Edge Davao 5 Issue 58

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24 , 2012

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Mayor Inday bares

Indulge Page A1

Science/Environment Page 4

Anomalies at city assessor’s

By Jade C. Zaldivar

n Sara to Rody: “Talk to your appointee”

AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she has received complaints against the City Assessor’s Office (CAO) for assessing value of properties as ei-

ther “too high” or “too low.”

The mayor that even after she gave orders to straighten up” the alleged anomalies continued.

She said made the remark in reac-

D

Sports Page 13

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tion to statements made by her father, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, during her leave of absence.

“We have addressed complaints ug natama ang mga values. Naay irregularity,” the mayor said in a press briefing Monday at the

FANOMALIES, 15

UNLOADED. Two men watch boxes of bananas they unloaded from a container van unto another vehicle on Wednesday along J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. Chinese government refused entry of Philippine bananas due to allege violations of stringent quarantine requirements. [LEAN DAVAL, JR.]

Banana boats return from China

By Lorie A. Cascaro

n China’s major piers congested

P

that due to severe congestion in at ports in mainland China, ships from the Philippines loaded with bananas were advised to return.

ILIPINO Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) president and executive director

Stephen A. Antig bared yesterday

Citing major piers in in Shanghai, Dalian and Beijing, Antig said some of the vessels are still at sea, while some were advised two weeks ago to divert to other markets or return to the country.

FBANANA, 15

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

DTI to impose regional SRPs

By Lorie A. Cascaro

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 has proposed to the national office to impose regional suggested retail prices (SRP), particularly on commodities whose prices are higher when sold in Manila than in the region.

Regional director Marizon S. Loreto said having general SRPs give local traders an opportunity to increase prices unjustly; citing that she personally observed some traders who actually do this.

“Regional SRPs should be established because most products in Davao have lower prices than those in Manila. But, because of advertising in Manila with SRPs, there are tendencies that traders will increase the prices kay wala pa niabot sa SRP,” she said.

Most of these commodities are canned goods, among others, that are not manufactured in the region.

Involving intensified

analyses, especially on prices of commodities manufactured in the region and those in Luzon, she said there is no time line when regional SRPs will be approved, but it is good to know that the national office will allow it.

It is also necessary to conduct consultations with manufacturers and stakeholders in the industries before the implementation.

The acceptable SRPs will be implemented to the traders, she said, adding that trading in the country involves manufacturers, distributers, wholesalers, traders and retailers.

Sari-sari (small family) stores are exempted, she said, assuming their minimal income vis-à-vis their capital and expenses.

“We only want to avoid conflict between the traders and consumers,” she told reporters.

She also mentioned that her office had received complaints against traders pricing more than the allowable profit margin, or pricing beyond the SRPs.

Shipping line to help the banana industry

A

major shipping line operating in the Davao region is willing to sit with the banana industry players for possible arrangements with identified alternative routes, following the temporary hold of export bananas to China, a government official said yesterday.

Marizon S. Loreto, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry 11, cited Maersk line that has routes to countries in North America, Africa and the Pacific region.

The shipping line informed her that they have the intention to cooperate with the banana industry, and that they will sit down with them next week.

Stephen A. Antig, president and executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) said the Maersk line called him up yesterday and identified Russia as a possible route.

Shipping from Davao to Russia will take 10 days, shorter than to the United States of America.

However, Antig is concerned with the buying price of Russia, considering the possibility of other countries to take advantage of the situation, knowing the Philippines’ status in the China market.

“A break even or minimal loss would be alright for us, but if our profit loss is big, we better donate the surplus bananas to poverty-stricken areas,” he added.

The PBGEA prefers Asian countries as alternative markets such as Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Vietnam among others.

Alternative markets were identified during the meeting of banana stakeholders with the DTI last Thursday in Manila, such as Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Malaysia.

“Our presence in these countries is very insignificant so we will strengthen and increase our market there,” Loreto said.

She mentioned that in penetrating other markets, we have to contend with other requirements, including tariff rates, adding that some countries are offering tariff relief.

Shipping cost is the primary concern of the country’s banana exporters, she added, such that there is interest to penetrate the US market, however, the concern is the distance between the two countries.

Tapping shipping lines was one of the recommendations during the DTI’s dialogue with the banana industry stakeholders last Friday, along with the promotion of the domestic market.

Small growers cited the difficulty of transporting their surplus bananas to domestic markets, especially shipping them to Luzon, as the freight of a ten-footer container van of 600 boxes of Cavendish bananas costs P22,000.[LORIE A. CASCARO]

EDGEDAVAO

POWER NAP. Using the shade of the trees and their umbrellas to escape from the extreme heat, “trisikad” drivers take a break from their livelihood along a major street in the city on Wednesday. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Plastic ban law

Mayor Sara sees ‘loophole’

By Jade C. Zaldivar

D

AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday clarified that only plastic containers with handles will be banned in the city.

This stems from the Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2009 which states that effective June 28, 2012 the city will no longer allow the use of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and polysterene foam (Styrofoam, which is a brand name) as food containers.

She admitted that the law “does not clearly say

“Kinanglan pa siya istoryahan sa council for amendment,” she said.

She also agreed that it may take time before the law is amended wherein the ban would include small cellophane materials commonly used by street vendors to serve food such as green mangoes, softdrinks, kwekkwek, barbeque and other types of food.

City Councilor Melchor Quitain earlier this month reminded the public of the impending plastic ban.

Quitain, the city legal officer before getting elected councilor in 2010, said “only recyclable, biodegradable or reusable containers are

allowed to be used as food and beverage containers,” quoting from the ordinance.

“No one can avoid criminal prosecution and conviction by claiming unawareness of the provisions of the ordinance because ignorance of the law excuses no one,” the councilor said on May 8.

Meanwhile, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) head Joseph Felizarta said the office has started its information dissemination to food vendors in the city.

“There will be penalties involved if there is no observance of the law,” he said through text message.

n Says Sara would abot gyud ang pulis kay mag-

murag picture na ang makitan sa monitor sa ilang x-ray machine. Makita na kung unsa gyud na mga bagay sa imong luggage,” she said.

Commenting on the matter, the vice mayor also shared several stories of his experiences at NAIA where a passenger was being mistreated.

“Gina-bulyawan na ang babae, luoy na kaayo. Naglagot ko mutanaw, akong giduolan ang katong tao,” he said.

Duterte added that he introduced himself and saw that the matter should be settled without the passenger being mistreated, adding that NAIA’s services have their “downside.”[JADE C. ZALDIVAR]

n City Council still to

amend ordinance

which form of cellophane used as food containers” will be banned.

“Only those with handles, mga plastic bags. Dili katong mga ginagmay nga cellophane,” she said in a press briefing in her city hall office.

“The provision sa pagban sa plastics has a gray area. It was not specifically stated which type of cellophane ang i-bawal,” she added.

The mayor said the provision “still needs to be amended.”

Rody amused by Sara’s airport story

V

ICE Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday appeared amused when commenting on Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s airport experience, saying the latter would have definitely “defended herself well.”

Mayor Sara on Monday shared talked about her experience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Gate 2 (NAIA II) when an x-ray examiner tried to impose unnecessary fines on her for having refrigerator souvenir magnets in her bag upon arrival at 3 p.m. last May 12 from Israel.

“Swerte tong tao nga wala gyuy pulis kay kung dili katilaw unta to siya kang Inday,” the vice mayor said during filming of TV show Ato ni Bay at the City Council.

“Unsaon nimo na pag atikatik nga kaisog ana (Inday). She would have defended herself well,” he added.

Mayor Sara earlier said the man in-charge of an x-ray machine told her to open her luggage after detecting metal.

have

“defended

Upon inspection, the man saw inside her bag 150 pieces of magnetic souvenir items.

“Ana siya (x-ray examiner) nga ‘Naku, pag sinabi ko ito sa pulis hindi talaga ito makakalusot.’ Katulo niya gi usab-usab.

Ako wala lang pud ko kay gusto nako mu-abot ang pulis,” she said in a press briefing at the city hall.

Sensing the intention of the x-ray examiner, the city mayor said she kept her cool, looking at the NAIA staff.

“Wala lang pud ko nagpaila. Nitan-aw lang pud ko niya. Gusto niya muhatag ko ug kwarta para paagihon lang ang mga magnet. Duha sila, babae ug lalaki. Ang babae nag-hilom lang ang lalaki ang sigig storya.

Klaro kaayo ilang modus kay pag-kagahon gaabot ang mga gikan ug international flights unya wala kaayo tao sa airport,” she said.

“Ginahulat nako nga mu-

showdown mi sa atubangan sa pulis. Nganong mangita pa man ug pulis nga ang mag-decide kung paagihon ang luggage ka yang examiner man, dili man ang pulis?” she added.

Upon seeing her non-reaction to his taunts, DuterteCarpio said the x-ray examiner said: “Sige na, isarado mo na” and let her through.

The city mayor noted that refrigerator magnet souvenirs did not even merit comment from airport inspectors in Israel where the facilities were stateof-the-art and security even tighter than in the Philippines.

“Wala man gani ni gi-stop sa Israel airport, diri pa! Didto

Quips

‘THE game changers are really the small businesses.’

--John Bessey, general manager of Microsoft Philippines, commenting on cloud computing.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

3

WARNING

PROLIFERATION OF ADULTERATED FERTILIZER USED FOR AGRICULTURE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

The distribution and sale of adulterated fertilizer to unsuspecting farm workers has become rampant in recent years. The manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of adulterated fertilizer is punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1144, with imprisonment of up to more than twenty years.

A modus operandi of criminal elements is to connive with drivers of trucking companies which transport sacks of genuine fertilizer from the supplier, replacing the contents thereof with adulterated fertilizer.

ABIGAIL FARM SUPPLY, INC. with a store at Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, was recently victimized with the discovery of sacks of adulterated AMIGO PLANTERS fertilizer thereat.

LA FILIPINA UY GONGCO CORPORATION, owner of AMIGO PLANTERS fertilizer products, has recently instituted criminal complaints against those involved in the adulteration of fertilizer.

LA FILIPINA UY GONGCO CORPORATION and ABIGAIL FARM SUPPLY, INC., an authorized distributor of the former, will not tolerate the distribution and sale of adulterated fertilizer as these result in crop failures and renders the land unproductive, to the detriment of farm workers.

LA FILIPINA UY GONGCO CORPORATION and ABIGAIL FARM SUPPLY, INC. are coordinating closely to put a stop to the distribution and sale of adulterated fertilizer.

With the new security measures it has adopted, ABIGAIL FARM SUPPLY, INC. assures its customers that it only sells and distributes genuine AMIGO PLANTERS fertilizer products.

LA FILIPINA UY GONGCO CORPORATION TCG Compound, Across Old Airport Road Sasa, Davao City, Tel no. 082-234-8778

ABIGAIL FARM SUPPLY, INC

Kalawag III, Isulan Sultan Kudarat, Tel no. 083-2383020

4

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Proposed Minda power firm vows watershed restoration

W

ITH Mindanao’s hydropower plants’ reliability largely dependent on the environment, the proposed Mindanao Power Corp. will allocate P200 million yearly to restore critical watersheds in the island.

Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority, said the reliability of hydro power plants in Mindanao, which supply more than half of the island’s power requirements, had been affected by the critical condition of the watersheds.

“The watershed condition in Mindanao is very alarming. The island-region’s forest cover now only stands at 21 percent,” Antonino said.

Insufficient electric supply, reportedly due to generation deficiency of power plants, has beset parts of Mindanao in the past few months and is projected to linger in the coming years unless no new power plants will be constructed due to growing demand.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the private operator of the country’s power transmission network, on Wednesday put the supply deficiency in Mindanao at 343 megawatts.

It placed Mindanao’s system capacity at 910 MW with the demand peaking at 1,253 MW. To address the power woes in the island, MinDA pushed the creation of MPC, a government owned and controlled corporation that will oversee the operations of the Agus and Pulangi hydropower plants.

Once realized, the MPC would allocate annually P200 million for the restoration and management of Mindanao’s watersheds, especially in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon where the Agus and Pulangi hydro power plants are located, Antonino said.

“The Agus and Pulangi hydroplants are our [Mindanao] crown jewels,” she said, adding that Mindanao’s relatively cheaper power makes it more advantageous for investors to locate in the region.

According to her, it is best for the Agus and Pulangi hydropower plants to be run by Mindanawons, under the proposed governmentowned power company.

She noted that “major environmental effort could not be fully expected if hydro power plants are privatized, stressing that we can’t compel a private entity to care

ARTIFICIAL REEF. A marine habitat conservation and protection program takes place Wednesday, May 23, as part of the provincial celebration of the Ocean Month. In this photo (R-L) are Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Sarangani Bong Tuballes with partners Joel Aton of Sarangani Energy Corporation and Don Magtulis of Alcantara Foundation leading the rolling out of artificial reef domes to be prepared for deployment off shore of barangay Kamanga. According to Magtulis, a total of 5,000 artificial reef domes will be deployed around Sarangani Bay in the span of

three years as part of the commitment of Alsons Group of Companies in the protection and conservation of Sarangani Bay. The event was also participated in by 73rd Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Rodolfo Espuelas, Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan secretary headed by Jose Villanueva, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit and staff, MENRO-Maasim and barangay council of Kamanga. [COCOY SEXCION/

for our watersheds.”

Antonino said that Mindanao is host to eight major river basins in the country, the largest of which are the Agusan and Pulangi river basins.

Within these river basins are 262 watersheds

“The end result is a heavily silted Pulangi River and Lanao Lake”, she said, pointing out that siltation of dams leads to significant reduction in power generation capacity of hydro power plants.

This problem has long

- with Agusan and Pulangi also the largest - that are drained by nine major and 20 secondary rivers.

To date, Antonino said that deforestation and unsustainable agriculture practices has resulted in massive soil erosion.

SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE]

been neglected, Antonino said, adding that the proposed power company is hoped to take care of not just the regular maintenance of the hydro power plants, but also the restoration of its surrounding watersheds.

EDGEDAVAO

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

A

LCANTARA-controlled Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) may expand the capacity of its existing power unit in Indonesia as part of its long-term overseas expansion plan.

ACR chairman and president Tomas Alcantara told reporters they plan to venture to Indonesia due to the delay of their projects in Saipan and Guam.

“Still very tentative but we’re looking at South Sulawesi in Indonesia because we have a joint venture in South Sulawesi with Toyota Tsusho...The community is growing so there is a looming increase in (power) requirement,” he said.

ACR and Toyoto Tsusho Corp., the trading arm of Japa-

nese manufacturer Toyota, have a joint venture for a 60 megawatt diesel peaking plant in Indonesia.

The diesel plant is an independent power producer (IPP) of Perusahaan Listrik Negara or PLN, an Indonesian government-owned corporation, which has a monopoly on electricity distribution in Indonesia. The plant’s cooperation period will expire in 2016 to 2017.

Alcantara said the company has a 55 percent stake in the joint venture while Toyoto Tsusho owns the remaining 45 percent.

“The (Indonesian plant) is now a peaking diesel plant. The expansion will be coal or natural gas,” he said.

Domestically, ACR is pursuing several projects that will bring the company’s generation capacity to 555 megawatts (MW) by 2016 from 155 MW at present. These include the 200- MW coal plant, 104 MW in Sarangani, 100-MW Iligan diesel plant, 100-MW Zamboanga coal plant.

ACR is projected to post a net income of P456 million this year, the same level as last year, although revenues are expected to go up to P4.75 billion on account of its acquisition of the 102-MW Iligan diesel power plant.

Alcantara said revenues would go up to P4.75 billion this year from P2.939 billion in 2011 boosted by sales from the Iligan diesel power plant, which

Alsons hoped to takeover soon.

“COA (Commission on Audit) is in the process of coming out with a decision. We can energize 10 MW within 90 days from takeover,” Alcantara said.

He said ACR can bring the plant to its full capacity six months after takeover.

ACR’s net income declined in the first quarter to P91.5 million from P165.6 million in the same period last year due to non-recurring income generated by the company in 2011.

ACR is engaged in power generation, aquaculture and agribusiness, real property development and services. It has been an active player in the economic development of Mindanao and the rest of the country for over 50 years. (PNA)

P

across Asia for its 12th annual poll of Asia’s top companies.

The results were released last May 16 on the “best managed” companies and chief executive officers (CEOs).

Phoenix Petroleum came third in the list of best small cap companies, after EEI Corp. and

Jollibee Foods.

“We are honored and humbled to be recognized as one of the best companies in the country, alongside bigger and more established ones,” said Phoenix president and chief executive Dennis Uy. “Recognitions such as this

inspire us to work harder and make Phoenix a stronger, dynamic company,” he said.

As the leading independent and fastest growing oil company, Phoenix Petroleum posted an all-time-high quarter performance in the first three months with revenue of P8.3 billion, 35 percent higher compared to P6.1 billion in the same period last year. Net income for the quarter reached P190.6 million.

Volume increased 23 percent year-on-year with growth in commercial accounts and expansion of retail network to 240 stations nationwide.

Finance Asia is Asia’s leading financial publishing company, covering the region’s capital and banking markets.

It is part of Haymarket Media Limited, the largest privately-owned publishing group in the United Kingdom.

Phoenix Petroleum is the leading independent and fastest-growing oil company in the Philippines. It is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products, lubricants and other chemical products on a wholesale basis, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, and allied services.

Phoenix Petroleum, one of Asia’s ‘best managed’ firms

HOENIX Petroleum Philippines has been cited as among the best small cap companies in the Philippines, according to a regional survey of investors and analysts.

Finance Asia, a Hong Kongbased magazine, tallied votes from 256 investors and analysts

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

5

Alsons to expand energy investment in Indonesia

Stat Watch

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

BANGUS RELEASE. Governor Migs Dominguez (4th left), Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit (5th left) and Richlie Lyndon Magtulis (6th left) of Alcantara Foundation lead guests and participants of the fun run dubbed as “Run for the Environment” in releasing 100,000 bangus fingerlings from Finfish Hatcheries, Inc. in Gumasa

beach Friday, May 18. The event, which is one of the opening highlights of Sarangani Bay Festival is sponsored by Smart Communications, Alcantara Foundation and facilitated by the provincial governor’s staff and personnel.

(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 70% of OFWs have savings THE ECONOMY

T

HE Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation, Inc. formally released Wednesday its study findings on the contribution of Davao City’s migrant workers to the local economy.

Unlad Kabayan Exec.

Dir. Maria Angela Villalba said the research entitled, “Migrants of Davao City: A Baseline Study” was presented to the city local government officials and heads of key government agencies, the academe, and other nongovernment organizations.

Villalba told the media during Monday’s Kapihan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that Unlad Kabayan’s first research in Davao City was conducted starting 2009 to benchmark the condition of the city’s overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

She said the study, which gathered 462 respondents from the three Congressional districts in a random survey, gave focus on the OFW’s contribution to the local economy, and their savings, spending, and investment behavior.

One of the findings revealed that about 70 percent of the migrant worker respondents had savings and 29 percent of them invest part of their savings in the city, Villalba reported.

“We are happy to note that migrant workers in Davao City had savings and were investing in the city,” she stated.

She said the savings would range from at least P10,000 to P40,000 based on the last salary.

The study said about 69 percent of the migrant families had also their savings mostly kept in the banks, however noting that among the respondents, it is more likely that the bulk of the savings is kept by the migrants, not by the families.

Of those who had investments, the most common ventures engaged in were farm purchase which scored at 44.1 percent, and other business such as retail, mainly sari-sari stores, micro and small enterprises, rating at 36.5 percent.

The respondents claimed to have invested a total of P7.7 million in farms, agri-business, and micro en-

It figures

50 NUMBER of women alleged to be human –trafficking victims rescued in Zamboanga City, according to Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, chairman emeritus of the Interagency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat).

terprises, and P1.5 million in lending activities, the study showed.

However, the research noted that majority or 53.1 percent of the migrant respondents had no experience in business, though it further cited that 32.25 percent claimed that their businesses were successful while 45.8 percent reported that returns were just enough.

About 20.4 percent of the respondents admitted failure or poor returns due to inability to collect debts, lack of trustworthy managers/staff, lack of capital and lack of experience, the study found out.

Further, the study disclosed that 82 percent of the migrants are willing to invest with a maximum of P5 million and a minimum of P10,000 investments.

Among the recommendations that came out concerning savings and investments were to improve migration policies and programs, and to provide business opportunities for OFWs to encourage migrants to invest in the city.

“This is why we will be presenting the study to the LGU and other government agencies to hopefully get their response and action based on the findings and recommendations,” Villalba said.

Meanwhile, Villalba disclosed that the 32,196 Davao City migrant workers registered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) are sending P3.86 billion in remittances to their families annually.

From a conservative estimate of P10,000 monthly remittance from each of the OFW, P321.9 million flowed to Davao City every month, she said.

Unlad Kabayan is an NGO catering to migrant workers and their families in an aim to enable the OFWs to, “actively contribute to the local economy through the mobilization of their resources for enterprise development.”

The group has also, “pioneered the approach of harnessing migrants’ savings to support social enterprises in some of the poorest regions in the country.”

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

Transmission facilities blocked by landowners

KNOCKOFFS. A saleslady computes the total bill of a customer at a shop that sells sunglasses and hats that are imitations of popular brands. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Row with Transco may affect maintenance of transmission towers

P

ILIPINAS Para sa Pilipinas, Inc. (PPP), a nongovernmental organization has warned it may take action against personnel of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for the government’s non-settlement of the right of way claims of 122 Mindanaobased landowners.

PPP Counsel Paterno Esmaquel, in his letter to National Grid Corp. of the Philippines president Henry Sy Jr., said that the claims of the landowners might take a toll on the operation and maintenance of transmission facilities unless resolved soon .

Esmaquel told Sy the landowners have pending claims with the National Transmission Corp.

(TransCo) for payment of just compensation and/ or appropriate rentals for the use and occupation of

their lands for the latter’s transmission facilities.

“We would like to request your good office to direct NGCP personnel to cease and desist from entering and occupying the subject parcels of land and/or without appropriate court order and/or authority from the 122 affected landowners,” Esmaquel said.

Esmaquel said NGCP personnel could only enter the premises unless they present the right of agreement or writ of possession or expropriation order and/or make arrangement with the TransCo for the immediate settlement of the right of way claims of the 122 landowners in Mindanao.

“We understand the maintenance and operation of the transmission facilities have already been turned over to NGCP

by Transco. However in

the absence of appropriate court order and/or any authority or consent from our clients, NGCP personnel are barred from entering and occupy the subject parcel of lands for maintaining and operating the transmission facilities,” Esmaquel said.

He said NGCP could help facilitate and expedite TransCo’s settlement of the right of claims of the Mindanao-based landowners so as not to disrupt the maintenance and operation of the various transmission facilities in Mindanao.

Esmaquel said the affected landowners would not be constrained from filing legal action for trespassing and grave coercion against NGCP personnel that would insist to enter transmission facilities without an appropriate court order or authority from the land-

owners.

The landowners earlier warned they will prevent NGCP and TransCo personnel from entering their lots, which could further exacerbate the Mindanao power situation.

The warning stemmed from claims of the landowners that TransCo have yet to compensate them for the use of their lands for its transmission towers for more than 20 years.

The landowners claimed TransCo built the transmission tower on their property more than 20 years ago without paying just compensation and/or rentals.

They said the transmission towers had caused unrealized revenues after they failed to fully exercise the attributes of ownership of their lands due to the existence of the transmission towers. (PNA)

S of end-December 2011, total residential real estate loans (RRELs) was at P220.8 billion, higher by 6.5 percent (P13.4 billion) from last quarter’s P207.4 billion and by 17.3 percent (P32.5 billion) from last year’s P188.3 billion. The quarter-on-quarter expansion came mostly from universal/commercial banks (U/KBs) which grew by P13.3 billion (12.0 percent) to P123.9 billion compared to the thrift banks’ (TBs) uptick of only P0.1 billion (0.1

percent) to P97.0 billion. A year-on-year comparison likewise yields a similar story with the 34.3 percent (P31.6 billion) growth of U/KBs’ RRELs outpacing that of TBs at only 0.9 percent (P0.8 billion).

These led to the U/KBs grabbing a bigger share of total RRELs at 56.1 percent (P123.9 billion). Last quarter, the proportion of RRELs that was held by U/KBs was only 53.3 percent (P110.5 billion) and last year it was 49.0 percent (P92.2 billion). TBs

on the other hand pitched in 46.7 percent (P96.9 billion) during the third quarter and 51.0 percent (P96.1 billion) last year.

As a percentage of TLP, total RRELs was slightly lower this quarter at 6.3 percent as against 6.4 percent last quarter as well as last year as the growth rate in total loan portfolio outweighed that of RRELs across the three comparative periods.

The ratio of non-performing RRELs to total RRELs eased to 4.3 percent

from last quarter’s 4.7 percent and last year’s 6.9 percent ratio. Meanwhile, the ratio of non-performing RRELs to TLP was maintained at its third quarter ratio of 0.3 percent although it was slightly better than last year’s ratio of 0.4 percent. This is the lowest that these two ratios have been since 2008. Similarly, the ratio of non-performing RRELs to total NPLs was kept stable at 7.5 percent from previous quarter but improved from 9.8 percent last year.

GROWTH in first-quarter net income of DMCI Holdings Inc., listed holding company of the Consunji family, due to higher earnings from its power, water utility and real estate businesses, offsetting a slowdown in the coal mining and construction activities. Net income during the first quarter is P2. 67 billion against P2.27 billion during the same period last year.

SURGE of investments registered with the Board of Investments in April to P133.18 billion from only P37.56 billion a year ago.The jumps in investment commitments in April was reportedly driven largely by two power project by BOI during the month—the P21.78-billion project of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. and the P49.45-billion expansion of the 600-megawatt Masinloc coal facility.

Residential real estate loans grow by 6.5% in Q4 2011

A

18 percent

P10 billion

WORTH of Series G perpetual preferred shares issued and listed by First Gen Corp. on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday. The proceeds of the offering will be use for acquisitions and investments.

EDGEDAVAO

255 percent

124 percent PROFIT GROWTH of Emperador Distillers Inc. in the first three months to P1.03 billion compared to a year ago.

The first-quarter profit can be attributed to huinger consumer spending coupled with the increase patronage of the firm’s products.

P1.13 billion

NET INCOME of state-owned Philippine Ports Authority during the first three months this year as a result of higher revenues from vessels and cargoes and also the lower operating expenses.

This shows an increase of 6 percent over last year’s profit of P1.07 billion.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

GAME CHANGERS

7

Coming home of a shepherd Text by Carolyn O. Arguillas of Mindanews Photos by Lean Daval, Jr.

R

OMULO Geolina Valles, the first Dabawenyo Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Davao is “happy to be home,” back to the region where he studied to be a priest and was ordained a priest, this time, to be both “sheep and shepherd.”

“This wandering and

peripatetic son of Davao has once again come home,” Valles, the former Zamboanga Arcbhishop, said in a 28-minute homily interrupted by applause and laughter during the threehour installation rites Tuesday morning at the San Pedro Cathedral.

“I may be shepherd but

I can only be a good one if I keep in close touch with my being sheep… Make me love being a sheep that I may be a good shepherd to your people here in the Archdiocese of Davao,” said the 60-year old Valles, whose family migrated from Maribojoc, Bohol to Lupon, Davao Oriental when he was 13.

His predecessor, retired Arcbhishop Fernando Capalla, described Valles’ installation as “the most shining moment in the history of the local church,” as Valles, the fourth Arcbhishop of the nearly 42-year old Archdiocese of Davao, is the first Dabawenyo to lead the Archdiocese.

The first archbishop, Clovis Thibault, was from Canada; the second, Antonio Mabutas was from Ilocos and Capalla is from Iloilo. It was, indeed, a homecoming, as Capalla recalled in his message at the end of the mass, that when he was installed as Archbishop of Davao on November 28, 1996, it was Fr. Romulo Valles who was the master of ceremonies, assisted by Fr. Julius Tonel. Valles was then rector of the St. Francis Regional Major Seminary (Remase) while Tonel was vice rector.

Valles was named Bishop of Kidapawan in 1997 and Archbishop of Zamboanga in November 2006 while Tonel became Bishop of the Prelature of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay in 2007.

The Papal Nuncio, Giuseppe Pinto, attended the “Rite of Liturgical Reception Eucharistic Celebration and Canonical Possession” along with some 60 Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops from Batanes to Tawi-tawi who wore the same beige vestments. Valles wore similar vestments in golden yellow.

The bishops gathered at the parish social hall before the procession to the main entrance of the Cathedral at 9:13 a.m. At the main entrance, Valles, his head bowed and hands in prayer, paused before ascending the few steps where he was formally welcomed by the

Papal Nuncio and Capalla at the entrance.

Valles said he chose for his Gospel text Matthew 17, verses 1 to 19 on the Transfiguration, the same Gospel text used during his ordination as Bishop of Kidapawan on August 6, 1997. Valles was ordained priest on April 6, 1976, served as assistant parish priest of the Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum from 1976 to 1978 and parish priest of the san Nicolas de Tolentino parish in Mati, Davao Oriental from 1978 to 1982. He returned to the Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum as parish priest and Vicar general from 1982 to 1984 and from there to Rome where he completed his Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy in 1990.

From Rome, Valles returned to REMASE where he served in various capacities until he became rector from 1993 to 1997 and from there moved to the Diocese of Kidapawan as Bishop.

“This was my last place before becoming bishop, at REMASE, so in a sense this is my home, my place,” he said during an interview at the parish social hall before the installation ceremonies.

Valles said he had mixed feelings when he learned of his new assignment. “I have come to love Zambonaga, gente amable, beautiful local church, deep devotion.

But coming home to Davao is a joy for me. It is indeed a blessing to have known Zamboanga and also a blessing to be moved to Davao.”

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, his vice mayor and several councilors attended the installation. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was among the offerors.

Valles’ humor-laced homily was a preview of what parishioners expect of

their new Archbishop.

Capalla told the congregation how “fun to be with” Valles is. “There is never a dull moment with him,” he said, adding the new Davao Arcbhishop is always “seriously joking and jokingly serious.”

Valles spoke about how he realized rather belatedly, that he was to deliver the homily at his own installation because they were following the liturgy used during the installation of Manila Archishop Luis Antonio Tagle in December.

They can actually ask another bishop to deliver the homily but Tagle delivered his own, he said. “Archbisop Tagle man to. Muloy (his nickname) man ko,” Valles said, adding Tagle is a regular on TV for “The Word Exposed” while his own homily might just end up as “Word Confused.”

The congregation roared with laughter and gave him a resounding applause when he said, he accepted the challenge because “Romulo Valles, DD man. DD meaning Dugo ni Dagohoy.”

DD means Doctor of Divinity but having roots in Bohol, Valles said the blood of Francisco Dagohoy runs in his veins. Dagohoy led the longest revolt in Philippine history.

Another remark that made the crowd laugh was on his homecoming. “How happy I am to be home, to be in familiar surroundings, to be with familiar faces, with whom one shares a common historical background but more importantly I am telling you this to say in a sense I am one of your own.

For that reason you really have no choice but to allow me to come home.”

8

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Tuna getting beyond ordinary Pinoy’s reach

G

EDITORIAL

B

Irrelevant and immaterial

EFORE his infamous walkout last Tuesday afternoon, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona made a dramatic move before the eyes of millions glued to the television coverage of his impeachment trial— he signed a waiver authorizing the opening of his dollar and peso accounts to public scrutiny.

It seemed like a great moment for him, until Mr. Corona said he would only submit the signed waiver if Senator-Judge Franklin Drilon and the rest of the 188 members of congress who executed the impeachment complaint would also sign the waiver. Then he walked out of the session hall without permission from the Impeachment Court.

That triggered consternation and bedlam in the court even as Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, fuming with anger over Corona’s precipitate departure which constituted an insult to him and the senator-judges, ordered the Senate sergeant at arms to padlock all exits of the Senate and directed retired Supreme Court justice and lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas, who was equally stunned, to bring his client back to the plenary hall.

The Corona camp later explained that the Chief Justice did what he did because he was suffering from hypoglycemia. As we write this

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piece, Mr. Corona, a diabetic for 20 years, was still in the hospital. His attending physicians confirmed that the 63-year old magistrate is indeed sick. He had twice undergone heart bypass operation.

Presiding Senator-Judge Ponce Enrile gave the defense panel until tomorrow, Friday, to present CJ Corona.

However, whether or not the chief magistrate returns to the Senate, the Impeachment Court will wind up the case and hand down its verdict by Monday or Tuesday.

As for Mr. Corona’s dare to his tormentors for them to sign the bank deposit waiver as he had just done as a call for genuine transparency among the lawmakers who are for the longest time perceived, rightly or wrongly, to be hiding their wealth (especially the corrupt ones).

Wouldn’t that be, to use a tired cliché, like a fresh breath of wind blowing across the congressional landscape?

Unfortunately for Mr. Corona, in the impeachment case, his challenge is neither here nor there. He is the lone accused and the lawmakers his accusers.

His bank deposit waiver dare is what lawyers call “irrelevant” and/or “immaterial” to the impeachment case.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

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

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

(Conclusion)

ONE are the days w h e n mature yellowfin tuna are sold for Php0.50 per kilo (USD0.011) in the old filthy ‘landing fish’ area across the General Santos City public market (now site of the water treatment plant). Or when they were just buried on the shores because there were no cold storage and processing plants yet.

No idea In an article that appeared in www. atuna.com, restaurant owners in the US said they have no idea why prices of fresh tuna have gone up so wild.

“From I’ve been told, it’s kind of a perfect storm [of tuna deficiency],” said BJ’s Kitchen Manager Michael Fritz of Maryland, USA. Others blamed it to the ongoing ban on tuna fishing in two pockets of seas in the Western Pacific region. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has been imposing a ban on purse-seine tuna fishing.

According to WCPFC, “pocket 1 covers Palau, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia, areas closest to the Philippines where local tuna fishing companies frequently operate. Pocket 2 is bounded by the countries of Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and parts of Kiribati.”

The ban apparently has caught fire, driving many suppliers to demand higher prices.

Over the years, health conscious diners have developed the fine taste of freshchilled tuna, said to be rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, vital for normal metabolism.

As a result of the ban, more importers have been buying frozen tuna but the US government has reportedly been cracking down on imported frozen tuna allegedly for contamination issue.

“Years past, there’s been a lot of frozen tuna steaks, but apparently the FDA has been cracking down on them, I guess that’s putting a lot more pressure on the fresh market,” disclosed Melvin Pruitt of United Shellfish in Gransonville, Md. “They’ve been checking every container [of fish].” (http://www.atuna.com/apps/ public/ViewArticle.asp?ID=11204) Consequently, demand for fresh chilled tuna increased. Local catches in General Santos however has been on a steady decline (http://asiancorrespondent.com/75256/the-philippine-tunaindustry-in-crisis-another-look/).

The Japanese market however has not wavered a bit. They are willing to pay the price of fresh tuna in their sushiand their sashimi.

The Filipinos, meanwhile, are now increasing their poultry and pork diet because of the prohibitive prices of fish.

Talk about a boon for one is another’s bane.

Quips

‘DOMESTIC investors’ confidence in the economy continues to rise, and the same goes for foreign investors for the past four months.’

--Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments head Adrian S. Cristobal Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

I

T COULD have been a chance of a lifetime, my only chance really, of getting a license from the SEC (Security Exchange Commission) to work full time as a stock broker, sometime in 1997 with a little help from a schoolmate who was running a stock brokerage company here in Davao.

One thing I need to hurdle at that time, along with some 50 or more guys and gals from brokerage firms in Pasig, Manila and Makati, was a week-long lecture series that covered topics that prepares us for the rough and tumble world of financial industry: Corporate structures, equity securities, government debt ( like government bonds, treasury bonds, etc) investment banking, stock market, economics, investment analysis, financial statements, SEC laws and regulations, etc But it wasn’t an inspiring batch I was with, as most of them weren’t so serious about those boring lectures using technical jargons of the securities and debt markets that weren’t easy to absorb and remember. I remember catching many of them chatting with each other, reading a magazine, texting someone, playing games on their laptops, or simply snoring away on their chairs.

Those stock brokerage guys and gals I was with, inside that lecture room at a Mandaluyong hotel, looked like

T

HE major concern of environmentalist groups today are the challenges facing Davao City arising from urban growth: congestion, low water supply and deforestation. They are urging city officials to formulate a “realistic land-use plan” for the city. The formula will designate specific areas for housing and allow greater conservation measures for the remaining acreage.

Not only are environmentalist groups want to preserve the city’s ecological balance, but residents as well.

They know fully well that the city’s water supply is a key indicator of its troubled ecosystem. As more people settle in the city, more trees are felled to give way to the housing boom – resulting in the low water retention of the soil as the demand for water increases.

Thus, environmentalists and resi-

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

A chance of a lifetime

spoiled brats to me, sons and daughters from wealthy families who didn’t have to work for a living like I did. As such, they don’t need to go thru that ordeal,

Of course, you can’t do this without a SEC license and you can’t get that license unless you pass their tough exam which has a very high mortality rate-- meaning there are more flunkers than passers. That was why I kept hearing about guys and gals in the stock brokerage firms and mutual fund firms who are referred to as “re-takers” who are re-taking the SEC exam for the second or third time just to earn that license. listening to boring lectures and falling asleep, just to be able to take that licensing examination from the SEC. Since I was from Davao and couldn’t stay in Manila just to wait for the next two weeks to take the SEC licensing

exam, I missed that chance to earn that license that would have given me the title as “Certified Securities Representative” that authorizes ordinary mortals like me to market and sell securities.

This would have qualified me to work as “trader” in any stock brokerage firm, taking buy and sell orders from clients---which isn’t really my cup of tea, because I preferred doing direct stock trading myself with my own capital. What would have been nice if I also had the chance of marketing and selling investment funds, that included corporate and government bonds, especially to banks, foundations, insurance firms, pension funds, etc Of course, you can’t do this without a SEC license and you can’t get that license unless you pass their tough exam which has a very high mortality rate--meaning there are more flunkers than passers. That was why I kept hearing about guys and gals in the stock brokerage firms and mutual fund firms who are referred to as “re-takers” who are re-taking the SEC exam for the second or third time just to earn that license.

That’s why we’re crossing our fingers this week, hoping that Sun Life Asset Management Company (SLAMC) would be able to gather a minimum of 15 exam takers who will undertake a four-day lecture review series, similar to the one I took in 1997, this time with mutual funds and financial planning, making it a better opportunity I wouldn’t like to miss.

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

Our troubled ecosystem

dents alike are concerned with the protection of the city’s remaining watershed and forest reservation areas, and want to protect it from being parceled out to dubious claimants. The strategic

area in the 3rd district, was about to be taken over many times by unscrupulous capitalists and the possible ruinous effect of their undertakings had to be stamped out permanently. To

location and good weather of Davao City is a boon to tourists, migrants, retirees and real-estate developers. But sad to say, housing developers have ravaged the environment with their earthmoving and tree-cutting activities.

The city’s watershed, a vast forested

forestall the despoilation of the environment, city residents must support environmentalist groups and conservationist citizens. Our support is crucial because the destruction of the environment would wreck havoc on our water system, agriculture and other means of livelihood.

‘Not only are environmentalist groups want to preserve the city’s ecological balance, but residents as well. They know fully well that the city’s water supply is a key indicator of its troubled ecosystem. As more people settle in the city, more trees are felled to give way to the housing boom – resulting in the low water retention of the soil as the demand for water increases.’

9

Who needs Migs Zubiri?

T

HERE is one thing that Vice President Jejomar Binay and his coalition, the United Nationalist Alliance, should do before taking former Bukidnon congressman Juan Miguel Zubiri into their senatorial ticket: They have to be clear if they need Zubiri or is it the other way around?

Politics is addition, but a wrong move could mean subtraction in the polls. This Binay and UNA has to weigh in deciding on the tiff between Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Zubiri, who carries the unsavory reputation of having “won” owing to the manipulation of the 2007 election results in Maguindanao.

Binay’s indecisiveness, however, suggests that he will decide based on practical considerations, not on principles, much less on his longtimeassociation with former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Koko’s father and founder of PDP-Laban.

PDP-Laban, Binay’s party, has allied with ousted president Joseph Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino to form UNA. It’s understandable why Zubiri, at the prodding of his father, Bukidnon Vice Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., wanted to jump to UNA. Binay currently looms as the candidate to beat in the 2016 presidential elections. Like other politicians of their mold the Zubiris like to side with winners.

In other words, their move is nothing more than an act of opportunism.

If in the future another pretender to Malacanang emerges and proves to be stronger than Binay, they (Zubiri, et al) will never hesitate to abandon the vice president, granting they will remain in the corridors of power after May 2013.

Migs Zubiri’s offer to Binay probably goes like this: Mr. Vice President, if you include me in your senatorial slate, I assure you that Bukidnon will vote solidly for you in 2016. His father endorsed Senator Manuel Villar in 2013, but the latter fared poorly in their (Zubiri’s) vaunted bailiwick.

It shows that while the Zubiris can manage to draw huge numbers of votes for themselves – thanks to their habit of splurging money during elections – it doesn’t necessarily mean that their supporters will also follow their choice of candidates for national positions. History has shown that senators, vice presidents and presidents have won on their own merits and not because they were endorsed by local politicians.

Worse, if they fail to find a national party that will adopt them now that Lakas is gasping, the Zubiris may find it hard to maintain their hold on local politics. In fact, with Senator Teofisto Guingona and First District Rep. Emmanuel Paras just waiting in the wings for the right moment to strike, it may only be a matter of time before Bukidnon slips into another dynasty.

It’s no surprise then that Migs is practically begging for a seat in UNA’s train. It’s his and his father’s last chance against ignominy next year.

But if UNA junks the Zubiris, who knows, they may yet return to the fold of the Marcoses. [H. Marcos C. Mordeno writes mainly on the environment, human rights and politics. He can be reached at [hmcmordeno@gmail.com]

10

SUBURBIA

FLORES DE TAGUMEŃO 2012 Schedule of Activities May 22- 25 (10Am To 7Pm) Showcase And Display Of The Gowns Of The Santa Cruzan De Tagumeño At Gaisano Grand Mall (Atrium), Apokon Road, Barangay Apokon, Tagum City May 25 (Friday) (5Pm) Grand Fashion Show Of The Gowns And Other Collections Of The Participating Designers With Their Respective Sagalas At Gaisano Grand Mall (Atrium), Apokon Road, Barangay Apokon, Tagum City (5Pm) Choral Children’s Competition - Harana Para Kay Birhen Maria At Rotary Park, Pioneer Avenue, Tagum City (7:30Pm To 8Pm) Living Rosary And Vigil At Rotary Park, Pioneer Avenue, Tagum City May 26 (Saturday At 4Pm) Part I High Mass Pcek (Rizal St.) Part Ii Procession (Pcek-BonifacioRoxas-Pioneer-Rotary) Part Iii Program Proper Arriving At The Rotary Park, By Pair They Will Offer Flowers To Mother Mary Then Proceed To Their Designated Area While Marian Songs Playing.

Pambukas Na Panalangin\ Rev. Fr. Juanito Luzano At Mensahe Parish Of Christ The Eucharistic King Koronasyon Ng Mahal Na – Msgr. Ulysses P. Perandos Birhen Maria Alma L. Uy And Bambu Domingo Awit Ng Papuri (Winner Sa Contest) Choral Children’s Competition Break 20Mins Break For Dinner Background Music : Marian Songs Video Presentation Roll Of Sagala’s Vtr Mensahe Ng Pasasalamat Ginoong Bambu Domingo Festival Director, Flores De Tagumeño 2012 Pagbibigay Ng Parangal (Awarding Of Certificates) • Awarded By The Chairpersons And The First Lady Of Tagum Ms. Alma Uy 1. Flores De Tagumeño 2012 Participating Parishes 2. Flores De Tagumeño 2012 Parish Priests 3. Flores De Tagumeño 2012 Major Sponsors • Gaisano Grand Mall Of Tagum • Emcor Rizal 4. Flores De Tagumeño Holy Rosary Support Groups • Handmaids Of The Lord • Legion Of Mary 5. Santacruzan De Tagumeño – Fashion Designers 6. Santacruzan De Tagumeño – Sagalas And Escourts 7. Santacruzan De Tagumeño – Make-Up Artists 8. Santacruzan De Tagumeño – Support Groups Pahayag Ng Nagwagi (Announcement Of Winners) Arch Competition Ms. Louella Mae Apurada Santacruzan De Tagumeño 2012 Mr. Roland Emboscado Pangwakas Na Mensahe Ginang Alma L. Uy, Rn, Mba Chairperson, City Of Tagum Tourism Council Closing Spiels (Thank You’s – Sponsors, Participating Parishes, Gkks, Marian Groups And All Committees)

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT. DOH-XI Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., second from left, turns over to Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario the P3-M worth equipment of the Davao del Norte Hospital – Carmen Zone on Tuesday. [NOEL BAGUIO/DAVNOR PIO]

DOH turns over P33-million hospital facilities to DavNor

By Noel Baguio

T

HE Province of Davao del Norte moves closer to being the center of wellness in the Davao region with the new P33-million worth of hospital facilities and equipment from the Department of Health.

DOH-XI Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr. turned over to Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario on Tuesday the new operating and delivery room complexes and wards of the Davao del Norte Hospital – Carmen Zone worth P12 million, as well as, that of the DdN Hospital – Kapalong Zone in the amount of P15 million.

The governor also received hospital equipment worth P3 million each for the two hospitals.

The projects were funded under the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the DOH and implemented

by Provincial Engineer’s Office.

Dumama said the facilities were granted as part of the president’s Aquino Health

Agenda, which aim to provide universal health care particularly to the poorest of the poor.

He also bared the two hospitals are set to receive yet over P20 million for the improvement of their administrative building and water system in the next two years.

Gov. del Rosario was

grateful for the funds coming from the DOH, as it afforded the province a step closer into achieving its bid to become the center of wellness in the region.

“Hopefully Davao del Norte Hospital will really become the center of wellness and health services here in the

TURN OVER. DOH-XI Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., left, shakes hands after turning over to Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario the new operating and de-

Davao region,” he said.

The governor said the province aims to excel in terms of the delivery of quality public medical and health services in order to provide optimum health to the Dabaonons, pursuant to his P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda.

He flaunted Davao del Norte’s advantage consider-

livery room complexes and wards of the Davao del Norte Hospital – Carmen Zone worth P12 million on Tuesday.

Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

DUMAMA. DOH-XI Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., explains the Aquino Health Agenda during the turn-over of the P33-M hospital facilities and equipment to the province of Davao del Norte on Tuesday. [NOEL BAGUIO/DAVNOR PIO]

ing the towering presence of the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, as well as, the existence of the three district hospitals in Kapalong, Carmen and the Island Garden City of Samal being operated and managed by the province.

Del Rosario further bared the plan to turn the DdN hospitals into mother and child specialty hospitals in order to decongest the DRH. With the transfer of the three district hospitals from the auspices of the Provincial Health Office to the care of the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Office (PEEDO), the facilities were renamed into Davao del Norte Hospital – Kapalong, Carmen, and Samal Zones, respectively.

EDGEDAVAO

COMMUNITY SENSE 11

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

DCWD celebrates family day

“I

T’S more fun at GAP Farm!”, thus was the theme of the family day of the Davao City Water District held last May 19, 2012. The annual whole day affair was attended by more than 2,500 employees and their families. Joining the fun was Board of Directors member Abdul M. Dataya.

Festivities opened with a short presentation from DCWD official mascots Tobi and Sedi, followed by the opening message of OIC assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles who also welcomed everyone to the affair in behalf of acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado. Dataya said that he was pleased

to see families of DCWD workers coming together for a day of fun and fellowship.

Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Cosplayers, Gamers and Animators group of Davao City who entertained guests with their DOTA II and Gundam costumes and dramatic performances.

The whole day affair was also filled with fun and educational activities. Families enjoyed rummaging every nook and cranny of GAP Farm for the treasure hunting game of eggs containing local riddles of which they answered for prizes. Toddlers were challenged by the “Parade of Animals” game while the teeners and adults were

tested by the “Parade of Heroes, Presidents and Tribes” trivia competitions. Art and kite-making workshops were also given to interested participants. To make the whole event even more exciting, the traditional pabitin was also played.

The family day celebration has become one of the annual highlights of the DCWD family. Aside from being one of the stipulated agreements in the water utility’s Collective Negotiation Agreement signed last August 16, 2011, the activity also greatly helps in creating a venue where all employees and their families can enjoy each other’s company in a livelier environment other than the workplace.

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

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

17,940

P2,500

3,831

P1,500

41,408

P800

7,056

P1,200

27,411

P1,000

LOCATION

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

Villa Josefina Resort Village, Dumoy Toril, Davao City

Minimum of 240 sq.m.

P5,985

St. Joseph Homes, Sirawan, Toril,Davao City

Minimum of 150 sq.m.

P3,600

“It’s more fun at GAP Farm!” Jonofer G. Jovita of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department facilitates the art workshop for kids at GAP Farm Resort during DCWD’s Family Day.

Water Advisory

Water service interruption May 26

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water service interruption is scheduled on May 26 from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM in some parts of Barangay Baliok. The nine-hour water cut will affect left portion of Baliok road supplied

by Tugbok Water Supply System (from Baliok road going to Libby road), Suhai Village and Small Communal Farmers Association Inc. (SCFAI).

The water service interruption is needed to allow the tapping of the newly installed 4-inch

diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Purok 4, Villarubia Compound Nalum in Baliok.

Upon completion of the project, about 40 new service connections can be accommodated, said Edwin V. Regalado, acting general manager of Davao City Water District.

Affected customers are advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water service

interruption as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may call the DCWD trunk line at 221-9400 and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to the latest daily water updates, or contact its call center through the 24-hour hotline 2219412 or 0927-7988966 for updates, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Sylvia May L. Vosotros)

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

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

PRICE P4.8 M

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NATION/WORLD

NATION BRIEFS Islamic-friendly Y June, Islamic-

B

friendly curriculums will be implemented in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in an effort to provide basic education to cultural diverse sectors in the country.

The Islamic curriculum is part of a P300 million allocation to fund programs that implement Madrasah (Islamic education) and upgrade training of azatids (Muslim teachers), according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

T

Released

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced yesterday the release of P1.8 billion in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) funds to local government units, marking the fourth installment of the IRA differentials for the LGUs under the Monetization in IRA Collectibles for Local Empowerment 2 (MIRACLE 2).

“The P1.8-billion release for LGUs is representative of the administration’s commitment to ensure sufficient and timely budgetary support to local governments and the communities they serve,” DBM Secretary Florencio Abad said.

Domestic market HE government is

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aiming to tap the cash-rich domestic market by mid-June for up to P30 billion in 10-year bonds for the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the state agency tasked to manage and dispose the government’s power assets, officials said yesterday.

Finance Undersecretary Rosalia de Leon told The STAR yesterday that the government is considering borrowing an initial tranche of PSALM’s estimated P85-billion funding requirement through the issuance of bonds and continue with the second tranche in the latter part of the year.

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Corona in hospital G after court drama T HE Philippines’ top judge, who walked out of an appearance at his own impeachment trial, was later rushed to hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack, his spokesman said Wednesday.

Chief Justice Renato Corona checked into a hospital Tuesday night after his three-hour appearance before the Senate, during which he denounced the landmark corruption proceedings as a personal vendetta by President Benigno Aquino.

“The diagnosis is possible heart attack,” Corona’s spokesman Midas Marquez said during several radio interviews.

The development could delay resolution of the trial, which analysts warn has caused deep political divisions in one of Southeast Asia’s most free-wheeling democracies.

Corona is accused of failing to declare up to 12 million dollars in bank accounts and Aquino has alleged the judge sought to protect former president Gloria Arroyo, who is being tried separately for vote rigging.

Aquino won a landslide election victory in 2010 on a platform to end pervasive corruption blamed for massive poverty, and his Congres-

N

E

IN A WHEELCHAIR. Chief Justice Renato Corona at his impeachment trial in a wheelchair on May 22. The country’s top judge was later rushed to hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack, his spokesman said Wednesday. sional allies impeached Corona in December, the first such move ever against a chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Corona’s Senate trial to decide whether or not he should be removed from office began a month later, and has since gripped the nation with millions watching the

drama live on TV. The judge, a diabetic who previously had a heart bypass operation, stunned the Senate when he abruptly walked out following his testimony Tuesday.

He was later brought back in a wheelchair, after his lawyers said he had fallen unwell.

But senate president Juan Ponce Enrile ordered him to take the stand again Wednesday for cross-examination, and warned his testimony would be struck off the record if he failed to do so.

Corona denied the allegations and accused Aquino of a personal vendetta after a landmark

concern over Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Satellite images show that North Korea has made “rapid progress” in the past year at its Musudan-ri site and has apparently razed a

nearby village for a building to assemble larger rockets, according to the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

The institute suspected that North Korea was look-

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LAUNCH PAD. North Korean officials and journalists leave the launch pad after a visit to Tangachai -ri space center in April. North Korea has undertaken a major upgrade of another launch pad. [AFP]

ing at rockets larger than its Unha-3, which flopped during an April 13 test, and that may have intercontinental range -- a longstanding concern of the United States.

“The new construction is intended to support future launches of rockets larger than the recently tested Unha -- more capable liquid fueled space launch vehicles or missiles with intercontinental ranges -- that will also overfly Japan, further aggravating regional tensions,” the institute said on its blog, 38north.org.

The researchers estimated that the upgraded center would be operational by 2016-2017. The pictures showed a flame trench, foundations for buildings and a white circular structure whose purpose is unclear but will likely surround erected rockets.

Showdown

UROPEAN leaders will explore ways of breathing life into their stricken economies at a summit on Wednesday, but the issue of eurozone bonds and whether they can help alleviate two years of debt turmoil will dominate the meeting.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain, where the economy and banking system are at the frontline of the crisis, will meet newly elected French President Francois Hollande in Paris ahead of the evening summit to discuss policy positions - a marked shift away from the traditional Franco-German axis.

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Defy

ENS of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Montreal to mark 100 days of student protests and defy a new law requiring that organizers give notice of demonstrations eight hours in advance.

The law and subsequent protest grew out of weeks of student demonstrations against plans to raise university tuition fees, in which clashes have erupted between police and protesters, with hundreds arrested.

Pictures show N. Korea rocket launch upgrade E

ORTH Korea has undertaken a major upgrade of a launch pad that could pave the way for longer-range missiles, a research group said Tuesday, amid mounting

Asylum

AY and lesbian athletes from dozens of countries that outlaw homosexuality should seek asylum in Britain during the Olympic Games in London to escape persecution or even death at home, a prominent human rights activist said on Tuesday.

The advice came from Mark Stephens, a lawyer whose high-profile clients include Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who he has helped fight extradition proceedings brought by Sweden over allegations arising from encounters with two women.

Coming home VERSEAS Filipino

worker (OFW) Alfredo Salmos returned to the country yesterday, nearly two years after he was accidentally electrocuted on the job in Saudi Arabia.

Salmos, 52, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 12:50 p.m. aboard Saudia Airlines flight SV872, his plane ticket paid for by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

He was met by his sister Epifania and younger brother Junnie.

EDGEDAVAO

WORLD TODAY

Campaign

ALK n Text hopes to draw the best from returning import Paul Harris as the Tropang Texters opened their bid against the Meralco Bolts minus six core players in the PBA Governors Cup tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey, Ryan Reyes and Ranidel de Ocampo are out as the Texters play the Bolts at 7:30 p.m., after the 5:15 p.m. tiff between the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Air21 Express.

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

Voting

GYPTIANs began voting freely on Wednesday for the first time to pick their president in a wide open election that pits Islamists against men who served under deposed leader Hosni Mubarak.

The contest is a novelty for a nation where elections during the 30-year rule of a man some called “Pharaoh” were thinly attended rigmaroles in which the result was a foregone conclusion.

A

Testing

S long-isolated Myanmar opens up, its people are flexing their newly democratic muscles and testing the boundaries of freedom in a series of protests over chronic power outages.

On Tuesday evening, several hundred people in the commercial capital Yangon marched at Sule Pagoda, the focal point of demonstrations in 2007 and 1988 that were crushed by the military which ruled for nearly half a century until last year.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

One and done

M

Miami a win away from East Finals

Miami Heat stars Lebron James and Dwyane Wade flash the number one sign after their Game 5 win against Indiana.

Where are the Lakers heading?

L

OS ANGELES --Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the final minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers’ final game arguing in Oklahoma City, disagreeing on the best way to run a pick-and-roll play.

It might have been the tandem’s last few minutes together with a franchise that has little patience when even great players stop bringing home rings.

The Lakers were eliminated in the second round for the second straight year Monday night with a five-game loss to the Thunder. Although the

Lakers had a solid season despite getting no real training camp to make the enormous switch from coaches Phil Jackson to Mike Brown, they weren’t as good as the NBA’s best.

That likely means changes for a franchise and a fan base that considers seasons ending before June to be abject failures. ‘’I’m really not used to it, so it’s pretty odd for me,’’ Bryant said of another early-by-Lakersstandards exit. ‘’I’m not the most patient of people, and the organization is not extremely patient either.

We want to win and win now, so I’m sure we’ll figure it out. We always have.

I’m sure we will again.’’

In Lakerland, it’s easy to forget that the large majority of NBA franchises would be quite pleased by a 41-25 regular season, yet another Pacific Division title and a decent performance against the Thunder, clearly a top-four team. Many teams would be excited to retool a roster topped by Bryant, fourtime All-Star big man Gasol, and emerging All-Star center Andrew Bynum, who frequently dominated during his best pro season.

But no franchise has the incredibly high standards of Bryant and the 16-time champion Lakers, who don’t even acknowledge division titles that would be a significant achievement for other teams. A second-round playoff loss to a better team caused panic and widespread soul-searching Tuesday. ‘’Come hell or high water, we’re going to be there again,’’ said the 33-yearold Bryant, who has repeatedly stated he’ll never leave the Lakers. ‘’It’s just something about the Lakers organization.’’

Nerza, Avergonzago rule Bankers Run BANKERS RUN. Participants of the recent Bankers Fun Run dash out of the starting line.

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ONG distance ace Anthony Nerza ruled the huge field of 1,000 runners in the recent Bankers Fun Run at the People’s Park, Davao City.

Nerza took just 28 minutes and nine seconds to negotiate the premier 10-kilometer division while Emily Avergonzago took the women’s title in 37 minutes and 49 seconds.

James Castillo crossed the finish line 27 seconds behind Nerza, followed by third placer Mario Ecalner (29:43)

IAMI -- Suddenly, the road back to the Eastern Conference finals no longer looks daunting for Miami.

Not after the Heat left the Pacers beat up and banged up.

LeBron James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade added 28, and the Heat moved a win away from the NBA’s final four with a 115-83 victory over the hurting Pacers on Tuesday night, a game where three flagrant fouls added more chapters to an already-physical series and Indiana watched starting forwards Danny Granger and David West leave with injuries. ‘’This is our challenge right now, to leave it behind us,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘’A lot of good things tonight, but we have to focus on the next one.’’

That would be Game 6 in Indiana on Thursday night. The Heat lead the best-of-seven East semifinals 3-2.

James added 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Shane Battier scored 13 points, Mario Chalmers had eight points and 11 rebounds, and Udonis Haslem finished with 10 points for Miami, which never trailed, held a 22-2 edge in fast-break points and shot a franchise playoff-record 61 percent - best of any team in the playoffs this season.

Paul George scored 11 points for Indiana, with Granger and West adding 10 points apiece. Granger left with a sprained left ankle in the third quarter and departed the arena in a walking boot, while West departed with what the Pacers called a left knee sprain at the end of that period - something that West thought was born of a

13

cheap shot.

Replays showed Shane Battier boxed out West on the play where he fell backward, but it did not appear any Heat player hit West below the waist.

It was an 11-point game when Granger departed early in the third quarter, and the Heat outscored the Pacers by 21 the rest of the way. ‘’We learned early in this series, you don’t get two wins for a blowout,’’ Pacers coach Frank Vogel said.

A series marked by ugly moments had perhaps its worst with 19.4 seconds remaining when Miami reserve center Dexter Pittman went across the lane to send a forearm into the chin area of Indiana’s Lance Stephenson - who was caught on camera making a choke sign toward James during the Pacers’ Game 3 win, drawing the ire of the Miami locker room.

Pittman was caught on camera winking after the foul. ‘’I don’t know if that was retaliation. ... I’m sure the NBA will and do what they have to do,’’ Granger said, adding that Stephenson was getting X-rays for a possible collarbone problem.

Physicians were examining Stephenson after the game.

Miami, which had gotten into quick deficits in each of the first four games, was the team that started hot in Game 5, running out to a 19-8 lead on the strength of three 3-pointers from Battier - who had been 2 for 19 from the field in the first four games of the series. Battier left his mark in many ways, even stopping a 3-on-1 Indiana break to set up a score by Wade at the other end.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant wipes his face with his jersey during the first quarter of Game 5 in their NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tuesday in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City won 106-90. to round up the top 3.

Avergonzago broke away from her rivals in a dash to the finish to beat Ma. Stella Diaz who placed second with a time of 39:40.

Coming in third was Tiny Buenaventura (44:03).

Michael Jan Constantino was first to cross the 5K finish line among the men, with a gun time of 15:25, followed by second placer Elmer Bartolo (16:06), then Jaime Valleneia (16:54).

In the 5K race among women, Vivian Avergonzado took the top spot with 20:21.

The 3K race was finished quickly by winners Rolly Paderna (6:53) for the boys and Dyana Mae Memoracion (8:24) for the girls. They were followed by Michael Barrosa (6:57) and Azlan Pagay (7:29) for the boys, and Meezel Cabriros (9:27) and Sacred Panerio (10:31) for the girls.

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao Summerfest Wake Jam at Deca today

T

HE country’s best wakeboarders converge today at the Deca Wakeboard Park for the Davao Summerfest Deca Wake Jam. The Davao Summerfest Deca Wake Jam is part of this year’s Davao Summerfest, which also includes activities such as the Davao Sports Expo, Davao Summer Games, and various summer camps and clinics, which aims to position Davao City as a premiere summer destination.

“The Davao Summerfest Deca Wake Jam is a two-day wakeboard and wakeskate competition to be held on May 24-25, 2012 in Deca Wake Park Davao,” said Tynna Rosero, PR and marketing officer of the Deca Wakeboard Park.

“Wakeboarders and wakeskaters from all over the country will be battling it out in their re-

L

spective divisions such as Pro Wakeboard, Pro Wakeskate, Open Wakeboard, and Open Wakeskate,” added Rosero.

Deca Wake Park

Davao, rising to fame as the new best Cable Park in the country will be host to over 100 riders from the Philippines, and is expected to be the

top crowd-drawer in the 2012 Davao Summerfest.

Deca Wake Park Davao has played host to huge competitions such as the Kadayawan Cup

(August 2010) and Deca Open Wakeboard and Wakeskate Tournament (December 2011) which attracted competitors from the US, Canada,

Belgium, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, and the Philippines.

Qualifying and Final Rounds will be held on Friday.

Manny: No distractions

OS ANGELES – Manny Pacquiao’s devotion to religion and comments against gay marriage will not have an impact as a training distraction or in the ring as the Filipino icon prepares to fight unbeaten American Timothy Bradley.

That was the message from “Pac-Man” and trainer Freddie Roach on Tuesday in a media conference call ahead of Pacquiao’s June 9 defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight title at Las Vegas.

“Manny Pacquiao is very fired up, very motivated,” Roach said. “He has had a great training session. Everything is right where it is supposed to be.

We’ve had a great training camp. Manny’s focus is the best I have ever seen.

“I think you’re going to see the best Manny Pac-

WAKE JAM. Top wakeboarders from the country will be competing in today’s Davao Summerfest Wake Jam at the Deca Wakeboard Park.

quiao yet.”

Pacquiao, 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, has taken to Bible study rather than nightlife these days, but his punches will carry the same sting when he meets WBO junior welterweight champion Bradley, 28-0 with 12 knockouts.

“It will not affect my job,” Pacquiao said. “When I commit my life to the Lord, it’s not about my job.

Whatever my job is, that’s a pleasure from God.” “I’m just doing my best to work hard and focus on the fight. Training is going good. I’m ready for the fight.”

Pacquiao was asked his opinion of same-sex marriages last week in the wake of support for such unions from US President Barrack Obama. Pacquiao said he was not in favor of gay marriage, comments

he said he knew would touch off controversy.

“Somebody asked me what my opinion of legalizing same-sex marriage is,” Pacquiao said. “I said what I think. It is against the law of God.” What fanned the flames was a Biblical quote, one never mentioned by Pacquiao but used in a report, calling for homosexuals to be put to death.

Roach said the controversy should be over by now.

“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion,” Roach said. “I don’t think it will be a distraction. TMZ was here for a couple days. We pacified them and that was it.”

Roach sees Pacquiao’s piety as a plus, making him fresher as a fighter and more focused and receptive as a pupil.

“He’s not as tired. He

doesn’t have any night life whatsoever,” Roach said.

“He goes to Bible study.

Him and God are very close right now. He’s very focused right now.”

Added promoter Bob Arum: “I think this religious awakening has been all for the good.”

That might not be good for Bradley.

“Tim Bradley is not the kind of boxer we underestimate. He’s a champion,” Pacquiao said. “I don’t know what he’s going to bring into the ring but I’m prepared for whatever he brings on that night.

We’re ready for movement or boxing. I’m so ready to fight. It feels good.”

Pacquiao also revealed that he was struggling with family problems when he defeated Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez last November in their third career bout.

All set for Samal kayaking

D AAK Davao Branch chief Rommel Tan (middle) is flanked by his top students Arthur “Chino” Lao III (left) and Carmela Marie Estarija for the coming AAK Davao Karate Cup set this Sunday at 9 a.m. at the SM City Davao Annex during the weekly SCOOP at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. (SCOOP DAVAO)

POMELO TEE. Leo Magno of Eagle Masters team hits his chip shot during the recent 7th Pomelo Tee golf tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes. (BOY LIM)

AVAO City – All is set for the much-awaited second Samal Summer Kayakfest set this Saturday at 8 a.m. at the at nearby Islannd Garden City of Samal.

“We added mixed tandem category for a team of one male and one to give more fun and excitement aside from the men’s singles and women’s singles,” said Charito Aranda, president of the organizing Dabaw Tourism Organizers Association

(Dabtoa).

Trophies, medals and cash prizes are up for grabs for a registration fee of only P250 inclusive of the resort entrance fee, boat ride, free use of the kayaks, raffle and certificate.

This year’s event is co-presented by Bluejaz Beach Resort and sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission. It is supported

by One World Travel, Pacific Blue Travel and Tours, Jewelry Express, JPVA Hello World Trav-

el, Abacus Distribution System, 109 Ticket Zone, Beefit Gym and John Gold Group of Companies.

At least 60 kayakers, mostly beginners are joining.

Participants are advised to come early as 6:30 a.m.

The opening program will exactly start at 8 a.m. with the Basic Kayak Clinic followed by the race.

Island City of Samal City Administrator Cleto “Jun” Gales Jr. is the invited guest speaker.

INdulge!

FOOD

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Playing with Fire!

by Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto, MBA

ALCOHOL is a part of many social occasions, from family dinners to parties, to sporting events and nightcaps. And as Filipinos, we share the love for eating and drinking with or without occasion.

The very act of sitting down with family, friends and acquaintances to partake in a meal is an act of community, an intangible bonding that is as savored as every drop of wine (or any alcohol for that matter) and every single crumb on the table.

Everything about this week’s repertoire is about flavor. Instead of being satisfied with plain beef ribs, I found a way to marry the beef and the alcohol to come up with a dish that spells out CHILL in all its glory. How? Flambé or that cooking procedure wherein alcohol is added to a hot pan to create a burst of flames by rapidly burning off the volatile alcohol while some residual flavors remain. A perfect way to keep the gang satisfied all night (and morning)long.

Kudos to my fairy godfather scarf master Nate Salisipan and to my homeboy for all seasons checkered boy Christian

Atienza (thank you for the recipe names hahahaha) for allowing me to cook and work my wonders in the kitchen during their Housewarming Dinner/ Party. See you soon...est!

Forklift love boys!

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

Storming out Beef Ribs Short ribs are beautiful to work with -- slow cooking and braising them in their liquid to maximize their flavor.

Ingredients 1 kilo beef ribs, trimmed 2 cups oyster sauce 8 pcs garlic, minced 5 tbsps brown sugar 3 tbsps olive oil 1/2 c Johnnie Walker Black Label Onion chives, chiffoned for garnish Procedure 1. Prepare the marinade: In a pyrex dish, combine the oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic and olive oil.

Throw in the ribs making sure they are all well coated. Cover with foil. Marinate overnight or at least 5 hours before firing it up.

2. In a nonstick pan, throw in the marinated beef ribs and the marinade itself. Let it simmer over low heat.

3. When bubbles start to show, throw in the Black

rice or as appetizer (Pulutan).

DramaQueen Mudslide I’m betting that after just a taste of this, you’ll be whipping batches all year long.

Label and flambe the ribs by firing it up.

Constantly shake the pan to ensure equal distribution of heat and flavor.

4. Slow cook the ribs and

the sauce for a good 30 - 40 minutes to ensure that the ribs are all cooked through.

Reduce the sauce to a fifth (1/5) and your ribs are good to go. Serve hot over

Ingredients 1 jigger of Muslide Caramel Flavor 1 jigger of Mudlside Chocolate Flavor 15 g chocolate milk drink

powder (dissolved in 1 cup hot water) 10 g coffee powder (I used instant) (dissolved together with the chocolate milk powder) 3 cups shaved ice 1/2 cup light syrup 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder Procedure In a blender, throw in all ingredients and shake. Serve with a dash of cinnamon powder and light syrup.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

BonChon to open at SM Davao Annex!

CRAZY for chicken? SM City Davao brings great news!

Home to the amazingly crispy, juicy, and flavourful chicken, “BonChon” (Korean word for “original village”), is finally coming to Davao.

BonChon’s commitment to great taste and quality is evident in their food. Cooked-to-order – and made with the highest quality ingredients and hand-brushed, piece-by-piece, with savory secret sauces, BonChon chicken is sure to delight Davaoenos with its rich flavor.

Watch out for BonChon at the Ground Floor of the city’s hippest hub-- SM Davao The Annex.

For inquiries, please call 297.6998.

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

Arabian Nights at Café Marco It’s time to tantalize your palate with Middle Eastern flavors at Marco Polo Davao’s Café Marco. On May 23, Café Marco launches “Arabian Nights,” a festival of the gastronomic delights the Arab world has to offer.

“Arabian Nights is a culinary journey with exotic stops at Egypt, Persia and Palestine as well as Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia,” said Danilo Herrera, the hotel’s Food and Beverage Director.

“Meat lovers will love the finely spiced tender meat entrees, among them roast leg of lamb, ordek firinda (roast wild duck with honey, thyme and almonds), hearty

kebabs and beef and chicken shawarmas,” Herrera added.

Seafood aficionados will savor garides me saltsa (shrimps drenched in to-

mato, wine and feta cheese sauce), bakaliaro tighanito (deep-fried cod), and uskumru polmasi (baked mackerel filled with the

goodness of pine nuts, currants, and herbs), and other expertly prepared gifts from the ocean.

Vegetarians will relish the vast array of hot dishes and fresh salads from the light Persian borani-e khiar (yoghurt-drizzled cucumber and walnut) to the heftier potato and parsley Lebanese salatit el bataata and fattoush (pita bread with mint, olives, romaine, and feta), among others.

Immerse yourself in the intense flavors of Arabian Nights for only Php 990 net per person. Special limited offer available daily for dinner from May 23 to June 16, 2012.

For reservations and inquiries, please call (63 82) 221 0888 local 7222.

DAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Men in Black 3: Spaced out or outta this world?

CAN Men in Black 3 make it into the black?

With a reported budget of $250 million—or $375, if you throw in projected marketing costs— expectations are riding high for the eagerly anticipated threequel to rake in some serious dough.

Sure, there have been shooting delays and script tweaks, but never count out the one-two punch of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones—or the massive pull of the hit franchise: The first two films raked in over a billion dollars worldwide. (Plus, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga supposedly cameo as aliens!)

From the looks of it, our agents (who are joined by new costar Josh Brolin) might wanna set their phasers to “rave-worthy”...

“Finding smart ways to bring novelty to the franchise without forsaking what made the original so much fun…Barry Sonnenfeld’s third Men in Black easily erases the second installment’s vague but unpleasant memory and (though we might hope producers will quit while they’re ahead) paves the way for future installments,” writes The Hollywood Reporter’s John DeFore. “It’s hard to imagine it won’t be a hit, and hard to begrudge that success, no matter how saturated we are with comic-book properties and sequels.”

“Perhaps the best that can be said for the

years-in-the-works Men in Black 3 is that its prolonged, difficult development rarely leaves visible scars on the finished product…The sequel survives with the original’s spirit largely intact,” raves Variety’s Andrew Barker. And although he feels that the “pic does betray a few saggy, sloppy edges,” he singles out Brolin’s “quietly hilarious performance.”

“What’s downright shocking is how enjoyable Men in Black 3 actually is,” writes Indiewire’s Drew Taylor. “It’s an agreeably loopy, visually sumptuous, intermittently clever sci-fi comedy that does much to erase the bad memories of 2002’s wretched Men in Black II, easing back into the deadpan weirdness that made the original film so much fun.”

“For a very belated, obscenely expensive second sequel that perhaps nobody—except accountants at drowningin-red-ink Sony—was clamoring for, Men in Black 3 is a reasonably crowd-pleasing and painless experience,” writes the New York Post’s Lou Lumenick, noting that it has “enough inspired moments to wipe out memories of the abysmal 2002 first sequel as surely as one of the black-suited heroes’ nebulizers.”

“There are some holes in this story and unfortunately, they’re not timetravel wormholes, but I can live with that,” offers

David Blaustein of ABC News. “Men in Black 3 may not hold up to the most stringent scrutiny, but it is what it is—a real crowd pleaser with a big heart.” Also scoring big with Blaustein? Brolin’s deadpan take on Jones.

“Fun as it all is, the heart of MiB3 is Josh Brolin’s performance as the young K,” he writes. “Brolin is so good at nailing Tommy Lee Jones’ voice and manner, you actually forget he’s not Tommy Lee Jones.”

Not all critics were sold, though, on the threepeat…

“Jones, whose screen time amounts to around 15 minutes, looks tired, and while the film plays nicely on that, there’s no excuse for Smith looking sleepy too, or their banter feeling so forced and drained of life,” sniffs Empire’s William Thomas, who also derides “a disheartening lack of wit throughout.”

“In a summer hardly starved of comic-book properties, this redundant extension of a series that ran out of gas a decade ago doesn’t need a neuralyzer to be forgettable,” rants Neil Smith of Total Empire, noting that the latest installment is “an average affair that, while improving on MIB2, makes you wonder why [director Sonnenfeld] bothered.”

What do you think? Are you stoked to catch Men in Black 3, or will you pass on this latest go-round?

Was Bobbi Kristina gambling in Vegas?

Whitney Houston’s 19-year-old daughter may have violated Nevada state laws FOR Bobbi Kristina Brown, more may have happened in Vegas recently than just attending the Billboard Music Awards.

Nevada gaming officials are looking into allegations that Whitney Houston’s 19-year-old daughter was spotted playing the slot machines at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand last weekend in violation of state law prohibiting anyone under the age of 21 from gambling.

We guess Celine Dion was sold out.

Word of the investigation was first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal after TMZ posted video of what appeared to be Houston and her 22-year-old “adopted brother” (and rumored paramour) Nick Gordon on the hotel-casino’s floor playing a slot game.

E! News could not immediately confirm the identity of the woman on tape as Bobbi Kristina, who was in town accepting the Millennium Award on her late mother’s behalf at the Billboard Music Awards, which was held at the hotel.

Regarding the probe, Gaming Control Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli tells E! News that while he will not comment on any specific case, his office looks at all cases brought to their attention and makes judgments on the facts as they become available.

The board handles about 300 cases a year involving underage gaming, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,000.

A Houston family rep had no comment.

MGM Resorts spokesman Gordon Absher released a statement saying the hotel is “cooperating fully with Nevada gaming authorities as they look into the reported incident.”

A4 INdulge!

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VOL.5 ISSUE 58 • MAY 24, 2012

UP AND ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT

What’s up at

Abreeza Mall

STEPPING inside Abreeza Mall, it’s easy to lose oneself in the sprawling 53,000-sqm mall that houses over 300 popular and specialty stores of both local and international brands. With so much to see and do at the mall, you’d never think there’s a lot more in store at the top floor.

Abreeza Mall’s third floor is home to a wonderful mix of stores. Dominating the floor is their I.T. Zone, which is truly a techie paradise. Gadget gurus, shutterbugs and gaming geeks will surely enjoy the city’s biggest collection of stores carrying the latest appliances, mobile phones, laptops, computers, cameras and even car accessories.

Also located on the third floor is the mall’s Health, Beauty and Wellness zone.

An array of salons, spas and beauty clinics are available to those who want to treat themselves to a day of pampering; so is a barbershop for men in need of a quick, no-fuss haircut. A dental clinic and several eye wear shops are also at hand in case you need a check-up or a change in your prescription.

Customer service outlets, repair shops, print shops and a travel agency are but a few of the many service stores that are located on the third floor.

Indeed, running errands is a lot more convenient when done in the comfort of your favorite mall.

Another highlight of the third floor is its line-up of the best homegrown fashion boutiques whose racks are brimming with trendy pieces. Check out Davao’s very own Soul, Femme and Sugar & Spice for a dose of local style or get lost in Maze, a one stop hip shop that features a variety of stalls selling clothes, acces-

sories, gadgets, eye wear, shoes and jewelry.

Meanwhile kids and kids-at-heart will surely love Timezone, an amusement arcade that offers some serious fun! Other options for the young ones are playgrounds like Wonderland for Kids and Dave’s Fun House or a visit to Petco to ogle at the adorable pets on display or shop for food, treats and toys for your beloved pets.

For food-trippers, Abreeza Mall’s third floor is a dream come true as it is lined with popular restaurants such as Ranch & Reef, Grab A Crab, Ranchero, Sumo Sam, yogurt spot The White Hat, coffee shop Figaro and the newly-opened milk tea spots Mad Hatter and Tealoca.

Aside from these, there is also Food Choices, the mall’s breezy open-air food court which hosts fast food favorites such as Hotdog on Sticks, Leylam, Eden’s Lechon, Classic Savory,

Sizzling Chef, Smokin’ Toppings, Island Grill, Taters and Pritong Manok.

For families and barkadas, why not bond over a good movie that is best viewed in one of Abreeza’s four state-of-the-art cinemas? Equipped with Dolby 3D digital technology and superior sound system, Abreeza’s theaters take watching movies to a whole new level. Movie fanatics will surely delight in the vivid images and crisp audio, especially when complemented with tasty snacks and drinks from Mad Hatter and Taters delivered right to your seat.

Another fun bonding option would be to head to the Roof Garden, which serves as a venue for an assortment of exciting mall activities and events.

Indeed there’s a wealth of things to see and do at Abreeza Mall where shopping, dining, entertainment and a whole lot more are just a breeze away!

EDGEDAVAO

Anomalies...

Banana...

FFROM 1 city hall, adding that if the CAO, which assesses land, buildings, and machineries, gives an assessment that a property has high market value its ownere would be obliged to pay higher tax.

“Pwede pud nga pagamyan,” she said, referring to continuing complaints on assessments made by the CAO. Interviewed in the absence of CAO head Cesar Dataya, assistant head Conrado Flores said the office follows the Approved Schedule of Market Values passed by the City Council.

Flores explained that the approval of assessments “solely rests on the CAO head” but the office itself “follows strictly the schedule of market values.”

“An assessment on a property is a requirement when a property owner needs to have it registered if the property was bought from the former owner,” Flores said.

“Since we have a record on properties, then the old value becomes the base line in accordance with the up-

FFROM 1 dated market value, thus it is normal that the property value increases,” he added.

Flores, however, admitted in an interview that the CAO “at times fails to conduct property inspection.”

“Sometimes due to time constraints hindi na nai-inspect ang property. Pag may inspection nanakikitang may sira pala ang building kaya bumababa ang value.

Sometimes naman tumataas dahil nag-karoon ng extension of property,” he said.

The CAO officer admitted that hearing criticisms against the CAO “affects their performance.”

“It has its effects,” he said.

“Sa amoa lang pud is mag-trabaho lang pud mi.

Wala nalang namo na ginadibdib. MU-trabaho lang mi,” said Dataya’s secretary LinadelaCerna.

Talk to your man Duterte-Carpio advised Vice Mayor Duterte to talk to his appointee (Dataya).

“I have not talked to Dataya because he’s not my appointee. He is Mayor Rody’s appointee. So I sug-

gest that he talk to Dataya,” she said.

“It’s a good thing that it came from him (Duterte). It shows he has knowledge of it. Dataya is his appointee,” she added.

Vice Mayor Duterte first raised the matter during an assembly of department heads, barangay captains, and other officials the previous weeks.

He said “whispers about corruption” in local governance should stop, particularly in the City Assessor’s Office.

“Pag ang tao gimong gina pa-balikbalik it means you have other intentions.

The City Assessor has got to stop it. Stop it,” he said.

On Tuesday, Duterte announced that he is encouraging those who experience anomalies to go to his office.

“Ali mo sa akong office. If you feel that there is something questionable sa transaction nga inyong ginapangayo--tell me. I will take care of it. I will see to the paper work ora mismo,” he said during his TV show Ato ni Bay at the City Council.

holidays, and two others of local concern.

The House also approved on second reading HB 6052 strengthening the Juvenile Justice system in the Philippines.

Among those passed on final reading were: HB 6048 – Providing for Universal Health Care Services to all Filipinos, further amending for the purpose R.A. 7875, otherwise known as the “National Health Insurance Act of 1995.”; HB 5808 – Cybercrime Prevention Bill and HB 5928 – Institutionalizing a pre-hospital emergency medical care system, providing for the establishment, supervision and regulation of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Profession; HB 5977 – Creating the Philippine Trade Representative Office; HB 6155 – Establishing the Resource Development and Crisis Assistance Centers for Women and children in every province and city; HB 6050 – Establishing Rural Farm Schools as an alternative delivery mode of secondary education; HB 1330 – Es-

tablishing the Barangay Integrated approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI); HB 6044 – Instituting reforms on Real Property Valuation and Assessment in the Philippines; HB 6023 – Preventing Pollution from Ships and providing penalties therefor; HB 6119 – Institutionalizing the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa; HB 6040 – providing a three year validity period for the license to exercise security profession; HB 6022 – Rationalizing the taxes on International Air Carriers operating in the Philippines, amending the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended; HB 5996 – Providing for the retention by the Protected Area Management Board of the 75% of the revenues accruing to the integrated Protected Areas Fund (IPAF), amending the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992; and HB 6032 – Renewing the franchise granted to Philippine Global Communications, Inc. for another 25 years.

House passed on final reading 15 national, 87 local bills on Monday

T

HE House of Representatives on Monday approved on 3rd reading House Joint Resolution No. 31 annulling the Book of Voters of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) principally authored by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II. Underlining the urgency of the matter, the House subsequently adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 17 as amendment to HJR No. 31 on the annulment of the ARMM Book of Voters.

Likewise, nothwithstanding the national focus on the impeachment trial where Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona will face his accusers today as the last and most vital witness for the defense panel, the House also approved on final reading 14 other national bills and 87 local bills (for a total of 102 measures approved on 3rd reading).

Of the 87 local bills approved on 3rd reading on Monday were 30 public works-related measures, 34 basic education-oriented bills, seven aquaculture and fisheries resources development measures, two on health concerns, eight transportation-focused, six bills on public

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Quips

‘WE in DBM (Department of Budget and Management) will work closely with key departments in the remainder of the second quarter to troubleshoot implementation bottlenecks, address capacity constraints, and accelerate disbursements.’

--Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad

Last May 10, some 1,500 ten-footer container vans of export grade bananas were inspected and held for the alleged existence of pests.

Based on PBGEA’s monitoring, of the 1,500, there were already 40 to 60 vans released for having complied with sanitary regulations and accreditation of packing system.

Antig said definitely there are ships of bananas coming back, only that he could not yet say what was the exact number of ships, adding that the first one to return departed from China last May 21 and it will take seven to eight days for a ship from China to arrive in the country.

“I call the shipping lines everyday to ask whether or not their ships had returned,” he said.

Also, the Plant Quarantine Services of the Bureau of Plant Industry and Bureau

of Customs have not advised him of the ships’ arrival yet.

No oversupply Since last week, China stopped ordering bananas from the Philippines, according to Antig.

“It is difficult to say that there is an over supply because before this problem began, we had been shipping 1.2 million boxes of bananas a week,” he said.

In the first quarter this year, the Philippines exported an average of 171,400 boxes of bananas a day, with an equivalent value of P33.2 million.

He added, “There is no oversupply. Napundo lang sa pantalan ang mga saging (only that bananas are stranded in piers),” he said.

In fact, based on the report of the Department of Trade and Industry released last May 5, China export volume is growing, therefore, the market

is not saturated.

Twenty five percent of the banana exported from the Davao region last year went to China.

In 2011, the region produced 642,090 metric tons or 49,391,556 boxes of export bananas, equivalent to $ 138.3 million or P6 billion.

The PBGEA produced 308,557 metric tons or 23,735,153 boxes of bananas last year.

Considering that the alleged discovery of pests in shipment to China happened in the last week of February, he thinks, this has nothing to do with the Scarborough Shoal standoff between the Philippines and China.

Antig said, if Philippine bananas be banned in China, about 14,000 to 20,000 hectares of plantations will be non-operational out of the total 79,000 hectares in the Philippines.

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