Edge Davao 5 Issue 34

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

www.edgedavao.net

Dengue cases in city up 116%

Serving a seamless society

Indulge!

Page A1

By Jade C. Zaldivar

D

ENGUE cases in Davao City have more than doubled this year than in 2010 at 116% or 1,344 cases.

This is 724 dengue cases higher than the 620 cases recorded in 2010

MOTORING Page 7

n DOH 11 casll situation “exceed- uation “exceedingly high.”

ingly high.”

within the same period of January to April 14 last year.

Department of Health (DOH) for the Davao region last April 18 called the sit-

“Nakakabahala ho ito kaya kami’y nananawagan sa publiko na panatilihing malinis an gating kapaligiran,” said DOH 11 regional director Abdullah Dumama Jr. Statistics acquired on April 20 from

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Sports Page 15 SILENT DRILL. PMA Sinag Lahi Class performs a silent drill in the Island Garden City of Samal on Saturday during the launching of “Visit Samal Island 2012” tourism campaign initiated by the local government and the Department of Tourism. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Follow Us On

PPI confab goes live streaming F

OR the first time since 1997 when the first press forum was organized, the Philippine Press Institute will cover live its 16th National Press Forum on Media Accountability and Public Engagement via video streaming on April 23 and 24 at Traders Hotel Manila.

This is made possible by the Information Capital Technology Ventures (ICTV) which offered its services and technical resources for free. Considered as one of the most anticipated annual gathering of publishers and editors from the 71-member newspapers of the institute, the Press Forum will be accessed

via www.ppinpf.nowplanet.tv, to specifically cater to audiences who will not be able to attend the conference.

This year’s exclusive broadcast partner TV5, will also cover the event from start to finish. Speeches from the main forum and industry forum will be made available in the PPI website, www.phil-

FPPI, 13

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

Probe fisher’s death in Balikatan exercises

By Lorie A. Cascaro

T

HE partylist group Bayan Muna wants an independent inquiry into the death of a fisherman in Basilan, Ahbam Juhurin, after a US navy boat rammed his boat last April 18, three days into the US-PHL Balikatan exercises.

US troops were conducting maritime exercises in Baluk-baluk, an island near Hadji Muhtamad town in Basilan province, when the collision happened leading to the death of Juhurin, 56 years old, and critical injury to his son, 26.

A team composed of members of the Suara Bangsamoro Party and Kawagib, Zamboanga City chapters, is conducting an independent investigation of the incident.

The US military said it was an accident and they are willing to pay for all the expenses in an amicable settlement.

Ariel Casilao, Southern Mindanao regional coordinator of Bayan Muna, said “Juhurin’s death further magnifies the prejudice and malevolence of the Visiting forces Agreement (VFA) and other military accords of the Philippine government with the US government.”

He pointed out the immunity of the US troops

T

from Philippine laws despite their involvement in crimes against Filipinos and the Bangsamoro people.

“As long as the US military is treated ‘above the law’ by the government, the people will not see justice despite the glaring guilt and impunity of the US military,” he said, citing the killing of Gregan Cardeno in 2010 and the rape of Nicole in 2005 that have not been rendered justice.

He noted that during the investigation of Cardeno’s death, the Commission on Human Rights had not been allowed to inspect the US military base in Marawi.

The group urged the Senate to abolish the Visiting Forces Agreement between the US and PHL, which is based on the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951, and other pro-US government agreements which make US troops immune to Philippine laws.

Casilao said the agreement undermines Philippine sovereignty.

More than 3,000 sojourners from various provinces in Mindanao called for the scrapping of VFA during the Lakbayan Laban sa Balikatan 2012 led by Patriyotiko Mindanao.

The group culminated the 500-kilometer lakbayan in Ipil, Zamboanga last Thursday with the burning of a US flag.

MOTORCYCLE DIARIES. A man wearing a traditional indigenous outfit takes the backseat of a motorcycle along a major road in the city. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Suspected gun-for-hire nabbed

By Jade C. Zaldivar

A

gun-for-hire suspect was arrested by the police last April 19 at the Maa public cemetery.

Danilo Gallardo Jubita, alias “Titing DDS”, 34, married, construction worker and resident of Purok 13, Barangay Maa, Davao City, was arrested on a warrant of arrest for

Dabawenyos need to be aware of intellectual property rights

HE Davao City satellite office of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL), which was launched in November of 2008, aims to heighten awareness of Dabawenyos on intellectual property rights.

“Dabawenyos are not aware of their IP rights yet. Thus, we are conducting basic orientation seminars for all IP holders in the region, including the business sector, academe, and inventors among others,” Marie Lou M. Gabiana, Davao City IP field specialist, said.

Since it started operations here, IPO Davao City received almost 500 applications for trademarks, 70-80 for patents, utility model and industrial design, and 10 for copyrights.

This year, it expects a 100% increase in the number of 2011 registrants.

Copyrighting only began in the city field office in July last year, including literary, artistic and scientifc works such as books,

paintings, songs, dance, and sculptures.

An author’s intellectual property right, for instance, will be protected within his or her lifetime, and 50 years after death.

IP rights on patents and utility models include any technical solution to a problem in any field of human activity, such as process, product, and formulation; while industrial design is a new ornamental appearance of an existing function.

A trademark is any sign or visible logo, such as stamps, container marks on goods, tag line, and slogans.

IP rights on trademarks will be protected for 10 years from the day of filing, patents will be protected for 20 years, utility models for seven years, and industrial design for five years, renewable upto 15 years.

However, IP rights on trademarks, patents, and utility models cannot be renewed after the span of years as they will become a public domain which

EDGEDAVAO

could be accessed and innovated by anyone.

“We all are IP holders, even a letter one writes to a friend, hence, everybody must be informed about their IP rights and should register them for protection,” she said.

In registering one’s IP, she said, there is exclusivity, which means excluding others from using or commercializing one’s original idea or invention without permission.

“It can also add value to the service or product in franchising,” she added, citing Mang Inasal being bought by Jollibee for P3 billion.

The Information Technology and Support Office, also called Patent Library is located at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero, Davao City.

Further details on IP registration and status of trademark applications, and published patents are available in the official website of IPOPHIL at www.ipophil.gov.ph. [LORIE A. CASCARO]

frustrated murder charge.

Jubita allegedly shot a male teenager last March 26 in Talomo Proper, this city.

The Davao City Police Office Investigation Detection and Management Branch, which made the arrest, said in its report that Jubita is a suspected member of a gun-for-hire group operating in the city.

DCPO chief Sr. Supt.

Ronald dela Rosa also bared that they are currently on the trail of several gun-for-hire suspects, but did not say how many, adding only that some had suddenly left the city following Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s marching order to the police to go deeper into the investigation on gun-forhire groups in the city.

“Naa na tay ginasuspetsahang mga gunfor-hire. Ang uban nakahibalo mi nga nigawas ug syudad kay init sila karon,” dela Rosa said during the I-Speak forum at the city hall.

“Wala sila kabalo nga maski unsaon pa nila matiktikan gihapon na sila. Kabalo mi sa ilahang identity,” the DCPO chief added.

we will present the results to the city mayor. We will recommend measures and we’ll see what the action will be. Objective lang namin really is to improve services. Para ma ‘level-up’ natin,” he added.

Prank calls The newly-installed Central 911 chief said one challenge he faces in running 911 is the high number of prank calls they receive.

“Prank callers are still a problem, also non-emergency calls.

Malaki ang problema natin until now. They cause congestion in the number of calls received, especially when cell phones were allowed,” he said, referring to the Central 911 service wherein Globe and Smart subscribers may contact the emergency unit from mobile phones.

To solve this problem,

Jaldon said they’ll soon upgrade Central 911’s call center.

“Meron namang call barring system in place, wherein if verified na ang isang caller is talagang prank caller, if he repeatedly calls ‘911’ as a prank, his number will eventually be barred from calling whether this is through telephone or mobile phone,” he said. If a verified prank caller dials ‘911’ in the event of a real emergency, his call would not be able to connect to Central 911.

“By upgrading the system, pwedeng mas marami pang numbers ang ma‘bar’ since sa ngayon there is a limit to the numbers which we can ‘bar’ or prohibit from contacting us,” Jaldon said.

He appeals to the public not to make fun out of

Central 911 responded to 16,846 emergency calls in first quarter

D

AVAO City’s Central 911 responded to 16,846 emergency calls from January to March this year, officer in charge Emmanuel Jaldon told media last Thursday.

This is 1,966 more or 13.21% higher than the 14,880 in the same period in 2010.

“The number has continued to rise over the years but note that the 16,846 represent only the number of times the Central 911 had taken action on. On average the city’s Central 911 responds to 45 emergency calls a day,” Jaldon said in an interview.

The Central 911 is currently undergoing ‘evaluation and assessment’ following the order of City Mayor Sara Duterte in March. This, Jaldon said, is expected to be wrapped up by the end of this month.

“We see a growing demand for our services. As the demand increases, we also need to increase our efforts. Resources need to be increased, also so we have to balance that, which the evaluation will show,” the Central 911 head said.

“Once we are finished

Quips

‘IT is incumbent upon Congress, as part of its oversight functions, to require from the government an accounting of foreign aid, review its use by various implementing agencies, and monitor the associated development that has taken place.’

--Senator Loren B. Legarda

FCENTRAL, 13

EDGEDAVAO

3

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

Minda blackouts worsen with Pulangi hydro rehab

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HE daily blackouts in General Santos City and nearby South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces have stretched to four hours on Thursday as Mindanao’s power deficit increased to 276 megawatts (MW) due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the National Power Corporation’s (Napocor) Pulangi IV hydroelectric plant in Bukidnon.

Engr. Joseph Yanga, South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) technical services supervisor, said they were forced to extend the rotating brownouts in the area to four hours from the previous three hours and 15 minutes due to the additional power supply cuts imposed by the Napocor and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

From its average contracted supply of 72 MW, he said Napocor further reduced the area’s allocation earlier this month to 54 MW or 51 MW short from its 105 MW peak requirement.

Aboitiz-owned Therma Marine Inc. augments

the area’s requirement by 30 MW based on a supply contract earlier forged by Socoteco II. “(But) for today, the Napocor is only giving us 45 MW. That leaves us short by 30 MW so we really have no other choice but extend the rotating brownouts,” Yanga told MindaNews.

Based on an advisory issued by Socoteco II’s institutional services department, it would implement the rotating brownouts in four phases from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. based on the distribution of its 44 feeder stations.

Socoteco II serves this city, the entire Sarangani province and the municipalities of Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato.

NGCP imposed drastic load cuts since February due to the rising power supply shortage in Mindanao that reportedly stemmed from the dwindling capacity of the Napocor’s hydroelectric plants in Bukinon and Lanao del Norte.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the NGCP said Mindanao’s system capacity only

Quips

‘I have already referred to the Department of Justice the case of (resigned senator Miguel) Zubiri but no action has been done.’

--Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III in urging DOJ to include Zubiri as respondent in the electoral sabotage case. PhilStar

stands at 955 MW or 276 MW short from its peak demand of 1,231 MW. The electric cooperative, which has been implementing two-hour daily rotating brownouts since last month, initially issued an advisory increasing the power curtailments to three hours and 15 minutes last Tuesday until the end of the month due to the scheduled shutdown of the Pulangi plant to undergo a month-long repair and rehabilitation.

Yanga said they have scrapped the previous advisory and will instead issue daily notices to its consumers due to the uncertainty of the Napocor’s power generation capacity.

“The allocations from the Napocor and NGCP presently changes on a daily basis and there were also unanticipated supply fluctuations happening from time to time within the Mindanao grid,” he said.

He cited, as example, the cutoff from the Mindanao power grid of the 55MW bunker fired power station of the Southern Philippines Power Corp.

(SPPC) based in Alabel, Sarangani that covers for a portion of the Napocor’s power supplies to the area.

In Davao City, Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) said it may result into a 30-minute daily power interruption if Napocor increases the load curtailment assigned to the distribution company.

Polangi DLPC has a 50MW diesel-fired standby power plant and has also purchased 30MW from the Sibulan and Tamugan hydro plants. DLPC and both the 26MW Sibulan and the 4MW Tamugan hydroelectric plants are owned by the Aboitizes.

In a press statement Wednesday, DLPC said it will result into rotating brownouts once the deficiency in the Mindanao grid reaches 320MW. So far, Davao City has been spared by power interruptions.

In Cotabato province, where the 100MW Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant is located, the rotating brownouts are even longer – from six to eight hours.

The same situation is being experienced by Bukidnon residents.

Bukidnon Second Elec-

tric Cooperative (Buseco) general manager Edgar Masongsong said their supply from Napocor has been reduced to 8MW. He said they are now negotiating for an additional 7MW from Therma Marine Inc. on top of the 5MW they have already contracted. Daily load demand in his franchise area, however, is from a low of 17MW to 23MW. Masongsong said they now are forced to cut power supply from six to eight hours in the areas covered by their two sub-stations.

In Iligan city, the Iligan Light and Power, Inc. had earlier announced a two-hour rotating brownout once Pulangi IV is shut down. But power interruptions started only today (Wednesday).

In 2010, most of Mindanao also suffered from rotating brownouts of up to

nine hours due to the prolonged dry season, when the water level in Lake Lanao dropped to below critical levels.

Fifty-three percent of Mindanao’s power supply comes from the Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric plants, which have a combined installed capacity of more than 900MW. But their actual capacities were reduced to less than 600MW due to poor maintenance and heavy silt (in the case of Pulangi River).

Business leaders and industry players have repeatedly warned that Mindanao will suffer massive power interruptions if no new capacities will be added to the existing available capacities by 2014. [ALLEN V. ESTABILLO / MINDANEWS WITH REPORTS FROM EDWIN ESPEJO, CONTRIBUTOR]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Philippines fast losing its forests

By Jims Vincent T. Capuno

T

HE Philippines has often been an example for the “worst-case-scenario” in environmental degradation. Some scientists have even concluded that environmental efforts should be put elsewhere, claiming the Philippines is a lost cause.

John Terborgh, in his book, Requiem for Nature, opines that the “overpopulated Philippines” is “already beyond the point of no return.”

The United Nations demographers projected in 2002 that the Philippine population would reach between 75 and 85 million. But the population overshot the high projection to 89 million and now the country is home to 92 million Filipinos.

Most of the forests were situated in the uplands, of which more than 60 percent of the country’s total land area are considered as such. “The uplands are fragile areas, and when they get overloaded with population, they just can’t take it,” explained Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC).

Between 1990 and 2005, the Philippines lost one-third of its forest cover. Although the current deforestation rate is around 2 percent per year, a 20 percent drop from the rate of the 1990s, deforestation continues unabated.

“No one says there is an increase in real forest cover in the Philippines. Maybe there is an increase in the number of trees, but it is not the forest we idealize, romanticize, log or even live

in,” says Peter Walpole, executive director of the Ateneo de Manila University’s Environmental Science for Social Change.

“We have lost most of our forest of hold over the past 50 years and, along with them, many of the ecological services they provide.”

Where have all our forests gone? “A few hundred years ago, at least 95 percent of the Philippines was covered by rain forest; only a few patches of open woodland and seasonal forest, mostly on Luzon, broke the expanse of moist, verdant land,” noted Dr. Lawrence R. Heaney, an American curator who holds honorary appointments at Silliman University, the University of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Museum.

By the time the Spanish arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, scattered coastal areas had been cleared for agriculture and villages.

Three hundred years later, rainforest still covered about 70 percent of the country.

But in recent years, the country was devoid of its forest cover. “Primary forests in the Philippines are being destroyed due to both logging and agricultural expansion, significantly decreasing the Philippine’s natural resources,” commented one environmentalist.

Despite government bans on timber harvesting following severe flooding in the late 1980s and early 1990s, illegal logging continues. Illicit wood cut from secondary and primary forests is routinely smuggled to other Asian countries.

“In 1992, the date of

Forest denudation the most recent forest survey, old-growth rain forest had declined to a shocking 8.6 percent,” Dr. Heaney reported. “In late 1997, that percentage has probably dropped to seven percent, and perhaps further still.”

“Unless actions are taken soon to put an end to today’s cut-and-run style of forestry, little of the earth’s natural forest heritage will remain for the next generation,” wrote Sandra Postel and John C. Ryan in a report released by the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute.

Additional threats to Philippine forests come from legal and illegal mining operations – which also cause pollution -collection of fuelwood

(85 percent of meals in developing countries are cooked over wood or charcoal), and kaingin farming (slash-and-burn agriculture).

“These migrant farmers attack virgin forest lands to cultivate the rich soil, which they quickly deplete,” said Harold R. Watson, recipient of the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding.

“Then, they move on, looking for more. One day, there is no more.”

“Deforestation is a symptom of a bigger problem,” says Nicolo del Castillo, an architect by profession who teaches at the University of the Philippines. “I probably sound baduy (tacky and outdated) but I see the

problem in the prevailing system of values, that is, the greed, the need to be the biggest, the wealthiest, and sometimes you feel hopeless. I am an optimist, but possibly there will be more tragedies and maybe then more people will wake up.”

As a result of the removal of forest cover, the Philippines now reels from different environmental problems. “Most of these were not seen in such intensity and magnitude before our time,” deplored Alimoane. “The signs cry out for immediate, nationwide attention.”

In recent years, deforestation has been increasingly blamed for soil erosion. “Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far

worse than any outside enemy into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” warned Rev. Watson. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

At least two provinces – Cebu and Batangas – have lost more than 80% of their topsoil to erosion.

In Luzon, four major basins --- Bicol, Magat, Pampanga, and Agno – are in critical condition due to acute soil erosion and sedimentation.

The rampant cutting of trees has also significantly reduced the volume of groundwater available for domestic purposes. “If the forest perishes, so will the life of people,” contends Di-

of Sta. Cruz are expected to join the endeavor. Volunteers from Hedcor, Inc. with host communities of Talomo Hydropower plants will plant 1000 cacao seedlings at Barangay Cadalian in Baguio District, Davao City.

Early this year, Hedcor planted over 3000 seedlings in the region alone and over 600 hectares are already covered in the adopted 1000 hectares of the protected area of Mt. Apo National Park.

Aside from tree planting, Hedcor also widened its scope in protecting and enhancing the watershed through river clean up, water monitoring against pollution, among others.

Hedcor, Inc. was awarded the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) seal of approval of Department of Environment and Natural Resources last year, for its environmental activities beyond compliance.

Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. is currently under validation of PEPP for this year.

Hedcor, the AboitizPower whollyowned subsidiary, is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower systems with 19 generating plants in the country.

Being ISO 14001:2004 certified for Environment Management Systems, Hedcor allotted reforestation-related activities in 2012 to maintain the watershed.

FPHILIPPINES, 13

Hedcor to plant 3000 trees in celebration of Earth Day

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NARRA SEEDLINGS. Hedcor vice president Engr. Boy Jabonillo and the Environmental team inspect the 2000 narra seedlings to be planted near Tudaya falls on April 24. The tree planting

is in celebration of Earth Day, the perfect time to show what Hedcor is doing to help protect the environment.

commitment of Hedcor to the living planet that never fades is giving back what is due to nature, an environmental initiative – tree planting. Together with host communities, Hedcor will plant 3000 trees anew on April 24 and 27 in celebration of World’s Earth Day on April 22.

The 2000 narra seedlings nurtured by Hedcor from its nursery in Sibulan Hydropower Plant will be planted at the protected area near Tudaya Falls in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. teammates, representatives from BagoboTagabawa’s Kapiid Ka Banua (Indigenous Peoples community), and the Local Government Unit

EDGEDAVAO

Stat Watch

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

Money Talks

5

Airports due for Maintained Interest rates upgrade: DOTC A T

HE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) intends to upgrade the capability of airports in the country based on volume of air traffic demands, a DOTC official said Wednesday.

DOTC Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla who represented DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas to the 1st Equator Asia Air Access Forum and Airlines CEO Summit held in the city told Davao media practitioners in an interview that the upgrading of airports is anchored on “economic realities” which basically depends on the volume of passenger flight demands of an area to a specific destination.

He added that DOTC is improving the terminal facilities of the Davao International Airport, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Visayas and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“We are enhancing facilities in our major gateways to help realize our goal of 10 million foreign visitors and 30 million domestic travelers by 2016,” he stated.

Lotila also said that DOTC has allotted about P500 million for the installation of additional security screening equipment in all 45 airports nationwide with commercial flights.

Early this year, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III approved the P1.16 billion allocation to improve NAIA 1 so it would comply with world-class airport standards.

NAIA 1 now handles 7.3 million annual count of passengers, which go beyond its 4.5 million designed annual passenger capacity.

DOTC also allocated P500 million for the architectural, engineering and interior design to improve the internal facilities of NAIA 1, and P300 million for the construction of a rapid exit taxiway to address its runway congestion.

Another P20 million was also allocated for the complete rehabilitation of its 72 toilets.

On the other hand, Lotilla

Quips

said the construction of a new airport worth P4.46 billion in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, in anticipation of increased tourist influx now that the 8.2-kilometer long Underground Subterranean River has been listed in the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Lotilla took note of other major airport projects foreseen to enhance the country’s capacity to handle international and domestic air traffic.

One of which is the P7.85 billion Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental and that the workplan for the P5 billion Bohol Airport “is also in the process of being finalized.”

He said the Laguindingan Airport construction is “95 percent” way to completion.

DOTC website reveals that it has lined up among its major projects, the New Legaspi (Daraga) Airport Development with funding allocation of P3.075 billion, due for implementation starting this year until 2015.

Lotilla conveyed commitments of DOTC under the helm of Sec. Roxas, to liberalize air transport policies, upgrading airports outside Metro Manila and eventually linking them with international destinations “including countries in Equator Asia.”

Equator Asia refers to the ASEAN sub-region Brunei-Darussalam, Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asean Growth Area.

DOTC viewed this move as in line with Executive Order No. 29 signed by President Benigno Aquino last year, setting the “Open Skies” policy of the Aquino administration, and giving foreign carriers access to international airports all over the country.

Among the outside Metro Manila airports which DOTC eyes to open up for international air traffic include Davao, Zamboanga and Palawan as these are “strategically close to destinations in BIMP-EAGA,” Lotilla said.

‘THERE is a public clamor for him to run. People love him. People know what he’s done as mayor, senator, vice president and president, and they believe he can help them.’

--Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian on the clamor of the people for former President Erap Estrada to run for mayor of Manila, where he was born.

T its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to keep the BSP’s key policy rates at 4 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 6 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility.

The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs, and special deposit accounts (SDAs) were also maintained accordingly. The reserve requirement ratios were kept steady as well.

The Monetary Board’s assessment of a favorable inflation environment formed the primary basis for the latest monetary policy decision. Latest baseline forecasts continue to indicate that inflation will likely settle near the lower half of the 3-5 percent target range in 2012 and 2013, while inflation expectations have remained well anchored. The Monetary Board also noted that while global economic conditions remain fragile, prospects for overall domestic economic activity are gradually strengthening.

At the same time, the Monetary Board noted that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook now leans slightly toward the upside as oil prices have

remained elevated and at risk from ongoing tensions in the Middle East as well as strong demand from emerging economies. Potential pass-through from higher energy prices to other prices also constitutes another source of upside inflation risk. Other upside risks relate to the impact of sustained foreign exchange inflows on domestic liquidity. Meanwhile, the weak global economy and the stable peso could provide a moderating effect on inflation. The uncertainty in the factors affecting the outlook for inflation therefore suggests a need for a pause in monetary policy adjustment.

A prudent pause allows policymakers to better assess how the upside and downside risks to inflation will play out and enables the cumulative 50-basispoint reduction in policy rates earlier in the year to continue to work its way through the economy.

Going forward, the BSP will continue to pay close attention to the outlook for inflation and growth to ensure that monetary policy settings remain consistent with price stability while being supportive of noninflationary economic growth.

Foreign investments bounce back in March

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RANSACTIONS in foreign portfolio investments during March yielded net inflows of US$158 million, reflecting a turnaround from the US$305 million net outflows in February.

Peso Government securities and PSE-listed shares netted foreign exchange (FX) inflows (US$189 million and US$110 million, respectively), while money market instruments resulted in net outflows (US$141 million). A year-onyear decline in net inflows was, however, noted from the US$245 million level in 2011.

Registered investments for the month amounted to US$1.3 billion, slightly decelerating from the US$1.5 billion in February due to profit-taking.

Outflows likewise declined to US$1.2 billion from US$1.8 billion a month ago. The main beneficiaries of investments in PSE-listed shares were: holding firms (US$260 mil-

lion); banks (US$171 million); property companies (US$141 million); utility firms (US$124 million); and telecommunication companies (US$120 million).

The top five (5) investor countries consisted of the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and Luxembourg. The United States continued to be the main beneficiary of outflows from these investments.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is voluntary. It entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of dividends/profits/earnings that accrue on the registered investment.

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

EDGEDAVAO 6 Crocodile farming: conserving or profiteering?

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

T

HE Philippines became the toast of the world when a crocodile was caught in a Magsagangsang Creek in barangay Nueva Era in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on September 3, 2011. Measuring 20 feet and three inches (6.17 meters), Lolong – as the crocodile is known – is the longest ever captured alive.

In November of 2011, Australian crocodile expert Dr. Adam Britton of National Geographic sedated and measured Lolong in his enclosure. He confirmed it as world’s longest crocodile ever caught and placed in captivity. The previous record-holder is Cassius, which is kept in the crocodile park in Australia ’s Northern Territory . Cassius is 17 feet and 11.75 inches (5.48 meters) long.

Today, the giant crocodile – named Lolong after the hunter who led the hunt – is being kept in the nature park of barangay Consuelo. It is placed in an 8,610-square foot (800-square meter) pen with 4-foot (1.2-meter) -high concrete walls topped by welded wire.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said he was hurt by suggestions the crocodile was captured for the financial benefit of local officials. “We did not capture Lolong for any commercial reasons,” he was quoted as saying. “We captured him to save the residents in the area and to save Lolong” because residents were plan-

ning to poison it.

Experts say the capture of Lolong is a good advantage in protecting the crocodile for survival, against danger it posed to the humans, and an opportunity for scientific study.

However, animal rights activists urged Philippine authorities that the captured crocodile should be returned to its natural habitat. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals argued that if the crocodile remains in captivity, it is likely to develop abnormal behavior and endanger its caretakers and visitors.

But Mayor Elorde disagreed. He said about 1,300 residents who rely on fishing in the area could be attacked by the crocodile once it is released into the 13,910-hectare Agusan marsh again.

The mere thought of a crocodile makes some people shudder with fear and revulsion. A rumor about the presence of a crocodile in a river is enough to make people shun the area. After all, they are dangerous creatures, especially during the mating period.

According to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, crocodiles actually have no any wilful inclination and intention to attack humans. In fact, there are many wildlife sanctuaries in the country wherein crocodiles live peacefully together with human beings.

It is only when human

beings try to disturb the habitat the crocodiles are living in that they attack people. With the current population of more than 92 million and the land area being constant, there is no way people won’t claim those areas currently being inhabited by crocodiles.

“Crocodiles are being hunted down and killed,” deplored one environmentalist. “Unless we do something to save them from vanishing in our waters, they will soon be extinct.

We may only see them in national parks or museums and not in their natural habitat.”

“Roughly a quarter of the world’s 23 crocodilian species is either threatened or virtually extinct in the wild,” deplores the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Crocodile Specialist Group.

“Before new populations of Philippine crocodiles were discovered on the island of Luzon in 1999, none had been spotted in the wild for years.”

The Philippines is home to two kinds of crocodiles: the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (C. porosus). Both are listed by the Convention of International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) under Appendix I, which means trade of species and subspecies is strictly prohibited except for educational, scientific or research and study purposes.

BPI pays P1.80 per share cash dividend T

HE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) held its annual stockholders’ meeting on April 19, 2012 with its Chairman, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II, and President and CEO Aurelio R. Montinola III reporting on the bank’s performance for the year 2011.

In his message, Mr. Zobel reported that following the trend of a weaker economic environment, the growth of the Philippine economy slowed to 3.7% from its 7.6% expansion in 2010. Despite this, BPI performed well in 2011, posting a record P12.8 billion net income, the highest in the industry.

He also reported that the Bank maintained its position as the country’s most valuable bank with a market capitalization of P196.3 billion at end

It figures

8.1percent

GROWTH rate of the economy of China during the period from January to March, 2012. But this is still down from the previous quarter’s 8.9 percent.

2011.

Consistent with previous years, BPI paid P1.80 per share cash dividend to its shareholders, equivalent to a 50% payout ratio.

Mr. Zobel also stressed that beyond the financial milestones, BPI remains committed to advancing the economic and social conditions of its broader community with focus on encouraging sustainability. The Bank believes that it must take a proactive role in addressing the needs of the underserved sector of society.

Mr. Montinola, in his management report, said that as BPI celebrated its 160th year of banking excellence, it continued to pursue its commitment of making banking easy to its broad based customers, now numbering 5 million.

He noted that BPI had excellent results in 2011.

308,000

TOTAL volume in metric tons of milled rice wasted by Filipinos in 2010, according to a publication released by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) based in Los Banos, Laguna. The volume is about 36 percent of the 860,000 metric tons of milled rice imported by the Philippines.

From left: BPI Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman Jaime Augustu Zobel de Ayala II, President & CEO Aurelio Montinola III and Director Xavier P. Loinaz at the BPI Stockholders’ Meeting.

Net income improved by 13.4%. Return on equity was 15.2%, the second year in a row that it was above 15%. Basel II Capital Adequacy Ratio was 14.9%, while Tier 1 Car was 13.4%. Asset quality

P7billion

AMOUNT earmarked by the Social Security System (SSS) for lending to private enterprises seeking funds for business expansion and social development projects in a bid to help boost employment and spur national economic growth.

improved, with an NPL ratio of only 1.9%, the lowest in 14 years. BPI also maintained its BSP CAMELS 4 rating.

For 2012, Mr. Montinola said that BPI will be guided by the same three

P15billion

THE big difference in the amount (P45 billion) Manuel V. Pangilinan is offering to buy GMA 7 and the amount (P60 billion) at which the owners are willing to sell the network to MVP.

main themes: quality sustainable growth, customer experience innovation, and team oriented employee engagement. Mr. Montinola said, “We will differentiate through cost and capital efficiency, rela-

tionship managers for our key clients, and superior online and mobile banking for all. The Philippines will do better macro economy wise, and we are confident that BPI will similarly grow this 2012.”

PERCENTAGE of the government’s tax effort in January and February this year, surpassing the target for 2012, according to the Department of Finance.

The tax effort improved compared to the 12.92 percent recorded in the same period in 2011.

INVESTMENT approved by the Board of Investments in the first quarter of the year fell 83.6 percent to only P18.368 billion from the P110.404 billion recorded in the same period last year. BOI approved a total of 72 new projects so far.

14.16percent P18.368billion

EDGEDAVAO

MOTORING

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

7

Open your carpark for the M

Mazda CX-5

AZDA Philippines has finally brought into the country the Mazda CX-5, the first vehicle in the Japanese carmaker’s lineup that makes use of its SkyActiv technology and ‘Kodo (Soul of Motion)’ design language.

“The all-new Mazda CX-5 with SkyActiv technology is Zoom-Zoom driving taken to the next level,” said Janinna Mendoza, marketing director for Mazda Philippines.

“The true M a z d a driving experience is now enhanced with even greater performance and excellent fuel economy.”

Mazda’s Kodo design language on the CX-5 starts with the line across the bottom of the grille, which then extends outward to the headlamps. According to the carmaker, this not only signifies wings in flight but

The new Hyundai CX-5 has sleek features the Filipino car market will be looking forward to.

Here comes the Second Gen Mazda 3

T

HE saying “It’s better late than never” has never been more apt than today when Mazda Philippines launched the second-generation Mazda 3, three years after it first went on sale in the global market in 2009.

“We are proud to launch the much-anticipated allnew Mazda 3 to our loyal customers in the Philippines,” said Janinna Mendoza, marketing director for Mazda Philippines. “We are confident that the allnew 3 will become a popular choice for those looking for a high-quality compact car in the market today.”

The new 3’s design is an evolution of its predecessor, giving it a look “that conveys an air of even higher quality.” A new front fascia with a smaller grille opening gives this car an enhanced sense of presence. This is emphasized even further by the protrusion on the front bumper’s

lower corners to improve the car’s aerodynamic performance. Step around to the back and the dynamic look continues with the rear bumper for both sedan and hatchback models, though the latter gives an added impression of wideness and solidness while also contributing to easier loading and unloading.

Aerodynamic drag has also been greatly reduced in the Mazda 3. Its front bumper beam has been subtly reshaped to diminish air turbulence that passes through the grille, for instance, while several flaps located in the radiator shroud automatically open at speed to allow some air to bypass the cooling fan.

The Mazda 3’s interior is enhanced by changes to the coloring of the switches and controls, particularly the silver-colored parts and trim that indicate the locations of

the frequently used ones.

According to Mazda, this minimizes the amount of eye movement required to operate the controls “for greater safety and reduced fatigue, while also supporting smooth and assured operation.” In addition, the silver touches blend with the blackkeyed instrument panel, giving the interior a refined and highly mature atmosphere. Capping off the interior’s design are the sporty twin-meter gauges and their white illuminated readout which provides excellent legibility, even in daytime.

The Mazda 3 is available with two different powerplants: a 1.6-liter engine that puts out 103hp and 144Nm of torque, and a 2.0-liter mill that produces 145hp and 182Nm of twist.

The new compact sedan is now available at Mazda dealerships nationwide, with the 1.6-liter V sedan going for P999,000, the 1.6-liter V hatchback at P 1.099 million, and the range-topping 2.0-liter R sedan at P1.299 million.

also forms the face of the next-generation Mazda as well as refines the characteristic Mazda five-point grille. Mazda’s prominent fenders have also been reworked for the CX-5 and, combined with its sculpted body sides, emphasizes the Kodo design theme, “giving an impression of musculature that’s tense and ready for action.”

Completing the dynamic design out back are the prominent rear fenders to give it a well-planted stance and the steeplyraked rear window.

Inside, the CX-5’s cabin is driver-oriented, with the deep-hooded gauges drawing the driver’s gaze into the instrument panel, reminiscent of Mazda’s sports cars. In addition, the dials’ illumination has changed from amber red to white to give the gauges’ needles a metallic appearance, similar to that of classic sports cars.

On the front passenger side, a glossy piano-black bar that extends from the center stack to the door trim gives the CX-5 a feeling of stability inside.

A 162hp and 210Nm SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline

engine powers the CX5’s front wheels through either a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic or six-speed SkyActiv manual transmission.

According to Mazda, the secret to the engine’s exemplary fuel consumption is its 14.0:1 compression ratio which, thanks to its 4-2-1 exhaust system, reduces the buildup of high-temperature residual gas in the combustion chamber, thereby helping to eliminate engine knocking.

Other SkyActiv technologies that the CX-5 sports are its chassis, which gives the vehicle a linear steering response at low- to mid-speeds while also providing for excellent high-speed stability; and the body, which has excellent collision safety performance while achieving both light weight and high rigidity.

The 2.0-liter Mazda CX-5 is available at P1.392 million for the manual transmission variant, while the model with the automatic transmission is going for P1.452 million.

Hyundai sales jump 44%

H

YUNDAI Asia Resources has reported a trendreversing sales growth for the first quarter of the year. Hyundai sold 2,245 units in March, a 37-percent improvement over the same month last year, when it sold just 1,633 units.

This brings Hyundai’s first-quarter total to

6,767 units, a 44-percent increase compared to the same period in 2011, when it moved 4,712 units.

By comparison, members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines absorbed a 9.9-percent decrease in first-quarter sales compared to 2011.

I

tells me.

“It’s the lane for the PUJs which get a reduced price per liter of diesel.”

Brilliant.

I know Tom to be a wise guy since high school.

His legendary cunning but acceptable schemes have brought him far and high in his career.

Anyway, I never got to fill at this Shell station but I got to get the same discount at a Phoenix outlet where I pass everyday. Now, I fill here regularly and get the best price I can get.

I thanked Tom for the tip, but I thank even more the friendly Phoenix pump boys in my neighborhood.

As for Tom, he now drives an Isuzu Crosswind Sportivo after getting rid of his Toyota Revo. Tom considers the shift a good move. Indeed that’s his best move so far other than telling me the secret to discounted diesel.

Discounts

N these times of rising fuel prices, sometimes it takes more than just being economical in consuming fuel but also finding other ways possible to get the lowest fuel cost.

I have something to share.

My friend Tom shared to me a secret how he gets to fill his tank with the lowest-priced diesel in town. He tells me to go to this Shell station along Maa and drive towards the third lane. This lane, Tom says, offers diesel at P1 lower per liter.

“You know why?” He

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

T

EDITORIAL

Towards a drug-free workplace

D

AVAO City Councilor Melchor V. Quitain says he believes the business of ridding society of the drug menace begins with business itself.

This means, a business establishment with at least 10 employees, shall be required to submit a copy of a compliance report and results of random drug testing conducted by management on employees before it can renew its business permit.

There is nothing wrong with that. Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provides for the legal backdrop of pursuing such a measure.

This proposal came on the heels of commendations received by the city police for their high apprehension rate of illegal drugs offenders. According to Quitain, this only means there is a proliferation of drug pushers and abusers. This menace, according to the councilor, who once served as city legal officer, “feeds on money and eats away into levels of society.”

Article 5, Sec. 47 of RA 9165 provides for the promotion of a national drug-free workplace program with the participation of private and labor sectors and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Section 47 specifically states that “It is deemed a policy of the State to promote drug-

EDGEDAVAO Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ALBERTO DALILAN Managing

Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

NEILWIN L. BRAVO Sports and Motoring

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc.

OLIVIA D. VELASCO General Manager

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

free workplaces using a tripartite approach.

With the assistance of the Board, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall develop, promote and implement a national drug abuse prevention program in the workplace to be adopted by private companies with ten (10) or more employees. Such program shall include the mandatory drafting and adoption of company policies against drug use in the workplace in close consultation and coordination with the DOLE, labor and employer organizations, human resource development managers and other such private sector organizations.”

Quitain’s measure is a long overdue move to cascade the mandate of RA 9165 to Davao’s business community. In pursuing Sec. 47 of RA 9165, it is the local government which has the frontline contact with local business establishments. The participation required of an LGU is outlined in Section 51 of the same statute.

This high apprehension rate, while a plus point in the state’s war against crime, presents to us another face. It could only mean that there is also the alarming increase in drug addicts and pushers. That is the worrisome equation. These figures are everywhere, not only in the narrow dark streets and in emptied homes, but also in air-conditioned workplaces. Yes, even in the board rooms of the high and the mighty in business and industry.

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

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO A Summit of Darkness

HE date could not have given a more appropriate sense of foreboding: Friday the Thirteenth, and PNoy was to address Mindanaoans during the much-anticipated Power Summit.

I exerted a lot of effort to keep abreast of the President’s declarations. After all, I consider myself a Mindanaoan after happily living in Davao for the past 12 years, and I wanted to hear what he had to say and the solutions he would offer to the insufferable brownouts certain Mindanao areas had been having.

I downloaded the transcript of PNoy’s Power Summit speech as soon as it was made available on the internet. To say I was disappointed is a severe understatement – I was angry at the audacity and condescension in the statements he made.

To quote my favorite lines verbatim: “Mindanao was exempted from the EPIRA and there was an oversupply for YOUR power, more than adequate for YOUR needs… But the old assumptions that allowed YOU to rely on hydropower are not there anymore – YOU need a more diverse mix of energy resources. If any of YOUR power plants malfunctions, the problem returns (sic)”.

“Can government pay for new plants plus old loans and still provide the services and facilities YOU need? YOU NEED TO PAY MORE… There are only two choices: pay a little more, or live with the rotating brownouts. What WE need YOU to realize is that the old days of cheap power are no longer sustainable and YOU must also put in YOUR fair share in solving this problem.”

“And that is why I am here, not just to show all of you that WE are focused on the problems YOU are facing but more importantly, that WE do not want YOUR region to just get by these next one or two years. WE want YOU to be a pillar of our economy in the coming decades.”

Oh the rhetorics – I felt sad and insulted. Imperial Manila is alive and well and it has chosen to spit on the faces of the people who only seek relief from the darkness. In its heyday of excess power supply, Mindanao effectively augmented the deficit of the rest of the nation. Now that it is suffering, as after the People Power Revolution, what gives this administration the right to call this something between THEM and US? The audacity to ask Mindanaons to pay more is wrong. Even from an economic standpoint, it has been proven that people may be willing to pay more if the services being provided – whether by the public or private sector – is efficient and reliable. However, to ask us to subsidize the PROCESS of making power generation and distribution more efficient and reliable (as if the generation and distribution charges reflected in our monthly electric bills have not been enough!) is an injustice and points to a lack of foresight and good governance.

What was sorely lacking in PNoy’s Friday the 13th speech (and it was nothing more than that) was even just an indicative policy direction on how this administration intends to manage NAPOCOR debt, power generation and distribution and privatization in a way that would give the people relief from the darkness that it knew was a long time coming.

By depriving Mindanaoans clarity on what he intends to do, PNoy provided fodder for dissent and highlighted his incapacity to substantially assess and properly manage sensitive issues that have national implications.

It was bad enough that his speech was rhetoric. What made itworse was that the rhetoric told Mindanaoans to basically screw themselves.

EDGEDAVAO

B

ARELY a week after President Benigno ‘Noynoy’Aquino III told Mindanaoans that the days of cheap power are over in the island, residents here are beginning to experience as much as six hours of brownouts after the Pulangi IV hydroelectric was shut down on Tuesday for long delayed maintenance schedule.

In General Santos City, the National Power Corporation (Napocor) further reduced its power supply to the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative from 70 megawatts (MW) to mere 45 MW which resulted into a 3-hour rotating brownout beginning Tuesday.

Socoteco II officials however said beginning Thursday, rotating brownouts will further increase to 4 hours.

The power interruption will last until mid-May when the Pulangi IV plant resumes operation, according to an earlier advisory from Socoteco II. In March, Socoteco II manager Rodolfo Ocat said the load curtailment earlier announced by Napocor for the month of April would have meant a 6 to 8 hour power interruption in the city.

The electric cooperative however was able to secure an additional 7-MW supply from diesel-fired power barges of Therma Marine Inc., bringing to 30MW the total additional power supply com-

L

OOKING OUT the oval-shaped window of the Garuda turboprop aircraft flying from Davao City to the little Indonesian city of Manado on the island of northern Sulawesi, the 40 plus Davao traders on a business mission saw nothing else but coconut trees everywhere as the plane descended for a smooth landing.

This was several years ago when the chambers of commerce of the two sister cities agreed to exchange business missions in a maiden effort to promote trade and investments in the East Asian region. Coming in to land at the Manado international airport, I remember thinking we seemed to be returning back to Davao airport because of all the coconut trees we saw all around us.

“The coconut trees we see in Manado are the same coconut trees we see in Davao!” says Avelino Zapanta, chief executive officer of SEA Air, who wasn’t so sure that another attempt by airline companies in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to set up routes (again?) between each other, will ever work.

“We’ve done this before and it didn’t work! It didn’t last long. We’re the same poles all repelling each other. We all look the same,” Zapanta told reporters at a press conference this week at The Marco Polo Davao during the Air Access

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

The heat is on in Mindanao ing from the Aboitiz-owned company.

Socoteco II has a peak demand of 105 megawatts but only has a combine supply total of 75 megawatts.

In Davao City, Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) said it may result into a 30-minute daily power interruptions if Napocor increases the load curtailment assigned to the distribution company.

DLPC has a 50-MW diesel-fired standby power plant and has also purchased 30 MW from the Sibulan and Tamugan hydro plants. DLPC and both the 26-MW Sibulan and the 4-MW Tamugan hydroelectric plants are owned by the Aboitizes.

In a press statement Wednesday, DLPC said it will result into rotating brownouts once the deficiency in the Mindanao grid reaches 320 megawatts.

So far, Davao City has been spared by power interruptions.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said the system-wide curtailment level in Mindanao was up to 261 MW and the total system capacity in the Mindanao grid has been reduced to 1,022 MW. President Aquino last week said the peak demand in Mindanao is at 1,300 MW. In Cotabato province, where the 100-MW Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant is located, the rotating brownouts are even longer – from 6 to 8 hours.

The same situation is being experienced by Bukidnon residents.

Bukidnon Second Electric Coopera-

tive (BUSECO) general manager Edgar Masongsong said their supply from Napocor has been reduced to 8 MW. He said they are now negotiating for an additional 7 MW from Therma Marine Inc. on top of the 5 MW they have already contracted. Daily load demand in his franchise area however is from a low of 17 MW to 23 MW. Masongsong said they now are forced to cut power supply from six to eight hours in the areas covered by their two sub-stations.

In Iligan city, the Iligan Light and Power Company had earlier announced a two-hour rotating brownout once Pulangi IV is shut down. As of yesterday, however, the city has been brown-out free.

In 2010, most of Mindanao also suffered from rotating brownouts of up to 9 hours due to the prolonged dry season, when the water level in Lake Lanao dropped to below critical levels.

Fifty-three (53) percent of Mindanao’s power supply comes from the Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric plants which have a combined installed capacity of more than 900 MW. Their actual capacities were however reduced to less than 600 megawatts due to poor maintenance and heavy silt (in the case of Pulangi River).

Business leaders and industry players have repeatedly warned that Mindanao will suffer massive power interruptions if no new capacities will be added to the existing available capacities by 2014.

Forum organized by the tourism and airline sectors of the four neighboring countries.

“These routes aren’t sustainable. The airlines are all losing money. There’s simply no traffic between these four countries,” said Carmelo Arcilla, executive director of the Civil Aeronautics Board, when asked if it was worth investing in routes linking Davao to Manado, Brunei to Zamboanga, Sarawak to Palawan, etc.

Although Cebu Pacific sees a “huge potential” for air travel within the East Asian region, it was still flip-flopping whether or not to plunge in right after the AAF Conference in Davao.

“We’re still figuring out whether or not it’s worth all the risks and high fuel costs of flying these routes,” said Alexander Lao, VP for commercial planning at Cebu Pacific. “It really depends on the size of the market---will there be enough passengers to fill our seats?”

Although the Philippine Airlines has no immediate plans to open routes in the region, it is still optimistic that the East Asian region air travel market can be developed through sustained promotions of EAGA tour and travel destinations by all the four countries.

“Yes, we’re still very optimistic about the growth of air travel market in this region in the next five years,” Richard Miller, PAL chief aviation adviser told this writer during the presscon, stressing that business prospects still look good if all the four countries share in the cost of promoting travel within the region.

This was also echoed by Capt Mohd Nawawi Bin Awang, managing director of Malaysian Airlines System, who cited the “huge potential” of air linkages between the four countries in EAGA if they could only get together and come up with one common marketing plan to promote and sell the region as one to the global tourism market.

“Let’s promote this region to the world. Foreign tourists love to come to Asia and see our exotic islands, enjoy our beaches, try our kind of food, meet our friendly people---we have so much to offer to tourists coming from China, America, Europe,” Awang told reporters at the press conference.

We’re still wondering if Awang and Miller could see eye to eye with Lao and Zapanta, considering these pairs can’t agree on the business prospects of BIMP-EAGA--- both pairs are optimists and pessimists about the region.

From our vantage point, these two groups of airline execs seem to be looking at the same horizon, but through different kinds of lenses---one is using a narrow, telescopic lens seeing a closer but limited vision, while the other is using a wide lens seeing a wider panoramic vision.

Whether or not this new attempt by airlines to tap the BIMP-EAGA travel market will finally work this time, still remains to be seen…

(Comments ? Email : tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

Asian airlines still wary of BIMP-EAGA routes

I

9

Nation Briefs Offensive

N wake of recent extortion, highway robbery, kidnapping, and homicide incidents involving members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor Bartolome on Friday said that police will conduct a “law enforcement offensive” against the communist rebels nationwide.

Bartolome said the move was in line with the PNP’s peace and order mission, which calls for the neutralization of lawless groups that threaten the country’s security and stability.

Maternal deaths President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the local government units (LGUs) on Friday to play major role along with the private sector in achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 or reduction of maternal mortality ratio from 162 to 52 per 100,000 live births by 2015. ”Allow me to use this opportunity to appeal to our partners in the LGUs. Your support means a lot in saving the lives of your constituents,” the President said in his message read by Health Secretary Enrique Ona during the 162 to 52 Summit: Accelerating Collective Impact on Maternal and Child Health at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Summer jobs The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling on interested students, college graduates and graduates of vocational courses who are unemployed to apply for summer jobs under the Expanded Government Internship Program (GIP) which is also open for out-of-school youths who would want to take part in nationbuilding.

The DSWD said that the Expanded Government Internship Program is part of the Aquino administration’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in nationbuilding, expose them to government service, train them on life skills, and contribute to their economic well-being.

Training The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) aims further boosting its anti-air pollution campaign by conducting more vehicle maintenance training for the transport sector which this agency is prioritizing to assist for being identified as the country’s main source of air pollutants.

“Proper maintenance will help bring forth fuel efficiency and less vehicle emissions that pollute the air,” DENR-EMB Air Quality Management Section officer-incharge Jean Rosete said Friday on the side of one such training at the agency’s headquarters in Quezon City.

Clean-up A non-stock, non-profit organization, the Villar Foundation on Thursday led the clean-up activity in Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Lagoon as the place to kick off its pre-Earth Day celebration Cynthia Villar, managing director of the Villar Foundation and her husband, Senator Manny Villar, led the collection of litter along the coastline as well as the planting of mangroves. “This is the only remaining natural coastal area in Metro Manila. People don’t know that there are still beaches here,” the former congresswoman said.

10 SUBURBIA

MinDA’s intervention on power crisis urged

By Lorie A. Cascaro

T

HE worsening power problem in Mindanao has reportedly resulted in the increase of the crime rate in the area of Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project of Cotabato province, prompting Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza to urge for the elevation of this concern to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa).

Noting that Cotabato province has not been spared from blackouts, Mendoza said, “I will be asking MinDa’s immediate intervention, with the peace and order in situation in the area already at stake.”

As one of the Mindanao leaders opposing to the privatization of the AgusPulangi Hydro Complex, and the opening of Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant 3, she said these will not solve the power problem besetting Mindanao.

Commanding officer of the 7th Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Benjamin Hao, confirmed the rise in crime rate, especially in Pikit due to blackouts. Hao spoke at the recent 6th Meeting of the Implementation Monitoring Advisory Group (IMAG) for Malitu-

bog-Maridagao at Amas, Kidapawan City.

Hao said several incidents, like grenade throwing in a mosque, the roadblock hold-up in Gen. Luna, Carmen, the shootings in the barangays of Inug-ug and Batulawan in Pikit and extortion activities in Pikit all happened during nights when the power was off.

“All these incidents happened during brownouts, that’s why we will be talking to the Cotabato Electric Cooperative,” Col. Hao said.

Mendoza asked Col. Hao and the Philippine National Police to immediately submit to her office documented reports confirming such occurrences so that subsequent recommendations will be forwarded to the office of MinDA Secretary Luwalhati Antonino.

AMA-Sama sa Samal is the tag line for the 31st District Conference of Toastmasters International District 75.

This would be a gathering of Toastmasters coming from all over the Philippines with delegates coming from Singapore, Hawaii and the mainland US. District Governor Victor S. Navales, together with Conference Chair Past District Governor Elisa W. Tay, both from Davao City, will be welcoming more than 300 delegates to the conference. Outstanding Speak-

ers would be gracing the occasion like Past International President Johnny Uy, Dr. Rodolfo “Dups’ Delos Reyes, one of the top professional speakers and trainers in the Philippines, Past District Governor Greg Ching, from Hawaii; And our Keynote Speaker, former mayor of IGACOS, Rogelio P. Antalan. Most anticipated among the delegates would be the speech contest in three categories namely: Impromptu, Humorous and the International Speech Categories. The winner of

Lala

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

Convergence for Peace serves 1,761 residents A

NOTHER convergence of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, AFP/ PNP, and the City Government of Panabo had brought the government right to the premises of Barangay Malativas, Panabo City from 8 am to 5 pm this day, April 20, 2012.

The convergence had reached out to the remote areas of the said barangay and extended health services, livelihood assistance, and other social services to the people.

Services offered were Medical and Dental, Xray, ECG, Minor Surgery, Malaria Case Finding, ‘Tutok Kubeta’, Nutrition Feeding, Skin ‘Kutis Kilatis’, Red Cop, Free Lugaw, Slippers for Day Care children, Educational Materials, Libreng Gupit (PSWDO and AFP), PNP Consultation and Issuance of Police Clearance, Distribution of Vegetables Seed, Animal Health Ser-

Sama-sama sa Samal!

S

SUMMER IN SARANGANI. Kids enjoy kite-flying at the black sand beaches of Glan during the opening day of 2nd Mahin Festival Thursday, April 19, at The Grove beach resort in Tango.

EDGEDAVAO

vices, Legal Consultation and the services of Local Civil Registrar.

The 1003rd (RAPTOR) BAND rendered musical entertainment as backgrounder of the program.

Simultaneously, a Barangay Forum was conducted at the Barangay Hall where the concerns of the barangay were identified and raised to the concern office heads present in the convergence. Responses among office heads inspired the barangay officials.

During the program proper, Hon. Samuel C Dacalus Sr, Malativas Barangay Chairman, expressed his gratitude in behalf of his constituents for the free services given to them, especially the pledges of support by the Provincial and City Government, AFP and PNP on the concerns of his barangay such as Farm-toMarket Road, completion of the Barangay covered court, Barangay Nutrition

Scholar building and Day Care Center as priority projects.

Mr Rey Esparagoza, Panabo City Administrator, as the representative of Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, quoted the gratitude of the latter on the convergence efforts and assured to work for the solutions of the problems of the barangay, follow-up the concerns to the City Engineer’s Office and insure the furtherance of better partnership with AFP, PNP, LGUs, and all members of the communities.

PSSupt Edgardo G Wycoco, Provincial Director, Davao Del Norte Police Provincial Office, expressed his appreciation of the stakeholders’ support to the Governor’s program. He pledged his support to continue their dedicated services in securing the community and the regular participation during the conduct of convergence programs.

Col. Lysander Suerte,

Commander, 1003rd Bri gade, expressed the unfading commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the partner of the LGUs, LGAs and all other sectors in helping the people. He further assured to exert all efforts and help to facilitate in securing wider avenues “alang sa kalamboan ug kalinaw”, Suerte added.

Representing Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Vice-Governor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Jr. expressed his appreciation of the convergence as he read the message of the governor, which emphasized the unity of the people in the continuing quest for peace and development.

“We are all brothers and sisters, we must love ourselves because we are Filipinos. We must help each other and God will help us’. Suaybaguio further quoted.

The program proper culminated the Ceremonial Turn-over of Slippers

the International Speech Contest would represent the Philippines this coming August 2012 in Orlando, Florida, USA. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our membership is 270,000 strong. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 13,000 clubs that make up our global network of meeting locations. In the Philippines, we have around 172 clubs spread out over the country.

Mahin Festival events in the next two days will be held at Coco Beach Resort in Gumasa.

ISLAND TO HIGHLANDS. The Department of Tourism displays various hand-outs in their booth in a shopping center in the city to encourage the public to help boost the local tourism industry. KARLOS MANLUPIG

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

COMMUNITY SENSE

11

LOCATION MEDICAL MISSION. In its pursuit to helping those who are in need, SM Foundation, Inc. conducts an annual Medical Mission dubbed as Gamot Para sa Kapwa at the SM City Davao Event Center. The latest Medical

Q

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

and Dental Mission was participated by some 1,800 beneficiaries of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. SM Foundation is set to undertake another mission come May 29-31. [DSWD/SHERYLL JANE B. SANICO]

IBM recognized for non-voice excellence

UEZON City, April 19, 2011: IBM was recently awarded the Non-Voice Excellence Company of the Year Award at the International ICT Awards – Philippines 2012, held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), the annual event recognizes individuals and companies whose contributions position the Philippines as a business and knowledge process outsourcing (BPO and KPO) destination of choice.

IBM presently operates in a total of 10 world-class facilities in Metro Manila and Cebu, delivering highvalue non-voice Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) solutions for Hu-

man Resources, Finance & Administration, Supply Chain Management, and Application Services; as well as voiced-based Customer Relationship Management to both domestic and global clients.

“IBM has always stood by our values, one of which is “Innovation that matters - for the company and for the world”, says Cassandra “Candy” Soto, Philippines Delivery Leader for IBM Global Process. “This is a priority in our BPO and IT Solutions businesses, where we strive to innovate and continuously improve our processes. As the ICT industry evolves and matures, IBM remains committed to our partnerships with the government, academe and industry to push boundaries and realize shared goals.”

The company has been a market leader for over 100 years, serving customers in more than 170 countries and acquiring the necessary experience and management discipline to successfully become a globally integrated enterprise. IBM’s rich portfolio of business solutions brings together the most advanced skills with the unmatched advantage of integrating hardware, software, research and high-value services delivery.

Since establishing its presence in the Philippines in 1937, IBM has evolved to become the leading information technology partner in the country, providing hardware, software, and ITenabled business services to domestic and global markets.

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For Inquiries: DSWD Assistant Secretary Camilo G. Gudmalin reviews the regional report on the Convergence Strategy Operationalization during a recent consultation as Director Ester A. Versoza looks on. Also discussed at the meeting were Convergence Protocols and Re-clustering within the department which according to ASec.

Gudmalin is responsive to the three major changes being undertaken by DSWD –mandate, targets and reform agenda. “In carrying out the changes, we need to look over our vision, structure, strategies, systems, skills, style and staffing,” ASec. Gudmalin stressed. [DSWD/CARMELA CADIGAL-DURON]

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12

NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Indian media hail missile B

WORLD TODAY

I

Growing

ELIEF in God is highest among older people and increases with age, perhaps due to the growing realization that death is coming closer, University of Chicago researchers said on Wednesday.

Summarizing data from surveys performed in 1991, 1998 and 2008 in 30 countries from Chile to Japan, the university’s National Opinion Research Center found that, on average, 43 percent of those aged 68 and older were certain that God exists.

NDIAN newspapers trumpeted over the weekend the launch of a new long-range, nuclearcapable missile as a sign of New Delhi’s emerging power, while others warned about misplaced triumphalism.

“India goes ballistic,” headlined the English-language tabloid Mail Today over a full-page photo of the Agni V missile lifting off on Thursday from its launch site in eastern India.

“The entire nation joined the defence scientists... in cheering the path-breaking feat,” it said. “And India proudly declared that it had taken a giant stride in security preparedness by developing a strategic deterrent against potential threats.”

“Missile Muscle” said the front-page headline on The Indian Express broadsheet, while the Times of India declared that the “Agni V roars into elite ICBM club.”

India had “yanked open the door to the super exclusive ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) club that counts only the US, Russia, China, France and the UK as its mem-

LAUNCHED. A long-range Agni V missile is fired from a mobile launcher from Wheeler Island, off the coast of India. bers.”

ICBMs are the most advanced and long-range missile systems, but the Agni V will need to increase its range to 5,500 km (3,400 miles) from its current 5,000 kilometres and be further tested to be classified in this category.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC. (formerly BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC.) Mortgagee

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13,283-12

-versusTAMSI AWOURA REALTY INCORPORATED, AND SPS. FLORA T. & HENRI ARMAND JOSEPH KERVELLA, Mortgagor/s x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against Tamsi Awoura Realty Incorporated and Sps. Flora T. Henri Armand Joseph Kervella, with postal addresses at Door 7 Casa Esperanza Habana Compound, Rizal St., Davao City, Unit B Somerset Town Villas Doña Luisa Ave., Juna Subd.,Matina, Davao City and/or Lot 8-B along Doña Avenue, Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 29, 2012 the total amount of the outstanding obligation/indebtedness of the mortgagors in favor of the mortgagee has amounted to Philippine Pesos: FOUR HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN FIVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINETY NINE AND 05/100 (Php 475,199.05), inclusive of interest, penalties and other charges, plus other legal expenses incident of the foreclosure and sale the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 03 , 2012 at 10: A. M.; or soon thereafter , at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-446533 “ A parcel of land ( Lot 8-B, Psd-11-106048 xxx) situated in the Barangay of Matina City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN and 75/100 (147.75) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”- Registered in the name of TAMSI AWOURA REALTY INCORPORATED. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on June 7, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein-above described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, March 29, 2012 FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (Sgd) JAY C. ESPERANZA SHERIFF IV NOTED BY:

ATTY: EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court & Ex- Officio Provincial sheriff

Copy furnished: THE MORTGAGEE : BANCO DE ORO UNIVERSAL BANK. THE MORTGAGORS:TAMSI AWOURA REALTY INC. and SPS. FLORA T. &HENRI ARMAND JOSEPH KERVELLA THE PUBLISHER: EDGE DAVAO POSTING : 3 Conspicous places (Edge 4/16,23,30

In the Hindi-language media, the daily Hindustan’s headline read “Jai Hind” (Hail India) while the Dainik Jagran said “Half the world in our range”.

“Agni V is the latest product of Brand India.

The successful test is now a cause of worry for our enemies because they will have to think a hundred times before attacking us,” said the Dainik Jagran.

The Agni V was testfired on Thursday morning in a 20-minute flight that took it southeast over the Bay of Bengal and then to its pre-determined

landing position in the southern Indian Ocean, officials said.

It was tracked by ships along its route and was declared a success by India’s state defence hardware developer and the government, which claimed that it was “a major milestone in India’s missile programme”.

If confirmed in further tests, the three-section, 50-tonne missile will be capable of delivering a one-tonne nuclear warhead anywhere in rival China, giving India a crucial deterrent against its more advanced neigh-

bour.

But commentator Manoj Joshi, writing in the Mail Today, said India should not take the claims of success at face value from the defence establishment.

“These are all meaningless and needlessly boastful claims,” he wrote, referring to comments from officials on Thursday about the Agni V being a”game changer and a technological marvel”.

“As of now all we know independently is that the missile did take off. Where it landed is of course a secret,” he explained.

N

Apology

ORTH Korea has demanded that South Korea apologize for what it called insults during major anniversary festivities, or face a “sacred war”, as Seoul unveiled a new missile to deter its neighbor.

Regional tensions have risen since Pyongyang went ahead with a long-range rocket launch last Friday, defying international calls to desist.

Computer games

N

ORWEGIAN antiIslamic fanatic Anders Behring Breivik told a court on Thursday that he used computer games to prepare for his attacks, once spending an entire year isolated from society playing a game for hours on end.

Breivik, on trial for massacring 77 people last July, said he spent “lots of time” playing Modern Warfare, a first-person shooting game, and also took an entire year off to play World of Warcraft, a multi-player role-playing game with more than 10 million subscribers.

Annan plan last hope: Collaboration A ‘Friends of Syria’ A

“Friends of Syria” coalition meeting in Paris on Thursday called a U.N.-backed peace plan the “last hope” to resolve the crisis and said they would do all they could to help it succeed, according to draft conclusions obtained by Reuters.

“Every day that passes means dozens of new Syrian civilian deaths,” said the final declaration by the meeting’s host, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe.

“It is not time to prevaricate. It is time to act.”

Alluding to fears that Syria could descend into all-out civil war if the plan worked out by international envoy Kofi Annan fails, the statement added: “Though fragile, the Annan mission represents a last hope.”

The 14-nation group - including the United States, Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar - called on Syrian authorities to end all violence immediately and said it would work to ensure the

new digital media service will foster the global collaboration of physicians and help them to share the latest advances in AIDS and other virus research, according to its Canadian promoters.

The new bilingual French and English service, “viroXchange,” is funded by large pharmaceutical companies but will provide “independent” reporting on the latest medical breakthroughs for healthcare professionals, they said.

LAST HOPE. U.N.-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan attends a meeting of a committee of ministers from the Arab League in Doha, to discuss the situation in Syria April 17, 2012. success of Annan’s Arab League-U.N. plan.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stepped up the pressure on Damascus, saying the U.N. Security Council should move towards a sanctions resolution capable of being enforced if Syria does not permit an adequate monitoring mission.

“We need to continue to work and move toward a Security Council authori-

sation so that we have the authority to proceed when the times are right,” she said.

“We need to start moving very vigorously in the Security Council for a Chapter 7 sanctions resolution, including travel, financial sanctions, an arms embargo, and the pressure that that will give us on the regime to push for compliance with Kofi Annan’s sixpoint plan,” she said.

T

Deportation

HE deportation of Osama bin Laden’s family from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia will take at least a few more days and is being discussed between the two countries, their lawyer said Friday.

The 9/11 mastermind’s three widows, their eight children and a grandchild were held by Pakistan authorities after bin Laden was killed in a US special forces operation in the town of Abbottabad, north of Islamabad, last May.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

Dengue...

PPI...

the health department’s Regional Surveillance Coordinator Dr. Cleo Tabada showed that the number of dengue cases was recorded based on the number of patients received by hospitals under the monitoring of the DOH. The record of 1,344 dengue cases came from 10 hospitals in the city, including the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

This does not include small hospitals or clinics where dengue patients might also be admitted into.

Cases per district Noting the number of cases per health district of the city, the DOH recorded 243 from Talomo North, followed by Buhangin with 217 cases.

Talomo South also recorded a high count of dengue cases, coming in third with 168, followed by Agdao with 130, and Bunawan with 119.

District C, which is part of the downtown area, recorded 91 dengue cases; Sasa with 79 cases; District D with 78; District A with 75 cases; and District B with 64 dengue cases.

Following District B on the count is

pressinstitute.com.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is keynote speaker in the opening ceremonies. He is the first head of state to grace the annual event.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales is guest of honor in the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards which will honor outstanding community newspapers for excellence in various categories.

The PPI is celebrating its 48th founding year and 25th year since reactivation in 1987. Dubbed as “PPI: Legacy of a Free Press”, the celebration recognizes the restoration of democracy in the country through the historic People Power that eventually reinstated social institutions, the media included. The slogan also allows for re-examining media today as the fourth estate and watchdog.

As in 2008 and the succeeding years, this year’s National Press Forum and Community Press Awards are being supported by The Coca-Cola Export Corporation through the civic journalism sustainability project that has been extended until December 2013. Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of CocaCola Philippines has been invited to give a message in the awards program.

FFROM 1

Toril District with 32 dengue cases; Tugbok with 26; Calinan with 10 cases; while the health districts of Marilog, Paquibato, and Baguio each recorded 4 dengue cases.

The new DOH 11 regional director said he has received advisory from the national office on the observation of a ‘stronger strain’ of the denguecarrying mosquito, aegis aegypti.

“When before ang alam natin na sa stagnant but clear water namumuhay ang aegis aegypti sa ngayon napag-alaman na kahit sa septic tank ay kaya na nitong mabuhay which talagang nakababahala,” Dumama said.

The DOH regional director called on the public to ‘be wary of their surroundings and the health of their family members especially the children.’

As rain becomes more frequent, the higher possibility there is to have stagnant water where dengue-carrying mosquitoes can proliferate.

Dumama was installed in position midMarch this year.

Philippines...

FFROM 4 osmedes Demit, one of the farmers who joined the ‘Fast for the Forests’ in 1989. “The trees are our source of life. Without trees, there will be no water. If there is no water, there will be no life.”

Cebu, which has zero forest cover, is 99% dependent on groundwater.

As a result, more than half of the towns and cities in Cebu, excluding Metro Cebu, have no access to potable water. In Metro Manila, where there are no forests to speak of, the water tables are being drawn at the rate of six to 12 meters a year causing saline water intrusion along the coastal areas.

Deforestation also threatens the country’s wildlife resources. Two particular species of animals, the tamaraw and the Philippines eagle are almost extinct due to the massive deforestation.

More than half the birds, amphibians and mammals endemic to the Philippines are threatened with extinction.

Joselito Atienza, former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that 592 of the 1,137 species of

amphibians, birds and mammals found only in the Philippines are considered “threatened or endangered.” Some 227 endemic species of plants are “critically endangered.”

Dr. Lee Talbot, former director of Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, issued this sober thought: “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety. If present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence.”

Deforestation has also altered the climatic condition in the country.

Ask Father Jesus Ramon Villarin, a Jesuit scientist, who localized the global climate issue by exploring rainfall patterns in Mindanao in the last 50 years and the impact on crop production and the supply of freshwater resources.

This was what Father Villarin, who used to work with the Manila Observatory, has found: Rainfall over the northern coast of Mindanao has generally increased

FFROM 1

over the decades, with the northeast section receiving most of the increase.

But the southern regions are experiencing decreasing rainfall, mostly in the south central parts.

Heherson Alvarez, who was formerly head of the environment department, once commented that if deforestation is not soon curbed, time would come that “we will be traveling to Manila and around Central Luzon by bancas (outriggers).”

Deforestation is nothing new. If we believe in the saying that history repeats itself, then deforestation would be a fine example. In his book Critias, Plato commented on the deforestation of Attica: “What now remains compared with what then existed is like the skeleton of a sick man, all fat and soft earth having wasted away, and only the bare framework of the land being left…

There are some mountains which have nothing but food for bees, but they had trees not very long ago, and the rafters from those felled there to roof the largest buildings are still sound.”

13

Mindanao leaders to formulate policy agenda M

INDANAO leaders are going to formulate a policy agenda affecting the region’s competitiveness, develop solutions and ensure support from the national government.

This would be spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which will gather inputs from the Mindanao regional business

Central...

conferences of the PCCI. MinDA and PCCI will consolidate the results of this year’s consultations and use these to formulate the initial draft of a policy agenda for Mindanao.

MinDA will provide the draft policy agenda by early June to concerned secretaries of the Aquino Cabinet, for them to review with their departments.

The draft will be refined further at high-level roundtable discussions that will

serve as a prelude to the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), which will be held on August 2-4 in Butuan City.

The event will allow Cabinet officials and the private sector to focus together on specific issues and bottlenecks affecting Mindanao’s competitiveness, and to develop appropriate commitments from government agencies, the business community and other stakeholders.

tions, the first in all Mindanao and perhaps the country.

Jaldon said Central 911 has started operating an early response team (ERT) composed of six motorcycle-riding medics and installed a mobile tracking system in all its twelve ambulances.

Under the ERT system, one medic is assigned to one motorcycle and is equipped with a first aid kit. Upon receiving the command to respond to a medical emergency call, the medic will go to the area ahead of the ambulance,

which cuts the time to reach the area of emergency.

The mobile tracking system costing of P3 million is composed of 35 devices, 28 of which are used ized

by Central 911 and other peace keeping units such as the Peace and Public Safety Office.

The technology was donated by Davao Light and Power Company Inc. (DLPC), an Aboitiz company, and financed by Jaime Jose Aboitiz, currently executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Visayan Electric Company Inc.

FFROM 1

the city’s emergency response number.

“Central 911 is something we should value. The emergency response unit or team of people is owned by the city which runs on people’s money. We should not make fun of it,” he said.

“I am appealing to parents to remind their children not to play pranks on the Central 911 number, also to teachers to please remind their students as well,” Jaldon added.

New innovations Central 911 has introduced two new innova-

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Davao

Tulip Drive, Ecoland, Davao City

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

EDGEDAVAO Grassroots football program launched today in Tagum

T

HE fast-rising sport of football gains more ground with the birth of another program in Davao del Norte.

The City Government of Tagum will be partnering with Fil-Chinese Heritage and Cultural Society, Davao del Norte Football Association and the Philippine Football Federation in launching the National Football Grassroots Development Program today.

The launching will take place at the Energy Park in Apokon, Tagum City with guests from the Philippine Azkals squad and sponsoring corporate officials in attendance.

Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy is also expected to lead the launching rites along with councillor Oyo Uy. Shuzo Hishukara, President and General Manager of Suzuki Philippines, will be the guest of honor in the ceremonies.

Suzuki is the chief sponsor of the Suzuki Cup Under-23 national football tournament where Davao’s Medvil football club is taking part as one of the contenders for the title.

According to organizers, the three visiting Azkals will include members of the Air Force team sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum particularly Chieffy Caligdong, Yanti Bersales and Ian Bayona Araneta. There were no confirmations however as to who exactly will be coming.

“That will depend on who is available,” said Phoenix marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac. [NEIL BRAVO]

BREAKING NEWS

UM-Tagum ladies bow to CPU in finals

T

F. Torres St., Davao City Tel No. 227-3773 - (72) Fax: 295-3485

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

HE pair of Mylene Que and Liezl Manatad of University of Mindanao-Tagum bowed to the Central Philippine University pair of Lorelyn Catubag and Kay Quilario 13-21, 17-21 in the finals to settle for the second prize of the Nestea Beach Volleyball Championships in Boracay yesterday.

The women’s team advanced to finals by beating Adamson 21-18, 15-13.

In the men’s side, UMTagum’s Jefty Amora and Kim Lapiz finished third after beating Adamson 2114, 17-21, 15-13. The UM pair advanced to the semis by besting University of Visayas 16-21, 21-16, 15-8.

Local Nestea beach organizer Kenneth Sai said the Davao teams played impressively in the finals “but they simply went down against the better team.”

Davao U-13 girls beat Dumaguete 5-3

Davao’s DFA Under-13 squad won its third straight match this time against Dumaguete, 5-3, to move into a win shy of sweeping its assignments in the PFF U-13 National Eliminations.

If Davao hurdles its last outing, it will earn the right to represent the country in June’s Asian Football Under-13 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Moira Calizo scored a rare hat trick while the usually fiery Zuleika Yee knocked in a pair of goals for Davao.

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STYLE

Davao streets: Survival of the fittest THE 1.5 million residents of Davao City face a constant battle of survival daily: whenever they go out into the streets, it’s a test of one’s survival skills.

While Davao City continues to boast of its peace and order situation, the same cannot be said for the state of its streets, which is pocketed with potholes, street urchins, and, good heavens, ukay-ukay stalls.

The city may have been dubbed as one of the most livable cities in the country;

it definitely is not the most pedestrian friendly. Not even close.

If you are driving around the city, you will notice how many people refuse to walk on the sidewalks or use the pedestrian lanes when crossing the street. Can you blame them?

Haven’t you thought how many streets in the city you can actually walk on without stumbling upon the wares of merchants? Haven’t you wondered why there are so many homeless people sleeping in

the streets? Or have you noticed how fast pedestrian lanes fade a few weeks or days after it is painted on?

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that day after day, accident after accident of pedestrians getting run over or cars smashing onto one another when the state of the streets of Davao is such. The government shouldn’t be surprised as well, especially the city government, who has been adamant in its ‘tourism’ program urging the illegal ukay-ukay vendors to turn the middle of Roxas Avenue into a giant market place during rush hour traffic every single day.

With the city’s car population constantly growing, one can’t help but scratch his head in a mixture of amusement, frustration and wonder on what the government is thinking when it approved such tourism program. Seriously, would a tourist actually fly all the way to Davao City just to purchase ukay-ukay?

The streets are made for driving, while the sidewalks are made for walking. But when you change the scheme of things and use such for other purposes, like say turn a street into an ukay-ukay arcade, you might as well close down the street and keep everyone safe.

Like a deer caught in the headlights of a rushing car, the pedestrians of Davao City will always have one question at the back of their heads every time they use the streets of Davao: will I survive?

P.S. There are no ‘legal’ ukayukay vendors as the importation of used clothing, unless for charity, is prohibited by law.

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

LIVING

The street survival guide THE world is a jungle. And in the Philippines, the busy streets are one of the wildest. There is no denying it; Filipino sidewalks may just be the most interesting of the world.

With different types of people who busy themselves with trade, begging, and walking to and fro a destination, our city streets are definitely a ride. Unfortunately, they can also be cause of some danger or hassle.

Because of this, we have compiled some of the common things you should stay away from when travelling the streets and how to avoid or fix them.

Behold: The Street Survival Guide.

Problem: Pickpockets

The worst thing to do with a pickpocket is try to get back your valuable or try to negotiate with the criminal.

Problem: Street Urchins (Beggars Who Lay on the Street All Day) Solution: With these people, you could either decide to give them money or ignore them altogether.

The good news is that most “Street Urchins” do not force you to hand them some money (although some might be extra aggressive).

If you plan to help them out, we suggest that you give

So what happens when someone finally picks your pocket, slashes your bag, or grabs away your gadget? Go directly to a police station and report the incident and try to identify the suspect the best you can.

Solution: There is no sure fire way to steer clear from pickpockets because they may look like any ordinary pedestrian. What you can do however, is keep your valuables out of sight so these streets rats ma e kept at bay. Don’t wear any flashy jewelry or neon colors that attract the eye. Although these look really good; wearing them outside may not be the best decision.

So what happens when someone finally picks your pocket, slashes your bag, or grabs away your gadget?

Go directly to a police station and report the incident and try to identify the suspect the best you can. You may help policemen solve a chain of crimes. Of course, you do not get your valuable back but at least you remain (presumably) safe.

them food instead. A television report once revealed the secret life of a street beggar who uses everything he received n the streets to hit it big in casinos. The point is, when you give these beggars money, no matter the amount, you give them the license to do anything with it. And sometimes, they decide to use your money to feed their vices. So instead, donate some food that will definitely help them get by.

Problem: Open Manholes Solution: Most people think that it is easy to avoid open manholes because they are obvious and easy to avoid. That is of course, if and when you see a manhole. The thing is, some manholes are covered partially, are completely invisible in the dark, or are

submerged in murky water during a flood. In times like these, it would be easier to understand why someone should be wary of falling into manholes.

According to WikiHow. Com there are many ways to stay away from manhole related accidents. First off, you should stay alert near construction sites. Sometimes, construction people tend to forget to put signs while working or on break or place makeshift covers on open manholes like a slab of wood that looks sturdy enough to hold your weight but can quite possibly give in and cause an accident. The best thing to do is steer clear from construc-

tion sites. Also remember that if you do not see where you are placing your foot, then it is probably not the best route to take especially when the street is muddy or filled with flood water.

Finally, you must keep in mind that not all manholes may be found on streets.

Some may be found in private lots and even on gardens.

Problem: Stepping on icky stuff on the street Solution: We have all experienced this. Stepping on animal faeces or gum on the street is not a pleasant experience. The easiest solution for stepping on animal dung is rubbing the soles of your shoe on grass or sand to re-

move the unpleasant materials. Gum on the other may be a little trickier. According to eHow.com you may either rub the gum with some ice and remove it when it has hardened or rub some oil on it until it is easier to manage and remove.

Problem: Beggars who beg in packs Solution: The easiest way to handle this is not to give any of them money.

I promise you, the second you hand one of them some money, every other person in the “pack” will try to go and get some from you. If the beggars are being extra difficult go inside a building or establishment that is filled with people. Being in

a crowded place gives the beggars a lot more prospects and hopefully, they will lay off your back.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday nights from 6 to 9. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http;//party.i.ph or follow him on twitter.com/zhaun.

Sittings editor: Carlo P. Mallo Photograph by Wrap Meting Model: Krizzaleen Mae Valencia of Glam Model House Hair and make-up by Alex Monton of Physique Beauty and Style Clothes by Bauhaus and styling by Kenneth Ong

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

Guess who’s joining Iron Man 3?

AS we anxiously await for The Avengers to hit theaters May 4 (especially after reading some of the early reviews!), we can’t help but get excited whenever there is any news about Iron Man 3.

So imagine our delight when it was announced today that a certain actor is thisclose to signing on for the next sequel.

So who’s the lucky thesp?

It’s none other than Guy Pearce!

And what’s more, Variety reports that the Lockout actor would be taking on the role of Aldrich Killian, who per comic book lore, is the geneticist that invents the powerful Extremis serum that both Iron Man and terrorists wind up using.

Of course, the likely casting of Pearce isn’t the only thing we’ve learned so far about the highly anticipated production.

1. Gandhi Gets Into the Game: Or, more specifically, Ben Kingsley, who is in negotiations to play a supervillain.

However, there’s no word yet on which baddie it will be.

2. New Direction: While Jon Favreau helmed the first two flicks, Shane Black will take the director’s chair this time around. Favreau opted out so he could focus on lensing Magic Kingdom. “I’ve had a great run with Marvel and wish them the best,” he tweeted.

3. Time to Suit Up: Downey will be slipping into his nowfamiliar duds next month, when filming begins in and around Wilmington, N.C. 4. How Long Do We Have to Wait for This Thing?! Disney has scheduled for it to arrive in theaters May 3, 2013. While that may seem like a long way off, consider that its original release date was set 10 days later, on May 13, 2013.

5. Will There Be a Fourth Flick? OK, so on this one we really don’t know. But given how the first Iron Man earned $585 million worldwide and Iron Man 2 generated $624 million, it’s probably safe to say the third one will do boffo business as well...which can only mean yet another goround, right?

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EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

Sledgers opens at SM Davao Annex!

AFTER making impressive success in the European market since 1921, iconic French footwear brand Sledgers, finally brings its prestigious legacy in Davao.

Matching stylish sophistication with comfortable functional features, Sledgers footwear line exudes the trademark class of luxury and style. Embracing the richness of contoured finesse and modern shoe making techniques, the top of the line shoe brand for men solidly takes the needs of customers in mind.

Sledgers’ top-of-theline collection includes its infamous Premiere Classics that are the epitome of formal business wear but without the stiff feeling. Casuals that blend easily with easy going lifestyle and

Contemporary Studio Line collections that literally come off the Paris runways.

With its traditional stitch outsole finish, every pair is made from premium leather materials. Much attention is focused product’s flexibility, proper cushioning, fit, and solidity for supreme foot comfort.

The brand also boasts of having Asian specific widths –measurement details that make a pair of Sledgers’ custom-fitted for Asian shoe enthusiasts.

Grab your own pair of sleek and comfortable Sledgers footwear at SM City Davao- The Annex.

The Business PAPER

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You can now buy your weekly paper fill of in-depth business news and features from any of these establishments still at Php 15.

Jose Abad Santos St., Corner Arellano St., Tagum City 8100 Philippines Tel. No.: (084) 216-3003 Cell No,: 0939-243-8539

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

15

Beckham, Ronaldo, Messi top list of richest booters

1 Beckham $46 M

2 Ronaldo $42 M

3 Messi $39 M

5 Rooney $ 24 M 6 Terry $18 M 7 Toure $18 M 8 Torres $17 M

W

orld’s Top 10 Highest-Earning Football Players: No. 1 David Beckham $46 million Age: 37 Team: Los Angeles Galaxy Country: England After winning his first MLS cup with the Galaxy in November 2011, Beckham re-signed for two more years with the Los Angeles team, turning down a more lucrative deal with the French club Paris-St. Germain. But he saved the bigger shocker for his Super Bowl commercial where he stripped down to his boxer briefs for his new line of H&M underwear. That body and new deal along with others from lifelong sponsor Adidas, Samsung, Coty and his latest, Burger King, not only make him the highest earning soccer player but one of the highest earning athletes in the world.

No. 2 Cristiano Ronaldo $42 million Age: 27 Team: Real Madrid Country: Portugal With over 8.4 million followers on Twitter and 42.2 million fans on Facebook, Ronaldo is the most socially engaged athlete online. His popularity has translated into big bucks to the tune of $21 million from sponsors like Nike, Castrol, and Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer, all of which he promotes through his social media accounts. His impressive performance on the pitch commands a salary and bonus, including a 50-50 share of his image rights, of another $21 million.

The Real Madrid striker led La Liga in goals last season (40) and in March of this year he became the fastest La Liga player to score 100 goals in the league.

No. 3 Lionel Messi $39 million Age: 24 Team: Barcelona Country: Argentina

The reigning world’s best player three years in a row is shattering records left and right this year. In March he became the first player to score five goals in a Champions League game and followed it up two weeks later by breaking Barca’s all-time scoring record. Having lagged in the past, his endorsement potential finally reflects his on-the pitch potential.

His major sponsors Adidas, Pepsi, EA Sports are among a larger portfolio paying him $19 million on top of his $20 million in salary and bonus.

No. 4 Wayne Rooney $24 million Age: 26 Team: Manchester United Country: England Despite courting controversy on the field (he received a 2-game ban from the 2012 European Championship after kicking a Montenegro player during a qualifier in October 2011), off the field (in 2010 prostitutes came forward alleging he patronized them while his wife was pregnant), and online (last April he threatened an opposing team’s fan on Twitter), Rooney’s popularity remains undiminished. Proof: he had the most popular selling jersey in the Premier League last season. While CocaCola let his contract lapse last year, his sponsors like Nike and EA Sports still heavily promote him. A new 5-year playing contract signed in October 2010 also gives him one of the highest salary and bonus structures in the sport.

No. 5 Kaka $21 million Age: 30 Team: Real Madrid Country: Brazil While recent news of him being left off of Brazil’s preliminary Olympic squad suggests he is past his peak, the 30-year young Kaka (a nickname for the man born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite)

has displayed a return to the world-class form he was known for prior to knee surgery in August 2010. In 20 appearances since the start of 2012, he has scored 4 times and tallied 8 assists, proving he’s still a play-making force to be reckoned with. His unwavering clean cut image has kept him in good favor with sponsors like Adidas and EA Sports too.

No. 6 John Terry $18 million Age: 31 Team: Chelsea Country: England It’s a good thing the Blues’ star defender can rely on a contract that will pay him a hefty $12 million a year salary through the 2013-14 season. His endorsement money may be drying up. For the second time in two years, Terry was stripped of the captaincy of England’s national team for serious indiscretions. The most recent allegation is one of racial abuse against a Queens Park Rangers player during a game in November 2011. The case goes to trial this summer.

His major sponsor Umbro dropped him from their website pending the outcome.

No. 7 Yaya Toure $18 million Age: 28 Team: Manchester City Country: Ivory Coast The midfielder joined City in July 2010 in part to be with his older brother, Kolo, a now 31-year old defender with the club.

The five-year contract that pays him over $15 million a year, making him one of the highest paid in the Premier League, surely played an equal part. Last season his career high 13 goals and 7 assists in all competitions helped him earn the award of African Player of the Year 2011.

He also signed an endorsement deal with Puma that includes distributing the brand’s gear to underprivileged African children.

No. 8 Fernando Torres $17 million Age: 28 Team: Chelsea Country: Spain After signing a 5-year deal with Liverpool in August 2010, the Spanish striker then left the Reds in the January 2011 to join the Blues under a 5-year contract paying him over $10 million a year, a near 30% wage increase. He has yet to produce for Chelsea as he once did, only recently in March ended a 6-month scoring drought. Still he’s considered among the sport’s A-list, starring along side Messi in a Pepsi commercial and counting Nike among his sponsors.

No. 9 Frank Lampard $16 million Age: 33 Team: Chelsea Country: England Speculation exists that Lampard will join the Los Angeles Galaxy when his contract expires in 2013 and he turns 35. David Beckham has fueled the fire, stating there is a chance his team could convince Lamps to cross the pond. Coincidentally, Becks 2-year deal with the LA club would be up in 2013 paving the way for a MLS Designated Player spot to open up.

No. 10 Steven Gerrard $16 million Age: 31 Team: Liverpool Country: England This past January, Gerrard signed a contract extension that solidifies the captain’s legacy as a Red for life. The club even offered him an ambassadorial role when he decides to hang up his boots. Gerrard’s off-thepitch portfolio income is much more diversified.

In addition to his Adidas sponsorship, he pocketed money acting in a British film titled Will that was released last November and also has an ownership stake in a Liverpool restaurant.

4 Kaka $21 M

9 Lampard $16 M 10 Gerrard $16 M

T

Suzuki Cup and PBA Youngstars

WO major tournament of national significance will be held in Davao this weekend.

I must be on my way to Tagum City by this time for the Suzuki Cup Under-23 Mindanao eliminations which resumes today at the Energy Park. At the same time, the National Grassroots Football Development Program will also be formally launched this morning.

Over at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday, the newly-launched Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Tournament blew into town for tryouts with local basketball talents.

The Coca Cola PBA Youngstars was met with excitement by the local cage community. SBP regional director Regino “Boy” Cua and city director Atty. Oying Melodias are supporting the program.

Coca Cola marketing director Ronnie Asuncion has earlier said that the new league will go a long way in espousing the PBA and Coca Cola’s advocacies.

“Through this league, we in Coca-Cola will be able to directly share the PBA’s vision of encouraging the youth to become good citizens through sportsmanship and teamwork and at the same time inspire them to have a healthy and active lifestyle,” Asuncion earlier said during the program launch in Manila.

PBA counterpart, Commissioner Chito Salud added that, “we are holding this tournament to en-

compass more teens and the PBA is excited to be part of this long-term endeavour.”

“One of the PBA missions is advancing youth and family-related activities to strengthen the backbone of our society and the primary goal of this Youngstars event is to develop character and instil values that are important to our society,” Salud added.

The program is Coca Cola’s way of giving back to Filipinos who have welcomed our brand and company into their hearts and homes the past 100 years.

Phoenix Petroleum, still brandishing that burning desire to land in the PBA, is joining the Youngstars league with a team of its own after Atty. Melodias declared the tournament as open, meaning nonschool based squads like Phoenix can also join as a matter of exception.

Phoenix’s entry makes the league of young stars just as exciting.

“We’re here to give other players not in the varsity of their schools but with equally good talent the chance to shine,” says Phoenix marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac.

Cheers to that, Neb.

16

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 34 • APRIL 22 - 23, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

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

Koronadal

With Marcio Lassiter (extreme right) gone in a trade, the Powerade Tigers now hope they will have no more mid-season changes to deal with. The Tigers will have Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Rey Guevarra and Lordy Tugade coming in from Petron in the Lassiter trade. See story below.

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

PBA Youngstars elims set May 5-15 in Davao Koronadal

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T

HE newly-launched Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Davao Eliminations will be held on May 5-15 at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Samahang Basketbol sa Pilipinas City Director Atty. Oying Melodias formally announced the holding of the tournament after meeting the eleven team representatives on Saturday for a pre-tournament briefing and player tryouts.

The PBA Youngstars is a joint project of the Philippine Basketball Association and Coca Cola Philippines. SBP is handling the tournament nationwide as part of its continuing grassroots basketball program.

10 squads are taking part with Phoenix Petroleum as the only nonschool-based team. However, Melodias declared

that the tournament will be “open” and not strictly based on schools.

“That’s the rule they implemented in Cebu and Bacolod, we will also implement that here,” he said.

Phoenix marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac requested the SBP for Phoenix to join the tournament. SBP regional director Regino “Boy” Cua said it was unanimously approved.

Each team will be composed of 3 players each born on years 1996 to 1999.

Reigning NSBC titlist Assumption College of Davao will head the teams in Group A which also includes Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Emar, Jose Maria College, Agro Industrial Foundation Colleges, and Phoenix.

In Group B, Ateneo will be parading an allvarsity squad. They will be playing against rival Holy Child, Jones Academy, Holy Cross of Davao College and Dona Carmen Dena.

To be eligible for the tourney, the players need to be actual residents of their respective areas.

The regional finals are set on May 19-20 either in Davao or Cagayan de Oro while the nationals will be held on May 27.

PBA okays Lassiter trade

T

HE PBA has approved the five-man transaction that would finally bring star rookie Marcio Lassiter from the Powerade Tigers to the Petron Blaze Boosters.

PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial confirmed the league’s approval of the deal.

The trade is a revised version of an initial proposal last February, which would have sent Lassiter to the Boosters in exchange for Rey Guevarra and Noy Baclao. That original proposal was vetoed by the PBA, with league commissioner Chito Salud saying that it would have a negative effect on the league’s balance.

In the new trade, Powerade sent Lassiter and Celino Cruz to Petron for Guevarra, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, and Lordy Tugade.

The PBA described the trade as having “acceptable parity” for both sides.