Edge Davao 5 Issue 98

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EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

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Science/ Environment

Page A4

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SEEking ATTEnTiOn. A laborer at Sta. Ana Wharf checks out passersby in an unusual way to attract attention. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Game Changers

Sports

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People won’t leave calamity-prone sites T

HE REFUSAL of people to move out of identified disaster-prone areas is the top problem in the government’s efforts to strengthen disaster-preparedness and capacity of localities to respond to natural catastrophes.

This was the common lament of member agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Manage-

n Lack of LGUs preparedness, political will lamented by RDRRMC ment Council (RDRRMC)in Region 11 during a special edition of Kapihan sa PIA (Philippine Information

Agency) Friday.

Aside from low disaster preparation of some LGUs, Science and

Technology Regional Director Anthony Sales cited lack of political will as among the reasons behind instances of inefficiency in preempting disastrous consequence of natural calamities.

The RDRRMC, headed by Office of the Civil Defense Regional Director Liza Mazo, called on local gov-

FPEOPLE, 13

450 plus violate plastic ban

By Jade C. Zaldivar

Follow Us On

S

INCE its implementation last June 28, more than 450 violators of the local plastic ban have been penalized.

City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) head Joseph Felizarta yesterday told Edge Davao that his office has continued to monitor food establishments on their usage of plastic containers.

n Amendments to ordinance set The prohibition is stipulated in the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Ordinance of Davao City of 2009 which set June 28 this year as the date of effectivity of the ban on the use of plastic bags with handles as food containers.

Felizarta said first-time violators were fined P300 each and were told to undergo a mandatory seminar; P500 fine and a five-day community service for second-time offenders; and P1,000 or a 10-day community service for third-time violators.

He said fourth-time violators will be charged in court, fined for P2,000 to P5,000, and spend six months in jail.

Meanwhile, Felizarta said the SWM Board is currently taking steps to improve the provisions of the plastics ban.

“The recommendations of Councilor Melchor Quitain are currently being considered,”

F450 PLUS, 13

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

DRH is No.1 hospital in kidney transplants

T

HE Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, Davao del Norte was recognized as the number one hospital out of the 13 kidney transplant centers outside Metro Manila.

Based on the 2007-2011 Transplant Census report of the Philippine Renal Disease Registry, the hospital was number eight out of the 32 transplant facilities in the country.

“This is a welcome development. At least our effort in ensuring that our patients get the best service possible has been recognized,” said Assistant Health Secretary Romulo A. Busuego, chief of hospital.

Busuego said that the personnel of the hospital, its “unsung heroes,” should be the ones to get the recognition. “They are the ones who are doing the job for the hospital, not the management, so they must be the ones to get the credit,” he said.

But even without the recognition, he added, the hospital will continue doing its mandate of doing everything it can for its patients.

Based on the report, of the three hospitals in the

Davao Region that conducted kidney transplants during the period, the hospital had 42 patients, while the bigger Davao Medical Center, now known as the Southern Philippines Medical Center had six, and the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Davao Doctors Hospital had 40.

Last week, the government-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. identified the Davao Regional Hospital as among that can offer the Z Benefits for lifethreatening illnesses.

Under this concept, the hospital can provide patients with packages if they contract “catasthropic illnesses like acute lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer and kidney transplant.

The Z Benefits package offers P210,000 for acute lymphocytic leukemia, P100,000 for breast cancer, P100,000 for prostate cancer; and P600,000 for kidney transplant.

Busuego said the package has allowed the hopsital to serve the public more as this has provided those indigents with an access to better health care.

TRAVEL & TRADE.Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte (4th from left) showing her support to the Mindanao Travel and Trade Expo (MinTTE) 2012 set on August 17 to 19 at the Atrium Annex, SM City Davao in celebration of this year’s Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival. With her are the organizers from the

D2D: Duerme-Dureza Art Exhibit on Aug 17-19

L Rain, water-level sensors to LGUs

T

HE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to dispense hundreds of rain and water-level sensors to local government units as part of its disaster riskreduction and management strategy During a press conference of the Regional Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council held yesterday (July 18) at the Philippine Information Agency XI office in Davao City, DOST-XI Regional Director Anthony Sales said that the Department is planning to give and install 400 water-level sensors and 600 automated rain gauges throughout the country by 2013.

So far the DOST has installed 25 water level sensors and 186 automated rain gauges across the country. Sales said that these gauges were developed by DOST’s Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), an automated rain gauge costs around P100,000 per kit while a water-level sensor is priced at P200,000.

The equipment are part of Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessments of Hazards) which according to Sales brings to the barangay level the readiness and resilience of residents to disasters.

Project Noah with an estimated budget of P1.6 billion gives a real-time warning and information to the public on impending calamities and weather disturbances.

The cost includes the procurement of Doppler radars by the end of 2012.

The DOST is planning to install the weather radars in Tampakan in South Cotabato, Aparri in Cagayan Valley and Baler in Quezon Province. The country presently has six Doppler radars in Baguio, Subic, Tagaytay, Virac, Mactan and Hinatuan.

Sales said that the Doppler radar and Hinatuan and the planned radar in Tampakan will cover the region.

The DOST-XI has set up six automated weather stations in the region, these are in Mati City and Baganga in Davao Oriental, Jose Abad Santos in Davao del Sur, The Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, the PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration) weather station in Davao City, Nabunturan in Compostela Valley Province.

Some of the rain gauges will be installed in Smart and Sun cell sites as part of its partnership with these telecom companies.[PIA 11/RG ALAmA]

Dabaw Tourism Operators Association (Dabtoa) led by their president Charito Aranda (3rd from right) and one of the two artists--lawyer Doming Duerme (4th from right). The second artist is Ms. Elizabeth S. Dureza (not in photo)

AWYER-BUSINESS leader Domingo “Doming” Duerme and resort owner Elizabeth S. Dureza will present their first-ever backto-back visual art exhibit on August 17-19 during the Mindanao Travel and Trade Expo (MinTTE) at The Atrium Annex of SM City Davao.

“Both of them are from the tourism industry also,” said Charito Aranda, president of the organizing Dabaw Tourism Operators Association (Dabtoa), an association of tourism stakeholders, partners and suppliers in the Davao region.

Duerme is the senior assistant vice-president of the Philippine Airlines and many times chairman of the PAL Inter-Club Golf Championship.

Dureza, on the other hand, is the owner of Seagull Resorts and wife of former Presidential Assistant for Mindanao and Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, now publisher of the Mindanao Times. She is also a member of the Dabtoa Board of Directors.

Renowned artist Victor Secuya will be the art curator.

The art exhibit is one of the highlights of the

three-day travel and trade expo endorsed and supported by the City Government of Davao and the Department of Tourism 11.

Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company are the co-presentors while Philippine Airlines is one of the major sponsors.

This annual Mindanao event espouses the theme “Choose Philippines: Affirming the Wonders of Culturally-diverse Mindanao.” It will be timed with the celebration of the 28thKadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

The MinTTE will be joined by various key players in the tourism-traveltrade related industries from all over the country and some selected international guest exhibitors.

It is designed to affirm the role of responsible tourism in realizing sustainable peace and development, a number of DOT regional offices are likewise participating.

For booth reservation, interested parties are advised to contact 09177024561, 0922-843-4561 or 0922-8577868 or email: mintee_dabtoa@ yahoo.com.phor chatoaranda@yahoo.com.

are already “on the same page now, but different paragraphs.”

Ten days earlier, on July 7 at the opening of the Bangsamoro Leaders’ Assembly at the MILF camp in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao – a gathering attended by thousands of Moro delegates from various parts of Mindanao, foreign dignitaries, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita QuintosDeles and GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen – Tengku said that last year, the two panels were “not only reading different chapters; they were reading different books.”

Tengku assumed the post of facilitator in April 2011.

“Today, they are now reading the same chapter,” Tengku added on July 7, as he expressed hope that “by end of July, they would be reading the same paragraph.”

Ten days later, in Kuala Lumpur, he said the panels are on the same page but different paragraphs as yet.

How soon the two panels will be on the same paragraph and same sentence, Tengku could not say on Tuesday evening.

But he told MindaNews the panels will meet again for another executive session Wednesday morning, the third in the three-day talks.

In his opening statement on Tuesday morning, Leonen said, “we are

at the door of an agreement.”

“Let us persevere.

Now is indeed the time for peace,” he said.

On other hand, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, in his opening statement, appealed to the international community, particularly members of the International Contact Group (ICG), the group of states and international NGOs helping in the peace process, to “extend all possible help to the government and MILF go overcome their differences and sign the comprehensive compact immediately.”

The talks began Monday with an executive session the whole day on the

GPH, MILF peace talks

‘Same page now, but different paragraphs’

“O

N the same page now, but different para-

graphs.”

This was how Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed summed up the progress of the first two days of the three-day peace negotiations here between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Tengku told MindaNews Tuesday evening after yet another round of executive session on the contentious issue of transition from the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the “new autonomous political entity,” that the two panels

FSAME, 13

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

SMI welcomes mining EO 79

3

By Jade C. Zaldivar

S

AGITARRIUS Mines Inc. (SMI) welcomed the release of Executive Order (EO) 79, saying the order “is a positive step” towards promoting a responsible mining industry in the country.

SMI external communications and media relations manager John Arnaldo during a multisector forum stressed that their company is for responsible mining.

“We are hopeful that the implementation of EO 79 will lead to a Philippine regulatory environment where sustainable minerals development is en-

couraged,” he said at the Ateneo de Davao University.

“The SMI is prepared to support the Aquino administration’s national mining policy,” he added.

Specifically, the SMI commended certain provisions of EO 79. Some are: - Acknowledgement that existing mining contracts, agreements, and concessions are valid, binding, and enforceable.

- Full and strict enforcement of environment standards in mining.

- A national program

FSMi, 13

DiSASTER MAnAgEMEnT. Office of Civil Defense 11 director Liza Mazo (2nd from left) answers querries from members of media while Dir. Francisco Jose of DILG 11 (ext. left), Dir. Anthony Sales, M.D. of DOST-XI (2nd from right)

Tuna firms urged to shift to ‘pole and line’ fishing

L

OCAL skip jack tuna producers should consider shifting back to pole and line fishing to further avert dwindling supply caused by overfishing, a Greenpeace campaigner said in General Santos City on Wednesday.

Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Southeast Asia ocean campaigner, said that several tuna fishing companies have considered the possibility of shifting from purse seine fishing to the more sustainable pole and line fishing.

“RD [Group of Companies] is looking at using pole and line fishing to become part of their

EO 79 on mining

operation,” he said in a press briefing here.

Cinches did not identify the others but noted their primary concern is on the cost of converting from purse seine to pole and line fishing.

Most of the local fishing companies here use purse seine vessels in catching skipjack that they supply to the canneries.

Ibrahim Athif Shakoor, International Pole and Line Foundation secretary general, said that pole and line fishing is relatively cheaper than purse seine.

Compared to $25 million to $30 million for a purse seine fleet,

a pole and line vessel only costs as much as $330,000, he told MindaNews separately. Shakoor said that a pole and line vessel could accommodate up to 60 tons.

Speaking from the experience of his country, the coastal state of Maldives, he noted that pole and line fishing is employed by hundreds of small companies in just a day’s fishing operation due to the proximity of rich skipjack and yellowfin tuna grounds.

Local fishing companies here, on the other hand, fish in the international waters that reportedly take six days

sions of Republic Act (RA) 7942 approved in 1995.

He said places recognized by the law and communities as protected areas still became vulnerable to the interest of investors. Tabora charged that the government favors mining over the protection of the environment.

“If you rely on 7942, how much more reliable is EO 79?” Tabora said. “When watershed areas were recognized as protected areas, yet when companies come and express their interest why is it easier [for the government] to move or limit the no-go zones than to deny the mining companies?” he said.

As a solution, Tabora

said, the national government should have a long list of areas which should not be subject to all forms of mining.

The Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Tourism among others should identify “nomining zones” which after declaration should not be “vulnerable to the wants of investors,” the priest said.

“Right now, and even before, it is not clear who is the key person [in approving mining or disapproving mining operations.] Is it the President?

If the key person is the President, will he stand

FTUnA, 13

Academe not pleased, but MGB 11 is all for it

L

EADERS of the academe have expressed their doubts about Executive Order (EO) 79 signed by President Benigno Aquino III last July 6.

A multi-sector forum was held at the Ateneo de Davao University yesterday to discuss mining, including EO 79 which introduces reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector.

Ateneo president Fr. Joel Tabora S.J. was vocal in his perception that EO 79 fails to specifically cite areas which should be declared off limits to mining.

“Where are the absolute no-go zones?” he asked, adding that EO 79 is reliant on the provi-

FACADEME, 13

and NEDA XI director Ma. Lourdes Lim (ext. right) listen during the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI forum on Wednesday at the Philippine Information Agency office. [LEAN DAVAL, JR.]

Fight to secure justice for Fr. Pops, poor on

By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

T

HE Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio Foundation, Inc. (FFPTF) is determined to fight for the rights of the poor and oppressed just as Fr. Pops fought for them when he was alive.

“We demand justice for Fr. Pops and an end to impunity. We condemn the murder of a peace-loving and compassionate priest. We demand that the Aquino administration hasten its duty to investigate, charge and convict the perpetrators of this atrocious crime,” FFPTF said in a statement.

A non-profit organization that continues the task Tentorio started 33 years ago, the FFPTF aims to provide services in education, health, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and peace advocacy.

Established last January 7, two months after Tentorio’s death, the foundation has conducted medical missions in 26 different commu-

nities, serving at least 2,000 patients. It also served 57 pre-schools and four grade schools, providing educational benefits mostly for Lumads.

The foundation developed a demonstration farm in Makilala, North Cotabato, seeing the great potential of sustainable agriculture in alleviating hunger in many poor and remote communities.

It will also lead a team of missioners from the United States that will conduct a medical mission and community integration in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on August 12-15.

The foundation will also provide services in Maragusan, Compostela Valley within the next quarter to focus on its environmental protection and peace advocacies.

At 59, Italian priest Tentorio was killed last October 17, in Arakan, North Cotabato, where he served as parish

priest of Mother of Perpetual Help Parish.

Despite new witnesses and evidence, his case is still unsolved nine months after.

Meanwhile, the Justice for Father Fausto “Pops” Tentorio Movement (JPM) said that the 57th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in North Cotabato organized the paramilitary group “Bagani”, a suspect in Tentorio’s death.

Father Peter Geremia, PIME, said the National Bureau of Investigation failed to file charges against the suspected involvement of Bagani leader Jan “Kumander Iring” Corbala.

“The NBI appears to have stopped their investigation,” Geremia said, adding that Tentorio’s killing was a well-planned deliberate state-sponsored vigilante-style killing and Father Pops was a victim of the reigning state of impunity in the country.

taken only within the declared People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas or Minahang Bayan.

“It might create chaos among small-scale miners,” he said, adding that under the new mining policy, several small-scale mining permits are pending for approval.

He cited that in Davao Oriental, there are 42 pending mining permit applications; 17 in Agusan; three in Tagum City; one in Davao del Sur; and three in Region 12, noting that there are more in Zamboanga and Luzon.

Also the vice president of

small-scale miners’ federation in the Philippines, Bulianes said it is impossible to confine all small-scale miners in minahang bayan.

“If an individual land owner discovers that his land has minerals, does he have to call for more people in order to mine his area?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Engineer Constancio Paye, Jr., regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 12, said EO 79 does not state that PD

MFSSMA says Minahang Bayan in EO 79 is impossible

I

MPLEMENTING the “minahang bayan” or people’s small-scale mining area for small-scale miners under President Aquino’s Executive Order No. 79 is impossible.

This, according to Robert Bulianes, president of the Mindanao Federation of Small Scale Miners Association, saying that with EO 79, Presidential Decree No. 8099, which he said legalizes mining outside gold-rush areas will no longer be implemented.

As stipulated in EO 79, Section 11, (b) Small-scale mining operations shall be under-

FMFSSMA, 13

4

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Seabird sanctuary: On the wings of change

By Gregg Yan

T

HE combined stench of rotting fish and guano is incredible.

Soaked and shivering, we shelter beneath a dripping grove of Argusia trees on Tubbataha’s South Islet and count birds. Chilly raindrops are the least of our concerns – more exciting things are falling from above. I wipe steaming gobs of fresh seabird guano from my hat, shoulders and writing slate then trail my partner through the dense brush.

“Nine Black Noddies in five tree nests,” observes my partner, Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) Ranger Segundo ‘Seconds’ Conales.

I strain to hear above the cacophony of over 20,000 seabirds, periodically silenced by resounding claps of thunder. The birds are everywhere – flitting in and out of foliage, perched atop rocks,

Lord but of a dead trunk, a Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) looks to the sea. It thrives on denuded islands, nesting on lonely sandbars and islets. The introduction of predators like cats has decimated its numbers in other islands: only Tubbataha’s Bird Islet holds a sizeable population.

forming a dense cloud above the island. Every few seconds, one leaves the safety of its perch to snatch a damp twig, leaf or piece of plastic from the ground. We tread lightly, visions of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds springing to mind. I jot the latest numbers on my waterproof plastic slate and push on.

It is a drizzling day in May and we are back in Tubbataha. Led by Danish ornithologist Dr. Arne Erik Jensen, we are assessing the seabirds of Tubbataha North and South Islets as part of a nine-year old annual initiative by the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to conserve the birds of the Sulu Sea. I had last been back in 2008 and still recalled Dr. Jensen’s advice when counting his beloved birds.

“Never look up with your mouth open.”

Tale of two islets At the heart of the Sulu Sea lie the twin atolls of Tubbataha, a spectacular world brimming with wealth both beneath and beyond the blue. Borne of geological action but restrained by the vicissitudes of the sea, the two isles form the Philippines’ last great seabird rookery.

In 1911, American naturalist Dean Worcester first set foot on Tubbataha North Islet, also called Bird Islet. It was then a barren sandy island of 60,000sq m, where sea and sand danced ceaselessly. A hundred one years later, the isle has shrunk to 12,435sq m but now hosts over 200 trees, the tallest shredded by a recent boom of Red-footed Boobies. At the centre lies the Plaza – a 3690sq m open area occupied by ground-breeding birds.

The scrubby landscape rises no higher than two metres above the sea.

Parola or South Islet is much smaller, at 3140sq m. A metre-high concrete wall, cracked and pitted by the elements, forms a protective ring against erosion, while a solar-powered lighthouse erected in 1980 by the Philippine Coast Guard stands sentinel over everything. About 120 Argusia, Pisonia and coconut trees dot the grassy landscape. East of the lighthouse lies the rusting hulk of the Del San, an old log carrier. Protected as a core zone, WWF and Cebu Pacific help TMO in keeping both islands completely off-limits to outsiders.

“The isles vary in size each year, for the tide reclaims what geology has proffered. Tubbataha is thus constantly reborn,” says TMO Park Manager

Angelique Songco. “Ecologists working in mountains or forests can wait a lifetime to see the kind of habitat change we observe monthly.” I agree, noting that since 2008, trees with back-row views now had front- row seats to the sea.

Holding out Prior to the Second World War, seabirds were common throughout Southeast Asia. But four years of ferocious fighting followed by 60 years of extensive human encroachment and marine pollution have taken their toll. Remnant populations have since retreated to a few isolated holdouts like Tubbataha, where the lack of freshwater bars the intrusion of predators like cats, rats and people.

When cats were introduced on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic over a century ago, bird numbers dropped from 20 million to 400,000.

Guam has already lost 60% of its bird species due largely to the introduction of a slithering slayer, the Brown Tree Snake. Other threats include marine pollution, hunting, land development and climate change.

“Six seabird species breed here, distinguished by where they nest,” whispers Seconds as we low-crawl to photograph a cackling colony of Great Crested Terns.

“Ground nesters include the Brown Booby, Brown Noddy, Great Crested Tern and Sooty Tern while tree nesters include the Redfooted Booby and the endemic Black Noddy. Each has a distinct personality.”

The trip’s top priority was to monitor populations of the Black Noddy, a pigeon-like seabird whose 8000-strong Philippine subspecies survives solely in Tubbataha.

Still, we count 3224 nests and 5324 screeching adults on Parola alone.

“Though still numerous here, Black Noddies no longer have alternate sites to breed. They are suffering from a housing crisis,” gestures WWF Tubbataha Project Manager Marivel Dygico to a Pisonia tree bursting with both Red-footed Boobies and Black Noddies.

In 2001, Tubbataha saw a massive influx of Redfooted Boobies, which nest in the same trees as the Noddies.

“The problem is that large flocks of Red-footed Boobies can defoliate whole islands. They tear off leaves for nesting and burn what greens remain with their guano. In seven to ten years, all of Parola’s trees might be gone – unless we control the birds now.” Leafless, some trees on the smaller South Islet are now also lifeless.

Wings of change Seabirds play a crucial role in fighting climate change, particularly the threat of rising sea levels, by helping develop island ecosystems. They provide vital fertilizer for nutrient-poor sandbars, allowing the first waves of pioneer plants to survive.

Drifting in from nearby islets, seeds of trees eventually take root – further binding the sand, increasing land size and trapping organic sediments – the first steps in producing soil.

Fossilized bird droppings also form Phosphorite, a type of rock used for agricultural fertilizer. Phosphoritedeposits have for centuries been mined on small islands and is now of great value for food production.

After three days of research under the scorch of sun, the chill of rain and omnipresence of

guano, we record a grand tally of 30,100 breeding birds – the highest ever recorded. In comparison, 24,300 were counted last year and 28,000 in 2010.

It is estimated that from March to November, an additional 14,000 seabirds roost on Bancauan, Bancoran, Cawili and Basterra Isles – the main hub still being Tubbataha.

Ablaze with sunset hues of scarlet and crimson, Bird Islet descends into night. As the isle prepares for a fresh cycle of rebirth, I whip out my camera and snap a picture of four boobies against the red sky. One soars off and leaves behind a lone egg, bearing a world of promise. Staring at the speckled orb, I consider what Jensen told me that morning.

“Tubbataha is the last refuge for many Philippine seabirds. Islands like Bancauan and Cawili once had thousands of them. When people came, they brought with them dogs, rats and cats – all of which eat both ground-breeding birds and their eggs. Today Bancauan only has eight Brown Boobies – and 25 very fat cats.”

Before it was declared a National Marine Park in 1988, Tubbataha’s residents had long suffered from exploitation, with generations of fishermen gathering not just fish, but turtles and bird eggs as well. Without continued protection, the sun would probably set permanently on the Black Noddies, Brown Boobies and Tubbataha’s many other winged treasures.

Glancing a last time at the dying rays of the sun, I wish the unborn bird luck – and pray that its kind, which has long endured sea-storms and summers for centuries – can weather the winds of change too.

[WFF]

EDGEDAVAO 3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

E

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

xecutive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. has directed the newly-created Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) and concerned government agencies to begin implementing the comprehensive reforms in the mining sector under Executive Order No. 79 In separate memoranda issued by Ochoa after President Benigno Aquino III signed the executive order last week, he detailed steps to be taken to effect the new mining policies aimed at addressing environmental mining standards, improving revenue sharing, and promoting social economic development and social growth.

“In his Social Contract with the Filipino People, the

President pledged to lead a government that would encourage the sustainable use of resources to benefit the present and future generations of Filipinos,” Ochoa said.

“EO 79 is a policy extension of this commitment, as it lays out directives that will benefit our countrymen in the long-term by putting in place measures that will protect the environment while ensuring that the country gets the maximum economic benefits from mining.”

In his memorandum to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje to implement and operationalize the President’s order, Ochoa outlined specific actions to be taken by specific government agencies on issues involving strict en-

Palace all set to lure in foreign investors

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

5

Malacanang: implement new mining policy now

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 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

M

alacanang has underlined the Aquino government’s initiatives to level the playing field for foreign investors.

At the same time, it said the business outlook raised by an international business survey group affirmed the Philippine government’s efforts to address its social contract with the Filipino people.

During the regular press briefing in Malacanang Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda stressed the government’s initiatives to level the playing field to make it easier for businessmen to invest here.

These initiatives include programs launched by the government agencies led by the Dept. of Trade and Industry and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Lacierda said: “It’s an affirmation of the promise of the President...to level the playing field in so far as doing business in the Philippines is concerned.

“We have also taken steps to ease the process of registration; for instance the DTI has that and very recently SEC has also made it easier for companies to register.

“We are hoping these continuous (government) efforts to make business registration easier, and doing business in

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

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

the Philippines a lot easier, (will) be something that foreign investors would consider in a positive light.”

The Grant Thornton International Business Report for the second quarter of 2012 showed the Philippine business community is second in the optimism league table.

The Philippines scored 90 percent, only six notches behind Peru, and is tied with Chile.

The Philippines was at fourth spot last quarter, behind Peru (90 percent), Brazil (86 percent) and the United Arab Emirates (84 percent).

For this second quarter, a balance of 40 percent of Philippine respondents expected increased profitability, which is the same as last quarter.

Data gathered for the latest study -- done in May-June 2912 -- were from interviews with 3,000 businesses from all industry sectors and from both listed and privately-held businesses across the globe.

The respondents were chief executive officers, managing directors, chairmen or other senior executives.

Launched in 1992 in nine European countries, the Grant Thornton International Business Report provides insight into the views and expectations of over 12,000 businesses across 40 economies annually.

Abad

forcement of environmental laws; inventory of social development, management and environment enhancement programs of mining companies; geo-hazard and multihazard mapping of areas for mining; determination of the final land use of mining areas once projects are completed, and non-issuance of new mining applications in Palawan, among others.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, who chairs the Cabinet cluster on Human Development and Poverty Reduction, on the other hand, was directed to provide alternative livelihood for displaced mining workers; craft mechanisms and guidelines to monitor human and labor rights violations; complete cultural

Ochoa Jr.

mapping of indigenous people; and ensure proper working and safety conditions within mining areas and nearby communities.

The MICC, which Paje cochairs with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, has been asked to come up with the rules and guidelines for the update the mineral commodity profile, and conduct studies and build databases on new markets, products, and available technologies aimed at the development of downstream industries and valueadding activities.

Ochoa also directed the MICC to determine legislative measures that will ensure efficient and effective management of the mining sector and strengthen regulatory rules,

Sin tax reform to create better healthcare system

M

alacanang on Tuesday said the passage of the sin tax reform bill will strengthen the country’s health care system as taxes collected from cigarettes and liquors are expected to fund an expanded universal healthcare coverage.

“If you are going to expand the health coverage, you’ve got the ‘Z’ package. There are several packages that the DOH (Department of Health) has offered. We are also hoping that if the sin tax reform bill is passed into law, the revenues of that particular law will be used for universal healthcare coverage. We will certainly hope that it will be able to capture more beneficiaries and more members in that coverage,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin

Lacierda in a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday.

The Aquino administration aims to attain universal health care by the year 2016 when some 100 million Filipinos shall have been enrolled with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

President Benigno S. Aquino III has certified the sin tax reform bill as urgent.

He said the proceeds from the collection of sin taxes will be used to fund the universal health care and livelihood programs for tobacco farmers.

The House of Representatives approved HB 5727 or the sin tax reform bill, but the Senate has yet to approve a similar measure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

PCCi says Mindanao needs more financial accessibility

F

inancing accessibility is needed to fully realize the potentials of agriculture and the small and medium enterprises sectors in Mindanao -- the Philippines’ food basket super region.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Miguel Varela stressed this during the roundtable discussion for agriculture.

One of the recurring concerns of farmers especially in Mindanao is the lack of access to financing as the stringent rules and requirements of banks limit small farmers from accessing government loans.

Ed Layug, chairman of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Region 10, pointed out during the discussion that the agriculture sector — the coconut industry in particular, cannot attain its full potential due to the lack of financing available for small farmers and the rigid requirements of banks to avail of loan from the government.

The Dept. of Agriculture clarified the government has funds for this.

DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup said the department has a P7.4billion guarantee fund at the Land Bank of the Philippines and is available for farmers who wish to borrow.

Another funding facility available is the P2-million Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

The latter, Salacup said, was only released to the DA starting 2010.

The farm and fishery sector representatives, however, lamented the difficulty of availing said loans as banks’ requirements are too heavy to comply with.

This was confirmed

by Jerry Clavesillas of the Dept. of Trade and Industry who said SMEs face the same problem.

There was some success in the past, he said, when private banks and government finance institutions were allowed to undertake government

system. lending.

In relation to this, However, non-government credits facili- Antonino reported that ties have been prohibited she was able to secure a P5 million funding from from handling them.

The situation prompt- the DA for producers and ed the group to suggest would-be producers of that funds for agriculture v and SME sector be released the way the Mindanao Rural Development Program is done.

Salacup emphasized he lights have fadthat MRDP is being impleed out in the Davao mented successfully bedel Norte Electric cause it is an infrastruc- Cooperative (DANECO) ture-based project and continuing but failed bid there is no repayment to effectively light up this component involved. island city in the Davao As the DA has no ca- Region. pacity to handle financHowever, City Admining, Salacup encouraged istrator Cleto Gales said the private sector to el- locals and the thousands evate their concerns to of tourists that flock to the LandBank where the the island need not worry funds are lodged. because the Davao CityAn alternative means based Davao Light and suggested by MinDA Sec- Power Company (DLPC) retary LualhatiAntonino, is coming to the rescue to is to distribute the funds brighten the island and using the Conditional Cash Transfer method but with a repayment system.

PCCI and MinDA resolved that they would ask for the loans to be distributed using this

coconut coir mats, which she thinks has a big potential for export.

PCCI Vice President for Mindanao Ricardo Juliano-Tamano, who described the resolution

for financing as “creative subsidies”, believes that a solution for this recurring problem is a step towards readiness of the sectors for the 2015 ASEAN Integration.

put a close to the dark history of DANECO’s poor services.

During a recent general assembly of cooperative members in Maco, Compostela Valley, he said DANECO has approved a resolution turning over to DLPC its business of lighting up this island city.

The resolution given the thumbs up by the power coop’s more than 9,000 member-consumers also authorized the DANECO Board to enter

into a memorandum of agreement with DLPC on the power distribution transfer, he said.

Gales said the transfer would be a boon to the island’s investment and tourism promotions initiatives.This would ease investors’ apprehension of unstable power supply.

DANECO’s bad service marked by persistent brownouts has been a perennial complaint of locals and businessmen in the area, he added.

hina is the largest provider of financial assistance to Cambodia for agriculture and irrigation development in the last three years, Cambodia’s Minister of Finance KeatChhon said on Tuesday.

Since 2010 to date, he said, Cambodia has received a total loan of 561 million U.S. dollars and a total grant of 22 million U.S. dollars from South Korea, India, China, Japan and France.

“Of the amount, China’s soft loan to Cambodia is 436 million U.S. dollars,” he said in an economic conference at the National Assembly. “We show that China is play-

ing very important role to promote Cambodia’s agricultural development and irrigation system construction.”

The minister said that besides, Cambodia also received the loan of 88 million U.S. dollars from the Asian Development Bank, and 24. 2 million U.S. dollar loan and 17.5 million U.S. dollar grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

He said this financial assistance is very vital for the government of Cambodia to use for developing agricultural sector, especially rice production and export.

Cambodia is an agrar-

ian country. More than 80 percent of the population is farmers. The country produced some 8.25 million tons of paddy rice last year. With the amount, it’s estimated that there is around 2.5 million tons of milled rice left over for export this year.

In August, 2010, the government launched the rice export promotion strategy, aiming at exporting one million tons of milled rice by 2015.

Cham Prasidh, Minister of Commerce, said Tuesday that in the first half of this year, the country has exported 92,000 tons of milled rice.

series of 2000 otherwise known as the Signage Ordinance, which covers the restriction of outdoor advertising and other related purposes on electrical posts.

Davao Light supports the said city ordinance and integrates the removal of streamers and unnecessary

attachments on its electrical poles as part of its standard operations.

The presence of these streamers may pose as risk on both our crews conducting maintenance operations and the public. These hanged materials may also affect the efficiency of the electric utility’s distribution system.

Daneco can’t light up Samal

T

China is largest agri lender of Cambodia C

Streamers not allowed on light posts

D

avao Light and Power Company reminds the general public that the installation or display of any advertising and promotional materials on any of its electrical poles is prohibited.

Way back in 2000, the local government of the city of Davao passed the Ordinance No. 092,

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

GAME CHANGERS

7

The man who ate fried chicken W

hile he was studying in the US, his trips to New York would often lead him to a Korean sports bar where the chicken was fried twice wrapped in either soy garlic sauce of spicy flavor. From that day on, Scott never had any other fried chicken. Little did he know that the same chicken will be changing his life, even his career path.

From handling the family’s garment factory business, Scott Tan decided that there was so much more he wanted to do than just inherit what his parents worked hard for.

“I’ve always wanted to enter the food industry and this is one brand that I really thought of bringing to the Philippines when I got back from the US,” Scott said in an interview during the opening of BonChon at SM City Davao, adding that his favorite among the many items on the menu is a box of spicy wings.

“I can even it in one bit with only two fingers!”

What inspired Scott to bring the Korean brand to the country is its unique cooking method, and flavor, but still something that the Filipino palate can appreciate.

“The Korean taste is something similar to what Filipnos would love – it’s sweet and tangy at the same time,” Scott said. “Also, being twice fried, the layer of fat between the chicken flesh and skin is melted away, making it one of the healthies fried chicken there is.”

Young and dynamic, Scott is already proving that he is one entrepreneur to reckon with with the successful entry of BonChon in the country despite the fact that only a handful of Filipinos actually know of the brand before it arrived in the country. While BonChon Chicken is a world-renowned crispy chicken secret from Korea that has earned major media and industry accolades since it set up shop in the US. Since bringing this cult phenomenon to the Philippines, Scott has seen this

addictingly delicious chicken create massive lines and inspire instant gustatory love.

By attaining such promising results at the age of 29, he is one of the country’s youngest and most successful entrepreneurs today.

Scott is a graduate of Xavier School in Manila and a Business Economics major of Saint Mary’s College of California.

His business acumen and passion for good food make for a very hands-on Managing Director driving one of the fastest-growing quick service restaurant brands in the country.

This visionary traces his success back to his passion for good food and to his persistence in searching it out.

Scott’s love for BonChon’s delicious crispy chicken secret began in his days as a college student and later on as a private banker in the US. Upon returning home to Manila, he was excited to share his BonChon experience in New York with fellow Filipinos back home. He had identified a gap in the local food scene that he was certain this Asian American brand could fill perfectly. Armed with sheer determination, Scott was awarded the master country franchise among many applicants for his effort. He opened the first BonChon store in the Philippines a mere five months later in November 2010.

Scott personally develops many of the hit dishes that are now a permanent part of the local BonChon menu. Under his leadership, the Philippines has become a benchmark of success among BonChon franchisees worldwide, renowned for its innovative product and marketing initiatives.

“We tweaked the brand a bit here in the Philippines to make it suitable for Filipinos. Instead of its sports bar concept in the US, we chose to cross fast food and casual dining as well as some menu items that we conceptualized here,” Scott said. Just like the ceasar salad on the menu, it is actually a recipe concocted

by Scott from scratch. “I like cooking but I’m not a chef.”

8

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Rising up to the challenges of the ‘Digital Age’ Special Feature

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EDITORIAL

The positive view

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HERE’S a nasty joke that goes this way: There is now a movement for the beatification of GMA because of the numerous miracles that occurred during her administration. GMA, of course, refers to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the miracles spoken of are the countless scams and anomalies that allegedly happened during her reign, including her questionable election to the presidency in 2004.

Nasty joke, indeed, but levity aside, in fairness and in truth, criminal charges have been filed in court left and right against the former lady president, some of her relatives and cohorts for alleged multi-million peso anomalies. The plunder cases (anomalies involving graft money worth P50 million and over) have been filed on the misuse of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the NBN ZTE

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OLIVIA D. VELASCO General Manager

scandal, the P728-million fertilizer scam, the overpriced sale of two refurbished helicopters, etc. In fact, one blogger listed a total 41 anomalies during GMA’s watch.

Brand them ultra-positive, but many people, including us, look at the charges filed and yet to be filed against now detained President Gloria as windows of opportunity for her to air her side, present contrary evidence and eventually exonerate herself and the others from the serious accusations.

Definitely, this is a lot better than being convicted via trial by publicity and suffer the eternal condemnation by the people on the basis of rumors and unsubstantiated published allegations.

Another positive effect of the court charges is the restoration of the people’s trust and confidence in the country’s justice system.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

ALBERTO DALILAN Managing NEILWIN L. BRAVO Sports and Motoring ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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

By Cielito M.Reganit

HE social and digital media revolution has brought about a new world order in the realm of business and communications that has affected the way professional practitioners of the public relations (PR) industry carry out their trade.

The advent and power of connection technologies in the age of digital media such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and mobile technology among others - have given people tools that connect them to vast amounts of information to one another.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country’s premier organization of PR professionals, called these technologies “disruptive influencers” –technologies that have created tremendous opportunities for brands or governments to create a new competitive mindshift that is poles apart from the traditional media that PR practitioners were used to.

It is with this in mind that the 19th National PR Congress, themed “PR 360°: Responding in the Age of Disruption” organized by the PRSP, has lined up a panel of national and international speakers to discuss relevant topics that will assist PR and communications professionals in achieving the required shifts in mindsets and formulating the relevant PR management practices that will make social media work best for them while building on the gains of traditional media.

This year’s National PR Congress will be held on September 27 - 28 at the InterContinental Hotel in Makati City, September being the National Public Relations Month.

Malou Espina, chair of the 19th National PR Congress, said the children and young adults of today thrive on digital media like fish in the water, but “for many individuals, organizations and governments, the digital age has disrupted our neat structured life.”

“The speed of change has created chaos in the way we do business, the way we communicate and the way we connect with each other, with our customers and our stakeholders,” she said Wednesday to an audience composed of PR practitioners and members of media at a launching for this year’s national congress in Makati City.

The PRSP noted that with advanced metrics, a company can now directly observe hundreds of social signals “swimming in a sea of unstructured consumer information through social networks,” giving rise to citizen journalism.

Every act and behavior of companies is being watched, commented upon and written about by the social netizens – demanding on the PR industry a faster and more empathetic sensitivity to develop and give appropriate responses.

With social media, a company is not just talking to consumers and competitors, but engages in two-way communication as their response is played in real time.

Espina said the congress would focus on “how to navigate in this sea of unstructured communication and how to map out responses in this age of disruption.”

“We must learn about social media and learn from those among us who have successfully embraced and adapted to this change,” she said.

She added that social media had opened up many more channels in which they can distribute their stories.

“The PR Congress would be about understanding how we can capitalize on the experiences of others and how we can efficiently integrate all of these new channels in winning the hearts and minds of our stakeholders and in building and nurturing the relationship with those who matter the most to us,” Espina said.

Meanwhile, PRSP president John Rojo said that in a world where vast amounts of information are just a click away and bloggers have become the new media, people are still looking for sensible and relevant information.

“Professional PR practitioners are still the best sources of reputable and sensible information. There is always the element of ‘koryente’ in the social media sites like what happened with CNN regarding the Obama Healthcare,” Rojo said, referring to a recent event wherein an advance news that the giant media conglomerate reported turned out to be the other way around.

“At the end of the day, it is still sensible and relevant information that is required by the audiences. At the core of it, if PR practitioners had the discipline and the set of necessary skills, it will bear out that we will survive in this fast changing world of the digital age,” Rojo said. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO

S

CARE– Microbiologists and scientists worldwide have focused their attention on Cambodia following the mysterious deaths in that country of more than 60 children, ages three years old and below, due to a still uncertain kind of illness. Sixty children more remain in various hospitals and medical facilities, in serious condition and under close observation. Worst of all, health scientists fear that a virulent strain of the virus has probably mutated to strike more humans.

There is no way of getting to know the origin of the mysterious disease, according to health authorities who added that the new virus could mean a “major disaster.” Local doctors and visiting health experts are expected to take more time to determine whether the contagious strain found in the bodies of affected children differs from that of patients infected with flu normally found in poultry – the virus called influenza A-H1N1.

To a great extent, doctors and researchers note that the new “killer disease” it seems is developing resistance to existing drugs. This means low-tech solutions like proper sanitation and personal hygiene remain the best weapons against the unknown illness. Health authorities believe that by adopting the simple but effective procedure can somehow reduce the death risk – at least for the time being. That being said, Phil-

S

TUDENTS of Philippine literature may not know this, but the novelist and National Artist N.V.M Gonzales spent about three days and nights at a beach resort in Samal Island almost 20 years ago during a Mindanao national writer’s workshop.

This Filipino literary giant frolicked and went night-swimming with new emerging writers and poets from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and South Cotabato provinces. It was his second visit to this island when he hinted that he wanted to spend the remaining days of his life in Davao instead of Romblon province where he came from.

Davao-based prominent fiction writer Aida Rivera Ford and poetess Tita Lacambra Ayala call him “Papa” the way most literary people call Ernest Hemmingway in the old days, but most writing fellows call him simply by his initials “NVM” during those three memorable days of the writers’ workshop at Samal Island. This was the venue I recommended to Professor Jose “Butch” Dalisay when he asked me to scout around Davao for the first-ever national writers workshop of the University of the Philippines held in this southern island.

One of the things that fascinated NVM about that place called Samal Beach Re-

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

Enterovirus 71 ippine health authorities should closely monitor the new health scare and make an update to keep people always on their toes.

Nonetheless, two months after the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) finally discovered an answer to the confusion surrounding the mysterious disease. A series of tests found that the viral sequence was similar to the virus that hit Japan, Vietnam and China some years back called Enterovirus 71 or EV-71. It causes cold-like symptoms – high fever, cough, diarrhea, hand, foot and mouth disease, and if it remains untreated for days, a patient would suffer severe pulmonary and respiratory ailment and paralysis ultimately resulting to death.

There’s still much to be learned about how the virus works. In our local situation, the challenge for Philippine health officials will be to maintain a sufficient level of surveillance while ensuring that the common fever, cough and cold doesn’t overrun common sense.

The pressure is on our health authorities to find a quick, reliable test for the EV-71 before the cold and flu season.

That’s actually a good thing. This means that should the infectious EV-71 enter the country, health experts will be able to identify it early and prevent a possible outbreak.

BIRD FLU COMEBACK – Meanwhile, everyone knows that the bird flu disease is making a comeback. Just recently Chinese authorities raised a health alert that a new bird flu strain is escalating

in some parts of China. The bird flu virus is transmitted through the air from chicken to human. The bird flu strain a few years back jolted the international community prompting different governments to impose strict regulations on imported chicken and poultry products from China.

Health experts and microbiologists say there’s absolutely no way of getting the A-H1N1 or bird flu virus by eating infected chicken or other poultry products. However, if people start to think and firmly believe it’s behind every chicken meal, the public health system won’t be able to cope with the situation.

It can’t isolate everybody and it’s not a tenable long-term solution. Besides it’s too expensive and takes too much energy and people will stop complying just the same, and the end result would be confusion.

When news broke out that a new bird flu outbreak severely affected many places in China, Philippine health officials immediately made statements to that effect, and it looked like the health alert was correct. But by then the media had already picked up the critical health story. While the WHO has investigated another possible A-H1N1 epidemic, the country’s health authorities quickly imposed strict quarantine procedures and other infection-control measures such as the utilization of thermal scanning machines in all points of entry – airports, seaports and transport terminals to reduce the risk of another bird flu outbreak, and EV-71 epidemic as well.

sort owned by the Durano family, was the “Tribal Houses” by the sea---- small cottages made of bamboo and nipa standing on stilts dug deep into the white sand amidst the waist-deep crystal-clear sea water.

Of course, this type of fragile native materials can’t last long in the sea, that’s why the new foreign owner of this resort now called “Blue Jazz” replaced them with concrete and wood and turned it into something like a little theme park. To be honest, I missed the good, old “tribal houses by the sea” made of bamboo and nipa, with or without NVM, because they blended very well with the lush green surroundings.

The National Artist together with his wife Narita fell in love with the old Durano-owned resort run by my friend Pete and Susan, both prominent in Davao as business leaders during that time. No wonder they were so happy when we told them we’re getting Samal again as the venue for another writers’ workshop.

I remember NVM telling me that the beach resort reminded him of his hometown province of Romblon where he spent most of his childhood days frolicking by the beach, swimming in the sea and looking for shells with his school mates.

“Most of our best stories come from the province ----in places like this. Here, the air is pure, the sky more blue, the sea more clean and cool to the skin. Best of all, here we find stories richly laden with folklore and history ” NVM told us one

late afternoon while floating on a rubber raft on the shallow waters beside his “tribal” cottage by the sea. Behind us, we could see the orange-red sun dipping behind the Mt Apo mountain ranges overlooking the city of Davao.

Later, he and wife Narita joined the writing fellows at seven in the evening, wading and swimming in the dark at the beach resort, listening to ghost stories shared by one of the young writers.

At midnight, this fellow writer told us that some ghosts had began appearing behind us, she could “see” them clearly. I was sure I could feel something heavy on my shoulders when our story-teller told me she could “see” one ghost hovering above me.

But NVM wasn’t laughing---- he was serious about the ghosts and believed they were all around us that night at the resort. This Filipino literary giant whose short stories and novels I greatly admired (along with John Steinback, J.D. Salinger and Ernest Hemmingway whose novels influenced much of my writing style), ----pointed out that ghost stories formed part of our Philippine literary tradition.

It was the province, NVM said, that filled his imagination, that fired his heart and spirit and made him the writer he had become. “Often in Manila, we forget the provinces,” NVM told us,” we forget that some of the country’s best writers come from the provinces.”

(Comments? Text me at Sun 0942 405 2044)

nVM goes night swimming at Samal beach

9

Many take plunge for exportable Special Feature

By HonoR BlanCo CaBie

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(1st of 2 parts)

HE export of seaweeds, variously called in the regions of the Philippines as ar-arusip, pokpoklo, or-ormot, aragan, gamet, kulot, lato or halamang dagat, continues to look bright despite falling behind Indonesia in production levels.

Since 1966, when the seaweed industry began in this Southeast Asian archipelago, research scientists have said more hectarage of shallow ocean reefs had been used to cultivate Eucheuma, particularly in Mindanao, fondly dubbed the “Land of Promise” and the “Land of Fulfillment.”

It was considered a major breakthrough in agriculture technology at that time, and financial grants for research projects started to lap the country’s shoreline for what was then considered a “sunshine industry.”

The grants were coming in from both foreign and local sources, including, but not limited to, the US Sea Grant Office, Marine Colloids, Inc. and the Philippine Council for Agricultural Research and Development.

This led to the development of more field experiments on the cultivation of Eucheuma, according to marine scientists involved in research in the seaweed industry.

The industry in this country, sandwiched by the vast Pacific and the South China Sea, includes other marine algal species, long considered as food by Ivatans, Ilocanos, Pangasinenses, Kapampangans, Tagalogs, Bikolnons, Visayans, Maguindanaons, Maranaos, Samas and Tausugs, among others.

The seaweeds include the grape-looking Caulerpa, the horse hair-like Gracilaria and a green noodle like Codium, all being sold in the local markets.

Some of these resemble the so-called pokpoklo of northern Philippines, an absolute winner among residents in blazing summer when seafoods are an abundant delicacy on many dining tables.

But the markets for these seaweeds, like vegetables, are very limited and only those who are familiar with the seaweeds occasionally buy them, according to some researchers.

Dr. Claro Santiago, a science research specialist, once said “there is a growing demand for seaweeds colloids in the Philippines, with its seemingly inexhaustible supply of natural seaweeds, which can be a potential supplier.

“However, appropriate technical requirements and technologies for the manufacture of seaweeds colloids are closely guarded by the world’s manufacturers, especially in the highly industrialized exporting nations.”

In developing countries like the Philippines, the expertise and the cost associated with the production and marketing of colloids present a problem to would-be investors.

In the meanwhile, officials are raising concerns that the Philippines, which had a high 103,000 metric tons of production in 2004, dropped to 84,000 metric tons of raw dried seaweeds production two years ago.

That same year, Indonesia surpassed the Philippine production with its 108,000 metric tons.

Both the Philippines and Indonesia produce the red seaweed warm water species Kappaphycus (Cottonii) and Eucheuma (Spinosum), with Cottonii making up over 90 percent of Philippine production, and the bulk of world demand.[PNA]

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VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

STEWARDSHiP. Hedcor leads the sequestration of carbon dioxide through planting more trees regularly in the community. Hedcor also partners host residents, government agencies and private sectors to ensure the targets, thus, it is a way to go against global warming.

Hedcor’s reforestation proj captures 6,410 tons of CO2 H

YDRO firm, Hedcor will capture 6, 410 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the coming years from the 282, 500 targeted trees to be planted in Benguet, Ilocos Sur and Davao for 2012. For the first two quarters of this year, the company has already planted 45,000 trees.

To achieve this year’s goal, Hedcor will conduct more tree planting from July to October, identified as rainy season in Benguet and Ilocos Sur to ensure seedlings’ survival.

“We need to speed up

our tree planting to increase carbon sinks for CO2 that contribute greenhouse gasses causing global warming. Our tree planting will contributes more for the conservation of watershed and this is what we want,” Hedcor vice president for Business Development Engr.

Boy Jabonillo said. “Healthy forest will sequester more carbon which helps mitigate global warming. It can now retain more water to prevent flooding and erosion,” Jabonillo added.

The average survival rate of trees for the first two

quarters is 90%. It surpasses the company’s target of 87% and way above DENR’s target survival rate of 80%.

“Getting good environmental impact from the trees we have planted in our committed land will guarantee for watershed conservation and protection,” Jabonillo said.

In Sibulan, Davao del Sur and Talomo, Davao City the company’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP) includes reforestation, roadside rehabilitation and riverbank stabilization. The areas protected are home

to seven run-of-river hydropower plants in the region with a total capacity of 47 MW. As an environmental steward, Hedcor sets initiatives and implements actions to aid the local government in giving solutions on how to lessen the effects of CO2, control flash floods and even protect the community from harms of soil erosion. Hedcor strengthen its coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help address the present environmental problems.

people to take notice of Chevrolet Davao’s All-New Service Center.

Built from the ground up, Chevrolet Davao’s Service Center is bigger, better, and has everything in place to provide the best aftersales services that every Chevy customer deserves. The Dealer Principal, Mr. Tobi Ang, says that “all efforts have been made to make Davao’s Authorized Service Center a symbol of TCCCI’s commitment in collaboration with Chevrolet Davao’s effort to provide quality service and an outstanding customer experience to our motorists.” When on a visit to the Service Center, expect to be treated to a facility that is fully equipped with modern tools, an in-house team of Chevy technical experts on hand, and well stocked on all the genuine and reasonably priced spare parts that are expected from any efficient workshop. Located at K.M. J.P. Laurel Avenue Lanang (beside Grand Regal Hotel), Davao City, the All-New Chevrolet Davao Service Center spans at least 4000 sq. meters of a reliable and competent facility that aims to cater to the

Whether you are able to set an appointment with the Chevy lead expert from July 13 to 19 or not, you may still visit the Service Center until August 15, 2012 to get a taste of all the great services made available at the brand new space. There’s no better time to do it as Chevrolet Davao Service Center goes all out to offer freebies and discounts – all in an effort to reward its customers.

Bringing your Chevrolet vehicle in within that time period means you can have it undergo a 16-point check-up absolutely FREE! (Including an air-conditioning system check-up). Other services like a body wash, interior vacuum, tire black application, door hinges lubrication, and other similar car pampering offers will also be available. There will be discounts of up to 50% for Parts and Labor on cash transactions. A 10% discount on engine oil for those who decide to avail of Chevrolet’s Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) can also be availed - a fitting step coinciding with the launch of the All-New Chevrolet Colorado in Davao.

TCCCI’s commitment to

giving its Chevy owners a trouble-free ownership experience through the extended warranty coverage that comes with every Chevrolet vehicle purchase, the launch of a number of authorized new dealers and revamp of the old workshops all across the country, unlimited access to the Chevy hotline, and a list of aftersales services to ensure the satisfaction of every customer that has put its trust in the brand.

Visit Chevrolet Davao Service Center to experience it for yourself or add them on Facebook: Chevrolet.Davao or visit www.chevrolet.com.ph to know more.

Chevrolet Davao brings top car expert

S

INCE The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) took over the reigns of being the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines, it has reiterated its commitment to further enhance its entire after sales services in the country to a resounding success. It focuses its attention this time to its Davao Service Center from July 13 to 19 when it sends Chevrolet’s Lead Technical Expert, also called “Chevrolet Chief Doctor” to meet local Chevy motorists and to discuss concerns regarding their vehicles.

Having a “Chevy Doctor” come to Davao is not a typical occurrence. But for an entire week, he is going to be on hand to perform diagnoses on units with hard to pinpoint problems as well as provide technical advice on how best to deal with these. Chevy owners in Davao truly have a rare opportunity to have their technical issues sorted out by a top expert in the field. Those interested need only to secure a service appointment within that week to avail of the free service that’s part of an entire month’s promo to get more

PLEASE PUT IN A BOX Chevrolet Davao proves its commitment to quality service through the relaunch of its State-of-the-art Service Center • Chevy’s Lead Technical Expert visits Chevrolet Davao from July 13 - 19 to share the latest technical know-how • Up to 50% discount on Parts and Labor • Freebies at stake for people who will avail of the promo

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new DAR 11 chief assumes post T

HE new chief of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Davao Region has recently assumed post replacing Regional Director Datu Yusoph B. Mama.

Regional Director Fidel B. Morales took over the helm from the outgoing head in a simple turn-over rites on July 10.

Mama acknowledged that he will leave the office in capable hands as he turned over the symbolic “key” of responsi-

bility to his successor.

He thanked all the officials and personnel for their support during his four-year stint in the region, encouraging them to extend the same support to the incoming official.

Mama will be reassigned at the Support Services Office of DAR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

Morales served as the OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) of DAR Re-

gion-12 in Cotabato City before being promoted to his present post.

Last year, DAR Region 12 bested all other regions nationwide in terms of land distribution performance.

The same feat was again repeated for the first quarter of this year.

In his acceptance speech, Morales indicated that he is up to the challenge, amidst the backlog of last year’s difficulty in land distribution in the region.

EGOTIATIONS on the establishment of Soccsksargen’s drug rehabilitation and treatment center in Lake Sebu town has already begun.

The negotiations on the said project happened between the provincial government of South Cotabato and the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH-12).

The Office of the Govenor has confirmed that DOH 12 Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar has visited Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. for initial talks regarding the conversion of the underutilized Lake Sebu Municipal Hospital to become the Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center of Region 12.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, also disclosed that formal talks on the matter could begin immediately after the celebration of the 13th T’nalak Festival.

“After the celebrations, I will call for a meeting with the Provincial Health Board to discuss the matter. We are also inviting regional director Dr. Convocar to the meeting,” he said.

Plans to upgrade the Lake Sebu Municipal Hospital into a rehabilitation center began in June.

During the meeting of the Regional Social Development Committee of the Regional Development Council 12 at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City last June 19,

Dr. Convocar proposed for the establishment of a drug rehabilitation and treatment center in the province, considering the province’s strategic location in Soccsksargen Region.

In response, Gov. Pingoy signified the willingness of the provincial local government unit (LGU) to donate the underutilized health facility in Lake Sebu for the drug rehab center.

He explained that the government could save on construction cost if the said hospital will only be improved and developed to fit the rehab center’s requirements.

In his regular weekly radio program, “Si Gov. Dodo kag ang Katawhan,” Gov. Pingoy explained that the present underutilization of the hospital in Lake Sebu could worsen once the Upper Valley Community Hospital in nearby Surallah town becomes operational.

Thus, transforming the facility into a drug rehabilitation center is a better alternative to maximize its use for better purposes, the governor reasoned.

“Lake Sebu is an ideal location for such facility because of the ambiance and the presence of natural attractions that could help in the healing of the patients. So far, this is the third regional rehabilitation and treatment in the entire country,” he said.

Dr. Convocar explained that if plans will push through, the initial

operations of the center may be placed under the supervision of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in coordination with the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, especially for some personnel requirements.

Lake Sebu is South Cotabato’s prime tourist destination. The municipality is well-known for its three lakes and seven falls as well as its zipline, which is the highest in Southeast Asia.

Besides the establishment of drug rehab center, the South Cotabato LGU and DOH has also partnered for the construction of the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH).

DOH, through its Health Facilities Enhancement Program, has provided the province with P28 million for the construction of the health facility that will serve as annex of the provincial hospital in Koronadal City.

As a private partner of the provincial government, the San Miguel Corporation, through its mining firm, Daguma Agro Minerals, Inc. (DAMI), also donated P25 million to build the UVCH. UVCH is targeted to begin operations next year, which should absorb patients in the municipalities of Sto. Niño, Surallah, Banga, Lake Sebu, T’boli and other nearby municipalities, and decongest the provincial hospital.

Drug rehab center eyed in Lake Sebu N

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

12 NATION/WORLD nATiOn BRiEFS Thanked

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RESIDENT Benigno Aquino thanked China for its help to finish a major Philippine water project, amid frayed relations between the two countries over disputed territory in the South China Sea. Aquino said the situation showed how countries could help each other even as his spokesman stressed the Philippines was firm on its claim to disputed territories like the Scarborough Shoal.

Well-paying

M

EDICAL BPO (business process outsourcing) is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Philippine IT-BPO industry.

So although US visas for medical professionals have become scarce, there are other well-paying career opportunities for nurses and doctors that are coupled with the benefits of living at home near family and friends, and enjoying the magnificent lifestyle the Philippines offers.

T

Bullish

HE Philippines said it aims to boost foreign direct investments in call centers, factories and shipyards to more than $10 billion a year, as President Benigno Aquino strives to create jobs and bolster growth.

The Philippines received 24 business teams in the first half of the year from countries including Russia, Turkey and Japan, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said. Investors are keen on shipbuilding, agriculture, energy, steel, garments, and business process outsourcing, he said.

Self-censorship

S

ENATOR Miriam Defensor-Santiago still hates corruption, but has promised to keep persons with disabilities out of her fiery quips.

In a letter to Tony Pasia, president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc., Santiago said that “out of goodwill, I will impose self-censorship, by avoiding in future any word that refers to a person with disability.”

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VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

‘ASEAn Way’ founders H in South China Sea storm

WORLD TODAy

A

S Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario began to raise the sensitive issue of the South China Sea at one of last week’s Asian summit meetings, his microphone went dead.

A technical glitch, said the Cambodian hosts. Perhaps something more sinister, hinted some diplomats who were frustrated

by Chinese ally Cambodia’s dogged efforts to keep the subject off the agenda.

That account and others, described to Reuters by diplomats with direct knowledge of the talks and who asked not to be identified, reveals how deeply Southeast Asian nations have been polarised by China’s rapidly expanding influence in the region.

The fast-growing 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which aims to form an EU-style economic bloc by 2015, insists it remains united despite its failure for the first time in 45 years to agree a concluding summit statement.

But Reuters’ interviews reveal deep discord and frayed tempers at last week’s summit that are sharply at odds with the group’s self-styled reputation for harmony and polite debate.

“It was one of the most heated meetings in the history of ASEAN,” one diplomat said. Another described Cambodia, which holds the revolving ASEAN chairmanship this year,

Under fire

SBC apologized Tuesday for failing to apply anti-laundering rules and one senior executive resigned, as lawmakers accused the global bank of giving Iran, terrorists and drug dealers access to the US financial system.

With the banking sector already under fire for manipulating interest rates and reckless trading, HSBC said more should have been done to prevent years of abuse amounting to tens of billions of dollars of illicit transactions.

Flags of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are seen behind a soldier guarding the Bali

Nusa Dua Convention Centre in Bali.

as “the worst chair”, and said China had effectively bought its loyalty and that of some other states with economic largesse.

The breakdown has left attempts to craft a maritime “code of conduct” this year between ASEAN and China in tatters, raising the risk that growing incidents of naval brinkmanship over the oil-rich waters will spill over into conflict.

It also underlines the huge challenge facing the United States as it refocuses its military and economic attention on Asia in response to China’s rise. The South China Sea has become Asia’s biggest potential military flashpoint as Beijing’s sovereignty claims

set it against Vietnam and the Philippines racing to tap possibly huge oil reserves.

CHINA BREACHES INNER SANCTUM The failure touched on a long-standing ASEAN fear, says Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defense Force Academy -- that lack of unity would allow foreign powers to exploit its differences.

“This is the first major breach of the dyke of regional autonomy,” he said.

“China has now reached into ASEAN’s inner sanctum and played on intraASEAN divisions.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has angrily

rejected suggestions that China has “bought” Cambodia’s support over the South China Sea dispute.

China’s foreign direct investment in Cambodia was $1.2 billion in 2011, almost 10 times that of the United States, according to an estimate by the government’s Council for the Development of Cambodia. Chinese investment and trade has also surged in neighbouring Myanmar and Laos.

Cambodia batted away repeated attempts to raise the issue about the disputed waters during the ASEAN meeting last week as well as the ASEAN Regional Forum, which includes Japan and the United States, according to diplomats present.

atop a faultline.

The review could lead to the permanent decommissioning of some nuclear plants in Japan, which prohibits their construction above active fault lines, and fuel a political storm over the future of nuclear power in the wake

of the Fukushima disaster.

“We will hold hearings to get experts’ opinions on nuclear plants that were judged to have been based over no active faults in the past,” Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano.

“We are rechecking all plants.”

A review by Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) of excavation data for a reactor at the Shika station northwest of Tokyo indicates that an active fault line runs beneath it, Japanese media reported on Tuesday.

Shares in Hokuriku Electric Power Co and Japan’s other power utilities fell sharply on Monday, after a government panel called for breaking up their regional monopolies.

They were also hurt by the deepening uncertainty over the future of nuclear power, a little over two weeks after the first restart of one of Japan’s reactors -- which have steadily gone offline for routine maintenance -- since the Fukushima disaster 16 months ago.

Hokuriku Power fell 8.3 percent while Tokyo Electric Power Co <9501.T>, operator of the Fukushima plant, fell 11.5 percent.

S

Birthday

OUTH Africa’s schoolchildren sang happy birthday to Nelson Mandela as he turned 94 on Wednesday, a day when he asks the world to honour his legacy by performing community service.

The nation’s 12 million schoolchildren began their day with a special birthday song, ringing with the line: “We love you father”.

R

Liberate

EBELS declared the battle to “liberate” Damascus has begun as heavy fighting raged across the city and Russia said an agreement is possible for a UN resolution on the Syria crisis.

The proclamation by the Free Syrian Army, which also claimed it had shot down a helicopter in the capital, came as peace envoy Kofi Annan said the 16-month crisis increasingly described as a civil war was at a “critical time.”

Sexual assault

Japan reviews nuclear plant A sites as faultline worries mount

J

APAN is reviewing seismological data on nuclear plants, the trade minister said on Tuesday, as fears mount over the danger from earthquakes after media reports that a second plant in three months had been found to be sitting

Still far

RMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban on Wednesday said that Chinese fishing fleet and its escort are still 100 nautical miles away from the nearest territory being claimed by the country.

“They (30 Chinese fishing vessels and the sole maritime surveillance ship) are still about 100 nautical miles southwest of Pagasa Island,” Sabban said.

EDGEDAVAO

Protesters march with an anti-nuclear banner at a rally against a possible restart of nuclear reactors in Tokyo June 6, 2012.

woman testified at a U.S. Air Force courtmartial on Tuesday that a training instructor accused of serial sexual assault started by flirting with her when she was in basic training, then hugging and kissing her and finally intimidating her into having sex with him against her will.

The unidentified woman testified on the second day of the court-martial of Staff Sergeant Luis Walker, who is accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with ten female Air force trainees.

N

Removed

ORTH Korea’s army chief has been removed from all his posts due to illness, state media announced Monday, which analysts said showed new leader Kim Jong-Un tightening his control over the powerful military.

Ri Yong-Ho is regarded as one of the key figures who supported the young, untested leader in the transition following the death in December of his father Kim Jong-Il who ruled the reclusive state for 17 years.

EDGEDAVAO

450 plus... Same...

People...

FFROM 1

ernment units down to the barangay level to strengthen their preparation and capacity to respond to disasters.

Mazo noted the high level of disaster consciousness among local residents but she challenged local chief executives to plan ways of pulling out people in risks areas.

While she appealed to residents to leave “harms way”, she asked LGUs to come up with a thorough preparation for disaster, taking special note of people who refuse to vacate disaster-prone areas.

National Economic and Development (NEDA) Regional Director Ma. Lourdes Lim urged LGUs to make use of the scientific data produced by the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in their local planning.

MGB has come up with geo-hazard maps of LGUs, pointing out their level of risks to landslides and flooding while Phivolcs told LGUs of their vulnerability to earthquakes.

Lim bared technical as-

Tuna...

FFROM 1 sistance project funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), that NEDA is extending LGUs for them to mainstream the concept of the disaster risk reduction management and adaptation, in local development planning processes.

Regional Director Francisco Jose of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in the same forum talked about the launching of the Seal of Disaster Preparedness that DILG will confer to LGUs which will be found to have reached a high level of disaster preparedness.

Jose said that DILG has waged disaster preparedness campaign even at the barangay level, however he acknowledged observations that some barangays have yet to come up with their disaster plans.

“We want to know where these barangays are so we can assist them,” he said.

Lim also expressed concerns over lower level local

FFROM 3

for their carrier vessels to unload their catches in this port city.

Greenpeace said that sustainable fishing practices are crucial in reversing the ongoing decline of fish stock in the Philippine seas.

“We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” Cinches said in a separate statement.

“The government’s recent plans to import fish from other Asian countries like China and Taiwan is a clear sign that our seas have now collapsed, with the local fishing industry, particularly the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen, at risk,” he added.

Greenpeace, along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc., is holding a forum here tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the benefits of pole and line fishing.

Modern fishing techniques have resulted in unwanted and unsustainable by-catch and overfishing that has wiped out some tuna populations, Greenpeace said.

Pole and line, on the other hand, is a traditional method used by

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VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

few countries in the South Pacific that employs a pole, a line, a hook, and a bait boat.

“There is huge potential for pole and line fishing in the Philippines. Not only is it safe for the environment, but it is also economically advantageous to fishermen who will engage in it, as we have seen in the fishing economy of the Maldives,” Shakoor said.

Bill Holden, Pacific fisheries manager of the Marine Stewardship Council, said that as an archipelago, the Philippines should tap into the vast resources of its seas without harming the ocean’s ecosystem.

“A good first step would be to employ pole and line fishing,” he said.

Greenpeace urged for a full cooperation between the government, fishing industries and communities to work together to develop sustainable and responsible fisheries in order to revive the Philippine seas.

More than 70 percent of the world’s fisheries are fully exploited, overly exploited or significantly depleted, and the Philippine situation is a stark reflection of this sad reality, Cinches said, urging the adoption of pole and line fishing in the country.

[BoNG s. sARmIENto / mINDANEWs]

he said in an interview at the Ateneo de Davao University. “During our last meeting, I presented to the board the concept of primary and secondary packaging wherein primary packaging should not be included in the ban,” he added.

Felizarta said the scope of primarypackaging covers those which are used in carrying wet products, or were directly bought from producers, such as meat; while secondary packaging are upon the convenience of the handler.

“Plastics used within the range of primary packaging should be exempted while those for the secondary should not since people can opt to recycle and use materials that are not harmful to the environment,” he said.

SMi...

FFROM 3

and roadmap for the development of value-adding activities, and downstream industries for strategic metallic ores.

- The granting of powers and functions to the Mining Industry Coordinating Council that would, among others, ensure continuing dialogue among mining stakeholders, serve as an oversight committee over provincial/city mining regulatory boards, and implement the creation of a Task Force Against Illegal Mining.

Academe...

FFROM 3

for the environment? “Tabora said.

“Or can he decide when a secretary is for a mining site while another is not?”

Tabora said.

“We have to preserve the environment for the future generation. That is social justice,” he added.

Davao Association of Colleges and Schools (Dacs) head Fr.” common good” and “social justice.”

“Our first call is for the government, if not the stakeholders and the academe, to step forward on the matter of [child labor] or when the rights of women are neglected,” he said. “We know mining also has something good, it can contribute to the economy, but without looking into what are the rights that are being violated and without the consciousness to step in, then things will remain neglected,” Montaña added.

Lawyer Fae Risonar of Addu said EO 79’s emphasis is on the economic aspect. “If you look carefully, its emphasis is on the economic side, how the government can earn from

FFROM 2

issue of transition. Another executive session was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, leaving Tuesday morning for the plenary session where both panel chairs delivered their opening statements before the panels and the International Contact Group, the GPH and MILF consultants.

OIC ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman attended the plenary as GPH consultant, along with senior military adviser, Brig.

Gen. Leo Cresente Ferrer.

In the last talks in May, the governors of the five-province ARMM took turns attending the plenary sessions. Among the issues associated with transition is what to do with the ARMM regional polls on May 13, 2013.

The Mindanao PeaceWeavers (MPW), a coalition of peace networks in Mindanao, has urged the suspension of the ARMM polls to give way to a transition government. The MPW proposed that provincial and municipal elections will push through as scheduled.

Leonen has repeatedly said that with or without a peace agreement this year, elections in the ARMM will push through as scheduled, pointing to RA 10153, which reset the August 8, 2011 ARMM elections to May 13, 2013.

Leonen told a gathering of the business sec-

tor in Davao City on May 25 that “we think it is still possible to address the concerns of the MILF even with elections in 2013.”

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, in his press conference on July 9 in Darapanan, said that they had “officially told the Philippine government about our concerns on the election of the ARMM in 2013.” “But then as a matter of policy, we do not recognize the ARMM so it is the making of the (GPH) and if there is an agreement between the MILF and (GPH), it is the responsibility of the Philippine government to do away with whatever (it) has created. We have nothing to do with the ARMM. If there is an ARMM elected there, then it is the duty of the (GPH) to see to it that this ARMM will not run obstacle to the implementation of any agreement we will reach with the Philippine government,” he said.

The GPH and MILF peace panels on April 24 signed their first major agreement under the twoyear old Aquino administration – the ten-point “Decision Points on Principles as of April 2012” – which provided, among others, that they would “work for the creation of a new autonomous political entity in place of the ARMM.” The ARMM elec-

tion, originally scheduled on August 8, 2011, was postponed by RA 10153 to synchronize it with the 2013 mid-term elections. The same law allowed President Aquino to appoint Officers in Charge (OICs) for Governor, Vice Governor and the Regional Legislative Assembly to serve supposedly until June 30, 2013, when the new set of officials shall have assumed the post.

The Commission on Elections has set for early October the deadline for filing of certificates of candidacy for ARMM and other elective posts nationwide.

The last time the panels met here was on May 28 to 30, the talks ending with no joint statement issued but there was neither a breakthrough nor a breakdown. The two panels resumed talks on July 16 to 18, a week after the three-day Bangsamoro Leaders’ Assembly and a week before President Aquino delivers his State of the Nation Address.

Aquino and Murad met in Japan on August 4, both leaders agreeing to fast-track the peace process to sign an agreement within the first half of the Aquino administration so it can be implemented until the President steps down on June 30, 2016.

[CARoLyN o. ARGuILLAs / mINDANEWs]

MFSSMA...

FFROM 3 mining. There is a need to review EO 79,” she said.

“There are laws implemented that do not embody social justice, laws far from reality. But as the Court ruled in Calalang v.

Williams (a landmark case on social justice), there should be humanization of laws. Laws should be for everyone,” Risonar added.

The forum gathered both anti-mining groups and supporters as well as the attendance of local and national offices such as the City Environment and Natural Resources, the DENR, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Proposition Meanwhile, Regional Director Edilberto Arreza of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) in the Davao region supports EO 79 and disagreed with the view that the same lacks social justice.

Arreza said, unlike RA 7942, President Aquino is the first executive to declare that mining will be restricted to specific areas, that is the declared areas of Minahan ng Bayan, and that application for it will be subject to the

approval of the government.

“What more could they ask for? It is the first time that not only the government will approve applications for large and small-scale mining, but they also need approval of the NCIP as well as the local government,” he said in an interview. “For example, we respect the local government of Davao City in saying it is against mining then we will not be approving mining applications here,” he added.

Arreza said the regional offices of MGB are awaiting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of EO 79 which will detail their specific tasks.

“Since Under EO 79, only the declared Minahan ng Bayan are recognized, then we will be dealing with the illegal or smallscale mining sites,” he said.

“With the provision of the law that mining will be restricted, illegally operating mining sites should stop operating while we will be closely monitoring those who are recognized as Minahan ng Bayan,” he added.

8099 will be abolished, but it states that Republic Act (RA) No. 7076 will be the law to be followed.

Paye said EO 79 is a middle ground that addresses environmental protection such that there are additional areas close to mining, specifically prime agricultural lands, tourism development areas and areas under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

He also cited that the use of mercury in small-scale mining shall be prohibited to protect the environment and prevent previous cases of rampant discharge of mercury to rivers.

Noting that there will be no displacement for smallscale miners with EO 79, he said, “They just have to declare their mining areas as minahang bayan, only that as provided for in RA 7076, small-scale mining will be confined only to gold, silver and chromite.”

Bulianes said EO 79 is a welcome development among small-scale miners, but they want to know the reason why PD 8099 will not be implemented anymore.

“I’m confused. I’m appealing to the director not to abolish PD 8099 and strengthen RA 7076,” he said, raising his concern for those who will apply permits for mining copper and other minerals.

He said there are some 600,000 small-scale miners in the Philippines, 500,000 of them in Mindanao, 100,000 of them in the Davao region alone..

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EDGEDAVAO

Cindy Matabalan, Sec-Gen and Assistant coach of Tchoukball Association of Davao (TAD), left, announces the participation of RP Under 15 boys team in the 2nd Asia Pacific Youth Tchoukball championships slated on July 20-22, 2012

in Melaka, Malaysia during the weekly DSA forum at Tower Inn. With her is Carlos Mendiola, Regional Director and Head Coach of TAD. (LEAN DAVAL, JR.)

Pacquiao 6th highest-paid athlete espite losing his World Boxing Organization welterweight title in a questionable decision to Timothy Bradley last June, Manny Pacquiao remained among the elite list of highest-paid international athletes in the world,

D

according to Sports Illustrated.

Pacquiao placed sixth in the ranking, down from second last year. But the Filipino ring icon’s placing was hurt by the fact that the magazine compiled its list of earnings over the period

of June 2011 to May 2012, when Pacquiao only fought once, against Juan Manuel Marquez last November.

Sports Illustrated pegged Pacquiao’s earnings over the period at $39 million, behind Roger Federer ($51.4 million),

David Beckham ($46 million), Lionel Messi ($41.25 million), Cristiano Ronald ($40.5 million), and Fernando Alonso ($40 million).

Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao’s nemesis for boxing’s mythical pound-

for-pound title, topped the magazine’s list of highest-earning American athletes. Mayweather fought twice over the period of the survey, earning him a total of $85 million.

Golfers Phil Mickelson ($60.8 million) and Ti-

ger Woods ($56.4 million) take the next two spots, followed by NBA superstars Kobe Bryant ($48.3 million) and LeBron James ($45.9 million), whose earnings were hampered by the league’s lockout last season.

L

more frequent in recent days, sources said. A number of obstacles need to be resolved, including the Lakers’ desire for Howard to commit to a long-term extension with them. Howard has warmed to the possibility of joining the Lakers after spending his

offseason in Los Angeles, sources said, but remains apprehensive about following in the footsteps of Shaquille O’Neal, who left the Magic for Los Angeles 16 years ago.

The Magic also are seeking draft picks – in addition to Lakers center An-

drew Bynum – as part of a package for Howard. The Lakers have already sent their 2013 and ‘15 firstround picks to the Phoenix Suns as part of their signand-trade deal for Steve Nash. NBA rules forbid teams from trading firstround picks in consecutive

years.

The Houston Rockets, who have made several roster moves this summer to position themselves for a potential Howard trade, also have continued to talk to the Magic.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and

coach Mike Brown watched free-agent forward Jermaine O’Neal work out in Las Vegas on Tuesday, but no offer was made. Sources said the Lakers could sign Jermaine O’Neal and freeagent forward Antawn Jamison to veteran minimum contracts.

Lakers still pursuing Howard

os Angeles Lakers officials continue to speak with the Orlando Magic about a possible Dwight Howard trade, league sources said.

A deal did not appear imminent, but conversations between the Lakers and Magic have become

Participants of the Prince WTF 3 Ladies Tennis Tournament led by PHILTA Region XI-B regional vice president Engr. Carol Angel (5th from left) pose during a break in the competitions held at the Eco 2 Tennis Center.

INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

International DJ Clyde Harris live at STARR ON July 20 and 21, 2012, 2 exciting nights will be shaping up in the City of Davao as STARR DINE. PARTY. SHINE brings to the metro the internationally-acclaimed DJ, DJ Clyde Harris.

DJ Clyde Harris has played for clubs in Milan, New York, Japan and California, and has been a resident DJ for clubs in Maryland and Guam. He was nominated twice in a row, in 2009 and 2010, as the “Best Club DJ’ in the Island of Guam, is a co-DJ for “The 111 Show” every Saturday with Jeramy Roberts, and is presently one of the prestigious resident artists in Los Angeles’ 6AM Group.

This twice-in-a-lifetime party takes place on July 20, Friday, and July 21, Saturday at STARR Dine. Party. Shine.

Pre-sold tickets are available at P500, good for 2 nights (July 20 & 21). Door charge is P350, good for 1 night only.

For early ticket reservations, contact Angel Abella at 09324562146.

Grand Regal Hotel wins Best Booth 14 Years and counting...

Still Committed to be the Best! Grand Regal Hotel Davao won Best Booth at the recently concluded Kasalang Filipino ‘12 held at Abreeza Mall from July 13-15. The reason behind Grand Regal’s uniquely designed booth is to provide everyone a glimpse of what Grand Regal Hotel’s Banquet has to offer.

Even though the hotel is situated at the southern part of the City, whatever design and artistic concept clients have in mind for that perfect occasion, Grand Regal is capable of executing it in spectacular

fashion.

The hotel has a wide variety of packages for weddings, debut and corporate functions that are competitive but also offer value for money. If you have a function on a larger scale, Grand Regal boasts of one of the biggest ball rooms in Mindanao which is the Grand Pilipinas that can seat approximately 1,200 guests all at once.

For inquiries and reservations: (082) 235-0888 Local 8367/8330/8333; www.grandregalhotels. com. Like us: www.facebook.com/GrandRegalHotelsDavao

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Filling in the void

by Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto, MBA

GettinG left behind is as sad as a cold rainy night without someone to cuddle with. Humans as we are, we have always longed to be in the presence of that particular someone whom we are comfortable with, can look unglamorous after a hard day’s work but still feel important and beautiful, eat like a construction worker and just laugh about it and feel elated despite the silence while seated beside each other inside the car.

However, as much as we want to be always by the side of that special someone, it is but inevitable that something’s are not meant to be. Someone gets left behind. On my end, see you soon though.

to fill in the void, whip yourself a cup of soup and feel the warmth despite the distance.

Soup is generally a warm food made by combining meat, vegetable stock, water or other liquid. The word soup came from the French word (soupe or broth) which then came from the Vulgar Latin suppa (meaning bread socked in broth). (www.wikipedia.com) Soups are classified into two (2) main categories: (1) clear soups and (2) thick soups. More so, additional categories of soups are said to be: • Canned Soup or the infamous Campbell Soup are condensed and is prepared by adding water or at times milk.

• Dessert Soup or our infamous Ginataan made from freshly squeezed coconut milk, tapioca pearls and fruits. Though sweet, it is served hot. Other examples are the Japanese azuki bean soup (Oshiruko), Chinese sweet soups (tong Sui) and Sawine, a staple in islam countries specifically in trinidad and tobago.

• Fruit Soups are served either warm or cold depending on the availability of the fruits and the

preference of the eater.

• Cold soups are the opposite of traditional soups wherein traditionally, soups are served hot.

Furthermore, soups are similar to stews but soups have more liquid than stews.

Pumpkin Curry Soup For that additional flavor on your palates, try this soothing and smoky explosion in your mouth and be amazed. in a pan, melt unsalted butter. Add chopped white onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté for a full minute or until onion turns translucent. Stir in curry powder and cook for another minute.

Pour in chicken broth (1 bouillon cube : 1 ½ cups of water) and chopped pumpkin. Cook, stirring constantly until the pumpkin is tender.

Season with Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Add all purpose cream(tiP: keep is chilled then whisk before adding). Cool soup mixture. transfer to a blender (tiP: temper part of the mixture. Blend. Then transfer back to the pan with the remaining soup).

Serve warm with croutons or garlic bread.

Yam and Sayote soup Seen a violet thick soup? inspired by our own Ginataan but savory, i blended two exceptional ingredients that are readily available in our pantries. try this and be amazed of its unique combination.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the yam (ube) and sayote and cook. Stir constantly.

Add the water and bouillon cube, bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes.

Cool slightly, then place the mixture in a blender and blend in batches until smooth. Return to the pan, stir in the cream and reheat without boiling.

Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Potato Cheese Chowder Perfect for those cold rainy nights , all cuddled up with your special someone while watching a cheesy love flick on television. Feel the heat from this chowder and the love all at once.

Cook diced potatoes in boiling water until tender.

Drain, saving cooking water. Add bouillon cubes to hot liquid and stir until dissolved.

Melt butter in a pan.

Add onion and green pepper and cook gently, stirring constantly. Sprinkle in flour and let bubble.

Remove from heat. Add milk and potato water all at once. Season with Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Return to moderate heat and cook until boiling and smooth, stirring constantly. turn heat to low and simmer 2 minutes.

Add cheese and stir until cheese (i used cheddar cheese for that additional tangy flavor) is melted.

Stir in potatoes and heat well.

Serve very hot.

Croutons Cut crusts off bread slices and discard. Cut bread into cubes. Heat butter in heavy skillet.

Add bread cubes and heat until golden and crisp, stirring. Cool. tell me what you think of this week’s recipe. email me your questions, suggestions and comments at iamtheroyalchef@gmail. com . Happy Cooking!

EDGEDA

A2 INdulge!

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Lounging at the Fourth and Tay

WHiLe bars in Davao City may be a dime a dozen and oftentimes with little or no inspiration or theme to go to, i was pleased to discover a small hole-inthe-wall wine cellar called Fourth and tay.

Managed by the fabulous sisters of trisha and Ciara Baluyot, Fourth and tay is a comfy wine lounge located at the Damosa Gateway on the side of Tadakuma, Cafe Firenzo, and Spirale.

Fourth and tay is stocked with wines from all over the world plus some artesian beer from Iligan City and is a nice hangout for the urban yuppie and oenophiles alike, thanks to affordable bottle prices plus a homey relaxed ambiance.

A nice house wine is usually priced from just around Php300 and goes

slowly up to the more pricier wines. i personally liked the shiraz-cabernet

by Lindeman’s that had nice red berry and spicy notes. i also loved the

tapas the cellar served that were paired perfectly with the wines in stock. i just wish that they carried cheeses as well, which trisha assured will be available soon.

The vibe at Fourth and tay is truly a unique chillout experience that is much different from the rest of the bars in Durianburg.

Follow me on twitter @ kennethkingong for foodie finds, travel tips, and urban whatnots.

DAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

The day fried chicken was reborn

By Carlo P. Mallo

FrIeD chicken will never be the same again for Davao City and its fried chicken loving people as Korea’s latest sensation hits our shores. BonChon has landed at the Annex building of SM City Davao.

Gone are the days of waiting for friends to fly in from Manila with that box of BonChon chicken in tow. We can now indulge in the goodness of this Korean brand like there’s no tomorrow.

As i munch on my 6th spicy wing, i can’t help but wonder, what is BonChon?

Young entrepreneur Scott tan brought BonChon to the Philippines after his stint in the US. After taking his first bite of BonChon chicken, Scott never looked back. And as they say, the rest is history.

Tan said that BonChon actually means “original village” in Korean, which serves Korean fried chicken that’s super crispy yet light and not greasy, with hot moist juicy meat, and sauced with its addicting soy garlic or spicy glaze. in the country, the local menu offers a wide range, starring BonChon’s worldrenowned crispy chicken.

Its seafood offerings began as local seasonal offerings that have become popular items on the local menu: the brand’s take on the english classic of fish and chips, crispy squid rice, and the raved-about fish taco which was inspired by the California food truck mishmash of Korean and Mexican.

At BonChon, the traditional Korean bulgogi is served Asian style as beef bulgogi over rice, Western

balance among tart, sweet, cool, and creamy – served in alternating layers with homebaked graham pie crust, and offered in Blueberry Torte and Banoffee Pie variants.

As a testament to the vibrance of the Philippine menu, many locally-developed recipes have found their way to international BonChon stores, with more dishes underway.

The vision of BonChon Chicken Philippines is to serve as many Filipinos as possible, with BonChon in every key city nationwide.

With the opening of its Davao branch, their goal is starting to be realized.

“We are glad to have begun our national expansion with the opening of our first branch outside of the metro. Davao City is thriving and the food industry here is bullish, and we are very proud to be part of the progressive vibrance of this beautiful city. We are looking forward to offer something new to Davaoenos, style as beef bulgogi in a classic Caesar which boasts the same crispy chicken wrap, and BonChon style parmesan cheese and an that has made its mark in as crunchy chicken bulgogi olive oil-based dressing the international market,” over rice. with real anchovies. says Scott tan, managing Their crisp, delicious salAs a sweet ending to director of BonChon. ads are fresh, light options: a BonChon meal, Bonnow, let me go back to Ginger tofu with a beauti- Chon’s Ko-Yo (or Korean my box of 12 wings, half ful Asian dressing, and a Yogurt) strikes the perfect spicy, half soy garlic.

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

Katie, Suri sideswiped?

SOUNDS like Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise had a close shave Monday night.

E! News has confirmed that the duo’s vehicle was dinged by a garbage truck in midtown Manhattan.

Talk about dealing with loads o’ rubbish!

According an NYPD spokesman, at around 9:30 p.m. a black Mercedes driven by Holmes’ chauffeur got into a minor fender-bender with a private sanitation truck on West 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue.

Although authorities couldn’t confirm whether Tom Cruise’s ex and their precious 6-yearold were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, photos and video from the scene show that the duo were in the car, with Holmes peeking out from a back-seat window.

No injuries were reported, and the only person from Holmes’ camp who was at the scene when police arrived was her driver.

As for the car itself, the damage appeared minimal, with some dents and scratches on

the rear of the driver’s side.

Holmes and Suri were reportedly on their way back from the little lady’s gymnastics class in Chelsea Piers, which is about 15 blocks from where the accident happened.

Indeed, the two were photographed Monday night at the popular Chelsea sports complex, where Mom reportedly looked on as Suri flipped and tumbled with an instructor.

We sure bet neither of them is flipping over this fender-bender of a mishap.

else. There appear to be tiny men climbing up the singer’s lithe figure, strategically covering up her private areas.

“I won’t lie I’m a bit nervous.,” she tweeted. “its been a while since i’ve shared some work with you. But i’m so proud of Steven [Klein, the photographer] +I, we really did not sleep!”

She told popular Australian radio program The

Kyle and Jackie O Show last year that her signature scent will smell “like an expensive hooker.” “[Blood and semen] is in the perfume, but it doesn’t smell like it. You just get sort of the after feeling of sex from the semen, and the blood is sort of primal,” she explained. “And the blood was taken from my own blood sample, so it’s like a sense of having me on your skin.”

Lady Gaga strips for Fame

Who needs clothes when you look this good?

Certainly not Lady Gaga, who stripped down in the print ad for her new Fame fragrance. The 26year-old pop star tweeted a link to her provocative new perfume campaign on Monday, leaving little to the imagination.

In the black-and-white shot, Gaga wears a black face mask and nothing

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

SPORTS

TENG VERSUS ASILUM Rookie of the Year War

15

Davao boys out to shake the UAAP

By Neil Bravo

way above any basketball player his age.

Veteran sports journalist Tessa Jazmines told EDGE Davao her appreciation of Asilum and Teng and how the two could possibly be on collision course this early for the Rookie award in the UAAP. “This early people are talking about him being a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. His competition will be Jeron Teng -- I believe his Dad Alvin is also from Davao?

Ayan, proof na talaga na magaling mag-basketball ang mga Davaoeno,”

Jazmines said.

Teng and Asilum did not go head to head in their match last Sunday but the two were obviously primed for bigger roles with their teams.

Teng, who once scored 104 points in high school, cooled the Maroons down the stretch with a threepoint play in the final 27 seconds to put the Archers up for good from a precarious 70-68 lead.

Teng outdueled Asilum 18 to 12 in scoring although Asilum made quite an impact on the Maroon bench.

“Sobrang galing ni

Henry (alias Enzoi). He was better than the veteran guards and Coach Rudy Dandan relied on him to direct play for much of the game. When Henry was the assigned PG, UP would be able to stay in the game and snatch leads.

He was fearless, as usual and played like a man,” Jazmines narrated.

It was in the 2010 Jr. NBA Camp when Jazmines first saw Asilum. She was with coach Ronnie Magsanoc, who is best remembered for his team-up with Benjie Paras in the glory days of UP in the UAAP. Jazmines said they

were immediately impressed by Asilum who was then playing for Assumption College of Davao.

“In fact, Coach Ronnie Magsanoc intimated to me behind the scenes during the Jr. NBA Davao Regional Selection Camp there in 2010 that Henry was ‘the’ find from Davao.

In his words, “bata pa pero mama nang maglaro”. And of course he proved it when he competed in the National Training Camp and became an All Star,” she added.

Teng, for his part said he would prefer to be a

role player for the meantime rather than pressuring himself of trying to make impact in his maiden campaign in the UAAP. “I don’t think there’s any pressure on my part,” said Teng, who at 17 years old has already carried an impressive resume.

Teng has been to three National Youth teams – the fourth-placed squad in the 2009 FIBA Asia U-16 Championship in Johor Bahru (where he teamed up with Asilum), the ninthplaced in the 3-on-3 team with current National University star Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and a fifth-place finish in the 2010 FIBA Asia U-18 Championship in Sana’a, Yemen.

As a high school star of Xavier School in the Tiong Lian Basketball Tournament, the 6-foot-2 Teng led the Stallions to several championships while winning two Most Valuable Player awards. He is best remembered for exploding for a record 104 points in a 164-74 thrashing of Grace Christian College on Jan. 5, 2011.

New La Salle coach Gee Abanilla said Teng is very coachable and has good future in basketball.

For now, the brewing battle between these two kids who went separate journeys in life but traced the same roots in Davao is something UAAP fans should get excited about.

great team.”

Obama got a bird’s-eye view of the current USA national team Monday, sitting courtside at the Verizon Center arena with his family and Vice President Joe Biden.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant launched a debate recently when he said this year’s Olympic team could have beaten the 1992 version which is known as the Dream Team because it included 11 future Hall of Fame players.

Jordan then scoffed at Bryant’s boast, by saying “I absolutely laughed.

For him to compare those two teams is not one of the smarter things he ever could have done.”

Obama said the current team with Bryant and NBA finals MVP LeBron James

would make its own mark on the Summer Games.

“This is a great team with unbelievable talent,” Obama said. “Kobe is a competitor so you expect him to do a little trash talking whenever the opportunity arises.”

Obama and Biden sat down in their chairs to chants of “U-S-A” at the contest against Brazil. The game is a tune-up before the start of the London Games later this month.

Obama predicted the current Dream Team, even with all the injury problems they have had, would win the gold medal in London.

“No reason we shouldn’t bring home the gold, we just have got to get focused,” he said.

The USA got off to a

slow start Monday. They were down 27-17 at the end of the first quarter before pulling away in the second en route to an 80-

69 win. LeBron James led the Americans with 30 points and six rebounds.

Brazil came out with plenty of spark, jumping

out to an early 10-point lead but then started turning the ball over in the second quarter as the USA seized control of the game.

Jeron Teng of De La Salle (21) makes his move against the UP Maroons defense as Renzar Henry Asilum(14) looks on. Teng fired 18 and Asilum had 12 in impressive debuts by the two rookies.

J

eron Teng and Renzar Henry Asilum used to play together for the Philippines’ Under-16 national team. We were used to seeing the cerebral quarterback Asilum needle a pass to Teng on the break.

Together, this two young phenom were a symphony on the hardcourt.

Until the start of the UAAP Season 75 wars.

Teng, son of one of Davao’s most notable contribution to the PBA Alvin Teng, greenshirts for the De La Salle University.

Asilum, a homegrown basketball wiz and son of former Davao Eagles team staff Henry, donned the Maroons of University of the Philippines.

The 6-2 Teng is the younger of the two Teng siblings now in the UAAP. The other is UST Tiger Jeric. Their father Alvin played his entire career with the San Miguel Beer franchise in the PBA. Asilum is a spritely 5-7 guard with a basketball IQ

Obama: ‘92 will beat kobe and co.

W

ASHINGTON – American President Barack Obama waded into the USA Olympic basketball debate Monday, saying the 1992 Dream Team with Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley would have beaten the 2012 Olympic team.

Obama said Monday he remembers a 1992 goldmedal winning USA team that looked unstoppable from the very first game.

“I got to go with the original Dream Team,” said Obama during a halftime interview of the USA against Brazil exhibition game with American broadcaster ESPN. “I suspect that Michael and Sir Charles would point out they were never down at any point in any of their games but this is a

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 98 • JULY 19, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Phoenix Run set Aug. 12 Guilbert R. Olbez, AVP-Admin of EMCOR, Inc., right, and NM Prospero S. Cruz, Tournament Manager, promote the 3rd JVR Inter-School Invitational Team Championship 2012 at the weekly DSA forum at Tower Inn. (LEAN DAVAL, JR.)

T

he Kadayawan Phoenix Run will hit the road on August 12 at the SM City Davao out-andback route.

“This official run of the Kadayawan Sa Dabaw Festival 2012 will be used as a vehicle to launch a massive awareness campaign on the

state of Davao’s watershed,” said Phoenix marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac.

The Run, now on its third year, is organized to provide a venue for Davaoeños to actively participate in the watershed campaign by simply joining and pledging their commitment to be-

come ambassadors in protecting the environment.

“The run is also a campaign to help the environment by encouraging every runner to practice 3Rs (Recycle, Re-use, Reduce), Bulaclac added.

The Phoenix Kadayawan Run 2012, launched recent-

ly with a MOA signing rites during the Kaehan sa Davao held at SM City Davao, will benefit of the Talomo-Lipadas watershed, one of the two watersheds that serve as the main source of water supply in Davao City.

DCWD stressed that Davao City’s groundwa-

ter is largely dependent on two watersheds, the 235-hectare Malagos watershed in Calinan and the 38,460-hectare Mt. TalomoLipadas watershed.

“For every runner, one tree shall be planted to help protect and conserve the Talomo-Lipadas watershed.

We can act and contribute in our own little way to the watershed area that ensures Davao City continues to get safe and potable water. By just running on August 12, you have taken the first step because a tree will be planted in your behalf,” said Bulaclac.