiang Shanghai and sweet and spicy sauce.

They said that the filling was tasty and the crispiness of the lumpia made a magical melody in their ears. As much as I wanted to join in

the parade, I was satisfied to witness them gobbling every bit of crumble away like children on a hot summer day.

We were all in awe with their Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. It looked bland at first but it was different when tasted. The moment you take a bite, it transforms you to a magical world. The shrimp paired well with the tomato and the olive oil made a big impact in the marriage of flavors. The pasta was al dente and was just perfect for the sauce. I advise you eat it while its hot.

Nevertheless, of the dishes that were served, their Indonesian Shrimps really caught me. I love how the cream, ginger and tomato explodes in one bite. A slice of the shrimp and you would get to taste the different flavors of the sauce.

The spiciness was tolerable enough that you would end up craving for more.

I opted for a Banana Shake instead of coffee. I wanted to feel the smoothness of the shake in my throat and it did. The banana was not too sweet thus it was just perfect to cap a night of magical mo-

Do you want to be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit? Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured.

If you are interested, then email me at leebai@chefroyale.com or visit www. chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AnD ABOUT

All is bright at Ace Hardware!

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

STYLE

Bring holiday cheer to your home with ACE Hardware’s dazzling indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.

Welcome your guests to your home or workplace with beautiful lanterns of well-loved holiday symbols. greet them with warmth and grace with vibrant, sparkling holiday lights in the shape of bells, musical instruments, globes and stars. There are also super efficient multi colored snowflakes LED lights that you can use to decorate your tree or garland to make your home merry and bright.

These lights twinkle anywhere with an eight- function controller for eye-catching effects.

They are not only beautiful, but also safe and environmentally friendly, consuming 80% less electricity than traditional Christmas lights.

You can find these items available at selected ACE Hardware, ACE Express and ACE Builders stores nationwide. Visit our website at www.acehardware.ph.

TOP: Starcicles Christmas lights from Yuletide Fantasy.

RIGHT: Brighten up your home with this Christmas tree lantern

ABOVE: Make your home merry and bright with these sparkling ET multi colored LED Comet Star Christmas lights.

LEFT: E T Little Drum lights can be great accents on your wreath or Christmas tree.

ABOVE: Yuletide Fantasy Candy Cane lantern.

RIGHT: Adorn your Christmas tree with these ET LED Snowflakes.

By Kenneth Irving Ong

WHAT do DJ Sanya Smith, model Pauline Prieto, hotshot director Sid Maderazo, social entrepreneur Mike Concepcion, and young designer Gian Romano have in common? They all wear G-Star RAW.

G-Star is luxury street wear made by denim specialists. A preference for raw materials, deep passion for denim and architectural perspective on tailoring are one of the main characteristics of the brand. Raw, pure and functional, G-Star perfectly reflects these values which also seem to be rubbing off on a vastly increasing base of denim addicts worldwide.

From its conception in 1989, G-Star has been known for its innovative and cutting edge style in the world of denim. Pushing the boundaries of the denim material, continuous experimentation and product development have led to a strong following worldwide.

The latest G-Star RAW collection is now available to Bauhaus Abreeza Mall.

VOL.5 ISSUE 208 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

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EnTErTAinmEnT

Tom Cruise lawsuit:

Magazine publisher says Suri abandonment claims are ‘substantially true’

TOm Cruise’s relationship with daughter Suri is once again making headlines.

in October, the mission: impossible star sued the publisher of Life & Style and in Touch Weekly for defamation over stories claiming he had “abandoned” his and Katie Holmes’ 6-year-old daughter. But on Friday, Bauer Publishing Co. fired back against Cruise’s $50 million lawsuit.

Per Bauer’s response

obtained by E! news, the publisher says its reporting is “substantially true,” adding that the mags “do not assert verifiably false facts, and/or constitute rhetorical hyperbole or subjective statements of opinion.”

Cruise’s lawyer Bert Fields told E! news, however: “The Bauer magazines said that Tom ‘abandoned’ his child. That is unequivocally false, malicious and libelous.”

The company filed its response to Cruise’s defa-

mation suit in U.S. District Court in California, asserting the company is not liable for damages because “some or all of the allegedly defamatory statements complained of by plaintiff are true or substantially true.”

Bauer also adds that the 50-year-old actor “cannot prove that he has suffered any compensable damage as a result of any actionable statement published by the Bauer Defendants,” and that he is “a public figure and the

Bauer Defendants did not act with actual malice.”

Shortly after Cruise filed his lawsuit in October, his lawyer, Bert Fields, told E! news in a statement, “Tom is a caring father who dearly loves Suri. She’s a vital part of his life and always will be.

To say he has ‘abandoned’ her is a vicious lie. To say it in lurid headlines with a tearful picture of Suri is reprehensible.” requests for comment from Bauer were not immediately returned.

Kristen Stewart is really, really, really sorry for angering fans Listen up, people, Kristen Stewart is sorry.

For what, you ask? Well, kinda for everything that’s ever made you shake your head at the Twilight star, but K.Stew admits that the haters never prevent her from continuing to do her thing. “it’s not a terrible thing if you’re either loved or hated,” the On the Road actress tells Newsweek.

“But honestly, i don’t care ‘cause it doesn’t keep me from doing my s--t.”

Hey, Stewart never sugarcoats anything, but she did add, “i apologize to everyone for making them so angry. it was not my intention.”

The celeb also admitted that after the rupert

another chapter in her book.

“The only relief when it comes to Twilight is that the story is done,” she said. “i start every project

Sanders scandal and all the scrutiny that came with it, she found herself hiding out. “it’s a little annoying having to be so compartmentalized,” she says. “i go from box to box to box.

Like right now, this is so

crazy ‘cause we’re out at a restaurant. But i’m going out a lot more now. i was starting to get closed off and self-conscious, and i’m trudging forth into the world more often.”

And as for the end of Twilight, well, that’s just

Anne Hathaway required custom-made vegan shoes for her Les Misérables character

WHEn Anne Hathaway took to the red carpet in a fab pair of faux leather Tom Ford knee-high gladiator sandals for the new York premiere of Les misérables last week, it was the first time many of us had ever heard of vegan footwear.

But as it turns out, the hard-core vegan has been rocking custom-made cruelty-free kicks for

quite some time. in fact, when filming the golden globe-nominated flick, Hathaway made sure all of her character’s shoes were vegan-friendly, too.

“We had to find very specific shoemakers to create lace-up boots and ankle boots,” costume designer Paco Delgado told Footwear news. “We also did flats that were much more sophisticated.”

While it’s a stretch to say leather-free footwear was of much importance

to Hathaway’s Fantine character (you know, because she was trying to avoid living on the streets), it’s clear the matter is very much a priority for the actress, who also stepped out in Casadei red satin vegan platform pumps for a recent appearance on Late night With Jimmy Fallon.

And while her fancy footwear may be a little extreme for most, there’s no doubt that crueltyfree is always chic.

to finish the motherf--ker, and to extend that [mentality] over a five-year period adapting all of these treasured moments over four books, it was con-

stantly worrying. But as long as people’s perspective of me doesn’t keep me from doing what i want to do, it doesn’t matter.”

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EVEnTS

MORe than 2 million were given away to the Kisan Lu Lands Inc sales persons as incentives to those who performed as business partners of the company by selling KLLDI’s projects during the brokers Christmas party at the Philippine Women’s College event Center.

The party was also highlighted annual awards night for its project Amiya Resort Residences. The awarding of incentives took place at the same place where the management headed by the president Arch.Kristin Lu handed out the said cash incentives to its sellers.

Noel Magan, Kisan Lu Lands’ agency manager, topped among others and received a coveting P1,000,000 cash over and above his commission he got from his production totaling to 123 million worth of sales for the whole year. Top unit managers and property consultants received P50,000 pesos plus a trip for 1 in China, Thaliand or Singa-

pore.

The party was graced also by the agency’s Christmas presentations with a futuristic touch since the party was themed “The Future Begins”. Another P15,000 was given to the winner of the said presentation contest. On the hand, sales person who shone like a star that night was also recognized and given a cash prize.

The party was hosted

by Davao comedian eduana Diva partnered with the company’s marketing manager Alberto egot Jr who is also the event’s organizer.

The party ended with a solemn prayer for the victims of typhoon Pablo and a campaign to call for more helping hands for the recovery of the affected areas. Kisan Lu Lands is currently accepting donations in any form for the said victims.

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SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 208 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Donaire to fans:

You inspired me t

“This win is for you” says Nonito Donaire as he arrived home from his recent win against Jorge Arce of Mexico.

HE Filipino people served as the biggest inspiration of Nonito Donaire Jr. in his latest conquest inside the ring. the super-bantamweight champion of the world paid tribute to his countrymen upon arrival from the uS early Wednesday morning, stressing he just wants to lift their spirits in time for the holiday season.

“Without you, I won’t have an inspiration, so I wanted to give you all something to smile about and something to be proud of,” said the 30-year-old Donaire in an interview granted shortly after he was greeted by a hero’s

welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 2 upon arrival from San Francisco. the `Filipino Flash’ is just three days removed from his swift demolition of Mexican Jorge Arce in their World Boxing organization title fight at the toyota Center in Houston, texas. Donaire dropped his 33-year-old challenger thrice, the last time with a vicious left hook that took the fight out of Arce at the 2:59 mark of the third round.

“I did all I could to get that knockout so everybody can have a good Christmas,” he added. the inspiring win came exactly a week after Filipino great Manny Pacquiao was knocked out cold by Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez in a welterweight match at the MGM Grand in las Vegas.

Donaire didn’t exactly say the win over Arce was a way of avenging Pacquiao’s heartbreaking loss to Marquez, but he stressed he felt good to have done the Filipino race proud.

“I’m always proud to raise my flag which is the Philippine flag,” he said. the champion went

home without lovely wife Rachel, who went back to their home in las Vegas to take a needed rest upon the advice of doctors, speculating rumors she is pregnant, which Donaire neither confirmed nor denied. the boxing hero, holder of an impressive record of 31-1 with 20 Kos and unbeaten since 2001, appeared in the ABS-CBN morning show umagang Kay Ganda straight from the airport, and later was the special guest in ted Failon’s radio program over DZMM. For the first time since that big win over Arce last Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Donaire watched the 12-round match in the company of ABS-CBN sports executive Peter Musngi over a sumptuous breakfast prepared for the champion by the giant network.

Donaire later on was also honored in the noontime program `It’s Showtime.’

“Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, and more shows throughout the day,” Donaire later tweeted in his account @Filipinoflash.

It’s a long day indeed for the country’s latest boxing icon.

Azkals drop to 143

t

HE Philippine men’s national football team dropped four spots in the latest FIFA World Rankings after their semi-final exit in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup earlier this month. the Philippine Azkals are now ranked 147, four spots down from their previous rank of 143, which was their highest-ever rating.

For the second straight tournament, the Azkals ad-

vanced to the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup, but lost to powerhouse Singapore 1-0 on aggregate.

But the Azkals -- now ranked 22nd in Asia -- are still ahead of Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. thailand rose 16 places and are now ranked 136th.

World and European champions Spain remain the highest ranked team, followed by Germany and Argentina. Italy rose to No. 4, while Colombia climbed three spots to No. 5.

HE 18-year-old Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) is set to hold its election of new set of officers at the Calle Cinco Resto-Bar along J.P. laurel Avenue today. the polls, to be presided by incumbent president Charles Raymond Maxey of Sunstar Davao, follow after the short DSA Forum at 9:30 a.m.

Guests are Davao Football Association’s Albert Ryan lim, Zest-o Vis-Min area sales manager Nelson Azarcon and university of Mindanao judo coach Edwin Pelaez.

lim tackles a football event for typhoon Pablo victims while Azarcon discusses the Dunlop Zest-o Junior tennis Series slated Dec. 26 to 29.

Pelaez, for his part, presents uM’s medalists in a just-concluded inter-collegiate judofest held at De la Salle university. uM athletes brought home a total of four golds, four silvers and three bronzes in the said competition. this week’s edition of the forum is hosted by Calle Cinco proprietor Jonathan traya.

DSA members are enjoined to come early.

Sorry Manny, Marquez DSA holds election may not fight again t Juan Manuel Marquez promised his wife he will not fight again after the fourth fight with Manny Pacquiao.

H

AVE we seen the last of Juan Manuel Marquez inside a boxing ring? the Mexican boxer, fresh from his sensational sixth-round knockout of Manny Pacquiao, may be calling it quits following a promise he made to his wife before the bout.

Speaking to the press Saturday at an official reception hosted by Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto, the 39-yearold said as of now he would “like to rest and I

couldn’t tell you if there was going to be another fight.”

Marquez reveals he told his wife that” regardless of the result, it would be my last one. the day I arrived in Mexico City I asked her to give me the chance to fight one more fight. And she said ‘No. you promised you would retire.’”

But with Pacquiao and promoter Bob Arum both openly pushing for a Pacquiao-Marquez V, a fight which could poten-

tially fatten Marquez’s bank account, the Mexican warrior might just change his mind.

If ever a part five does happen, it can only take place after Pacquiao serves the mandatory 120-day suspension levied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on all boxers who lose by knockout. this includes a moratorium on any form of boxing training for 90 days, meaning the earliest realistic date that Pacquiao can fight

again will be around May. But since the 2013 elections are scheduled on May 13, a better date would probably be around June. that gives Marquez an extra few weeks to convince his wife to change her mind.

However, trainer Freddie Roach has said he prefers a September comeback for Pacquiao.

But all this will be moot if Marquez can’t get clearance first from his wife.

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EDGEDAVAO

PFF-Smart Cup

M’lang hosts Kaya FC G

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, blocks a shot by Charlotte Bobcats forward Bismack Biyombo during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. AP

ENERAl SANtoS CIty, Dec. 19 (PNA) -- Four mainstays of the Philippines men’s football team Azkals will see action in a knockout match slated in Koronadal City next month between Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart National Club Championship qualifiers Kaya FC of the united Football league (uFl) and M’lang FC of Cotabato Province.

Cyril Dofitas, PFF competitions department head, said the Jan. 9 match is part of the 16 regional qualifying games slated in various venues in luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for the eight-team quarterfinal round of the tournament.

Aside from M’lang FC, he said Dipolog City’s Romgarjal FC is playing in the regional qualifying round against uFl squad Green Archers united FC. Dofitas said they picked the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City as venue

for the Kaya and M’lang match to help boost sports tourism in the province.

“We have seen South Cotabato as the most suited venue for this event as it already hosted various successful national sports competitions and for having a standard football stadium,” he said.

Kaya FC will be led by its newly-signed uruguayan-Spanish head coach Maor Rozen and English-Filipino Azkals mainstay Chris Greatwich. the other active Azkals in the team are oJ Porteria, lexton Moy and Jason Sabio, who traces his roots in South Cotabato.

Completing the team are former national mainstays Nate Burkley, Anton Del Rosario, Aly Borromeo, Darren Hartmann, yannick tuason and Eddie Mallari; Guam national player Jonahan Romero; international players Nicolas Bolzzico, Eric Dagroh, Dario Dakic, Sabah Garmaroudi, toui-

sha Hosoe, Sean lliff, Alu Kigbu,masanari omura, troy osborne,Adrian Semblat and ukogchukwu ubiam; and, top locals Armand del Rosario, Junior Munoz and Antonio ugarte.

Giovanni Jintula, South Cotabato Football Association president, said preparations are currently underway for the province’s hosting of the event.

“We are now working on the necessary preparations such as the transportation needs, meals and accommodation, playing venue and the security of the players,” Jintula said.

Aside from the football match, PFF and Kaya FC will conduct football clinics for children in the area, he said.

Jintula said the upcoming clinics are part of the PFF’s extension programs that are aimed at promoting football skills development, physical fitness, cooperation and sportsmanship among children, especially at an early age.(PNA)