Edge Davao 5 Issue 50 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14 , 2012

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China-PHL standoff

Tours scuttling to hurt country By Jade C. Zaldivar

top government official said the country’s tourism is bound ‘to hurt’ from the month-long Scarborough Shoal standoff at West Philip-

n Stat official says Chinese are

top visitors pine Sea, 120 nautical miles from mainland Zambales. National Statistical Coordination

Board (NSCB) secretary general Romulo Virola during his visit last week in Davao City said he did not how long the standoff would continue. “What we’ve heard about cancelled tours into the Philippines (from China)

FTOUR, 13

Science/Environment Page 4

Sports Page 14

CANAL CLEARING. A team from the city government uses a backhoe to clear solid waste blocking a major canal along Roxas Avenue on Saturday. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Red-tagging, a violation: CHR, advocates By Lorie A. Cascaro

ED-tagging, red-baiting or an act of branding someone as communist, terrorist and the like is a

clear violation of human rights, said lawyer Byron Bocar, executive assistant of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Eta Rosales. “It’s the start of a process which

could lead to involuntary disappearance, torture or even extra judiciary killing. That’s dangerous. It’s a slippery slope,” he said during the human rights defenders forum at the Villa Margarita Hotel,

FRED, 13

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Hotels told:

Submit monthly report on tourist arrivals here By Jade C. Zaldivar

OURISM heads last May 10 told hotels and inns in the city to submit the number of foreign and local tourists they have each month, stressing that “statistics lead to tourism development.” About 170 representatives of hotels and inns have reportedly agreed to submit their hotel occupancy report (HOR) every 10th of the month. Submission to the City Tourism Office (CTO) will start June 10 for the January to May report and will be followed on July 10 for the report for the month of June and so forth. CTO officer Jason Magnaye said the HOR requires hotels to identify the number of available beds, rates, activities, their guests’ nationality, purpose of visit, and age among others. The CTO along with the Department of Tourism (DOT) met with tourism stakeholders after it was observed that there has been “weak cooperation” from occupational establishments. “It’s a natural phenomenon that the private sector hesitates to reveal accurate data. It is an issue of trust that’s why we assured them that the data will be dealt with utmost confidentiality,” said Magnaye in an interview at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. “Based on the number of business establishments registered in 2011, the city has 175 hotels, inns, pensions, etc. but after we made our request for their submission of HOR last February, 70% of them did not respond. It is a bit frustrating but we are glad that after the forum things were cleared up between the local government and the private sector. No one dissented, they agreed to submit heir HOR,” he added. Invited to the meeting

by the CTO and DOT was National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) secretary general Romulo Virola who made an expansive report on how statistics are essential to making sound decisions. “If we look at Region 11 particularly, it was observed that OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) from Mindanao who return to the country prefer to spend their vacation in Region 11. From that information, hotels here can already create strategies on specific the market to strengthen responses,” Virola said in an interview. “Statistics drive us to make reasonable targets and help us generate projections for future use. It puts is on the right footing,” Virola added. DOT regional director Arturo Boncato said the local government is “optimistic about having a strong cooperation with the private sector.’ “We believe by working together we can make accurate and sound decisions to improve the industry. Currently we are targeting markets such as the South Korean, China, Japan, Taiwan, but we can do more with the use of accurate statistics,” he said. In response, Small Hotels Association of Davao president Mary Ann Montemayor agreed to support the local government’s efforts. “We all know that hotels are mushrooming all over the city. For some it’s good news and bad news. It’s good news because it means the city is growing but for us it means we’ll get a lesser piece of the pie share,” she said. “But we’re here not for the bad news but for the good. We agree that with accurate sharing of statistics we’ll be armed with the right knowledge in dealing with our potential market,” Montemayor added.

Davao militants condemn Novo storeowner for fire

ROGRESSIVE groups in Davao City staged a candle-light protest last Thursday in front of the Novo Jeans and Shirts Department Store on Magsaysay Avenue to condemn management for the fire in its Butuan City branch last Wednesday, killing 17 workers in their third floor sleeping quarters. Led by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayanm), the protesters directed their ire at the owner of the store for the tragedy and, in the words of Romualdo Basilio, KMU Southern Mindanao secretary-general, “inhumane treatment” of the victims. The Novo workers re-

portedly worked 12 to 14 hours a day to earn a measly daily wage of P160. Majority of the victims were female, mostly from rural areas, who sought employment in the Butuan City to support their children families back home, according to Mary Ann Sapar, spokesperson of Gabriela Davao. The group cited the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics’ 2011 Gender Statistics on Labor and Employment, which said that “Women still suffer from the highly ‘backward domestic economy’ by being relegated to dangerous and informal jobs with low or no wages at all.” [LORIE A. CASCARO]

RESPECT TRAFFIC RULES. A man uses a brush to paint big letters in red paint to remind drivers in the city to respect the proper loading and unloading zones. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Basilan massacre

Zamora-Apsay, other solons extend financial help to slain soldiers’ kin

N support of House Resolution No. 226 adopted by the House of Representatives earlier this year, Rep. ZamoraApsay recently affixed her signature authorizing the Accounting Service of the legislature to deduct from her salary the amount of P5,000 as financial assistance to the families of

the 19 soldiers slain in alBarka, Basilan on October 18, 2011. “This amount may be insignificant compared to the ultimate price paid by our gallant troops who laid down their lives in the call of duty during the Basilan clash, but taken together with the contribution of my colleagues in

Far-flung village receives assistance from military

OME 1,500 residents of Barangay Mgwawa, Sto. Tmas, Davao del Norte, have benefitted from the 10th Infantry Division’s services rendered to the commuity in the form of medical and dental assistance. Malariacases finding, nutrition feeding, etcetera. The Public Affairs Office of 10th ID said the service drive held last May 11 also involved the combined efforts of the provincial government and the LGU of Sto. Tomas and the Philippine National Police. Held at the Magwawa Elementary School, the services also included Tutok Kubeta, Kutis Kilatis, Red Cop, a free lugaw program, slippers for day care children, and delivery of educational materials, aside from the Libreng Gupit program, the PNP attended to Consultation and Issuance of Police Clearance. Those were not all because there was also also distribution of vegetable

and fruit tree seedlings, delivery of animal health services, and free medicine along with free legal consultation service and registration with the local Civil Registrar and Philhealth. Magwawa barangay captain Petronilo Dejarme was thankful for the free services given to the people of his far-flung community. Dejarme said their barangay has yet to have potable water supply, and his constituents have requested that they have a bridge, health center, a main road to Davao City, school renovations and a covered court with a basketball court. Meanwhile, 1003rd Brigade commander Col. Lysander Suerte said the AFP “will continue to facilitate in securing and nurturing peaceful communities through developmental efforts in coordination with local government units, line government agencies and all proponents of peace and goodwill.”[JCZ]

the legislature, it will provide significant financial help to the soldiers’ bereaved families,” the lawmaker said. HR 226 recognizes the financial assistance of legislators as an expression of deep gratitude and appreciation for the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers in the service of their country.

The voluntary contributions were overwhelmingly pledged by Members of the House of Representatives immediately after the incident and later formalized through the resolution. HR 226 was principally authored by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and was adopted on January 31, 2012.

By Lorie A. Cascaro

side. Our only concerns are transnational crimes such as smuggling, piracy and other illegal activities at sea,” he said. The newly established coast watch stations in the six areas of NFEM, including Balut island, Maitum, Maasim, Kalamansig, and Tinaka, monitor the seas that are not covered by the ships. He bared that the NFEM is among the largest areas of responsibility of the Philippine Navy, and that larger ships are needed to cover the area. However, the coast watch stations play a significant role in patrolling the seas. In fact, he recalled, only this year, they were able to rescue a distressed vessel from the territorial waters of Indonesia after being stranded for four days. “It was from the report of the coast watch that we informed our ship to rescue the distressed vessel with eight or nine fishermen aboard,” he said. The NFEM was

Two more ships to join NF Eastern Mindanao

WO more ships will soon join nine others of the Naval Force Eastern Mindanao in time for the 114th foundation anniversary of the Philippine Navy on May 22. The NFEM will receive the two ships in formal ceremonies on May 22 at the Feranil Pier in Panacan, Davao City. The two newly repaired ships of the Philippine Navy are a cargo ship that is also used to transport troops from one place to another while the other is a patrol gunboat used in anti-smuggling operations and related criminal acts at sea like piracy. BRP Magat Salamat (PS20) Captain Robert Empedrad, deputy commander for fleet operations and commander Naval Task Force Seahawk of NFEM, said last Friday that the 11 ships would be enough to cover their area of responsibility. “Threats are not coming from the East. We have no threats from the out-

FTWO, 13

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

The Business PAPER

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

Angara seeks nationwide campaign against rash of child snatching cases A URORA Rep. Sonny Angara yestaerday called on the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to launch a coordinated campaign to stop the recent spate of child abductions that had drew serious safety concerns from parents. “The recent reports of missing children, the latest victims being

snatched in broad daylight, should be a serious concern for law enforcement agencies,” said Angara, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, adding that a congressional inquiry could now be in order in light of this alarming development. Angara is worried that child-snatching is also affecting other parts

of the country, especially the far-flung areas. This calls for a better coordination nationwide among law enforcement agencies to ensure that children are unharmed and not victimized, he said. “I am concerned because this could be a symptom of graver problems like child trafficking, trade of human organs and other modus

operandi using children to commit crimes,” said the representative from Aurora. The national and local government, Angara said, must also take steps, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, the civil society and media, to warn the public and advise parents to give safety messages to their children.

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

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

HUMAN RIGHTS WORKER. The wife and 5 children of currently detained human rights worker Cocoy Tulawie calls for the swift and unadulterated process on the case of Tulawie on Friday. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Saving biodiversity from extinction

Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

INCE 2003, Danilo C. Dequiña Collecting has been collecting marine turtle eggs along the shore of Old Poblacion Beach in Maitum, Sarangani. He brings the eggs to the hatchery, some 50 meters away from the seashore. The hatchery is actually a sand parcel under the coconut trees enclosed by a rectangular black fine-meshed net dotted by rounded green plastic sheet. The eggs hatch after 45 to 70 days. Immediately, Dequiña releases the hatchlings in the seashore. So far, more than 3,000 hatchlings have been released to the ocean. “As a result of what Dequiña has been doing, the survival rates of marine turtles in the area have dramatically increased,” says Jerry C. Bascuña, the municipal environment and natural resources officer. “In the past, these marine turtles just nest anywhere and most of the eggs are not hatched.” “I know that in my own way, I have contributed something for the protection and conservation of marine turtles. If we don’t do something now, they may be gone from our waters soon,” Dequiña says. What Dequiña is doing is indeed laudable, especially now that the United Nations has declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). Primarily, IYB is a worldwide campaign against ignorance and apathy, a challenge to educate urban and rural populations on the perils of biodiversity loss. “While climate change has (former American Vice President) Al Gore who raises public awareness and mobilizes support to combat its effects, biodiversity remains faceless,” laments Rodrigo Fuentes, the executive director of the Philippine-based Asean Center for Biodiversity

(ACB). Biodiversity – shorter form of biological diversity – refers to the variety of life forms on this planet. “Biodiversity is complex beyond our understanding, and valuable beyond our ability to measure,” explains John C. Ryan, author of Life Support: Conserving Biological Diversity. Biodiversity encompasses the number of species, the genetic diversity within the species and in the different ecosystems that they form. The range of biodiversity varies in different parts of the planet according to climatic conditions. Experts believe the greatest diversity is found in the land and in the sea within the humid tropical regions. Tropical forests, for instance, contain at least half of the world’s

“Second only to Brazil” is how the Philippines been described as it has one of the highest rates of wildlife endemism in the

“A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence.” – Dr. Lee Talbot, who used to head the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation for Nature and Natural Resources species, most of them as yet neither identified nor studied. The Philippines is among the world’s seventeen “megadiversity” countries, which together account for some 60-70 percent of total global biodiversity. What is alarming is that the country is also included in the list of biodiversity “hotspots” – threatened areas with very high levels of biodiversity.

world. Its estimated two million species include 8,000 flowering plants, 395 birds, 180 mammals, and 293 reptiles and amphibians. The diversity of its fauna is second only to those found in Madagascar. Mount Makiling in Laguna alone has been found to have a higher species diversity than the whole of North America. In 1997, the late award-winning

zoologist Dioscoro Rabor reported at lest 50 species of mammals, 120 bird species, six species of amphibians, 19 types of reptiles and several varieties of fish inhabiting the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. The Philippines has among the highest rates of discovery in the world with sixteen new species of mammals discovered in the last ten years. Because of this, environmentalists believe that the rate of endemism for the Philippines is likely to rise. However, conservationists fear that, without immediate intervention, the Philippines hotspot is on the brink of an extinction crisis. In fact, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has identified the Philippines as “one of the most endangered of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.” “We are proud that our biodiversity here is among the worlds richest, but we also know that it is highly threatened due to human actions and climate change,” observed Lealyn A. Ramos, director of the Mindanao Rural Development Program. A World Bank report said “widespread destruction and conversion of natural habitats, overexploitation, and pollution have led to rapid biodiversity loss.” Natural habitats refer to forests, which are believed to shelter more than half of the country’s life forms. Once the natural habitat is destroyed, the inhabitants are likely to vanish as well. That is the reason for the increasing number of endangered species in the country, such as the famous Philippine Eagle. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) admitted that more than half of the native fauna in the country face the threat of extinction. Of the 1,137

bird, mammal and amphibian species endemic to the country, 592 are considered “threatened or endangered” by the IUCN Red List, along with 227 endemic species of flowering plants. Animals that grow in the wild, according to Rodolfo Caberoy, do not survive even in protected captivity. The curator of the Zoology Division of the National Museum explained that some animals like the tarsier and tamaraw sometimes waste away on purpose when held captive. Those bred in artificial and controlled environment usually do not live as long and are not as strong as their counterparts in the wild. They lack the natural skills and instincts learned from survival in the forests. “Galapagos times 10” is the term used to describe the richness of Philippine biodiversity. Sheltering under the canopy of its vast rainforests and frolicking in its waters are some of the world’s most unique creatures - the Philippine mouse deer, the world’s

smallest hoofed mammal; the Palawan peacock pheasant, widely considered to be the most beautiful of the peacock species; the Philippine Eagle, one of the rarest eagles in the world; and the whale shark (butanding), the world’s largest fish, among many others. “With these biological resources lie a wealth of genetic information that holds possibly new solutions to our present problems of poverty, hunger, and disease,” said a DENR report. It added that the biological specimens preserved in national parks and other protected areas have potential sources of materials for the country’s chemical industries. It reported also noted their potential as sources of materials for improved agricultural productivity. Meanwhile, “irresponsible human activities have increased extinction levels (of biodiversity) over the past decades at 100 to 1,000 times the normal rate,” deplored ACB’s Fuentes.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

USAID projects boost economy

ARANGAY bridges constructed in Mindanao bring an average return of about two pesos for every peso invested in them, the USAID said. The USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao

Program quoted a study by the Ateneo de Davao Institute for Socio-Economic Development Initiatives. According to the study, barangay bridges such as those that are funded under USAID’s Growth with

Peso cringes with Europe situation

HE local bourse ended Friday on the red on account of negative external environment, particularly in Europe, reversing gains earlier in the day. The main Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 33.96 points or 0.6541 percent to 5,158.14 points over the previous day’s 5,192.10 points. Similarly, the broader all shares index contracted by 16.91 points or 0.4941 percent to 3,405.22 points from dayago’s 3,439.15 points. Only the holding firms posted gains among the sectoral indices at 4,556.52 points, up by 3.10 points or 0.0681

from Thursday’s 4559.62 points. Value turnover reached P6.07 billion after four billion shares changed hands. Losers edged gainers at 130 to 52 while 26 stocks were unchanged. Relatively, the local currency shed P0.18 after ending this week at 42.57 over the 42.39 to a dollar Thursday. It started the day at 42.41, better than the previous day’s 42.50. Average rate for the day stood at 42.48, slightly weaker than the 42.45 a day ago. Volume of trade reached US$ 1.1 billion from the US$ 964.71 million in the previous day.

Equity in Mindanao Program, bring in an average return of about two pesos for every peso invested in them. The USAID has implemented more than 1,400 community infrastructure projects across the Mindanao region. One of these projects is a bridge built through a partnership between the municipality of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and USAID. The municipality of Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat partnered with the USAID to build the Laguinding Barangay Bridge and covered 25 percent of the total cost of the project. The bridge improves the farm-to-market delivery of agricultural commodities from the surrounding area and helps control water flow during the rainy season. This is one of more than 1,400 community infrastructure projects implemented by USAID across the Mindanao region. The GEM program is funded by the USAID and is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Farm to Market Road. Board Member George Perrett, Mayor Elsie Perrett, Vice Mayor Tito Balazon Sr. and Provincial Engineer Jerry Belbider break ground for the improvement of FEIMCO-Seaside farm-to-market-road Thursday, May 10, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Instead of the usual shovel, they used a road grader to perform the groundbreaking. The project has a total cost

of P10,350,054.86 with a duration of 160 calendar days to be implemented by Marbel Construction Development (MARCON). The project covers the concreting of 1.80 kms road length with a 4-meter carriageway and 1.5-meter shoulder on both sides; installation of cross drainage and construction of 1 unit box culvert.

ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012 How is the crisis affecting us now?

SC dismisses tax refund claim of Shell

4 years after ‘all hell T broke loose’ in 2008 By Gico Dayanghirang

HAT indeed has happened since the financial crisis in the USA that has quickly deteriorated into an economic crisis and rudely interrupted the whole world in 2008? It depends on which part of the world one may be. This is because responses to the crisis and the outcome have varied from country to country and from region to region. The USA has quickly introduced fiscal and monetary stimulus that have restored growth but not enough to prevent massive unemployment. President Barack Obama could do no more because the Republicans have taken control of the Senate. They have opposed any further stimulus which otherwise would have mitigated unemployment. The Federal Reserve Board can still do more to inject more liquidity into the system but it is being timid for fear of the consequences of doing too much such as runaway inflation. In the Euro zone, Germany has protected itself from recession also by introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus. The stimulus has been complemented by other measures such as striking a deal with the labor unions to reduce working hours or pay. This has enabled crisis affected companies to keep their workforce despite depressed consumer demand thus avoiding massive unemployment. But Germany’s resilience may

Year over Year 2012 WEO Projections World Output1 Advanced Economies United States Euro Area Germany France Italy Spain Japan United Kingdom Canada Other Advanced Economies Newly Industrialized Asian Economies

be short lived. It is expected to be weighed down by the less than positive outlook for outlying Euro zone countries such as Portugal, Italy, Iceland, Greece and Spain (PIIGS). The situation of other Euro zone countries such as Portugal, Italy, Iceland, Greece and Spain (PIIGS) are at still uncertain. Greece, Spain and Italy are in dire straits and may yet to bring the entire Euro zone down with them. These countries have borrowed heavily prior to the crisis but have not used their borrowed money wisely. Loans have been used for political patronage rather than on improving the productive capacity of their respective economies. Greece, Spain and Italy have since been bailed out with generous refinancing by the European Central Bank (ECB) with Germany making huge contributions to the bank. But severe austerity has also been imposed

2010 World Output1 5.3 Emerging and Developing 7.5 Economies Central and Eastern Europe 4.5 Commonwealth of Independent 4.8 States Russia 4.3 Excluding Russia 6.0 Developing Asia 9.7 China 10.4 India 10.6 ASEAN-‐5 7.0 Latin America and the 6.2 Caribbean Brazil 7.5 Mexico 5.5 Middle East and North Africa 4.9 (MENA) Sub-‐Saharan Africa 5.3 South Africa 2.9 Memorandum European Union 2.0

Code

Product label

Exported value in 2007

2011 3.9 6.2

2010 5.3 3.2 3.0 1.9 3.6 1.4 1.8 –0.1 4.4 2.1 3.2 5.8 8.5

2013 4.1 6.0

5.3 4.9

1.9 4.2

2.9 4.1

2.7 4.0 3.5

3.0 3.6 4.2

4.1 3.7 3.7

4.3 6.2 7.8 9.2 7.2 4.5 4.5

5.1 3.1 1.6

Exported value in 2008

4.0 4.6 7.3 8.2 6.9 5.4 3.7

5.4 2.7 0.0

Exported value in 2009

Exported value in 2010

3.9 4.6 7.9 8.8 7.3 6.2 4.1

5.3 3.4 1.3

Exported value in 2011

TOTAL All products

50,465,711 49,077,540 38,435,802 51,497,515 48,042,193

'85

Electrical, electronic equipment

22,155,302 20,795,048 15,546,538 22,589,929 16,295,825

'84

Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, etc 10,798,304

9,506,830

8,683,568 10,848,359

9,108,803

'87

Vehicles other than railway, tramway

2,213,727

1,567,731

2,226,364

1,808,230

2011 3.9 1.6 1.7 1.4 3.1 1.7 0.4 0.7 –0.7 0.7 2.5 3.2 4.0

on these countries by the ECB and Germany. This contradiction is keeping their economies from recovering and therefore from repaying their debts. Unless the ECB reverses this contradiction, Greece, Spain and Italy may yet go belly-up taking the ECB and the entire Euro zone down with them. The political mood in Germany does not favor another rescue. Instead of stimulus spending, the UK has imposed the same self-defeating austerity measures imposed on Greece, Spain and Italy. The intention has been to reduce pressure on credit by reducing government borrowing thus lowering interest rates and making loans cheaper and accessible to businesses. Interest rates indeed are at all-time low but, with consumer demand so depressed, there is no incentive for businesses to borrow and increase capacity. The UK as a con2012 3.5 5.7

1,860,902

2012 3.5 1.4 2.1 –0.3 0.6 0.5 –1.9 –1.8 2.0 0.8 2.1 2.6 3.4

2013 4.1 2.0 2.4 0.9 1.5 1.0 –0.3 0.1 1.7 2.0 2.2 3.5 4.2

sequence has recently slid back into recession while other developed economies adopting an expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, such as the USA, are now recovering from the deepest global economic recession since last in 1928. Japan has earlier pumped primed its economy but with no positive result. Japanese society is heavily indebted and consumers are using the extra money to repay their debts rather than on consumption. This is a situation which economists call a liquidity trap. The Bank of Japan needs to inject more liquidity into the system but has been reluctant to do so.

F4 YEARS, 13

HE Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the claims for P95 million tax refund filed by multinational oil company Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation against the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). In a ruling written by Associate Justice Martin Villarama Jr., the SC’s First Division granted the petition for review on certiorari filed by the BIR. The SC reversed and set aside “the decision dated March 25, 2009 and resolution dated June 24, 2009 of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) en banc.” Concurring with the ruling promulgated on April 25, 2012 were Chief Justice Renato Corona and Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Lucas Bersamin and Mariano Del Castillo. The CTA dismissed the petition for review filed by the BIR assailing the CTA First Division’s decision dated April 25, 2008 and resolution dated July 10, 2008 which ordered the BIR to refund the excise taxes paid by Shell on petroleum products it sold to international carriers. Shell filed on July 18, 2002 before the BIR a formal claim for refund or tax credit in the total amount of P28,064,925.15 representing excise taxes it allegedly paid on sales and deliveries of gas and fuel

oils to various international carriers from October to December 2001. It filed on October 21, 2002 a similar claim for refund or tax credit before the BIR covering the period from January to March 2002 in the amount of P41,614,827.99. Shell filed on July 3, 2003 another formal claim for refund or tax credit in the amount of P30,652,890.55 covering deliveries from April to June 2002. Since no action was taken by the BIR on its claims, Shell filed separate petitions for review before the CTA on Sept. 19, 2003 and Dec. 23, 2003, respectively. In its decision on the consolidated cases, the CTA’s First Division ruled that respondent is entitled to the refund of excise taxes in the reduced amount of P95,014,283. The CTA First Division relied on a previous ruling rendered by the CTA en banc in the case of “Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue” where the CTA also granted respondent’s claim for refund on the basis of excise tax exemption for petroleum products sold to international carriers of foreign registry for their use or consumption outside the Philippines. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO Decision points on principles COMMENT BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

EDITORIAL

A ‘noynoying’ ‘white elephant’

NE of the questions fielded by Commissioner Ruffy Biazon of the Bureau of Customs when he visited Davao City two weeks ago was about the sophisticated x-ray machines owned by the bureau. The x-ray machines, about 30 units of them all over the country and valued in the billions of pesos, were procured by the past administration purportedly to help the BOC ascertain that incoming cargoes are not undervalued, otherwise consignees and their brokerage agents would be able to cheat the government on taxes, if not misdeclare contraband goods or smuggled items like firearms and illegal drugs. In Customs areas where they are properly utilized, the x-ray machines are credited with the efficient collection of taxes by the BOC, aside from effectively detecting and preventing the entry of contraband or prohibited cargo. This is especially true in the ports of Batangas, Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Unfortunately for Davao City, the x-ray machine valued at around P260 million has been lying idle in the Designated Examination Area (DEA) for more than a year now due to some pending criminal and civil cases stemming from a questionable act of a former customs collector, who had allegedly illegally ordered the closure of the DEA. The closure

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was questioned by the DEA operator who later also filed criminal cases against the customs collector and some other personalities for graft and corruption. The controversy had already caused the arrest of the collector for contempt of court for his refusal to reopen the DEA. He was later transferred to the port of Cagayan de Oro. The decision of a lower court to reopen the examination area was reportedly affirmed by the Court of Appeals two weeks ago, but considering the fact that the losing parties have a right to appeal the case, the decision is far from being final and executory. As a result, the x-ray machine sits idly inside the DEA practically useless, instead of helping Ruffy Biazon and his men improve their tax collection performance which has so far failed to achieve quota for the longest time. If this very expensive equipment is not a “white elephant” we don’t know what is. Among those saddened by the uselessness of this costly contraption are members of anti-corruption groups whose leaders cannot seem to convince the Aquino administration of the need for a decisive move on its part to settle the case. This can be done because government is one of the parties. This form of “noynoying” should now stop.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

[Part1]

HE “Decision” is a “breakthrough”. This is the tone of the popular reaction. Topping the commendation for the Parties in reconciling their positions is the optimism that a peace agreement will soon be reached; an influential leader in the Senate promised to lead in fulfilling the legislative aspects of the agreement. Opinion makers in the Manila media, critics and keen watchers of Government-MILF peace negotiation are silent. Are they satisfied with the “Decision”? Is the Mindanao issue just drowned by more sensational national and international issues? Or, does the “silence” mean a “wait-and-see” stance? As earlier posed, the intentions of the “Decision” are clear. But what it intends to happen may not be what the Parties really want to happen. In reality, principles as means are often interpreted to suit the ends of the interpreters. Will the Parties treat the “Decision” differently? What have they said to foster a “wait-and-see” stance? According to Mandate In his opening statement, GPH Panel Chair Marvic Leonen addresses “reports quoting various sources from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front voicing some concerns about the GPH and its position in relation to these negotiations” particularly in “decision-making procedures”. The panel receives its mandate from the President and those “we identify as stakeholders” through consultations, he explains. The President makes the policy, not the panel chair or the presidential adviser on the peace process. Evidently, from Leonen’s explanation, the panel uses the empirical approach to arrive at its position. “Possibilities discussed during the negotiations, be they formal or informal, are simply that: possibilities for the consideration by the other side. They should never be confused for actual positions already. We do state when we are ready to take a position and to discuss the interest and reasons behind such positions. We take care that these positions are always just and legitimate.” [Emphasis supplied] He continues to relate how the government panel came to agree with MILF to formulate the “Decision”, the principles of autonomy and their relevance to the negotiation. These will be discussed in “Recapitulation”, the concluding article of this series. The empirical approach characterizes the President’s two-point order when he constituted the panel. The order as Leonen recalls in his postsigning statement: “(1) to consider the Government’s ability to deliver, politically, economically and socially, commitments made and signed at the negotiating table and (2) to continue sincere and open dialogues not only with the MILF, but also with all sectors affected by the negotiating process.” Regarding the “common points” of the “Decision”, “these … are commitments that can be properly accommodated by our current legal and political realities [according to the first order]”. And more important for Government, “… having these common points in writing and making [the document] public are part of its sincere commitment to maintain transparency in these talks, as far as practicable, and to continue dialogues and consultations with affected sectors [according to the second order]”. Mutuality, Scope In his post-signing statement, Leonen, referring to the “Decision” as “the document”, first describes it as mutually acceptable. “For the GPH, this document is a preliminary listing of common points, which the Parties have mutually identified, coming from their respective initial positions: the MILF, from their February 2011 Revised Comprehensive Compact and the GPH, from its 3-for-1 August 2011 proposal.”

EDGEDAVAO

A N D I D SHOTS – The bureaucracy must focus on its core functions and do well to be able to do more with less interference. People want a government that is efficient and cost-effective in the performance of its functions and the delivery of services. Having a clean, honest and efficient government provides a society of opportunity rather than dependency. We must therefore ignite in each individual a sense of personal responsibility for the development of the country – giving them the opportunity to excel in every endeavor, or taking pride in their productivity and capacity to contribute to national prosperity and returning to them their identity as Filipinos. oooOooo FOOD WITH LESS NUTRITIONAL VALUE – The food industry probably is one of the fastest-growing, if not the biggest, enterprises in the world. As countries continue to develop, people similarly are demanding for more, better food. But the changing lifestyles and dietary patterns in patronizing wheatbased fast-food chains have actually changed life as we knew it – and the alteration is already happening in the Philippines. Urban lifestyles and hectic work schedules nowadays leave many Filipinos less time to go to the market, prepare and cook food. No wonder many of us are now frequenting fast-food chains to indulge in Western-type staples like bread, burger and pasta or making do with ready-to-cook but chemically-laced

Some causes for concern food packets purchased from the supermarket or the suki corner store. Food and nutrition experts acknowledge that there are some causes of concern. Many of them discovered that wheat-based foods such as pasta, as well as the very popular instant pack meals have less nutritional value than the traditional Filipino meal of rice, vegetables, fish and meat. This contributes to a growing sense of wariness among Filipino food lovers. Experts think that eating Western-type food currently tickling the Filipino appetite doesn’t feel right. But what is really behind the Filipino’s acceptance of Western-type food products? In recent years, the country’s need to import its food requirements has been growing at accelerating pace. The primary reason is that most imported brand foods patronized by Filipino consumers are made from wheat, which , of course, is not grown in the country. At the same time, many local farmers no longer plant rice and other traditional food crops for their countrymen to eat because they are venturing into other crops and fruit-bearing plants which they have found to be more profitable to grow. The expansion of modern fast-food facilities in the country linked to capitalists in the US, rapid growth and increased demand for Western-type staples all point towards an increase in food imports. Developing countries, including the Philippines, are practically a big captive market. What is noticeable is the presence of big food corporations from well-developed and industrialized countries in the country. These are some of the signs that food security for Filipinos is beginning to mean an increased

dependence on imported wheat-based, chicken, pork and beef products. Although some sectors believe that eating food being dished up by various fast-food chains doesn’t feel right and something definitely different from the traditional Filipino meal consisting of rice, vegetables, fish and meat, wheatbased fast-food owners and producers, nevertheless are enthusiastic that their business will continue to progress smoothly. Leading multinationals are still likely to dominate the fast-food chain business worldwide. But some successful local fast-food chains likewise play a crucial role in the same line of business. A case in point: similarly dishing up Western-type food like beef and chicken burgers, hotdogs and sausages, pastas and variants of thirst quenchers, but given a twist of Filipino taste. The strategy seems to be working effectively even if it’s a copied or inherited form of business. Some enterprising local entrepreneurs noted that it’s very important to have a share of the fastfood chain business because Filipino food lovers also like it and it is something where homegrown capitalists make millions if not billions of pesos. As might be expected, government efforts are also directed at building and aggressively opening up markets for traditional Filipino food chains because it is one area where consumers and food lovers could benefit added nutritional value. Till then, however, it may do Filipino food enthusiasts good to go back to paksiw na isda, sinigang na baboy, inihaw na pusit, litsong manok, kare-kare, pinakbet, and an array of delectable but very affordable Filipino cuisine.

PWDs must vote in the 2013 elections

EOPLE with disabilities (PWDs’) more often than not, experience various discrimination from different sectors of the society. The word disability summarizes different functional limitations which may be physical disability, intellectual or sensory impairment, medical conditions or mental illness. There are over 500 million persons with disabilities in the world today suffering from unwanted situations such as the problem of voting. In the 2013 elections, Fully Abled Nation (FAN), a three-year Disability-Inclusive Elections Program spearheaded by the Asia Foundation and supported by the Australian Aid (Aus Aid) reinforces their right of suffrage. The three- year program will also have three objectives. Aside from increasing voting awareness among PWDs, the foundation will also weigh up their current status and organizations, policies and government agencies related to their concerns. The FAN foundation will conduct surveys to assess the awareness of PWDs’ electoral rights and participation to provide a baseline from which to measure their increased responsiveness of these rights. Media campaign will also be strengthened in cooperation with Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Disabled Peoples Organization (DPOs) for information dissemination. There is also a need to promote partnerships to enhance support and awareness of PWDs’ participatory needs through discussions and dialogues. Election-focused Non-Government Or-

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

COMMENTARY BY CARMINA GEENE N. MALLARI ganizations (NGOs) will also promote the participation of PWDs’ in electoral processes. Assistance in drafting recommendations for Local Government Units (LGUs) such as voter registration, establishment of voters’ assistance desks, special polling centers, etc, will be implemented for PWDs. FAN’s objective is to strengthen the capabilities of DPOs and NGOs in supporting PWDs’ advocacies by providing technical assistance on strategies, financial management, volunteer management and media training. What’s more, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that there was a demand to give the PWDs’a special treatment and a special place to participate in next year’s election. Accessible polling stations, ballots printed in Braille and sign language interpreters are some of the factors needing to be addressed. On the part of Congress, Rep. Teddy Casiño authored House Bill 4048, titled ‘Polling Center Accessibility Act,’ which seeks the designation of special rooms for PWDs’ and senior citizens at the ground floor of multi-storey polling centers, and requiring only the allocation of extra ballot boxes. The Comelec said the polling places would have their own separate voters list, special Boards of Election Inspectors (SBEIS), election paraphernalia, and PCOS machines. And most importantly, Sarmiento re-

quested President Benigno S. Aquino III to appoint state solicitor Jessica S. Magbanua to replace Augusto C. Lagman to the Commission to make history; because if given a chance, Magbanua would be the first Commissioner born with spina bifida (spinal disease) and severe club feet condition. Sarmiento said: “We have a vacancy in the Comelec now and soon I am going to retire; it is my wish to see a person with disabilities seated as a Comelec commissioner.” Magbanua, is an alumna of St. Scholastica’s College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Management in 1994. A Bachelor of Laws degree from Arellano University in 2000, and passed the 2002 Bar exams. The thesis she used while studying Masters of Law in the University of Santo Tomas is entitled “Providing adequate legal assistance to persons with disabilities.” She is a member of Consultative Advisory Group, Sub-Committee on Accessibility and Telecommunications (SCAT) of the National Council on Disability Affairs and board secretary of AKAP-Pinoy, a federation of organizations of and for PWDs in the Philippines. She was also a participant in the national and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)Paragames, she won a gold medal in the Women’s Wheelchair Table Tennis division in the 2005 Luzon Paragames and in the 3rd Davao City Table Tennis Open in 2006. Truly, PWDs are slowly making inroads into the mainstream of the society, which proves they do not deserve to be discriminated on and underestimated in their ability to be useful. [PNA]

Saving PHL coral reefs SPECIAL FEATURE BY AGNES C. DELA CERNA

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is refining guidelines for implementing its new Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Protection Program (CRRPP) so the agency can better institutionalize the eco-systems approach to saving and conserving coral reefs nationwide. DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau’s Coastal and Marine Management Office Executive Director Jacob Meimban Jr. raised urgency for institutionalizing such approach, noting studies show only about five percent of the country’s estimated 2.5 million hectares of coral reefs are still in excellent condition. “We need such wholistic approach since an eco-system’s elements are interlinked,” he said on the side of the consultation-workshop the agency held on Friday in Metro Manila for refining the guidelines. The tentative guidelines are contained in a proposed DENR memorandum circular on implementing CRRPP. CRRPP aims to help address food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, coastal communities’ well-being, livelihood as well as need for public awareness and action on saving Philippine coral reefs. DENR’s proposed memorandum circular cites five components for the eco-systems-based program. Such components are habitat and vulnerability assessment, coral reef rehabilitation and protection, social mobilization and development, marine protected areas’ establishment, strengthening and networking as well as sustainable livelihood interventions. “We’re entering a new phase of intervention for our coral reefs,” Meimban noted. Experts said coral reefs are diverse underwater eco-systems built from calcium carbonate that corals secrete. They also said corals are colonies of identical marine animals belonging to phylum ‘Cnidaria’ which includes reef builders inhabiting tropical marine waters. Unsustainable fishing practices are among the causes they cited for coral reef destruction in the country. For 2012, Meimban said government set a budget of P8 million for CRRPP. “Our aim is to secure higher budgets in the future to have more monitoring stations, divers and boats needed in saving our coral reefs,” he said. Meimban noted DENR previously focused on coral transplantation to help restore damaged reefs in the country. DENR decided focusing on the wholistic eco-systems approach instead as studies show coral transplantation is not as effective as expected, he recalled. “It’s also more expensive, requiring between P1.8 million to P2.2 million per hectare,” he said. He clarified DENR regional offices that already commenced coral transplantation activities can continue undertaking these. The offices must also implement ecosystems interventions appropriate in respective areas of jurisdiction, he said. Earlier, DENR set as a 2013-2016 CRRPP target the rehabilitation and protection of some 889,636 hectares of damaged and healthy coral reefs nationwide. Such coral reefs are within 52 marine key biodiversity areas, DENR noted. DENR also said its annual rehabilitation and protection target for the reference period is 222,409 hectares of coral reefs. “An eco-systems approach will help make our targets attainable,” Meimban said. [PNA]

Quips

‘THERE’S a need to change public perception that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is the electoral cheating capital of the Philippines.’ --Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez

COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

In Photos

Farmers graduate from SM Foundation By Lean Daval, Jr.

Cristie Angeles, Assistant Vice President of SM Foundation, Inc., congratulates a farmer during the SM Foundation, Inc.’s ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ graduation ceremony on Friday at SM city Davao’s The Annex. LEAN DAVAL, JR.

A farmer who undertook the SM Foundation Inc.’s ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ training program harvests honeydew melons during the harvest festival and culmination on Thursday at Purok 4, Sition Sta. Marina, Brgy. Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13201-12

ALFREDO B. DELA CRUZ Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Farmers who undertook the SM Foundation Inc.’s ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ training program harvest honeydew melons they planted during the harvest festival and culmination on Thursday at Purok 4, Sitio Sta. Marina, Brgy. Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City.

Cristie Angeles, Assistant Vice President of SM Foundation, Inc., delivers an inspirational message to the farmers during the SM Foundation, Inc.’s ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ graduation ceremony on Friday at SM city Davao’s The Annex.

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against ALFREDO B. DELA CRUZ, with postal addresses at 75-E Quirino Avenue ,Davao City and Lot 29, Blk.5, PH II, Sta. Barbara, LA VERNA HILLS SUBD., BO. PAMPANGA, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 9, 2010 amounts to THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY PESOS and 57/100 (300,560.57),Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-179703 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 29, Blk.5, situated in the Barangay of Pampanga,,City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE (145) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

SPS. MIGUELITO P. LOJARIO AND ADORACION M. LOJARIO Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. MIGUELITO P. LOJARIO AND ADORACION M. LOJARIO, with postal addresses at Villa Fuerte St.,Calinan, Davao City and Lot 32, Blk. 8 Ph. I, Mt.Matutum St.,JULIVILLE SUBD. I, BRGY. TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 9, 2010 amounts to THREE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY NINE PESOS AND 02/100 (305,749.02),Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-173203 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 32, Blk.8, situated in the Barrio of Tigatto, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) REYNALDO O. GIRADO Sheriff IV

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) REYNALDO O. GIRADO Sheriff IV Noted by:

Lynette Lopez, SM City Davao mall manager, delivers a message during the SM Foundation, Inc.’s ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ graduation ceremony on Friday at SM city Davao’s The Annex. ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ is a farmers training program of SM Foundation, Inc. with the help of the Department of Agriculture and HARBEST AgriBusiness Corp.

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- ALFREDO B. DELA CRUZ PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13202-12

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor –SPS.MIGUELITO P. LOJARIO AND ADORACION M. LOJARIO PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

ComVal Round-up

9th Bayani Challenge in Mabini commences I

T’S a shower of blessing in Compostela Valley as the 9th Bayani Challenge commences on May 8 in Purok 4, San Antonio, Mabini amidst a rainy afternoon. This is anchored on the GK1MB or the Gawad Kalinga Isang Milyong Bayani with a rallying call “Pilipinas Ngayon Na!” The second to the last town to be established with a Gawad Kalinga village, this is now the realization of the GK champion, Gov. Arturo Uy’s aspiration to have GK villages throughout the 11 municipalities in the province. Named “Ang Bagong Malamboong Mabini Uswag GK Village,” this will have 28 houses to be built by volunteers from various government and private sectors. Usually, a team is formed with at least 15 members including 5-6 skilled workers like carpenters and masons while the rest of the volunteers act as labourers to help in any way they can. The teams comprise the provincial govern-

ment of Comval with 10 houses built by different office departments, Office of Cong. Maricar and former Congressman Manuel Zamora with 2 houses, local governments of Mabini, Nabunturan, Monkayo, Laak, Montevista, New Bataan, and Maco. Also answering to the call of heroism are the 10th ID AFP/1001st, 71st IB AFP/TCBCI/ DEPED and Brgy. Council of Cabuyuan, Knights of Columbus/DYA Sto Nino/Sto Nino Parish, DILG/PNP Lapinigan, Mabini Police Station, MCBCI/ Brgy. San Antonio, St. Augustine Mining Corp./ Russel Mining, Ruthsils Minerals/ LGU Pantukan, Omandac family/brgy. Pindasan, and Provincial Consultative body/IP/72nd IB. Aside from the regular teams assigned with a house to build, other daily volunteers called the Type B comprising the Couples for Christ, youth organizations, students, schools and other government and private institutions also share their time, labor of love and other re-

Summer Big Brother for literacy on-going

NOTHER bright side for the province’s summer fun is the conduct of the Summer Big Brother! Reading is Fun!--- a reading and literacy program for selected grades 1 and 2 pupils of the three (3) pilot schools: Panoraon Elementary School of Maco, Bukal Elementary School, and Matagdungan Elementary School both from Nabunturan on April 17 up to May 8, 2012. The summer project is one of the components of the launched Compostela Valley : Transforming Education Today (COMET) of the Alcantara Foundation, as part of their corporate social responsibility, in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), provincial government, Department of Education (DepEd), and the communities COMET, an education

reform program is also a substantial support to Project ARTURO or Accelerated Readers, Tomorrow’s Ultimate Response to Opportunities which readies an environment of towering aptitude for children’s reading capabilities. Governor Arturo T. Uy who is an advocate to quality education sent some volunteer-scholars of the provincial government who assisted the volunteer-teachers of the Department of Education to facilitate the actual summer reading camp. These teachers were also sent to a 2-day Teachers’ Training conducted by DepEd Sarangani in Alabel, Sarangani a week before the start of the summer reading program. With them was Ms. Grace T. Antonio of Matangad Elementary School , a Project ARTURO awardee.

sources. Speaking in behalf of the Governor, Senior Board Member Ruwel Peter Gonzaga reiterated the province’s unity starting from the leaders, themselves,who are one in the pursuit of development. Meanwhile, Mayor Hadji Amir Muñoz expressed his gratefulness to all those who gave their support and answer to their call of helping the poorest of the poor in his town and hailed the governor for starting the Uswag-GK initiative. Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service. RUBEN L. ARCILLA, Petitioner Case No.2000-XI-01059

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

17,940

P2,500

3,831

P1,500

41,408

P800

7,056

P1,200

27,411

P1,000

LOCATION

x- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: BANGKAL ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on December 31, 2012. In the petition filed on February 28, 2012, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

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

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 21, 2012 at 09:40 a. m. at this office at the above address. At least, FIVE (5) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 28th day of February 2012 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer /hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, Ruben L. Arcilla, 28 Sunrise Village, Matina, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Rogelio C. reyes, No. 12, Balusong Ave., Matina, Davao City NOTE: Affidavit of Publication and newspaper where notice was published must be submitted three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

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

NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Philippine fruit exports impounded amid Scarborough Shoal dispute C

HINA has impounded Philippine fruit exports alleged to carry pests, squeezing a key industry amid a tense standoff between the two coun-

tries over disputed territory, a Philippine official said. Manila newspapers on Saturday reported tonnes of Philippine bananas were rotting at Chinese ports,

Koronadal

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

while the Philippines’ Bureau of Plant Industry director Clarito Barron confirmed fruit shipments faced stricter inspection there. “This has a huge effect on the industry,” Barron said, describing China as an important market having imported 300,000 tonnes of Philippine bananas worth $60 million last year. The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper quoted Stephen Antig, president of an association of 18 banana growers, saying they had sustained losses of one billion pesos (about $236,000) because bananas spoiled after three days. Chinese quarantine officials informed the Philippines that all its banana exports would have to face inspection before they clear Chinese ports after scale insects were allegedly found in one March shipment, Barron said. The stricter quarantine measures were later extended to Philippine pineapples and papayas after Chinese authorities claimed they also found

IMPOUNDED. This file photo shows boxes of freshly ippine fruit exports alleged to carry pests, squeezing a harvested Philippine bananas, destined for China and key industry amid a tense stand-off between the two South Korea being loaded onto a cargo vessel, in Davao countries over disputed territory, a Philippine official del Norte province, in 2008. China has impounded Phil- said on Saturday. pests in a May 2 shipment, With total shipments nana market after Japan. he said in an interview worth $470.96 million last The banana issue came aired on DZBB radio in Ma- year, bananas are the Phil- up a month before Chinese nila. ippines’s second-largest maritime surveillance vesBarron said the Philip- agricultural commodity sels prevented the Philippines disputes the Chinese export after coconuts, ac- pine navy from arresting findings, stressing that the cording to government Chinese fishermen on a bugs allegedly found on the data. disputed South China Sea March shipment attacked China is the Philip- shoal in April, sparking a coconuts, not bananas. pines’ second-largest ba- tense maritime stand-off.

EDGEDAVAO

Tour...

Red...

FFROM 1 could be just the beginning if (the standoff) continues,” Virola said in an interview following his tourism-related talk at the Grand Men Seng Hotel this city. “I think my sentiments are shared by the government and the country in general. We’re all hoping that the Scarborough Shoal standoff will have a peaceful outcome. We hope that there will be a resolution without having to resort to conflict,” he added. Virola said the Chinese are among the most number of foreign visitors in the country. Based on data from the Department of Tourism national office, in January-March 2012 South Koreans topped the list of foreign arrivals with 265,031 visitors here. The United States of America followed with

Two... FFROM 2

able to rescue another distressed vessel in the later part of 2011 after a report from one of the coast watch stations. On June 4-8, the NFEM will conduct Exercise PAGSASAMA, involving naval reserves and regular navy units at General Santos City and Glan, Sarangani. Four ships will join the week-long exercise, two ships—two from the naval reserve and two from the NFEM. More than 100 troops from both groups will be

4 years...

FFROM 1 179,561 visitors into the country; Japan with 104,558; China with 96,455; and Taiwan with 57,745. Virola also shared optimism, saying as an alternative “tourism stakeholders should strengthen their campaigns in other Asian countries.” “Supporting the Department of Tourism in projecting the country’s attractions to other countries would really help. These coming years, according to the trend shown from past years of tourism arrivals, the country’s tourism should improve,” he said. “Globalization is raising curiosity and interest in other countries. Asian countries have shown dynamism to each other’s tourism influx. We should ride the trend in promoting tourism,” Virola added.

trained to interoperate and learn how to work together in times of calamities and eventualities. Empedrad mentioned that there will be trainings at sea and landbased disaster response to save lives in communities in times of calamities. Also at General Santos City and Glan, another exercise will be attended by the NFEM, which is the 18th CARAT Exercise, the first to be conducted in Eastern Mindanao. This is a joint exercise between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy involving the latter’s airforce and coast guard. Involved will be three

FFROM 7

An extended political gridlock is keeping the country from building a consensus moving forward. In other parts of the world, the BRICS (Brazil, India, Russia, China, and South Africa) nations are doing fairly well. Their export driven economies have earlier rewarded them with unprecedented prosperity. But with their traditional export markets in the USA and the Euro zone still lost in the woods, they are now turning inwards and pump priming their domestic economies to sustain economic growth. They are also in the process of putting together a common development fund, independent of existing international development funds, for their own use in case things may yet go wrong. The ASEAN-5 (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei) is following the same course of pump priming their domestic economies with success in at least maintaining previous economic growth rates. They may have to expand their export markets because their traditional

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

trading partners the USA and Japan are still in no position to import more The Philippines The Philippines has been spared by the global economic recession because of the minimal adverse effect on export revenues even from crisis affected countries. Pump priming by the GMA administration in 2009 and election spending in 2010 have combined to maintain growth trajectory. The post-election and newly installed P-Noy administration has delayed release of funds upon assuming office in July 2010 to prevent anomalous public works contracts from being consummated. This has caused the economy to contract in 2011. The P-Noy administration has subsequently made up for this miscalculation by frontloading 90% of public expenditures for the entire fiscal year 2012 at the start of the year in order to jumpstart the economy. [The author, an economist, served as member of the House of Representatives for Davao Oriental in the 90s- The Editor]

J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. He added that branding someone as a communist is completely without any due process of law, therefore under definition, rights could be violated. Also joining the forum, Max M. de Mesa, chairperson of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), said it is not only labeling, sometimes it goes over to criminalization. “Instead of appreciating the human rights advance of the communities, they are labeled as communist fronts, and either tagged as bombers, or even drug dealers or other crimes that would take them out of the field of influencing communities and protesting or criticizing programs of government,” he said. An alliance of individuals, institutions and organizations committed to the promotion, protection

large ships and aircraft from the US, and three large ships from the Philippine navy. Similar with the Exercise PAGSASAMA, it will have trainings at sea, and community engage-

and realization of human rights in the Philippines, PAHRA was established in 1986 after the Martial Law to become a pillar of the next administrations. “We are here to ensure that human rights become part of the culture of government and of people. It means making human rights as our common values and to be able to assert them,” De Mesa said. He mentioned that within his knowledge, there are currently some 200 political detainees who are victims of redtagging. Karapatan, also an alliance of human rights defenders in the country, said that red-tagging violates provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, particularly part three of article two, paragraph 11 and 16.

ment services, such as band concerts in six places in Glan, distribution of books to schools and painting activities in the community. He said these activities are aimed at fostering

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13246-12

SPS. MANUEL S. JANSON AND ERNIE M. JANSON Mortgagor/s.

Jurie Jayme, spokesperson of Karapatan Southern Mindanao, said it is a form of threat, harassment and intimidation, which puts the life of the victim in danger as he or she is considered an enemy of the State. During the cold war, it became, “The only good communist, is a dead communist.” De Mesa also said redtagging is a carry over of the cold war, which others called the propagation of the red scare. Because of this mentality, what makes it more dangerous is that even if there is no actual involuntary disappearance (and the like) of the victim, his or her entire life or daily routine has already been disrupted, Bocar said. “It has a chilling effect,” he added. Byron said the continuing practice of tagging goes contrary to the paradigm shift being claimed

fellowship between naval forces and to reach out to our poor countrymen. Empedrad, who has spent nine years at sea and patrolled most coasts of the country except the Batanes, said Zamboanga

by the security sector, by which under their “Oplan Bayanihan”, they are supposed to uphold human rights, the international humanitarian law, and the rule of law. The complaints filed before the CHR help denounce these practices in public as most victims are from people’s organizations doing legitimate work or for sectors like farmers, workers, fishermen and indigenous people. Definitely, the public will lose trust on the security sector if they continue the practice of redtagging, he said. He also mentioned that at present, there is a close contact between the CHR and the highest leadership echelon of the AFP and PNP through their human rights officers, which eases the process of channeling complaints. is the most critical area among his areas of responsibility. “These are the areas we share with Malaysia where incidents of smuggling mainly occur,” he said.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13154-12

SPS. MONINA D. SEISA AND FLORENCIO T. SEISA Mortgagor/s.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. MANUEL S. JANSON AND ERNIE M. JANSON, with postal addresses at Waling-waling St.,Buhangin, Davao City and Lot 1, Blk. 2, Ph. I, Davao Empress, Bo. Panacan DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 25, 2010 amounts to THREE HUNDRED SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWELVE PESOS and 50/100 (306,312.50), Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-233603 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 1, Blk.2, situated in the Barrio of Panacan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx”

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. MONINA D. SEISA AND FLORENCIO T. SEISA, with postal addresses at Sto. Domingo Subd., Pampanga Davao City and Lot 18, Blk.14, Ph. 2 Sta Rosa Street, LAVERNA HILLS SUBD., BO. PAMPANGA , DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of Jan 25,2010 amounts to TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE PESOS (284,625.00),Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-179435 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 18, Blk.14 situated in the Barangay of Pampanga,,City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE (135) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx”

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

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) HIPOLITO A. BELANGDAL Sheriff IV Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor –SPS. MANUEL S. JANSON AND ERNIE M. JANSON PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012.

Noted by:

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) JAY C. ESPERANZA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- SPS. MONINA D. SEISA AND FLORENCIO T. SEISA PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

SHOOTOUT CHAMP. Meralco’s Mark Macapagal receives his prize for winning the PBA All Star 3-point shootout title.

Macapagal retains PBA shootout title

ERALCO sharpshooter Mark Macapagal and B-MEG court general Jonas Villanueva each won their third straight titles in separate events Friday at the All-Star Weekend in Laoag City. Macapagal beat a crack field of the league’s elite three-point shooters for the third straight time. The competition was marked red-hot shooting in the first round,

with Barangay Ginebra’s KG Canaleta shooting 19 points and Macapagal, B-MEG’s Josh Urbiztondo, and Petron’s Marcio Lassiter scoring 16 each to advance to the final round. Canaleta and Urbiztondo, who was a late replacement for the ailing James Yap, went first in the finals, shooting 13 points each. Macapagal proved his mettle, shooting consistently en route

to 15 points. Lassiter had the final say of the competition, but the rookie jump-shooter ran out of gas and finished with just seven points. Also competing in the three-point shootout were Renren Ritualo of Air 21, Willie Miller of Barako Bull, Gary David of Powerade, Jeff Chan of Rain or Shine, and Cyrus Baguio of Alaska. Villanueva, meanwhile, nosed out rookie Paul Lee in an exciting final round in the Obstacle Challenge, winning by just two-tenths of a second with a finishing time of 31.1 seconds to Lee’s 31.3. Finishing third was Alaska’s LA Tenorio, who clocked 43 seconds, 13 slower than the time he posted in the preliminary round. Lee had the best finish in the opening round, finishing at 27.2 seconds. Villanueva posted 29.1 seconds in round one while Tenorio finished in 30 seconds to complete the final round cast. Also part of the field were Miller, Air 21′s Jojo Duncil, Ginebra’s Rob Labagala, Meralco’s Chris Ross, and Powerade’s JVee Casio to annex his third straight title in the Obstacle Challenge.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS & CULTURE

Philippines, meet the Manila Music Festival

Text and photos by Cheekie Albay

If you’re a serious music lover of the hipster persuasion, the local bar gigs and concerts will never be enough for you. You will fantasize about flying to the US to be one with the crazed crowd at Coachella, the reigning queen of music festivals worldwide. You will ponder dipping into your precious life savings to head to Japan for Fuji Rock. And, because it’s the option that’s least punishing to the wallet, you will hop on a plane to Singapore to catch Laneway. Sadly, since traveling to other countries can burn a gaping hole in your pocket, only a fortunate few are able to relish that glorious music festival experience and all

the sublime memories and bragging rights it entails. Volume Unit Entertainment, the same guys that launched the trailblazing Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival in Puerto Galera, graciously heeded the wistful cry of the country’s festival-fantasizing hordes. Say hello to the Manila Music Festival, which had its maiden outing on May 1 at the Alphaland Bay City in Paranaque City. The first-ever Manila Music Festival was a visual and aural spectacle from start to finish. Taking turns tearing up the main stage were the headliners: American hip-hop greats Afrika Bambaataa and A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Japanese electro-house savant Shinichi Osawa. Not to be outdone were local acts Razorback, Kjwan, Wilabaliw, Sinosikat, June Marieezy, Lady I, and Nameless Heroes, who won

the Indie Band Competition held prior to the event. Meanwhile, at the Red Bull stage, DJs including Katsunami, Similarobjects, Badkiss, Angelo Mendez, Skratchmark, and Red Bull DJ Competition victor Joey Santos served a cacophonous cocktail of house, hiphop, disco, downbeat, and dubstep that had summertanned bodies gyrating till kingdom come. The day was marked by the kind of scenes you could only imagine taking place in festivals abroad: graffiti artists going crazy on walls that stood tall as decorative pieces, a moving army of break dancers randomly busting dance moves to the amazement of the crowd, and water gun-slinging folks gleefully spraying hapless passersby with sneaky bursts. As with all outdoor music gatherings, this festival wasn’t without its discomforts. The afternoon sun got mercilessly severe at times, and the skies threatened heavy rains. And, as much fun as the concept promised, the turnout still left something to be desired. But judging from the spirit of carefree, up-for-anything abandon that intoxicated the entire congregation, the first-ever Manila Music Festival was a promising start to a tradition that can only get even more awesome in the coming years. If you want to witness Manila Music Festival’s sophomore stint next year, book a promo flight to Manila early so you don’t stress out over expenses. Be prepared to rough it out; music festivals are notorious for challeng-

ing dearly held standards of hygiene and personal space. And don’t forget to bring a camera to take snaps of the performing acts, the beautiful people, and all the wonderful craziness that’s bound to go down. I remember watching a friend try to walk headlong into a high-pressure stream of water from an industrialstrength hose aimed at him, a wet, toothy grin plastered on his face as Razorback blasted an unforgiving wallop of hard rock in the background. It was exactly the kind of devil-may-care disposition that foreign festivals are known for, and exactly the kind that Manila Music Festival hoped to spark. I wish I had taken a photo of that.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

STYLE ENTERTAINMENT

Save the rice terraces! Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

WIDE-EYED TOURISTS, BOTH FOREIGNERS AND LOCALS, CONTINUE TO TREK TO THE IFUGAO RICE TERRACES CALLED “THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD.”

“In justice, (the rice terraces) should be called the first,” argued an article which appeared in Clarin-Revista, a widely-circulated publication in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “For beside it, the pyramids of Egypt, the gardens of Babylon, or the Roman aqueducts are simple attempts at minor engineering.” Historians said the rice terraces were ingenuously carved out of the mountains by the Ifugaos for rice farming. Archaeologists believe that the Ifugaos, who began constructing the terraces 20 centuries before Christ, migrated from Indo-China to Luzon. “As an ethnic type, the Ifugao has disappeared, mingling with the autochtonous tribes that have inhabited the new land,” wrote the Clarin-Revista article. “Not even his physical resemblance was preserved,” the article deplored. “Actually, only the name of the foreign voyagers remains, carried by the possible descendants, one of the many indigenous communities that occupy the area where they landed 4,000 years ago.”

The rice terraces, described as “the stairway to heaven,” is a living monument to the ingenuity of tribal Filipino farmers who have tilled the steep slopes for over 2,000 years. It is among the top 50 Wonders of the World and is listed on the roster of the World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization since 1995. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has designated it as one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. But the rice terraces are on the verge of total collapse due to erosion, climate change, flooding, human abandonment, and unplanned urban development. “To forget or wipe out or let go of a precious heritage like the 2,000-yearold Banaue Rice Terraces is absurd,” wrote Cecilia S. Angeles in an article which appeared in Manila Bulletin. “It must be preserved. It must be saved!” Aside from the Banaue, there are four more terraces; these can be found in Batad, Mayoyao, Hungduan, and Kiangan. In agriculture, a terrace refers to a leveled section of a hilly cultivated area, designed as a method of soil conservation to slow or prevent the rapid surface runoff of irrigation water. Often such land forms into multiple terraces, giving a stepped appearance. Terraced agricultural fields are common in Asia: on Himalayan

foothills, Central and South China, Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi, Northern Indochina, the highlands of Pacific islands, including Hawaii, as well as on the Andes mountains of South America. “But the Ifugao rice terraces are the most extensive,” wrote science journalist Paul Icamina, when he was still with the International Rice Research Institute. “If stretched end to end in a line, the Ifugao rice terraces measure 48,280.4 kilometers – about 10 times longer than the Great Wall of China or about half the earth’s circumference.” Ifugao Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat filed House Bill Number 5692 or more commonly known as the “Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation Act.” “Over the years, the Ifugao Rice Terraces has been deteriorating due to natural disasters and human activities. If it is not safeguarded and conserved, it may become a mere part of humanity’s history rather than a valuable World Cultural Heritage. Its current state is a wakeup call for us to do something now,” Baguilat said. In the past, one of the pressing problems that caught the attention of the media was the earthworms which reproduce more with less water. Maurice Malanes, in an article which appeared in Philippine Daily Inquirer, wrote: “The more earthworms there are, the more water is lost. As the top-

soil dries up with the lack of water, the earthworms go deeper into the soil to seek areas that are still moist. Water seeps through the holes earthworm bore, causing the soil and terrace walls to dry up and crack.” A study conducted by Wilfredo Alangui of the Tebtebba Foundation, a global policy research center, traced the culprit of water problem to the denudation of the watershed in the province. “Tourism has encouraged the commercial production of woodcarvings and handicraft, and this helped deplete local forest resources,” the study said. Local environment officials reported that illegal loggers sneak into the mountain at night to cut softwood species like sangilo and lanete to be used in wood carvings. As trees disappear in the watershed areas, water is compromised. Without water, the terraces could never be sustained. “The rice terraces need always to be wet,” environment officials claimed. Because rice farming is no longer viable, farmers started losing interest in planting rice. “As farmers plant palay only once a year, the profit they gained is not even enough to support them the rest of the year,” lamented Orlando Mercado when he was still a senator. “Thus, they abandon rice farming and seek other means of livelihood.”

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Adieu, Gossip Girl! It’s the sixth and last season for Upper East Side

INdulge! A3

And the Playmate of the Year is...

WHILE some mark the passage of time by noting the changing leaves on the trees, Playboy has a much better way of ringing in each new annum. Meet Jaclyn Swedberg, Playboy’s Playmate of the Year. The 21-year-old student was Miss April 2011 be-

AFTER renewing The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and 90210 last week, we’ve learned that Gossip Girl will also be returning to the CW’s lineup in the fall.

But will Gossip Girl’s sixth season also be its last? Gossip Girl is coming to an end, y’all! Yes, Gossip Girl’s sixth season will also be its last... and a shortened final sea-

son at that! Like One Tree Hill before it, Gossip Girl will wrap up its series with an 11-episode outing. Not returning for the swan-song season is showrunner Josh Safran, who is leaving to take over NBC’s Smash. Safran has been with Gossip Girl since its freshman season in 2007, starting out as a writer/consulting producer before moving up in the ranks to co-executive producer. He was promoted to executive producer last

season. Gossip Girl closes out its fifth season on Monday, May 14, with “The Return of the Ring.” In the season’s final hour, Blair (Leighton Meester) will make a choice between Dan (Penn Badgley) and Chuck (Ed Westwick), and Gossip Girl may just cause yet another rift between B and Serena (Blake Lively). The CW recently renewed Nikita and Hart of Dixie and canceled Secret Circle and Ringer.

John Travolta Saga Another lawsuit filed!

IT turns out John Travolta had already been hit with a lawsuit before this unfortunate week. And to think it almost slipped through the cracks.

On April 18, the Old Dogs star was sued by one John Giron, who claims he had an unpleasant run-in with Travolta earlier this year in Los Angeles, according to court documents obtained by E! News. What does Giron accuse Travolta of doing? The plaintiff’s complaint states that he was riding his Yamaha motorcycle on March 31 when a Ford Mustang-driving Travolta bumped into him on West Pico Boulevard in L.A. Travolta’s actions caused Giron injury to his “health, strength and well-being,” rendering him “sick, sore, lame and disabled,” the lawsuit contends. Alleging personal injury, Giron is asking

for general and special damages, medical and incidental expenses, and loss of earnings. A case management hearing is scheduled for Aug. 6. (E! Online)

fore attaining the title and, according to her Facebook page, enjoys reading thrillers, eating sweets and seeing the world—including for a travel show that took her to Patagonia. And you probably would like to just get the pictures, huh? Go for it, and congrats, Jaclyn! (E! Online)

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! EVENTS

WORLD TODAY Serving a Seamless society

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

Davao

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

The Gorgeous and the Dashing at the Met Gala 2012

GQ reports who wore what during the year’s most anticipated annual Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum in New York

Broadway Tim doesn’t quite have the same ring as, say, Joe, but we guarantee the Jets QB can hang in red-carpet pocket pressure. You can’t miss with Ralph (his tux was Purple Label) for these occasions.

The king of the oversized suit kept it fitted on fashion’s biggest night. But white shoes on the red carpet? That’s a recipe for a sartorial hangover. “My god, what have I done?”

We loved Melo’s one-button shawl, slightly askew bow, and those Jolly Roger slips. This Knick had the knack last night.

Criss supports our argument that black tie doesn’t strictly mean black, and hits the right notes doing it, with this against-the-grain charcoal peaked-lapel tux

Tulip Drive, Ecoland, Davao City

Remember that scene in Casino when Bruno here tells De Niro to quit going over the boss’s head? Oh, that was Joe Pesci? In a costume? Had us fooled.

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

A three-piece tux is a rarity on the red carpet, but Hugh makes the case for more guys to try it out.

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

Radcliffe really knows how to dress his build, and makes the smart choice to entrust his Met Ball tux to Antonio Azzuolo, who has tailoring to smaller frames on lock.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 50 • MAY 13 - 14, 2012

Like old times

Greats beat Stalwarts in PBA Legends Game

AOAG CITY – PBA stars from yesterday and today engaged in a heated shootout, but it was the Atom Bomb’s explosion that had the most impact. Kenneth Duremdes, the 1998 PBA Most Valuable Player, sizzled for 29 points. His teammate, 1996 MVP Johnny Abarrientos, showcased his old form for a triple-double performance, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists. Allan Caidic, the 1990 MVP, combined with Rain or Shine sharpshooter Jeff Chan for seven triples. But the stars among the stars was Ato Agustin, the playing coach of the PBA Greats, who led his team to a 143-139 triumph over the PBA Stalwarts on Friday night at the Centennial Arena here. Agustin, the 1992 MVP and current coach of the Petron Blaze Boosters, finished with 19 points all in the first half, built around five triples. Two-time MVP Willie Miller scored 29 points and Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a SCHOOL TRANSPORT Service. HILARIO MARION F. GARCIA, Petitioner Case No.2007-XI-00224 x- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a SCHOOL TRANSPORT service exclusively for the transportation of Students/Pupils from their respective residences to Ateneo De Davao University, Matina Campus, Matina Davao City and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on September 18, 2012. In the petition filed on February 29, 2012, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

issued six assists, taking over for the Greats, who trailed by 13 points, 126-113, in the fourth period. He had eight of his team’s last 16 points while the rest of the team shackled their Stalwarts counterparts, who were held to just three points in the final 3:40 of the match to seal the win. KG Canaleta and Danny Seigle provided several highlight reels with their rim-rattling slams while contributing 21 and 20 points, respectively. But retired players like Duremdes and Abarrientos were able to put on a show of their own. Duremdes, who officially retired only last month after last seeing action in 2008, was consistent all game long. He displayed his awesome firepower, hitting jumpers and making nifty drives to the basket. Abarrientos, an assistant coach of Tim Cone at B-MEG, showed his brilliant quarterbacking, shaking off his defenders with his trademark killer crossover several times. In one play, the Flying A breezed by two defenders before scoring on a nifty reverse layup that gave the Stalwarts a 99-93 lead with 4:57 left in the third quarter. The scores: PBA Greats (143) – Miller 29, Canaleta 21, Seigle 20, Mercado 19, Agustin 19, Cortez 10, Yeo 8, Lastimosa 7, Racela 6, Patrimonio 4. PBA Stalwarts (139) – Duremdes 29, Chan 18, Cardona 17, Taulava 16, Caidic 15, Simon 14, Baguio 11, Abarrientos 10, Isaac 0.

OBSTACLE CHALLENGE. Jonas Villanueva of B MEG Llamados receives his prize for topping the PBA All Star Game Obstacle Challenge in Laoag City.

NBA: Grizzlies stay in title hunt by beating Clippers

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION Branch 12 Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR RECOGNITION OF THE FOREIGN DIVORCE BETWEEN TSUYOSHI KAMATA AND RITCHEL A. ROILES SP. PROC. NO. 11, 912-12 RITCHEL A. ROILES, Petitioner

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 22, 2012 at 09:50 a. m. at this office at the above address.

x---------------------------x ORDER

At least, FIVE (5) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

This is a verified petition for Recognition of the Foreign Divorce between Tsuyoshi Kamata and Ritchel A. Roiles, filed by Ritchel A. Roiles, assisted by counsel, praying that upon due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered judicially confirming and recognizing the Divorce obtained in Japan involving the Petitioner Ritchel A. Roiles and Tsuyoshi Kamata.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 29th day of February 2012 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer /hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, Hilario Marion F. Garcia, B44 L4, Abraham St., South Villa, Cat. Grande, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Magin C. Natividad, Balusong Avenue, Matina, Davao City NOTE: Affidavit of Publication and newspaper where notice was published must be submitted three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

Finding the verified petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the hearing of this petition on June 7, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. WHEREFORE, Petitioner is hereby directed to cause the publication of this Order at her expense, in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks. Petitioner is further directed to furnish the office of the Solicitor General a copy of this petition. Likewise, let a copy of this Order be furnished the Local Civil Registrar, Davao City. Any person interested or who seeks to oppose the instant petition may appear to state why the petition should not be granted. SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines, April 17, 2012.

(sgd) PELAGIO S. PAGUICAN JUDGE (EDGE 5/14,21,28)

PANISH center Marc Gasol scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over the Los Angeles Clippers 90-88 on Friday and sustain their NBA playoff title hopes. The Grizzlies and Clippers are deadlocked 3-3 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round playoff series with game seven at Memphis on Sunday to decide which club will advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in round two. “We’ll battle and fight,” Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. “We’ll be hungry. We’ll make them earn everything.” Zach Randolph added 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who also had 13 points each from Rudy Gay and Mike Conley. “We’ve been down. We felt like we were supposed to be up in this series anyway,” Randolph said. “Big players come through in big games when their backs are against the wall and that’s what we did.” Blake Griffin, who played despite a left knee

injury, led the Clippers with 17 points and added six assists while Chris Paul, nursing a jammed finger and sore hip, added 11 points and a teamhigh seven assists. Each added five rebounds and three steals. After the Clippers took their largest lead, Memphis scored the next 10 points over 98 seconds, a Gay 3-point play capping the spurt to pull the Grizzlies ahead 7876 with 6:28 remaining. Conley sank a 3-pointer to give Memphis an 83-80 edge and Randolph tipped-in a basket to stretch the Grizzlies’ advantage.

Griffin answered for the Clippers with two free throws with 3:11 to play but a Randolph dunk put Memphis back in front by five points at 87-82. Paul sank a free throw for the Clippers with 56 seconds remaining but Tony Allen made two free throws in response for an 89-83 Memphis lead. The Clippers closed the gap on Randy Foye’s 3-pointer with three seconds remaining but Conley took the inbounds pass and ran out the last seconds without being fouled to seal the victory.

The Memphis Grizzlies stand during the national anthem before the Grizzlies take on the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 50 â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 13 - 14, 2012

EDGEDAVAO