Edge Davao 5 Issue 93 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

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Science/ Environment Page 4 FISHING. A woman watches three men who are casting their fishing rods along the coastline of Davao gulf. The men usually stop by in the afternoon to try their luck in fishing and bring it home for dinner.. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Game Changers Page 7

Sara warns

Stop ‘salad’ slang By Jade C. Zaldivar

Sports

Page 15

hose who speak the street slang “Salad” better hold their tongue or pay the price. Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio issued a stern warning against those who use the term on women offensively. She encouraged women to immediately lodge a police blotter against the offender for using the street lingo. “If you felt offended, file a police

blotter report to record it as offensive,” she said. The street slang which has spread like wildfire over radio stations and local lingo connotes women being prostitutes as this is allegedly used by pimps or bugaw engaged in the sale of female flesh. The mayor, who called herself unfamiliar with the slang word, said there “should be nothing

wrong with it so long as no one is offended.” However, if females feel offended, then they should file a report, she said. “That’s good so it’ll show that it’s not a positive act,” she added. Duterte-Carpio also showed exasperation, saying the slang word is degrading to women. “what’s happening to our society, instead

of evolving into a higher form of human beings, we have become a salad,” she said. earlier Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also expressed opposition to the spread of the street slang in his Sunday TV show Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa. The elder Duterte said he’ll slap anyone he catches uttering the word ‘salad’ to a female.

Jaime G. Adalin, head of the Davao City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO), earlier said the cooperatives signified to contribute a total of P5.2 million to the CSF, and, without collateral, can avail of loans as much as 10 times the amount of their contribution based on the MOA. BSP defines CSF as a credit enhancement scheme developed by the BSP which primarily aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMe) obtain loans from

banks. Diwa Guinigundo, deputy governor of Monetary Stability Sector of the BSP, yesterday said, instead of each borrower or cooperative putting up its own collateral, they pool all their resources, including the local government’s contribution as well as the BSP and its partners. “The pooled resources will now be called the CSF, which will be deposited in one of the participating banks so that in case a coop breaks its commitment to

pay, the bank gets the payment from the fund,” he said. However, he continued, the likelihood that a coop will break its promise to pay the loans is very remote because an oversight committee composed of representatives from the participating parties will evaluate the proposal before loans are given. “They cannot submit anything to participating banks unless the oversight committee has already seen and judged the fea-

20 coops join credit surety fund By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

wenTy 20 Davao City cooperatives can now avail of the credit surety fund (CSF), which was launched yesterday on the initiative of the local government and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). A Memorandum of Agreement was also signed between the cooperatives, city government, BSP, Land Bank of the Philippines, Industrial Guarantee Loan Fund (IGLF), and Development Bank of the Philippines to create the CSF.

F20 COOPS, 13

THE BIG NEWS Mindanao’s inflation rate lower than nat’l average

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

InDAnAO’S inflation rate is lower than the national average, which means that the monetary and real sector condition in Mindanao is conducive to stable prices. This, according to Diwa C. Guinugundo, deputy governor of Monetary Stability Sector of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) yesterday at the 2012 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders, Apo View Hotel, Davao City. In a presentation on Development Indicators of Mindanao, Teresita B. Deveza, acting deputy director of the Department of economic Statistics, said in June 2012, the regions in Mindanao have a lower inflation rate than the national average of 2.8%, except for the regions of Caraga (4.1%) and northen Mindanao (3.7%), respectively. The national average

inflation rate in June 2012 was 2.8%, while the inflation rate in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) was 1.8; Davao region (Region 11) was 1.7%; SOCCSKSARGen (Region 12) was 2.6%; and, ARMM was 2%. Guinigundo said Mindanao’s lower inflation rate can help pull down the national average. “Production in Mindanao appears to be very conducive,” he said, adding that there are different sources of economic growth such as fruit production, food processing, and, culture and export of seaweeds. “There are a lot of economic activities in Mindanao, which help bring about lower inflation,” he said. Considering the Caraga region’s higher inflation rate, he said it could be production related in the sense, one has to look at infrastructure, and both pre-

and post harvest facilities, among others. “Relatively speaking, it’s economic activity versus growing population that can observe higher demand for goods and services. If demand is not much conducive to supply conditions, then you will have some inflation going up,” he said. However, he added, the increase in inflation in some other parts of Mindanao is not very far from the national average with the highest of 4.7%, and it is still within the national target of 3-5%, the official national average target of the government. He also mentioned that five or six weeks ago, the forecast for national average was 3.1% for 2012, 3.4% for 2013 against the national target of 3-5%, adding that the inflation rate is right below the midpoint (4%). The BSP awarded five

He Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund will conduct a study to validate data on housing backlogs and to know the needs of its members, as well as non-members, its chief executive officer (CeO) said yesterday. Lawyer Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, Pag-IBIG Fund CeO, on the sideline of a meeting with Organization of Socialized Housing and Developers of the Philippines yesterday, Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City, said the study will create an industry profile, which will also be helpful for housing developers. She said the study will verify data from independent surveys showing that 80% of Pag-IBIG members already have own houses versus the

government’s latest data of 3.6 million housing shortage. “Through a tie-up with the national Statistics Office and other related agencies, we will embark a study to determine the actual number of people who need and who want to avail of housing,” she added. To start next year after a six-month preparation period, the study will also determine people’s perspective, including their awareness on housing packages and other benefits, and assessment on the services and performance of the Pag-IBIG Fund. Private developers, she continued, will also benefit from the findings of this study such that they will know how many more housing units need

to be developed or if there is still a need to produce more. Berberabe also wants to find out what other benefits Pag-IBIG can still offer to its members. Pag-IBIG recently launched multi-purpose loans dubbed “anti-depression” loans, which, according to her, are basically addressing the needs of members to free themselves from depression. with an average of P10,000, the “anti-depression” loans can be in a form of education, livelihood, vacation and wellness. To avail of this loan, a Pag-IBIG Fund member must have contributed at least within two years, and can avail of 80% of his or her savings with an interest rate of 10.75% a year.

WANTED HEALTH WORKERS. Erwin Alparaque, assistant city administrator, said on Wednesday that the office of the city mayor has opened hiring of medical offic-

ers, nurses, dentists and midwives that would be sent to the different health centers in the city. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Alleged second arson Pag-IBIG to conduct P3M-study attempt on CEO fails T FMINDANAO’S, 13

[LORIe ANN A. CASCARO]

Forum on accessible tourism for PWDs today at Apo View By Edward C. Lactaoen

regional forum on Accessible Tourism for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) will be held today at the Apo View Hotel from 8:30am to 12:00pm, according to Rizalio Sanchez, chief of the Information, education and Communication Division of the national Council on Disability Affairs (nCDA), who guested at the Club 888 press forum The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. The Apo View forum, with the theme “Making the Sights Real for Accessible Tourism” will seek to identify the major issues regarding the accessi-

bility of tourism, specifically for PwDs. The forum will be conducted in partnership with the Department of Tourism regional office and also highlight the roles of the Department of Public works and Highways and local government units in the implementation of accessibility. Sanchez said that since the enacting of Batasang Pambansa 344 in February 1983, “implementation has been slow… there are so many stakeholders who don’t know this law,” Sanchez explained, as one of the reasons for the poor imple-

mentation. Sanchez said there will be audits conducted on accessibility for PwDs on buildings being used for public use. The program is part of an international mandate and the Philippines is required to submit a report to the United nations. Sanchez called for support from all sectors as the nCDA lacks a regional office to keep track of their areas of concern. Sanchez also mentioned the upcoming national Disability Rehabilitation and Prevention week which will take place this month.

By Jade C. Zaldivar

ITy Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio said she is yet to confirm reports on a second attempt to burn down the wooden building of the City engineer’s Office (CeO) during the weekend. Local media received information that there was again an attempt to destroy the building which holds important records. Mayor Sara, who first heard about it only recently, said she would be confirming this through the video recording by CCTV cameras posted outside the CeO. The first attempt at arson

n Records are secured, ‘hidden’ - Sara

was last April through a lit mosquito coil connected by a piece of twine to a flammable liquid. The attempt failed, however, and the following day the flammable paraphernalia were discovered by CeO employees. The mayor said the motive was to incinerate the records division and dismissed loose talks that the foiled attack was politically motivated. Following the incident, records were hidden else-

where, the mayor said. “The records are no longer at the CeO, and are being kept in a safer place,” she said. “In order for us to confirm whether someone attempted to burn the CeO, we’ll just have to look at what is shown on CCTV. This time we’re better equipped,” she said. The CCTV cameras were installed upon the suggestion of City Building Official (OBO) Jaime Adalin, brother of Public Safety Command Center head Magno Adalin.

Sara told reporters in her office. Overall, Duterte-Carpio said her attendance at the world Cities Summit was a success. “we were required to attend to a lot of seminars since each of us was assigned with a guide. There were those who said they are interested to visit Davao City,” she said. Duterte-Carpio was a panelist of the wCS Mayors Forum upon the invitation of Minister of State Lee yi Shyan of the Ministry of national Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore. In her presentation, the mayor bannered the PSCC, particularly its innovation, the

IBM Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) which began operating in June. The IOC provides an online portal between offices among which are the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) the Central 911, Task Force Davao, Traffic Management Center, Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, and other national agencies. each office is provided with dashboards which display each other’s performance. Through this, the city is more equipped in with an early warning system by monitoring Key Risk Areas, thereby allowing the city’s peacekeeping units to take action in a collaborative manner. [JAde C.

Foreign mayors intrigued by Davao City’s PSCC

AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said her presentation before the world Cities Summit (wCS) in Singapore last July 1 of the city’s Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) received much interest. Several attendees, two of them from Sri Lanka and Canada, manifested interest to visit the city to observe how the PSCC operates in monitoring events and incidents in the city. “The mayor from Canada said he wants to visit the city as he also wants to install a centralized command center in his city. I said he would be welcome to see how the PSCC operates. Davao City is much larger than his city,” Mayor

ZALdIvAR]

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

PHL steps up water management bid

He government will install sensors in the country’s 18 priority river basins to better generate data for improving Philippine water management. Department of Science and Technology Sec. Mario Montejo said such sensors can track the water situation there, giving authorities the lowdown on what must be done to best manage the precious liquid. “Our country is blessed with much water but it’s how well we manage this resource that will enable us to capture its benefits,” he said Thursday in a speech during the national Academy of Science and Technology (nAST) 34th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Manila. Government earlier initiated several measures, including implementing the water Code and Philippine Clean water Act, to help protect and manage the country’s water resources. Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging are among interventions experts identified earlier to help better manage the country’s available water. Such harvesting involves collecting, storing and using rainwater when needed to help reduce extraction and consumption of groundwater.

SoCot board says

“Our country is blessed to have some 2,400 millimeters of rainfall yearly - it’s already adequate if we can only collect, store and use this liquid gradually,” nAST president Dr. emil Javier said during ASM. He noted that harvesting must be done as the bulk of rainwater merely flows into the sea at present. A 2004 Asian Development Bank study showed that up to 58 percent of the country’s groundwater is contaminated with coliform and requires proper treatment. Recharging involves replacing groundwater lost through extraction and other means. Intrusion of saltwater and sinking of land are among consequences of over-extracting groundwater. “For Metro Manila, official data show we only use some three percent of groundwater but the actual figure might be higher as there are many unreported cases of overextracting such resource,” Marine Science Institute professor Dr. Fernando Siringan reported during the ASM. He said surface water, not groundwater, must be prioritized as potable water source. water czar and public works Chief Rogelio Sing-

FPHL, 13

No more review on open-pit ban

ITH the new mining policy of the Aquino administration now in place, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato “will no longer act” on the petition to review the open-pit ban, an official said on Tuesday. The open-pit mining ban was seen as an obstacle to the massive Tampakan copper-gold project of Sagittarius Mines Inc., which is controlled by Xstrata Copper, the world’s fourth largest copper producer. On Monday, environment Secretary Ramon Paje, said that executive Order 79, which President Benigno S. Aquino III signed on July 6, does not invalidate the open-pit mining ban imposed by South Cotabato. “It [open pit ban] remains valid until invalidated by competent authorities,” Paje said in a televised press briefing in Malacanang.

Reacting to the environment’s secretary’s pronouncement, South Cotabato board member ernesto Catedral dashed the hopes of those wanting a review of the environment code that bans open-pit mining. “we’ve been waiting for that new mining policy so we can act on the petition. But from the pronouncement of Secretary Paje, we don’t have a reason to act,” he told Mindanews in a phone interview. “It is a legally sound position,” Catedral said of the secretary’s position on the open-pit ban of the province. Catedral chairs the joint committee on environmental protection and legal matters, where the petition to review the environment code, which contains the prohibition on open pit mining, has been pending. The petition to re-

FNO, 13

UNIQUE. With the ukay-ukay vendors totally invading the city, this woman has a unique set of merchandise---used handkerchiefs and bras. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Bukidnon gets UN support for water quality monitoring T

He Bukidnon Provincial Health Office has started monitoring water sources in the province’s 20 towns and two cities using portable microbiological laboratories, engr. Florissa Adviento, chief of the PHO’s environmental and occupational health services, said. Adviento told Mindanews the provincial government has acquired a grant from the United nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and the Department of Health for the portable laboratories to implement water quality monitoring. She added they are

doing water analysis for e. coli bacteria and other waterborne diseases. Adviento said it is meant to help the province comply with its share in the country’s commitments to achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals, especially on ensuring environmental sustainability. Among the 11 indicators of environmental sustainability is to cut by half the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation by 2015. Adviento said one problem is identifying if the diarrhea cases report-

ed to them are caused by e. coli bacteria or other carriers. The PHO, she said, has opted to pursue barangaybased monitoring to ensure drinking water quality at the community level. But she admitted that not all barangays are covered yet. She added they have piloted some barangays in all towns starting last week of June but she could not give figures yet. The Bukidnon provincial board has passed a resolution urging municipal and city health offices to conduct bacteriological examination and disinfection of all water sources in

the barangays to prevent infection with e. coli and the spread of waterborne diseases in their area. e. coli is a microorganism that lives in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, which can cause bloody diarrhea, severe anemia, urinary tract infections, and even kidney failure that may lead to death. Marivic Montesclaros, board committee on health chair, said the bacteria will spread if sources of running water are unsanitary and foods are laced with human and animal feces due to water contamination. (WALteR I. BAL-

day registration period, Kurals Dali, election officer, told Mindanews. As of 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, 269 had registered, she said. Mindanews computed that for an eighthour period, the registration of 389 persons took all of 1.23 minutes each from the time the applicants, carrying their completed application forms, are called to enter the office. Day One’s 389 is more than twice the 170 per day that the Comelec had earlier estimated. Jimenez said the processing rate “depends on speed of turnover of individual applicants.” But 389 is “very difficult to imagine” unless the voting registration center

has more than one voters registration machine (VRM), he told Mindanews in a text message late Tuesday afternoon. The Comelec office has only VRM. Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim in a press conference Tuesday night in Cotabato City acknowledged that 389 is quite high” but added it is “expected” because the barangay has a bigger population. “we hope that in the succeeding days, the number goes down.” Lim added that if the forms had been filled out and the requirements are complete, the registration process would take “not more than two minutes.” He said they expect

the number of registrants in the Comelec office in Sultan Kudarat to drop on the 4th and 5th day. “It would be alarming if ganon pa rin sya consistently for the next ten days na 389 or 350 above .” Kurals Dali, Sultan Kudarat election officer, told Mindanews that Barangay Dalumangcob, the lone barangay attended to by the Comelec office here, had around 3,000 registered voters before the Book of Voters in the five-province, twocity Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was annulled. She said she divided the number of potential registrants, inclusive of those who will turn 18

ANe/MINdANeWS)

Slow-paced voters’ registration? Not in Sultan Kudarat town

HILe voters in other areas in Maguindanao are complaining about the slow pace of the registration process, those in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat are not. The pace of registration for Dalumangcob residents at the Commission on elections (Comelec) office on the second floor of the town hall -- the same floor as the mayor’s office -- is so fast that it is “very difficult to imagine,” James Jimenez, spokesperson of the Commission on elections, said. The Comelec Office here registered 389 applicants from Barangay Dalumangcob on Monday, Day One of the 10-

FSLOW, 13

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Dogs’ evolution shows why they ‘love’ gnawing on bones

CIenTISTS say they have discovered why dogs love to eat meat and bones. Ancient canines adopted pack-living about eight million years ago, to hunt larger prey, according to researchers. The resulting evolution of their jaws gradually turned the ancestors of modern wolves, and ultimately our own pets, into “hypercarnivores”. Dr Joao Munoz-Doran presented the findings at the First Joint Congress for evolutionary Biology in Ottawa, Canada. He and his colleagues from the national University of Colombia have created a canine “family tree”, piecing together the relationships between each of the more than 300 dog species. “we compared species that have very dif-

ferent diets,” Dr MunozDoran explained to BBC nature. “So we classified

them as carnivores, hypercarnivores [animals that eat more than 70% meat] and omnivores [animals that eat meat

for developing strategic industries in the country. “we’re not satisfied with the existing sharing scheme and are looking at improving this through amendments to the Mining Act,” he said. Paje noted that the Department of Finance (DOF) already commenced studying the matter. In his statement on eO 79’s issuance, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Cesar Purisima said he is looking forward to working with Congress and stakeholders concerned in amending relevant laws that will rationalize the country’s existing revenuesharing schemes. He also hopes that such coordination will result in a mining fiscal regime that is “easy to administer, promotes greater share to government, streamlines the process of revenue-sharing with local communities and maintain competitiveness of our country as an investment destination.” Preliminary data Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) released last month showed that taxes, fees and royalties collected from mining totaled P94 million during 2012’s first quarter. The gross production value in mining during the same reference period hit nearly P20 billion, it also

indicated. DenR and DOF are members of the Cabinet’s climate change and economic development clusters, respectively. In the eO, President Aquino constituted such clusters into MICC. He ordered MICC to assess and review all mining-related laws, rules and regulations, issuances and agreements “with the view to formulating recommendations to improve allocation of revenues and risk between the government and the mining sector.” Among MICC’s other tasks are developing its work plan for implementing eO 79 and mining-related reforms. President Aquino ordered MICC to submit the work plan within 60 days from eO 79’s effectivity. eO 79 shall take effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation, he said. MICC shall be cochaired by heads of the two clusters, President Aquino added. The Chief executive said MICC’s additional members are the justice secretary, national Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ chairperson and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines’ president. (PNA)

New body to identify mining revenue-sharing options By Catherine J. Teves

AnILA, July 10 (PnA) - The new Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) that President Benigno Aquino III created will study other countries’ government-mining sector revenue-sharing schemes to develop the best possible domestic options that can be proposed for legislation. Such study is in line with executive Order 79 which he issued on July 9 this year to help raise environmental protection and government revenues related to mining. “MICC will look into the best revenue-sharing practices,” said Department of environment and natural Resources (DenR) Secretary Ramon Paje. eO 79 provides that the target legislation must be enacted and take effect before new mineral agreements are entered into again, he noted. Paje believes it is fair to raise government’s collection of two percent excise tax and five percent royalty from extracting the country’s non-renewable mineral resources. The government collects royalties only from mining within mineral reservation areas (MRAs). MRAs’ mineral reserves and resources are intended

and vegetation].” The ancestors of modern wolves belong to this hypercarnivorous group. The team’s analysis showed that the skull features that now distinguish a wolf - strong jaw muscles and enlarged canine teeth - first started to develop when their ancestors first began hunting in groups. “we found a common

evolutionary history for these traits,” Dr MunozDoran explained. “eight million years ago was when [less forested, more] open habitats were spreading through Asia, europe and north America. “And when there are open habitats, the big prey group together. So there will be more eyes watching for a predator.” The only way that

dogs roaming the open plains could snatch very large prey from a herd was to work together. “And after many generations of this grouping behaviour, there are new selective pressures on their [skull shape],” said the researcher. This pressure meant that animals with larger teeth and stronger jaws were more likely to succeed in hunting, and to survive to pass on their large-toothed, strongjawed genes to the next generation. “They developed strength in their muscles - especially the muscles that close their mouth,” said Dr Munoz-Doran. “And bones that are more resistant to bending, so they could support the mechanical strains of biting the prey. “Over time, they became adapted to be ‘hypercarnivorous’.” The researcher pointed out that domestic dogs had “very good evolutionary reasons to enjoy chewing a bone”. “They have the tools to do that,” he told BBC nature, “and they want to use their tools.”

Ancient bear had the strongest bite T

He largest bear that ever lived also had the strongest bite of any land mammal, say scientists. Agriotherium africanum was a giant short-faced bear that became extinct five million years ago. Reconstructions of the carnivore’s skull revealed that it was well adapted to resist the forces involved in eating large prey. By comparing the skulls of several species, scientists also found polar bears to have surprisingly weak bites. The findings were published in the Journal of Zoology. Dr Stephen wroe from the University of new South wales, Australia, and his team used CT scanners to create 3-D images of bear skulls. They scanned six species, ranging from a giant panda to a reconstructed fossil of A. africanum. Using the computer generated models created by student Chris Oldfield, the

researchers investigated how the skulls stood up to the forces that mimicked killing and feeding behaviours. “Our analyses show that Agriotherium africanum had an enormously powerful bite - considerably greater than for the largest of living big cats, or any living bear,” said Dr wroe. The extinct bear exerted the highest bite force with its large canine teeth. Of all the bears the team examined, its model showed the least strain through the skull when the researchers simulated the forces of biting an item of prey. “Our analyses show that it had the most powerful bite of any known terrestrial mammal determined thus far,” Dr wroe told BBC nature. Results for another short-faced bear, the giant panda, were also notable; the animal’s skull appeared to be well adapted to high levels of stress.

This might seem surprising for an animal with a diet strictly limited to plant material, but Dr wroe pointed out that the panda had a large “grinding area” to chew through tough stalks of bamboo. In comparison, A. africanum had the smallest grinding area of the bears analysed. ‘Power to kill’ The researcher said that A. africanum may have been a «hypercarnivore» with an unparalleled level of meat in its diet for a bear. «There has been considerable debate over the diet of A. africanum and other short-faced bears. Some have argued that these bears were more carnivorous than most living bears,» said Dr wroe. «There can be no doubt that this beast had the power to kill almost anything it could get a hold of - it could also have chased any other predators off their kills; hence it could also have been a very effective scavenger.»

EDGEDAVAO

Stat Watch

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

3.7% 4th Qtr 2011

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

He national Price Coordinating Council has reduced the suggested retail price of sardines to P12.80 per can from P13.50 effective August 1 as prices of “tamban” fish is now being sold for P20 to P25 per kilo from P30 to 35 a kilo. Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, who also chairs the nPCC, announced this decision after their meeting Tuesday. The decision to lower the SRP on sardines was based on the report by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that prices of “tamban” fish or sardines have been lowered to P20 to P25 a kilo from P30 to

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

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

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161

P35. In the case of sugar, Domingo reported that they have turned down requests by sugar millers to raise the SRP of refined sugar to P52 per kilo from the current P50. He said that based on government inventory, there is still enough supply to last until the next milling season in Octobernovember. Domingo warned manufacturers and suppliers to comply otherwise they will be issued a show-cause order for them to explain that should lead to profiteering charges. In terms of gasoline, price increases reached a total of P7

Government to increase spending by 10% in 2013

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

9. National Government Revenues

SRP for sardines reduced

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/

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

UDGeT and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad bared a 10.5 percent increase in the proposed national expenditure Program for the fiscal year 2013 which prioritizes funding for key programs that decisively address poverty, foster inclusive economic growth and ultimately empower the people, especially the poor. In a press release issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) following his briefing with the members of the media in Malacanang on Tuesday, Abad said that the greatest share or 34.8 percent of the proposed P2.006-trillion proposed budget, equivalent to P698.4 billion has been earmarked for Social Services that will support the reduction of poverty to 16.6 percent by the year 2016. This allocation is 13.9 percent higher than the sector’s P613.4 billion budget in 2012. The economic manager said that the allotment will support the closing of resource gaps in basic education by next year; the coverage of 5.2 million poor households under the national Health Insurance Program; the

construction of at least 103,000 affordable housing units for informal settlers in danger zones for soldiers, policemen and other uniformed personnel, among others; and the coverage of 3.8 million indigent households under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The budget also prioritizes economic Services which will bolster the country’s bid to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of six to seven percent and to create more jobs and livelihood opportunities for the Filipino people. with a proposed 25.5 percent or P510.9 billion share from next year’s budget pie, the sectoral allocation increased by 16.4 percent from the P439.0 billion in 2012. The allocation will support the rehabilitation and concreting of all primary roads by 2014 and all secondary roads and bridges by the year 2016; the production of 20 million metric tons (MT) of palay to attain rice sufficiency by next year; the attainment of 5.53 million tourist arrivals by 2013 and 10 million by 2016; and the distribution of 360,000 hectares of lands under the agrarian reform by 2013. (PNA)

from January-May this year but the rollback in prices for the period already hit P11 or just a difference of P4. Overall, the nPPC found

prices of basic commodities to be steady and supply stable. even prices of vegetables have been lower compared to the previous year.

BIR, Customs set higher goals in ‘13

OLLeCTIOn goal of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will increase by 16.23 percent in 2013 and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by 14.39 percent based on the proposed national budget for next year. Under the proposed 2013 national budget, which Malacanang will submit to Congress on July 24, BIR will have a P1.239 trillion revenue target, higher than its P1.066 trillion goal this year. The BOC, on the other hand, will have a P397 billion collection target, up from the P347.07 billion for 2012. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said the higher revenues is needed to finance the programs set by the Aquino administration, leaning mostly on putting in more infrastructures and providing more social services. The government will be proposing a P2.006 trillion budget for next year, which Abad said will be dubbed “empowerment budget”. The budget proposal for next year is 10.5 percent higher than this year’s P1.816 trillion. It is equivalent to 16.8 percent of gross domestic product, slightly lower than the 6.9 percent share this year. Abad said budget proposals of the various government departments and agencies reached P2.2 trillion but it was trimmed to P2.006 trillion as the government bids to im-

prove budgetary settings and usage. “Our proposed budget ceiling is consistent with our macro eco assumptions and targets for the medium term,” he said. The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has approved a six to seven percent growth for 2013, higher than this year’s target of five to six percent. The 2014 to 2016 targets are 6.5-7.5 percent, seven to eight percent, and 7.5-8.5 percent, respectively. exports is seen to rise by 10 percent this year from a decline of 6.9 percent in 2011. Government assumption for 2013 and 2014 is both at 12 percent and it is 14 percent expansion for 2015-16, with the rise based on projections on the improvement in global economy. Imports assumption for this year is at 12 percent, form a 1.6 percent growth in 2011, while it is targeted to rise by 14 percent in 2013, 15 percent in 2014 and 16 percent for both 2015-16. Inflation rate is expected to decelerate to within two to four percent in 2015-16 from a three to five percent target from 2011-14. Interest rate assumption for this year is at 2.5-4.5 percent while it is between three to five percent for 2012-16. Foreign exchange assumption is for the peso to trade between P42-45 against a dollar.

DTI to hold MSME seminar in Bukidnon

48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

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

He Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will hold a micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMe) caravan today until tomorrow, July 12, at Loiza’s Pavilion, Malaybalay City.

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

Provincial Director ermedio Abang said the DTI is staging this event to feature innovative creations and investment opportunities from MSMes in Bukidnon as well as in neighboring provinces in the region.

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

“we will be inviting resource speakers from the government and private sectors within Region 10 to conduct briefing, training and counseling sessions on topics focusing on financing, good manufacturing practices

as of august 2010

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

and investment opportunities on rubber, bamboo, poultry, coffee, banana, and dairy,” Abang said. Sylvia Aguhob of Xavier University and the Department of Science and Technology will have sessions on good manu-

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

facturing practices, while Anakciano, Inc. will handle a session on “Investment Opportunities in Poultry.” Five other sessions for agriculture were scheduled, including a briefing by BG nuts & Fruits on

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

banana chips manufacturing, engineered bamboo (e-bamboo) by entrepreneur Art Azcona, rubber by DTI South Cotabato director Anthony Bravo, coffee by nestle Philippines, and dairy by the Philippine Dairy Authority.

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

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

EDGEDAVAO 6 ‘Small-scale miners will be made accountable’ THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

Mining council will make small-scale miners accountable for their actions

OVeRnMenT will further push its bid for responsible mining by requiring environmental and social accountability among small-scale miners nationwide. Such action is in line with executive Order 79, which Malacanang released this week to help raise environmental standards and government’s revenue haul from mining. eO 79 created the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) and mandated this body to “properly regulate small-scale mining participants and ensure that they are accountable to the same environmental and social obligations as largescale mining companies.” Authorities earlier estimated as many as 300,000 individuals across the country could be engaged in small-scale mining. To help monitor accountability in small-scale mining nationwide, Department of environment and natural Resources (DenR) Sec. Ramon Paje said eO 79 requires this activity to be undertaken solely in declared ‘minahang bayan’ or people’s small-scale mining areas. Republic Act 7076 (People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991) provides for es-

tablishing such areas where small-scale miners can operate, enabling authorities to better track their mineral extraction activities and output. The order also requires small-scale mining stakeholders to meet environmental Impact Statement System requirements under Presidential Decree 1586. “eO 79 likewise prohibits use of mercury in smallscale mining,” Paje said. Government will provide technical assistance to small-scale mining cooperatives and associations to help build up these groups’ capacity to undertake responsible mining. MICC will create a task force against illegal mining upon Malacanang’s orders to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, eO 79 noted. The council can also seek assistance of the country’s law enforcement agencies, eO 79 continued. Among such agencies are Philippine national Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines. Both Cabinet clusters on climate change and the economy comprise MICC. DenR’s bid to rationalize small-scale mining nationwide gained headway last year when Department of

Justice (DOJ) issued its Opinion no. 29 which said RA 7076 “completely repealed” Presidential Decree 1899 (establishing Small-Scale Mining as a new Dimension in Mineral Development). The DOJ Opinion also clarified PD 1899 “no longer has the force and effect of law.” Justice chief Leila de Lima signed the DOJ opinion document dated June 27, 2011. DenR sought the opinion in its April 28, 2011 letter to DOJ, believing the chaotic state of Philippine small-scale mining is partly due to confusion over which of RA 7076 and PD 1899 truly governs this activity. RA 7076 defines smallscale mining as “mining activities which rely heavily on manual labor using simple implement and methods and do not use explosives or heavy mining equipment.” Small-scale miners refer to “Filipino citizens who, individually or in the company of other Filipino citizens,voluntarily form a cooperative duly licensed by DenR to engage, under the terms and conditions of a contract, in the extraction or removal of minerals or ore-bearing materials from the ground,” RA 7076 also reads. (PNA)

Senators laud EO on mining policy

OMe senators expressed support to the executive Order no. 79 that expanded the areas that will be closed to mining, including the 78 tourism sites, farms, marine sanctuaries and island ecosystems. ”It is well intentioned,” Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ escudero said, though he admitted he has yet to read the eO signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on July 6 but Malacanang released it only last Monday. Senator Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan II said he agreed with the action of President Aquino and the government to regulate effectively the mining industry in the country. ”Mining is one of the biggest revenue generating industries in the country. If regulated effectively, its full potential can be harnessed to propel our economy. Interests like the environment and human settlements must be balanced with mining laws policies for sustainable development,” Honasan said.

Senator Loren Legarda, an environmentalist, agreed with Honasan that the mining sector “should be strictly regulated” in view of the many tragedies due to irresponsible mining practices. ”The delineation of areas suitable for mineral resources development should also consider the state of vulnerability of communities to disaster and climate change risks. Current and future mining projects and operations must not spawn new risk or worsen people’s vulnerability rather they should ensure risk and poverty reduction and resilience to disaster,” Legarda said. Legarda also supported the provision of the eO which states that government should receive higher share of royalties out of the mining companies. ”no doubt our abundant mineral resources belong absolutely to the state and therefore to the people. But despite the ownership of these resources, the government receives a peanut share. It

is time that we vigorously pursue mining agreements that truly reflect the absolute nature of state ownership over our precious natural resources,” Legarda explained. Aside from expanded areas prohibited from mining, the eO also seeks to increase the government’s revenues from mining by including a 5 percent royalty in future mining contracts. Other highlights of the executive order are the moratorium on the grant of new mining agreements until Congress comes up with a revenuesharing scheme between the government and mining firms; review of existing contracts; consistency of ordinances with national laws; formation of a Mining Industry Coordinating Council to implement industry reforms; and, ban on the use of mercury in small-scale mining. The order also confines small-scale mining to designated areas to be called “Minahang Bayan.”

with the amendment of the Mining Law this will result in higher investments because we have clarified the investment policy for mining. Clarity is better because investors now know and then they can decide,” Domingo told reporters after meeting the national Price Monitoring Council. Domingo further said there would be no impact on the inflow of mining investments with the issuance of the eO 79 because there were still 30 mining licenses that have been issued already but were not yet implemented. Mining by virtue of the Mining Act is listed under the Mandatory List of the 2012 Investment Priorities Plan and is therefore entitled to government incentives being administered by the Board of Investments. earlier, DTI Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio said that the interest of foreign investors in the mining sector had remained high.

“One out of five investment inquiries we receive is on mining,” he said. These interests come from mining investors in Australia, eU, China and Chile. The mining sector used to be listed under the engineered products in the Investment Priorities Plan. It may not be included in this year’s IPP although it could be part of the mandatory list because of the incentives provided under the Mining Act. Already, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, which oversees the mining industry, has reported of the dwindling mining investments inflow. The bureau reported that investments in the mining industry fell 35 percent last year after the government stopped issuing permits. Foreign and domestic mining investment dropped to US$ 618.5 million last year from US$ 956 million in 2010.

(PNA)

DTI: More investments will come

He Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects more investments will come in once the overhaul in the Mining Law is completed as this would put more stability and clarity to mining policy in the country. DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo told reporters that the amendment to the Mining Law, particularly on the revenue sharing aspect, would be the second part in the overhaul of the country’s mining policy. The first part was the issuance of the Mining eO 79 by President Benigno Aquino III on Monday that expanded the ban on mining activities to include protected areas and in tourism sites, including Palawan and Boracay. The eO also stopped the issuance of new permits for mining until Congress passes a new revenue sharing scheme that is more advantageous to the government. “Once completed

(PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

GAME CHANGERS

VOL.5VOL.5 ISSUEISSUE 93 • JULY 2012 93 •12, JULY 12, 2012

Building homes for Mindanao By Carlo P. Mallo Photo by Ariel Balofiños

There is only one number I know, only number one.

n 2008, Davao City experienced a boom in the real estate sector with nearly all the industry players coming to town to build their condominiums, exclusive villages, socialized housing, and even mixed-use property developments. But one player, whose presence was already felt in the city early on in 2000, seemed to be lagging behind the boom. Camella, the Villar-led real estate giant, didn’t have a new project in the drawing board. After successfully putting up Solariega and La Toscana, there was nothing new from Camella, until Camella northpoint came into the picture. “we actually came into the picture late already. There were already four players investing in condominium projects in the city when we joined the club,” Marlon escalicas, general manager for Davao and Tagum of Camella, said. “Instead of just selling properties, we changed our approach. we started selling a lifestyle.” Utilizing the various kinds of marketing, Marlon and his team started to revitalize a long lost icon along J.P. Laurel Avenue – the Ker Mansion, a white mansion on top of a hill that overlooks an entire estate. For the longest time, the property was just filled with weeds, and the mansion a mere shadow of its glorious past. Thousands of heat-resistant pine trees imported from new Zealand were planted in the area changing an otherwise barren landscape into one teeming with greenery and trees. Come Christmas season, the property that was oftentimes overlooked is turned into a Christmas village – a setting made perfect with the english village theme of the property, the pine trees, a million lights, and décor. “It was a tough first three months for us after we launched our condominiums as we have to make Dabawenyos understand and appreciate the condominium lifestyle,” Marlon said, adding that Dabawenyos still appreciate open spaces and the outdoors. “That’s why we made sure to integrate a lot of open spaces and outdoor amenities in our property. we even brought it a notch higher by constructing green buildings.” After a tumultuous first three months, it was a relatively smooth sail for Marlon and his team. Marlon himself changed games early on in his career. From being an investment banker in the central business district of Makati, Marlon shifted into becoming the marketing head in Davao City, his hometown. “Metro Manila was fun, but I thought it was time for me to

go back to Davao,” Marlon said. Shortly after his return to Davao, Marlon soon headed the company’s operations, implementing new projects left and right bringing the “If there is one motto I live by, it would be ‘I don’t commit if I can’t deliver,’” Marlon said. After a robust quarter decade, Marlon sees that the real estate industry will continue to grow. “People will always need houses, they will always need new places to live and we will continue to provide not only that, but a new lifestyle for them,” Marlon said.

As Davao City expands in its economy and population, new players continue to enter the real estate industry. “In this game, you have to continue innovating, constantly change strategies, and always be one step ahead of your competitors. If not, you will lag behind. One day you will just wake up and find yourself out of the game,” Marlon said. with Marlon holding the reigns for Camella here in Southern Mindanao, the late player has turned the table around making it one of the leading real estate players in both condominium and subdivision projects.

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City’s Black taxis, among PH most modern Special Feature By Rudolph AlAmA

EDITORIAL

When streetspeak becomes offensive

LAMe it on one’s naughty imagination or plain aggressive pitch to gain headway in radio listenership to convert an innocent word into an offensive street lingo. At first it was cute and listeners took to the word “salad” as just another radio punchline. By bombarding the airwaves with the salad punchline, the slang soon spread into a household word. Then it became a street lingo beyond the control of the author’s imagination. Its usage has also transformed from mere appreciation of one’s beauty into something obscene and offensive. All of a sudden, salad is not anymore just the delectable desert or appetizer that we know from the kitchen. It connotes reference to women as a consumable delicacy. Like food. Blame it too on the still unabated prostitution trade in some streets of Davao where pimps offer “salad” to men. The word has outlived its real intentions of simply being scripted to create an

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village. Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

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impact for a radio station. It has crossed the barriers of decency and morals. It is ironic that while we promote gender sensitivity in all facets of human interaction, a careless use of a slang has relegated us into a society downgrading our own women. At worse, those who use the street lingo enjoy every opportunity that they can use the slang. Lest we forget, words cut deeper than knives. The simple slang has become offensive and defamatory and we need to stop it before it gets terribly out of our control. where children hear this word bombarded every minute to their ears, the gravity of its effect and influence is far beyond the wordsmith and the spin doctor imagined. Salad is food and our women are not. In a civilized society, there is no room for men who desire to ‘eat’ women—albeit they be his own sister, mother or daughter. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

(1st of 2 parts)

Hey are sleek and elegant connoting class and style, Davao City’s Black taxis are becoming the rave in the city nowadays owing to its mixture of riding comfort and digital technology. A 25- unit fleet operated by the Davao City-based Mabuhay Taxi, the units are individually equipped with satellite Global Positioning System and a Point-of-Sale (POS) system which enables each taxi passenger to pay their fares using their debit or ATM cards and in the works is a system that can also process credit card transactions. This feature puts Mabuhay Black Taxis ahead of its counterpart not just in the city but also in the rest of the country as well. Pierre Ryan Tan says his inspiration for their Debit/ATM processing taxis was the ultimate riding convenience. “There was one passenger who asked the cab driver to go to the nearest ATM machine so she can pay the fare.” Tan recalls. It is for passengers who don’t have enough cash-on-hand to pay for their fares, they’ll just use their ATM or debit card for payments. The cards must be Bancnet or Megalink cards for it to be processed. Tan said that they don’t issue service charge or have no fixed minimum charges. “even if your fare is just one peso, you can swipe it with your card.” Tan added. Other problems which will be solved by the cashless feature will include the driver not worrying about not having the exact amount of change particularly if the passenger pays up with bills of large denomination. It’s a win-win solution for the passenger and the taxi driver, says Tan about the POS feature which is partnership between the Mabuhay Taxi Company and China Banking Corporation (China Bank). Currently there are about an average of 10 ATM/Debit card taxi fare transactions being monitored by the company daily. Another feature aside from the POS equipped taxis is their Global Positioning System. GPS-equipped taxis provide unrivalled safety and convenience for passengers. In this set-up a prospective passenger calls the central call center which is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week even during holidays. The call center monitors the locations of the taxis thru the GPS and messages the nearest taxi unit, the driver then receives the address of the passenger to be picked up. Unlike Davao City’s GPS equipped police patrol cars, Tan said that Black Taxis GPS system have real-time messaging features to relay to the drivers the exact addresses of waiting passengers. The device can relay messages, relay advisory and provide efficient dispatch. [PIA 11/RG ALAMA]

EDGEDAVAO

ALA

akong pakialam! That hurts, believe me, especially when directly addressed to you. And even when you just happen to hear it explode from the lips of people engaged in verbal confrontation. It hurts because this verbal dart touches the sensitive cord of your being. Roughly translated into english, this very common and much-abused Pinoy expletive, means “I don’t care”, “I don’t give a damn”, “who cares”, “so what”, or something to that effect. And those who resort to throwing this global missile usually do so to put an end to an argument, or when they are at their wit’s end to unleash counter arguments. It’s some kind of defense mechanism, something we learned from our psychology class. Arguably, “walang pakialam” has a condescending undertone. The bone of contention here is the word “pakialam.”

ASOLIne is all the s a m e from any of the different brands we see in every gas station, here or anywhere in the world. whether it’s Shell, Caltex, Petron, Flying A, etc, etc, they’re all the same gasoline coming from the same refinery, the same crude oil. It’s not unusual for Caltex buying some of its gas supply from Shell when its gasoline depot goes empty. Only when it reaches the gas station, the gas comes to your car under a market brand. This was what Dennis Uy, now the CeO of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., found out in 2002 while trying to survive just renting out his oil depot tanks to other firms under his own company called DOTSCO meaning Davao Oil Terminal & Services Corp. at Lanang, here in Davao City. “It was in the marketing side that created the big difference”, says corporate secretary Atty Pinky Cabreros, who stuck with Uy during the early struggling years of the young, small company. what excited Dennis to the big potentials of the gasoline business was the 1998 Oil Deregulation Law which allowed anyone to develop and market their own brand of gasoline, as long as one is registered with the Department of energy. Inspired by this law, he was thinking then of only putting up a few gas stations in Davao, maybe around 3% of the

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

W.A.P. (Wala Akong Paki) A friend advanced a postulate that says that “pakialam” has two faces --positive and negative. Put the modifier walang to the word and it becomes negative, which means un-concerned or uncaring, and when you put the modifier “May” to it, it becomes positive, meaning concerned, caring. My friend may not be a genius, but he has a point. now let’s test the validity of my friend’s postulate thru Socratic approach and juxtapose it with actual and factual happenings in our country. Why are there flashfloods, landslides, overflowing rivers and clogged canals. It’s because people simply don’t care about proper waste disposal, saving trees and forests, and keeping our rivers clean. why are there drug pushers and traffickers and illegal drug laboratories? It’s because people just don’t give a damn about our health and our children’s future. why do people rally against violence, corruption, government neglect of urgent problems? It’s because they care.

Some government agencies and their officials are guilty of walang pakialam. They seem to be blind and deaf to the people’s cry for action. Consider these: Smuggling at the Bureau of Customs remain unchecked; fixers and their inside contacts still make hay in licensing offices; grease money still talk on appointments to juicy plantilla positions. Why do drunkards keep on drinking? well, they simply don’t care about their own health. why does erap want to be mayor of Manila? It’s because he cares about the city of his childhood days. why does P-noy hold on to his political adviser even after he was caught by a media man buying pirated DVDs at a mall? Well, P-Noy doesn’t care if his man buys all the pirated DVDs in town. Let’s create or build a healthy and vibrant nation by getting rid of the “I don’t care ( walang pakialam)” mentality and adopt “I care (may pakialam)” as a working philosophy. There’s hope for the country to move forward if we have communities of concerned citizens.

Can Phoenix stand up to the big oil giants? gasoline market, because he knew he couldn’t compete with the big players in the oil industry, specially the “Big 3 Oil Majors” His big break came when Cebu Pacific dumped its contract with Shell and moved over to DOTSCO with a five-year P36 million contract to lease one of the oil tanks in his depot at Lanang. with that break, he began actively buying and selling gasoline to small commercial accounts and close friends. At that point, he realized his company couldn’t grow unless he has his own gasoline stations, according to Cabreros who later helped Dennis put in place the corporate structure of the company. But then they realized they can’t market and sell gasoline unless it is well packaged into an attractive brand. Getting an ad agency to create a brand for their gasoline was one of the best decisions they made. The ad agency’s creative team finally came up with the brand name “Phoenix” backed up with the slogan “Phoenix fuels Life” ( created incidentally by the same Davao ad designer who created the “Life is Here” for Davao city tourism). with that brand in place, Cabreros recalled how the company, now known as Phoenix Petroleum, launched its first five gas stations in 2005 in Digos, Matanao, Tagum, Valencia and Bislig. As the company began to grow, Dennis felt the need of more working capital and thought of the possibility of going public--- meaning raising money by selling one-fourth of the company’s ownership to investors in the Philippine stock market, instead of borrowing.

Complying with the strict and tough requirements of the Securities and exchange Commission (SeC) and the Philippine Stock exchange (PSe) took them six to nine months of work to get the approval and registration of their company. Finally when they launched their IPO (initial public offering) of their company stock, Phoenix was able to raise a net of P280 million which paved the way for the fast expansion and growth of the company. From just 20 gas stations in 2006, Phoenix has now a total of 240 gas stations all over the country as of the first quarter this year. with the capital raised from their listing in the Philippine Stock exchange, Phoenix has been growing by leaps and bounds and starting to chip away a growing portion of the market share held by Shell, Caltex and Petron all these years. Starting from those three oil tanks in their terminal and depot at Lanang this city, Phoenix has extended its reach far beyond Davao with more oil depots and terminals set up in the towns and cities of Batangas, Aklan, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. Cabreros recalled those times when their bank credit line was only P500 million which they could hardly survived in those early days. now, it’s over P8 Billion, In 2007, sales revenues was only P2 billion, now it has shot up to P27.5 billion last year, not bad for a Davao entrepreneur who stood up to the challenge of standing up to the big oil giants in the industry. (Comments? Email me at: tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com)

Time to curb the illicit global arms trade analySiS By FRAnk JAnnuzi And dARyl G. kimBAll

(Conclusion)

O succeed, the assembled ambassadors must put sons over guns and daughters over slaughter. At a minimum, the new treaty should require states to withhold approval for the international transfer of arms in contravention of Un embargoes or when there is a substantial risk the items will be used to commit serious violations of human rights. Despite its strong, pro-human rights rhetoric, the Obama administration has not yet endorsed such a formula. negotiators must also ensure that the treaty covers all types of transfers and the full range of conventional weapons, from military aircraft to small arms. The treaty must also cover the import and export of ammunition. The world is already full of guns. The constant flows of ammunition feed and prolong con-

‘Negotiators must also ensure that the treaty covers all types of transfers and the full range of conventional weapons, from military aircraft to small arms.’

flicts and armed violence. The exclusion of ammunition from the scope of the treaty would greatly reduce its ability to achieve many of its most important goals. The United States already licenses the import and export of ammunition, and there is no compelling reason why washington should not ask the rest of the world to step up to the US standard. For the treaty to have teeth and ensure that civil society can hold governments accountable, it should require states to report regularly and publicly on their arms sales and purchases. Finally, the treaty should also require states to regulate the activities of international arms brokers, such as convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, as their desire for profit has fueled gruesome violence against civilians in recent conflicts in Sierra Leone,Liberia, and elsewhere. Today, only 52 of the world’s 192 governments have laws regulating arms brokers and less than half of those states have criminal or monetary penalties associated with illegal brokering. Allegations made by some here in the United States that an arms trade treaty would infringe on the domestic rights of US citizens to legally possess firearms amount to irresponsible demagoguery. The treaty will govern international arms transfers and fully respect the sovereign rights of nations to regulate gun ownership as they see fit. no one, except maybe illicit arms dealers and human rights abusers, should oppose commonsense international law regulating the arms trade. world leaders must act now. A highquality treaty will make it more difficult for states to justify arms sales to the Assad regime and similar brutal governments, and make it more costly for unscrupulous suppliers to do business. Over time, this will help prevent human rights abuses and make the world a safer place. [Frank Jannuzi is the head of the Washington office of Amnesty International USA. Daryl G. Kimball is executive director of the independent Arms Control Association in Washington, D.C.]

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VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

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HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DEcISIONS.

VEGETABLE NOODLES. A member of Kawas Seaweeds Processors Association cooks noodles made of vegetables at the opening of USWAG Sarangani (United towards a Strong, Wealthy And Globally competitive Sarangani) Monday, July 9, at the municipal gymnasium. Veggienoodles making on the spot training is offered free of registration fee during the event.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

Lagdameo allots P3.5M worth of livelihood projects By Edwin C. Lagumbay, Jr.

Davao del Norte 2nd District Representative Anton F. Lagdameo inspects a school in B.E.Dujali town together Mayor Lolita Moral

S part of his antipoverty initiative, Cong. Anton F. Lagdameo, Jr. of the 2nd District of Davao del norte allotted under his pork barrel funds a total of 3.5 Million Pesos for livelihood projects that would directly benefit his constituents. Based on the approved SARO from the DBM, Cong. Lagdameo has earmarked 1M Pesos for the Municipality of Sto.Tomas for the implementation of income-generating projects such as hollow block making, one (1) mortar mixer and a biodegradable waste shredder geared to fully enhance the locality’s concrete products and soil conditioner production. His

project is projected to aid in the LGU’s ecological Solid waste Management Program. The young congressman has also funded a total of 1.5 Million Pesos as assistance to LGU- Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) for the implementation of a Poultry Raising Project (1M) and micro-financing programs (500T) which is envisioned to boost the entrepreneurial capabilities of women in the island. In addition, Lagdameo is also allotting 1 Million Pesos thru the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI (DA-RFU XI) for the realization of a Small and Medium enterprise/ livelihood Program thru

organic Farming for high value crops. This will be implemented in the barangays of the 2nd District of the province. Ms. Gene-Rose Tecson, Chief of Staff of Cong. Lagdameo, further revealed that the office is just waiting for the issuance of a notice of Cash Allotment (nCA) from the DBM to commence the implementation of the said projects. These projects are being funded as part of Cong. Lagdameo’s Barangayanihan Development Program which is particularly aimed at helping every family in the district to increase their productivity and generate income in support of the national government’s thrust on poverty alleviation.(30)

Kindergarten pupils of New Visayas, Panabo City enjoy the new school building project worth 690T funded by Davao del Norte 2nd

COMMUNITY SENSE 11

12 NATION/WORLD NATION BRIEFS

Shut down

MeRICAn express Bank and four other foreign institutions have shut down their offices in the Philippines as the financial woes in the United States and europe prompted them to sell off their offshore assets. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP or Central Bank of the Philippines) said the asset sale was meant to help the financially troubled parent firms generate liquidity.

Exports

He country’s merchandise exports continued to rise in May as it posted a 19.7 percent growth from the same month last year, the national Statistics Office (nSO) reported yesterday. The nSO said that export earnings reached $4.931 billion in May, up from $4.119 billion in the same month last year. On a month-onmonth basis, May export earnings climbed 6.4 percent from $4.635 billion in April.

Issued

ReSIDenT Benigno “noynoy” Aquino III has issued a new executive order aimed to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws on mining. Under the eO, the government has six months to develop “a national program and road-map, based on the Philippine Development Plan and a national Industrialization Plan, for the development of value-adding activities and downstream industries for strategic metallic ores.”

Killed

IVe persons, including an escorting militia man, were killed and 20 others wounded as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits ambushed rubber plantation workers who were on their way to work at the Tumajubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Council (TARBIDC) in Sumisip, Basilan wednesday morning. Capt. Albert Caber, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place around 6 a.m. He said the workers and their militia escorts were on-board the TARBIDC service vehicle and passing through the area of Barangay Sapah Bulak when 10 heavily-armed ASG men, appeared out of nowhere, and opened fire on the group.

Review

congressional oversight committee is set to review the government’s P39-billion flagship poverty alleviation conditional cash transfer (CCT) program on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming deliberation on the 2013 proposed national budget. According to Senator Franklin M. Drilon, the Senate committee on finance which he chairs, and House committee on appropriations under chairman Joseph emilio A. Abaya have scheduled a briefing from the Department of Social welfare and Development (DSwD) for Thursday at 2 p.m. to discuss the developments in the implementation of the CCT program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

Phl plans 10% budget hike to fight poverty

EDGEDAVAO

He Philippine government has proposed a budget hike for next year of more than 10 percent, making it worth $47.8 billion, as it seeks to fight poverty and boost social services. The proposed budget, which would be worth just over two trillion pesos, will put an emphasis on social services such as the education and public works departments, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said. More than 26 percent of the Philippine population of about 95 million people are considered by the government to be living in poverty. “we’re calling it an empowerment budget because every government peso that is spent in this budget is meant to benefit the people especially the poor,” Abad told reporters. Defence spending will only amount to 89.8 billion pesos or 4.5

percent of the total despite a festering territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, department documents showed. The 2013 budget also increases a system of cash payments to poor households to 44.25 bil-

lion pesos covering 3.8 million families from 39.44 billion pesos for three million households in 2012, Abad said. The programme provides monetary assistance to poor families under a number of conditions including that

they keep their children in school. Abad expressed optimism the proposed budget would be swiftly passed by Congress, saying that the legislators had been consulted and expressed their support for the plan.

He United States plans to ease sanctions this week to allow its companies to invest in and provide financial services to Myanmar but will require them to make detailed disclosures about their dealings, sources briefed on the matter said on wednesday. The unusual reporting requirement aims to promote greater transparency in the country -- among the world’s most corrupt according to watchdog Transparency Interna-

tional -- as it emerges from nearly half a century of authoritarian military rule. The sources, who spoke on condition that they not be named, said the U.S. Treasury Department was expected to issue two so-called general licenses, one giving general permission for investment in Myanmar and the other allowing financial services The moves would fulfill a May 17 announcement made by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to ease U.S. sanctions

on investment and financial services in recognition of Myanmar’s startling political reforms over the last 15 months. while carving out exceptions to allow U.S. companies to work in Myanmar, also known as Burma, the moves would leave the sanctions laws on the books, giving washington leverage should Myanmar start to backslide on its reforms. Clarification of the rules for investment could prompt a rush of U.S. companies into the country.

Coca-Cola Co , for instance, said last month it wanted to work in Myanmar as soon as the government allowed it. It is one of just three countries in the world where the soft drinks giant does not operate. The other two are north Korea and Cuba. Conglomerate General electric Co has also expressed strong interest in the country, particularly in the healthcare and electricity sectors. In the face of street protests over power outages, Myanmar’s government promised in May it would buy two 25-megawatt gas turbines from the company. Sanctions have also been suspended or lifted by other developed countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan and european Union states. AnnOUnCeMenT COULD COMe weDneSDAy Myanmar’s reformist, quasi-civilian government took office in March 2011, ending five decades of military rule, and has started overhauling its economy, easing media censorship, legalizing trade unions and protests and freeing political prisoners.

Homeless children sleep beside a frying pan at a street in Manila in January 2012. The Philippine government on Tuesday proposed a budget hike for next year of more

than 10 percent, making it worth $47.8 billion, as it seeks to fight poverty and boost social services.

U.S. to demand disclosures as it eases Myanmar sanctions T

A woman offers phone services in central Yangon.

WORLD TODAy

Struggle

HInA and Southeast Asian countries struggled to make progress wednesday on a code of conduct designed to ease tension in the flashpoint South China Sea, diplomatic sources said. The two sides were due to meet at a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASeAn) in Cambodia amid splits on what the code should include and how it should be implemented.

Outbreak

FFICIALS have slain 2.5 million birds at poultry farms in western Mexico over the past three weeks in an attempt to contain a bird flu outbreak, the agriculture ministry said. The virus responsible for Mexico’s current bird flu outbreak, H7n3, has occasionally caused human disease in various parts of the world, according to the United nations, but has not shown itself to be easily transmittable between humans.

Died

panda born at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo died on wednesday of pneumonia, less than a week after its much-awaited birth was greeted with widespread excitement. The cub was found motionless and without a heartbeat on his mother’s belly and moved to an incubator, but efforts to revive the baby panda failed, zoo officials said.

Laugh off

RenCH President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron tried to laugh off a rocky start to their relationship despite lingering differences over the eurozone crisis. Hollande also met Queen elizabeth II at windsor Castle near London on his oneday visit, the socialist leader’s first trip to fellow nATO ally and eU heavyweight Britain since he was elected in May.

Opponent

USSIA will host a top opponent of Syrian President Bashar alAssad on wednesday hoping to find common ground with one of the most scathing critics of its refusal to turn against the Damascus regime. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with Abdel Basset Sayda, the new Kurdish leader of the umbrella organisation Syrian national Council (SnC) based in Turkey and openly backed by western and Arab states.

EDGEDAVAO

20 coops...

Mindanao’s... FFROM 2

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sibility of those projects,” adding that even without the collateral, the CSF can still fund economic activities such as expansion, new business, higher levels of production and research and development. He also pointed out that the CSF can lead to lower interest rates CSF, saying that he hopes participating banks can charge not so much away from 4% which the BSP is charging them. “These resources that will be made available by the participating banks will actually be rediscounted by the BSP,” he added. Adalin mentioned that an individual coop member who belongs to MSMes may propose a project to be assisted by the BSP, CCDO, and Masikap Foundation, adding that the loan will be payable depending on the project proposed. He added that a cooperative, with at least P1 million assets, should be well-managed and have efficient financial reporting in order to avail of the CSF. Guinigundo said more and more cooperatives can join and indicate their interest in joining, adding, “Their benefit is that they contribute a minimum of P100,000, but they can

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

borrow 10 times of that without putting up a collateral.” The coops involved were Agdao Multi-purpose coop; Agriculturists Multi-purpose coop; Allied Trade Resources Multi-purpose coop; DA Regional employees Coop; Davao Accountants Multi-purpose coop; Davao Contractors Development Coop; Davao International Airport Coop; DIPSSCOR employees Multi-purpose coop; el Grande Multi-purpose coop; First Community Coop; Independent Coop Movement; Island Multi-purpose coop; LFive Coop; LGC Development Coop; Manuel Guianga and Sirib Growers and employees Multipurpose coop; Piadi Multi-purpose coop; Police Regional Office 11 Multi-purpose coop; Regional educators Multi-purpose coop; Toril Community Multipurpose coop; and, University of Mindanao and Affiliates Multi-purpose coop. Adalin cited that there are a total of 505 registered coops and some 250,000 members in the city as of 2011.

stakeholders from Mindanao for their support to BSP’s statistical endeavors, information needs and advocacy programs. Deveza said they were awarded for their exemplary information support , given through their complete and timely reports and responses to BSP’s surveys, enabling the BSP to formulate and implement well-guided policies which kept inflation stable and supportive of sustainable growth. The awardees from Mindanao were LTS Department Stores, Inc. for Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms; Martsons Food Corporation for Outstanding Respondents among Small Firms; and, the national economic and Development Authority of Region 10, and Bureau of Agricultural Statistics of Regions 11 and Caraga for the Report on Regional economic Developments awards. In his speech, Guinigundo recognized the valued partnership with stakeholders, who he said, “have remained diligent and committed in providing us with comprehensive, reliable, and timely information that enabled us to pursue responsive monetary and financial sector policies.”

CYNTHIA S. DE LEON PAWNSHOP

To: All ouR VAluEd CuSTomERS: please be informed that the Cynthia S. de leon pawnshop, previously located at Cartir Square Buhangin, davao City, has transferred to Stall no. 13 Buhangin public market. Barangay Buhangin, davao City ThE mAnAGEmEnT SA TAnAn nAmonG mAhAl nGA CuSTomERS: Among ipahibalo nga ang Cynthia S. de leon pawnshop, nga kanhi nahimutang sa Cartir Square Buhangin, davao City, gibalhin na sa Stall no. 13 Buhangin public market, Barangay Buhangin davao City TAGA pAGdumAlA

Slow.. FFROM 3

before the May 2013 elections, by ten days to determine the target number of applicants that should be accommodated per day. Mario Tabo, Dalumangcob’s barangay chair, was busy supervising the registration of his constituents, moving from the waiting area on the second floor to the Comelec office on the same floor. Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes on Tuesday warned village officials and police officers not to meddle inside the registration centers as this is not their job. “They don’t have business inside the registration centers,” he said, adding that the Comelec will file charges against village officials and police personnel who would interfere in the registration process. “I personally saw in Tawi-Tawi when I went to one island-municipality there, the barangay official seems to be very active in the recruitment of voters. This is what we would not want to happen. In fact, I gave a warning in Tawi-tawi that a barangay official

PHL...

should not participate and should not be active in the registration of voters,” he said. Tabo said his barangay has seven sitios so they devised a way where registration would be by sitio, at the average of at least one a day. The waiting area has also been arranged to make the flow of registrants easier. Plastic chairs were also made available. As soon as a registrant is called in, the person beside moves to the vacated seat to await his/her turn. Some 50 persons waited outside the Comelec office shortly before 2 p.m., about 30 of them sitting, holding their filled registration forms, while others queued at the stairway. At the Rebuken elementary School in Barangay Rebuken, 151 residents registered on Day One while 116 did as of 12 noon on Day Two, Rosalina Go, election officer of Balangiga in eastern Samar, said. Go was assigned here for the ten-day list-up. She said they were able to start registration at 10 a.m. instead of 8

a.m. on Monday because the delivery of supplies was delayed. Lim, the Commissioner in charge of Maguindanao, told reporters here that in 28 out of 36 towns that had submitted reports, 38,949 persons had applied for registration on Day One while “very partial reports” show 12,111 had registered on Day Two. Lim said the Comelec estimated the number of registrants at 170 a day. In Kabuntalan town, he said, 160 persons registered on Day One while 200 did on the second day. Some voting registration centers (VRCs) average187, some 70, he said, adding, “we hope the figures will stabilize in the coming days.” Lim also said all voting centers in Maguindanao were functioning as of Day Two. Registration in Datu Unsay town started on Day Two and will continue until July 18, the end of the registration peiod. There will be no additional day for the list-up in Datu Unsay, he said.

Montejo said government aims to reduce its dependence on imported water sensors for the river basins. “we’ll look into the possibility of developing our own sensors,” he said. The sensors’ installation will complement the University of the Philippines’ three-dimensional mapping activities in the river basins, Montejo noted. He said such mapping activities aim to produce data that will enable concerned authorities to simulate water flow in those basins. Knowing how water flows, being able to

simulate this, monitoring water level better and understanding waterways’ capacity to convey water will help us improve water management, he said. “we can also use the mapping output to identify possible sites for water impounding dams,” he continued. water from such dams can be tapped for irrigation, domestic use and other purposes. ASM is an annual gathering of scientists from all over the Philippines to discuss how science and technology can help realize national goals. This year’s ASM focuses on water. [PNA]

of extracting the mineral,” he said in a radio interview. Catedral said it is now up to Sagittarius Mines if they will seek other legal remedies, apparently referring to a court of justice. He also stressed that the petition to review the open-pit ban, given the new mining policy of the national government, will be put aside also in deference to the past set of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. John B. Arnaldo, Sagittarius Mines external

communications and media relations manager, earlier said that seeking a legal remedy is not the “immediate preferred option of the company.” Arnaldo also noted that the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 or Republic Act 7942 does not prohibit open-pit mining method. Paje said that while the open pit ban remains a valid ordinance, the national government will respect the contract of the mining company because it is an existing contract.

(CAROLyN O. ARGUILLAS/MINdANeWS)

FFROM 3

son welcomes sciencebased proposals on carrying out rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The proposals will be reviewed for possible implementation, he noted. “I’m willing to listen to your proposals,” he assured ASM’s participants. Government continues boosting its management bid as pollution, environmental degradation, urbanization, climate change and other factors still threaten water resources nationwide. Incidence of flooding and other water-related disasters is rising, authorities observed.

No...

Tigato Road

New Location Cynthia S. De Leon Pawnshop

Buhangin Central Elementary School

Cabantian Road

Old Location Cynthia S. De Leon Pawnshop

FFROM 3

view the open-pit mining ban, filed by the Regional Mineral Development Council in September 2010, was mainly anchored on two grounds-that it was contrary to Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and to a “great extent” Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997. Vice Governor elmo Tolosa said the new mining policy won’t have an effect on the open pit ban of the province. “we are not banning mining, just the method

(BONG SARMIeNtO/MINdANeWS)

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

DFA launches Kasibulan T

He Davao Football Asssociation (DFA) recently spearheaded the implementation of the nationwide Philippine Football Federation program for kids aged 6 to 12 years old known as Kasibulan Football Grassroots Development Program. DFA staged the Kasibulan program in Mintal over the weekend comprising of a two-day theoretical and practical session for coaches and a one-day clinic-festival for kids. The coaches seminar attracted some 60 mentors from the public elementary schools, private schools and nGOs. The program resumes this weekend with a grassroots festival at Mintal elementary School starting at 8:00 am. expected to attend the festival-clinic are 500 kids from the various clubs and schools in Tugbok District. The festivities will include fun games, small-sided games, individual drills, and will feature entertaining presentations from the Mintal eS band and Cherifer Vitamins. Davao’s national team standouts in the U-14 Little Azkals squad led by team captain Darius Joseph Diamante and Ja-

vier Romero-Salas, and U-13 Girls squad members Moira Calizo, Bea de Luna, Joannah Adao, Patricia Francisco, and Joyce Semacio will be gracing the festival to provide inspiration to aspiring footballers. Congressman Isidro T. Ungab has also been invited along with Mintal Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento II and Mintal elmentary School principal Mrs. Lilia Tapiz. DFA President edward “Chaya” Lam will personally preside over the program implementation with Davao FA general secretary erwin Protacio, Grassroots Development Officer Ramonito Carreon, Grassroots instructor Rachelle de los Reyes. This event is supported by Congressman Ungab, PAGCOR, Deped, Barangay Mintal, UP Mindanao, Cherifer Vitamins, and Medvil Farms. The other venues of the Kasibulan program are Calinan (21, 22, 28 July), Piedad, Toril (01, 02, 08 September), Ma-a (18, 19, 25 August), Lasang (15, 16, 22 September), and one for the private schools and nearby schools at the Tionko Field (04, 05, 11 August). (NeIL BRAvO)

Palaro format revision sought

HILIPPIne Sports Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez called for some changes in the yearly Palarong Pambansa to make it more responsive to what he called youth sports. “There are a lot of things that should be changed to make Palaro become more responsive to youth sports,” said Gomez during the 2012 post Palarong Pambansa conference and workshop at the Capitol Resort Hotel here that opened Monday and will wind up Friday. The five- day conference workshop sought the review and revision of the Palarong Pambansa manual. Gomez said that since the Palarong Pambansa is a venue for talent identification, sports development must be strengthened first at the grassroots level. He identified 10 priority sport events most suitable for Asian athletes to excel on. These are boxing, taekwondo, wrestling, weight lifting, archery, wushu, bowling, billiards, athletics and swimming. “Unfortunately, only half of these identified sports are present in the Palaro games,” Gomez lamented. The PSC official also said

that based on Social weather Station (SwS) survey, only 22% of the Filipinos are involved in regular exercise activities three times a week. “we have a population of 90 million people and 70 million do not exercise at all,” Gomez said, noting that less and less Filipino kids are indulged in sports. Gomez pointed out that the key to a successful grassroots sports development program is the establishment of regional training centers where skills of youth athletes would be effectively monitored through a data-based system. On the other hand, Tonisito Umali, Department of education Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and Officer-in-Charge of School Sports Development Program, said the ongoing conference and workshop aims to come up with a rationalization plan to improve the country’s sports program and the make Palarong Pambansa as the real “breeding ground for potential athletes.” The development of offclasses athletic training program, Umali said, is an effective approach to improve Philippine sports and make local athletes at par with other athletes in the Asian region. (PNA)

Football has grown immensely in Davao in recent years with more and more children getting into the sport. With the launching of the Kasibulan Program, more young children are expected to be lured into playing football.

Davao to host Milo-Best Finals Mark Caguioa of Ginebra makes his move against Petron’s Dondon Hontiveros. The Kings won in an inspired game after the jersey retirement ceremonies of their former playing coach Robert Jaworski.

AVAO City will be hosting the Mindanao Championships of the 26th season of the MILO-BeST(Basketball efficiency and Scientific Training Center) Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) and Passarelle twin tournament which will kick off on July 15. The first stop of this nationwide tournament will be at the Rafael Cortina Gym, Xavier High School in San Juan City. Davao squads will vie for their own berths leading to the SBP and Passerelle Mindanao Championships on October 19-22 to be held in Davao City. The nationwide eliminations kick off with the nCR Championship leg will be held on September 26 in San Juan City, to be followed by the Mindanao Championship, while the Luzon Championship leg will take place in Pampanga on november.2-5,to be followed by the Visayas Championship leg on november.16-19 in Iloilo City. The best teams on each leg will clash on the national Finals which will be held from november 30 to December 12 in Iloilo City. In the PSA Forum held Tuesday at Shakey’s Un Manila,BeST Center Vice President on Operations (VPO) Monica Jorge,SBP-Passarelle eVP Marilyn Jorge,MILO Sports executive Robbie De Vera and Milo Little Olympics national organizer head Dr.Robert Calo shared their thoughts on the upcoming basketball tournament. According to De Vera, “Held in line with MILO’s commitment to building champions in sports and in life,the BeST Center’s SBP-Passarelle twin tournament furthers a shared vision of promoting sports from the grassroots level and developing the country’s next generation of basketball heroes.” This tournament is aims to help the transition of young basketball players aged 9 to 14 from mini-basketball ranks to junior basketball leagues. The nationwide tournament will also be held in provinces including Baguio,Pangasinan,Pamp anga,Lucena,Cebu,Ilo-ilo,Bacolod,Davao,Cagayan de Oro,General Santos and Zamboanga. The tournament created some of the finest names in Philippine basketball including 2-time PBA MVP James yap, PBA Philippine Cup Finals Most Valuable Player Larry Fonacier,Smart Gilas Captain Chris Tiu and Powerade’s all-star guard Jayvee Casio. (PNA)

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Spoonful of heaven By Carlo P. Mallo

Some of life’s most wonderful surprises happen when you least expect it. And that is what I experienced when I got off the wrong station in Singapore. The everchanging landscape of this island nation can make navigation a challenge even for repeat travelers.

on our way to orchard, we mistakenly got off at Somerset station, found our way out of the station by following the throng of people and ending up in one of the many malls that dot this stretch of Singapore. exhausted from too much commute and walking, as it was the last couple of days of our weeklong vacation, I just wanted to sit down. I was sitting by the curb as my Tita snapped photos. When I reviewed the photos, my heart skipped a beat when I read the words on the poster behind me: Din Tai Fung at level B2. Can this be it? Can this be the elusive restaurant that friends from Shanghai have been raving about? I read and re-read the poster much to my heart’s delight and to my palate’s excitement. And so, without much thought or even asking for their approval, I dragged my Tito and Tita to the lower levels of the mall in my quest to finally meet food that many has simply described as ‘heavenly’. much has been said about Din Tai Fung and its world famous xiao long bao – a dimsum filled with meat and clear soup. oh, their vegetable dumplings are being raved about, too. I was surprised to see the restaurant almost empty when I arrived, and I thought, can this be the right one? of course it was the right one. We just arrived a little early before the lunch crowd came in. And true enough, the tables began to slowly get filled with locals, tourists, and a couple more of Filipinos who have also heard of the restaurant. As for the taste, nothing is overrated about Din Tai Fung. The xiao long bao was beyond perfect. It has this certain lightness to it that I can still taste it and smell the aroma that wafts

Much has been said about Din Tai Fung and its world famous xiao long bao – a dimsum filled with meat and clear soup.

through as you bit open the top part of the xiao long bao.

I am so bad with names that I can hardly recall the names of the other food

items that we ordered. But everything was just too pleasant, and yes, heavenly.

EDGEDA

A2 INdulge! FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Reading labels:

What’s in a wine bottle?

WIneS are complex drinks with many nuances and details that are enjoyable and enriching especially when you learn the details. To learn about a wine’s finer points, one can start by reading the label. This is my no frills guide to knowing what to expect in a wine. The cork most French and Italian wines use traditional cork to seal the wine bottle and would cringe at plastic or twist caps. Although Chilean and Argentinean wines are considered new world wines, most wines coming from these con tries still use cork. The label The label of a wine clearly shows the brand name of the wine, the region where the wine originated. The terroir, or terrain, of the wine growing region influences the quality as well as the nuances of the wine itself. A vineyard near the sea can produce a wine that tastes totally different from a wine grown on the hillsides, even though they have the same grapes and type of climate. The vinTage The vintage year is the year the when the grapes used for the making of the wine was picked. Some years may have a sweeter harvest than other years thanks to the changing climate and weather, hence the varying tastes and quality of the wine year-on-year. Die-hard oenophiles, or wine connoisseurs, tend to research the weather and the conditions of when the grapes were picked as sweeter grapes tend to produce better wines. If a wine does not have a vintage year, then that normally means it its made up of grapes from several year’s harvest. varieTal Although found mostly on new world wines, wines usually announce the kinds of grapes they are made from as each kind of grape produces totally different tasking wines. Pino noirs are light and crisp, merlots are rich, Cabernet Sauvignons produce bold flavors, and Syrahs are earthy

and peppery. TasTing noTes These are guides also

printed on a wine bottle to help the average drinker in pairing their wines with the kinds of food they plan to serve. I hope this little introduction will lead everyone to be a little bit more open and adventurous about wines. Follow me on twitter @kennethkingong for more foodie finds, travel thrills, and urban happenings in and around Durianburg. THE CORK

THE LABEL

VARIETAL

VINTAGE YEAR

DAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Poppin’ corn! by bai Fauziah Fatima sinsuat ambolodto, Mba

PoPCorn is a popular snack or food eaten in movie houses, carnivals and sporting events. Usually, this “all-time-go-to” snack is served salted, buttered or (nowadays) sweetened. Flavored popcorn sold in supermarkets and specialty shops are making a big wave in the market scene. In popcorn language, a popped kernel of corn is more commonly known as a ‘flake’. There are two shapes of a flakes : (1) BUTTerFLY FLAKeS or those irregular in shape and have a number of protruding ‘ends’; and (2) mUSHroom FLAKeS or those largely ball-shaped and with fewer wings compared to the first one. WArnInG It (popcorn) is actually included in the list released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which is not safe for children less than four (4) years of age due to the risk of choking. For this week, let us get into the high vibe and cook popcorn three (3) ways. With the readily available popcorns in movie houses and department stores, I still believe it is much better to experiment and cook popcorn according to your taste. Thus, by the time you would have your friends over, they would be simply amazed. I have here three new recipes for our all time favorite popcorn. Try them out and email me your comments.

FLAVoreD PoPPerS Yield: 5 cups of poppers Line sheet trays with waxed paper and set aside. melt unsalted butter in a pot over medium heat and stir in brown sugar, curry powder, saffron powder and salt. Bring to a boil for 4 to 5 minutes. remove from heat. Add in vanilla extract and baking soda to the mixture. mix thoroughly until well combined. Place popped corn kernels in a pan and pour hot mixture over the popcorn. Coat evenly. Pour coated popcorn in lined sheet trays and cool completely. Serve. TIP You can spice and dress up your popcorn by

adding nuts or candies or even sliced chocolate bars. Your imagination is your limitation! FLAVoreD PoPPeD BALLS Yield: two (2) dozen balls depending on the size Combine ¼ cup light corn syrup (TIP: You can actually use Pancake Syrup or Honey), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup of roughly chopped dates depending on your size preference, 2 tablespoon cocoa powder (TIP: I used unsweetened), 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder , ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of tepid water and bring to a boil in a pan, stirring occasionally. Add 2 tablespoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. remove from heat and set aside. mix in 3 cups of plain popcorn and add 1 more cup of marshmallows. TIP You can stir in nuts or preserved fruits and the likes. Coat your hands in oil or butter and shape them into balls (size according to your preference). roll balls in cinnamon powder and nuts (3 tablespoon of cinnamon to ½ cup of powdered sugar) PoPPIn’ KInILAW STYLe mUSHroom BALLS Yield: a dozen balls 1 cup button mushroom, drained and coarsely chopped 1 1/2 cups flour, sifted 1 egg, beaten with salt and pepper 3 cups popcorn, unsalted and roughly chopped 1 tablespoon cumin powder

Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup flour, for dusting oil for deep frying In a bowl, combine mushrooms, flour, salt, pepper, cumin powder, egg and popcorn. mix thoroughly. Add flour in case mixture does not hold together. refrigerate for 30 minutes to well incorporate the ingredients. Form mixture in balls. Dust balls with flour to avoid sticking together. Deep-fry balls until

golden brown. Serve hot and with salsa. For the salsa: mix sliced and deseeded ripe tomato, minced native onion, calamansi juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. THAnK YoU for making me happy. I would love to hear from you. email me at iamtheroyalchef@gmail. com for your recipe questions, kitchen suggestions , cooking comments or if you want your recipe to be featured. Happy Cooking!

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

When the laughter ends

Dolphy signs off at 83

ThE Philippines’ King of Comedy, Dolphy (aka Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr), passed away Tuesday, July 10, confirmed his partner Zsa-Zsa Padilla. he was 83. The Makati Medical Center (MMC), where Dolphy had been confined since June, also confirmed he passed away at 8:34 pm. “We would like to inform the public that Mr. Rodolfo ‘Dolphy’ Quizon, passed away... due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and acute renal failure,” it said in a statement. In a statement read outside MMC, actordirector Eric Quizon requested the public to pray for his father’s soul. “And in his honor, please smile at the person standing next to you,” he said. “The Comedy [King] is dead, but long live comedy,” he added. Dolphy’s remains were brought to the heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City past midnight. Aside from Eric, Dolphy’s other children Manny (Manny Boy), Salud (Sahlee), Rodolfo Jr (Dolphy Jr), Freddie (Baby), Edgar, and Raul (Rolly) with Engracia (Gracia) Dominguez; Mariquita (Kaye), Carlos, Geraldi-

no (Dino), and Edwin with Gloria Smith; Ronaldo (Ronnie), Madonna (Dana), and Jeffrey (Epi) with Pamela Ponti; Rommel with Evangeline Tugalao; Vandolph with Alma Moreno; and Nicole and Zia with Zsazsa Padilla continue to celebrate his life with friends and fans. The King of Comedy starred in more than 200 films in his 66year career, starting with a 1946 movie at 19 years old with Fernando Poe Sr, “Dugo at Bayan 1 (I Remember Bataan).” T h e ‘80s generation would remember him as John Puruntong of “John en Marsha,” probably the most successful local comedy series in the history of Philippine TV. At least 8 film versions of the series were produced. Today’s generation saw him in various other roles — an actor, a family man, an endorser of products and politicians. At one point when he was being egged to run for president, he told reporters in his charac-

teristic self-deprecating humor: “What if I win?” Among the many roles he effectively portrayed, Dolphy was known for his notable portrayal of gay roles, whether comedy or drama. he starred in Facifica Falayfay (1969), Fefita Fofongay (Viuda de Falayfay) (1973) and Sarhento Fofongay, A… ewan (1974). his last gay role was as Walterina Markova, in the movie Markova: Comfort Gay (2001). he played the same role with his sons

Eric and Jeffrey Quizon, and all won the Prix de la Meilleure Interpretation in Brussels, Belgium for their portrayal. his last film was Father Jejemon in 2010. On his 80th birthday, a biographical book, Dolphy, hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa (Dolphy, I Didn’t Get here All By Myself) was launched by ABSCBN. The book was completed by film director Bibeth Orteza, in the same period that the Dolphy

Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation Inc, a non-profit and non-stock organization, was also being created. he received 21 recognitions in his career, but the most recent and special is the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden heart, conferred on him by President Benigno Aquino III in November 2010. The award is the highest given to a private citizen by the President of the Philippines. Five years ago, Dolphy was

diagnosed with a lung disease, COPD, which became progressive over time. Dolphy son, Eric, likened his father’s illness to cancer. he said it made it difficult for him to breathe and triggered bouts of pneumonia. Dolphy had been in and out of hospital since 2010. his latest confinement was on June 9. he died a month later. he would have turned 84 on July 25.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

This time for the flag

Sharapova is Russia’s Olympic flagbearer

OSCOW - Former tennis world number one Maria Sharapova will be Russia’s first female Olympic flag-bearer at the London Games later this month, the national Olympic committee confirmed on Tuesday. “Sharapova will carry our flag,” president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Alexander Zhukov told reporters following the ROC’s executive board meeting. “She was the most worthy candidate among all our athletes. In June she claimed her fourth grand slam title (French Open).” Russia broke with tradition by naming Sharapova, who also won Wimbledon (2004), U.S. Open (2006) and Australian Open (2008) titles, for the rare honor. Since the Russians first took part in

the 1952 Summer Games in Helsinki as part of the Soviet Union this great honor was traditionally given to famous male athletes such as Greco-Roman wrestler Alexander Karelin and swimmer Alexander Popov, who have won numerous Olympic titles. “I am so honored, and especially excited as it will be my first Olympics in my career,” the Florida-based Russian said on her official website (www.mariasharapova.com) when she first heard the news about her nomination last month. “I have had to keep this hush hush for two weeks and keeping secrets is not my best quality!” The 25-year-old will be making her Olympic debut in London after failing to qualify for the 2004 Games in Athens and missing the 2008 edition in Beijing with a shoulder injury.

Serena eyes Olympic gold

TAnFORD, Calif. (AP) -- Serena williams has had little time to reflect on her first Grand Slam title in two years and even less time to sleep with a schedule she says is ‘’probably the most hectic it has been in my career.’’ And it has only just begun. Three days removed from winning wimbledon and less than three weeks away from returning to London to go for Olympic gold, a jet-lagged williams was back on the court Tuesday - more than 5,000 miles and eight time zones away from the All england Club - in the serene setting at Stanford. ‘’I don’t know really where I am right now,’’ she joked. The 14-time Grand Slam singles champion left London a day earlier, watched ‘’at least five movies’’ on the flight - ‘’The Hunger Games’’ was her favorite - because she couldn’t sleep and only rested a few hours before she showed up on Court 10 wearing a pink, long-sleeved shirt and black capris in front of about a dozen spectators. Leaving the London drizzle for the Stanford sunshine wasn’t the only reason williams returned. The Bank of the west Classic, where the top-seeded williams will defend her title beginning wednesday against nCAA champion nicole Gibbs of Stanford, holds special meaning for

williams. The tournament is where her comeback took shape last year when she beat Marion Bartoli in the finals for her first wTA title victory since returning from blood clots in her lugs and two foot operations that threatened her life and career. ‘’I really wanted to come here more than anything,’’ williams said. ‘’This is kind of where I felt like it began. Just getting on that plane and coming here to play is probably the best thing I could have done.’’ what a way to gear up for the Games. not only did williams win the singles title at wimbledon, she also teamed with older sister Venus to capture the doubles crown. The ‘’super hectic schedule,’’ as williams refers to it, isn’t slowing down either. The two will be right back on grass at the All england Club when Olympic competition begins July 28. williams, now no. 4 in the world rankings, and Venus won gold in doubles in 2000 and 2008 and will go for a third again this year. Serena might also team with Andy Roddick or John Isner in mixed doubles. She has never medaled in singles. A year ago at this time, even playing in the Olympics didn’t seem possible. williams cut her feet on glass at a restaurant two weeks after her 2010 wimbledon title, leading to a series of health problems

for most of the next year, including being hospitalized for clots in her lungs. She also had a pocket of blood removed under the skin on her stomach. now she’s back and better than ever.

Maria Sharapova will not just be tucking balls in the Olympics, she will also carry the flag for her country.

After Kidd, Camby joins Knicks H Serena Williams has her sights on a second win at Wimbledon, this time for the Olympic gold.

OUSTOn (AP) -- Marcus Camby is returning to new york, while the Houston Rockets continue to reshape their roster. The 38-year-old Camby agreed Monday to rejoin the Knicks in a deal that sends three players and two second-round draft picks to Houston, according to a per-

son with direct knowledge of the move. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither team has announced the trade. yahoo Sports reported that Camby’s deal was for three years and $13.2 million. The Rockets will get

guard Toney Douglas, centers Josh Harrelson and Jerome Jordan and secondround picks in 2014 and ‘15. The 6-foot-11 Camby, meanwhile, will be back in new york where he played from 1998-2002. Douglas played in 38 games last season, starting only nine, and averaged 6.2

points and 2.0 assists. The 6-10, 275-pound Harrelson was a second-round pick by new Orleans in 2011 and was traded to the Knicks. He appeared in 37 games and averaged 4.4 points and 3.9 rebounds. The 7-foot Jordan, a native of Jamaica, averaged 5 minutes in 21 games last season.

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 93 • JULY 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

New course, big prizes in Caltex Delo run By Neil Bravo

RUNNING BUFFS. Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan share their own running tips and experience during the press launch of the Timex Run Davao recently. Team Pangilinan will be taking part in the Davao race on August 26.

brand new course, whopping cash bonanza and fuel discounts await participants in the coming 1st Caltex Delo Kadayawan Half-Marathon on August 19. Race organizer Kenneth Sai, who committed the expertise of his outfit Vantage Sports in the race serving as one of the sporting highlights of Davao’s Kadayawan Festival, revealed the new route they developed from ecowest Drive in Quimpo Boulevard passing through as far as Riverfront Corporate City. Sai told eDGe that Vantage will be managing the Chevron-sponsored race for those who are already used to the quality of runs put up by Vantage, arguably Davao’s premier race organizer. “It’s a new course that should present a new challenge for runners. you know, there is a point where running the same route could lead us to some kind of course fatigue and we organizers are

committed to continually look for new courses for our runners for them to have new experience,” Sai explained. The Caltex Delo Run will have four categories—the premier 21-kilometer race for both men and women, with 10-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 3-kilometer supporting events. A cash kitty amounting to P80,000 await winners in the event which is the debut race for the giant oil firm. Registration for the race is ongoing at the Adidas Shop of Gaisano Mall. Registration is pegged at P250 (3K), P300 (5K, 10K) and P350 (21K). Delo sales manager Aldrin Laruscain added that discount coupons will be given on top of the freebies in the race kit which also include brand new official race singlets. The Caltex Delo Run is an initial venture of the oil company in the fun run platform. “This is only the first, and definitely there will be more,” Laruscain added.

Azkals avoiding Thais

F the Philippine Azkals will have their way, they would rather be grouped with defending champion Malaysia than be bunched with Thailand for the Asean Football Federation Cup. The draw is set on wednesday in Bangkok, with the Thais and Malaysians in one seeding pot, Indonesia and Vietnam in the second, and Singapore and the Philippines in the third. The fourth pot is for the two qualifiers. “we are looking forward to a favorable draw,” said Philippine Football Federation marketing and communications head ebong Joson in Tuesday’s PSA forum at the Shakey’s Un Avenue branch in Manila. Joson noted that the Philippine squad is more familiar with the Malaysians and thus has a “good chance” against them. The group stages kick off on november 21 in Malaysia and Thailand. “while the Azkals were like a thief in the night when they saw ac-

tion in the event two years ago, now they are closely marked men by everyone else, which is why this is important to us,” Joson said during the session presented by Smart, the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. and Shakey’s. PFF president Mariano Araneta Jr. and secretary general Rolly Tulay are in Thailand to witness the draw. For making it to the semifinals two years ago, the Philippines was seeded sixth for this year’s event and need not go through the qualifiers. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and Timor Leste play in the qualifying competition from October 5 to 13 in Myanmar for the two remaining slots in the eight-team group stage. Joson said the PFF will host a program starting at 4 p.m. at the Azkals Sports Bar at the Fort in Taguig City, where they hope to get a live television feed of the draw from Thailand.