Edge Davao 5 Issue 49 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 24 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Coed accuses 4 pals of rape

Indulge Page A4

By Jade C. Zaldivar

19-year old female college student yesterday filed a rape case against four male acquaintances. Accompanied by her mother, a younger sister, and lawyers, the com-

n Victim and respondents are

students of a prestigious university. plainant lodged the case before the Regional Trial Court for Davao region, ac-

cording to a TV report. Requesting for anonymity, the complainant said that on the night of last April 28 she was in the company of four male acquaintances for a drink at a bar along Vinzons St., Barrio Obrero, this city.

FCOED, 13

Agritrends Page 7 Sports Page 15

NAVY. A World War 2 veteran, the BRP Magat Salamat, which recently joined the Coordinated Border Patrol Operation with Indonesia, is due to sail to General Santos City on Monday. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

China bullying us—PBGEA

Banana industry collapse feared

By Aurelio A. Pena

N A MOVE apparently linked to the Philippines’ protest against China’s claims over the oil-rich Pagasa Reef, the Chinese

government has started banning the entry of Philippine bananas into China’s mainland. “We’re being harassed. We’re being bullied by Chinese authorities who are imposing very strict quarantine rules on every shipment of Philippine bananas

entering China’s ports. We’re living in a very dangerous time,” said Stephen Antig, executive director of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA). Antig said losses from rejected ship-

FBANANA, 13

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

This Philippine Navy commander is a lady

By Lorie A. Cascaro

OMMANDER Luzviminda A. Camacho is the first and only female commaanding officer of a Philippine Navy ship. She is the skipper of BRP Magat Salamat Patrol Ship (PS) 20, a more than 60-year old warship which is docked at the Philippine Navy Feranil Pier, Panacan, Davao City until May 14. With a crew of 32and six officers under her command, majority of whom are men, she has no problem with the personnel who all respect her rank. “When I assumed my command, I told them ‘If you don’t want to serve under my command, you are free to leave.’ But, fortunately, nobody has left,” she said. Born in Bayambang, Pangasinan, this 47 yearold lady commander had never in her wildest dreams saw herself becoming a member of the uniformed service, much less as a ranking officer. It was her father, ENS Francisco C. Camacho (PN), a retired serviceman, who inspired her to join the military service. She started as a “candidate soldier” at the School for Basic Soldiery, in Camp Capinpin, Tanay Rizal, and ended up joining the Philippine Navy

on November 18, 1988. She was commissioned in the regular force and called to active duty on August 16, 1990 after graduating from the officer candidate course. Before being promoted to command a navy ship, she held various positions in the Women Auxiliary Corps (WAC) such as Senior Tactical Officer of the School for Basic Soldiery at the AFP Training Command, Admin Officer at the Naval Adjutant, and Asst. Adjutant at the Philippine Marine Corps, among others. From WAC, she changed her branch of service to Philippine Navy line officer and pursued her shipboard assignment. In her more than 23 years in the naval service, she has commanded four naval commissioned vessels--two patrol gunboats under the Assault Craft Force and two patrol ships under Patrol Force Seahawk of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao. “It depends on leadership handling,” Camacho said, adding that there is not much difference in having a woman commander. A single mother, she dedicates all her achievements to her only son, Praise Bisleg, who is now in the third year of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation at the

Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific and inspired by his mom. BRP Magat Salamat Derived from Magat Salamat, the son of the great Rajah Sulaiman of Tondo, Manila, the BRP Magat Salamat PS20 is a patrol craft escort commissioned to the Philippine Navy on February 7, 1977. Built in 1943, it was formerly known as USS Gayety of the US Navy. “This is the Patrol Ship of the Year 2011,” Camacho said, adding that it has several achievements, such as responding to illegal fishing and logging within its area of responsibility. It is stationed at Polioc Wharf, in Parang, Maguindanao under the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, and joined the CORPAT PHILINDO, a joint coordinated patrol exercise with the Indonesian Navy last April 24 to May 2. “We have the usual maintenance ng barko, kasi kung hindi naman mini-maintain yung machineries, hindi na tatakbo yung barko. Siguro, we’re just lucky in the Philippine Navy that we are good in maintaining aged ships like this. Ang tagal tagal na ng barko, we still maintain the facilities and the navigational equipment aboard the ship,” she said.

also aims to use bamboo in livelihood programs. The Department of Labor and Employment, in cooperation with the Council and local government units, shall formulate and implement bamboo livelihood programs with preference employment to special groups and organizations of Person with Disabilities (PWDs), marginalized sectors, the unemployed, and retrenched Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). The livelihood program shall include appropriate trainings and/ or skill-retooling components to be provided by the Commission on Information and Communications Technologies (CICT) in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) or allied government institutions. The bill is also pushing for the creation of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Coordi-

nating Council (PBIDCC), which will be referred to as the Council, administratively attached to the Department of Trade and Industry. The Council’s function will be the coordinating council of all the activities of various agencies and instrumentalities to ensure the success of the Philippine Bamboo Framework for Development. The Council will be composed of the Secretary of DTI as chairman, Undersecretary of DTI-regional Operations and Development Group (DTI-RODG) as head of the council secretariat, Executive Director of the CICT as Head of the Bamboo Technical Working Group. Other members of the council includes the Secretaries of the following agencies, DENR, Department of Agriculture (DA), DepEd, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR),

Solon wants bamboo chairs and desks for public schools to promote bamboo industry

lady legislator has filed a bill requiring the Department of Education (DepEd) to annually procure school desks and/or armchairs for public elementary and secondary schools nationwide made from Philippine bamboo to promote and strengthen the country’s bamboo industry. Rep. Sharon Garin (AAMBIS-Owa Party-list) said House Bill 4920 aims to promote, strengthen and create jobs through the local bamboo industry by prescribing its scientific propagation, processing, utilization, and business development as a priority program. HB 4920 seeks to use bamboo as planting material for annual reforestation and rehabilitation program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Aside from the reforestation program, Garin

FSOLON, 13

FEMALE NAVAL COMMANCER. CDR Luzviminda Camacho, commanding officer of the BRP Magat Salamat and the first female naval commander in the history of the coun-

try, said that she is more strict in implementing policies compared to male officials. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Uy encourages ‘school chair requests’ By Jade C. Zaldivar

URPASSING the 40,000 mark in the number of school chairs delivered, Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, who heads the Care for School Chairs Program, is encouraging more “chair requests” in the wake of more logs seized that could manufactured into schoolroom chairs desks, tables, etc. Uy said last Wednesday that Tagum City is determined to make full use of the seized logs it has in its possession for school use. “There is still a large volume of seized logs deposited in Tagum’s motorpool in Tipaz, Barangay East,” he said. The Care for School

Chairs Program has already delivered 40,144 pieces of new chairs since its conception in August 2011 to schools in Tagum City, Davao City, and the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley. On May 8, Tagum City received a total of 2,461 pieces (490.21 cubic meters) of illegally-cut lauan logs which were confiscated by the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) headed by Louie Ceniza, last May 6 in barangay Kasapa, Loreto, Agusan. The logs, valued at P3.4 million, were turned over to Tagum City Mayor Rey as AILTF’s support for Tagum City’s school chairs

program. On May 9, Payatas Elementary School (ES) in Quezon City, Metro Manila became the most recent beneficiary when it received 195 school chairs. The local government of Tagum in Davao del Norte earlier received a request from Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, Jr. of the field Operation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office for 100 school chairs in time for the Payatas ES new classroom inauguration on May 11. Uy ordered that 95 more chairs be added to Adobo’s request, saying “We are glad to reach out to Payatas and to answer more such requests.” Payatas ES is the first recipient school outside the Davao region.

connected with the private life of another and offensive to the honor, virtue and reputation of said person, even though said publication be made in connection with or under the pretext that it is necessary in the narration of any judicial or administrative proceedings wherein such facts have been mentioned shall be penalized with arresto mayor or fine ranging from P20 to P2,000 or both depending on the discretion of the court. The amounts of monetary fines or penalties punishing crimes remain unchanged despite the devaluation and inflation the country’s currency has undergone for more than eight decades, Velasco stressed.

Velasco said under the bill, the penalty of arresto mayor or a fine ranging from P1,600 to P160,000, or both, shall be imposed upon any reporter, editor or manager or a newspaper, daily or magazine, who shall publish facts connected with the private life of another and offensive to the honor, virtue and reputation of said person, even though said publication be made in connection with or under the pretext that it is necessary in the narration of any judicial or administrative proceedings wherein such facts have been mentioned. “The massive inflation and devaluation our currency has gone through renders the punitive fine component of the

Says Tagum has more seized logs

Stiffer penalties sought for derogatory information

lawmaker has filed a bill imposing stiffer penalties for the prohibited publication of derogatory information on any individual. Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco (Lone District, Marinduque) said House Bill 5833 increases penalties for such offense from arresto mayor or fine ranging from P20 to P2,000 or both to arresto mayor or a fine ranging from P1,600 to P160,000. The bill seeks to amend Article 357 of Act 3815 also known as the Revised Penal Code, Velasco said. According to Velasco, under the Revised Penal Code, any reporter, editor or manager of a newspaper, daily or magazine, who shall publish facts

FSOLON, 13

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

Quarrying halt order awaits CM signature By Lorie A. Cascaro

ARTHFILL quarry operations in Sitios Danao and Silag of Barangay Mandug will soon come to an end when Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio signs the cease and desist order (CDO). The Davao City Mining Regulatory Board (CMRB) recently submitted a CDO dated May 2 to the mayor against all commercial earthfill permittees/operators in the areas. The CDO was based on reports from its inspection team upon instruction by the Mayor last April 3 and 12 in response to the complaint filed last March 19 by barangay officials and residents of Muslim Village of Mandug. The inspection team was composed of CMRB members and complainants headed by Kagawad Delfin Darama as well as concerned barangay officials. Based on the team’s observations, the topography of the quarry site is lower than Barangay Indangan, which is approximately 120-140 meters above sea level. It was also reported that during heavy rains, water ran to the lower portion where Barangay Mandug is located. The team found that there are three water reservoirs in the area which are sources of drinking water for the two sitios, while there were traces of earlier landslides in the area. Also inspected were two preniously approved quarry areas of in Brgy.

Mandug owned by one Ambao Magulintang whose quarry permit will expire on May 18; and, Oyong Magulintang, whose permit expired early this year and application for its renewal is pending after he failed to secure a barangay resolution for its approval. The team recommended for a stoppage order to be issued to Ambao Magulintang as his approved area is within 258.24 meters (in terms of radius) from the reservoirs; the area is prone to landsline; and, its operation will cause flooding in the area as it is only 513.21 meters from the creek. Meanwhile, Oyong Magulintang’s renewal application for commercial earthfill will not be granted as recommended by the team since his quarry area is adjacent to the area of Ambao Magulintang. The team discovered that another quarry operator, Jeremias T. Bagohin, had operated beyond his approved area which is 258.24 meters from his allowed area but not beyond the boundary of Mandug. Considering his violations of the terms and conditions of his permit, the team recommended to immediately advise Bagohin to be extra careful in his operation and confine his extraction of earthfill materials within his approved area. A CDO for Bagohin had been signed by the mayor last April 26 for having conducted quarry operation outside his permitted earthfill area. The team also rec-

FQUARRYING, 13

Mindanao power situation improves

HE Pulangui IV is back online adding 200MW to the Mindanao grid after undergoing repairs and rehabilitation of the headrace channel which started last April 17. “The successful repairs and rehabilitation was completed nine days ahead of schedule. We have received reports indicating that there are no more rotating blackouts in Mindanao in the past two days,” DOE Secretary Jose Rene Almendras announced yesterday. “We congratulate the National Power Corporation (NPC) and their contractors who have completed the repairs

way ahead of schedule. We also wish to thank the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the electric cooperatives and distribution utilities that supported our initiatives to bring about these solutions. We look forward to your continued support as we address the solutions for 2013, 2014 and subsequent years ahead,” Almendras added. Almendras, however, noted that while the situation in the region improved, the Mindanao power situation is still at a critical level. “I must insist that the power supply in Mindanao is still critical as there are

FMINDANAO, 13

POWER ISSUE. Workers in Ateneo de Davao University attach the streamer of the Mindanao Consumer Summit that aims to tackle the response of the people of Mindanao on the issue of the power situation in the island. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

PHL agri up in Q1

HE Philippine agriculture gained 1.08 percent or P341.1 billion, for the first three months this year, which was attributed to the increase in the production of poultry, livestock and crop subsectors. Livestock production increased by 3.17 percent while poultry subsector production grew by 7.06 percent. Crops subsector also raised by 0.80 percent in production. Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Romeo Recide said the slight increase in crop production was due to the movement of calendar planting in some regions of the country. “We have to know that a little change in the planting calendar can move everything. There would be a slight delay in production but we expect an increase in harvest next quarter,” he said. The total agricultural output for the first quarter of the year, however, was recorded at 3.14 percent lower than last year as fisheries subsector declined by 7.06 percent. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that crop production is not all a setback since its record output registered 4.037 million metric tons (MT). “Our palay production target remains on track, as we expect to harvest 3.846 million MT in the second quarter based on standing crop, and another 3.423 million MT in the third quarter based on planting intentions,” he noted. [PNA]

Tulawie’s family raising money for his bail bond M

USSAH Tulawie, wife of Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie, together with their five kids, has launched a fundraising drive in Davao City for his bail bond. “Hindi pa isinalang yung petition for bail pero baka kasi anytime isasalang na ng mga lawyers natin. Kailangan magprepare na kami para sa bail bond,” she said yesterday during the human defenders forum with the Commission on Human Rights at Villa Margarita Hotel, JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Tulawie, accused of multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder by Governor Abdulsakur Tan of Sulu province, was arrested last January 14 in Davao City. He is prepared to file an application for bail for his temporary release pending final resolution of his cases on the ground that the evidence of guilt is not strong. The bail amount for his first case is Php 320,000 and for his second case, the bail amount has yet to be set by the court. He is currently detained at the Davao City jail in Ma-a while his cases are pending in Branch 11, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, under presiding Judge Virginia Hofileña Europa. Mussah hopes that in selling advocacy shirts at P250 each and asking do-

nations from friends, relatives and supporters, she may be able to raise the amount for her husband’s bail that she expects may be more than P600,000. She also mentioned that her husband is in good condition in jail even as Judge Europa gave instructions to heighten his security. Together with Tulawie’s support group, Mussah is calling for a speedy trial as he has been detained for 118 days as of press time. “Gaya ng sinasabi namin lagi na justice delayed is justice denied. Ang gusto lang namin umusad na yung kaso, mapabilis. Mahirap talaga,” she added. Meanwhile, Lawyer Raissa Jajurie, one of Tulawie’s legal counsels, said Tan’s petition to transfer the trial of Tulawie’s criminal cases from Davao to Manila is a delaying tactic. “Ang sinasabi nila, Davao is not a neutral place, kasi dito siya naaresto at ang grupong sumuporta sa kanya while he was wanted ay nandito rin sa Davao, so yun ‘yong kanilang basehan for filing the case,” she said. She added that last

Quips

May 4, Judge Europa issued an order suspending the proceedings due to the refusal of Davao City prosecutor Marte Melchor S. Velasco to handle the case unless he has an authorization from the Supreme Court. “Kasi ang case ay nanggaling nga sa Jolo dapat kukuha siya ng authorization to prosecute it here in Davao,” Jujarie said. Tulawie’s side filed a motion for reconsideration last Thursday, and its hearing will be on May 25. She said the pending petition to transfer venue filed by Tan is not a ground to suspend the case as transfer of venue takes a year, adding that Tulawie’s transfer from Jolo to Davao took almost two years. “Definitely, yung pagfile nila ng petition is something that will prolong the process kasi naresolve na yan e. Actually with finality yung Supreme Court order na i-transfer yung kaso sa Davao, then they filed another case parang another motion for recon on a final decision of the court. So tingin namin, delaying tactics din yun,” she added.

‘IN the over-all scheme of things our system remains very strong, highly-capitalized, highly liquid, and this is just one of those things that happen.” --Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. on the closure of Export Import Bank.

NATION/WORLD 4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT NATION BRIEFS Day of mourning

HE Butuan City government declared yesterday a day of mourning for the 17 female workers who were killed in the fire that gutted a commercial building here last Wednesday. Butuan City Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun said all Philippine flags in government offices, schools, and public places were unfurled at half-mast.

Off the air

HE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) yesterday ordered a 20-day preventive suspension of TV5 television show “T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita,” hosted by the Tulfo brothers - Erwin, Ben, and Raffy - in light of the alleged indecent utterances by the hosts in the show’s May 7, 2012, episode. This was unanimously decided at a hearing held by the MTRCB yesterday at its office in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. It was attended by TV5 lawyers Christine Ona and Nicholas Bondoc, MTRCB legal counsel Jonathan Pesquito, and board members Noel del Prado, Liezl Martinez, and Jay Revestir.

Vowed

AVERICK businessman Ramon S. Ang, who heads diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and has now taken over the helm of Philippine Airlines, has vowed to turn Asia’s oldest carrier around in a year and create a new breed of air service. In an interview following the annual stockholders meeting of SMC’s liquor unit Ginebra San Miguel yesterday, Ang said his goal is to keep the struggling airline flying and turn it into a five-star value carrier.

Nullification

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III is set to certify as urgent the resolution calling on the Commission on Elections to nullify the current voters’ list of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and conduct a new general registration. “The President is... prepared to certify the measure as urgent so as to ensure its speedy enactment by Congress,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press statement.

EDGEDAVAO

WORLD TODAY

US study

Foreign media opening N.Korea O

Mayan calendar

N the wall of a tiny structure buried under forest debris in Guatemala, archaeologists have discovered a scribe’s notes about the Maya lunar calendar, which they say could be the first known records by an official chronicler of this ancient civilization. These notes pertain to the same Maya calendar that is sometimes erroneously thought to predict the world’s end on or about December 22, 2012. The researchers who helped uncover and decipher the wall’s inscriptions said the Maya calendar foresaw a vast progression of time, with the December 2012 date the beginning of a new calendar cycle called a baktun.

ORTH Koreans are clandestinely enjoying access like never before to foreign DVDs and radio, shaping the views of a people cut off for decades from the outside world, a US study said Thursday. The report commissioned by the State Department made clear that North Korea remains one of the world’s most closed nations but said that many of its people “are beginning to look more critically” at their government. The communist regime’s ultra-rigid controls began to deteriorate during the famine in the 1990s and North Koreans “today have significantly greater access to outside information” than they did 20 years ago, the study said. One of the steepest rises has been in DVD viewership. DVD players are not illegal, making it easier for North Koreans -- usually in secret groups -- to watch banned movies from South Korea. In a survey of 250 North Korean refugees and overseas travelers in 2010, 48 percent said they had watched foreign DVDs while inside the country, up from just 20 percent two years earlier, the study said. The study’s principal author Nat Kretchun, associate director of the InterMedia consulting group, said that South Korean dramas -- popular across Asia -- provided North Koreans a welcome

‘Walking dead’

ENJOYING. People pass a movie studio in Pyongyang in 2010. North Koreans are clandestinely enjoying access like never before to foreign DVDs and radio, shaping the break from their usual diet of stern, humorless propaganda. “When you get very well-produced, compelling South Korean dramas -- a picture into a place that you’ve been fascinated with your whole life, because so much North Korean propaganda revolves around South Korea -- that’s extremely powerful,” he said. While not overtly political, South Korean productions are an eye-opener to North Koreans. They show that the supposed archenemies are well-fed, welldressed and can devote time to love and leisure instead of mere survival.

views of a people cut off for decades from the outside world, a US study said.

However, the study found that DVDs had less influence on how North Koreans view the United States which remained too foreign to comprehend. The report also found a consistent audience for foreign radio -- with elites looking for outside sources of news and less educated North Koreans preferring to tune in to music or cultural programs. North Korean authorities force radios to be set to official broadcasts and jam foreign broadcasters -- namely US-funded Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, along with the Seoul-based Korean Broadcasting System.

But in a sign that foreign radio is getting through, the study found that nearly three-quarters of North Koreans said they would search for another channel when they considered foreign content uninteresting. In previous studies, most North Koreans said they would keep listening to foreign channels even if their interest waned, indicating a lack of choice. Around one-quarter of North Koreans said they had access to foreign television content, but the reach was limited to people living in areas bordering China and South Korea, the study said.

man pronounced dead following a car crash by Australian paramedics who then left the scene has been discharged from hospital after making a remarkable recovery, a report said Friday. Daniel Huf, 30, was trapped upside down in the wreckage of a Porsche in a Melbourne suburb and was declared dead after being treated at the scene on April 1.

Hollywood star

RESIDENT Barack Obama said his support for gay marriage is a “logical” milestone towards a fairer America, as he was feted at a Hollywood fundraiser hosted by George Clooney tipped to make a cool $15 million. Obama praised his host’s support for liberal causes but also gently teased the A-list actor and Democratic activist at the Tinseltown love-in at Clooney’s Hollywood Hills mansion.

Recto pushes for deployment Long shadow of business diplomats to China A

ENATOR Ralph Recto on Friday pressed for the immediate deployment of a contingent of economic and business diplomats that would engage China and its business leaders in spirited discourse on the joint exploration of the vast economic potentials

No mergers

HE Lakas-KampiChristian Muslim Democrats (LakasKampi-CMD) party will just rely on other alliances to take care of their potential senatorial candidates for the midterm elections next year, one of its leaders said Wednesday. House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Lakas-Kampi-CMD co-chairman, said the party will not entertain any mergers, but will only rely on “reciprocity” with other political groups.

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

Recto

of the West Philippine Sea. “As the tension escalates in Panatag Shoal, I think it’s better for businessmen to talk than politicians talking. Maybe we can salvage a peaceful resolution,” Recto, Senate ways and means committee chair and Senate foreign relations committee member, said. He noted that the tension in the West Philippine Sea could be approached from a purely business perspective rather than from an agitated politico-military angle. “It’s time for economic and business diplomacy. Instead of deploying our military ‘Avengers,’ let’s send our ‘Economic Avengers’,” he said. He added: “Let’s focus on things that unite us than those that divide us. Let’s expand our trade and business with China

through project tie-ups in West Philippine Sea and elsewhere.” The lawmaker said he hopes Filipino tycoons with Chinese lineage would lead in engaging their Chinese counterparts in exploring tie-ups. He nevertheless said joint deals with China must also be forged to set up manufacturing plants in the country that would cater to Southeast Asian market in preparation for the breaking down of tariff barriers under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) by 2015. Recto said the economic diplomatic route must be seized aggressively as the “hawks” and “doves” inside the Chinese hierarchy constantly struggle for dominance in pushing for their own agenda in the West Philippine Sea.

“We better start talking to the doves now than be waylaid by their military hawks,” he said. The senator said the latest move to shut down commercial flights to and from China and the cancellation of tourist package tours bound for the country could be an indication that the “hawks” in the Chinese politburo have gained the temporary upper hand. Recto likewise appealed to the Philippine and Chinese governments to refrain from further agitating their own people by dishing out heated statements and instead issue a call for national sobriety. “We don’t want this to further escalate. Both sides should take a pause and allow nationalist emotions to simmer down. Everybody should stop stoking the fire,” he said.

push by Chinese President Hu Jintao to shrink the size of the nation’s nine-member leadership body, as revealed by Reuters this week, could have far-reaching implications for his anointed successor and for future economic and political reform. Outgoing leaders in China can cast a long shadow, and Hu’s desire to cut the politburo standing committee to seven in the twilight of his decade-old administration has fuelled talk that he wants his allies to influence the next one to preserve his legacy.

Preventive pill

S health advisers urged regulators to approve Truvada, made by Gilead Sciences, as the first preventive pill against HIV/AIDS instead of just a treatment for infected people. The favorable vote came after clinical trials showed Truvada could lower the risk of HIV in gay men by 44 to 73 percent, and was hailed by some AIDS advocates as a potent new tool against human immunodeficiency virus.

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

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

5 China tightens entry of PHL bananas THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

By Carlo P. Mallo

XPORTERS of Philippine bananas are having a hard time entering the ports of China due to sudden changes in its importation policies. The Chinese government has given banana exporters until June 1 to comply with their requirements. “We are being bullied,” Stephen Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, said. A letter from the agricultural ministry of China in part said, “If pests are detected again from the fruits imported from your country, the Chinese will take action to return the cargo, destroy the product, or suspend the importation.” While the banana umbrella group has started looking for other countries that can compensate for the Chinese market, no market can match the market of China. In 2011, PBGEA member companies exported more than 358,000 metric tons of fresh fruits to China, which is roughly 24 million boxes worth $96 million or P4 billion. Projection growth of the Chinese market this year is10 percent. On the other hand, small banana growers who are not part of PBGEA ship at least 45 million boxes to China annually. “The requirements would have been okay if there are enough ports in China that can accommodate the shipments, such as plug-ins, but they don’t,” Antig said. As of today, there are 1,500 reefer vans that are still waiting approval of entry from the Chinese government. “If we cannot resolve the issues, it will adversely affect

FOUL. Stephen Antig, executive director of Philippine Banana believes that it has to do with the Scarborough Schoal conflict beGrowers and Exporters Association, cries foul over the new require- tween the Philippines and China during PBGEA’s press conference ments that China imposes on Filipino banana exporters. PBGEA at their office in Rizal St., Davao City. [LEAN DAVAL, JR.] the banana industry and the tinue to evade the banana in- to have arrived with a kind more than 500,000 people de- dustry. of pest that is also reportedly pendent on the industry,” Antig “We pay more than P2 bil- present in coconuts. said. The Chinese government lion in taxes annually. Based By May 4, the Chinese has raised issues regarding the on that alone, you can see the government has identified 43 quality of packing plants used important role of the industry banana exporters from the by the banana companies. in Mindanao. We are operating Philippines in their list, whose According to unofficial re- in 15 provinces throughout the shipments are flagged for quarports, shipments of bananas island,” Antig said. antine inspection. The Chinese that have reached the various The problem of the ba- government on the basis that ports of China have remained nana industry started as early exports from these companies unopened by their quarantine as March 5, when a shipment have arrived in their country officers for reasons that con- from the Philippines was said with pests compiled the list.

Tighter inspection of agri exports ordered

epartment of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala has called for a tighter inspection of banana and pineapple exports after China recently rejected some shiploads from Mindanao. During a press briefing Thursday at the DA central office in Quezon City, Alcala said they will create a Task Force that would monitor and check on banana and pineapple shipments being exported to other countries, including China. He added that Task Force members, if needed, would accompany the export shipment to monitor quarantine procedures in its destination. “We cannot contradict with their (China’s) statement

that they detected pests from our exported bananas. So what we can just do is to issue an order, along with DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), to create a Task Force that would monitor our exported bananas and pineapple in China, tightening up our rules before its release,” quipped Alcala. Alcala admitted that the banana industry plays a big role in the growth of the economy so they are looking for alternatives to solve the problem such as finding potential countries where they could also export bananas. Alcala said we have to tighten exportation procedures on bananas including pineapples as China is now the

largest consumer of Philippine Cavendish bananas “We cannot become helter-skelter in deciding on the matter. We must admit that noting the number of people they have in China, they can help a lot in our economy,” he added. Alcala added they are working closely with the DTI, Bureau of Plant Industry, Chinese Embassy and the Philippine Embassy to address the recent issue and will immediately implement the strict inspection of banana and pineapple products to assure other countries of the quality of Philippine products, including bananas. Recently, some 43 ship-

loads of bananas from Mindanao failed quarantine tests in China allegedly because of pest infestation. But the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) said they have been exporting Cavendish bananas to China for over a decade now. They added that banana exporters from Mindanao have been using the most advance and highend technology to process the fruits. The banana industry shares about 24 percent of the country’s total agricultural exports. It is the country’s fifth-largest export today and the second in Mindanao, it said. (PNA)

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Daily garbage collection Agri growth up 1% in Q1 in city reduced by 100 tons T

HE garbage collected in the city daily by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has been reduced by as much as 100 tons (per day) with the implementation of the waste segregation ordinance. CENRO chief Atty. Joseph Felizarta said that before the segregation policy was implemented the city was collecting about 500 to 570 tons of garbage per day. In 2011 it went down to 420 tons and in 2012 it was further reduced to 402 tons according to Felizarta. The reduction translates to savings of

P37-million a year from the operating expenses of hauling garbage from collection points to the landfill. The “No Segregation, No Collection Policy” ordinance was implemented in July 1, 2011 and is in compliance with Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act. The ordinance stipulates that only residual wastes shall only be collected by garbage collectors for disposal at the city’s landfill in New Carmen. The CENRO chief said that based on current daily collection the modern landfill in New Carmen can take in garbage for

about 10 years before it is going to be filled up. Felizarta said that about 20% of the landfill’s first layer has been filled up. Meanwhile the CENRO will be implementing the ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and Polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers starting June 28. The ban is in accordance with the provisions of the Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2009 or City Ordinance 0361 series of 2010 (Section 7, Article V) which only permits recyclable and biodegradable plastic bags and containers. Felizarta said that some

biodegradable plastic bags are already being sold in the market or are used by supermarkets and big department stores. He said that one major test of a biodegradable plastic is that it turns brittle when exposed to temperatures reaching 80 degrees Celsius. He said that an additive is usually added during the manufacturing process of these plastics to make it biodegradable. According to the ordinance, mall and shop owners who violate the provisions will face penalty ranging from P300 to P5,000 or imprisonment for about six months. (PIA/RG ALAMA)

FIRE. A firetruck is parked outside the Decoarts warehouse after a fire engulfed the property on Wednesday evening reaching the 5th alarm status. [KARLOS

Petron income down 28%

MANLUPIG]

ETRON Corporation, the country’s largest oil refining and marketing company, reported a net income of P2.5 billion for the first three months of 2012, 28 percent lower than the P3.4 billion income posted during the same period last year. In a statement, Petron attributed the drop to lower export volumes and higher production costs.

It figures

$5 - million

AMOUNT of money the Sandiganbayan has directed businessman Herminio Disini to return to the government. The amount represented commission received by Disini for brokering the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) deal.

Export volumes dropped by 23 percent to 1.1 million barrels in the first quarter of the year compared to 2011. At the same time, the benchmark Dubai crude oil averaged $ 116 per barrel in the first quarter of 2012 versus $ 100 per barrel last year over the same period, increasing production costs. Sales revenue increased by 17 percent for the period to

65,000

TOTAL number of members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the Davao Region who may apply for educational loan of P4,000 each as assistance from the government.

P74.7 billion. Despite the difficult business environment, Petron managed to strengthen its leadership position. The company posted gains in sales volumes in all major market segments, including reseller, industrial, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and lubricants. Total domestic volumes rose 8 percent to nearly 11 million barrels.

6.3percent

GROWTH rate of the economy of Indonesia during the first quarter of 2012 compared to a year ago, despite the problems in Europe and the United States of America, as industries such as, agriculture and forestry, expanded.

As a result, overall market share increased to 38.5 percent -- top in the local oil industry. “With RMP-2 and the network expansion programs underway, we are confident that Petron will continue to grow and enhance its position as the leading oil refining and marketing company for many years to come,” Petron chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.

HE Philippine agriculture industry grew by 1.08 percent (%) in the first three months of 2012, bannered by the poultry, livestock and crop subsectors, while fishery production contracted due to conservation measures and high operation costs. The total value of the country’s agriculture output for the first quarter of 2012 amounted to P341.1 billion at current prices, 3.14% less than last year for the same three-month period. Together, the production of major crops, livestock and poultry commodities expanded by 2.26%. The three subsectors accounted for 82.4% of the total agriculture industry, while the fishery subsector shared 17.6%. The production of major crops increased by 0.8%. Corn harvest increased by 5.38% to 2.017 million metric tons (MMT), while palay output declined by 1% to 3.99 MMT. The first quarter palay production is not at all a setback, as last year’s 1st quarter palay output was a record at 4.037 million metric tons, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. “Our palay production target remains on track, as we expect to harvest 3.846 million metric tons in the 2nd quarter based on standing crop, and another 3.413 million metric tons in the 3rd quarter based on planting intentions,” said the DA chief, citing estimates of the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). The third quarter palay harvest may still increase as a result of the early planting scheme adopted by farmers served by major irrigation systems in Luzon, where at least 150,000 hectares are covered, Secretary Alcala added. In all, the DA-BAS said the first semester palay production is forecast to reach 7.838

Quips

‘WE recently held a meeting and shared the same apprehension that we may lose the valuable market in China as a result of the dispute over the shoal.’ --Stephen Antig, president of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA). PDI

$75.96billion

DOLLAR reserves of the country in April, which is lower than the gross international reserves of $76.13 billion in March, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Dollar reserves are indicator of capacity to pay foreign obligations as well as the mirror of the strength of the local currency.

MMT, 3.4% more than in 2011, while the January to September 2012 palay output may top 11.251 MMT, 4.7% more than last year’s nine-month output of 10.746 MMT. Production of other crops like coconut, pineapple, coffee and rubber registered respective increments. The crops subsector, which contributed 52.8% to total agricultural output, grossed P195.1 billion at current prices, 7.5% less than last year. The livestock subsector recorded a 3.17% gain in production. It accounted for 15.5% of total agricultural output. The growth was mainly attributed to the 3.4% increase in hog production. The hog industry comprised 85% of the livestock subsector, whose total value amounted to P49.86B at current prices. The poultry subsector, contributing 14% to total agricultural output, expanded by 7%. The growth was boosted by the 7.4% growth in chicken production. The chicken industry contributes 74% to total poultry subsector, whose production amounted to P41.64B at current prices. Finally, the fisheries subsector recorded a 4% decline, as conservation measures were implemented, particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula, where a moratorium was imposed early this year to allow fish species like tamban (sardines) to regenerate. However, prospects are bright for the rest of the year, as the DA-BFAR moratorium in Zamboanga Peninsula has been lifted. Likewise, commercial fishers can now engage in tuna fishing in the Western Pacific, as the ban has been lifted, too. The total value of fishery production, which shared 17.6% to total agriculture output, amounted to P54.53 billion at current prices.

P43,000 REPORTED price per square meter in the Bajada and Barrio Obrero areas in Davao City as a result of a boom in property development oin the area.

P443million

AMOUNT gained by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. in 2011 after he sold his 20-percent stake in the Philippine Star Group last year. The additional asset made the Speaker the third richest member of the House, behind Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquaio.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

AGRITRENDS

Looking for organic farming systems?

Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno If someone mentions the words “organic farming,” what comes into your mind right away? Environment-friendly, natural, not using pesticides and other chemicals, sustainable, regenerative, and healthy – these are the words use to describe this method of farming which has recently captured the attention of many countries around the world. Thanks to Republic Act 10068, organic farming is now being promoted in the Philippines. More popularly known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, the law is a state policy that promotes, propagates, and further develops the practice of organic farming in the country. President Benigno Aquino III, during the 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference in Hacienda Luisita last year, directed the Department of Agriculture to allocate 2-percent of its annual budget for the implementation of the department’s programs and policies on organic agriculture. The United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO), in its report, Organic Agriculture and Food Security, explicitly states that organic farming fights hunger, tackles climate change, and is good for farmers, consumers and the environment. Organic farming, according to FAO’s Nadia Scialabba, is “a holistic production management system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of plants, animals and people.” In Mindanao, farmers growing rice are proving once and for all that organic farming can improve one’s income. Last year, Benjamin R. Lao was named by the Department of Agriculture as an outstanding organic farmer. “We want to teach Filipino farmers the right way of farming through

the natural method, without using commercial fertilizer or pesticides,” he said of those people who come to his farm in barangay Eman in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Organic farming caught the attention of Lao after training at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in nearby barangay of Kinuskusan. “I was impressed by the way they conserve the soil and the farming systems they have developed through the years,” he said. The MBRLC is at the forefront in promoting organic farming not only in Mindanao but also in other parts of the country. Its former director, American missionary and agriculturist Harold R. Watson, received a Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding in 1985 for encouraging international utilization of the center’s farming technologies. MBRLC is credited for coming up with four sustainable systems for the uplands: Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1), Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology (SALT 3), and Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT 4). In all these systems, the MBRLC uses various nitrogen-fixing species as hedgerows to keep

the soil intact. “We are following the concept of rice terraces of Banaue,” says Roy C. Alimoane, the current director. “But instead of using stones to form terraces, we utilize several plants grown in double hedgerows and planted following the contour lines.” The hedgerows are cut every 30 to 45 days at knee high. “We use the cuttings are fertilizer for our crops,” Alimoane explains. “We don’t apply commercial fertilizer since the cuttings are already good sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.” The cuttings also serve as mulching materials during the rainy seasons. “Once there is rain, the rain would not directly hit the soil, thus helping minimize the erosion of topsoil,” he says. “The double hedgerows also aid in abetting the flowing of the soil going down.” A study conducted at the MBRLC farm showed the rate of soil loss in a SALT farm is 3.4 metric tons per hectare per year, which is within the tolerable range. Most soil scientists place acceptable soil loss limits for tropical countries within the range of 10 to 12 metric tons per hectare per year. The non-SALT farm has an annual soil loss rate of 194.3 metric tons per hectare per year. The SALT scheme requires careful management of the space between the hedgerows. A combination of permanent, semi-permanent, and annual crops is recommended so as to rebuild the ecosystem and maximize yields while enabling farmers to organize their work time efficiently. Every third strip of available land is planted to permanent crops. Examples include cacao and

coffee, which were recommended by President Benigno S. Aquino III during his second State of the Nation Address. “Both cacao and coffee have steady markets,” says Alimoane. “Cacao has a potential of becoming one of our agricultural exports.” A combination of various cereals (upland rice, corn, and sorghum) and vegetables (beans, pulses, tomato, eggplant, ampalaya, and sweet pepper) are planted on the remaining two strips of land. Each has its own specific area so that there can be a seasonal rotation. For instance, an area planted to corn previously will be planted with mung bean in the next cropping season. “Crop rotation helps to preserve the regenerative properties of the soil and avoid the problems of infertility typical of traditional agricultural practices,” explains Alimoane on the importance of regular rotation of crops. SALT offers many valuable ecological advantages. “This farming system greatly reduces the risk of drought, landslides, floods, and silting over of low-lying land, and wind erosion, all of which are linked to the radical transformation of the natural environment and destruction of the mountain forests,” Alimoane says. “It also replaces ugly eroded and denuded slopes with the luxuriant beauty of abundant vegetation.” Examples of nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs are kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), ipilipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and the introduced species Flemingia macrophylla,Desmodium rensonii, and Indigofera anil. These species are also excellent fodder for goats. That’s why in its SALT

2 model, the above species are also planted in the lower portion of the farm. In this half-hectare system, 12 does are raised together in a barn located at the center of the farm. Another small house is built in the nearby for the buck. The cut hedgerows are brought to the barn as fodder for the goats. The goat manure are collected and used as fertilizer for the hedgerows and the crops (which are planted at the upper portion of the farm). The goats, which are dairy type, are milked two times a day: in the early morning and late afternoon. A study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology showed that goat’s milk as per 200 milligram serving can provide 20 percent of the daily requirements for calcium, four percent for vitamin A, and eight percent for iron. The MBRLC also bats for reforestation through its SALT 3 system. “In two hectares, we try to combine agriculture and trees,” Alimoane says. One hectare is planted to crop while the other hectare is grown with trees. Alimoane talks about “tree time zones” of 1-5, 6-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years, within which progressively more valuable products are harvested. Some very valuable trees could be left longer, and he dubs this “the grandchild project.” He explains, “Plant something for your grandchildren.” Among the tree species planted in the

Quips

SALT 3 model farm are bamboo, Sesbania sesban, “ipil-ipil,” Acacia auriculiformis and A. mangium, Swietenia macrophylla,Pterocarpus indicus (more popularly known as narra), and Samanea saman (rattan is planted below it). Some of these are planted basically for fuelwood while others are for furniture purposes. In the lowlands, the MBRLC promotes a nonconventional gardening scheme called Food Always In The Home (FAITH). According to Alimoane, the method can also reduce a farmer’s heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides which pose health hazards and wreak havoc on the environment. “FAITH is a type of vegetable gardening that can provide the necessary protein, vitamins and mineral requirements needed by a family with six members,” Alimoane points out. “We designed it in such a way that it requires minimum labor.” As the name suggests, there will be vegetables – and some fruits – all throughout the year if its recommended plant is properly followed. Based on a study, the garden can provide 300 grams (or one bowl) or fresh vegetables daily. Another organic farming technique MBRLC endorses is vermicomposting and the use of fermented juices of plants and fruits. “Use of natural inputs is sometimes regarded as unscientific,” Alimoane says. “But science is actually catching up.” Vermicomposting refers to the process of using earthworms to turn organic waste into vermicompost – also known as vermicast, worm compost, worm castings, worm humus or worm manure – a high quality natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. Vermicast is being used in the center’s FAITH and ornamental gardens. It is also used in bagging some of the planting materials. “We would be happy to have people come to the center. We can show to them what we are doing and how we are doing them,” Alimoane concludes.

‘YOU do have now an excellent legal framework for disaster risk reduction and excellent legal framework for climate change adaptation.’ --United Nations special envoy Margaretta Wahlstrom

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

Honesty is the Best!

EDITORIALS

Drug problem

HE RATE of drug abuse in the Davao region is rising, according to authorities of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) themselves. The growth of the problem is indicated by an 11-percent increase in the number of arrests during the first four months of the year, said PDEA regional director Emerson Rosales. Though the rate of increase has not reached an alarming stage, still it is a big enough challenge to Rosales and his men. There is a need for them to be more thorough and creative in their job. They must

not allow the situation to deteriorate to a point that Davao would lose the reputation of having one of the lowest rates of drug abuse among the six regions in Mindanao. One thing going for the Davao PDEA is precisely the increasing number of arrests, from 145 in the first four months of 2011 to 165 during the same period this year. At least, Rosales has honestly attributed this to an increase in drug dependence instead of boasting about it as an achievement as other officers tend to do.

Congratulations

BREEZA, the classy mall, turns one-year old today, twelve months of giving Dabawenyos and visitors a different kind of shopping experience. Inevitably, Abreeza will become a community institution, an indispens-

EDGEDAVAO Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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EDGEDAVAO

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

able cog in the city’s robust economy. Today, its commanding presence and the strong patronage that it enjoys are happy indicators of a leveling up of customers’ sophisticated taste and buying power. Congratulations! ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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N the same league as a PacquiaoMayweather bout, perhaps the most anticipated entertainment circus in current times is the return of the Corona impeachment trial on television. As with the beginning of the trial, the focus of the prosecution is still on the SALN of the Chief Justice – what is there, what is not there, and how what is there is the way that it is (read: zonal versus fair market values). I remember my father telling once, when I was still in government, that if a person wanted to cheat his way to riches in public service, the way to do it would be to actually over-declare the value of his assets to bloat his net worth – so that when he accumulated the material gains from his corruption, he would have a high baseline to justify them right from the start. My father had a point: the mere possession of riches by a public servant does not necessarily mean that those riches were ill-gotten if he had them prior to joining government in the first place. My father warned me though to never even consider it. The SALN, despite being created as a tool to help identify grafters and corrupters, may also be used to mask the fact of graft and corruption if one knows how to use it. In the end, the figures and entries in a SALN may be interpreted in the most disparately extreme ways, depending on one’s agenda and motives. Nowadays, the buzz on the impeachment trial is whether Corona will take the witness stand to clarify, once and for all, the charges against him. Focus is on the existence of what is rumored to be ten million dollars’ worth of undeclared bank deposits. Defense lawyers consider this juicy piece of gossip as exactly that – gossip – and are fighting tooth and nail technically to stymie the presence of Corona on the witness stand. I am not a lawyer, and I can be easily discombobulated with the technicalities that a legal expert can throw into the court. What I know, though, is that I concur with the Dalai Lama when he once said that, “at the end of the day, the only person we would have to live with is our self. “ Corona knows the existence or fiction behind these purported dollar accounts, and I leave it to the Senate to put forth their judgment based on facts beyond reasonable doubt and on the provisions of our laws. But this is not about Corona. My ultimate concern is how much importance we give towards our concept of honesty, and how much we practice this value as reflected in our integrity. It has been a month since April 15. Did you pay the right taxes? Cheating on them compromises our government’s ability to provide basic social services to the people. Do you pay your employees the right wages? There is great power and even greater responsibility in being able to dictate the quality of life of the people who work for us. Do you provide the goods and services you promised to your customers? Providing the market with something that is not the best you can offeris an insult to both the market and to yourself. Are your prices fair and give value for money? When the answer is no that makes you a cheater. We are not mere spectators in the impeachmenttrial. The moral high ground from which we precariously perch does not make us righteous judges on this case against Corona. It is only when we know we do not lie, cheat, corrupt and give in to avarice can we sleep at night. This is what I wish not only for Corona, the Senate and all government officials and employees but, most importantly, for every Filipino with or without a SALN to his name. Honesty is not supposed to be a lonely word.

EDGEDAVAO

ITHOUT intending to, Bukidnon Vice Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr.’s verbal antics on Monday confirmed what had only been known through the grapevine, that he has always wanted Gov. Alex P. Calingasan to resign so that he (Zubiri) can regain his former post. Reports on a local radio station said the vice governor harangued the governor with words that don’t deserve a space here. The Catholic church-run dxDB reported that Zubiri aired his tirade against Calingasan during a convocation program at the capitol. It was the first time that Zubiri openly hit his long-time ally, although frictions between them had surfaced as soon as they switched positions in 2010. Zubiri cited reasons for his attack on Calingasan. But he omitted one reason – the real one – which the governor explained to dxDB: Zubiri was incensed over reports Calingasan will seek reelection in 2013. Calingasan denied he is running for

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

Why can’t Joe Zubiri wait? the same post next year and maintained he won’t go against Zubiri. He said it was the people around the vice governor that sowed intrigues between him and his acknowledged patron. The governor did not stop there. He said that before the May 2010 election he agreed to Zubiri’s imposition to resign six months after sitting as governor. Zubiri would then negotiate for Calingasan a Cabinet position granting Senator Manuel Villar won. Although an ally of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Zubiri supported Villar’s bid for the presidency. Calingasan said that since Villar lost, Zubiri told him to stay put [as governor]. But based on reports from my sources at capitol, relations between the two highest provincial officials have turned sour after the elections. A source said that in a function attended by capitol employees Calingasan announced his plan to lay off some job order and contractual workers to optimize the budget for other purposes. However, in his speech during the same event Zubiri declared no employee would be removed. His word prevailed over Calingasan’s, my source

added. This and other incidents relayed to me by my sources suggest that Calingasan was just being diplomatic when he told dxDB that Zubiri did not press him to resign after six months as governor. The vice governor’s actuations indicated impatience, if not annoyance, over having to wait for 2013 to get his old post back. Calingasan did the right thing in not resigning despite the reported agreement with Zubiri. Neither of them – Zubiri in particular – has the right to consign a sovereign decision to political whim. Even the fact that Zubiri played a key role in Calingasan’s victory is no reason to treat electoral mandate as an ordinary chip that can be disposed at will. Zubiri had already enjoyed three straight terms as governor, and before that, three straight terms as congressman. Is three years too long too wait? Or – and this is what I really wanted to ask ever since – isn’t it time to try new faces? [H. Marcos C. Mordeno mainly writes on the environment, human rights and politics. He can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.]

ANALYSIS

ring to the number of members which increased to 120 as an indication to the movement’s importance. “Non-Aligned movement includes more than 120 countries, and is considered the second grand cooperation after the United Nations, it also includes more than 60 percent of the UN members, so its decisions are influential,” Bakr said. The movement is believed to face challenges in enhancing its role in a changing world. “The challenges lie in its weak internal structure. Firstly, the members have no economic or political similarities. The more the members are, the more need for economic and political similarities. Secondly, there is a lack of common strong will among its members because they have different political interests,” Hossam said. “The movement faces many problems, which it should solve for the member states, such as problems related to the soft security ventures like the natural disasters due to climate change, the rising prices of food and energy and the accelerated monetary volatility,” Bakr said. According to Saed, the movement’s achievements diminished after the end of the cold war. But Hossam believed the movement’s achievements are going on. “It’s not important for a movement to make global achievements to prove its effectiveness, but it’s enough to achieve the member states’ goals and enhance economic cooperation. And this happened with the movement,” Hossam said. [PNA/XINHUA]

Non-Aligned Movement and global changes

INISTERS of Non-Aligned Movement countries have pledged to continue to promote multilateralism, especially by strengthening the central role of the United Nations, to protect the interests of developing countries. Wrapping up the two-day session in Egypt’s Red Sea resort Sharm elSheikh, the ministerial meeting called for a bigger role in the international political arena, given the great challenges confronting peace and security, evelopment and progress. “Such a conference is of great importance to Egypt, as it sends a message to the world that Egypt still has its leading regional role despite domestic changes and instability,” said Noha Bakr, professor of political science at the American University in Cairo. During the conference, member states discussed the importance of promoting the movement’s effective role to keep pace with current world changes. NAM was born in the Cold War era due to concerns over the serious confrontation between the Eastern and Western military blocs, in which a number of less powerful nations suffered a lot. Currently, the movement consists of 120 UN member states and a number of observers. The group’s goal is to avoid alignment with any major diplomatic or political bloc and promote both sovereignty and development. “The movement should continue to work as the conflicts increase globally. But the conflicts between the states take different forms as compared with

Monkey Business

BY SHAIMAA BEHERY, LI LAIFANG those between the world’s two big powers,” Bakr said. “The existence of such a movement is very important for world peace, although the peace keeping is the mission of the UN and the Security Council. The movement can play a role in this regard,” said Akram Hossam, political expert with Cairo-based Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. However, Abdel-Monem Saed, analyst with the same center, said the movement plays no effective role ex-

‘They agreed the emerging economies will drive global growth and that the developing countries need to play an increasingly important role in the world’s economic affairs. ‘

cept the organization of meetings. Participants urged the NAM to play a bigger role in the efforts for a new world order. They agreed the emerging economies will drive global growth and that the developing countries need to play an increasingly important role in the world’s economic affairs. Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr asserted the importance of the movement in the UN, refer-

Help eliminate poverty, invest in women COMMENTARY BY CHRISTINE GRUMM

HOSE familiar with the issue of poverty might know that although women perform two-thirds of the world’s unpaid labor and grow more than half the world’s food, they represent 70 percent of those living in poverty. But what is just coming into focus is that women represent an underutilized resource in alleviating that poverty. When government and philanthropic dollars are invested in financially disadvantaged women, the potential impact is vast. Research shows that investing in women’s education and leadership in Africa can increase agricultural yields by more than 20 percent there. It is estimated that for every year beyond fourth grade that girls attend school, their wages rise 21 percent. The United Nations reported that eliminating gender inequality in Latin America would increase national output by 5 percent. On top of that, evidence from microcredit lending indicates that women have superior repayment rates, invest more productively, and are more riskaverse than men in similar situations. Through programs administered by an international alliance of nongovernmental organizations known as the Women’s Funding Network and by other international organizations including UNIFEM, experience illustrates the effectiveness of investing in women. These programs support training and better working conditions for women. They also build entrepreneurship and support asset-building and financial literacy for them. A hallmark of this work – and key to its effectiveness – is empowering women living in poverty to help direct funding, and to take leadership in the programs it makes possible. In Washington, programs funded by the Washington Area Women’s Foundation have helped low-income women in and around the area collectively increase their assets by $17 million in 2-1/2 years. Consider Christine Walker, a single mother and university student earning less than $35,000 annually. She watched her personal debt mount even as she pursued the degree that would lead to a better-paying job. Thanks to two programs funded by the foundation, Christine learned how to save $4,000 in just six months. This has made it possible for her to earn her degree in public policy without having to use her credit card to cover school expenses. Another program supported by the Washington foundation enabled Sharan Mitchell, recently released from prison, to train in construction. Within three months she was helping to build Washington’s new baseball stadium and earning a steady paycheck. On the other side of the globe, a UNIFEM-supported program in Taiwan proved a lifeline for a domestic worker from the Philippines. The program was designed to educate domestic workers about savings. As part of the program, the participants formed a savings club. Eventually they pooled their $19,000 in collective savings and bought a rice mill. One of the participants managed the mill, which soon employed four full-time workers and another four part-time workers during harvest. This woman has risen from domestic worker to manager, benefiting her family and those around her through her new economic impact. And she and the women who invested with her in the rice mill are now owners of an asset that promises to grow in value. Evidence, and examples from women like these around the world, is both convincing and compelling. When a woman prospers, a family prospers. When families prosper, communities prosper. [Christine Grumm is president and CEO of the Women’s Funding Network, a global alliance of grantmaking organizations directing social investments for women.]

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

North Cotabato strengthens rescue, disaster capabilities

Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario presides over the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council meeting, which approved the 2012 PDRRM Plan of the province, which has a budgetary requirement of P61.2 million. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte ready for disasters G OVERNOR Rodolfo P. del Rosario said the Province of Davao del Norte is now safer and more disasterresilient with the approval of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan of the province for 2012. The PDRRM Council approved the disaster plan of the province during its regular meeting last May 10, 2012 presided by the governor. Gov. del Rosario said

the plan instituted the framework that would enable the province to prevent, prepare for, mitigate the impacts of, respond to, and recover from, a range of disasters that could adversely affect the communities. The plan, which has a budgetary requirement of P61.2 million, include, among others, the establishment of the PDRRM operation center; purchase of a rescue armory vehicle and fiber boat; es-

Governor Migs Dominguez expresses his thanks to “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” volunteers saying, “thank you for making our lives easier”, at the culmination program Wednesday, May 9, of the whole day summer reading class for 15 days in Malungon Central Elementary School. The remedial

Mayor Reynaldo Constantino challenges parents and teachers to contribute to the education reform agenda of the provincial government during the culmination program of “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” culmination program Wednesday, May 9, at Malungon Central Elementary school.

EDGEDAVAO

tablishment of provincewide automatic early warning system; institutionalization of incident command systems from the province down to the barangay level; improvement and repair of roads and drainage systems; purchase of amphibious backhoe for desilting of river systems; and, provision of various assistance to disaster victims. The governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Council,

particularly to the sectoral committees for their effort in crafting the plan. Yet, while he urged the members of the council to make the plan “a true and reliable instrument to reduce and manage risk”, he encouraged the communities to do their part in preparing for disasters, especially during normal periods. “Risk reduction is an everyday concern for everyone,” del Rosario said. [NOEL BAGUIO/DAVNOR PIO]

LONG with the installation of a radio communications network to link barangays in every town and the establishment of one automatic weather station in Amas, Kidapawan City, the construction of various infrastructure projects to negate and/ or preempt calamities, especially flooding, the provincial government of Cotabato procured a total of P16 M worth of rescue equipment to strengthen its rescue and disaster capabilities. Last April 17, Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza inspected the first batch of rescue equipment comprising of Flood Water Rescue Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Fire Fighting Supplies, Basic Rescue Hand Tool Set and PPE Kit, Individual Rescuer PPE and Deployment Set (RDS), Vehicular Extraction Equipment, High Angle Rescue Equipment, Earthquake/Collapse Equipment, Emergency Medical Supplies, and Emergency Medical Supplies (EMS) Equipment. With the latest rescue equipment, Taliño-Mendoza is confident that the Cotabato rescue agencies and personnel will be able to satisfactorily respond to the challenge of any disaster or calamity and minimize casualties during any emergency. In order to take full advantage of the life-saving gear and paraphernalia, she said that the government will organize trainings for the proper handling of the procured equipment to effectively perform rescue operations whether it may be

flood, landslide, earthquake or vehicular accident. “But the ability of our community to combat calamities does not rest solely on the presence of the latest rescue tools. A vital part of strengthening our rescue and disaster capabilities is to arm our citizens with knowledge in the face of possible crisis,” Taliño-Mendoza stated. The provincial government has already distributed a Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau geo-hazard maps to the municipalities of the province. Visibility of these maps will forewarn the public of the disaster prone areas. If they are living in one, they will be prepared in case of any calamity occurring, she added. During heavy rains, the municipalities of Mlang, Tulunan, Kabacan, Pigcawayan, Midsayap and Aleosan, classified as low-lying disaster-prone towns surrounding the Ligawasan Marsh are submerged in water as rivers and irrigation systems overflow, destroying hundreds of hectares of rice fields in these towns. The mountainous towns of Arakan, Alamada, Magpet and some portions of Matalam, and Kidapawan City are identified as landslide-prone areas on the geo-hazard maps. Bolstering of the rescue and disaster capabilities of Cotabato province is financed under the P45 M Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund through Provincial Development Council Resolution No. 10 – Series of 2011 approved last September 26, 2011.

reading program of the Office of the Governor through its Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) is in partnership with the Alcantara Foundation, Department of Education and Sangguniang Kabataan.

Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit pins the ribbon to “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” learner Arjun Espinosa for being the most participative and best in reading. Saguiguit is assisted by Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Earl Jared Galvez Wednesday, May 9, at the culmination program of the summer reading remedial class of the Office of the Governor through its Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) in partnership with the Alcantara Foundation, Department of Education and Sangguniang Kabataan in Malungon Central Elementary School.

Marynald Quintayo, a Sarangani Big Brother (SBB) learner, shows her reading skills by story-telling Wednesday, May 9, at the culmination program of the 15-day summer reading program of the Office of the Governor through its Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST). The reading program is in partnership with the Alcantara Foundation, Department of

EDGEDAVAO

Coed...

Banana...

FFROM 1 “Everything was going fine until I blacked out. Someone must have placed something in my drink,” said the complainant, who could not remember anything after she lost consciousness, but upon waking up near dawn, she realized that she had been abused. “Someone was hurrying to put clothes on me. I recognized the place to be my acquaintance’s place but I didn’t remember how I got there,” she said. Learning of her older sister’s whereabouts, the complainant’s younger sister rushed to the living quarters of one of the suspects. “When I opened the door Lloyd and Jason (among the suspects) hurried out of the room. I knew something was wrong because I saw my sister lying with her

Solon...

FFROM 1 clothes in disarray. The shorts she was wearing was not hers. Her underwear was on the floor,” said the sister. During the initial meeting between the victim’s party and the respondents, the victim said one of the respondents admitted to the crime. “Everybody here (Davao City) are my friends, relatives, but I can no longer come here. I can no longer live a normal life. All my relatives know what happened, my family. What am I going to do?” she said bitterly. The victim and the respondents are students of a prestigious university. The complainant however requested to make no mention of the university, for obvious reasons.

FFROM 2 Department of Science and Technologies (DOST), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Representatives from the following; League of the Municipalities of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, representative from a reputable Private Industry Association, from Bamboo farmers/producers or processors, and from a non-governmental Organization. The Philippine Bamboo Framework for Development shall formulate a ten-year framework for development

and shall serve as guide to the formulation and implementation of plans, projects, programs, and policies for the scientific propagation, processing, utilization, and business development of the Philippine Bamboo. To further encourage farmers, producers, processors and exporters of bamboo and bamboo products, the bill provides that an incentive such as cash reward, and tax exemption be given to them in recognition of their efforts and cooperation to the development of the bamboo industry.

Mindanao... FFROM 3

no contingency reserves. Thus, in the event of a failure in any of the power generation equipment, this will automatically result to a shortfall and blackouts. Therefore, we must not be complacent. We must continue to acknowledge the urgency to increase the generation capacity in Mindanao,” Almendras stressed. To be able to address the critical power supply, Almendras enumerated the important initiatives that must be pursued: Resolution of the problems in operating and rehabilitating the Iligan Diesel Power Plant that could add 100 MW in 7-8 months; Rehabilitation and transfer of 120 MW of privately owned power barge generation; and The most cost efficient and speedy rehabilitation and transfer to Mindanao of the 96 MW of power barges presently operated by NPC;

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

“It is important to highlight that despite the absence of curtailment resulting to rotating blackout, we should focus on the urgent measures that we have to follow through,” Almendras said. Thus Almendras appealed to all the people in Mindanao and the local government units to cooperate and support these initiatives. “We must accelerate new power generation projects, both traditional and renewable energies,” he noted. He adds that there are several generation projects, including renewables, in Mindanao which should have been started in 2010 and could have contributed to the Mindanao power supply by early 2013, that are still not implemented. “We appeal to everyone to allow these initiatives to be started and accelerated as soon as possible.” Almendras stressed.

ments are running into billions of pesos since China’s strict quarantine policy started last March 5 when Chinese inspectors claimed to have found some pests from coconuts as well as “mealy bugs” normally found in green bananas. A newly-implemented procedure by Customs Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) in the mainland, requires inspection of every container van in every banana shipment coming from the Philippines, according to Antig. “If just a single pest or insect is found in a carton box, the whole container will be rejected, sent back to the Philippines, or dumped by the Chinese government into the sea,” he told reporters the other day. Since yesterday, nearly 1,000 refrigerated 40-footer container vans had already been rejected by Chinese quarantine authorities coming o, different shipments made by 43 banana exporters, mostly from the Davao region. With losses estimated at P174 million per week for Davao exporters, Antig said this China move against Philippine bananas has racked up losses of nearly P2 billion pesos and

Quarrying... FFROM 2 ommended that the three water reservoirs should be preserved, protected and conserved by way of planting trees in the surrounding area. Massive tree planting of trees should also be conducted, particularly within the border line of Brgys. Mandug and Indangan to avoid future problems in the area after the team reported rampant illegal cutting of trees in the complaint site. The CMRB is composed of five members: the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources represented by Engineer Joel Catulong as the chairperson; the mayor as vice chair (represented by lawyer Joseph Felizarta), officer in charge of the City Environment and Natural Resources; quarry operators, represented by the president of Davao City Quarry Masters, Beth Oracion; the private sector, represented by Engr. Silor Guevarra of Holcim Philippines, Inc.; and non-government organizations, represented by Kinaiyahan Foundation, Inc.

adverselyaffecting farmers, shippers, growers, suppliers, truckers in the region. Several refrigerated ships carrying about 200 container vans of fresh green bananas, were reported yesterday to be stuck and waiting for inspection at the three ports of Shanghai, Dalian and Xi Gang in mainland China, according to Antig. “Many Chinese buyers have either cancelled or reduced their orders for bananas from the Philippines with exporters shipping at their own risks since payment is released only after the carton boxes are unloaded at the port,” Antig said. Jaime Estimada, technical adviser of Mindanao Banana Farmers, Exporters Association or MBFEA, pointed out that if this current crisis with China is prolonged a few more months, he fears the eventual collapse of the country’s banana industry. “This situation cannot be allowed to continue, otherwise the whole industry will collapse. So much is at stake here. Over 35,000 farmers will lose their source of earnings, about a half

million workers will have nothing to eat,” he told reporters. In a faxed memo, Chinese quarantine authorities have imposed a deadline for banana plantations in Davao to rehabilitate their packing plants. In it were strict orders to cement the floorings, produce running water, install insect nets around the entire packing plant, etc and warning that if they find insects or pests in any carton box, they will destroy the whole shipment and suspend all banana imports from the Philippines. China, according to Antig, is not totally dependent on Philippine bananas as it can easily replace them with bananas coming from Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica in Central America. The Philippines on the other hand,

Quips

has become dependent on the huge Chinese fruit market, even with its traditional markets of Japan and the Middle East. “The consumer market for fruits in Japan is no longer growing compared to the fast-growing market of China whose consumers are now willing to pay for Class A fresh bananas, no longer Class B bananas,” Antig told the Philippine News Agency. Of nearly 80 million boxes of fresh bananas shipped by the Philippine banana industry annually to global markets, about 70% are shipped to China, making the country more and more dependent on the huge Chinese fruit market. Around 35% of the total fruit volume of the banana export industry are supplied by small farmers in Mindanao who are mostly MBFEA members.

‘THESE beauty pageants are virtually used as a hunting ground by some politicians looking for innocent victims.’

--Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan.

COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Villar Foundation continues assisting distressed OFWs

he Villar Foundation led by its Managing Director, former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, has been repatriating distressed OFWs and helping them and their relatives as part of its key advocacies. “We are happy that we are in a position where we can help our countrymen, especially our OFWs who unfortunately encounter different types of problems abroad. We cannot rescue them all, so it is good that both the private sector and the government are extending similar help to OFWs,” said Villar. The Villar Foundation has repatriated thousands of OFWs. This, in coordination with the Office of Senator Manny Villar as well as related government offices such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) as well as the Blas Ople Center and Migrante.

According to Villar, “Besides repatriation, we also extend other forms of help to OFWs and their relatives. We help them get reintegrated into the society through livelihood trainings and assistance; medical assistance; and we even organized an OFW summit with Go Negosyo for them to encourage them to become entrepreneurs.” Arriving back in the country from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) aboard flight GF154 via Gulf Airlines, the OFWs are a picture of relief and happiness to be back home safely to be with their families and loved ones. Their stories, no different from most OFWs, are stories of hope and ambition that turned into desperation. But now back home, thanks to the Villar Foundation, they can start anew. Bukidnon native, 31-year-old Romelyn Daguplo, worked as a domestic helper in Dubai, UAE. Undetected by authorities, she left the country

in March last year, already pregnant. Since pushisments for pregnant unmarried women are harsh in an Arab country, she got scared and ran away from her employer. This prompted her mother, who works as a housemaid here, to seek the help of Sagip-OFW. Joanalin Pascua suffered in the hands of her employer in Dubai. She was underpaid, overworked and worst, sexually harassed. She sought refuge at Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLOOWWA) in Dubai, until her repatriation. Jacquelyln Costuna , a 24-ear-old resident of Manila, left the country for Dubai in October last year only. She ran away from her employer because she suffered from maltreatment and verbal abuse. She also stayed with POLO-OWWA Dubai until her repatriation on Monday. For more details about OFW-related activities and other programs of the Villar Foundation, please visit its website: www.villarfoundation.org

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

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m. 17,940

P2,500

3,831

P1,500

41,408

P800

7,056

P1,200

27,411

P1,000

LOCATION

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

Villa Josefina Resort Village, Dumoy Toril, Davao City

Minimum of 240 sq.m.

P5,985

St. Joseph Homes, Sirawan, Toril,Davao City

Minimum of 150 sq.m.

P3,600

INDONESIA NATIONAL POLICE RANKING OFFICIALS VISIT PRO 11. The Regional Director, North Sulawesi, Indonesia National Police (INP) BRIG. GEN. DICKY D ATOTOY, and other INP ranking officials paid visit to the Police Regional Office 11, Catitipan, Davao City on May 10, 2012. (Left photo) PSSUPT FEDERICO L DULAY JR. (left), Deputy Regional Director for Operation, PRO 11, leads the arrival honors for BRIG. GEN. ATOTOY. (Right photo) PRO 11 Regional Director PCSUPT JAIME H MORENTE, CEO VI (left), welcomes the visitors during the conference held at PRO 11 Conference Room. Sitting right is BRIG. GEN. ATOTOY.

Advisory

Water interruption set in Sasa, May 12

12-hour water interruption is scheduled to affect some Sasa areas specifically Km. 9-13, Parola, Sasa Wharf, Sasa Public Market, Pakiputan Wharf, Zones 1-5, Suha, ICSAMA, Sapaha and DPWH Depot on May 12 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These areas are served by the Dumoy Water Supply System. Said water cut is needed to allow the DCWD crew to repipe

the damaged 200mm diameter steel pipe along the Davao-Agusan Road in front of Flying V Gasoline Station in Sasa after it was hit by a backhoe during the road widening. DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado appeals for the understanding and cooperation of affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water as water supply may be restored earlier if work

goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may call the DCWD trunk line at 221-9400 and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to the latest daily water updates, or contact its call center through the 24-hour hotline 2219412 or 0927-7988966 for updates, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. (JOVANA DUHAYLUNGSOD)

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

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

PRICE P4.8 M

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SPECIAL FEATURE

10 reasons why I love Abreeza

by Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto,MBA

am a self-confessed shopaholic and shopping usually gets the best and worst out of me. I can shop all day long and that is usually my bonding time spent with my Dad and Mom who are also shopping enthusiasts (now I know where I got my shoppimg genes from ), my friend Freah(if shopping was a subject, we’d ace it for sure), my cousins (we shop, we eat, we shop, we eat...) and my yayeys (my ever reliable buddies) to name a few. Even some of my guy friends are so much into shopping that I feel at ease when I am with them.

My shopping mantra has always been Desiree’s song “You Gotta Be” as I firmly believe it speaks of me and my hobby. Come with me as I explore the many reasons why I love the Abreeza Mall. 1. I gotta be BAD. Abreeza mall gets the best and the worst out of me. Best as I am able to make choices in a snap without having to think (at times:-)) and worst as I tend to shop til I drop-literally. As my Mama said, shopping takes patience and practice to perfect. As my all time favorite shopping buddy, well next to my Dad that is, Mama is just like me. We both shop until we cannot handle it. And her best place to be here in the city is Abreeza mall. (She calls the mall her home:-)) 2. I gotta be BOLD. Abreeza feels like my walk-in closet with its endless shops carrying foreign and local clothing brands, shoes, bags and accessories,gadget kiosks and restaurants that offer an explosion on my palette, Abreeza allows me to explore and express myself through the choices I make. 3. I gotta be WISER. Believe it or not, shopping makes me wiser -- getting the most out of something is but the best part of shopping. Having to see numerous choices literally makes my head and wallet dizzy but because of the numerous choices, I am able to hold back my gusto to buy and settle for things that I believe I need. And believe me, it takes more will power

than Incredible Hulk can suppress. 4. I gotta be HARD. Abreeza mall personnel are all too sweet and friendly like those in Calvin Klein Jeans, Marlboro Classics, Debenhams and Gap to name a few. Sales people are so down to earth and helpful and I get easily lured in with their friendly smiles and gestures. That is why I have to be hard and be snobbish at some point. I am sorry but if I don’t do

Funny how i equate being strong with the mall. Well for starters, I have to be strong to be able to withstand the shopping frenzy, walking to and fro shops and boutiques and not to mention carrying paper bags of shapes and sizes for hours. More so, stronger ability to resist temptation to buy impulsively and even stronger stomach to withstand eating from its sumptuous restaurants. Yum yum! 7. I gotta be COOL.

I love how the landscape was designed, the trees that make the surroundings green, the pond with its koi fishes and the nature like ambience outside makes it all soothing for me. such rude thing I would end up buying more than I need. But nonethless, I still end up buying from their boutiques. 5. I gotta be TOUGH. I believe that reading delays alzheimer’s to build up. I am a bookworm and I can stay inside a bookstore for hours while browsing, skimming and reading through them and its tough for me to resist buying a book or two. When Fully Booked opened in Abreeza, I was so elated that I immediately went there to grab copiess of books and cookbooks that I have been waiting for months. Nowadays, whenever I am in the mall, I have to drop by Fully Booked to get my dose of knowledge. 6. I gotta be STRONGER.

Let’s face it, being in Abreeza gives one a certain boost of confidence. For starters, I do not understand how that is possible but whenever I see kids and tweeners and the likes, they exude a certain aura that I have not seen or felt when I am in any other malls in the city. Is it true or is it just me and my wild imagination? 8. I gotta be CALM. The relaxing atmosphere that Abreeza has, for me, is one of its best features. I love how the landscape was designed, the trees that make the surroundings green, the pond with its koi fishes and the nature like ambience outside makes it all soothing for me. A great escape from the hustle and bustle inside the mall. 9. I gotta STAY TO-

GETHER. Family bonding is as important to me as air and water. Given that my parents are here only once a month, we always make it

a point to bond whether through eating, shopping or coffee breaks, we make surewe have time to talk and catch up. Abreeza allows us to do everything

we want without having to leave and transfer to another place. 10. I gotta be ME. This is Abreeza. This is Me.

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A2 INdulge!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Twitterverse erupts over Time cover controversy

WELL, Time sure got people’s atten- “Time Magazine’s cover is pretty ballsy or tittsy,” the comedian tion with its latest tweeted. “The kid looks nourished. Wonder if they call that the cover. The Twitterverse has erupted over the weekly magazine’s May 21 cover, featuring a defiant-faced Jamie Lynne Grumet breastfeeding her 3-yearold son. (Who’s old enough to stand on a chair, suckle and look at the camera at the same time.) And when the hoi polloi piles on, the celebrities are sure to follow... First off, Mayim Bialik— an outspoken advocate of breastfeeding and attachment parenting—promised to “go to bat” on behalf of “all of the amazing women who helped me be the mother i was meant to be.” “This is for you, La Leche League International and

yum yum chair.”

for every lactation consultant and fellow mama warrior who held me while I cried. this is not easy, to try and speak for all of us, but i will do my best to make you proud,” the Big Bang Theory star wrote. But she tweeted, “Cover of TIME magazine looking to be inflammatory about [attachment parenting] much? Dear goodness.” Alyssa Milano also thoroughly supports breastfeeding but not the Time cover. “@Time, no! You missed the mark! You’re supposed to be making it easier for breastfeeding moms. Your cover is exploitive & extreme,” she chided via

Twitter, recommending another article for people to read instead. Then there were the,er, less heartfelt reactions from folks like Dane Cook. “Time Magazine’s cover is pretty ballsy or tittsy,” the comedian tweeted. “The kid looks nourished. Wonder if they call that the yum yum chair.” “Time magazine cover is pretty disturbing!” tweeted model Joanna Krupa. “Breast feeding a 3yr old is wrong! What’s wrong w ppl!” Rush Limbaugh used the controversy as an opportunity to get a dig in: “Improving Time’s cover: Replace the mother with

a Statue of Liberty... and you’ve got the Obama platform. #rushbabes.” “That TIME cover’ll prolly save the whole magazine industry,” tweeted actorcomedian Paul F. Tompkins. Folks will hear about that cover, and then be like, I GOTTA GET SOME MAGAZINES!” “The new TIME magazine cover looks like Rockwell and Mapplethorpe decided to do a project together,” observed comedian Jim Norton. Noted Late Night With Jimmy Fallon producer Gavin Purcell: “The kid on the cover of this week’s Time magazine is really going to hate Middle School.”

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Hollie Cavanagh is out! Jessica Sanchez is in American Idol’s top 3! NOT all of the American Idol marbles were at stake—but, still, there were plenty of marbles up for grabs, the biggest being the chance to be treated like royalty during the upcoming hometown visits. Surely whoever finishes fourth gets plenty of positive attention when they return from whence they came, but...it’s nothing like finishing in the Top Three, now is it?! “At least I get to sit down,” Phillip Phillips said good-naturedly after Ryan Seacrest put him through the usual review of last night’s performance and then just sent him to the couch to “hang out,” rather than give the final results. But, not too surprisingly, the journey ended tonight for the adorably accented Hollie Cavanagh, who stumbled early on, but persevered to make it this far. And deservingly so, when you factor in “The Climb,” “Faithfully” and other tunes that she sang the heck out of. Sure enough, she chose “The Climb” as her swan song after learning it was her show to close. Later this week, Chula Vista, Calif.; Westlake, La.; and Leesburg, Ga., will be giving heroes’ welcomes to Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet and Phillip. Are you happy with this top three? Share your thoughts.

John Travolta saga Will the sexual harassment charges prosper?

IN the case of John Does 1 and 2 vs. John Travolta, the anonymous plaintiffs have a hefty burden of proof on their shoulders. “An attorney has filed a federal lawsuit, which is very serious, and he is making some serious allegations about sexual assault,” civil litigator Anahita Sedaghatfar, an expert in sexual harassment cases, tells E! News. “I’m actually very concerned for [the plaintiffs’ attorney, Okorie Okorocha] and I hope that he has thoroughly vetted his clients. I hope he has evidence to back up his claims.” Supposed evidence that Travolta’s attorney, Marty Singer, is already gearing up to shoot down. Not to mention he’s already promised legal retribution. “Marty is known as a pit bull for a reason,” Sedaghatfar says. “He has a stellar record. And that is why time after time celebrities in trouble go to him.” In this case, Singer has already publicly stated that Travolta is not in trouble because he wasn’t in California when John Doe No. 1 claims in the lawsuit the actor tried to manhandle him during a massage appointment in Beverly Hills, and that the additional claims of John Doe No. 2—that Travolta exposed himself and groped the masseur during a session in his Atlanta hotel room— are just as “absurd and ridiculous as the first one.” Sedaghatfar tells E! News that if it were her client being sued, she would first ask the plaintiffs, “Where is the police report?” (A criminal complaint does not have to be filed before a civil suit.) “If this goes down the way Marty Singer says it will, I think Mr. Okorocha is in big trouble, I really do,” Sedaghatfar says of the John Does’ attorney. “For Marty to go out on the record and

confidently say that he believes he can get the case thrown out, I think is something he wouldn’t say unless he had the evidence to present to the judge to achieve that.” Singer said in a statement to Radar Online today: “The problem in America is anyone can sue anyone. However in this case this unidentified plaintiff and his lawyer will regret they filed this fabricated suit. We intend to sue both of them for malicious prosecution.” Travolta, who has two children with his wife of 21years, Kelly Preston (son Jett died in 2009), has denied stories that have implied he’s anything other than heterosexual. He told Rolling Stone in 1983 that “everybody” is the subject of a rumor about being gay at one time or another. “That’s a notorious rumor,” the Grease star said. “They say that about me, Marlon Brando, every male, epecially the first year that you become a star.”

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

SPECIAL FEATURE

Loving Abreeza EDGE Davao’s lifestyle columnists and writers share their thoughts on why the love Abreeza Mall.

Nikki Gotianse-Tan Being a tenant at Abreeza, I am there almost everyday. So in between many store visits, I have been able to really explore the mall and see how it has grown from day 1 last year. For Dabawenyos like me who love to eat and try new restaurants, the dining choices there is the most obvious draw. So are the specialty boutiques that carry great clothing choices for the entire family and accessories for the home. The Tinalak store is a particular favorite of mine, along with Mothercare. Abreeza provides a great backdrop for one to unwind alone or with friends. The smattering of coffee shops around the mall promises one a satisfying mid-shopping drink or snack. The entire vicinity of the mall is also well-lit and very well-maintained, making it a very comfortable place to be ensconced in for hours on end. Lastly, I have spent many a date night with my husband at their cinema. I like that the cinema is fully integrated with the Ayala Malls’ Sure Seats program, making it easy to reserve and buy tickets to the latest movies that are showing. Abreeza has certainly upgraded how Dabawenyos experience shopping and leisure and as their landscape continues to expand and develop, I believe we can only expect better things to come. Carlo Mallo Shopping will never be the same again in Davao City. One year after Abreeza Mall opened its doors to Dabawenyos, the surprises still keep on coming day after day, week after week, making shopping and dining better each time at Abreeza Mall. More shops have opened and the list seems endless!

Now, one can easily hop from shopping and dining without having to go to different places. And, one more thing, there is something for everyone at Abreeza - from designer brands to the basic staples. It’s just great to have a mall like Abreeza here in the city. Cheers to the first year anniversary of Abreeza, and to many more years of shopping and dining indulgence! Kenneth Ong With it’s unique architecture and artwork all around, Abreeza has been a breath of fresh air for the Dabawenyo urbanite. Throughout the year, foodies have been given

more choices on places to wine and dine with family, friends, and guests. I especially love the alfresco dining experience, where one can wine and dine with a spectacular view of the mall’s lush gardens, which gives a nice cosmopolitan feel to the area. I also love the four modern cinemas that are comfy and bring the latest digital viewing experience for those who love movies. The Ayala Cinema’s Sureseats also allows me to book tickets online, skipping the lines and providing a hassle-free cinema visit. All this in just 365days since Abreeza’s opening, I just can’t wait to see what the coming days bring.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 • MAY 12, 2012

AMACC Davao powers Summerfest

HE AMA Computer College Davao will be the official I.T. solutions provider of this year’s Davao Summerfest. The agreement was formalized on Thursday by AMACC Davao school director Ernesto Raphael Robillo and festival organizer Duaw Davao Festival Foundation executive director Lisette Marques. “We are happy to partner with AMA Computer College Davao in our activities for the Summerfest. Their presence will greatly help us in assuring the smooth flow of Secretariat requirements, results and data base,” said Marques. For his part, Robillo said, “we now officially declare that AMA Computer College of Davao will power the Davao Summerfest.” The agreement will have the computer learning institution as the provider for all I.T. requirements of the Summerfest like registration, results, and setting up the data base for the vari-

Summer Games

ous events of the festival, including manpower and equipment. The Davao Summerfest officially rolled off last April 27 with the staging of the Opening Ceremonies at the People’s Park. This week, the summerlong sports camps also opened for such disciplines as football and basketball. Today, some 79 teams will vie for honors in the Davao Summer Games Football Festival—the competition phase of the Davao Summerfest—to be held at the sprawling Davao Crocodile Park football complex. On Monday, the 3-day SWEAT (Sports Wellness, Exercise, Acclimatization and Training) Sports Conference will also open at the Davao City Recreation Center. The conference is free to interested participants and will have as speakers former Olympian Elma Muros-Posadas, and Philippine Center for Sports Medicine’s Dr. Alejandro Pineda and Roxanne Narciso.

An Ateneo standout (left) muscles his way against the tight defense of a Holy Child player during one of the matches of the ongoing Coca Cola PBA Youngstars tournament held at Genesis 88 Gym. (Boy Lim)

Football Festival kicks off today

ITH a record cast of 79 teams, the city’s biggest summer football event formally kicks off today at the Davao Crocodile Park football complex. The Davao Summer Games Football Festival, the first event in the competition stage of this year’s Davao Summerfest organized by the City Government of Davao thru the Duaw Davao Festival Foundation, begin this morning with 8 division titles up for grabs. Gene Bangayan, chairperson of the Duaw Davao Festival Foundation, will preside over the ceremoni-

al kick off along with Davao Football Association president Edward “Chaya” Lam. Competitions for Saturday are Players 6, Players 8, Players 10, Boys 12, Girls 14, Boys 14, Boys 18 and Women’s Open. On Sunday, the competitions swing to Players 7, Players 9, Boys 11, Boys 13, Girls 13, Girls 16, Boys 16, and Men’s Open. As of last count, 79 teams including visiting squads from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Cotabato City, Digos City and Sultan Kudarat, have already signed up for the 2-day tournament sanctioned by the DFA.

14 teams will be slugging it out in the premier men’s open division which offers a cash kitty of P15,000, P10,000 and P5,000 to the top 3 squads

courtesy of the City Government of Davao under the leadership of Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Entered in the men’s open are multi-titled Hoo-

TEACH ‘EM YOUNG. A young girl learns ball handling skills in the ongoing Davao Summerfest football camp held at the Davao Crocodile Park football field. The month-long football camp is one of the highlights of this year’s Summerfest. (Boy Lim)

ligans of Davao City, Intangibles FC of Lupon, CF Garelli-A, CF Garelli-B, PTA Boys, Davao Crocodile FC, Instatech Seniors, KMMPC, Belisario Futbol, Cotabato City, FC Super Coffee, M7 United, Ebocci FC, and FilChi United. In the women’s open, confirmed teams were Bernaldez Angels, DDS and Solido FC. This far, the confirmed entries are: Players 6—Blue Monkeys, Davao Crocodile FC, ADDU FC. Players 7—Sakya FC, Davao Crocodile FC-A, Davao Crocodile FC-B, Mintal United. Players 8—ADDU FC, Davao Hynas Soccer Team, Mintal United, Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC. Players 9—Sakya FC, ADDU FC, Mintal United, Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC. Players 10—Black Knights A, Black Knights B, Davao Crocodile FC-1, Davao Crocodile FC-2.

Boys 11—Mintal United, Black Knights-A, Black Knights-B, Davao Crocodile FC, MAPFRE FC, Don Bosco-Cebu, Intatech Juniors. Boys 12—Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC, MAPFRE FC, Team Garbo Davao del Sur, Don Bosco-Cebu, Mintal United. Boys 13—Sakya FC, Mintal United, Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC. Boys 14—Black Knights, LRCA Football Team, Solido FC, Team Garbo Davao del Sur, OLLES FC. Girls 13—Team Garbo Davao del Sur, Ateneo, Instatech Dragonites United. Girls 14—Team Garbo Davao del Sur, ADDU, Instatech Dragonites United. Girls 16—Solido FC, Malaybalay FC, Medvil FC. Boys 16—Holy Child Paladines, RVA, Black Knights-A, Black KnightsB, Black Knights-C, Solido FC, Malaybalay. Boys 18—Dabaw United, PN Roa FC Tabudogs, Panabo.

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 49 â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 12, 2012

SUMMERFEST CAMP. Coach Jose Mari Cabalfin teaches a young kid how to handle the ball in one of the sessions in the ongoing Davao Summerfes Football Camp at the Davao Crocodile Park. (BOY LIM)

EDGEDAVAO

Change we need for these NSAs

N facebook, I posted this poll question: Which NSAs in Davao need a change in leadership? There are some NSAs (National Sports Associations) which our sports community already detest for either overstaying or underachieving. In most cases, both overstaying and underachieving. Take the case of boxing, for a long time it has not progressed since the glory days of amateur boxing ended with the uncle-nephew tandem of Nonoy Garcia and Bing Reta. Today, amateur boxing in Davao City has plummeted down in terms of accomplishments and sustainable development. There is also the case of athletics which badly needed new leadership. I believe it is time to pass the torch to a new and energetic leadership. No

offense here but no one should have a Torrens title to the NSA stronghold. Another is cycling and this is pathetic. For decades, this has been under the rule of one man. Ask around the cycling community and they will tell you a litany of disgust. This will hurt but I have to also air the sentiment of the biking community who has long dreamed of reforms and according to them, it starts with credibility. I agree perfectly with that. Credibility is an uncompromising element of leadership. This is the first measure for a sports leader to be thrust with the responsibility of steering the association. Add to that is vision and genuine dedication. They say they could not find it in the longstaying leadership. You need not look

further. A manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s track record will show. So just like the other NSAs, I leave it now to the community to air their common stand via the poll question we posted. They can read it at the SCOOP page administered by my good friend Lito delos Reyes. Or you can email me at bravoneil@rocketmail. com. After posting it Thursday night, the response has been tremendous. The polling got off quickly. You know who the frontrunner is for the changes? Your guess is as good as mine.