Edge Davao 5 Issue 53

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 26 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17 , 2012

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Indulge Page A1

Taiwanese fraud suspects

Deport them!

--VM Duterte

By Jade C. Zaldivar

D

AVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said it would be better for the city to have the 72 Taiwanese nationals suspected of online fraud and money

Game Changers Page 7

n Rody wants the Taiwanese court to hear the case filed against the foreigners.

laundering deported.

Duterte last Tuesday said it would be “wiser” to let a Taiwanese court hear the

case filed against the foreigners, rather than have the hearings here.

“I-deport na lang na,” Duterte said in an interview.

The vice mayor advised the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), which is handling the

FDEPORT, 13

Sports Page 15

IN A BOX. Roseta Antayan cries when she saw the wooden crate carrying the body of her niece, Apple Gamale, 23, who died after she fell from a condominium in Singapore, as it was unloaded from a plane. Gamale mysteriously died a day after her first day at work. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

City tourism mission to China cancelled

By Lorie A. Cascaro

Follow Us On

A

collateral effect of the Scarborough Shoal standoff between the Philippines and China, the selling mission of Davao City tourism to China set in June was cancelled, an official of

the region’s tourism department said Tuesday.

Eden Josephine Larano-David, chief tourism operations officer, Department of Tourism (DOT) 11, said Beijing had withdrawn from the initial agreement with Davao City, adding, “It’s too close for comfort,” given that

the issue had not been resolved.

“There was no formal ban imposed by the Chinese government on travel to the Philippines, but the people in China were advised to halt promotions of our country,” she said.

She noted that the Philippine Tourism Attaché in China had always told

FCITY, 13

2

THE BIG NEWS Landmine hurts 3 in Paquibato

By Jade C. Zaldivar

T

WO government troops and one civilian were injured yesterday after a landmine blast in Sitio Maripon, Baranggay Paradise Embac, Paquibato district, this city.

The 10th Infantry Division reported that the attack was allegedly connected to an Organized Crime Group (OGC) affiliated with the New People’s Army (NPA).

The victims were identified as Staff Sergeant Danga, a certain Corporal Aquino from the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) and an unnamed male civilian.

The victims are presently undergoing treatment at the Panacan Station Hospital, according to a report from the 10th ID public affairs office.

The blast went off at 9 a.m. as soldiers from the 69th IB aboard a civilian vehicle escorted by two motorcycles were on their way to a detachment in Sitio Maripon, Barangay Paradise Embac.

Following the landmine explosion, the OCG immediately opened fire at the government troops prompting the latter to return fire.

“The troops’ immediate action of returning fire forced the OCG to withdraw hastily,” said Lt. Col. Inocencio I. Pasaporte, commander

officer of the 69th IB. He said the use of landmines is in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

“This is indicative that the OCG-NPA ignores what their representative signed for. These criminals impede peace and development programs in their bid to remain relevant by sowing fear among innocent civilians,” he added.

Man killed Meanwhile, a former member of the Civilian Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) was killed reportedly the NPA in Purok 4, Brgy. Upper Bala, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. The victim, Dolfe Bantog, was attacked by some twenty OCGs, said 27th IB commander Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo.

“Though he was outnumbered, he managed to fire back killing one of the attackers despite having been hit in the shoulder but was to death,” Bravo said in a statement.

Bravo added, “We have given cash assistance to his family to help them for their needs while we have heightened our security efforts in close coordination and cooperation with the communities.”

13 farmers face non-bailable suit

By Lorie A. Cascaro

T

HIRTEEN peasant leaders and members of Alyansa sa mga Mag-uuma sa Sidlakang Dabaw (ALMASID-Davao) from Banaybanay, Davao Oriental are calling for the multification of “qualifield theft” which is a non-bailale case, filed against them by Vivien Jubac.

In a press conference in Davao City yesterday, Lito Lao, chairperson of ALMASID and among the accused, said the case emanated from a conflict between the Jubac family, landowner of a 1o-hectare farm, and tenant Armando Diones.

Also at the conference, Diones told reporters that Jubac wanted to eject him as tenant, hence the landowner should pay him for services rendered and for the crops he planted since 2003.

He said Jubac failed to pay a total of P887,000 worth of the appraised crops as surveyed by the ALMASID. Instead, through a verbal agreement with the farmers, Vivien Jubac allowed him to hire farmers and harvest the crops, so that the income would be paid to him through his savings account until the

total amount is fully paid.

Last year, Diones, together with 12 other farmers harvested the crops and were able to save P11,000 in his bank account.

After two harvests, Jubac filed a case against them for theft, and based on the law, the case is non-bailable because the total amount of harvested crops reached P52,000.

He said, last December 20, Jubac demolished his house inside the farm, but he managed to build a shanty beside it.

It was on March 15, 2011, that the Jubac damily fenced the entire lot, thus, preventing Diones and his family from returning to their house.

Lao said Jubac began harvesting the crops using a military force to guard against Diones and other farmers, citing that last April 3, Jubac harvested some 40 sacks of rice with the help of 16 hired men and loaded them aboard two 6x6 trucks stationed at both ends of the lot during the harvest. Seven of the 13 accused farmers had been issued warrants of arrest without prior investigation, seeing as how Vivien Jubac is a clerk of court of the Mati Trial Court.

F13 FARMERS, 13

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

LPG PRICE CUT. Workers pay no attention to the busy street as they unload liquified petroleum gas tanks along Uyanguren Street in the city. Recently, the LPG Marketers’ Association (LPGMA) declared a P1 - cut that would mean a P11-markdown per LPG tank. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Banana ban

Rody offers to negotiate with China D

AVAO City patriarch Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday offered to negotiate with Chinese authorities on behalf of banana exporters stricken

by China’s implementation of a ban on the product from the country.

“If called upon to go there I would be more than willing. I too want to see how I can help. Maybe we can find an engagement, a common ground,” he said in an interview at the City Council.

Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) last week said banana produce from the country are rotting in Chinese ports.

As of May 9, a total of P1.44 billion haf been lost because of the ban, according to PBGEA president Stephen Antig.

Duterte reiterated his

stand that the Chinese’ actions to ban bananas from the country are in connection to the ongoing Philippine-US military Balikatan exercises, and the ongoing Scarborough Shoal standoff between the country and China.

“This involves the fiasco at the Scarborough. I am not anti-American. Even before I have been very vocal that I do not want foreigners imposing influence on us in our own land,” he said.

“We’re just a small country. We do not want a war to happen. If this continues we will be affected. If you do not patronize products from China you will be left with nothing. Everything comes from China,” he added.

Duterte reiterated that “if called upon by the government” he would be willing to join the negotiation

with China.

“The best we could do is to minimize the irritancy. We just want to normalize the situation,” he added.

Comply with measures Meanwhile, City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio advised banana producers to comply with the stricter measures on bananas set by Chinese port authorities.

“It would be good for the growers to comply with measures,” she told reporters at the Barangay 76-A covered court in Sandawa where she headed a Kasalan ng Barangay ceremony that saw 45 couples getting wed.

To make this happen, Duterte-Carpio said the local government “will be willing to give assistance” to banana growers.

The mayor added that she is looking into getting

aid from the Department of Agriculture (DA), which was tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to look into the matter. “(Last Monday) the President said he had directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take action.

I have also talked to DA secretary Proceso Alcala and he said a team from the country will be sent to China,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio also echoed the President’s statement of April 14 to banana growers to “widen their market.”

“We are aware that the market in China is very big [which means bigger losses].

It’s good that as what has been reported, they [PBGEA] has markets in other countries. We are hoping that this matter will be resolved,” she said. [JADE C. ZALDIVAR]

hold Survey on domestic visitors, in 2010, local tourist has an average of two trips a year and visited an average of two places. About 50.1 percent were male and 49.9 percent were female.

Most of the domestic tourists were aged 15-24 years old, which accounted for 29.3 percent, followed by 25-34 years old age group, which account for 23.7 percent of the total. Their average length of stay was 4 nights.

Based on the 2010 statistics, most of the Filipino travelers were either day tourists called excursionist and those who spend 2-3 days.

About 76.5 percent of them stayed in the house of relatives and friends. Only 6.8 percent availed of the resort, 6.3 percent were billeted in

a hotel and others stayed in apartelle, rented homes, pension inn or lodge.

Their average total expenditure was P8, 357, which translates to P932.838 billion domestic tourist receipts in 2010. About 25 percent of the expenses of Filipinos were for ‘pasalubong’, according to the survey.

The purpose of travel was mostly vacation which account for 42 percent; visit friends or relatives, 29 percent; business, 5 percent;

pilgrimage, 5 percent; and the remaining 19 percent for medical, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition), and others.

In 2010, about 3.7 million people were employed in the tourism and travel industry. It is projected to increase to 4.2 million this year, boosted by the food and beverage sector.

By 2016, employment in tourism industry will reach 6.8 million, or 17 percent of the national employment.

Domestic tourists to reach 30 million

T

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) expects the number of domestic tourists to hit 30.2-million mark this year, up 3.78 percent from the 29.1 million posted last year.

Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz said there had been a significant improvement in the volume of domestic tourists since 2010, which registered 27.9 million.

Corpuz said that the DOT expected domestic tourists would hit the 30-million level this year and further soar to 35.5 million by 2016.

“The domestic market growth is critical to underpinning the viability of public and private sector investments in tourism,” Corpuz said.

Based on the National Statistics Office - DOT House-

Quips

[PNA]

‘IT’S SAD that there are people who take advantage of others, and that they use my name to fool other people.’

--Vice President Jejomar Binay on text scammers using his name.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

Bukidnon blackouts solved soon: Hedcor

T

HE earlier warning of “catastrophic blackouts” in Mindanao if unchecked appears real with six hours of daily rotational blackouts.

These blackouts are imposed by the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative in its coverage area of 10 municipalities in this province.

But such a grim outlook aired last February by former Sen. Miguel Zubiri appears no longer possible, at least in this part of Mindanao.

Zubiri, former chairman of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, is the author of the Renewable Energy Law of 2008.

This is true because the municipality of Kitaotao led

by Mayor Rodito Rafesura and Vice Mayor Lorenzo Gawilan Jr signed on Wednesday a memorandum of agreement with HEDCOR,

Bukidnon, Inc, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Power Corporation, to generate some 160 million kilowatthours annually by harnessing the Sita and Simod rivers, located in Barangay Sinuda and Kipilas, Kitaotao town.

HEDCOR is said to be the largest developer of the run-of-river hydropower plants in the country with 19 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao.

Gregorio Jabonillo, HEDCOR Vice President for business development, said the project would help address the nagging problems on power shortage in Mindanao each summertime.

When completed, the project is expected to perk up the living condition in Kitaotao town in terms of farm-to-market roads, improve health services, and employment opportunites, among others. [PNA]

Incentive hike for rationalization OKd

A

FFIRMING the administration’s drive for improved public service and fair compensation for government workers, President Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to upgrade incentives for all employees affected by the rationalization program for government agencies and departments.

Through Executive Order (E.O.) 77, President Aquino greenlighted amendments to key provisions in E.O. 637, which provides the basis for determining the incentives for personnel affected by the government’s rationalization plan.

Under E.O. 77, rationalization incentives will now be computed using the latest monthly salary of affected employees, instead of their pay as of June 30, 2007.

“The President’s directive is (a) welcome news for all public servants who will be affected by the administration’s rationalization program. Even as we aim to reorganize our agencies to improve employee efficiency and the effectiveness of our services, we also want to be fair in compensating government workers who have long served the public,” said Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad.

Under the rationalization program, agency employees who perform redundant, duplicating, or obsolete functions will be given the option to retire or separate from their mother departments. However, em-

ployees may also remain in their departments or transfer to another agency where their skills are deemed relevant, on the condition that their positions will not be permanent and will instead be co-terminus to the incumbent.

A DBM study revealed that employees subject to rationalization are more likely to choose retirement or separation if their incentives will be computed based on their updated monthly salary.

“Because the monthly pay for government workers has increased since 2007, the incentives due them should likewise reflect these changes. Commodity prices and the cost of living have also jumped considerably in the last five years.

These should be accounted for when we implement the rationalization program for all affected employees,” said Abad.

According to DBM, funding for employee incentives based on June 30, 2007 salaries will require only P4.10 billion, while incentives computed using current salaries will amount to P6.23 billion. Funding for the rationalization program in all regular government agencies will be provided by the National Government and will be charged against appropriate funds.

Meanwhile, incentives for affected personnel in government-owned or -controlled agencies (GOCCs)

FINCENTIVE, 13

Quips

“WE ARE not going to be abrasive or disrespectful. We will grant him all courtesies due him as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.’

--Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

3

DISMANTLE MONOPOLY. Pedestrians walk by streamers mounted by the progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) calling for the dismantling of the monopoly in the power industry and urging the government to nationalize it to solve the power woes of the people of Mindanao. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

It’s all systems go for SarBay Fest A

bigger and grander Sarangani Bay Festival awaits water sports enthusiasts, beach lovers, partygoers, tourists and locals alike as the biggest beach festival in Mindanao takes off Friday and peaks with the sunset until sunrise party the next day.

“This year’s SarBay is expected to be the grandest and hopefully the biggest in the country in terms of visitors and tourist arrivals,” said Larry Asparin, acting coordinator of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center.

“Preparations have been done right after last year’s SarBay to address the gray areas specifically the venue, security, waste management and water supply,” Asparin said.

The SarBay main venue this year is a three-hectare

T

space between White Haven Resort and Rosal Beach Resort. It will host the events, stores, “tent city” and parking space.

The Zumba Party has been replaced with a Beach Dance Marathon Party due to issues raised by a former proponent, sportswriter Lito delos Reyes.

“As the co-chairman of the Sarangani Bay Festival 2012, we have acknowledged the concern of Lito de los Reyes about the Zumba Party,” Michelle Solon said in a statement.

“There are Zumba Parties in the entire country such as the ones done in Boracay, Manila, Puerto Galera, Cebu, etc. We have taken note of his concern and passion for the Latin inspired dance. At such the Sarangani Bay Festival organizers have now changed the event to a

Beach Dance Marathon Party to be enjoyed for free on May 19, 2012. I thank Lito de los Reyes for his deep concern, because it helps the Sarangani Bay Festival even become better and more successful,» said Solon, who also chairs both the provincial tourism council and Region 12 tourism council.

SarBay Fest kicks off with the 15-kilometer “Sarangani Bay Invasion 2012” or swim-across-the-Bay from Maasim to Glan on May 18. It is the longest open ocean swimming competition in the Philippines and probably in Asia.

Hobie cats will be in Gumasa with other water sports activities like skim boarding, Bombo Bancarera and the 1st Jetski Offshore Adventure.

In addition, a new SarBay Fest activity is the para-

gliding in Maasim. The Sarangani Paragliding Club will organize a fun fly paragliding accuracy landing competition on May 18-20.

The rest of the events and activities are: Smarts’ Run for the Environment, Beach Dance Marathon, Sarangani Swim Challenge, Sand Sculpture, Coastal Clean up, Scubasurero, Artificial Reef Deployment, Bay Fair, Health and Wellness, Sayaw Sarangan: Hataw sa Tag-araw, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Skim Boarding Clinic, Poi and Zip Clinic, Pinta sa Baybayon, Fire Dancing Exhibition, Bay Bodies, Summer Party at the Bay (with Beat Lab DJ’s), Bombo Radyo Bancarera and the all night beach party from sunset until sunrise.

[Jun Ramos/Sarangani Information Office]

moves towards more electronic and Internet-based transactions also resulted in more efficiency and better service to our members,” he added.

Contribution collections of SSS in 2011 came close to P86 billion, an increase of 8.4 percent from the P77 billion worth of contributions collected in 2010. This came about through intensive marketing efforts made by SSS and from expanding the range of its payment deadlines for contribution and loan remittances. SSS collected P17.5 billion from the employed sector, which posted the highest number of collections, while contributions from household helpers, the self-employed and overseas workers saw the biggest volume growth from 2010.

During the second half of 2011, the SSS undertook an “OFW Information Caravan” to widen its coverage in the Middle East and Europe where many Filipino contract workers are based. Negotiations were also held for the conclusion of bilateral social security agreements with Denmark and Japan.

Meanwhile, SSS benefits payments in 2011 totaled P76 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent from the 2010 benefit payouts of P71 billion.

The majority of these payments were for retirement and death benefit claims.

It is worth noting that contribution collections outpaced benefit payments by P3.2 billion – the highest recorded since 2002. This is in step with our objectives of continually building up the

Investment Reserve Fund and lengthening the actuarial life of the Social Security fund,” de Quiros said.

Despite a low-interest rate environment, SSS investment income in 2011 still managed to hit close to P30 billion, a 7.2 percent increase from the P28 million it earned from investments in 2010. Part of its investment income came from the penalty condonation program the SSS offered to its employer-members for unremitted loan amortizations of their employees. The six-month condonation program, which ended June 2011, resulted in the collection of about P1.08 billion worth of delinquency payments from 13,776 employers.

The SSS likewise showed

SSS nets P25 billion in revenues, improves service delivery in 2011

HE Social Security system (SSS) saw its financial performance continue to strengthen posting net earnings of P25.5 billion in 2011 as a result of intensified collection efforts, prudent management of operation expenses, and robust investment income.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. emphasized that service delivery to members likewise improved, thanks to enhancements in information technology systems.

“The bottomline is that 2011 was another landmark year for the SSS in terms of financial performance and service delivery,” de Quiros said, “Year-end net revenue of P25.5 billion is 12 percent higher than the P22.8 billion net income in 2010. Our

FSSS, 13

EDGEDAVAO 4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT Philippine fisheries plunging towards collapse VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

By Jims Vincent T. Capuno

I

F the Philippines does not watch out, it may not have enough fish, once dubbed “the poor man’s protein,” to feed its growing population.

Like the other vital resources, Philippine fisheries are about to collapse – a victim of the almost unabated “plunder of the commons.” As defined, commons encompasses unoccupied land and all water which are considered a God-given set of resources for the people to consume as much as needed.

But in doing so, the Filipinos have tended to abuse these resources to the point of exhaustion. Despite the country’s vast marine resources – 220 million hectares of coastal and oceanic territorial water area – the Philippines is now experiencing a shortfall in fish supply.

The unthinkable has come to pass: Estimates show that if the present rapid population growth and declining trend in fish production continue, only 10 kilograms of fish will be available per Filipino per year by 2010, as opposed to 28.5 kilograms per year in 2003.

“Without any change in fish consumption and no active human population management program,” the World Bank warned, “domestic demand for fish will reach 3.2 billion kilograms by 2020, given the projected population growth rate of the country.”

Fish provides more than half of the protein requirements of the estimated 89 million Filipinos. “About 62 per cent of the population lives in the coastal zone,” says World Bank’s Philippine Environment Monitor.

“Our problem is population,” wrote Antonio C. Abaya in his widely-read

newspaper column. “We are having more children faster than we can grow the food to feed them.” Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, former agriculture secretary, agrees: “Demand for food is growing fast not because our incomes are growing but because our population is growing at 2.3 percent a year. That’s almost two million additional mouths to feed every year.”

If increased demand is met solely by marine capture fisheries, such increased pressure on the fisheries sector could lead to an eventual collapse of fisheries and the fishing industry, which employs more than one million people (about 5 per cent of the national labor force).

“All fisheries are showing decline in total catch and per unit effort (total number of fish caught per unit of time) despite in-

creasing effort,” the World Bank report noted. “Fish are harvested at a level 30 to 50 per cent higher than the natural production capacity.”

This phenomenon is not happening in the Philippines only but in other parts of the world as well. “Although worldwide environmental degradation of the oceans contributed to the decline of marine life, overfishing is the primary cause of dwindling fish population,” explained Peter Weber, author of Net Loss: Fish, Jobs, and the Marine Environment.

As supply falls behind demand, fish becomes a more expensive food source. It is no longer “a cheap meat dish,” to quote a marketing slogan used in the United Kingdom in the 1950s.

The Philippines is among the largest fish producers

EMB plans to inventory greenhouse

gases that drive climate change

D

EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) aims commencing this year training for its regional office personnel who’ll inventory, in respective areas of jurisdiction, greenhouse gases (GHGs) which experts identified as driving climate change.

EMB Climate Change Office Media Production Specialist Winnie Passe said the inventory can help authorities concerned better generate policies, programs and activities on addressing GHG emissions in their

regions.

“The training is also one way to mainstream climate change in EMB,” she continued.

Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are among the GHGs experts identified earlier.

Experts already raised urgency for mitigating GHG emissions from human activities, noting increasing atmospheric concentration of these gases is jacking up global temperature.

Such global warming is causing climate change, they noted.

“The inventory can help identify the top GHG

contributors in our country,” Passe said.

Earlier, DENR as well as United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Fund reported Philippine GHG emissions from the energy and agriculture sectors, industrial processes, waste and LUCF or land use change and forestry.

“Based on inventory conducted for the different sectors, the Philippines emitted 19,491.11 gigagrams of GHG in 2000, net of sequestered carbon by LUCF,” the organizations’ report noted.

in the world. The commercial, municipal, and aquaculture fisheries account for 36, 30, and 24 per cent of the total fisheries yield, respectively.

Its annual total fisheries yield is estimated to be worth around US$70UD$110 billion (equivalent to about 2-4 per cent of the country’s gross domestic production over the years).

“We still have enough fish now, but with global warming we may have problems in the next five to ten years unless we do something about it,” warns Dr Rafael D. Guerrero, former executive director of the Lagunabased Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

Global warming refers to an increase in average global temperatures, which in turn cause climate change. According

to Dr. Guerrero, climatic changes affecting the fisheries sector would affect the entire nation considering that fish is a staple food and millions depend on it for livelihood.

His observation has been confirmed by a recent report released by the United Nations. “At least three quarters of the globe’s key fishing grounds may become seriously impacted by changes in circulation as a result of the ocean›s natural pumping systems fading and falling,» the UN report said The Philippine fisheries would also suffer severely if the country’s coral reefs are badly affected by warming seas. Dr. Guerrero explained that in key areas in the country, coral reefs are already threatened by carbon dioxide concentration resulting in acidification of seawater.

Christian Nellemann,

author of the UN report, reported that more than 50 per cent of the world›s coral reefs could die by 2050 because of bleaching caused by higher ocean surface temperatures, based on climate projections by international scientists.

In the Philippines , an estimated 10-15 per cent of the total fisheries come from coral reefs.

About 80-90 per cent of the income of small island communities come from fisheries. “Coral reef fish yields range from 20 to 25 metric tons per square kilometer per year for healthy reefs,” says Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former environment secretary.

But only four to five per cent of coral reefs are in excellent condition. “Nowhere else in the world are coral reefs abused as much as the reefs in the Philippines,” says marine scientist Don McAllister.

birds were fed and well taken care of,” they said.

Farm workers accompanied by Juana Tan, general manager and chair of Jewm Agro, formally handed over the rescued eagles to Anna Mae Sumaya, supervisor of the Philippine Eagle Foundation Center (PEFC) at Malagos, Calinan district here.

As a member company of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Jewm Agro shares in its core value of conserving and protecting the environment while at the same time promoting biodiversity

in areas where they operate.

The company also handed over to PEFC the 10,000-peso donation for the eagles’ food and supply of veterinary needs for one year.

Brahminy kites are found mainly on the coast and inland wetlands where they feed on fishes and other marine creatures. Adults have a reddish brown plumage and a contrasting white head and breast, which make them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey.

Their breeding period is between December and April. [PNA]

Farmers rescue Brahminy kites

T

WO Brahminy kites (Haliastur indus), also known as the Red-backed Sea-eagle in Australia or locally known as “Banug,” were rescued recently by farm workers in Toril district, this city.

The eagles, a male and a female, fell from their nest atop a coconut tree when discovered by the workers of Jewm Agro Industrial Corp. in Binugao, Toril district.

The farm management found it appropriate to hand over the eagles to experts in handling wildlife.

“While in safe custody of the farm workers, the

EDGEDAVAO

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

5

Independent LPG brands down by P11 per tank I

NDEPENDENT refillers grouped under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA) are rolling back prices of their liquefied petroleum gas (lpg) by P1 per kilogram effective midnight Tuesday.

“Due to the sustained drop in the international contract price of LPG, independent re-fillers are reducing prices by P1 per kilo, or by P11 per 11-kilogram cylinder,” said LPG-MA party-list Rep. Arnel Ty. The recommended retail price of independent refillers is now down to a range of P635 to P640 per cylinder, from P650 to P655.

Independent refillers sell LPG at prices 12 to 18 percent lower than those quoted by the big oil

companies.

Ty said the international contract price of LPG had dropped by around US$ 90 per metric ton (MT), thus allowing independent refillers to lower prices.

Meanwhile, Ty has sought the help of his colleagues in Congress in ensuring the swift passage of the bill proposing to establish a onetime exchange program for the benefit of consumers possessing dilapidated LPG cylinders.

The House previously passed the bill on second reading, upon the recommendation of the 55-member committee on trade and industry.

“We are absolutely committed to promoting the safe consumption

GMA Network reports P388M Q1 net income

G

MA Network Inc. on Wednesday reported a net income of P388 million in the first quarter, down from last year’s P534 million.

In a statement, the Gozon-led network said its consolidated revenues also fell to P3.002 billion from P3.138 billion.

Television and radio airtime revenues amounted to P2.707 billion, while revenues from subscriptions, licensing, and subsidiaries came in at P295 million.

Core business unit GMA Channel 7 led the pack with more than 90 percent share of total airtime revenues while Channel 11, carrying the country’s number one news channel GMA News TV (News TV) increased its revenue record by seven percent under the QTV format from a year ago. GMA Radio, meanwhile, maintained the same top line level versus the first quarter last year.

GMA International contributed P231 million in the top line, slightly higher than the amount generated in the first quarter of last year, even with the appreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar, on the back of improved subscriber take up.

GMA International managed a double-digit growth in subscriptions for GMA’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV (GPTV), which has almost 303,000 subscribers or over two million viewers worldwide as of May 10. More than 117,000 of these subscribers also subscribe to the only Filipino lifestyle channel GMA Life TV (GLTV), which has one million viewers worldwide.

Meanwhile, GMA News TV International is now seen in Australia, Canada, Guam, Japan, Madagascar, and the UAE. It will soon be available in Europe, Malaysia, and the US. On television, GMA maintains its nationwide household audience share margins over ABS-CBN that commenced at the opening of 2011.

In April 2012, GMA led ABSCBN by 6.1 household audience share points, equivalent to almost 1.1 million viewers in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), based on data provided by trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA also led TV5 by a solid 20.4-point household audience share margin in NUTAM, which translates to almost 3.6 million viewers nationwide in favor of GMA. The trending of audience shares for the three competing channels in the country’s key areas remains unaltered.

GMA still keeps commanding double-digit leads over ABS-CBN and TV5 in Total Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, respectively, comprising 77 percent and 59 percent of total urban television households nationwide.

GMA was ahead of ABS-CBN in Total Urban Luzon by 13.8 points, which translate to 1.9 million viewers over ABS-CBN; and by 24.7 points or 3.4 million viewers over TV5.

In its bailiwick Mega Manila, GMA was ahead of ABS-CBN by 16.2 points or 1.7 million viewers over ABS-CBN; and by 25.2 points or 2.7 million viewers over TV5. [PNA]

of LPG,” said Ty. Ty’s remarks came shortly after four people, two of them children, were killed in a home kitchen fire caused by a leak from an LPG tank in Taguig City.

The LPG-MA party-list lawmaker said the LPG Cylinder Exchange, Swapping and Rehabilitation Program included in House Bill 3976 would systematically remove and replace all defective and substandard drums in the open market.

“This will definitely lessen possible accidental fires that may be caused by unsafe cylinders,” said Ty. “The cylinder exchange scheme is just one of the features of the bill, which basically sets the minimum

fair standards of business conduct for all LPG industry participants, from importers and refiners down to neighborhood dealers,” he said.

The bill sets adequate strategies to ensure that every LPG cylinder that comes out of a filling or refilling plant goes through rigorous safety or pre-qualifying tests.

Cylinders damaged from normal wear and tear would be promptly detected, repaired and re-qualified, or scrapped, as the case may be.

It also protects LPG consumers as well as legitimate industry players against fraudulent refillers and traders, hoarders, and illegal importers of second-hand and possibly harmful cylinders. (PNA)

Jollibee to operate in Singapore

J

OLLIBEE Foods Corporation (JFC) announced Wednesday its tie-up with a Singapore-based company as part of its expansion in that country.

In a disclosure with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), JBC said it wholly-owned subsidiary Golden Plate Pte. Ltd. (GPPL) has inked an agreement with Beeworks. Inc. to operate Jollibee stores in Singapore with an initial funding of US$ 1 million.

Under the tie-up, GPPL will own 60 percent of the business and will have full management control while Beeworks will have the balance of 40 percent and will provide the experience, reputation and network to establish the Jollibee branch in Singapore.

JFC Group has the largest restaurant network in the Philippines.

As of the end of the first quar-

ter this year, JFC Group operates 2,004 stores in the country and these include 752 Jollibee outlets, 381 Chowking restaurants, 204 Greenwich stores, 207 Red Ribbon shops, 436 Mang Inasal stores, and 24 Burker King outlets.

Overseas, the JFC Group operates 509 stores namely: 267 outlets of Yonghe King and 52 Hong Zhuang Yuan, both in China, and 79 Jollibee stores 26 of which are in the US, 32 in Vietnam, 11 in Brunei, seven in Jeddah, and one each in HongKong, Qatar, and Kuwait.

It also operates 33 Red Ribbon in the US and 40 Chowking stores in various countries with 19 of which in the US, 17 in Dubai and two each in Indonesia and Qatar.

JFC Group also operates three Chow Fun stores in the US and 35 San Pin Wang stores in China. [PNA]

Power barges bidding fails

T

HE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp.

Wednesday declared the bidding for Power Barge Nos. 101-104 a failure after only one of the seven qualified bidders submitted an offer for the assets.

Only ACTA Power, a joint venture between the power companies of Ayala Corp’s AC Energy Holdings and PHINMA’s TransAsia Oil and Energy Development Corporation, submitted the required bidding documents prior to the expiration of the bid submission deadline at noon.

PSALM, in accordance with its bidding procedures, declares a failure of bidding when less than two bidders participate in the exercise.

According to PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., the conduct of a second round of bidding for the power barges will be taken up with the PSALM Board of Directors for the latter’s instructions.

PSALM hopes to conduct the second round of bidding as soon as possible, subject to Board approval.

Commissioned in 1981, Power Barges Nos. 101 and 102 are stationed at Bo. Obrero in Iloilo City.

These power barges, which began operation in 1985, are moored in Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo, and at the Holcim Compound, Ilang, Davao City, respectively.

Each power barge has an installed capacity of 32 megawatts. [PNA]

as of august 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

Coco stakeholders vow stronger cooperation P C

OCONUT industry stakeholders here passed six resolutions during the first-ever Davao Oriental Coconut Industry Business Congress held here last week to step up the industry’s status.

Presented by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Justina M.B. Yu, the six resolutions were endorsed by the Provincial Coconut Industry Development Council (PCIDC) for the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) and local officials of Mati City and the entire province to consider.

Davao Oriental Gover-

Software piracy up by 70 percent

nor Corazon N. Malanyaon said if the PCA cannot complement the support of LGUs, then we feel hopeless.

PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes responded saying that PCA-DO will already have three additional staff starting next month.

Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Oriental (DTI-DO) provincial director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said the provincial coconut industry stakeholders expressed optimism over the adoption and consideration of these resolutions by the concerned agencies.

“We hope that this activity really has opened up a lot of opportunities for

you (farmers),” Ambi said, who is also a PDIC member.

The six resolutions are the following: -- Strict implementation of Republic Act No. 8048 otherwise known as the Coconut Preservation Act of 1995: an act providing for the regulation of the cutting of coconut trees, its replenishment, providing penalties therefore and for other purposes and deputizing local government units (LGUs) to assist in its implementation.

-- Requests CIIF to allocate appropriate funding for the coconut development programs in the province.

-- Requests staff augmentation of the PCA-

Davao Oriental Provincial Office.

-- Encourages LGUs of Davao Oriental to create and mobilize respective Municipal Coconut Industry Development Councils.

-- Urges control on the exportation of matured coconuts and coconut seedlings.

-- Mandates utilization of locally-produced salt instead of the imported one for the Coconut Fertilization Program.

Being one of the country’s top coconut producers, the PCIDC said the local coconut industry must be given priority, especially that it has been continuously contributing to the Philippines export figures.

“Our presence in these shows showcased our diverse Halal products and capabilities to the world and exposed our local players to the stringent demands of the Halal market,” said Rosvi C. Gaetos, CITEM executive director.

Under CITEM, the Philippines marketed its food exports under the banner of Food Philippines, a national branding that celebrates the country’s abundance of tropical flavors and ingredients.

Also emphasized was the safety and quality of the Halal-certified commodities being exhibited, such as dried fruits, sardines, coconut-based products and condiments.

The Philippine participation in Gulfood, the Middle East’s largest food and hospitality event, scored US$ 48.6 million in total export sales - the biggest recorded sales in a single trade event.

It also captured the attention of Middle East retail giants Al Meera and Lulu, who are now under talks to feature in-store promotions of Philippine products in their stores.

The first ever Philippine participation in MIHAS, the world’s largest congregation of Halal industry players, generated US$ 6.26 million in exports. Bestsellers included microwaveable milkfish, coconut sugar, processed chicken and

beef, biscuits, cakes and pastries, and major fruits such as pineapple, banana and mango.

Another first-time trade venture was made in April with the Philippine participation in Singapore’s FHA, posting US$ 8.5 million in export sales.

Gaetos said that focusing on the US$ 418 billion Asian Halal market was part of a strategic positioning of the country as an attractive Halal food source as pursuant to the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP).

The said plan supports the development of the local Halal market by accrediting more Halal-certifying bodies and strengthening the capabilities of local food manufacturers to meet stringent Halal requirements.

She also said that focusing on Asia was easier for local manufacturers because of “the similarities in food tastes and preferences, the proximity of dealing with nearby markets, and the Foreign Trade Agreements already in place that support inter-and intra-Asian trade and investment.”

A report from the 2009 World Halal Forum shows that around 1.6 billion Muslims adhere to Halal, an Islamic religious standard that prescribes the use or consumption of products.

The rise of the global Halal market in the past

decade, which saw an increase of 12.6 percent from 2004 to 2010, is attributed to the growing Muslim population in regions experiencing strong economic growth such as Asian nations Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia; their subsequent rising per capita incomes; and the emergent consumer market of nonMuslims drawn to the safe and healthy reputation of Halal commodities.

Gaetos said that CITEM also gave a bigger focus on the country’s Halal food products with the relaunching of its signature trade event for food, the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines: Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show on May 16-19, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

In order to woo local and foreign Halal exhibitors, the agency has had initial talks with the Halal Development Council of Malaysia on the possibility of conducting trainings and seminars on Halal best practices for the food service and food manufacturing sectors.

It is also discussing with Brunei Halal, a Brunei government brand initiative aiming to make Brunei Darussalam a major Halal player worldwide, to hold similar educational Halal lectures during the event. (PNA)

(PNA)

PHL eyes Halal markets T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its attached agency, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), spearheaded the recent Philippine participation in three of the world’s most important Halal-centered food shows to carve a slice of the US$ 661-billion world Halal market and thereby strengthened Philippine food exports globally.

The food shows were the UAE’s Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire (GULFOOD) held on Feb. 19 to 22, the 9th Malaysia International Halal Show (MIHAS) held on April 4-7, and Singapore’s Food and Hotel Asia 2012 (FHA) held on April 1720.

“We recognize the positive impact of joining these overseas fairs as contributory to the 21 percent increase to our $ 2.57 billion food exports so far this year,” said Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.

“The Philippine reputation as a reliable agrifood supplier was affirmed as we were able to successfully explore opportunities in Halal for our exporters as well as generate international awareness on our local Halal sector and its potential in terms of investments,” he added.

EDGEDAVAO

IRACY rate in the Philippines was up by a notch to 70 percent in 2011, valued at P14.6 billion, the Business Global Software Piracy study said.

The Philippine piracy report is part of the global study of the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

According to the study, the net effect was to fuel a software piracy rate of 70 percent last year in the Philippines, up from 69% in 2010, which means 7 out of 10 programs that users installed were unlicensed.

The commercial value of this piracy was $ 338 million (approximately P14.6 billion).

In the Philippines, BSA said it has been a staunch supporter of the government’s efforts to combat software piracy, particularly, the enforcement campaigns of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team (PAPT) composed of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Optical Media Board (OMB), the Philippine National Police and its latest member, the Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL).

Globally, the study showed that 57 percent of computer users admit they have acquired pirated software. Some say they use them all or most of the time.

Others say they do it occasionally or rarely.

“If 57 percent of consumers admitted they shoplift even rarely, authorities would react by increasing police patrols and penalties.

Software piracy demands a similar response: concerted public education and vigorous law enforcement,” said Roland Chan, BSA Senior Director for Marketing in Asia Pacific.

About 36 percent of admitted software pirates in Asia-Pacific surveyed in the study, say they acquire software illegally “all of the time,” “most of the time” or “occasionally,” while 27 percent say they “rarely” do so.

The study also found that admitted software pirates in Asia-Pacific are predominantly male, with 32 percent between the ages of 18-24.

BSA has also partnered with the Intellectual Property Coalition (IPC), which is composed of private stakeholder companies coming from different industries, in conducting various educational and awareness generation campaigns on the importance of respecting intellectual property rights for businesses, consumers and the country as a whole.

“Software piracy persists as a drain on the global economy, IT innovation and job creation,” said BSA president and CEO Robert Holleyman.

PSE to hold stock market seminar in Davao, Cebu

T

HE Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is set to conduct FREE stock market seminars in the cities of Cebu and Davao to spur investor awareness and boost local participation in the stock market.

There will be a seminar for retail investors entitled “Building Wealth with Stocks: Investing Guide for Beginners” on May 21 and another briefing on May 22 for institutional investors dubbed “Investing and Listing Briefing for Institutional Investors.” Both of these seminars will be held at the Cebu Parklane Hotel from 1:00-5:00 PM. Likewise both seminars will be conducted for Davao-based investors on May 24 at the Royale Mandaya Hotel. The briefing for institutional investors will be held from 8:30 to 12:00 NN while the Building Wealth with Stocks seminar for retail investors will be conducted

Quips

from 1 to 5 PM. “The PSE continues to organize roadshows in Cebu and Davao to increase local participation in the stock market.

Through this financial literacy campaign, the Exchange also hopes to promote the stock market as an effective venue for mobilizing capital for business enterprises outside Metro Manila,” PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Hans B. Sicat said.

The PSE recently expanded its reach in the Visayas through the establishment of a satellite office in Cebu City last September 2011. This year, the Cebu office has been bringing in an average of 10 to 15 new investor accounts per week.

To further expand into the Mindanao region, the PSE is also looking at putting up a satellite office in Cagayan de Oro which is targeted to be operational in 2013.

‘IT’S wonderful to look at the progress over 25. President Aquino now is making real headway and the new challenge is 21st century challenges.’

--prominent American economist Jeffrey Sachs

EDGEDAVAO

GAME CHANGERS

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

7

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

Raising the bar W

HEN his family’s eatery business went bankrupt in 2003, Engr. Eduardo Martin Zaldivar knew his family should make a smart move in order to survive.

He offered that his father go into selling surplus mountain bikes from Japan, repairing them, and disassembling its good parts to be sold separately.

The growth was slow, as his father Eduardo Zaldivar wanted to attract customers with affordable, quality products. The shop was named GMJC Protrac Marketing (Protrac) located at

Rizal Ext. corner De. Jesus St. Almost ten years after, the practice continues today but unlike before Protrac, now managed by the younger Zaldivar, has grown from one display stall to a daring small shop which directly orders from suppliers in China, Taiwan, Thailand and other countries.

Five years ago this linkage seemed impossible.

Not one shop in Davao City buys bicycle units, parts, and accessories direct from abroad. Everyone depended on suppliers from Ma-

nila, Cebu, or Zamboanga.

But with honest dedication, curiosity, daring, and perhaps luck that Martin Zaldivar with the leadership of his father has made contact with foreign suppliers.

What does this mean for their customers? It means cheaper products with greater variety of brands and higher quality.

This means a bike shop in Davao City has the capability to provide prices lower than those from big time suppliers in the country.

“Prices need not go up as they were directly bought. No more additional payments to suppliers or other charges on shipping,” Zaldivar said.

“A catalogue or pricelist from Manila suppliers only give, at best, a tunnel vision of the products available in the market. The Philippines didn’t know there were so many brands abroad which are cheaper and better. We only knew of the brands that were brought here by local suppliers,” he added.

Directly buying abroad allows Protrac to provide items that are more suitable to the demand of Dabawenyo cyclists.

But this is just the beginning. As Zaldivar said, bicycles have been used for transportation since the 19th century and today cycling is a widely-known sport. Also, bicycles represent clean living and healthy lifestyle.

“People will continue buying bicycles because although it’s a simple mean of transportation it’s affordable. It’s wise to use the bicycle. And those who can afford in life know it’s wise to keep healthy,” he said.

“Our customers are health-wise people. The way people who cycle make conversation is different from those who don’t,” he added.

From here on, Protrac will remain to widen its scope of market, Zaldivar said.

“We will continue widen our knowledge on more manufacturers and distributors in Asia. We will pursue bringing more quality products, at the best price, to the Davao cycling scene,” he added.

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

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8

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Differences on tackling debt crisis ANALYSIS

BY GUO XINYU

R

EDITORIAL

Sources of corruption

D

avao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is keeping track of resolutions passed in the City Council, particularly on requests for land reclassification as these have become “sources of corruption.”

Mr. Duterte’s statement in a way is a continuation of his tirade against yet unnamed corrupt officials and employees in the local government.

Days ago, he also discussed this topic during gatherings of barangay officials and in his talks with media practitioners, and on his popular radio-television programs -- “Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa” and “Ato Ni Bai”.

In those public appearances, the vice mayor zeroed in on an old modus operandi of corrupt officials and factotums of delaying action on reclassification requests, or on release of funds if

EDGEDAVAO

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they involve money for government projects.

We think that the vice mayor ‘s warning, threat if you may, that corrupt public officials, including members of the City Council, risk exposure, if they do not mend their crooked ways, is fair enough. He even hinted that after exposure, records of the anomaly would be forwarded to the Ombudsman.

The vice mayor’s recent actions augur well for every Dabawenyo’s desire to have a local government that is transparent and less corrupt--at least.

However, given the hard-headedness of some crooked officials, Dabawenyos can expect any day now a headline-grabbing expose of corruption coming from the vice mayor.

And watch local media lap it up.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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ARELY has the relationship between two leaders become awkward even before they meet each other, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel and newly sworn-in French President Francois Hollande pledged to work together on Tuesday, much to the relief of those who fear that their political differences would hamper the fight against the eurozone debt crisis.

Though the goal of their meeting on Tuesday was for the two leaders to get acquainted with each other and no decisions were made, the message is clear: everything will be fine despite their differences, and the eurozone’s two biggest economies will keep up their leadership in the fight against the debt crisis.

Merkel and Hollande’s pledge of cooperation may look like compromise and expediency, but it also displays political wisdom, as the euro crisis will not take a break until the German-French relations are realigned.

NEW GERMAN-FRENCH RELATIONSHIP During their press conference on Tuesday night, Hollande said he wants to build “a balanced and respectful relationship,” while Merkel stressed that the two countries share responsibility for development in Europe.

“With this spirit, I believe we will of course find solutions for the different problems,” Merkel said.

The swift rapprochement between the two leaders is remarkable, given Merkel’s public snubbing in refusing to meet Hollande during his election campaign and the latter’s vowing to renegotiate the fiscal compact, which Merkel painstakingly pushed through with the help of Hollande’s predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Hollande does not seem to bear a grudge over the snub. The fact that he visited Berlin hours after taking office spoke volumes of his faith in Franco-German ties and his determination of keeping it from being derailed by political differences.

“I understand that Mrs Merkel supports Mr Sarkozy, given that they’re in the same conservative family of parties,” Hollande told German media during his presidential campaign. “I’m also the candidate who knows that the German-French friendship is indispensable for Europe.”

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Hollande’s close adviser, also said that the relationship between Paris and Berlin is rock solid, adding that Paris was preparing for close cooperation with the German government.

Besides, many observers believe that, compared with the sometimes erratic Sarkozy, the pragmatic and amiable Hollande can turn out to be a better partner for Merkel.

Ruprecht Polenz, head of the German parliament’s foreign affairs committee, wrote in the Berlin daily Der Tagesspiegel recently that Hollande is someone with whom Merkel “can work with more easily at the beginning than with Sarkozy,” given his whole rational and consistent personality.

The German government, for its part, has also become more obliging and conciliatory. Although Merkel resists Hollande’s call for renegotiating the fiscal pact to introduce measures that foment growth and employment, Germany has suggested a discussion on how to achieve growth.

“Growth has to feed through to the people. And that’s why I’m happy that we’ll discuss different ideas on how to achieve growth,” Merkel said at the press conference, adding it will be very important that Germany and France present their ideas together at a summit in June.

German media predict that EU member states may devise a growth pact soon, allowing Hollande to give a satisfactory answer to his voters and enabling Merkel to keep the fiscal compact intact.

EDGEDAVAO

I

T ain’t really over until the fat lady sings.

But Monday’s appearance of Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, former colleague of Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona, at resumption of the latter’s impeachment trial may yet be the game-changer of this highly-charged Philippine political drama.

By calling Carpio-Morales to the witness stand as an adverse and hostile witness, the Corona defense panel failed to buttress its claim that the impeachment of the Chief Justice was a result of political vendetta and virulent attack by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III who wants him out of the Supreme Court.

Instead, the gamble exploded before the faces of the lawyers of Corona. Certainly, including the Chief Justice.

Carpio-Morales was allowed, by a unanimous vote, to present detailed information on Corona’s alleged dollar accounts and their attendant transactions through a Powerpoint presentation. The vote was the first of its kind for the Senate Impeachment Court

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

‘There is no way for Corona’s defense team to explain their client’s multimillion dollar deposits without putting him on the witness stand, which at this stage may already be a helpless situation.’

report also caught the defense panel offguard. They never knew what hit them –

members of Corona’s battery of high-priced lawyers. They never knew the extent and details of the Ombudsman’s investigation into their client’s dollar account deposits. When waived the copy, defense lead counsel Serafin Cuevas, a former Supreme Court associate justice like Carpio-Morales, conveniently forgot to get the details which was the subject subpoena.

But there was no denying the court.

Mind you, Carpio-Morales is not done yet. She could be swayed by both the prosecution and the impeachment court to testify beyond the dollar accounts of Corona.

There is no way for Corona’s defense team to explain their client’s multimillion dollar deposits without putting him on the witness stand, which at this stage may already be a helpless situation.

Corona may yet be able to spring surprises to his favor. After all, he has not rested his case. But frankly, is there really a way out for Corona? He already crossed his Rubicon. The way forward may be is just to fade quietly into the horizon. That, too, may no longer be an option for him given the way things took a turn for the worse for him.

Game may be over for Corona. [Edwin G. Espejo writes for www.asiancorrespondent. com.]

Saving hard-earned OFW income for investments

family that prudently saves the earnings of its overseas family worker will have an easier time managing its resources, even if the amount isn’t so grand.

A family that has found a new-source of income may still find it hard to budget or apportion its money for its growing needs.

For instance, Vilma Baligad, whose husband has been working as a security guard in Africa for more than a year with an income six times higher than his salary in the Philippines, still gropes on how to budget her family expenses.

Since Baligad solely depends on her husband’s remittances, she has has noticed that the money went recklessly to buying household furniture, appliances, electronic gadgets and celebrations.

“We have more expenses now than before my hubby left for abroad,” Vilma said.

She also has forgotten to save consistently sufficient money in the bank for the future.

Just like Vilma, OFW families should exercise discipline in utilizing money. They should prioritize their “needs” first before their “wants.” They have to make long-term goals and take their future into account Working overseas creates a culture of dependency among beneficiaries of OFWs. They tend to rely on overseas Filipinos and not exert effort for long-term goals for their family.

Likewise, working abroad is also considered to be short term in nature. OFWs may lose jobs anytime due to unexpected closure of the company, serious medical

Monkey Business

Faith tourism

Corona Trial: Game over

instigated by, of all Senator-Judges, Senator Miriam Santiago who is perceived to be sympathetic to Corona.

Why the Court voted to allow the presentation can only be interpreted as one in answer to its members’ curiosity because, until Carpio-Morales waived the 17-page document from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), nobody among them had any inkling about the intricate web of transactions involving Corona’s dollar accounts.

Carpio-Morales’ possession of the AMLC

SPECIAL FEATURE

BY GENEVE BALIGAD problems or retirement.

Filipino overseas workers are seen to earn billions of dollars but confront challenges in saving them. In fact, this situation was featured on a special report of Cable News Network’s(CNN) “Eye on the Philippines.”

Recognizing this situation, the government has thought of ways to help its OFWs manage their pooled money into productive ways.

The Remittance Development Council (RedC) was established to encourage OFW families to save and invest.

Saving into a regular account disburses teensy-weensy interest rate and it is not enough to keep pace on the continuous increase in prices of goods and services.

On the other hand, investing money makes it grow bigger and faster which will allow OFWs to reach financial goals earlier.

“We are more determined in working so that their (overseas Filipino workers or OFWs’) hard earned and pooled remittances will be used effectively and productively through cooperatives, microfinance, migrants’ savings and investments programs and social enterprises. These remittances will be our tool in transforming several underdeveloped areas in the country into vibrant communities,” said Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas, Chairperson of Commission on Filipino Overseas.

OFWs have the choice of starting into

micro or small enterprises like the successful turn out of the Pampanga-based Mekeni Food Corporation.

Prudencio Garcia, chief executive officer (CEO) of MFC, was once a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia and his investments continues to pay off to a world-class meat processing company that retains more than 1,000 employees.

In 2011, only 5.7 percent of OFW families used their funds for investments.

The government urges more OFWs to save and invest in order to generate more jobs that will contribute to the local economic development and community infrastructure such as schools, health centers, roads and other community projects.

It can also be a way to lift households’ standard of living thus targeting the advocacy in fighting poverty in the Philippines.

The government also conducts financial literacy trainings worldwide to reach OFWs and their respective families to impart better money management.

Overseas Filipinos count 9.5 to 12.5 million worldwide or 11 percent of the total population of the Philippines.

As the fourth biggest recipient of remittances in 2010, the Philippines obtained US$ 20.1 billion that constructed nine percent of the country’s domestic output as measured by the gross domestic product(GDP).

As an American proverb states, “Money talks, but all it ever says is goodbye.” OFWs should not let the opportunity of earning dollars fly from its nest.

Come save and invest! [PNA]

9

COMMENTARY

BY WALTER RODGERS

I

T is said confession is good for the soul, and so I shall “fess up.” I love church hopping, all denominations, observing the diversity with which humankind worships divinity.

As a journalist, I discovered it was a wonderful way to learn how others think and who people are.

I have visited better than half the cathedrals in Britain, sung “Amazing Grace” in the Plains, Ga., Baptist church with Jimmy Carter, and been blessed

by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square among the throngs onEaster morning.

When I was based in Moscow in the 1980s, there were frequent visits to Russian Orthodox Church services. I fondly recall circling outside a cathedral at midnight one Easter Sunday morning, cradling a candle in a frigid wind, chanting in Russian, “Glory to God, Christ is risen. Truly, truly he has risen.” Such fortitude, joy, and faith amid the cold darkness.

My fascination with religious observances is truly ecumenical. I have recited my “Allahu Akbars” in mosques from Britain to the Palestinian territories, across Iraq, and in Muslim Pakistan. I also keep a Jewish kippa, or yarmulke, in my desk.

Worship services offer unique windows on cultures that can sometimes appear veiled to foreigners. You can gauge the influence women have in a society by where they sit in synagogues, mosques, and churches. It’s pretty easy to discern the haves versus have-nots by where people sit, stand, or kneel in parishes, mosques, and temples.

Wherever people of any faith gather there usually surfaces an almost universal need for moments of contemplation, self-surrender. It is as if the adherents of any faith are welcoming a quiet respite from our constant obsession with egos and self.

Sometimes churches are good theater as well.

But attending churches new to me is never less than a theological adventure.

My most recent sojourn into the world of worship was the Église Évangélique de Polynésie Français on the South Pacific island of Huahine, in French Polynesia, where I was vacationing.

For one thing, I wanted to learn why a large majority of native Polynesians were Protestant in an overseas territory of largely Roman Catholic France.

It turns out that in the early 19th century, British Protestant missionaries got there first.

Outside the small yellow church there were the ubiquitous signs of poverty endemic to tropical climes: peeling paint, spare amenities, and tired concrete. But that was not what I found inside this Polynesian church.

Glancing about at the congregants, I saw the same rich grace and beauty that Paul Gauguin discovered when he came to paint the “innocents.” The young girls, adorned with creamy fresh blossoms in their straight black hair, giggled among themselves.

Western preconceptions of paucity and poverty dissolved amid a luxuriant palette of red, green, and cerulean sarongs worn by a congregation of largely middle-aged women. These were the descendants of the “primitives” that the London Bible Society came to convert in the early 1800s.

A tolling bell signaled the start of the church service promptly at 9 a.m. Moments later in the pew behind me a woman with a hauntingly beautiful, throaty voice sang an a cappella solo of “Abide With Me” in her native Tahitian tongue.

Other Protestant hymns followed in the same deep Tahitian voices summoning reminders of the island’s deep past.

The sermon’s tone seemed slightly revivalist to my wife, but I suspect hellfire and damnation don’t play that well in this Polynesian paradise.

And there remained this riddle. Less than 200 years ago, the Polynesians’ ancestors were practicing cannibalism, infanticide, and human sacrifice.

They were waging internecine warfare. So, how did they undergo such a total change of character and become, as described by anthropologist Mark Eddowes, the gentle, happy, loving, joyful Polynesian people of today?

Mr. Eddowes, of New Zealand, believes Polynesians were so decimated by tribal warfare and European diseases that they became highly receptive to Protestant missionaries preaching a merciful, loving God. The islanders eagerly embraced the missionaries’ message: Do good to your enemies, showing them mercy. This new ethic, he says, produced the caring and generous congregants in whose midst we found ourselves.

Understanding some French, I hoped to follow some of the sermon but miscalculated. All 90 minutes of hymns, solos, and sermons were in Tahitian.

But the language of communion was universal, albeit with a South Pacific twist. The traditional bread, representing the body of Christ, was a minced French baguette, and the wine, the blood of Christ, gave me a chuckle. With a quick gulp of watery coconut milk, I became a born-again Polynesian.

[Walter Rodgers is a former senior international correspondent for CNN].

10

COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Summer fun in ComVal T

HE past weekend’s start of this year’s summer beach fest’s friendly sports hostilities capped by Saturday evening’s mesmerizing fire dance competition, reggae battle of the bands, and a wild night of beer guzzling and partying at host site Beach View resort in Pindasan affirmed rumours that “it’s more fun” in Compostela Valley than in any place in Davao region in summer.

On Saturday night almost 2,000 people packed themselves in front of the stage within an area the size of two basketball courts and finished off every last bottle of beer sold at the event sponsor San Miguel Beer

booths and the resorts bar.

The party ended 4:00 o’clock Sunday morning.

“It was a record-breaking party ever in the host resort, more well-attended than last year,” provincial tourism officer Christine T. Dompor observed.

Fire dance groups from Davao City and Samal Island delighted the audience as each vied for the top prize with fiery, breath-taking, and well-choreographed performances. In the end, Davao City’s Mugnapak Fire Artists out-danced same city rivals Junjie’s Flare with their fireworks execution agility.

Samal’s Silayan Mindanao came in third.

In the reggae band com-

petition, Nabunturan’s Pure Play Band bested their rivals from Davao del Norte and Davao City to grab the P10,000 grand prize and championship trophy. Compostela’s Blacklisted Band, last year’s champion, slipped into second place. The Skatonic Band of Tagum City landed third overall.

One significant result of Saturday night’s beach party was the discovery of a new cocktail drink during the SMB Mix competition.

The new drink the winner baptized Cali de Negra is a concoction of Cervesa Negra, Cali, pinched lemon, and apple slices with fine iodized salt to temper its flavor.

Earlier in the day, eight

teams from Davao City, Tagum City, and Welborn Beach Resort of Pantukan battled it out for the cash prize and trophy in men’s beach volley ball. Kenji Team A of Davao City, powered by RJ Desierto and Kenneth Cutamore walloped the Tagum City team of Marvin Saludes and Gian Carlo Pineda to emerge champion. The third place went to Kenjie Team B, also of Davao City.

In women’s volleyball Sunday Tagum volley belles Lovely Jane Omega and Olive Joy Lawag automatically grabbed the crown in the championship round against Haring Tamsi’s Jestine Carla Gonzales and April Mae Lozada.

Lozada, whose powerful serves had dominated the women elimination rounds, went down twice from leg cramps in the second and final sets of the championship game and conceded victory to their city rivals.

Compostela Valley’s summer beach sports festival is a national awardwinning and environmentthemed summer event held in all weekends of May and organized jointly by the provincial government of Compostela Valley through the provincial tourism office and the Small Hotel and Resorts Association, Inc. (SHARE) and fully-supported by Mayor Hadji Amir B. Muñoz of the municipal government of Mabini as well as provincial sports coordinator Tyrone Uy. It highlights mostly ex-

otic sports events competitions from body painting and fire dance to open water volleyball hosted by several beach resorts that line the Compostela Valley shoreline of Davao gulf.

This year’s 4th Summer Beach Sports Festival introduces three new competitive events – biggest fish catch, bancarera around Kopiat island, and sea kite flying..

Another contributor to the festivities is the provincial chapter of the Philippine Red Cross has introduced a series of one-day swimming lessons for P200 under its pre-school aquatic program.

The third weekend summer events on May 19 are the biggest fish catch competition starting 5:00 a.m., Bugsay Kopiat at 10:00 a.m., and SMB Night presenting the beach acoustics com-

petition at Magayon Beach Resort. The next day will be devoted to the ManaklayKopiat Swimming Challenge at 8:00 a.m. and sea kite flying competition starting 1:00 p.m. at the boat landing.

On May 26, the festival will join Dagan sa Dapugan Araw ng Mabini Fun Run. At 10:00 a.m. the same day, Welborn Resort in Magnaga, Pantukan will host the Amazing Race and Water volleyball competitions. Magnaga Waters in Pantukan will host a Bikini Open at 7:00 p.m.

The festival will end on Sunday May 27 with a beach tattoo competition at 8:00 a.m. in Berioso Beach Resort simultaneous with the start of the regatta fluvial parade competition from Beachview to Magnaga. (jpa/pgo-tourism/ids)

EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

11

DCWD plants 1,000 mangrove seedlings T

DCWD employees plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings. Participants of “Lawig 6”, DCWD’s coastal educational tour for the worldwide celebration of Ocean Month, pose for posterity after planting at Sirawan Beach in Toril.

Sarangani in photos

3rd Provincial Musabaqah guests and visitors A Muslim pupil recites a poem of peace as guests in the presidential table (from L-R) Rolando Doria, Sagittarius Mines Incorporated superintendent; Vice Governor Steve Solon; Governor Migs Dominguez; ARMM Governor MujivHataman; Vice Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan of Maasim; Alimudin Hassan, Al Haj, executive assistant for Cultural Affairs of General Santos City government; Board Member AbdulracmanPangolima and Board Member LimuelGacula listen during the opening program of 3rd Provincial Musabaqah Tuesday, May 15, at the Capitol gymnasium.

Best in uniform winner Delegates from Maitum won best in uniform at the opening program of 3rd Provincial Musabaqah Tuesday, May 15, at the Capitol gymnasium. Musabaqah is a Madaris intramurals.

ARMM governor attends SaranganiMusabaqah ARMM Governor MujivHataman delivers his message as the guest speaker at the opening program of 3rd Provincial Musabaqah Tuesday, May 15, at the Capitol gymnasium. Hataman lauded Governor Migs Dominguez for the Madaris program implemented by the KalinawSarangani Unit of the office of the governor.

Most in attendance winner Delegates from Malapatan won the most attendance citation during the opening program of 3rd Provincial Musabaqah Tuesday, May 15, at the Capitol gymnasium. Musabaqah is Madaris intramurals organized by the Provincial Governor’s Office through its KalinawSarangani Unit

Gov. Migs talks with media Governor Migs Dominguez answers questions from media in an ambush interview at the opening program of 3rd Provincial Musabaqah Tuesday, May 15, at the Capitol gymnasium. Musabaqah is Madaris intramurals organized by the Provincial Governor’s Office through its KalinawSarangani Unit

HE Davao City Water District planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings and did coastal clean-up at Sirawan Beach in Toril last May 11 as part of “Lawig 6”, a coastal educational tour for the worldwide celebration of Ocean Month themed “Buhay Dagat. Buhay Natin”.

Fifty-four employees attended the whole day activity which sailed from Sta. Ana Wharf and made stopovers at Times Beach, Punta Dumalag, Gulf View and Sirawan Beach. “Lawig”, now in its 6th year, is an annual event organized by the Public Information / Relations Division of DCWD. Lending support were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI – Coastal and Marine Management Division (DENR XI – CMMD), City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Coastal Marine Services (CENRO – CMS), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI – Coastal Resource Management Section (BFAR XI – CRMS), City Agriculturist Office (CAO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Davao and Barangay Sirawan local government.

In behalf of acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado, finance and property manager Bernadette A. Dacanay opened the activity by discussing the relevance of “Lawig 6”. She cited that DCWD has been contributing so much to help lessen the effects of pollution to our environment. “From the mountains to the seas, DCWD has been conducting activities to help reverse the effects of climate change and one of these activities is Lawig 6,” she said.

While traversing the coastal areas of Davao City, invited speakers from partner agencies discussed matters relevant to the whole event. Redentor G. Magno, forester I of DENR XI CMMD, gave insights on how the sea is part of the watershed and the different devastating effects of climate change to the ocean ecosystem. Special agent Romulo C. Nicdao imparted the dif-

ferent effects of pollution to the ocean ecosystem while agricultural technologist Carlos John L. Necor talked about the status of Davao City’s marine resources.

Both speakers are from the fishery section of CAO. Aylwin N. Ventura, technical assistant of the BFAR XI - CRMS, and Ryan T. Revilla, marine biologist of the CENRO - CMS, shared the importance of mangroves to the environment. They also lectured on how to properly plant mangroves in preparation for the mangrove planting activity.

In between speakers, participants were entertained by the organizers through different games that were designed to help reverberate the call for environmental protection.

At the end of the day, electronics and data processing manager Jeanette Carlota M. Delino lauded the efforts of all participants who took part in the cause to save the ocean.

Escorting and assuring the safety of the participants were four members from the PCG, namely, PO3 Aldrine F. Cordero, PO2 Mahaleel A. Bermas, PO1 Joven C. Caro and SN1 Raymund G. Villanueva. Barangay Sirawan officials were also present during the mangrove planting and coastal clean-up activities.

“Lawig” is a vernacular word that means aboard and any activity like sailing or journeying on the sea.

DCWD, however, makes use of its more symbolical meaning which is the heightening, strengthening and intensifying of a campaign towards environmental protection specifically watershed preservation embracing the law of nature that says “everything is related to everything else and everything must go somewhere”. DCWD’S “Lawig” was first launched in 2004 as the water utility’s response to the Ocean Month celebration. Other Lawig celebrations that followed were in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011. (JOVANA T. DUHAYLUNGSOD)

GenSan extends message of commendation Alimudin Hassan, Al Haj, executive assistant for Cultural Affairs of General Santos City government, commends the administration of Governor Migs Dominguez for the unwavering support it has given to Madaris program implemented by KalinawSarangani Unit. Hassan was guest at the opening program of 3rd Provincial Musabaqah Tuesday, May 15, at the Capitol gymnasium with this year’s theme “PaligsahanparasaKapayapaan

12

NATION/WORLD

NATION BRIEFS Cocktail

C

HEERS! Manila may soon be known for more than just its traffic; thanks to ‘Manila Sunshine’, a signature cocktail “that will define the city of Manila.”

Like the city itself, Manila Sunshine is a combination of the country’s best ingredients.

Piracy

I

S piracy in the Philippines thriving more than ever? According to a global survey by the Business Software Alliance, Filipinos installed around P14.6 billion worth of pirated software last year, with users admitting 70 percent of programs installed were unlicensed, Citing its 2011 BSA Global Piracy Study, the business group said piracy in the Philippines was slightly higher than the 69 percent reported in 2010.

T

Fighter jets

HE Philippines is looking at arming itself for the first time with dedicated fighter jets made outside of the United States, President Benigno Aquino said Wednesday amid a territorial dispute with China.

The Philippines last month requested aircraft, patrol boats and radar systems from its US military ally to help it achieve what the government said would be a “minimum credible defense”.

T

Foiling

HE success of Manny Pacquiao is delivering a knockout blow to Filipino dreams of a first Olympic gold medal, with young boxers fast-tracking to the professional ranks in a desperate bid to escape poverty and emulate the success of their hero.

Manny Pinol, a former governor of North Cotabato and current manager of boxers through his Braveheart Boxing stable, says the success of the eight-weight world champion is hindering the amateur Olympic program at home.

R

Best perks

ESIDENTS of Makati City get the best perks, according to data compiled by the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB). According to the NSCB’s monthly “Statistically Speaking” report, Makati City spent the most on education and health among all Philippine cities in 2007 to 2009.

On average, Makati City spent around P11,913 for every resident, or around P6.37 billion a year. Quezon City, which has a bigger population, spent more per year, an average of 7.28 billion.

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

China, Japan, US to witness ‘ring’ solar eclipse May 20 H

WORLD TODAY Wrong man

E was the spitting image of the killer, had the same first name and was near the scene of the crime at the fateful hour: Carlos DeLunapaid the ultimate price and was executed in place of someone else in Texas in 1989, a report out Tuesday found.

Even “all the relatives of both Carloses mistook them,” and DeLuna was sentenced to death and executed based only on eyewitness accounts despite a range of signs he was not a guilty man, said law professor James Liebman.

A

T sunrise in some parts of China and Japan and by sunset in the western United States, a partial solar eclipse is set to slink across a narrow swath of the Earth on May 20 and 21.

Depending on where people are in the eclipse’s path, some may be able to witness an annular eclipse in which the moon blocks out all but a ring of the Sun’s light.

Others will see the Sun as a crescent, partially obscured by the moon, for a period of around four to five minutes.

The event will be the first time in 18 years that such an eclipse is visible from the continental United States, according to Fred Espenak, a longtime solar eclipse expert with NASA. “What is unusual about this particular annular eclipse is that it goes over the western US,” Espenak told AFP. “People always think that eclipses are extremely rare but there are at least two solar eclipses every year. Each of these annular eclipses covers a very small fraction of the Earth’s surface.”

The path of the annular eclipse will span “a 240 to

ECLIPSE. At sunrise in some parts of China and by sunset in the western United States, a partial solar eclipse is set to slink across the Earth on May 20 and 21 300 kilometer-wide (150185 mile) track that traverses eastern Asia, the northern Pacific Ocean and the western United States,” according to the US space agency.

The eclipse begins at sunrise in southern China at 2206 GMT Sunday, which is early Monday local time, and swiftly travels eastward to the southern coast of Japan, NASA said.

“Tokyo lies 10 kilometers (six miles) north of the central line. For the over 10 million residents within the

metropolitan area, the annular phase will last five minutes beginning at 2232 GMT,” said NASA. The shadow then embarks on a 7,000-kilometerlong Pacific ocean voyage that will endure for about two hours, skimming just south of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.

The eclipse will reach the coastlines of southern Oregon and northern California Sunday evening local time, at 0123 GMT Monday, and it should be visible in

Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.

The US East Coast will not see any of the eclipse because the Sun will have already set.

“The desert areas of Nevada, southern Utah and northern Arizona may be the best (for viewing) if they have the greatest chance of clear skies and the eclipse takes place low in the sky over a dramatic landscape,” said Alan MacRobert, editor of Sky and Telescope magazine.

Santiago questioned Morales› authority in investigating Corona’s accounts, noting that in compliance to laws on foreign currency deposit units and banking secrecy, a court order or a depositor’s consent is required before the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) can open dollar accounts.

“Is it your opinion that should somebody file a complaint against any public official, you can go straight to the AMLC without going through

the court?” she asked.

“It depends upon the complaint,” the Ombudsman answered.

The senator-judge, however, said she was not satisfied with her reply.

Meanwhile, lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas asked Morales if she verified an AMLC report showing that Corona owned 82 dollar accounts in five banks, and has a $10-million worth of transactional balances and $12-million worth of fresh

deposits.

“You gave us the impression that you swallowed hook, line and sinker the entire contents of the AMLC report submitted to you,” Cuevas told the Ombudsman.

She said she did not verify the AMLC report due to the bank secrecy law.

“The presumption is that they gave me an accurate report. I could not go directly to the bank to verify whether the data here are correct or not,” Morales added.

Ombudsman to chase Corona, eyes second impeachment complaint

S

HOULD Chief Justice Renato Corona be acquitted in the current trial, he will have to face another.

This, as Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Tuesday said she may file a second impeachment complaint against Corona.

“Nothing will prevent the Ombudsman to file an impeachment complaint against Corona for future proceedings, if warranted,” Morales told the impeachment court.

But Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago questioned this intent, given that there’s an ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate.

Morales said the current impeachment complaint did not include Corona›s alleged dollar accounts and ill-gotten wealth, and if warranted, she said she will file a new complaint after the conclusion of the investigation.

“Therefore, even if this court acquits the chief justice, let him be warned that he will face another impeachment case,” Santiago said.

The defense team presented Morales as a hostile witness to testify on Corona’s dollar accounts allegedly not declared in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

DOLLAR ACCOUNTS. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales gestures as she presents a power point presentation of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report on Supreme

Court chief justice Renato Corona’s alleged U.S. dollar accounts during the impeachment trial at the Senate in Manila May 15, 2012. [REUTERS]

T

Loan

HE World Bank on Tuesday announced it was ready to provide Indonesia with a $2 billion loan, a backstop against a potential debt crisis in one of Asia’s fastest growing economies.

The World Bank said the loan, requested by the Indonesian government, would be held as a contingency against “possible future shocks and volatility.”

C

Pressure

HINA has been quietly and gently pressuring North Korea to scrap plans for a third nuclear test, said two sources with knowledge of closed-door discussions between the countries, but there is no indication how the North will react.

If North Korea goes ahead with the test, China would consider taking some retaliatory steps, but they would not be substantive, a source with ties to Pyongyang and Beijing told Reuters.

T

Crisis

HE prospect of a second Greek election in less than two months stoked the eurozone crisis Wednesday even as France and Germany pledged support and help for growth.

News that about 700 million euros ($894 million) had been withdrawn from Greek banks on Monday added to the strains showing up across European markets, with investors fearful that a Greek euro exit would be chaotic for everyone.

F

Ready

ACING an imminent toughening of sanctions, Iran is hinting at a readiness to give some ground in its long nuclear stand-off with world powers, but any flexibility could split their ranks and lead to protracted uncertainty about how to respond.

The stakes are high, for the longer the impasse goes on, the closer Iran will get to the technological threshold of capability to develop atomic bombs, raising the odds of last-ditch Israeli military strikes on its arch-foe and the risk of a new Middle East war a troubled global economy cannot afford.

EDGEDAVAO

Deport...

Tourism...

FFROM 1

FFROM 1

investigation along with Taiwan police, to write a summary on the arrest of the multinationals.

“Pagsulat na lang ug summary ug ipa-deport.

Unsa may imong ebidensya ana? Sila na lang didto (Taiwan) mag-continue sa investigation ug mangita ug ebidensya,” he said.

Duterte added that he is confident Taiwan authorities “will be firm” against the suspects.

“Dako man kaya na sila ug atraso sa ila? Sila na lang ana,” he said.

The 72 Taiwanese nationals, 36 of whom are women, were arrested last April 18 during simultaneous raids at their 24-hour fake call center headquarters in Ladislawa Village, Buhangin, Villa Josefina Village in Matina; and Valgoson’s Building in Talomo.

DCPO chief Sr. Supt.

Ronald dela Rosa last April 19 said the Taiwanese police gave them information that the arrested foreigners were a part of some large inter-

Incentive...

national syndicate, and that those arrested “answer to kingpins abroad.”

“Malaking sindikato ito, actually komingking pa lang ni sila sa kung unsa gyud sila kadako. Ang ilang mga boss, ang mga kingpin nila, tua sa Mainland China ug Taiwan,” dela Rosa said.

Motion to quash The motion for reconsideration filed by the suspects was denied by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) early this month. Their counsel, lawyer Israelito Torreon, last May 8 filed a motion to quash to suppress evidence pursuant to Section 14 Rule 126 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure.

Torreon in an 18-page motion said the search warrants served by the police were “general warrants,” noting that they were addressed only to three persons, but a total of 72 persons were arrested.

This, Torreon said, is in violation of Sections 8 and 11 of Rules 126 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure, manifesting that

whatever evidence were secured should be declared inadmissible and should be ordered returned to the respondents.

Hearing on the motion to quash began May 11 at the Regional Trial Court.

Modus operandi The DCPO chief said they were contacted by Taiwanese police early last March, for help to monitor the presence of Taiwanese nationals in the city.

Dela Rosa said the DCPO was briefed by Taiwanese authorities on the modus operandi of the syndicate which is to target their countrymen or those from mainland China.

“They threaten persons online, forcing them to pay their charges. If the victims in mainland China or Taiwan do not pay up, their syndicate members in mainland China or Taiwan will harass them, even through physical means,” he said.

The money involved, dela Rosa, said is in the millions of dollars.

run are remarkable. For one, the incentive package will be more attractive to personnel due for rationalization, and we won’t have to retain employees whose functions are no longer relevant to their respective agencies,” said Abad.

On the other hand, the incentives of affected personnel who retired/separated from their agencies beginning July 1, 2007 and before the issuance of E.O. 77 will be recomputed by their agencies to correspond with their salaries as of retirement. The difference therein

will be paid to them, subject to DBM’s validation.

The DBM chief also clarified that government institutions with approved rationalization plans will not be allowed additional regular positions for at least five years to recoup the payment of rationalization incentives.

Exempted from this rule are positions created with no additional cost to government, as well as populationrelated positions, including policemen, teachers, and medical and allied medical personnel, among others.

“As of year-end 2011, the SSS website had a total of 1.4 million registered users, of which 410,000 are employees and over 6,900 are employers. The rest are voluntary and self-employed members, household helpers, OFWs, and pensioners,” de Quiros said.

The SSS kickstarted the production and issuance of the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Cards in July 2011, after the suspension of SSS biometric ID card production due to equipment breakdown. By year-end 2011, the SSS was able to wipe out the 700,000 backlog of pending ID applications from 2008 to 2010. De Quiros said, the SSS is now working on the 201 backlog of 800,000 IDs

and it is looking forward to normalizing production by November 2012.

Finally, 2011 marked another year for SSS to plead its case before stakeholders for much-needed reforms to extend the life of the Social Security Fund to perpetuity. It conducted several consultative meetings with its stakeholders throughout 2011, in which de Quiros and key officials explained plans to, among others, increase the 10.4 percent contribution rate to 11 percent and the P15,000 maximum monthly salary credit to P20,000. Doing so would add seven years to the SSS fund life and enable it to provide higher benefit amounts.

FFROM 3

and government financial institutions (GFIs) will be sourced from their respective corporate funds.

In case of funding deficiencies in GOCCs and GFIs included in the Salary Standardization Law, however, the government can provide funding assistance to support the updated incentive package.

“Initially, the government will have to spend more just to ensure that affected personnel will receive benefits that match their current pay. However, the cost-efficiencies in the long

SSS...

[PNA]

FFROM 3

significant improvements in its service delivery due to upgrades in its information technology infrastructure and by enabling electronic or Internet-based transactions.

An example of this is the Automated Records Management system, which digitizes documents to enable faster and more efficient processing and accessibility. Also implemented were the enhanced Text-SSS facility, the mandatory electronic submission of collection lists by employers, and the direct crediting of sickness and maternity reimbursements to employers’ bank accounts instead of mailed checks.

Meanwhile the enhanced SSS website (www.sss.gov. ph) provides members with greater convenience in transacting with the SSS, such as submitting salary loan applications and maternity notifications online, viewing and printing their records and forms, and setting appointments with their servicing branches.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

Quips

‘I HOPE that we will encourage those who are asked to give grease money to report them because if they do not report, what can we do.?

--OMBUDSMAN CONCHITA CARPIO-MORALES

the people there that “It’s safe to come to the Philippines.”

However, if the advice came from the Beijing, almost all Chinese obey it, thus affecting most business partnerships between Chinese and Filipinos, she added.

While the regional office has not received any report of flight cancellation to the city, 10 tourist groups from China have already cancelled their flights to Manila.

Further, the DOT III also has no cancellation of flights from China as yet, according to regional director Ronald Tiotuico, who was here for a familiarization trip with 26 tour operators as part of the sisterhood agreement between Clark and Davao

Farmers...

FFROM 2

“Jubac filed a criminal case against us instead of land conflict to avoid bringing it to the special court,” he said in the dialect.

The farmers asked assistance from the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Davao City as the public attorney’s office of Davao Oriental suggested for an amicable settlement, to which Jubac did not agree.

Pedro Arnado, chairperson of KMP Southern Mind-

City.

number one, followed by Japan and Korea, and Australia in that order.

In the Philippines, China is also among the largest markets for tourism, following Korea as top one, the US, Japan and Taiwan, according to Tiotuico.

Last year, the city government of Davao conducted a selling mission to China led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

City tourism officer Jason Magnaye said after the selling mission, immediately, there were chartered flights of tourists from China; including a group of executives for a convention in the city.

David also cited Pearl Farm Resort as one of the favorites of Chinese tourists as observed last year.

anao, said they are holding some of the farmers until they find a legal counsel.

He is also asking the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assist the families of the accused farmers, especially that their kids will be enrolling in school in June.

Diones, with eight kids, said, “Sakit kaayo nga kami naghago, sila nagharbis.

Wala mi mahimo. Kinsa

pa man mudapig namo nga puro naman armado sa sulod (It hurts us that they harvested what we planted. There’s nothing we can do. Who will defend us when everyone inside is armed?).”

Arnado said this case is only one of the many agrarian cases in the Philippines recorded by the KMP, but the most common is devaluating peasants’ role in the country’s food production.

“Sa amin sa North Luzon, wala pang effect sa amin yan (It has no effect on us yet in North Luzon. Wala pa kaming naririnig na cancellation (We haven’t heard of any cancellation yet). In fact, Dragonair will have an inaugural flight on May 29,” he said.

A Hong Kongbased international airline, and a member of the Cathay Pacific Group, Dragonair will open its connectivity of Shanghai and Clark through its inaugural flight to Clark.

He said so far, there was no advice from Dragonair to cancel its inaugural flight.

China is the fourth largest tourism market of Davao City, with the US as

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao is Rugby’s next target D

AVAO is the next target for the Philippine Rugby Union Federation (PRUF) where national coach Expo Mejia hopes to develop the sport and widen the base of rugby talents in he country.

Mejia was at the first ever Davao Sports Expo at the Annex of SM City Davao with members of the Philippine Volcanoes John Paul Jordan, Timothy Kog, Rose Lanticse, Aiumi Ono and Blessie delos Santos.

In the press conference held after the opening of the Sports Expo, Mejia bared that Delos Santos has been employed by PRUF to be the development officer for Davao. Delos Santos is a native of Cebu and a member of the Volcanoes women’s team.

“Masaya ako na napili na maging development officer ng rugby sa Davao.

Sana ay suportahan ng Davao ang rugby,” Delos

Santos said.

The Volcanoes conducted a one-day clinic at the Davao Crocodile Park football complex on Tuesday with some of the local football ad Frisbee players taking part.

“It’s fun. I hope to learn rugby and play it seriously,” said Praveen Relton, a football standout from Davao’s Solido FC squad.

The Volcanoes were to do a demo clinic at the Sports Expo demonstration area before flying out late Wednesday night.

The Volcanoes are here for the Davao Summerfest organized by the Duaw Davao Festival Foundation for the city government of Davao. The Summerfest is backed up by Aboitiz, Davao Light and Power Co., H2Zero Water, SM City, International Pharmaceuticals Inc., AMA Computer College Davao, and Nature Spring Water.

RUGBY. Coach Expo Mejia of the Philippine Volcanoes talks about the development plan for Davao with the introduction of rugby the city during the press conference following the opening of the Davao Summerfest’s Davao

Sports Expo at the Annex of SM City Davao. (right) John Paul Jordan (right) demonstrates a tackle with women’s team members Rose Lanticse, Aiumi Ono and Blessie delos Santos. (Boy Lim)

SSOCIATION for the Advancement of KaratedoDavao will be hosting the 2012 AAK Davao Karate Cup on May 27, 2012 at the SM City

Categories are age group kata and kumite (boys and girls), 6-7,8-9,10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-17 for the age

Davao hosts AAK Karate Cup A Davao entertainment center “This is in line with the 10th year anniversary of AAK Davao branch,” said Rommel Tan of AAK Davao.

GOAL. One of the exciting action in the recent Davao Summer Games football festival played at the Davao Crocodile Park football complex. (Boy Lim)

group. For the seniors, there will be competitions in men’s and women’s open kata, -65 kgs and open weight men’s kumite, women’s -53 kgs and open weight.

This early, teams from Manila have confired their participation in the one-day event which is part of the accredited events of this year’s Davao Summerfest are AAK Megamall, AAK La Salle Greenhills, Ateneo de Manila and Jose Rizal University under Sonny Montalvo a former world cup champion.

Also coming are teams from Bukidnon (Shoreikan karate club), Mati Shutokai karate club under Risty Beloria, Panabo, Gen. Santos City (Dynamic Eagle karate club), Comatcom ( Engr. Rolindo Orogo) and AAK Davao. “We are only accepting 120 entries so that we will finish the tourney because it’s just a 1-day event,” said Tan. The tournament is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Ricardo Garcia and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr., Genbukai Karatedo Canada.

Sm City Davao, Aak Davao Parents, Mr. Alex Lao, Archt Benjamin Lim , LCI Incorporated, Ricks Carwash and Beefit Gym.

INdulge!

FOOD

Healthy eating bourgeois style

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Fire up your appetite at the Polo Bistro

by: Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto, MBA

UP Dharma Down’s “Tadhana” is one tune that inspires and reminds me of life and its boundless possibilities. Somehow, when the heat is on, I realize that with all that life has to offer, I should really take advantage by getting off my “But...s” and saying “Yes” to everything--- shedding my inhibitions, trying on new and drastic things and basically be game for whatever adventure life throws my way.

So what am I saying “Yes” to this time of the year? Eating a nutritious meal is but on top of my list. Loading on the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and free radicals certainly would make a big difference. This week’s recipe came about because of my Dad and my Mom’s request of a fish recipe that is delectable and at the same time easy to make. Even my yayey Ning and Jane can whip this one up in a jiffy.

Happy Cooking!

Belated Happy Mother’s Day to my QueenMama, my tita’s, Maam Bambi, Ate Ana, Ate Tayan and Ate Baila.

Tell me what you think of this recipe. Email me your questions, suggestions and comments at iamtheroyalchef@gmail.com.

Royal Steamed Fish Researchers believe that the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may reduce breast and colon cancer risk while Olive Oil contains phenols, antioxidants that can prevent damage from free radicals that can lead to cancer.

Ingredients 150 g fish fillet (tuna or cream dory) 2 pcs garlic, minced Half of a small white onion, chopped 4 tbsps olive oil Salt and Pepper to taste Lemon rounds, garnish Procedure

MAKE summer last a while longer with Polo Bistro’s sizzling set menus for lunch and dinner.

1 In a foil, place the fish fillet, garlic, onion rings and olive oil. Season fish lighly with salt and pepper. Close the foil tightly.

2 Steam the fish for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is tender.

3 Keep fish in oil or transfer in a plate. Top with lemon wedges or homemade salsa (Combine chopped 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, juice of half a lemon, olive oil and salt and pepper.)

Asian Slaw Adding mango to the usual coleslaw sidedish makes all the difference.

Ingredirents 1/2 c cabbage, shredded 1/2 c red cabbage, shredded 1/2 c nuts, roasted and roughly chopped (I used a garlic flavored nuts) 1/2 c Japanese Mayonaise 1 ripe mango, shredded Salt and pepper to taste Procedure 1 Wash cabbage in water and vinegar mixture. This is to ensure their freshness and crispiness.

2 Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Adjust the taste (seasoning) as you go. Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Remember: Do not drench your slaw in your dressing. Just the right amount of dressing could go a long way.

“These themed sets are structured around brandy- flambéed filet mignon or fresh seafood grilled to perfection,” said Danilo Herrera, Food and Beverage Director of Marco Polo Davao.

Jump into creamy meal starters, such as Seafood Cioppino (Tomato Herb Broth with Fish and Shellfish) or French Onion Soup (Rich Beef Broth topped with Emmental Crouton).

Dig into a succulent steak or the seafood skewer that blazes new trails in deliciousness.

“Linger over an irresistible Pomelo Crème Brulee

or a Crepe Suzette flambéed with Grand Marnier, served with brewed coffee or hot tea,” added Herrera.

The seafood set price at Php 888 net per person, while the hearty steak set is just Php 999 net per person only.

For inquiries and reservations, please call 2210888 local 7955.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT

Local wins Roxy Siargao Int’l Women’s Surfing Cup 3 May 2012, Siargao Island Philippines: 19 year old Siargao local Nilbie Blancada took down Australian past world tour surfer Kim Wooldridge today in a tightly contested 30 minute final to the delight and cheers of the excited Filipino spectators gathered in the iconic Cloud 9 tower.

On the third day of the Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup that started on May 1st, held at the world class surf destination of Cloud 9 in the Philippines, Blancada first downed one of Australia’s top Pro Junior surfers Philippa Anderson in the first semi-final before showing off skills and patience beyond her years to win her first ever surfing competition over Wooldridge and bring home a huge winner’s check of $2,500 USD (PHP 120,000).

Blancada has only been surfing for four years and was an obvious standout throughout the entire competition, during the final patiently waiting out the back for the best-shaped waves and then putting together great combinations of maneuvers. Wooldridge was also impressive on her backhand, throwing up big turns and going deep trying to score a barrel ride, but failed to find the wave that would allow her the high score with to overtake Blancada.

“I’m so happy, so really happy” gushed the excited Blancada back in the tower surrounded by her admiring friends and spectators. “I was so nervous out there, as I’ve never really surfed with just one other surfer in the water.

But it was good because I knew I just had to find the good waves. So that’s what I tried to do.”

When asked what she was going to do with her winnings, she replied, “I’m going to buy a motorbike! Then I’m going to share the other money with my family.” Blancada comes from a family with 10 children, and says she learned to surf from her sister Nildie and brother Nickie.

Kim Wooldridge was smiling and happy as well, saying, “This was so much fun, much different that when I was competing on the world tour. Back then when I would put on the contest jersey I would feel the pressure and have to force myself to try and relax. Here it was so different, I was able to just go out there and have fun. I’m so happy for Nilbie,

she has a great style and was ripping out there, and for her to win here is awesome!”

When Wooldridge heard that the event was happening again this year she immediately booked her ticket and began contacting the friends she made on her first trip her to the 2009 event. Her friend Daisy Valdez from the Northern Philippines wanted to come but was short of cash, so Wooldridge and 2009 event winner Serena Brook sent her the necessary funds so she could come and compete in the event. Valdez lost to Blancada in the quarterfinals, but at least receives $350 for her efforts.

An amazing event with great waves and an exciting finish, Roxy’s Marketing Executive for SEA Holly Monkman was delighted and impressed with the event and the level of surfing displayed by the local girls, saying “The level of surfing I’ve seen in this event was by far the best I’ve seen in South East Asia, and given a more opportunities I would say that they would soon be competitive at the international level. It’s rare to see such a unique and beautiful women’s surfing community anywhere, let alone on a small island in Asia, and I can’t wait to come back and surf here again next year.”

A total of 21 women from Australia, England, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand, Switzerland, and the USA competed in the Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup from May 1-3, and the event was an absolute success according to the Primer Group of Companies Brand Manager for Roxy, Quiksilver and DC Shoes Dino Gilladoga.

“First off, we are really grateful to be part of this opportunity to help and support the women’s surfing scene here in the Philippines,” he said. “And we couldn’t have done this without the support of the Department of Tourism, the House of Representatives, the Province

of Surigao Del Norte, the Tourism Infrastructure, Enterprise Zone Authority, the Municipality of General Luna, the Philippine Surfing Federation and Asian Surfing Championships.”

“We’re really stoked how the event turned out considering we had less than two months to prepare. This whole trip to Siargao showed us that there is so much potential from our local girls with Nilbie Blancada winning against tough competition. We can’t wait to come back and perhaps do something for Quiksilver next time” he added.

Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup Results: 1. Nilbie Blancada (Philippines) $2,500 USD (PHP 120,000) 2. Kim Wooldridge (Australia) $1,500 USD (PHP 60,000) Equal 3rd: Manette Alcala (Philippines) $750 USD (PHP 30,000) and Philippa Anderson (Australia) $750 USD (PHP 30,000) This historic event has the distinction of being both the first-ever Asian Surfing Championship event to be held in the Philippines and the first to receive the top Ultima rating for its PHP 300,000 (approximately $7,000 USD) prize purse in Women’s Division competition.

The Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup was supported by the Philippine Department of Tourism, the House of Representatives, the Province of Surigao Del Norte, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Municipality of General Luna, organized by the Philippine Surfing Federation, and with sponsorship from the Primer Group of Companies, Rockstar Energy Drink, the San Miguel Corporation, and media support by Thirty Six-O Media.

For your beach and surfing needs, Roxy store is now open at the Ground Floor, SM Davao The Annex.

DAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

INdulge! A3

Karylle’s Roadtrip makes a pit stop at SM Davao

ROADTRIP, Karylle’s most daring album yet, made a pitstop at SM Davao The Annex last May 6. Karylle did a big leap as she independently produced her full-length album. “Medyo mahal po, pero ito ang gusto ko,” she says. The album is entitled “Roadtrip” as the songs in it were written during her travels around the country.

Listeners can expect the album to reflect Karylle’s numerous musical inclinations and influences. It features 11 original tracks which were written by Karylle herself. The album contains songs that vary in style and sound.

During her mall show at The Annex, Karylle and her band performed cuts from the album—Good to me, Kulang, Everything about you, Found my smile, Basically and OMG. Karylle also

sang an excerpt of Sponge Cola’s Bitiw. Yael Yuzon, Sponge Cola’s lead vocals, is Kaylle’s rumoured boyfriend.

The singer-actress’ Asian success from the muchloved Singapore-produced series The Kitchen Musical, is not yet slowing down as Karylle is scheduled to attend the 52nd Monte-Carlo TV Festival where she was nominated as Best Actress alongside celebrated actresses like Juliette Lewis, Neve Campbell, Julianna Margulies, Gretchen Mol, Lena Headey, among others. The awards ceremony is set on June 10-14 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Catch more exciting shows at the city’s hippest hub—The Annex!

Like SM City Davao on Facebook or visit www.smcitydavao.blogspot.com for event and promo updates.

What? 30 Rock is ending on its seventh season

START preparing your goodbyes now!

NBC boss Robert Greenblatt officially confirmed that 30 Rock’s seventh season will also be its last at the network’s upfront presentation in New York City. Last week, Tina Fey’s comedy was picked up for 13 episodes, along with fellow perennial bubble show Community.

So how is NBC sending off the quirky comedy?

With a one hour series finale! Yes, Greenb-

latt says 30 Rock will finish its 13-episode seventh and final season with a special 60-minute send-off.

“We think the world of Tina Fey,” Greenblatt gushes.

Just yesterday, Greenblatt denied that any decisions had been made about whether or not this would be the Alec Baldwin starrer’s final season. “As they age, it’s obviously something you look at. We haven’t definitely said that with any of them yet,” he said, addressing the fates of both 30 Rock and Community.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

M

Life without Bosh

David West scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, George Hill added 15 and the Indiana Pacers took home-court advantage away from Miami by beating the Heat 78-75 in Game 2 of the teams’ Eastern Conference semifinal series Tuesday night.

LeBron James scored 28 points for Miami and Dwyane Wade finished with 24, but both missed big chances for the Heat late. James missed two free throws with 54.3 seconds

left and Miami down one, and Wade was short on a layup that would have tied the game with 16 seconds remaining.

Mario Chalmers’ 3-pointer to tie bounced away on the final play, and the series was tied 1-1.

Danny Granger scored 11 points and Paul George added 10 for Indiana, which took advantage of Heat forward Chris Bosh’s absence and outrebounded Miami 50-40.

Game 3 is Thursday in Indianapolis.

IAMI -- No Big Three meant one big problem for Miami, and one very big win for Indiana.

Miami falls to Pacers in Game 2 James had a chance to give Miami the lead with 1:22 left, but his shot was blocked from behind by George, who was fouled two seconds later. He missed both free throws, keeping the Indiana lead at 76-75.

And after Wade missed a jumper, James was fouled

by Granger - his sixth - battling for the rebound with 54.3 seconds remaining.

James couldn’t connect on either, and the Heat didn’t score again.

Bosh is expected to miss the rest of the series

with a strained abdominal muscle. Without him, James and Wade combined for 52 points - and no other Miami player scored more than five.

A dreadful third quarter by Miami - 3 for 17 shooting - allowed Indiana to lead by as much as 11, before the emotions picked up considerably in the fourth.

Wade was steaming when he missed a shot after trying to create contact with Indiana’s Dahntay Jones with 9:53 left. As

Wade argued, Jones went the other way and set Leandro Barbosa up for a score that put the Pacers up 6356.

Chalmers turned the ball over on the next possession, and as the Pacers took off for what set up as a 2-on-none break, Wade caught Darren Collison from behind and knocked him over. A flagrant-1 was called, Collison hit both free throws, the Indiana lead was nine and tensions were suddenly high.

It all seemed to spark

15

Miami.

The Heat scored the next six points, James who got hit in the head

by Granger with 7:25 left, sparking a bit of shoving that led to double-technicals given to both players - added a putback off an offensive rebound and Wade did the same about a minute later, getting Miami within 69-66 with 5:57 left.

James missed a free throw that would have tied it with 4:30 remaining, but after George got the rebound, James dove in to create a jump ball situation. The MVP easily won the tap, sending it to Wade, whose bank shot over West put Miami back on top 7271.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots over Boris Diaw of the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas.

Joel Anthony, Mario Chalmers, LeBron James, Shane Battier, and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat talk during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at AmericanAirlines Arena on Wednesday in Miami, Florida.

Spurs take Game 1 over Clippers S

AN ANTONIO -- So much for getting rusty: The San Antonio Spurs didn’t miss a beat after a weeklong break, extending a winning streak that few NBA teams have ever sustained in the playoffs.

The weary Los Angeles Clippers looked just beaten - and making matters worse, they’re even a little more beat-up than when they got here.

Tim Duncan had 26 points and 10 rebounds following an eight-day layoff for the top-seeded Spurs, who wore down Los Angeles in the Clippers’ sixth game in 11 days and won Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series, 108-92 on Tuesday night. ‘’It’s hard to tell if they were tired or not. If we were rusty or not,’’ Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. ‘’The game just developed that way it did.’’

By that, he meant the latest Spurs blowout.

The Spurs have won 15 in a row, haven’t lost in more

than a month and are winning by an average margin of nearly 17 points during that span.

It’s the longest winning streak sustained in the NBA playoffs since the 2004 Spurs carried 17 straight wins into the second round that season.

That Spurs team, however, wound up dropping four straight to the Lakers and lost that series. The Clippers have a lot of work to do if they’re going to stage a similar stunner, and a good start would be getting healthy.

Blake Griffin scored 15 points in 28 minutes a day after estimating his sprained left knee had him feeling ‘’80 percent’’ at best. The All-Star said he became tired quicker than usual, and also turned his left ankle early in the game. ‘’But I’ll get back in the training room, get treatment and hope to be better the next game,’’ Griffin said.

The marquee matchup of the series - All-Star point guards Tony Parker and Chris Paul - began with a fizzle.

Romania’s Simona Halep returns the ball to US Venus Williams during their second round match at the Italian Open Tennis Tournament (ATP and WTA World Tour), in Rome’s Foro Italico on May 15, 2012.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 53 • MAY 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao’s sports business, clubs featured in Sports Expo

T

EXPO. Duaw Davao Festival Foundation director Susabel Reta (center) raises the ceremonial ribbon during the opening of the first ever Davao Sports Expo at the SM City Davao Annex. With her are City officials led by acting city administrator Zuleika Lopez (second from left), City Mayor’s Office chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio (extreme left), Rugby coach Expo Mejia (second from right) and URCC founder Alvin Aguilar (extreme right). (Boy Lim)

HE first ever Davao Sports Expo formally opened on Wednesday at the Annex of SM City Davao.

Davao’s best sports products and services were the main feature of the five-day expo serving as one of the highlights of the monthlong Davao Summerfest where some of Davao’s active sports clubs and fitness gyms also taking part.

Acting City Administrator Zuleika Lopez led the ribbon-cutting rites of the Sports Expo with city tourism officer Jason Magnaye, chity mayor’s office chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio, Duaw Davao Festival Foundation director Susabel Reta, and city sports office OIC Cholo Elegino. Joining them are special guests URCC Founder Alvin Aguilar and Philippine Volcanoes coach Expo Mejia.

Among the participating exhibitors are Triathlon Association of Davao, BONE Mountain Bike Club, Edge Outdoor Adventure, Holiday Fitness Gym, Aikido Davao, Deca Wakeboard Park, Davao Crocodile Park Football Academy, Biker Boy, and Table Tennis, among others.

There will be sports demos on Rugby to be conducted by the Philippine Volcanoes members Blessie Kate delos Santos, Aiumi Ono, Rose Mae Lanticse, John Paul Jordan and Timothy Kong, URCC by Alvin Aguilar, tennis by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association XI-B, football by the Davao Crocodile Park FC, and basketball with the City Sports Development Office.

Also featured are fitness exercises with Holiday Gym and Spa, aikido, bike trials, table tennis and judo.