Edge Davao 5 Issue 28

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

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‘Guns for hire in city’-Rody

By Jade C. Zaldivar

S

EVERAL gun-for-hire syndicates are operating in Davao City, acting Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte bared Wednesday night.

Acting chief executive in the absence of daughter City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is on official leave, the vice mayor said these gun-for-hire gangs target those who are involved

n Warns traders vs groups offer-

ing security service n Set to call for a command conference in business or are enmeshed in property conflicts by offering themselves as security escort but extort money and then murder their victims.

“Nia sa Davao nay daghang gru-

po nga gun for hire. Dili lang ni isa, daghang naga-kanya kanya og operate, unya mupatay gyud. Abi nimo sa walay rason nga gipatay pero when we looked into it naay conflict,” the vice mayor said in an interview at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

“I am raising the alarm para naay awareness. Kanang mga tao nga nay conflict sa yuta or sa negosyo you are put on notice of people approaching

FGUN, 13

COMPETITIVE EDGE Page 11

Sports Page 14

DEATH THREATS. Bucana Barangay Captain Robert Olanolan consults acting Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte at the Grand Men Seng Hotel Wednesday night about death threats he said he received days after Lacson Barangay Captain Aldion Layao was shot dead evening of April 8. [JADE C. ZALDIVAR]

Bidding for power barges extended

By Lorie A. Cascaro

Follow Us On

O

RIGINALLY set for April 13, the bidding of four power barges to augment Mindanao power will be on May 16, following an extension requested by some bidders for due

(PSALM) granted the request as it also n Bidders eye financial aspect wants to maximize the value of the n PSALM wants value maximized asset, PSALM President Emmanuel

diligence, especially on the financial aspect.

The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation

Ledesma said yesterday.

“So, we granted kasi marami dito malalaki eh. They’re very interested daw. Tayo, we want to maximize the value of the asset. The more value we get

FBiding, 13

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Longer brownouts expected as Pulangi sets shut-down

By Lorie A. Cascaro

T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) has prepared a contingency plan for the onemonth shutdown of the Pulangi hydro power plant in Bukidnon on April 17.

Froilan Tampinco, president of the National Power Corporation (NPC), said yesterday at a press conference here on the Mindanao power situation, that DOE Secretary Jose Rene Almendras had laid out all measures accordingly, to mitigate the effects of the shutdown.

The contingency plan will be finalized during the power summit today at the Waterfront Insular Hotel here will be attended by President Benigno Aquino III. The Pulangi hydro power plant with a rated generating capacity of 255 megawatts (MW) is currently generating 140MW at its peak. But, after its repair, the capacity will increase by 100MW within its rated capacity.

A run-off river, Pulangi has eroded portions that need urgent repair, which is best done now when its water flow is lowest in April based on

history.

“If we are able to complete it in a month’s time, then we will be able to get back the operation in time for the coming in of the rainy season where the flow of the river will be optimum,” Tampinco said.

During the shutdown, a generation mix is expected. Some part hydro power, and the other from oil-based power.

He said the cost of energy during this time depends on the generation mix, and an increase of cost is expected if more of the thermal sources will be used than that of the hydro.

DOE Undersecretary Ina Asirit said in a generation mix, the additional cost will range from P.50 to P.80 as simulated by a certain electric distribution utility in Mindanao.

She added that aside from the EPIRA law prohibiting the NPC from buying and selling power, the NPC is already facing a $16.8 billion debt with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

“Please bear in mind that we also have the cost impact in mind. Whatever strategy we implement, we try to balance the ne-

cessity, making sure there is supply against the cost of the supply,” Tampinco said.

More reliable Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of Agus 6 hydro power plant is the most extensive rehabilitation work of the NPC, whose implementation will take two and a half years.

“After the rehabilitation, the expected result is very reliable na ang facility. There will be a plant extension program. Mapapahaba ang dependable life, kasi luma na ang mga planta,” Tampinco said.

The current capacity of Agus 6 is 154MW, and after its rehabilitation, there will be an additional capacity of 19 MW. The process will be gradual, he said, thus the expected shutdown will not be as crucial.

He added that repair work on power plants Agus 7, Agus 3 and another unit of Agus 6 are also on-going, which will result in more reliable hydro power plants.

The rehabilitation of Agus 6 has an approved budget of P2.6 billion and will be bidded out soon, while all repair works of other hydro power plants have an approved budget of P11.5 million.

THINKING. Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras ponders on his reply to a question from a member of the local press the day before President Aquino’s arrival here to attend the Mindanao Power Summit. KARLOS MANLUPIG

relieved bus bombing Group fears collusion Rody didn’t happen in Davao City among power sector T F

By Jade C. Zaldivar

HE M-POWER or Mindanao People Opposed to Water and Energy Privatization is calling for an independent and in-depth investigation on the alleged connivance of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Department of Energy (DOE) and private corporations that has resulted in the “artificial power shortage” in Mindanao.

“The private corporations, in connivance with the DOE, are creating an artificial shortage of energy to justify the privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Plants (APHP) and other state power assets; imposition of new power rate increase; utilization of privatized power barges imposing high power rates, and pushing for the construction of private-owned coal-fired power plants,” the group said.

The power industry, from generation, transmission, distribution to supply, according to the group, is almost entirely controlled by the oligarchs, particularly the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Aboitiz and Lopez groups.

Based on data from the IBON Foundation, SMC took 76% of 3,346 megawatts (MW) rated capacity of privatized NAPOCOR and Independent Power Producers (IPP) contracts in 2009 and 2010, aside from the generating plants with 620MW capacity.

Of the total 4,103 MW rated capacity of privatized generating/operating plants, the Aboitiz group bought 36% while the Lopez group took 14%.

The group mentioned that based on the World Bank’s public-private partnership (PPP) database, the Aboitiz group is the foremost beneficiary of privatization of power plants, followed by the Lopez group, DMCI, Sumitumo, and J-Power.

There are 42 PPP power projects in the Philippines that include more than 10 coal-fired power plants since the government signed more than 30 coal mining contracts with big foreign and local mining companies.

Of these coal mining contracts, 21 are located in Mindanao.

Further, the immediate repeal of Republic Act 9136 or Electric Power

Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), and enactment of a pro-people and pro-environment energy policy are the group’s viable solutions to the power situation in Mindanao.

“EPIRA is a policy dictate of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank to grant the government with loans of $1 billion to save the dying domestic company.

The Philippines has a total debt burden of $70 billion, 35% of which comes from NAPOCOR,” the group said.

M-POWER was formed after a round table discussion last Tuesday initiated by Power Davao and Panalipdan, and participated in by representatives from Off the Grid Tech Enterprises, Kalikasan/No to Coal, Assumption College of Davao EFD Mindanao, Davao City Chinatown Development Council, Toril Ecological Council, Amnesty International Green Peace, Lay Forum Philippines, Amaya Lay Foundation, Inc., Ecumenical Bishops Forum, Office of Councilor Leah Librado and BAYAN Southern Mindanao. [LORIE A. CASCARO]

OLLOWING the North Cotabato bus bombing April 11, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed relief the city was spared from the incident.

The city having been a victim of terrorism, Duterte said what happened in North Cotabato the other day is ‘something you would never want to happen in your city.’

“I am grateful to the Lord nga wala ta naapil sa kana nga samok,” he said in an interview at Grand Men Seng Hotel Wednesday night.

The bomb went off 10:40 a.m. inside a Rural Transit bus as it was heading for Carmen, North Cotabato.

The explosion killed three passengers who were sitting closest to where the bomb was planted, and wounded 18 other passengers.

Asked whether he has ordered for a heightened security in the city, the vice mayor said that ‘the police and military here

n Says police and

military on alert

always

are always on alert.’

“Dugay na na sila on alert. Kita ka nga naay checkpoint pirmi ug taas ang police visibility.

Dugay na sila giingnan ana,” he said.

The Rural Transit bus was bound for Cagayan de Oro City from Tacurong City when the bomb went off in Carmen.

Fatalities in the bombing were Rona Mae Causing, Gladzin Himpiso, and an unidentified elderly woman.

Injured were Basilisa Aninipot , Lovina Ayco, Sonny Balanag, Jenny Bergonia, Demia Causing, Hara Janine Cosca, Guiariah Danggo, Alvin Diaz, Rosa dela

Quips

Garbo, Allan Himpiso Sr., Allan Himpiso Jr., Lea Faviona, Alberto Isidro, Ezleta Luneza, Leo Limsiano, Marvin Marvicnal, Judy Ann Sumaylon, and Analyn Suyco.

The city in the past had experienced bombings. In 1995, the San Pedro cathedral was bombed on All Souls’ Day which killed a dozen and wounded about 100.

On March 2003, amid the conflict between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the old Francisco Bangoy Airport was bombed which killed 20 and wounded 146.

A few weeks later in April of the same year, the Sasa wharf was bombed where 17 died and 56 were wounded.

‘FUNDAMENTALLY, the global banking model has shifted and a transformation is occurring in how money is being managed as banks strive to rebuild trust and credit value for their shareholders.’

--David Hamilton, president of SunGard’s banking business.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

Hedcor Tudaya Hydro all set for construction T

HE additional runof-river hydropower generation in Southern Mindanao, dubbed Tudaya Hydroelectric Power Plant 1 and 2 of Hedcor –AboitizPower’s wholly-owned subsidiary, is ready for construction early this year with the additional capacity of 13.7 MW. “Our team is finalizing all the necessary requirements and other documents”, said Hedcor AVP for rngineering and development in Mindanao, Engr. Bill Haboc. “We are waiting for RE contracts, which the Department of Energy is already processing, then we ill be all set for construction,” Haboc added.

Tudaya Hydroelectric Power is an expansion of the Hedcor Sibulan Hydropower Plant in Davao del Sur, located at the upstream of Sibulan Hydro Plant A and downstream of Sibulan Hydro Plant B. It makes the development of the projects easier for Hedcor’s exploration team because the potential sites of the two plants, especially Tudaya 1, became accessible after Hedcor opened farm-to-market roads and access road for the Sibulan plants.

“Our engineers are polishing the design,” Haboc said.

Tudaya Hydropower Plant will generate 76 GWh of renewable energy annually for the Davao del

Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) and Davao Light and Power Company in Davao City starting in first quarter of 2014.

The exploration of the project started in 2010 and the project design began last year.

Hedcor is a whollyowned subsidiary of AboitizPower Corporation. Hedcor is the largest developer of run-ofriver hydropower plants in the country with 19 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao.

It has plans for building more plants in Mindanao, aside from Tudaya 1 and 2 in Davao del Sur, another one in Davao City and two in Bukidnon.

International cruise vessel brings French tourists here

T

HREE hundred seventy one French nationals had a taste of Dabawenyo hospitality when cruise ship M/V Princess Danae, a member of an international cruise fleet operated by NDS Voyages and Carnet de Croisieres, dropped anchor at Sasa Wharf last March 29, 2012.

The three decade old

cruise ship, whose passengers were mostly senior citizens and retirees, made Davao City their latest port of call in the Philippines.

“They wanted to try something new that is why they chose Davao to be part of their stopovers in the Philippines,” said Wanda Teo, vice president of National Association of Inde-

pendent Travel Agencies (NAITAS).

During the passengers’ two-day stay in the city, they were able to visit various tourist destinations, such as People’s Park, San Pedro Cathedral, Lon Hua Temple, Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, Madrazo Fruit Stand, Puentespina Orchid Garden and Claude’s

FINTERNATIONAL, 13

3

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT. Hedcor engineers conduct location survey of the proposed 13.7-MW Tudaya run-ofriver hydropower plant at Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur in preparation for the upcoming construction.

Spitting in public places to be a punishable crime

S

PITTING in public places may put a person behind bars under a bill declaring it a crime punishable with imprisonment and fine.

Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay (Party-list, AVE) authored House Bill 5901 seeking to address the bad habit of spitting in public places, which may cause the spread of dreaded diseases to include tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, among others.

Under the measure, no person shall carelessly or intentionally spit saliva, phlegm, mucus or other substances in public places such as city streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, markets, public halls, malls, buildings, terminals, schools, churches, hospitals and other similar public places.

Citing a report of World Health Organization (WHO), Magsaysay said the number of deaths

due to TB stands at an average of 75 Filipinos every day and is contagious and airborne.

“According to the WHO, the Philippines has a long way to go in eradicating TB even if the Department of Health confidently announced that the country will be able to attain the millennium development goal of reducing TB deaths by 50% within five years or 2015,” Magsaysay said.

4

HERITAGE

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Museo Dabawenyo: Learning Davao’s past Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

R

ELICS from the past, yellowed photographs, eye-catching sculptures, thought-provoking paintings, creative diorama, a list of former governors of undivided Davao, replica of controversial Datu Bago, and the ten tribes inhabiting the city.

These are just some of the things you will see at the Museo Dabawenyo, located on Pichon Street (formerly Magallanes St.) Near it is the Andres Bonifacio Rotunda and Osmena Park.

The two-storey building is one of the most visited museums in Davao. In fact, there is no entrance fee. “We have an average of about 800 visitors a week,” says Orly L. Escarrilla, the acting administrative officer of the museum. “Most of them are students and foreigners who want to know more about our city.”

Actually, the building was the former hall of justice. It was also a warehouse for nonfunctioning government equipment. In 2006, it was restored and rehabilitated to house and showcase the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of the people of Davao.

During the 71st Araw ng

Dabaw on March 14, 2008, the museum was opened to the public.

The museum was the brainchild of Mrs. Soledad Roa-Duterte. Fondly called “Nanay Soling”, she was the mother of ViceMayor Rodrigo Duterte and grandmother of current Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio.

It was Nanay Soling’s dream that Davao one day would have its own museum showcasing its rich historical and cultural heritage. “Every great city must have a soul and it is embodied in its museums and cultural heritage sites,” she was quoted as saying.

The museum is about Davao and its history and for the people from Davao and for those who want to know about the city in the past. “It is focused on the ten tribes of Davao, how Davao became a City, the undivided Davao era, the distinguished Dabawenyos, and a lot more,” explains Escarrilla. “These are some of its characteristics that differ from other museums in the city.”

Upon entry, you are welcomed by a life-sized artwork and a wall that explains theories on the origin of the word Davao. Your tour guide

Wax figure of Pres Quezon signing the paper

Relics of the past

will first bring you to the Indigenous Peoples Gallery, which showcases the ten tribes indigenous to the city, namely: UvuManuvu, Ata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, K’lata, Sama, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, and Kalagan.

There is an ethnographic map showing where each tribe is in the city and each corner that showcases every tribe’s history and aspirations as articulated by their respective tribal leaders.

An interesting feature is a life-sized diorama of these people dancing, playing their native instruments, and chanting — as if living in harmony amidst diversity.

Next stopover: the bust face of Datu Bago and the award names after him. Some dismissed him as a villain, while others hailed him as a hero. In 1969, under the leadership of Mayor Elias B. Lopez, the Datu Bago Award was launched as the highest award to be bestowed on a resident of the city “who has contributed to the development of the City of Davao with exemplary competence and dedication and who best serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration.”

So far, a total of 152

Indigenous people distinguished Dabawenyos have been bestowed this highest honor. Past winners include: Jess Dureza, Margarita MoranFloreindo, Tomas Monteverde, Jesus V. Ayala, Antonio O. Floreindo, Aida Rivera Ford, Fernando R. Capalla, Mario Leofer Lim, Guillermo P. Torres, Jr., Rosauro M. Borromeo, Jr. and Judge Renato A. Fuentes.

Just a few steps away is the Duhwowavao! Gallery, where you get a glimpse of a wax figure of President Manuel L. Quezon signing a piece of paper which signifies the creation of Davao as a city in October 1936. In March of the following year, the first inauguration of the city was held.

Scattered all over this hall are different glimpses of Davao’s historic past from the Spanish period to the American then Japanese leading to the city’s charter. Also included: a gallery of all of the mayors of the city and the numerous awards and recognition the city has received through the years.

There’s more to see in the second floor. The first stopover is a showcase dedicated to Davao’s Chinese heritage and the history of its Chinatown, which is the biggest in the world in terms of land

area. There is a collection bills (money), photos, porcelains and a lot more.

You also get to see the artworks of the local artists. Paintings, sculptures, fashion designs, poems, music and anything that express the beautiful soul and creativity of the true Dabawenyo are exhibited.

Take a closer look at the Filipiniana gown made of water lilies that was recognized on the fashion runways of Paris.

The Nanay Soling Duterte Hall is dedicated to the history of the undivided Davao (which is now composed of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley). For the information of the unin-

Paintings

to showcase their works.

Businesses, schools, civic organizations, and other groups are welcome to have their exhibits in this room. “For free,” says Escarrilla.

On why there is also no entrance fee, Escarrilla answers: “We want the museum to be accessible to people of all walks of life. Besides, the strong partnership we have with the private and public sectors has helped us in sustaining the operational expenses of the museum.”

When asked about the future plans for the museum, Escarrilla replies: “We would want to continue upgrading our capabilities with the resources available to better serve the

formed, Vicente Duterte was the last governor of the undivided Davao Province.

One fascinating area is the so-called Peace Room, a commemoration of the historic Philippine hosting of the Tour de Paix (International Peace Tour) by the Museo Dabawenyo in 2008. Today, it serves as library and audio-visual room of the museum.

There is also a room which is used as venue for local artists and artisans as well as local inventors

public.”

By the way, all these items you see at the museum are for the eyes only; touching and taking photos are strictly prohibited.

The Museo Dabawenyo is open to the public from Mondays to Saturdays (9 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 6 PM. It accepts bookings for group tours; just dial (082) 2226011. For updates, you can visit its website:www. davaocity.gov.ph/museo/ default.aspx.

EDGEDAVAO

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

Davao cacao farmers target 100,000 tons of export demand C

ACAO farmers here in the region are bent on reaching the 100,000 tons of cacao demand needed by the global chocolate leader, Mars.

Cacao farmer Charita Puentespina disclosed in today’s Club 888 the struggles of the local cacao producers in order to reach the target demand by its chocolate partner.

“It was in 2008 that the cacao industry started to rise up as Mars Chocolate found our cacao having the exact quality that importers need,” Puentespina said.

When Davao cacao farmers started exporting to Mars, oth-

er importers and traders from Europe and the Netherlands followed suit.

“The demand was so high that we felt the need to consolidate. Fortunately, a nongovernment agency such as ACDI-VOCA helped us organize ourselves, look for other cacao farmers to consolidate our produce.” she said.

At present 10,000 hectares of land in the country are planted with cacao. Seventy percent of the national production comes from Davao Region.

Data showed that cacao production reached an all-time high of 40,000 tons in the mid 80s

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

46.851 48.139

48.161

Quips

48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217 COOKING IN THE DARK. A resident of General Santos City uses a headlamp while cooking dinner as another brownout hits the city.

General Santos City has been suffering from

daily unannounced brownouts that usually last for an hour. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

mation and Development Center where farmers and even those non farmers but interested to learn could avail of the technology transfer seminar as well as the knowledge upgrading about the industry.

Experts will be teaching students techniques and ways for proper cacao production. The said center is also envisioned to have its processing plant where value-adding of the product will be maximized.

The center is also targeted to come up with a database in which target beneficiaries could make do with it as they plan to engage into this kind of industry.

BIR 11 to look into ‘fun runs’ T

47.032

48.458 47.585 47.207

but got lost in the coming years due to the problem on quality and shipping cost.

Not until an international buyer of cacao discovered the potentials of cacao beans produced in the Davao Region. This paved the way for the start of cacao production despite the lucrative export income from banana production.

Puentespina narrated the interest of Mars Cocoa in helping out the farmers’ association to transfer knowledge to those interested of engaging into cacao production.

In May, the farmers’ association will open the Cacao Infor-

HE rising popularity of fun runs has not skipped the attention of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Davao Region.

BIR assistant regional director Nuzar Balatero said fun runs are “one thing which BIR will look into” in relation to taxation.

Balatero said while organizers go into massive promotions prior to the actual fun run to entice the public, they become silent after the fun run.

“After the fun run no more report is given,” he said.

Fun runs are taxable since they have become a lucrative business for some organizers, he said, adding, however, that they still would not generate huge revenues for BIR. But Balatero stressed the BIR must impose taxes in fun runs.

He said fun runs have become the latest craze so to speak nowadays with organizers free to impose cheap or costly registration fees.

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

5

Love for the environment, physical fitness and fundraising for various charity advocacies are the popular intentions of organizers to initiate the fun runs. These reasons aside from being an apparently easy and fun outdoor sport and exercise have enticed thousands to willingly join a fun run, turned for some as a family bonding activity, Balatero said.

Another business, which BIR is currently looking into, is the underground business of ukay-ukay (second-hand clothing).

Balatero said unlike fun runs, ukay-ukay stores can be considered a big catch for BIR in terms of revenues.

He said BIR is looking at the importers of ukay-ukay and not the outlets of the goods.

He said some of the ukay-ukay importers were already identified. The next step is to determine their profits and declaration in terms of importation and purchase. (PNA)

‘OFWS are usually excluded from social protection programs in their country of employment, even if many of them work in high-risk environment and are considered family breadwinners.’

--Social Security System president and chief executive Emilio de Quiros Jr.

as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 MI588 / MI588 5J965 / 5J968 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 18:55 12:55 13:35

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Davao-Cebu-Singapore Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:35 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Thu/Sun Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI566 / MI566 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

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

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

PNoy to address Davao T power summit today P

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III is slated to arrive in Davao City on April 13 to attend the Mindanao Power Summit, where power industry players all across Mindanao are expected to discuss issues with ranking government officials and Cabinet members.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, in a statement described the upcoming event as the “largest gathering of power industry stakeholders.”

She said about 350 delegates have already confirmed attendance to the event.

“The Power Summit accords us the opportunity to discuss the real Mindanao power situation and the specific short to long term measures that

IT-BP industry hits 24% growth in 2011

stakeholders wanted acted on jointly by the government and the industry players,” Antonino said.

“This is being done for and by the Mindanawons who have a direct stake on the Mindanao power issue and what needs to be done, and the President will be there to see to it that the proposed measures are thoroughly studied and doables carried through,” she added.

She said President Aquino is expected to respond with specific policy directives.

Meanwhile, Party List Rep. Teddy Casino “wants consensus on substantial issues and options, not done deals, in Mindanao power summit.”

In a statement, he cited major issues like solving the power problem without jacking up elec-

tricity rates; does Mindanao go clean and renewable or stick to dirty fossil fuels; or whether privatization is still the correct policy framework for Mindanao.

He reiterated that rescinding the contract between Therma Marine, Inc. which recently entered into an ancillary power contract with the NGCP for its two privatized power barges, resulting in the dramatic escalation of prices of generated power, is a short term answer.

He also said government can take over the power barges to ensure that power is being sold at cheaper baseload prices instead of high ancillary rates to make it affordable for power distributors, thereby normalizing power supplies.

For long term solution, Casino pushes for the immediate passing of House Bill 5405 or the proposed One Million Solar Roofs Act which provides for incentives and financing facilities to encourage the use of solar energy by ordinary electricity consumers like residences, offices and small to medium business establishments.

He said solar resources are the most promising with a potential of at least 5.1 kWh/m2/day. This is because the average ranges of hours of sunshine in the Philippines is between 4.3 hours per day in July and August and 8.6 hours per day in April.

On balance, there are 2,105 sunshine hours annually and approximately 5.8 sunlight hours for each day the whole year, he added. (PNA)

program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) that aims to improve the productivity of small and medium industry players.

Summit Consultancy and Research Services, which was earlier tapped by the DOST-12 for the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX), presented its findings and recommendations to improve the productivity of 15 firms identified under the program.

Their recommendations included acquisition or upgrading of machines, nutritional facts analysis, production lay-out improvement, and packaging or labeling design development.

They also recommended trainings on Good

Manufacturing Practices for ten firms.

Other recommendations for MSMEs to undertake are energy audit, possible ultraviolet radiation, preventive maintenance, and materials management system, among others.

Some firms, on the other hand, have sought trainings on coconut syrup and accelerated vinegar production, bleaching and dyeing, waste management (vermi composting), and fiber extraction mechanization.

Other companies have developed possible linkages, such as one firm offering to supply organic fertilizers to Kablon Farms and RRR Engineering offering to fabricate stainless products for food processing companies.

Another one also offered to design and fabricate a sorter or conveyor for a coffee and a fiber processing ventures.

A technology needs assessment was likewise conducted to Juco Yummyzo Food Products and Pascual Bakery Equipment Services in Koronadal City as a pre-requisite to the availment of SET-UP assistance.

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST-12 director, said they conducted the “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” to support MSMEs in the region achieve higher income, generate more employment and penetrate global markets.

She added that such activity aims to sustain economic development in the countryside.

DOST 12 rolls off ‘Agham at Teknolohiya’ campaign

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OST-12’s “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” has gained ground in enhancing productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Soccsksargen Region.

A project of the Department of Science and Technology – Region 12, Agham at Teknolohiya sa Lungsod was recently conducted separately in the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.

Under the project, consultancy services, labeling design development and technology needs assessment were extended to MSMEs engaged in organic fertilizer, tuna, bakery, squash turon and lumpia, and banana buchi, among others.

It was implemented under DOST’s umbrella

EDGEDAVAO

The world’s wealthiest

HE Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) announced recently that the Philippine information technology and business process (IT-BP) industry ended 2011 with US$ 11 billion in revenues, or 24 percent higher than in 2010, and employed 638,000, or 22 percent more employees in the same period.

“We hit the targets projected in our Road Map 2016,” pointed out new BPAP president and CEO Benedict Hernandez.

“This is a good start to our five-year plan to grow at average of 20 percent a year—above projected global annual growth rates of 10 percent to 15 percent,” he said.

At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20 percent, IT-BP will become a US$ 25-billion industry by 2016, contributing about 9 percent of GDP and capturing 10 percent of the global IT-BP market share, he added.

The country’s world No. 1 status in contact centers was further strengthened by impressive growth reported by the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), also headed by Hernandez.

The contact center sector ended 2011 with 416,000 employees providing US$ 7.4 billion in services to the world. Already the largest contact center hub in the world, the sector posted a healthy 21 percent growth in 2011 and remained the largest sector of the Philippines IT-BP industry at 65 percent of total industry.

The Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP) also produced impressive numbers that combined expansion and a first attempt to measure healthcare information management outsourcing (HIMO) services being done

across a range of business process companies.

A preliminary survey indicated that as much as US$ 277 million worth of HIMO services were provided to global end-users from the Philippines, with the sector employing 24,700.

Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) president Nora Terrado reported a high 37 percent growth in revenues from IT outsourcing, compared with just 11 percent in employment growth. Anecdotal indicators also point to strong demand for Philippine IT services into 2012.

The Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., (ACPI), however, revealed that the sector lost out to some contracts as global competition heated up in back-room animation services, particularly from countries like China that subsidize animation operations.

ACPI reported that its sector shrank by 10 percent to US$ 128 million in revenues in 2011 but it maintained its headcount at about 8,600 animators.

ACPI has been running its annual animation competition, Animahenasyon, for the past four years to encourage local animators to produce original animated films and cartoons. Some of the winners have been featured on local cable channels such as the Knowledge Channel.

The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) reported that their first competition also uncovered many young talented game developers.

GDAP members have also produced games that have gained followers in the online world. The game development sector grew by 13 percent in 2011, reaching US$ 8 million in revenues and employing almost 1,400.

1. Carlos Slim, 72 Companies: Grupo Carso, Telmex, America Movil Net worth: $70 billion Compensation: N/A Carlos

2. Warren Buffett, 81 Company: Berkshire Hathaway Net worth: $44.7 billion 2011 compensation: $491,925

3. Lawrence J. Ellison, 67 Company: Oracle Net worth: $35 billion 2011 compensation: $77.6 million

4. Eike Batista, 56 Company: EBX Net worth: $31.6 billion Compensation: N/A

Slim has been the world’s richest man for the past three years, and his wealth is equivalent to nearly 6 percent of Mexico’s annual economic output.

As chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett is the world’s second-richest CEO and the world’s third-richest man. His company’s holdings include American Express, Coca-Cola, Costco, and Moody’s.

As the co-founder and CEO of Oracle, Larry Ellison is also the sixth richest person in the world and the third wealthiest in the U.S., according to Forbes.

Eike Batista is South America’s richest man, and the founder and CEO of holding company EBX.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

Versatile cucumber

AGRITRENDS

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By Jims Vincent T. Capuno

A

LTHOUGH they can be cooked, cucumbers are most often eaten raw in salads, in cold soups, in cucumber based sauces, and as hors d’oeuvres.

Cucumbers are also the vegetable of choice for pickles. Pickles are made by placing cucumbers in a seasoned brine or vinegar solution.

If you happen to visit Davao, one of the dishes common during social events, fiesta, and birthdays is kinilaw, the local version of Japanese sashimi. It is also served as an appetizer. Actually, it is a mixture of raw diced tuna fish, salt and vinegar and it is even more delectable when diced cucumbers are added.

Cucumber – scientifically known as Cucumis sativus and belonging to the same family as watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin, and other types of squash – can be used as a condiment or when mixed with larger chunks of other vegetables or fruits, made into an actual salad.

The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water (96 per cent) but also contains moderate amounts of Vitamins A, B, and C. Its hard skin is rich in fiber and contains a variety of beneficial minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sulphur, and zinc.

But there is more to cucumber than just an ingredient of food. The high silicon and sulphur content of the cucumber is said to promote the growth of hair, especially when the juice of the cucumber is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach. A mixture of cucumber juice with carrot juice is said to be beneficial for rheumatic conditions resulting from excessive uric acid in the body.

Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints?

Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

Cucumber is also a good diuretic, which helps bring about clear urine.

The narcotic or intoxicating effect of alcohol is also reduced with the use of cucumber. This must be the reason why in 1732, English poet and playwright John Gay use the phrase “cool as a cucumber” in his poem, A New Song.

Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?

According to The New York Times, eating a few cucumber slices before going to bed will make you wake

up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache.

Cucumber is good for those who are dieting as it is very low in calories.

It has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. It helps eliminate uric acid so it is good for those who have arthritis.

Many people use cucumbers on the skin as a beauty aid as well. It is excellent for rubbing over the skin to keep it soft and white. It is cooling, healing and soothing to an irritated skin. Cucumber juice is in great demand in various forms as a cooling and beautifying agent for the skin. Cucumber soap is used by many women, and a cucumber wash applied to the skin after exposure to keen winds is extremely beneficial.

Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite.

Works great on wrinkles, too!

Cucumber is also good to reduce heat and inflammation. It is very useful to treat tired eyes and remove the eye bags under your eyes by placing a slice of cucumber over closed eyes. It also helps lung, stomach and chest problems, gout, and tapeworm. Fresh cucumber juice is good to reduce heartburn or sooth stomach acid, also for those suffering from gastritis or ulcer.

Likewise, cucumber is used to treat high and low blood pressure.

When foods high in potassium, magnesium and fiber were added to the diet of people who participated in the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Study, their blood pressure dropped to healthier levels. Those people in the study who ate a diet rich in these compounds in addition to the other foods on this diet (low fat dairy foods, seafood, lean meat and poultry) lowered their blood pressure by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic).

One doctor explains: “Its fiber-rich skin and their levels of potassium and manganese helps

MINDANAO FOOD FIRM ACQUIRES HACCP CERTIFICATION Isidro Ang, Vice President of Martsons Food Corporation in Davao City, holds up the HACCP Certificate awarded recently to his company by TUV-SUD, an internationally recognized quality management agency. Martsons was assisted in acquiring HACCP certification by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, which is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Author-

ity (MinDA). With Mr. Ang are USAID Contracts Officer Sallie McElrath (far right), and USAID Development Assistance Specialist Maria Teresa Robielos (3rd from left). HACCP, a systematic, preventive approach to food safety and quality that limits potential physical, chemical and biological hazards in food production, is increasingly becoming a standard requirement for export markets.[GEM]

Food processors provide opportunities for Mindanao farmers as globally competitive

F

OOD processing firms in Mindanao that comply with international food quality and safety requirements are helping to create more livelihood opportunities for the region’s growers.

This has been the experience of several companies that have acquired HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) certification with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

HACCP, a systematic, preventive approach to food safety and quality that limits potential physical, chemical and biological hazards in food production, is increasingly becoming a standard requirement for export markets.

Food processors which are HACCP-certified generally see a jump in the number of interested buyers from other countries. To fill the growing demand for their products, these firms source additional raw materials from farmersuppliers.

“The buyers who at one time would not even return my calls, are now buying products follow-

regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions. Its dietary fibers regulate cholesterol level and support bowel regularity. Its magnesium content relaxes nerves and muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly.”

In the past, the Romans are reported to have used cucumbers to treat scorpion bites, bad eyesight, and to scare away mice. Wives wishing for children wore them around their waists. They were also carried by the midwives, and thrown away when the child was born.

By the way, here’s a word of warning from the experts. Adverse effects associated with oral use of cucumber include fluid

ing our HACCP certification,” said Helen del Rosario of Soyuz Foods, a processor of native lime (calamansi)-based products that participated in the recent international trade show PhilFoodEx. Del Rosario said that she is expanding her company’s farmer-supplier base and meeting regularly with individual growers, farming cooperatives, and other groups in southern and northern Mindanao, to ensure a steady supply of the native limes for Soyuz.

“We have to find more suppliers to meet increased demand,” said Marilou Fernandez of KF Nutri Foods International, which, through USAID assistance acquired HACCP certification in 2010.

KF Nutri Foods, which exports processed banana chips, sources much of its fruit supply from conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

“The Cardaba banana from which we make our chips is not a plantation crop but is grown on small farms,” added Fernandez.

“Farmers now have more options for selling,” said Isidro Ang, vice

loss and electrolyte imbalances. Excessive use of cucumber may hasten the effect of diuretics, leading to fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should also avoid the medicinal use of cucumber.

Evidence indicates cucumbers were first domesticated in India. However, cucumbers quickly spread throughout Europe and Asia, and were widely consumed throughout this region by the 6th and 7th centuries A.D. Records of cucumber cultivation appear in France in the 9th century, England in the 14th century, and in North America by the mid-16th century. Today, cucumbers are one of the world’s favorite vegetables.

president of Martsons Food Corporation, which sells tropical fruit products such as dried mango, pineapple and papaya, as well as fruit juices and aseptic purees.

Martsons is one of fifteen Mindanao firms, all small-to-medium enterprises, which have acquired HACCP certification through the assistance of USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, which is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

USAID helps companies to develop the systems and procedures needed for HACCP-compliance, which must be audited and certified by TUV-SUD, an internationally recognized quality management agency based in Germany.

The companies shoulder part of the consultancy and certification fees involved, as well as the costs of developing or upgrading of their existing plant facilities as needed.

Depending on the individual company, HACCP requirements may include building renovations, reconfiguring of

Cucumber is mentioned in the Bible. It was freely available in Egypt, even to the enslaved Israelites: “We remember the fish which we ate in Egypt at no cost – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic” (Numbers 11:5). Pliny the Elder (The Natural History, Book XIX, Chapter 23) reported that Ancient Greeks grew cucumbers, and that there

Quips

assembly lines, training of workers, and introduction of monitoring and documentation systems.

HACCP certification is a major undertaking but companies like Martsons, which already exports to Asian countries and North America, believe that the investment is worth it.

“HACCP is demanded by our customers,” Ang said. ”This will allow us to enter new markets.”

“The growing competitiveness of Mindanao’s food processors has multiplier effects along the supply chain,” said Fernandez of KF Nutri Foods, who notes that even small produce traders are able to take advantage of the new market opportunities.

Foreseeing increased demand and trying to create economies of scale, Del Rosario of Soyuz Foods has begun training some of her farmer-suppliers to semi-process native lime (calamansi).

She is also experimenting with new uses for her products, and says, “there is nothing to prevent even small-scale entrepreneurs like us from engaging in research and development.”

were different varieties in Italy, Africa, and modernday Serbia.

Charlemagne had cucumbers grown in his gardens in ninth-century France. They were reportedly introduced into England in the early 1300s, lost, and then reintroduced approximately 250 years later. Christopher Columbus brought cucumbers to Haiti in 1494.

FVERSATILE, 13

‘WE would like to reiterate that we are not exiting any markets in Asia. Our strategy in the region is to have strong, balanced and diversified geographies and businesses.’

--Johanna Garcia, HSBC Philippines senior vice president for communication and corporation sustainability.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

The China-Philippines standoff COMMENTARY

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EDITORIAL

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More of the same

OW that the mid-term election is just 15 months away, talks are again rife on many unhappy facts about the prevailing political system. One of these is that almost all politicians in power belong to some political dynasty or other.

Being criticized for days now is a tentative list of “senatoriables” being reportedly assembled by the old Erap Estrada-Jojo Binay tandem.

Critics are making an issue of the fact that the lineup includes some names associated with the past discredited, graft-ridden MacapagalArroyo regime. Of course, it is easy to conclude that these critics are those who do not exactly love Estrada and Binay, especially Binay who’s believed to be the man to beat in the 2016 presidential derby.

The more “neutral” critics zero in on the fact that the list contains names of recycled politicians belonging to political dynasties which have ruled this country from the time we gained freedom from our foreign colonizers.

Our early leaders certainly had something to do with this. Look at the family names of past (and incumbent) presidents of this country, and know what we mean. Of all the presidents –Emilio Aguinaldo, Manuel L. Quezon, Jose Laurel Sr., Sergio Osmena Sr., Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Carlos P. Garcia, Ramon Magsay-

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say Sr., Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada Ejercito, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, only one or two do not have close relatives dominating the political scene.

Arguably, it is not entirely the fault of these presidents if their relatives were elected even long after they had died. It would likewise be unfair if their highly qualified siblings and offsprings will be barred from vying for political positions.

Truth is, electing or rejecting candidates is a responsibility of the voters first and foremost.

That they are easily inveigled into voting for candidates who can present the best enticements is perhaps a flaw of our democracy. Yet it is no reason to switch to another form of government.

Communism and dictatorship are worse when it comes to the system of selecting leaders.

We submit that the fault lies more in our not being politically mature as a people. We have, likewise, missed a lot of opportunities to embrace reforms, as the reformists could be the most unpopular politicians in this country.

Until the time we have achieved an ideal level of maturity through massive voter education, we may just have to swallow this bitter pill called political dynasty and be content with the same political names over and over again.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO CARLO P. MALLO Associate Features and Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG KARLOS C. MANLUPIG • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR., Creative Solutions Photography LORIE ANN A. CASCARO • JADE C. ZALDIVAR • MOSES C. BILLACURA Staff Writers

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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BY NICK OTTENS

T’S not all quiet in the South China Sea anymore! The Philippines’ largest warship was engaged in a tense standoff with Chinese surveillance vessels in the area on Wednesday after the ship attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen.

The crew of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar boarded Chinese fishing vessels for an inspection on Tuesday which were found in vicinity of the disputed Scarborough Shoal, situated more than two hundred kilometers west of the Philippines.

The sailors discovered large amounts of illegally collected coral, clams and live sharks aboard one of the Chinese ships.

Two Chinese maritime surveillance ships then approached and positioned themselves between the Gregorio del Pilar and the fishermen. “There’s a standoff,” said a spokesman for the Philippine ministry of foreign affairs. According to the Chinese, the “marine surveillance ships are in this area fulfilling the duties of safeguarding Chinese maritime rights and interests.”

For good measure, Beijing added that the shoal “is an integral part of the Chinese territory and the waters around it, the traditional fishing area for Chinese fishermen.” Manila similarly insists that the shoal, which is really group of islands and reefs, “is an integral part of Philippine territory.” A Filipino navy official told the Associated Press that more ships are underway.

The Philippines recently explored the possibility of deepening defense ties with the United States. Standoffs as are occurring this week are the very reason.

China’s neighbors regard its military rise warily. They seek an active American engagement to balance against what they perceive to be Chinese bullying.

Some six hundred Special Forces are currently stationed in the Philippines in assistance of local counterinsurgency efforts. United States Navy ships regularly call at Philippine ports but the Americans haven’t had a permanent base in the island nation since they were kicked out of Subic Bay in 1992.

In the South China Sea, China regularly clashes with other East Asian states. Beijing asserts varying degrees of sovereignty over virtually the entire area through which passes a third of all commercial maritime traffic worldwide and half of the hydrocarbons destined for Japan, the Korean Peninsula and northeast China.

American attempts at mediation have so far failed to significantly change Chinese behavior and may be unlikely to.

The country is facing major demographic challenges as well as resource and water scarcities well into the twenty-first century, compelling it to ensure a favorable balance of power in its backyard and maritime access to natural riches in Africa and the Middle East. [Atlantic Sentinel]

Quips

‘I could run for president of the association of homeowners sa Ecoland, kay gusto ko og playground unya. Wala mi playground.’

--Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, when asked what position she would be running for if not for mayor. ED

EDGEDAVAO

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NCE IN a while, you get to see and listen to Manila-based financial expert talk about stock investing and the stock market here in Davao invited over by banking groups, insurance firms, chamber of commerce and civic clubs.

You don’t get to see this often here in this southernmost part of the country, that’s why it came to me like a whiff of fresh air when Edge editor Tony Ajero pulled me over after a presscon at Marco Polo Hotel to join his fellow-members at Rotary Club of South Davao to listen to investment banker Alexander Guilles of First Metro Securities---the online stock brokerage of Metrobank--talked about savings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. last Wednesday during the club’s monthly meeting.

What he talked about is something that so many people here need to know, most specially retirees, coops, businessmen, Chinoy traders, entrepreneurs, etc, the much older ones at 40’s to 60-plus with lots of savings in the bank that’s earning so little from savings deposits, investment trust funds and money market. Are you happy when your bank gives you only 1% to 2% on your savings every year when you can get 20% yearly someplace else?

But what Guilles was targeting during his Power Point presentation was the younger ones, college kids who still don’t know the value of money and the discipline to plan for the future.

To me, it’s a long uphill fight trying to educate students to be “responsible” with money because at their age, all

T

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

Breaking the mindset on investing

they think about today (at least most of them) is to buy the latest iPod, buy an electric guitar, buy a new digital camera, buy a fast laptop for games, etc. buy the latest car, and throw wild parties every Saturday night. It’s useless and utter waste of time trying to break into that kind of mindset that’s as thick as a ten-foot concrete wall.

The need for older people to know more about investments was obvious, in fact, at that Rotary meeting when the old guys around told Guilles that they too, needed to be educated on what to do with their money stashed away in their bank as savings deposits or placed in short-term money market funds. I’ve seen and heard so many old guys like them--- all businessmen and traders with robust businesses in Davao, expressed the same needs.

Whether or nor these guys know that their own banks are investing their money in the stock market and buy mutual funds to make the bank richer, we don’t know. That’s why it’s time for these older guys with big savings from their businesses or their retirement, to start considering putting their money in mutual funds that invest in stocks and bonds.

Just be sure you choose mutual funds from big, stable companies (like SunLife, PhilamLife, etc) to make sure they’ll protect your money and make it grow much bigger than what banks give you in annual interest. If you’re aggressive enough to learn investing and trading stocks on your own, you could try out Guilles’ online brokerage at Metro Securities where they’ll open an account for you (minimum P5000 only) and take care of your buy and sell orders from your laptop, while sipping

coffee at Starbucks or Blugre, wouldn’t that be nice ?

It was nice meeting Guilles at that Rotary meeting, he sort of confirmed my wild guess that fund managers who run all these mutual funds, here and overseas, make their stock selections and their buy/sell decisions by “consensus” or by a committee inside the fund headed by the fund manager.

Simply put, the fund manager can’t make his own decision to buy or a sell a stock. This may be the reason why the performance of almost all mutual funds in the Philippines (and even in the US) are not so impressive. The most disastrous way to run a fund, I think, is by consensus.

With all their expertise and experience in the stock market, mutual fund managers can do better than the average of 15% to 20% annual gains. Some of these funds can only do less than 10%, while some can hit more than 30%, but while they might find these numbers good, I find these guys still do a LOUSY job managing these funds.

Know why? Because I’ve seen stock traders make 100% to 200% buying and selling stocks at the right time--and it has nothing to do with the “quality” of the stocks.

As an eye-opener, Guilles did a good job of waking up those guys at the Rotary meeting with his presentation. So many businessmen in Davao are always looking forward to listen to financial experts from Manila talk about at lot of options on how to make your money grow bigger while they’re parked somewhere safe and sound for many years.

(Comments? Email me at: tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com)

RIVERMAN’S VISTA

erations, the Senators were in agreement that the recurring blackouts are going to be solved even without the proposed law as the fast-track projects start to go online, and that the point of the bill is to accelerate the construction of new baseload plants as a long-term solution to address the power shortage. It was clear, as it turned out, that the true intent of the bill is not to be a direct response to the crisis, but to enable capacity-building for the near future, which may have been best addressed by the regular deliberative process, without the attendant pressure of the panic-stricken period.

While it cannot be denied that the power crisis in Metro Manila was solved during the Ramos administration, there is a well-nigh consensus that the overall impact of the emergency power was adverse to the economy and the consumers as a whole. Recalled by one solon: consumers faced higher electricity rates after Congress gave the same to President Fidel Ramos in 1993. At that time, that was the last thing we needed. Another decried “We must be very careful in giving presidents emergency powers because during the Ramos administration, the shortage was taken advantage of by private power firms in connivance with government officials to come up with onerous sweetheart contracts leading to high power rates that we continue to suffer till today.” [Tomorrow: Estrada and Arroyo] [MidnaNews/Dean Tony La Viña is a human rights and environmental lawyer from Cagayan de Oro City. He was a member of the Government of the Philippines Peace Panel that negotiated with the MILF from January to June 2010. He is currently the Dean of the Ateneo School of Government. Dean Tony can be reached at Tonylavs@gmail.com. Follow him on Facebook: tlavina@yahoo.com and on Twitter: tonylavs]

Energy Crisis in Mindanao: Grant of Emergency Powers (3)

HIS is the third article on emergency powers excerpted from Extraordinary Measures: Constitutional Powers in Times of Crisis. It discusses the circumstances that prompted the grant of emergency powers to President Ramos and its after effects.

In the latter part of the Aquino administration and well into the early years of the Ramos presidency, the country was experiencing daily power outages of up to eight hours. The losses were estimated at around $600-$800 million a year by the World Bank, affecting mostly small and medium-sized enterprises. The power crisis was brought about by insufficient generating power and increased demands for electricity, which was made worse when the 625-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was not allowed to operate for safety and environmental reasons.

Old power plants broke down one after another.

President Ramos turned to Congress to grant him emergency powers in order to address the crisis, pursuant to Section 23, Article VI of the Constitution. There was widespread opposition to the bill, sparking fears of abuse and imminent martial law. After much wrangling with both the Senate and the House - at one point, the President even accused members of Congress with obstructionism and aggravating the people’s sufferings - his initial request of eleven (11) powers was whittled down to four (4) in the signed act, with a limited duration of one year.

Republic Act No. 7648 or the Electric Power Crisis Act of 1993 gave the President the power to 1) enter into negotiated contracts for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, improvement or maintenance of power plants, projects and facilities, 2) fix the rate of return on rate base of the National Power Corporation to not more than twelve percent, and 3) to reorganize

Monkey Business

BY DEAN TONY LA VIÑA the National Power Corporation in order to make it more effective, innovative, and responsive to the power crisis. It also allotted ten percent of the annual aggregate gross income of PAGCOR to the National Power Corporation as subsidy.

In the main, the law enabled the President to “fast-track” the approval of contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to supply power requirements and avoid the usually tedious process ofbidding out government projects.

To entice the private sector investors, the Ramos administration granted them handsome guarantees for their profits, fuel needs, equity guarantees, and foreign exchange guarantees. In a span of one year, several IPP contracts were signed by the Ramos government which cost the government about $7.3 billion. Many faulted the President for entering into the allegedly extremely lopsided contracts, and even included charges of cronyism and corruption. Ramos however defended his actions, saying: We would still be in darkness up to now had we not made the judgment calls at that time, because it takes six to seven years to put up major power plant of maybe 50 megawatts. Where are the power plants that we are using right now? They are still the same ones put up during my administration.

It seemed apparent however that the primary power made available by the statute to the President, the loosening of institutional safeguards in order to expedite the approval of power projects is at best, a misguided solution. During the Senate delib-

9

North Korea rocket launch: Fireworks of fear MONITOR’S VIEW

N

ORTH Korea plans to launch its latest rocket across the waters of the Far East, perhaps by April 16.

The plan has already drawn the desired response in the region: Fear and, most of all, more attention on North Korea.

Nations are lining up to condemn the provocative act, which violates a United Nations resolution. Washington is divided over how to respond. Journalists are playing up the implied threat.

Japan may even shoot down the threestage Unha-3 rocket if it strays close to its shores.

And just to make sure it is being feared and not ignored, North Korea may also soon conduct a third nuclear test, according to reports. The first two tests, in 2006 and 2009, weren’t a technical success. And North Korea’s previous rocket launches, in 1998 and 2009, weren’t great hits either.

Such actions fit a long pattern of brinkmanship, bellicosity, and blackmail by the Pyongyang regime. Fortunately, the Kim family dynasty has been relying on waves of provocative acts long enough that the rest of the world has caught on. Even its only ally, China, now sees through the obvious childish behavior.

Yet the small, poor, and hermitlike country persists in using threats and intimidation, mainly against the US, South Korea, and Japan. One reason is to maintain unity among a small wealthy elite and to boost the regime’s legitimacy among the hungry and largely ignorant North Korean masses.

Another reason is to wring concessions, such as food aid or oil. That welltested tactic seems more earnest as the regime tries to rely less on China for essential supplies.

Guessing the regime’s motives has long been tricky, although the pattern of deceit in honoring agreements has been a long one. Since the 1990s, the US and South Korea have tried to coax three successive Kims to bring their country out of isolation. After being duped many times, Washington and Seoul now have a basic approach of “strategic patience.”

Yet the regime still finds that its survival is too important to risk opening up its closed society by welcoming investment and modern communications. So the tactics of fear and fostering of crises go on.

North Korea really has no real deterrent value in having a nuclear weapon when the rest of the world just wants it to come out of its shell. Even South Korea, which once sought reunification, prefers to simply help North Korea thrive on its own before any talk of unity.

So when, or if, the Unha-3 rocket flies over Asian waters in coming days, perhaps the world can see it as a last gasp of a fearmongering regime that doesn’t know what else to do. Exposing its tactics of fear is halfway to ending them. [The Christian Science Monitor]

Quips

‘….the extent of the disenfranchisement of Filipinos who have limited or no access to the Net is greater now. The online class is the new privileged class.’

--Chito Bustamante, Chikka Philippines CEO

10 SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Quality health, medical care made accessible to Dabaonons

by Noel Baguio

C Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona and Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario inaugurate the Mindanao Cancer Center at the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City recently. Looking

on are Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon and Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego and an unidentified governor from Luzon. [MERA GRACE APUYA/DAVNOR PIO]

ONSTITUENTS of Davao del Norte have no reason to miss out on the opportunity of availing basic medical and health services.

Dr. Bryan Dalid, Chief of the Surgery Department of the Davao Regional Hospital (DRH), said the Dabaonon people have good access to quality medical services from fine public and private hospitals, as well as, from adequate number of professional doctors and surgeons in the province.

“Walay rason nga ang mga taga Davao del Norte dili maka-access sa primary health care and medical services, apil niini ang cancer screening ug treatment (there is no reason people from Davao del Norte cannot access essential health and medical care, including cancer treatment),” he said.

Dr. Dalid pointed out the DRH, a government

tertiary hospital in Tagum City, has the capability to handle heart and lung surgery, and kidney transplant, among other crucial surgical procedures, including cutting-edge cancer treatment.

Recently, the hospital’s capacity to handle cancer treatment was boosted with the inauguration of its Nuclear and Radiotherapy Center, known as the Mindanao Cancer Center, that is equipped with linear accelerator for precision radiotherapy.

These superior medical services are complemented by the primary health care being provided by the Provincial Government and its various local government units.

Dalid lauded Governor Rodolfo del Rosario for allocating huge funds to provide better health care services to the people, pursuant to his P.E.O.P.L.E agenda.

The province is now rehabilitating its district

hospitals in the Island Garden City of Samal and the municipalities of Carmen and Kapalong with the help of the Department of Health.

Constituents can also take advantage of the medical assistance from the priority development assistance funds (PDAF) of the congressmen, including hospital aid from the various LGUs, as well as, from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Some 82,106 Dabaonon households were further enrolled in the government’s PhilHealth Para sa Masa program, enabling the province to lead in attaining universal PhilHealth coverage.

“Ang kulang na lang mao ang partisipasyon sa katawhan aron mo-avail sa maong mga serbisyo sa panlawas (What is lacking is the active involvement of the people to avail of such health services),” Dalid noted.

A government physician checks on a baby while other beneficiaries wait for their turn during the recent convergence outreach in Little Panay, Panabo City. [NOEL BAGUIO/DAVNOR PIO]

No Pain. A boy tries to hide the pain, while his friend gestures as if he doesn’t experience discomfort during circumcision procedure at the convergence outreach in

Mabuhay, Carmen, Davao del Norte. The rite of passage into manhood is popular among Filipino boys during the summer season. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Dr. Bryan Dalid, chief of the Surgery Department of the Davao Regional Hospital (DRH), urges Dabaonons to avail themselves of quality health and medical care that are always available to the people of Davao del Norte. [NOEL BA-

HOT LUMBER. Soldiers under the 73rd Infantry Battalion led by First Lt. Ferdinand Ragos intercepted these trucks loaded with hot lumber at Mt. Krucat, barangay Upo at 10:20pm. on April 5 in the government’s continuing drive against illegal logging. One of the trucks was allegedly owned by a certain “alias Black”, a resident of barangay

Badiangon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. The two trucks were loaded with an aggregate of 8,000 board feet sawn lumber without legal documents. (73RD IB/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

GUIO/DAVNOR PIO]

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

BPI wins The Asset Triple A Awards

COMPETITIVE EDGE

LOCATION

T

HE Asset, Asia’s leading issuer and investor-focused financial monthly publication, voted the Bank of the Philippine Islands as the Best E–Solutions Partner Bank in the Philippines and Best MNC/ Large Corporate Bank in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Transaction Banking Awards 2012.

Though the Bank did not specifically pitch for Best E-solutions Bank, The Asset was impressed by BPI’s ExpressLink platform. In addition to being

the choice for the MNCs and Large corporates, the Asset cited that the inroads made into the SME segment on the basis of BPI’s electronic offerings are very unique and innovative. They also cited ExpressLink Mobile as a very significant milestone for CFOs making decisions on-the-go. The awards were accepted by Ms. Bess Basa, BPI Vice President and Cash Management Head.

The Asset Triple A Awards are Asia’s defining

recognition for excellence in the industry. Into their second decade the perception and appreciation of The Triple A’s has gone from strength to strength.

This reputation has been built upon the stringent methodology, combined with the rigorous approach to the selection of the winners of the coveted Triple A. The awards are adjudicated by The Asset’s Board of Editors who collectively have several decades’ worth of evaluating industry awards in Asia.

Matina, Davao City Matina(Diversion) Davao City Bunawan, Davao City Indangan, Davao City Bincungan, Tagum City

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m.

17,940

P2,500

3,831

P1,500

41,408

P800

7,056

P1,200

27,411

P1,000

LOCATION

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m.

Villa Josefina Resort Village, Dumoy Toril, Davao City

Minimum of 240 sq.m.

P5,985

St. Joseph Homes, Sirawan, Toril,Davao City

Minimum of 150 sq.m.

P3,600

LOCATION Lot Area Flr. Area

I

Café Marco turns Japanese

TADAKIMASU! Experience a whole new genre of gastronomic adventure as we bring you the best of Japanese cuisine. Café Marco welcomes the summer with the masterful cooking of Chef Mark Anthony “Violon” Tulbanos, whose culinary skills were shaped in specialty restaurants

in Japan from the year 2001. Balancing taste, texture, appearance, and color, Chef Violon’s food showcase features his modern interpretation of classic selections such as chicken and beef teriyaki, tempura, sukiyaki, ramen, sushi, sashimi, and more. “If you are craving authentic bites with distinctly Japanese

roots, come to Café Marco, where the red sun is at its best and brightest,” Marco Polo Davao Director of Food and Beverage Danilo Herrera says.

Special limited offer available daily for dinner from April 11 to May 12, 2012. For reservations and inquiries, please call (63 82) 221 0888 local 7222.

11

Blk. 4, Lot 10 Villa Josefina Resort Village 240 sq.m. 177.31 sq.m Dumoy, Toril, Davao City

For Inquiries: Please Call : PRYCE CORPORATION c/o SONNY MOLE Contact No. : 0922-­‐879-­‐0036 / (082) 224-­‐2686 Email ADD : sonitomole1223@yahoo.com

PRICE P4.8 M

12

NATION/WORLD

NATION BRIEFS Summer jobs

T

HE private sector is offering nearly 7,000 summer jobs for students and out-of-school youth this year to help them pay for their education, Philippine Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said Wednesday.

Baldoz said private companies and educational institutions have made available a total of 6,922 jobs this summer under the Department of Labor and EmploymentSpecial Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

P

No time

HILIPPINE President Benigno Aquino III wants to read former President Gloria Arroyo’s memoirs to see things from a totally different perspective.

But Aquino said the problems Arroyo left for him to solve would keep him from finding time to read her book.

“It would be good if [we could read about things from] the perspective of one who’s quite different,” Aquino said when asked Wednesday to comment on reports that Arroyo was writing her memoirs.

A

Advised

MID the ongoing tax season, taxpayers were advised to look out for a new tax-related spam email that may lead to exploit kits and malware.

Computer security firm Sophos said it had detected a large number of emails purporting to be from Intuit, the company behind the QuickBooks bookkeeping software.

T

Brownouts

HE possibility of brownouts, coupled with an increase in electricity rates, hangs over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon as the Malampaya gas production facility goes on a seven-day maintenance shutdown in July.

Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX), which runs the facility, has already informed stakeholders in the power industry, including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), distribution firms like the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), as well as the Department of Energy (DOE) of the July 13-20 shutdown.

F

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

PHL deploys second ship R in Scarborough standoff

WORLD TODAY

T

HE Philippines deployed a second vessel to tiny islands in the South China Sea on Thursday in a bid to protect its sovereignty in an increasingly tense territorial standoff with China.

Authorities said a coast guard boat joined the Philippines’ biggest warship at Scarborough Shoal, where two Chinese surveillance vessels were protecting a group of Chinese fishermen from being arrested.

“It has arrived in the area. It is there to support our navy and to show our flag,” foreign affairs department spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters, referring to the 56-metrelong (184-foot) search and rescue coast guard vessel.

“It is mandated to protect our seas.”

However Hernandez also emphasised the Philippines was intent on ending the standoff peacefully, and quickly.

“We are confident the two sides will find a diplomatic solution as they are committed to finding one,” he said.

“We want this to be resolved immediately. Our

STANDOFF. A Philippine navy photo shows Chinese surveillance ships off Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines deployed a second vessel to tiny islands in the South

China Sea on Thursday in a bid to assert its sovereignty in a territorial standoff with China.

people are there, the Chinese fishermen are there.

It is hot and they could run out of food so we want this to be resolved as soon as possible.”

The dispute began on Sunday when Philippine authorities found eight Chinese fishing boats at the shoal, a group of tiny islands and reefs 124 nautical miles west of the country’s main island of Luzon.

The Philippines accused the fishermen of be-

ing there illegally, asserting the area was Philippine territory because it was within the country’s 200-nauticalmile exclusive economic zone, as recognised by international law.

However China claims all of the South China Sea as its own, even waters up to the coasts of other countries, and Chinese authorities insisted the fishermen were allowed to be at the shoal.

Competing claims to

the South China Sea have long been regarded as one of Asia’s potential flashpoints for military conflict.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have competing claims to the waters.

More than 70 Vietnamese sailors were killed in 1988 when China and Vietnam battled for control of the Spratlys, an archipelago south of Scarborough Shoal.

FPHL, 13

as a step towards democracy.

“Where reform is beginning, like in Burma, we must get behind it,” Cameron told university students in Jakarta, referring to Myanmar by its former name.

“So let us pay tribute to those who for decades at huge personal cost to themselves have fought for that freedom and fought for that reform, not least, of course, the inspirational Aung San Suu Kyi.

“Let us also pay tribute to the leadership of President Thein Sein and his government, which has been prepared to release political prisoners, to hold by-elections and to legalise political parties that had previously been outlawed.

“And let us show that when they have the courage to reform, we have the courage to respond.”

Cameron is due to travel to Myanmar on Friday -- the

first visit by a top Western leader since decades of military rule ended last year.

The European Union is slated to decide on April 23 whether to renew sanctions against the country, which has surprised the world with a series of political, economic and social reforms.

Speaking at Jakarta’s Al Azhar Islamic university, Cameron also praised Indonesia as a model for nations transitioning to democracy in the wake of the Arab Spring, saying that the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation proved that democracy and Islam can co-exist.

“What Indonesia shows is that in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, it is possible to reject this extremist threat and prove that democracy and Islam can flourish alongside each other,” he said.

Cameron was in Indonesia on a five-day tour of Asia, focused heavily on trade, and was heading to Malaysia later Thursday.

While in Indonesia, European plane maker Airbus booked a $2.5 billion deal with national carrier Garuda International to supply 11 A330-300s to the airline.

British PM calls for world to ‘get behind’ Myanmar B

RITISH Prime Minister David Cameron Thursday called on the international community to “get behind” burgeoning reforms in Myanmar ahead of his scheduled historic visit to the country.

Cameron praised Myanmar’s President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who this month won a seat in parliament during landmark by-elections largely praised internationally

Rescued

ESCUERS freed nine miners from a caved-in copper mine in southern Peru, ending a seven-day ordeal during which the men had survived deep underground.

The miners emerged from the Cabeza de Negro mine one by one starting at around 7:00 am local time (1200 GMT), wrapped in blankets and wearing dark glasses to protect their eyes against the bright light of day.

Not guilty

ORMER Philippine president Gloria Arroyo and her husband pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to corruption charges involving a government Internet deal with a Chinese telecom firm while she was in power.

Arroyo, 65, calmly made the plea at a special antigraft court in Manila after being taken from a military hospital where she has been detained for more than four months while awaiting trial on a separate charge of election fraud.

EDGEDAVAO

HISTORIC VISIT. British Prime Minister David Cameron at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur on April 12, 2012. Cameron has called on the international community to “get behind” burgeoning reforms in Myanmar ahead of his scheduled historic visit to the country.

T

Regained

HE United States has regained the lead in the clean energy race, investing $48 billion last year to surpass China, which held the world’s top spending spot since 2009, said a study Wednesday.

The US surge in private investment was a 42 percent increase over 2010 and saw Washington maintain its lead worldwide in both venture capital and research and development cash, said the Pew Charitable Trusts annual report on clean energy.

M

Talks

AJOR powers will hold their first talks with Iran this week in more than a year, hoping Tehran will give enough ground over its nuclear program to continue negotiations and avert the threat of a Middle East war.

Israel has hinted at military strikes on Iran, arguing time is running out to stop it developing atomic arms; Iran says it could respond by closing a major oil shipping thoroughfare, aware that would push up crude prices and hit the world economy.

V

Returned

ENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez arrived home from Cuba after a third course of radiation therapy for cancer, state media reported.

“I will live and I will overcome!” Chavez wrote on his Twitter social network account as his plane took off from Havana.

A

Ceasefire

UN-backed ceasefire to end 13 months of bloodshed in Syria appeared to be holding after coming into force at daybreak Thursday, despite doubts about the regime’s compliance with the peace plan.

After breaking a commitment to pull back forces from population centres by Tuesday under the agreement brokered by former UN chief Kofi Annan, there were still no signs of a withdrawal, monitors said.

EDGEDAVAO

Gun...

FFROM 1

you offering their help, offering to be your security only nga ikaw ang biktimahon,” he added.

Duterte added that also targeted by these groups are those with crime records wherein those they have offended are seeking revenge.

He said he’ll be ordering the police to seek out all who have warrants of arrest to avoid them being murdered.

“Uban tinood, basig criminal gyud. Mao nang akong ingnon sa pulis nga kung kinsa tong nay warrant pang dakpa na ninyo kay kung mamatay na, kamo pay pasanginlan. Might as well make the arrest now, tan-awon ninyo nga buhi sila,” he said.

The acting mayor said he has knowledge on who these syndicates are.

“Tagai lang ko ug panahon. Ang uban murag kaila nako. Nakahibawo mi kung kinsa ning mga grupuha pero wa namo ni naakto og dakop nga nang-extort or naay gipatay (Give us time. I think I know some of them, However we have not been able to catch them in the act or extorting of killing somebody.)” he said.

Versatile...

Duterte said these gun-for-hire syndicates travel in and out of the city.

“Naga suroy-suroy ni sila. Mugawas ug syudad, adto og Tagum kung init diri(They moving around.

They get out of the city and go to Tagum,when the hit is on here) ,” he said.

“Mupalit ni sila og away, muintriga. Kanang naa nay away daan, musulti sila nga ‘kampi mi nimo kay dili mi ganahan sa iyang batasan’.

Unya kung musugot ang tao, mang-extort sila.

Daghang negosyante diri sa Davao nga nakasinati ana,” Duterte added.

Command conference Duterte said he will be calling for a command conference to discuss said gun for hire syndicates.

“I will be inviting everybody, including the regional commander sa intelligence. In and out sila sa Davao so gawas diri ang kailangan tanawon,” he said.

Also to be invited is Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional director Alberto Sipaco Jr., the vice mayor said.

He added that he wants the police to aid the CHR in their own investigation.

FFROM 7

In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier found “very great cucumbers” grown on the site of what is now Montreal (Canada).

Greenhouse cultivation of cucumbers was originally invented during the time of Louis XIV, who greatly appreciated this delightful vegetable.

Cucumbers should be stored in the refrigerator where they will keep for several days. If you do not use the entire cucumber during one meal, wrap the remainder tightly in plastic or place it in a sealed container so that it does not become dried out. For maximum quality, cucumber should be used within one or two days. Cucumbers should not be left out at room temperature for too long as this will cause them to wilt and become limp.

Some people do not digest cucumber very well. If you do, prepare the cucumber a few hours before serving. Cut them into small pieces and sprinkle them with salt. Let stand for at least an hour in the refrigerator.

13

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

UP Mindanao schedules graduation rites, April 18 n Sen. Koko Pimen- City. The commencement

tel is commencement speaker

T

HE University of the Philippines Mindanao will hold its 15th Commencement Exercises on April 18 starting at 6:45 a.m. at the UP Mindanao Atrium, Administration Building, Mintal, Davao

A total of 135 students will receive their diplomas under the nine undergraduate degrees and one Masters program of the University: 42 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; 60 from

Bidding...

FFROM 1

for that, mas mapababa ang universal charge namin with the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission),” he said.

There are 11 interested bidders for the four barges, three of which are located in the Visayas while one is in Mindanao.

He said the big players in the power industry are included.

“Lahat ng malalaki, the big three, the big five, nandoon silang lahat.

We’re very happy that all of them are interested, kasi mamaximize namin yung value,” he said.

But he did not disclose the names of the bidders as, historically, some of them pulled out upon disclosure of their names.

PSALM hopes to maximize the value of the

Who...

power barges, but the way it works, he said, the bidding price just have to be above the reserved price.

The rule of thumb, he added, is one million dollars per one megawatt.

Condition One condition is for the winning bidder to transfer the three barges from the Visayas to Mindanao and remain here for at least five years.

After five years, they can do whatever they want with the barges, Ledesma said.

Each barge has a rated generating capacity of 32 MW, thus four barges will generate roughly a total of 120 MW. “Hindi siya naka-actual capacity. It will have to be rehabilitated to bringclose to actual capacity,” he said.

PHL...

FFROM 12

FFROM 15

nals of the AFC Challenge Cup, imagine where they could be now.

Nevertheless, with the jump the Philippines currently stands as the third-highest ranking Southeast Asian nation, behind Vietnam at 97 and Thailand at 141. The Azkals are even ahead of Indonesia which beat the country in the Suzuki Cup. According to the FIFA website, 24 matches were taken into account for the April edition of the World Ranking, three-quarters of which were played at the AFC Challenge Cup. FIFA reported that Asian representatives Turkmenistan (142nd, up 24) and Korea DPR (86th, up 25) were the month’s strongest teams, each topping their group and sailing through to the final of the AFC Challenge Cup unbeaten. Thanks to a late goal in the 87th minute, the North Koreans triumphed 2-1 and are thus

speaker will be Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

through to the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia.

In the top of the standings, there were less movements though. The Netherlands (4th, down 2) slipped out of the top three for the first time since June 2010 while the climbers were Germany (2nd, up 1) and Uruguay (3rd, up 1). Germany and Uruguay are now the closest challengers to leaders Spain (1st, unchanged).

The third-place ranking of La Celeste is Uruguay’s highest ever in its long and successful football history.

Among the movers, Denmark (9th, up 2) is back in the top ten after an absence of one month, the Danish Dynamite’s highest position since August 1997, while Romania (45th, up 8), Libya (46th, up 9), Scotland (48th, up 3) and El Salvador (49th, up 9) have all made it into the top 50.

The sea holds huge economic and political significance, as it is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas resources, is home to vast fishing grounds and hosts shipping lanes that carry a third of the globe’s maritime trade.

In the latest flare-up in tensions, the Philippines deployed its navy flagship vessel to Scarborough Shoal immediately after the Chinese fishermen were discovered there.

But the two Chinese surveillance vessels appeared on the scene on Tuesday and blocked the Philippine warship from arresting the fishermen, who had reportedly hauled in corals, live sharks and some endangered species.

“For us, this is illegal fishing, illegal poaching and that is why our navy is there to protect our sovereignty and assert our rights,” Hernandez said.

The Chinese embassy in Manila released a statement on Wednesday insist-

the UP Mindanao Administration Building the College of Science and Mathematics; and 33 from the School of Management.

The Class of 2012 will be led by 12 cum laudes: Francis Lyn C. Malalis, Knizza Valerie C. Tan, and Shelly Monique P. Petras (BA Communication Arts); Janesa Mariam G. Ladjiman and Hazel Meghan B. Hamile (BA English); Kevin L. Labrador, Adrian D. Almeria, and Kevin N. Salarda (BS Biology); Ray Gabriel M. Ebero, Redrose B. Serrano, and Christine Lisa Rosalyn D. Ronquillo (BS Computer Science); and Marian Rikka O. Añora (BS Agribusiness Economics).

Among the expected guests are UP System of-

ficials led by President Alfredo E. Pascual, VP for Development Elvira A. Zamora, VP for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera III, AVP for Academic Affairs Antoinette B. Hernandez, and Asst. Sec. of the University Virginia Ocampo. Four members of the Board of Regents will attend, namely, Faculty Regent Ida F. Dalmacio, Staff Regent Jossel I. Ebesate, Student Regent Maria Kristina Conti, and Hon. Elizabeth Rose Orteza Siguion-Reyna. Also gracing the event are directors of the UP Alumni AssociationDavao and representatives from government agencies led by Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles.

Internatinal...

FFROM 3

Le Café de Ville.

“M/V Princess Danae is planning to include Davao in their usual route for their around-the-world tours. This means there will be more French nationals coming to Davao who will not only stay oning the waters belonged to China and ordering the Philippine warship to leave immediately.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin accused the Philippines of “harassing” the Chinese fishermen and said a protest had been lodged.

“We urge the Philippine side... not to make new troubles and create conditions for the friendly relations of the two countries,” Liu said.

The Philippines and Vietnam complained last year of increasingly aggressive acts by China in staking its claim to the South China Sea. The Philippines accused Chinese vessels of firing warning shots at Filipino fishermen, as well as harassing an oil exploration vessel and placing markers on islets within Philippine territory.

However this week’s standoff is the highest-profile in recent years.

board the cruise ship but also those who will opt for a longer stay,” shared Teo. When asked about the passengers’ feedback on their latest cruise destination, Teo said that they all enjoyed their two-day visit to Davao, especially the colorful cultural presentations.

“They would like to come back to see more,” she revealed.

M/V Princess Danae is part of the Lisbon-based international cruise lines that carries more than 200,000 passengers a year. Their five-ship fleet includes Athena, Princess Daphne, Funchal, Arion and Princess Danae. They offer cruises, sometimes under charter, around Europe, the United Kingdom, South America and Australia.

M/V Princess Danae’s state-of-the-art facilities include an elegant dining room, a choice of four comfortable lounges and bars, including the main show room, a casino, cinema, shop, library, gym, sauna and outdoor swimming pool.

“The cruise ship’s landing in Davao is a positive indication for local tourism.

If we get more cruise ships to come, we can certainly expect more revenues every visit,” Teo added. [DOT]

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

MARAGUSAN TENNIS CLINIC. The Philippine Nawn Tennis Association Region XI-B recently launched the 3-day tennis camp in Maragusan, Compostela Valley as part of the project of the association under Engr. Carol

EDGEDAVAO

Angel, regional vice president. (L-r) Coach Molong, Mayor Cesar Colina, PHILTA Coach Tom Falcis and Maragusan Tennis Club President, Antonio Lor.

Philta XI-B holds ComVal tennis clinic T ENNIS development is reaching to the countrysides as the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta XI-B) recently conducted a series of trainings in Maragusan, Compostela Valley.

Maragusan Mayor Cesar Colina hosted the group led by PhiltaXI-B regional vice president Engr. Carol Angel who brought in national Philta coach Tom Falcis to supervise the training camp.

“The program catered to beginners and advance practitioners alike,” Angel said.

The Compostela Valley training camp included beginners aged 9 years

old and below and intensive training for junior tennis players already competing in various tournaments.

The most important feature of the training program, according to Angel, is the development and training of coaches.

“The coaches needed to be updated with the trends in training,” Angel told Edge Davao.

Falcis will be in Maragusan for the duration of the 30-day training camp.

Mr. Antonio Lor, President of the Maragusan Tennis Club acknowledged the efforts of Mayor Colina to ensure that tennis is forever alive in the Municipality. The Club

has put its efforts on kids development and this year’s summer course is considered to be a step in the right direction. Four standouts in Maragusan are enjoying specialized training with a four-hour daily drills.

The beginners sessions are conducted in the afternoons from Monday to Saturday.

For his part, Mayor Colina cited the support of Cong. Carmen ZamoraApsay who included tennis in her priority sports programs for the province. The municipality of Maragusan is the first local government unit that benefitted from the program.

do we see things like this in the politics of sports.

Carol and Alex are a rare breed, I must say.

How lucky it is for Philta.

Too bad they had to slice this territory into two.

Whatever the reason still puzzles me to this day.

So Carol, with the help of Alex and another tennis leader of their calibre and professionalism--Delfin Yap—took the cudgels of developing tennis in this territory.

Carol brought the Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA) here last year and Davao became the first city outside Luzon to be part of the program funded by the big patrons of tennis.

The program has seven age group players from Davao (watch for the separate special feature) who trains regularly under the watchful eyes of local coaches and once every month by the national program coach.

Last week, Carol brought in Tom Falcis, Philta training coach, to hold a 30-day intensive training program in

Maragsan, Compostela Valley. She also brought in the Davao netters to Maragusan to train prior to the ongoing Davraa meet also in ComVal. The program had the support of Maragusan Mayor Cesar Colina and Compostela Valley congresswoman Carmen Zamora-Apsay.

The month-long grind is expected to reap a good harvest for the tennis program of Compostela Valley.

Just that. Simple but sure-fire.

Carol is one sports leader who knows that if you need to push your work forward you need to put the horse in front of the cart.

Quiet but effective works Carol

C

AROL Angel is not your ordinary sports leader. She works quietly but efficiently. No grandstanding. Just plain work and dedication.

It speaks of her professional status. Carol is an engineer by profession and heads the regional office of the National Housing Authority. But all that aside, Carol is a passionate sports leader with a vision.

By twist of fate, Carol became the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) vice president for Region XI-B which covers the areas of Davao City and Davao del Sur. For the record, Philta XI-A covers the North side of Davao up to Davao Oriental.

By twist of fate, I mean it did not occur to Carol that she will become the regional veep. Alex Bernan was supposed to be on his way but some rules prevented Alex who unselfishly let go off his own agenda and let Carol assume the post. Very dignified it was. Again, rarely

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS

A handy projector flashes short films, music videos, and artwork on a blank wall

Hiphouse:

Jad Montenegro performs a live acoustic set as video art silently streams in the background

A haven for young artists, by young artists

By Cheekie Albay Photos by Aidx Paredes

PICTURE this: a dark, unadorned studio space, its glow coming from a procession of tea candles and Christmas lights that run along the floor’s frame. On one wall, scenes from obscure films flash, a silent dance of color with the sound muted. From one corner, synth-heavy indie electronica blares out from desktop speakers that have seen better days. Sitting Indian-style on the floor or standing in clusters with drinks in hand, sporting T-shirts, sneakers, and unassuming grins, are the movers of Davao’s new alterna-underground creative subculture.

This, ladies and gents, is Hiphouse.

Hiphouse is a community that welcomes creative individuals of all inclinations—writers, musicians, illustrators, filmmakers, photographers, stylists, and variations thereof—who recognize the need for an alternative scene in Davao where young artists can truly feel they belong. Hiphouse is part collaborative outfit,

part networking venue, part common interest club, and yes, even part barkada.

The idea for Hiphouse came one Saturday night as indie songstress Jad Montenegro and I sat in a shiny, sedate bar downtown, desperately sticking out like the proverbial sore thumb with our quirky outfits and strongly held opinions on music and film. The desire was mutual: we wanted to build a community of likeminded souls where artists could express themselves without having to explain themselves.

Jad and I let fellow artists in on the idea and were elated at the overwhelming support we immediately gathered. Sure enough, on March 31, young artists and arts supporters marched to the first-ever Hiphouse hangout, itching to be part of this modest revolution.

Besides being a venue for artists to converge, the first Hiphouse hangout was a steady onslaught of novel sights and sounds.

Young visionaries Aidx Paredes and JM Santillan shared videos they created under The Haze, their hipster noir photography and

Writer and events maven Karla Singson and the author pose with Internet meme photo props made especially for the event

film project. Experimental filmmaker Lucille Marnelli screened her breathtakingly shot narrative short Timing Space. Comic artist John Amor, who is also Jad’s husband, streamed a slideshow of comic illustrations that made instant fans out of the people in attendance. Yours truly was the DJ for the evening, armed with five hours’ worth of blog-favorite electronic beats.

Jad and her bandmates Pjoe Sabanpan, Dave Ibao, and Khuko Luzada unveiled the music video for their latest single “Ano” off the upcoming EP Fixed Points and Pendulums, directed by prolific filmmaker-photog-

rapher Bagsy Fiola. Later, Jad, Pjoe, and Dave played a stripped down set that calmed the crowd down to hushed admiration.

Far from being smug about it, the Hiphouse experience left the exhibiting artists ecstatic. “Seeing our work projected on a big screen, being appreciated by new, unfamiliar eyes, was a strong motivating force,” Jad shares. “It makes you feel more alive, it makes you want to keep creating more beautiful work, and it makes you just a little bit giddy.”

I admit, I’ve been snotty. I, a Diliman-schooled, Mandaluyong-trained, Cubao-awakened writer,

The author intently watches during Jad Montenegro’s live performance

Musician Pjoe Sabanpan, illustrator Gleb de Pio, motion graphic artist Ryan Delos Reyes, comic artist John Amor, and photographer Wrap Meting

have bemoaned Davao’s lack of a distinct alternative artistic spirit since I moved back here in 2010. So, at that first Hiphouse hangout, surrounded by so much talent spilling out from everyone around me, I actually felt a little shamed.

But most of all, I was in-

spired. I wanted to become exactly the kind of person these Davao artists would want in their club.

Join us as we advance an alternative artistic movement in Davao! To support or get involved in Hiphouse, email the author at cheekie. albay@gmail.com.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

Hello, Splitsville!

ALMOST nine months after calling it quits, E! News confirms that Marc Anthony has filed for divorce from Jennifer Lopez in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, and yup, you guessed it—he cited “irreconcilable differences.”

So what’s going to happen with the kids? And the money?

Anthony has asked for joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s 4-year-old twins, Emme and Max, and has also requested that the judge dismiss any spousal support for Lopez, should she ask for it.

The duo married in 2004 and announced their split in July, but seem to have remained amicable... at least when it comes to their reality show, Q’Viva!

Lopez opened up about marriage (prior to their breakup) to Vanity Fair saying, “I really wanted this family to work. That

was my biggest dream, and I worked hard at it.

We both did. Sometimes it doesn’t work—and that’s sad. But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love...It’s still my biggest dream.”

Anthony spoke out about what seemed to be a surprising split, but according to him, “It wasn’t shocking.”

And it wasn’t long before each gained a new love interest—Marc started dating a 24-year-old Venezuelan model Shannon De Lima and Lopez became inseparable with backup dancer Casper Smart.

No court date has been set.

Is he the next Century Tuna Superbod?

By Carlo P. Mallo Photo by Ghea Jabile Make-up by Buddy Congson This weekend, Kenneth Angelo Loceo is flying to Boracay to compete for the title of becoming the next Century Tuna Superbod. What makes the 20 year-old chap stand out is the fact that he is the only pure Filipino among the 10 male

contestants.

A hotel and restaurant management major student, Kenneth also does ramp and commercial modeling on the sidelines, while being managed by Glam Model House. The only contestant to make it from Davao City, Kenneth stands at 5’11”.

To Kenneth, break a leg and make Davao proud!

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

STYLE

Get into the swim of things with this tribal-printed two-piece bikini.

Black and white and beach-bound at SM Zebra-printed one-piece Coco Cabaña swimsuit with cut-out waist, shot at The Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic.

WHEN things are definitive, we often refer to them as black and white. And when you want to be definitive about great summer style, you’ll make bold statements with Black and White swim wear from the SM Department Store’s exclusive in-house resort label coco cabaña.

Black and white, after all, is all about the attraction of opposites – yin and yang, positive and negative, darkness and light – a fash-

ion combination of timeless elegance. And with Chanel leading the way with elegant black and white swim wear in its latest collection, you’ll make stunning summer statements with these contrasting colors in fun optical, zebra, botanical, tribal and linear prints and patterns.

Make a big splash with retro inspired black and white maillots that exude Hollywood glamour; or be swept away and make waves in gorgeous string, halter and bandeau bikinis that celebrate the female form.

Bask in the summer fun at the Lighthouse Marina Resort in a printed bandeau bikini.

Beach Beauty. Black and white striped string bikini.

The best thing about black and white swimwear is they flatter any skin tone and match any cover up!

Beautifully photographed at The Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic, the coco cabaña Black and White collection is available at the Ladies Wear Department of SM Department Store.

Printed, patterned, colordoused and metallic swimsuits from coco cabaña are also available in store.

Location: The Lighthouse Marina Resort Photography: Raymond Celestino

Retro inspired one-piece swimsuit with cutout waist from Coco Cabaña.

Graphic Fun. This two-piece printed bikini from Coco Cabaña is the ultimate beach buddy.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

STYLE

Primer’s sporty, classy, edgy styles

Edgy, artsy, chic, at bauhaus.

DABAWENYOS love to dress up wether it beenjoying the great outdoors, shopping at the mall, or enjoying a night our with friends. Given that the activities of people living in Davao are as diverse as it can get, Primer Group’s Style Magnified fashion show highlighted the colorful fashions and the lifestyles that they cater to.

Held at the Abreeza Mall activity center Style Magnified showcased the many international brands that Primer carries namely Ellese, Bratpack, The Travel Club, Res/Toe/ Run, Bauhaus, Tretorn, DC, Sanuk, Quicksilver, and Columbia. With each brand upping the ante when it comes to fashion, style and function for each kind of lifestyle.

Cool, sporty sophistication from Ellesse.

Beach chic from Quicksilver and Roxy.

Ready for the rugged outdoors with Columbia.

Skateboard funk with DC.

Casual adventurous with Bratpack

Wether it be chilling by the white sands of Samal, to scaling the boondocks of Mt. Apo, or skating along Davao’s urban jungle, to wining and dining with friends, there is always something for every king of fashionista.

Follow me on twitter @kennethkingong for more urban finds and random thoughts.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

15

PBA Greats meet current Stars

S

OME of the greatest players in PBA history are set to take the floor once again.

As part of the 2012 PBA All-Star Weekend, two teams composed of former and current PBA stars will clash in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

In a game dubbed Greats versus Stalwarts, some of the best to have ever played in the league, like four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio and legendary shooter Allan Caidic, who holds the record for most points by a local in a single game, will compete beside current PBA luminaries like Willie Miller and Mac Cardona.

B-MEG Llamados team manager Patrimonio and two-time MVP Miller of Barako Bull headline the Greats, which is composed of Alaska assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa, Petron Blaze head coach Ato Agustin, and his assistant coach Olsen Racela and team manager Hector Calma. Their active teammates are Boosters Danny Ildefonso and Joseph Yeo, Barako Bull’s Danny Seigle, Meralco’s Sol Mercado and Ginebra teammates Mike Cortez and Rudy Hatfield.

Roach: No more Marquez fight

S

A

T no. 148, the Philippines are on page 4 of the latest FIFA world rankings. That’s good enough when there are seven pages in the overall rankings.

The Philippines is also in the table for the best movers overall for the month of April. That’s good enough when three Asian countries along with Uruguay were the noted as the most improved federations.

And the Philippines is also in the main story

in the FIFA website for the latest world rankings.

That’s good enough when even world no. 1 Spain wasn’t there.

Amidst all the brouhahas and all the pingponging statements, the world’s toughest competition is finally taking a look at the once forgettable federation. The Philippine Azkals moved eight notches up the standings and are now perched at no. 148.

It came just at the heels of making a his-

toric run in the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal last month and after making the headlines for a spate of controversies ranging from sexual harassment charges and racist remarks.

In the latest update as of April 11 released by FIFA, the Azkals climbed eight spots from 156th in the previous rankings to the 148th slot. By far, this is the highest ranking that the Philippines has ever reached on the FIFA list.

The Azkals, behind

Golden Boot winner Phil Younghusband, finished the AFC Challenge Cup third behind North Korea and Turkmenistan. The result is the best finish the country has ever had in a major international football competition.

The FIFA website wrote: “Alongside Libya and El Salvador were the Philippines (148th, up 8) which have achieved their highest-ever position since the introduction of the global ladder, thanks to their excellent perfor-

mance at the AFC Challenge Cup, where they finished third.”

Curiously, the three best Asian nations cited in the FIFA rankings were North Korea, Turkmenistan and the Philippines.

Turkmenistan climbed 24 notches up to no. 142 and North Korea up by 25 to no. 86.

The Philippines were leading Turkmenistan with just 10 minutes left before losing. Had the Azkals took that one and went all the way to the fi-

FWHO, 13

AY what you want but Freddie Roach doesn’t want to have any part of Juan Manuel Marquez anymore.

Roach said recently that he would rather see Manny Pacquiao get it on with some other marquee name than watch the Filipino square off for the fourth time with the Mexican counterpuncher.

“That’s (Marquez fight) the least attractive fight (for Pacquiao),” said Roach when asked who among the current crop of stars he’d like to see rumble with his top fighter.

Roach said that he still craves for Floyd Mayweather although it doesn’t look like the American is willing to meet Pacquiao, who said he is in the twilight of his storied career.

Roach said every time Pacquiao and Marquez would face off, the ending would be always close.

“It’s going to be close every time they’ll fight,” said Roach.

Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a draw in 2004. In the rematch in 2008, Pacquiao escaped with a split decision and in the third duel last year, Pacquiao carved out a majority decision.

The winner of the June bout between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto will be an attractive rival for Pacquiao, who meets Tim Bradley on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

16

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 28 • APRIL 13 - 14, 2012

One and done

EDGEDAVAO

All set for Sunday’s Charly Suarez beats Japanese pug, one win away from Olympics Run with the Masters

By Neil Bravo

C

HARLY Suarez’s dream of fighting in the Olympics and chasing the country’s first ever gold is now only a breath away. So close he could smell the flowers of London.

The kid from Panabo City repulsed the challenge of Japanese Daisuke Narimatsu late Wednesday night to get chance at winning the gold and automatically earning a slot in the London Olympic Games.

Reports had it that Suarez scored a 24-11 victory over the game Japanese in the Olympic Qualifying Event at the Daulet Sports Complex to book a seat in the finals—the one last fight he needed to hurdle

to take that elusive Olympic spot.

Thus far, only one boxer from the Philippines is ensured of going to London and that is Suarez’s provincemate Mark Anthony Barriga.

With the London air already breezing by Suarez’s nostrils, a daunting Chinese is right on his path in the finals. Liu Qiang, who took out a Mongolian puncher in the other semifinal pairing, is not about to give him a Chinaman’s chance.

The Suarez-Qiang gold medal match will be held at 4:45 pm (Manila time) on Thursday with a victory by the Filipino averting a shutout for the five-man boxing squad sent here to vie for Olympic berths.

Another Panabo boxer

Rey Saludar, who was the country’s best Olympic bet, fell by the wayside in this tournament and lost all his chances of making it to London. Also eliminated early were Dennis Galvan, Wilfredo Lopez and Joegin Ladon.

By far, only the diminutive light-flyweight bet Barriga has secured a ticket to London and this came during the world championships last year in Baku, Azerbaijan, when lady luck smiled on the little fellow as his conqueror in the quarterfinals China’s Shimming Zou went on to win the gold medal. Zou was the same fighter from China’s rising boxing stable who won the gold in the Beijing Olympics.

Barriga, who eliminat-

ed 2008 Olympics bronze medallist Stefan Caslarov of Romania, joined the Philippine team in Astana hoping to inspire them while he also scouts the possible opposition in London.

Barriga only hopes his Barangay Una teammate will be joining him to the Olympics.

With Suarez as the last man standing, the weight of the country’s Olympic dream now falls on the Davawenyo’s shoulders to beat his Chinese foe and gain the lightweight division’s lone Olympic slot following the early losses suffered by four other Filipino aspirants. There is no place for second placers inn this tough tournament serving as the last Olympic qualifying event for Asian fighters.

S

UNDAY’S Vantage-Castrol Run With the Masters will be both nostalgic and historic.

With two days left (as of this writing), Davao’s running community are starting to fill the queues to sign up for the first ever run put up by Vantage Sports and dedicated to one of Davao’s sports legends.

The run is dedicated to the late sportsman Victorio Sai, late father of Vantage Sports’ main man Kenneth Sai. Kenneth’s father was also a race organizer of many running events in the past including the MILO Marathon, died four years ago on March 16 in the height of preparations for an Araw ng Davao run.

It will also mark the fourth anniversary of Vantage and its very first self-organized project. Runners will be fired off at 5 a.m. in an outand-back course at the Davao Crocodile Park in Maa. “We are giving special discounts of 10 percent for our products during the race day.

They can also get discount on the registration fee, except for the 500-meter category, if they will purchase any Castrol product,” Castrol VisayasMindanao area business manager Edgar Ponce said. Castrol is the main presentor of the event.

The run will feature categories like the Ceelin 500m Kiddie Run for 7-9 and 10-12

years old, 5K age group, 10K age group, 15K Power Run (18 years old and above) and 21K half marathon (18 years old and above).

The entry fees are P250 for 500m, P350 for 5K and 10K and P500 for 15K and 21K. Free singlet, race bib, finisher’s kit, light meals and loot bags will be given to all the registrants. The 500m runners will also receive Ceelin bags.

The top two finishers in the 21K for men and women will earn P2,000 and P1,500 with medals in the age categories for 18-19, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and above.

The top two winners in the 15K will pocket P1,200 and P800 with medals for the same age categories.

The top finishers in the 10K will each earn P1,000 plus a medal for the age categories in 13-18, 19-29, 3039, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and above.

The first placers in the 5K with the same age categories will win P700 each, while the top two winners in the 500m for kids 7-9 and 10-12 will receive P500 and P300 with medals.

There will also be lots of raffle prizes during the awarding of this annual event sponsored by Adidas, Unilab, Hygienix, SMART, International Pharmaceuticals Inc., Orix Metro, Croc Park, Unifrutti and Nestle Phils.