Edge Davao 7 Issue 27

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

A young lady cries while sprinkling holy water on the coffins of her seven family members who were killed in a tragic road accident in Diversion Road during the Requiem mass for the victims at Assumption Church in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

BANKEROHAN BRIDGE CLOSED Motorists are advised to take alternate routes

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

E

abf@edgedavao.net

FFEcTIvE today, traffic flow from Davao city ‘s south area going to the central business district will likely become more congested as the contractor of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starts the rehabilitation of Gov. Generoso (Bankerohan) Bridge II. The bridge will be temporarily closed to all types of vehicles to facilitate the long delayed P63-million repair which will take up to six months.

To help lessen the impact of the closure, the Traffic Management Center (TMC) imposed “no parking” along both sides of G.E. Torres St. (Sandawa Road) and “no loading/unloading “along Quirino Avenue (from Pichon St. to Generoso Bridge fronting Mercury Drug and Metro Circle).

Motorists are also advised to take alternate routes to avoid congestion in the area.

TMC chief Rhodelio Poliquit urged the motorists who have no important business or transaction in Bankerohan to instead use Bolton Bridge or San Rafael Bridge in going to north or south part of the city.

According to TMC advisory, motorists who will go to southern area may pass through the following alternate routes: 1.) Vehicles from Panacan area may traverse the diversion road going Bangkal.

2.) Vehicles from J.P. Laurel Avenue may pass through R. Castillo Street or Cabaguio Avenue, then Quezon Boulevard going to Quimpo Boulevard before reaching Mac Arthur highway.

Vehicles from south may

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2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PREPARATION. Workers remove a telecommunication company’s cable wires attached to the sidings of Governor Generoso Bridge II a day before the scheduled rehabilitation of the structure. Lean Daval Jr.

Golden rice commercialization nixed DAUG goes for indoor competition By cHENEEN R. cAPON

I

By ATHENA JIllIAN BRAvO

crc@edgedavao.net

n line with Earth Day 2014 celebration yesterday, about 80 organic farmers and members of non-government organizations and academe signed a petition paper expressing their opposition against the commercialization of golden rice.

The petition, to be presented to Department of Agriculture 11, called to “uphold the integrity” of Republic Act 10068, otherwise known as the Philippine Organic Agriculture Act. Golden rice, a genetically modified (GM) crop, is still being studied at the laboratory of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) It will be commercially available three years from

now, according to Antonio A. Alfonso, PhilRice chief science research specialist.

Golden rice is being developed by the agency to purportedly provide solution to Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among Filipino children.

However, members of Go Organic Mindanao and Go Organic in Davao City (GODC) said that the release of the new variety to Mindanao’s rice field will contaminate the natural diversity of the island’s native rice varieties.

“If Golden Rice is introduced in to the market, there is a significant risk of its genetically modified gene crossing over to the indigenous varieties, destroying the purity of our organic rice

farms,” GoDC member Dagohoy Magaway said during thePublic Forum on Golden Rice at Ateneo de Davao University yesterday.

More than 50 varieties of native rice are grown in Mindanao using indigenous organic farming techniques.

These are being marketed as heirloom rice with high market value and already being exported to some countries.

Alfonso told Edge Davao that making GM crops available will provide options to consumers and farmers. He was attending the 9th Scientific Convention of Philippine Association for Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology held at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases yesterday .

“We need to create varieties that are resilient to diseases and other environmental factors that may affect the production and quality of the crop variety,” Alfonso said.

But pro-organic organizations said that golden rice harmful to the health of the consumers.

“This Earth day, we should remember to put our communities and environment first before the interest of biotech firms and agri-corporations,” GoM coordinator Fr. Joy Pelino said.

Alfonso assured that the new variety will be not commercially available until it attained the safety level required for human consumption.

W

HO says dogs can’t go for an indoor competition?

Well, SM City Davao now welcomes pet lovers to witness how trained dogs compete in the Davao Dog Agility Unified Group’s 2nd DAUG Unity Cup slated on April 26, 2014 at the SM Annex Event Center.

DAUG’s has planned to hold a series of dog agility competition within the year with the upcoming the event to be held in an indoor venue, inside the mall. The first competition last February was held in an open area in Damosa.

The coming competition will be officiated by two renowned Philippine Dog Athletics and United States Dog Agility Association judges: Joselito Isorena of Betterdog Manila and Ryan Ong Cabahug of K9 Care Cebu.

Four exciting activities await for this two-day competition starting off with the Jumpers class and Standard agility. The jumpers class is for dogs which are still rookies in the competition while the standard agility is for the semi advanced dogs.

FDAUG, 10

Farming village City councilors approve light railway study in state of calamity

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council yesterday approved a resolution allowing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between a South Korean construction company and the city government for the conduct of feasibility study on the proposed Light Railway Transit (LRT) system.

In yesterday’s regular session the council passed “A Resolution to Enact an Ordinance Granting Legislative Authority to City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to enter into and sign, for and in behalf of the City Government of Davao, the Memorandum of Understand-

ing (MoU) by and Between the City Government of Davao and Korea Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd Represented by its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seol Young Man.” City administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain said Korean company will start conducting the study soon after the mayor signed the MoU. “We have to conduct a feasibility study because we know Davao City is growing… by the time we wait for too long we might have traffic jams,” said Quitain.

Quitain said that the proposal is a way to ease the traffic problems in the city.

Under the memorandum,

both parties have responsibilities and obligations during the conduct of study by Korea Engineering & Construction (KEC) Co., Ltd. For the city, it is stipulated that the city government should provide the counterpart technical personnel in the conduct study and provide the available infrastructure, socio-demographic and environmental information from its existing database which maybe needed in the conduct of the study.

The city shall also assist the KEC technical tea in their field visits by way of introductions to barangay officials and residents and facilitate the

conduct of dialogues and consultation with various stakeholders.

For KEC, it stipulates that they shall organize and field its team of experts and consultants to conduct the study; provide its team with necessary equipment and transport vehicles needed in the study; update the city on the progress of the study on schedules that will be agreed upon at the commencement of the study and shoulder all the expenses that will be incurred by its team of experts and consultants in the conduct of the study.

The master plan and pre-feasibility studies for the

FCOUNCIL, 10

G

EnERAL Santos City officials have declared a farming village under the state of calamity due to the onslaught of a strong tornado on Sunday afternoon that affected around 650 residents.

Hannah Joaquino, special operations officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said the calamity declaration was issued Tuesday morning by the barangay (village) council of Tinagacan following an assessment of the twister’s impact, which ravaged eight “puroks” (sub-village) in the area.

She said the declaration would facilitate the immediate release of the village’s calamity funds to respond to the needs of the affected residents.

The tornado hit the area

around 2:00 p.m. Sunday, pummeling residential communities as well as banana, coconut and mango plantations.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) station here noted that the weather disturbance was triggered by a local thunderstorm.

As of Tuesday morning, Joaquino said eight puroks in Barangay Tinagacan have reported minimal to severe damages to properties and agricultural crops.

She said officials of Barangays Upper Labay and Batomelong also reported damages to crops in portions of the two villages.

In Tinagacan alone, she said their assessment showed

FFARMING, 10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

3

Thai firms offer partnership with academe for research By cHENEEN R. cAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

Ix big Thai firms have expressed interest in forging partnership with local schools and universities for the skills enhancement among members of the academe in the area of research and development.

Board of Investment extension office head Gil M. Dureza said the firms are involved in various industries like oil palm, agriculture, aquamarine, processing and poultry.

“We notice that we have a lot of teachers with PhD level who are not innovative in producing products,” Dureza told reporters as emphasized the need for professionals to engage into researches and technology development.

He said that through the partnership, educators can directly conduct their researches to the laboratory of the companies.

“Those who will be benefitting from this future program will earn global experience from the technology of these companies,” he said.

“These people are just con-

fined in teaching but they can do more,” he added.

“This year, we are still assessing and organizing the schools and universities who will take part in this program,” he said.

BOI is considering University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), University of Southern Mindanao, Central Mindanao College and University of the Philippines – Mindanao Campus.

If these will be actualized, Dureza said the partnership will result a big impact on the entire landscape of research and development in Mindanao. “new and more competitive products will be produced from researches with the help of their high-tech technologies,” he said.

Gil said the firms will also help in the commercialization of the outputs as the researchers learn new business models to make their products commercially available and marketable.

Dr. Reynalso V. Ebora, Ph.D, director of national Institute of Molecular Biology and Bio-

MIRACLE FRUIT. This woman who appears to be a nun reads the label of a concentrated syrup made from Miracle fruit believed to have properties that can cure various illnesses in the ongoing Earth Day Eco fair at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

GPH–MILF peace agreement sparks Burning of cocaine deferred interest in Mindanao’s potentials T T FTHAI, 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

HE Task Force Davao Cocaine has deferred the burning of recovered cocaine pending the results of investigations being conducted by law enforcement agencies.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 director Emerson Rosales, who heads the task force, told Edge Davao that they will wait for the completion of all investigations being done in the local level up to national and international bodies before disposing the drugs.

“Then, we will come up with the assessment and conclusion, kung walang makakasuhan we will recommend for the destruction of drugs. Kung may

kakasuhan naman it will be used as evidence,” Rosales explained.

He said that they have requested for an investigation from law enforcement bodies in different countries where the shipment of cocaine passed through.

“Madami siyang dinaanan (the shipment of cocaine). Even mag back tracking, hanggang 20 or 15 na countries ang dinaanan,” Rosales said.

Based on the initial investigation of Bureau of Customs, the container van of Maersk where the bricks were found came from Hong Kong which departed on December 18, 2013 and

FBURNING, 10

HE signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF) has set-off three foreign chambers of commerce to pool resources in promoting trade and investment opportunities in Mindanao.

Already, the European companies have set eyes on Mindanao as a unique player for high value investment and not just a major source of raw materials, said Martial Beck, vice president and General Manager of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Inc. With the European Union (EU) still facing economic recession, Beck disclosed that

the EU has tasked the ECCP and seven bilateral chambers of European countries to implement a new project that will precisely attract more European companies to the Philippines, be it for trade, or investment.

Almost 500 European companies from the 28-member countries of the EU have located mostly in Metro Manila and the Visayas and only about 50 in major Mindanao cities such as Davao and Cagayan de Oro. According to Beck, the peace agreement was the major reason of the European companies to look for new markets and between now and September the ECCP, the

American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Davao and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Mindanao (JCCM) will do promotions and marketing to attract investors such as the business matching event on September 19.

ECCP, JCCM and AMCHAM headed by Philip Dizon entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the business matching event. The signing of the MOA was held during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex.

Beck said ECCP is committed to work with AMCHAM and JCCM, recognizing that foreign business interest is very significant for its economic growth.

FGPH, 10

Ask help from PDEA, customs execs urged D

One of the survivors of the tragic road mishap in Diversion Road collapses while attending a Requiem mass yesterday at Assumption Church in Davao City for his seven family members who lost their lives in the accident. Lean Daval Jr.

According to him, the business matching event, for example, will help improve the competitiveness of local industries and lead to the creation of more employment opportunities.

He, however, highlighted the importance of harmonizing promotional events with the national Economic and Development Authority’s (nEDA) Southern Mindanao Growth Corridor (SMGC) concept and roadmap which are an excellent guide for the Region’s dynamic participation in the ASEAn Economic Community (AEC) Integration in 2015.

“This (promotion and

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte urged the officials of Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ask the assistance of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in intercepting shipments that may contain illegal drugs.

“If I may act, since they lack expertise to do that, I suppose that it would do them well [if they have the assistance of PDEA] kasi PDEA ang may network nationwide,” Duterte stressed during the last Monday’s press conference at Grand Men Seng Hotel.

“Pati yung contact sa labas, the drug enforcement agency of United States and the international police,” Duterte added.

Duterte said that BOC, as

the lead agency that will handle cases such as smuggling of illegal drugs, should be knowledgeable enough on transactions involved in illicit drugs trade especially that PDEA and other local law enforcement agencies are refrained from interfering in the customs duty.

“Hindi kami pwedeng pumasok diyan makialam na you search there… ma Ombudsman kami. You are transgressing the line of authority there,” he said.

The BOC earlier said in a statement that after the recovery of cocaine from a container van of Maersk, the agency is exerting effort for the the enhancement of monitoring and the accounting flow of empty

FASK, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 Internet Photo

COmPOStELA VALLEY

More ‘bayanihan sa edukasyon’ in ComVal E

MPOWERED with the spirit of bayanihan and volunteerism, the provincial government of Compostela Valley Province gives a continuing support to education endeavors.

Through its banner program “Kalinga Sa Kabataan” initiated by Governor Arturo T. Uy, the bayanihan of building classrooms dubbed as Bayanihan sa Paaralan and the bayanihan of raising up learners and readers under the Bayanihan Para Sa Karunungan have gone more empowered.

Along with the journey are the program partners, private entities, volunteers, and the Department of Education (DepEd).

On April 21, 2014, series of launching and kick off activities for the cited programs were done. In Montevista, at Dauman Elementary School and Montevista Central Elementary School, Bayanihan sa Paaralan was launched whe-

re volunteer-builders are to build units of classroom-buildings from ‘Make Your nanay Proud’ Foundation of Boy Abunda.

All over the province on the same day, was the simultaneous launching in 33 demonstration implementing schools or pilot schools of the Bayanihan Para Sa Karunungan where volunteer-teachers and youth volunteers are getting ready for the program’s Summer Big Brother (SBB) Reading Activities.

A week ahead, Reading Teachers also of the Bayanihan Para Sa KarununganProject ARTURO 2 had convened for their planning and directions setting for the year.

Being a quality education advocate himself, Governor Arturo T. Uy sees to it that children are well-assisted and provided with ease and comfort while equipping them with knowledge and skills. [GRACE ALMEDILLA, IDS-COMVA]

ASSISTANCE. General Santos City City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (in dark shirt) and Dr. Bong Dacera, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) Action Officer, inspect the aftermath of a twister that struck Barangay Tinagacan Sunday afternoon, April 20. The CDRRMC reported that as of 3:00pm of Monday, April 21, there are 136 families affected from eight puroks of Tinagacan while there are three persons injured. Twenty-two houses were destroyed.

Mayor Rivera has instructed the social welfare, engineering and disaster risk reduction management offices to provide food, water, clothing and other basic needs to the affected families. The mayor also directed the city engineer to immediately reconstruct the destroyed houses mainly made of light materials, and other infrastructures. The financial assistance for the victims will be taken directly from the calamity fund of the city. [GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

KIDAPAWAN CITY

OFWs from UAE quarantined in GenSan, Sarangani for MERS

NorthCot registers highest tourist arrivals in Region 12

T

WO residents from this city and one from Sarangani province who were on the Etihad Airlines flight carrying a passenger who initially tested positive of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) have been placed on quarantine for possible infection.

Dr. Edgardo Sandig, city health officer, said Tuesday the returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) submitted themselves to quarantine and testing to check whether they had contracted the deadly disease from their co-passenger.

The two passengers proceeded to this city after arriving from Abu Dhabi along with around 400 other passengers of Etihad flight EY 0424, he said.

Sandig said the quarantine was based on a directive from the Department of Health (DOH), which had issued an alert for the disease.

“We’re closely watching the two OFWs as a single positive case could easily spread since it is a communicable disease,” he said.

The official assured that they are extra cautious and implementing various precautionary measures to prevent the possible spread of the disease to the area.

“The national government and the international

community is very worried about this disease so we’re not taking this lightly,” he said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen.

In Sarangani, provincial health officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro said the Sarangani resident on the Etihad flight is also being quarantined at a facility in Kiamba town.

He said the OFW has underwent initial testing and the samples had been sent to the DOH’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine based in Alabang, Muntinlupa City for confirmation.

“We’re still waiting for the result of the (confirmatory) test,” he said. Alejandro said they immediately located the OFW last week after the DOH issued an alert for MERS-CoV for all passengers of Etihad flight EY 0424.

“It’s important to locate all of them (passengers) to immediately contain the disease in case one of them turns out positive,” he said.

Aside from the three returning OFWs from this city and Sarangani, the DOH in Region 12 has located another passenger of Etihad flight EY 0424 in norala town in South Cotabato and in Kidapawan City.

The agency is tracking down another passenger in Polomolok town in South Cotabato and Pikit town in north Cotabato. [MindaNews]

T

he province of north Cotabato recorded the most number of tourist arrivals in Southwestern Mindanao (Region 12) in 2013.

Regional Director nelly Dillera, of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-12, said that north Cotabato, home of the Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, and Asia’s longest zipline registered a total of 222,486 tourist arrivals last year.

Dillera said that many of these visitors are considered as “day tourists,” which means they only stay for a day in a tourist destination in the

TAGUM CITY

province, and then they leave.

But she was quick to remind stakeholders that keeping the tourists to spend a night or longer in a local hotel is the “challenge to all sectors that are involved in the tourism industry.”

“They have to make sure these tourists stay for a night or two in a hotel, rent a car, and buy local products.

In this way, we’re creating a vibrant economy because of tourism,” Dillera said during the awarding ceremony of the Centennial Photo Contest held at the Cotabato Agri Center at the provincial capitol on Monday.

She said the problem Region 12 is facing is its “reputation” because of the unstable peace and order in some parts of the region, thus making it difficult to invite tourists.

“But this can be resolved.

For every one negative story about Region 12, we must write at least 18 good stories about our area,” she said, noting that there indeed a lot of good stories about the place.

Dillera has also asked people from the region to use the power of social media to sell the area to local and foreign tourists.

“Use your Facebook ac-

counts to post good stories about your place. Tell them the beauty of the place, its history, its people,” she appealed.

This year, Dillera said DOT-12 has embarked on a massive tourism campaign with its banner program, “Region 12: the 12th paradise.”

The program features 12 experiences, which features waterfalls like the Asik-asik Falls in Alamada, north Cotabato; beautiful beaches in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat; lakes and springs; mountains and caves. [MindaNews]

LGU boosts police visibility with new patrol motorcycles

A

n increased police visibility is expected to strengthen the convergence of the local government and the Tagum City Police Office towards the deterrence of petty crimes in the city.

This was made possible with the acquisition of 30 new rouser motorcycles that will be used by the organic team of the Special Task Group Tagum’s Finest, a composite team of policemen, security and traffic management officers that is tasked to rove around the city 24/7.

The local government un-

der the leadership of Mayor Allan L. Rellon allocated funds for the acquisition of such vehicles, which he expects to help boost his administration’s drive against criminalities in the city.

The Tagum’s Finest is composed of 6 teams, each team having four policemen and five personnel from the Security Management Office and the Traffic Management Office, respectively.

Three teams are expected to patrol in vital areas of the city in two shifts, from 8 AM to 8 PM and 8 PM until 8 AM,

for the enforcement of national and local laws, according to Mayor Rellon.

He challenged the members of the Tagum’s Finest to be alert at all times in order for them to secure the general populace of the city. He, however, said that the general public should also take an active role in the prevention of crimes by being vigilant and mindful of the suspecting things happening in their respective environs.

The local chief executive also counted on the barangay tanods and barangay peaceke-

epers to advance his administration’s agenda on peace and security down to the grassroots level.

This is considered to be among the loudest advocacies of Mayor Rellon under his EAGLE WInGS Program.

On the other hand, a brand new patrol car was also given to the local police office along with a service car for Chief of Police Solomon de Castilla.

Meanwhile, the first batch of new service vehicles for city councilors was also blessed during the said occasion.

[Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Nurses, call center agents hot jobs on Labor Day Job Fair n

URSES, household service workers and call center agents top the list of the most number of job vacancies in the coming 2014 Labor Day Job Fair.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Davao region bared yesterday that a total of 18,683 job vacancies were solicited from the 99 local companies and 31 overseas agencies for the biggest job fair of the year.

Overseas employment posted over 15,000 job vacancies. Of the figure, 2,498 vacancies for household worker services; 709 for nurses, 618 sales man/ assistant; 607 security guards; and 469 laborer/ helper.

Completing the top 10 list of overseas employment vacancies included masons, plumbers, carpenters, electrician and cleaners (janitorial services).

Most of the overseas employments are bound for the Middle East particularly United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi

Arabia and Oman.

Meanwhile, job vacancies for local employment posted a total of 3,151 available positions.

For local employment, call center agent (both for voice and non-voice) tops the list of the most number of vacancies. Among the top 10 most number of vacancies included dealers (of various personal products); telemarketer/ customer service representative; credit counselor; cashier, data receiver; Production workers, account executive accounting staff, laborer/helper and production specialist.

“We are exerting our best effort to gather a high turnout of available jobs that we can offer to our job seekers come Labor Day Job Fair and were are very glad for the overwhelming support of our local employers and overseas placement agencies,” said DOLE Davao Region director Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao.

“We expect to have at least 5,000 job seekers and hopefully we could have

DELIVERY. Aerial shot of delivery of major and critical equipments from South Korea at Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) temporary jetty which fronts the 23-hectare power plant project site at barangay Kamanga, this town on Wednesday, April 16. at least 15% of them to be hired on the spot,” he said.

Gaisano Mall of Davao will hold the Job Fair on

May 1-2, 2014. While SM City Davao will hold the event on May 1.

Gaisano Mall of Tagum

will also be hosting Job Fair on May 1 to cater applicants from the provinces of Davao del norte, Compos-

tela Valley and even those from Davao Oriental. [Sherwin B. Manual/DOLE 11] “The DOLE and our

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep 2013 Apr 2013

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5 418,108 Oct 2013

2006=100

Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

mONtHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RAtE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Global analytics industry needs 4.4-M employees T

HE global analytics industry will need 4.4 million employees next year in order to handle the fast-growing data generation around the world.

In a press launch Tuesday in Makati City of Analitika, the consortium that prepares the country as analytics industry hub in the world, IBM Philippines president and country manager Mariels Almeda-Winhoffer said the Philippines should take advantage of the growing data generation in terms of employment and revenue it can create for the country.

Analytics industry or smarter analytics is a holistic approach that turns an information into insight and insight into business outcomes, according to Analitika.

It organizes and analyzes data for other sectors such as retail telecommunications, banking, and even for the government.

The core of this industry aims to help organization leaders to make better and faster business decisions with the analyzed data.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said only one-third of the 4.4-million jobs will be filled by next year. ”The question is if we can train enough people to

ENHANCING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the poster exhibit at the 9th Scientific Convention of the Phil. Association for Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, held at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases in Davao City from 22-24 April. At the ceremony are (L-R) UP Los Banos Vice Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, Davao City Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella, DA-Crop Biotech Center Dir. Antonio A. Alfonso, DA-XI Asst. Director Rafael Mercado, and PAPTCB Pres. Olivia Damasco. The convention theme “Harnessing tissue culture and biotechnology for enhanced economic opportunities” are seen in the poster exhibits, oral presentations, and technology demos that feature orchids, banana, sago, calamansi, pineapple, garlic, rice, yam, sweet potato, macapuno, calla lily, abaca, and their commercialization. handle this. Because this data analytics requires different skills set,” Domingo said in the sidelines of the launching.

On the other hand, he

noted that the Philippines is “two steps ahead” of any other nation in this new industry since some of the academic institutions here have already introduced curricula on data analysis.

The country is expecting graduates next year with skills fit for the analytics industry.

Moreover, Analitika now gathers support from public and private sectors as well

as the academe to hasten the country’s initiative to create a pool of talents for analytics industry and in order for the country to take a larger share on the USD 212-billion industry. [PNA]

in top OFW destinations may call back home for as low as PHP35 per minute.

“Smart has always recognized the sacrifices OFWs make just to provide for their family. With its low rates and extensive roaming coverage, the Smart Pinoy Roaming SIM aims to keep them inspired and motivated by keeping their communication lines to their families open,” said Ruth Ritumalta, Senior Manager for Smart Prepaid International Services.

Available in accredited Smart dealers worldwide, Smart Pinoy Roaming SIMs may be conveniently loaded up. OFWs may also buy load online thru www.smartpi-

noystore.com or avail of prepaid cards and e-pin vouchers in accredited dealers around the world.

Discounted rates with Txtipid and Talktipid services With a Smart Pinoy Roaming SIM or any Smart Prepaid SIM, OFWs may also enjoy discounted rates for text messages and calls to the Philippines using the Txtipid and Talktipid services.

A special service, Txtipid offers a low rate of PHP2.00 per message sent to Smart subscribers in the Philippines, and PHP10 to other networks. To avail of this service, Smart roamers may simply dial *133*[their de-

sired denomination][#] and press Send. Txtipid load are available in denominations of P100, P150, P200 and P300, which offer 50, 75, 100 and 150 messages to the Philippines, respectively.

To send a message un-

der Txtipid, subscribers only need to dial *133* followed by the 11-digit mobile number of the recipient and the number sign [#]. A flash window will shortly appear where subscribers may type in their message.

Smart offers special roaming SIM for OFWs F

ILIPInOS heading abroad may now get in touch with their loved ones conveniently using a Smart Pinoy Roaming SIM, a special SIM that has pre-activated roaming and is able to receive text messages from the Philippines free of charge. now available with a new design for only PHP60, the Smart Pinoy Roaming SIM offers the widest roaming coverage for texts and calls at the most affordable rates for OFWs. With the special SIM, OFWs stationed in over 100 countries may get in touch with their relatives anytime for as low as PHP20 pesos per text, while those working

as of May 2013 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 Cebu Pacific Thu

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

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

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 Manila-Davao-Manila

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

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE27 27••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,APRIL APRIL23, 23,2014 2014

DESPITE 2013 DIP IN INVESTMENTS

Renewable energy market share climbs R

Renewables account for 44% of 2013’s newly-installed generating capacity despite global investment dropping for second year.

EnEWABLE energy’s share of world electricity generation continued its steady climb last year despite a 14 per cent drop in investments to US$214.4 billion.

According to Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2014 - produced by the Frankfurt School-UnEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance, the United nations Environment Programme (UnEP) and Bloomberg new Energy Finance - the investment drop of $US35.1 billion was partly down to the falling cost of solar photovoltaic systems.

The other main cause was policy uncertainty in many countries, an issue that also depressed investment in fossil fuel generation in 2013.

Globally, renewables excluding large hydro accounted for 43.6 per cent of newly installed generating capacity in 2013. Were it not for renewables, world energy-related CO2 emissions would have been an estimated 1.2 gigatonnes higher in 2013.

This would have increased by about 12 per cent the gap between where emissions are heading and where they need to be in 2020 if the world is to have a realistic prospect of staying under a two degree Centigrade temperature rise.

“A long-term shift in investment over the next few decades towards a cleaner energy portfolio is needed to avoid dangerous climate change, with the energy sector accounting for around two thirds of total greenhouse gas emissions,” said Achim Steiner, Un Under-Secretary-General and

Executive Director of UnEP. “The fact that renewable energy is gaining a bigger share of overall generation globally is encouraging. To support this further, we must re-evaluate investment priorities, shift incentives, build capacity and improve governance structures.”

“While some may point to the fact that overall investment in renewables fell in 2013, the drop masks the many positive signals of a dynamic market that is fast evolving and maturing,” he added. “This should give governments the confidence to forge a new robust climate agreement to cut emissions at the 2015 climate change conference in Paris.”

In recent years, Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment has become the standard refer-ence for global renewable energy investment figures. The 2014 edition will be showcased at the Bloomberg new Finance Initiative “Future of Energy Summit” in new York from 7-9 April 2014.

Ulf Moslener, Head of Research of the Frankfurt School-UnEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sus-tainable Energy Finance, agreed that the overall decline in investment dollars had been disappointing.

However, he said, “foundations for future growth in the renewable energy market fell into place in 2013.”

Michael Liebreich, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Bloomberg new Energy Finance, said: “Lower costs, a return to profitability on the part of some leading manufacturers, the phenomenon of unsubsidized market uptake in a number of

countries, and a warmer attitude to renewables among public market investors, were hopeful signs after several years of painful shakeout in the renewable energy sector.”

The report points to the end of a four-and-a-half year 78 per cent decline in clean energy stocks, which bottomed out in July 2012 and then gained 54 per cent in 2013 - an improvement that took place as many companies in the solar and wind manufacturing chains moved back towards profitability after a painful period of over-capacity and corporate distress.

Large hydro-electric projects were another important area of investment with at least 20 GW of capacity estimated to have come on stream in 2013, equivalent to approximately US$35 billion of investment.

Although investment in renewable energy capacity, including all hydro, in 2013 was once again below gross investment in fossil-fuel power, at US$227 billion compared to US$270 billion, it was roughly dou-ble the net figure for investment in fossil-fuel power excluding replacement plant.

The year marked a deepening involvement of long-term investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, wealth managers and private individuals in the equity and debt of wind and solar projects. Part of their new engagement was through clean energy bond issuance, which set a new record of US$3.2 billion raised in 2013, as well as via new types of financing vehicles including north American

‘yield companies’ and real estate investment trusts.

But the star performer among investment types in 2013 was public market equity-raising by renewable energy companies, which jumped 201 per cent to US$11 billion. This was the highest since 2010, spurred on by the rally in clean energy share prices and institutional investors’ appetite for funds offering solid yields.

Additional highlights: • Last year was the first ever that China invested more in renewable energy than Europe. China’s total was down by 6 per cent at US$56 billion, while Europe’s dropped 44 per cent to US$48 billion. The US saw a fall of 10 per cent to US$36 billion. India moved 15 per

cent down to US$6 billion and Brazil 54 per cent down to US$3 billion, the lowest since 2005.

• The Americas, excluding the US and Brazil, increased investment in renewables by 26 per cent (to US$12 billion) in 2013.

Japan’s solar boom helped to drive an 80 per cent increase in re-newable energy investment to US$29 billion in 2013.

• Installed solar jumped 26 per cent - from 31 Gigawatts in 2012 to a record 39 GW in 2013 even as investment in solar capacity decreased 23 per cent from US$135.6 billion to US$104.1 billion.

• A trickle of significant projects - many of them in Latin America but others

in the Middle East and Africa, are taking place in wind and solar without any subsidy support, or in preference to more expensive fossil-fuel options. Hydro-electric has for decades competed headon with coal and gas. now, in an increasing number of locations wind and solar are doing the same. For instance, in Chile a 70MW PV plant and three wind farms totaling 213MW have been constructed as merchant plants that compete openly on the spot power market.

• Renewables excluding large hydro accounted for 8.5 percent of global electricity generation in 2013, up from 7.8 per cent in 2012, and have seen cumulative investment of over $1.5 trillion since 2006. [UNEP]

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDItORIAL

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Cultural bonanza

ESTERDAY, and today, Dabawenyos are treated to something different: a two-day cultural event organized by the Consular Office in Davao of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and several collaborating groups spearheaded by the Japan Philippine Volunteers Association. It is called “Japan Big Day, Discover and Explore Japan,” showcasing Japanese traditional dance performances, calligraphy demonstration and other cultural activities. The program included video presentations on Japan’s famous tourist destinations, popular arts and cuisine. As usual Dabawenyos marveled at the very colorful and unique designs of Japanese costumes. The presentations made at the atrium of Lanang SM Premier admittedly amused and entertained a big group of city residents who trouped to the mall and stayed there for hours until the program ended late in the afternoon.

Many of those who came lauded the event and congratulated the Japanese Consular Office headed by Consul Koichi Ibara with the active involvement of his lady.

Arguably, the event deserves to be repeated if only for us, locals, to fully appreciate the culture of a neighboring country, whose history and traditions are strongly linked with ours. Indeed, Dabawenyos ought to remember that once upon a time, a

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines tel: (082) 301-6235 telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

few years before the Second World War in the early 40s, there were some 30,000 Japanese who lived in Davao City as plantation executives and workers, businessmen and professionals. In fact, a big number of Japanese men fell in love with local women and begot thousands of children before the war ended when they were expatriated back to Japan.

Cultural events involving other nationals of other neighboring countries like South Korea, Indonesia, China and Malaysia should likewise be encouraged.

Indeed, it would be sensational if Davao City holds an Indonesian Day, Chinese Day, Malaysian Day and Japanese Day on a regular basis yearly. These events can be staged with the cooperation of airline companies and other business establishments which can give big discounts to people who would come, shop and enjoy the hospitality of Dabawenyos. Once institutionalized, these festivals could become magnets to domestic and foreign tourists. Imagine the amount of business it could generate. Of course, it would be a security nightmare so to speak. However, maintaining law, order and safety in events like these here and elsewhere in the world have always been difficult and risky. But we submit that it is worth the trouble.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

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Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City tel: (088) 852-4894

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EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Growing sense of futility

n ESCAPE VALVE FOR SOCIETAL DISCOnTEnT – The tribal chieftains in Davao del norte just recently raised the curtain on lies about the alleged dislocation of indigenous poor farming families in the hinterland areas of the impoverished town of Talaingod as a result of purported military operations.

To prove their point, the tribal leaders accused the rebel movement and its propaganda arm and left-leaning organizations of persuading some tribal families to evacuate to Davao City to avoid being caught in the crossfire between the military and rebel forces. It has been two weeks since these poor people have been staying in the city without proper shelter and lack of food.

The tribal leaders’ courage is startling and during the consultative meeting they called upon the local military and police leadership and concerned agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help them convince their people to return back home.

This time the tribal leaders wouldn’t be alone. Ranking AFP and PnP officials, DILG and DSWD executives in the region are all there to assist and assured the tribal chieftains to help them find solutions to their prevailing problems. Government representative were upbeat about the prospects for headway during the consultative meeting with the people.

The reason for the tribal leaders’ worry is that the rebel movement with the help of different militant groups depends much on their twisted views of helping the natives in airing their grievances, which is of course stealthily promoting their selfish interest and political

survival.

The rebel movement, as their wont, is trying hard to make it appear that the presence of government forces in the hinterland areas would only aggravate the tension and ignite armed conflict.

Most likely, poor farming families are directly affected in the event an armed confrontation occur. While hurling provocative invectives at authorities, the rebel group only acknowledges it has been carrying out a clandestine plan to instill hate and anger in the hearts and minds of the indigenous people toward the government. Simply put, it is part of their “propaganda warfare.”

For all their trappings for power and influence, the rebel movement and its political arm and die-hard militant supporters are worried about their rightfulness in the public mind.

Indeed, it would seem their best interest is to move swiftly to “perfecting the art of deception.” Their haughty leaders are trying hard to impress that the movement is the real protector of the masses of our people. Sad to say, only those sympathetic to their cause believe such nonsense.

The hollowness of public support or perhaps nothing of it for their twisted logic leads to potential instability of their foundation. It would only establish public anger and distrust

at the expense of those who have been enforcing the lies. The complaints of the tribal leaders are stark reminders of the lingering unstable peace and order condition confronting the indigenous communities.

Their most common grumble involves using wittingly or unwittingly the lumads by the rebels as perceived victims of military operations and abuses. During the consultative dialogue with authorities, the tribal chieftains wanted their people to come back to where their livelihoods are. Prolonged stay in the big city will only make their lives miserable because the vested-interest groups who prodded them to flock in hordes to the city are nowhere to be found.

Unfortunately, the assistance promised by these people who speak fluently the jargon of the poor never happened. The poor and innocent natives instead became a “showcase” to promote the hidden agenda of the rebel movement and its cohorts. Knowing the temperament of the rebel group, military and police officials say the latter’s implausible passion for carnage and atrocity will continue.

Security experts noted the underlying hopes that the armed conflict can be defuse with more talks and negotiations is a growing sense of futility. Providing with a more permanent and satisfying solutions to the fragile peace and order situation remain elusive because the rebel movement values the government policies as an escape valve for societal discontent. Meanwhile, the people in the hinterlands experienced the worst things in the poor farming communities, yet at the same time they believe their grievances will be addressed sooner.

Don’t bother with share-based pay

C

oca-cola’s plan to give generous awards of shares to executives has angered some of its shareholders. They have good reason to complain about the potential transfer of about 15 percent of the company to the top 1 percent of its staff. But Coke is only pushing the already bad idea of share-based pay to a foolish extreme.

The justification for paying workers in their employer’s paper is simple and superficially appealing. Worker-owners might be more motivated to push for higher profit than if they just received salaries, even salaries which have bonuses in the millions tied to company performance.

The argument relies on a narrow view of corporate purpose: the sole goal is to maximise the share price, that is, the present value of future profit. Even if that doubtful assertion is accepted, the connection between an individual worker’s contribution and the movement of the share price is too weak for stock awards to motivate behaviour.

In fact, it’s worse than that. Changes in the share price have little to do with actual improvement or setbacks to corporate prospects at all. Financial theory says otherwise.

It relies on a claim that the current share price is always the best available estimate of value. The messy reality is different. Economics nobel laureate Robert Shiller identified one problem in 1999, saying “prices change in substantial measure because the investing public en masse capriciously changes its mind.” The subsequent gyrations of stock markets have demonstrated that financial conditions also have a great influence on share prices.

COMMENTARY By edward hadaS Over the decades, all investors’ psychological errors might be corrected and all monetary forces could cancel each other out.

But shareholding workers may well have to wait a half-century or so before they can be confident that the stock market will justly reward them for their company’s economic performance. Most of the employees concerned will have retired or died by the time the stock and economic returns have been well aligned. In the interim, the price will reflect many things, with corporate success quite a way down the list.

The responsibility of almost all workers is too limited to move the share price. A few top executives have that power, but even they are often victims or beneficiaries of larger trends. They must deal with an existing enterprise, respond to changes in technology and taste, and ride economic waves. Those factors, plus luck, almost always have far more influence on share movements than individual genius or foolishness.

In the circumstances, share awards seem at best irrelevant. But this form of pay is actually harmful. It makes employees more dependent on their employer’s fortunes, both in the stock market and in the real world.

That is bad personal finance for junior employees. It can lead higher-level employees to favour unduly whatever foolishness investors currently demand. In addition, rising share prices can lead to overconfidence and falls can hurt morale.

As for the many outside shareholders who favour share awards, they are endorsing a technique of wealth subtraction for themselves. Any shares issued at a discount to the market price reduce the economic value attributed to each previously issued share.

Defenders of share awards often deny there is a loss of value to existing shareholders, as long as stock buybacks are used to keep the total share count constant. Reported earnings per share support this defence, but only because the accounting for buybacks is economically inaccurate. If the share repurchases were treated correctly – which are generally a kind of dividend distribution with no real effect on the equity capital base – it would be clear that they do not actually compensate for the new shares issued to employees.

Still, there is one thing to be said in favour of making employees shareholders: it blurs the socially divisive distinction between capital and labour. Unfortunately, the effect is muted by the narrow group of workers who receive stock awards – just look at Coke.

If managers really wanted to use stock awards in a fair way, they would start by buying the shares they want to give employees in the open market. Then they would award equal numbers of shares to each employee. Ideally, the shares should be held in trust until retirement or later, to minimise any temptation to worry about the share price.

It’s a nice plan, but something tells me that few top executives are going to be interested.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The imperative of hands-on democracy now WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

W

Part 1 of 2

E’VE had over a century of democracy and electoral politics but real democracy and inclusive development—its putative by-product— continues to be elusive. All the public rituals, the sermonizing, and the verbal admonition to foster the democratic spirit or practice has not made a dent on our society.

We have yet to institutionalize true representative democracy or good governance. The people in charge remain presumptuous, autocratic, and manipulative.

There is no statesmanship. The public service has transmogrified into self-service. The laws are circumvented or openly violated.

Criminality with impunity reigns on all levels. Putschists or coup plotters are rewarded with senate seats. Corrupt or notoriously immoral politicos are elected or re-elected. Thus money politics and demagoguery prevail.

But our electorate remains passive. If it acts willfully at all, it chooses autocrats and oligarchs, or enthrones dynastic rulers.

In light of all this, it is unlikely that our political values and institutions will mature anytime soon, let alone attain parity with those of progressive nations.

For Filipinos to learn the ways of democracy, it is not enough to preach the principles or the spirit of democratic practice. Verbal motivation does not suffice.

What is sorely needed is actual experience in the ways of democracy, not ineffectual slogans and sanctimonious advocacy by do-gooders who themselves are not exactly paragons of responsible citizenship.

And now, in Mindanao, our second largest island, will be added another layer to the dysfunctional system: the so-called ministerial form of government—one that the MILF itself characterizes as “asymmetrical” to the present structure and process familiar to everyone. not a reassuring term; it means irregular, lop-sided, uneven, unbalanced.

A century of attempts to make the current system work has been difficult enough; how do they propose to make an unaccustomed asymmetrical system work? The truth is, the areas contemplated for MILF hegemony are notorious for scuttling democracy and turning electoral politics a travesty.

But I’m still for going along with the Bangsamoro Agreement, for giving the formula a chance, and pray that it breaks the mold of undemocratic, ugly politics.

And I urge all concerned to do their homework and rehearse their game plan even now.

For one, it’s time to clarify the concept of a “ministerial form of government.”

Will it be a system ruled by ministers taking their cue from a powerful prime minister? Will the prime minister be a de facto king or a primus inter pares?

Skeptics are already wondering whether minister will be a mere euphemism, a substitute to the well-established protocols of claimants to royalty and command positions of yore.

In any case, what’s important all around is to accept that the best training for democracy is hands-on experience in its processes. Is it acceptable to all concerned that one must participate in the democratic process—without pulling rank, without brandishing weapons, without using money, etc.

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Bankerohan...FFROM 1

Council... FFROM 2

also use the Diversion Road to reach Panacan crossing or Quimpo Boulevard or Guillermo E. Torres Street (Sandawa road) to reach Quezon Boulevard or the city proper.

Poliquit added that they will also make the Gov. Generoso Bridge 1 a two-way passage to accommodate motorists who have transactions in Bankerohan.

Engr. Alvin Cabueñas, DPWH project coordinator, emphasized the immediate need for the repair “due to the critical condition of the bridge.”

“The foundation of this pier is about 1/3 na lang ang nakapenetrate sa foundation,” said Cabueñas adding that the 11 meters of the foundation was already exposed with scouring.

Davao LRT Railway Project should be conducted for a period of not more than 12 months from the signing of MoU. The memorandum stipulates that all expenses in the conduct of the study shall be to the sole account of KEC and will be of no cost on the part of the city nor the city is obliged to give any monetary consideration for the expertise and conduct thereof by KEC, except its counterpart technical support.

KEC shall not assign nor transfer its interest and responsibilities enumerated in

the MoU to any party without the written consent of the city.

The memorandum will immediately terminate upon mutual agreement in writing by the parties or upon expiration of duration of the study, whichever comes earlier, absent any further agreement mutually acceded by the parties.

The MoU states that there should be no amendment or supplement to the memorandum, and no approval or consent constituting an amendment, shall be effective for any purpose unless made in writ-

ing signed by the parties.

It further stipulates in the memorandum that the MoU should serve as preliminary agreement between the city and KEC, and any subsequent agreement, as needed shall be executed in writing and effected in accordance with existing Philippine laws, rules and regulations.

“It is understood that Davao City and KEC will make representations to their respective national government to gain support for the project, if necessary.

The memorandum further states that in the event that the proposed railway project will be materialized, the city, in compliance with the rules and procedures of government procurement, is not be understood as having imposed nor bound itself under this agreement, to hire services, nor utilize the construction services, or award the contract to KEC, as procurement by the government in this case, shall undergo the usual bidding process under law.

that a total of 136 families or equivalent to around 650 individuals were affected by the calamity in Puroks 2, 4, 5, 6, 15, 17, 18 and 19.

Joaquino said no casualties were reported but some 26 houses were totally damaged and 110 others sustained partial damages.

“These figures could still

increase in the coming days as our assessment teams are still checking the other affected areas,” she told the PnA. Acting on orders from City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, the CDRRMO and the City Social Welfare and Development Office released food packs composed of rice, noodles and canned goods to the

affected families.

Dagadas Panayaman, Barangay Tinagacan chair, said the city government has committed to immediately address the needs of the affected residents, especially those who were taking temporary shelter at the barangay gymnasium.

The mayor has sched-

uled an emergency meeting of the CDRRM Council at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the necessary interventions to the affected areas and residents.

“The council will evaluate whether there’s a need for more interventions, especially on the rehabilitation aspect,” Joaquino said.[PNA]

The next day, there will be Snookers class and standard agility class. Snookers is somehow patterned to a game of billiards.

Around 30 dogs are expected to participate in the

competition where the Western Mindanao Canine Club of Zamboanga City vowed to send five of their top agility dogs to compete together with seven well-trained agility dogs of SCSCI with the lo-

cal agility dogs of Davao.

The Dog owners of Tagum or simply called as DOTA will try their luck again as they will bring with them their skilled agility dogs once more in the com-

petition. not only that, Ryan Ong Cabahug will also bring his rescued Aspin dog named Amiga to perform some of her freestyle Frisbee moves and dog tricks to the crowd.

container vans used for import and export in coordination with the shipping line and container yards in the custom’s zone.

“The fact that the empty container van from Manila to

Davao was a local transaction and therefore not subject to the BOC port of Davao processing and monitoring,” the statement stipulates.

The Task Force Davao Cocaine has already recovered

64 bricks of illegal drugs after the five were turned over last holy week.

On the evening of March 22, joint forces of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – 11,

Davao City Police Office – Investigation and Detection Management Branch, Bunawan Police Precinct and BOC recovered the first 24 kilos of cocaine concealed in 24 bricks. [ABF]

marketing) is our homework between now and September to attract business clusters in Europe,” Beck said, adding that they are working hard to transform the perception of investors, including Manilenos who still perceive and misunderstood Mindanao.

He said Mindanao has also suffered from negative publicity abroad.

“That is why we are now working hard together to transform the perception of Manilenos, and to let them see the reality, which is that

Mindanao is ripe for a lot more business, and that it wants to attract more investments in the manufacturing sector,” Beck said.

Beck said European companies are more interested on the manufacturing sector as better growth engine.

Keisuke nakao, president of JCCM, said the Japanese government is high on the development potential of Mindanao and in supporting to solve historical conflicts and poverty issue. nakao said the Japanese

government’s contribution to address poverty and security in Mindanao are indicated by its continued support to projects through JICA and J-BIRD gratis fund aids and hosting conference between President Benigno Aquino III and Mr. Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, Supreme leader of MILF, last 2011 at narita Airport Tokyo.

He also highlighted the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement signed last 2008. nakao, however, em-

phasized that investors still consider Mindanao as a high investment risk, thus JCCM has to send positive appeal to Japan and abroad in order for investors to realize the big chance to hold business in Mindanao.

Gil Dureza, regional head of the Board of Investments, said there is now a new level of optimism after the signing of the peace agreement.

He said there is a heightened interest on Mindanao’s potentials. [PNA]

arrived in the Port of Manila on December 21, 2013. The container arrived in Port of Davao on January 8, 2014.

It was allegedly placed at the repair container area beside Sumifro Wharf and later transferred to the company’s compound on March 19.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said during the press conference that he will let Ro-

sales to handle the disposal of the illegal drugs as soon as possible.

“I suppose it will be in the next few months… wala naman akong [sabihin nating ] duda ako, basta I just want the constituents of Davao City na makita ng tao kung ano ang mangyari,” Duterte said.

Davao City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Da-

nao Jr. told reporters last Saturday that the cocaine recovered during the buy-bust operation last April 9 will not be disposed as will be used as evidence against the suspects.

Earlier, Duterte said that the recovered illegal drugs should be disposed in Davao City, expressing his apprehension that the recovered drugs may be “recycled” once brought to Manila.

He said that the city government already identified an area to be used for the disposal.

The Task Force is now looking for the recovery of two more bricks of cocaine after five of the total 64 bricks were turned over to law enforcement authorities in three separate incidents last holy week. The five drugs recovered have a total weight of 4,811.

5 grams.

technology of University of the Philippines– Los Baños said yesterday that commercialization of outputs from research is one of the challenges faced by scientists and researchers.

“Some inventors are afraid

to make their inventions available to the public because of the fear of being pirated but we already have laws,” he said, referring to Republic Act no.

10055 or Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009

which provides framework and support system for the ownership, management, use, and commercialization of intellectual property produced from researches and development funded by government.

Ebora, however, expressed apprehension on the possibility that the outputs from the researches will be dictated by the funding agency or company “rather than the sole purpose of the researcher.”

“We cannot wait for another flood to occur kay basin mag collapse ang atong bridge?

That is why ang need ani nga bridge for repair is very immediate,” he said.

He said that the project had started last year but it was stopped on December 16, 2013 because of the refusal of illegal settlers under the bridge to vacate the area.

Cabueñas also cited the need to transfer the communication and power lines that ran along with the bridge also affected the project.

Cabueñas said that the project is being implemented under Disaster Related Rehabilitation Project of DPWH and being managed by Cebu-based Oscar Sarmiento Construction.

Edge Davao hiring 3 reporters

EDGE DAVAO is a need of three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program.

The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats.

Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. Experience is not needed although preferable.

Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 2213601.

NOTIcE OF lOSS

Notice is hereby given by lOYOlA PlANS cONSOlIDATED INc. that cERTIFIcATE OF FUll PAYMENT No.(s) 1005127 under contract No. 299057-0 issued to TRINIDAD J. GAlENDEZ 016579 under contract No. 921983-3 issued to SOllANO ESTElITA DEcENA were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

04/23,30 , 5/7

NOTIcE OF lOSS

Notice is hereby given by lOYOlA PlANS cONSOlIDATED INc. that cERTIFIcATE OF FUll PAYMENT No.(s) 21056049 under lOYOlA PlAN contract No.(s) 10042733-0 issued to cESAR D. PAlAcIOS was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/9/16/23

NOTIcE OF lOSS

Notice is hereby given by lOYOlA PlANS cONSOlIDATED INc. that cERTIFIcATE OF FUll PAYMENT No.(s) 021084 under lOYOlA PlAN contract No.(s) 747898-5 issued to cARlITO B. AlEGRADO was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/16,23,30

Farming...FFROM 2

DAUG...FFROM 2

Ask... FFROM 3

GHP...FFROM 3

Burning... FFROM 3

Thai... FFROM 3

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

SPES grantees earn while learning S

TUDEnT employees started their summer jobs in various government offices in the province in order to earn as they learn.

The provincial government of Davao del norte has again collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in implementing the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year, pursuant to Republic Act no. 9547.

The program seeks to provide employment to poor but deserving students to help them partly pay for their education.

The province will deploy a total of 199 student employees this year, where the first batch of 99 grantees already started their 20-day summer employment last April 21, 2014.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Romulo Tagalo said that the SPES program also intends to provide the students with essential experience to prepare them for the actual workplace and to in-

crease their marketability after graduation.

“You are here not only to earn but to learn, as well,” he told the grantees during the orientation program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan.

Studies have shown that workplace experience promotes learning among the student employees.

A particular research in northwestern University, Illinois, United States revealed this accumulation of skills and knowledge include collaboration, problem solving, task repetition and reflection.

DOLE Provincial Director Milagros Gutierrez said the students will be paid to help them pay their tuition fees and other miscellaneous expenses for the next school year.

As in the past, the grantees will receive a salary of P250 per day, where 60 percent of which is to be shouldered by the province and the rest by the Department of Labor and Employment. [Noel Baguio]

Student employees are all eyes and ears during their orientation at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. Ondoy Laguitao

DOLE Provincial Director Milagros Gutierrez explains the SPES program to student employees. Ondoy Laguitao

Assistant Provincial Administrator Romulo Tagalo urges the SPES grantees to maximize their time to learn while serving in various agencies. Ondoy Laguitao

CARD MRI extends aid to Davao fire affected families T

HE day after the areas of Barangay 21-C, Barangay 22-C, Barangay 23-C, and Isla Verde in Boulevard were consumed by huge fire which left 3,700 families homeless, CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) acted quickly and organized a relief operation to provide immediate food assistance.

Through the CARD MRI Disaster Relief Assistance Program (CDRAP) led by its microinsurance provider, CARD Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (CARD MBA, Inc.), 570 families who lost their houses to fire received food and medicines amounting to PhP 228,000.00. CARD MBA, Inc. which has a provincial office in Matina, Davao City has been serving Davaoeños for seven years by providing microinsurance for the whole family.

Fifty two families who availed the CaMIA PAID (Package Assistance in case of Disaster) Plan were also paid by their re-house claims amounting to PhP 652,500.00 through CARD MRI Insurance Agency, Inc. and its insurer, CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc. (CPMI). The three institutions were able to send and settle claims within the 1-3-5 day settlement target.

The CDRAP is a nationwide program of CARD MRI to respond to immediate food and medicine needs of its clients and their families in times of disasters. CARD MBA, Inc. and CaMIA are member institutions of CARD MRI which is based in San Pablo City, Laguna. On the other hand, CPMI is a new joint venture of CARD and Pioneer that provides non-life microinsurance products and is based in Makati City.

12 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Mommy incorporated

Whether it’s creative solutions, event planning or crafting, each one of us has a marketable skill that can serve as foundation for any kind of business. Nowadays, many moms, because of the demands of motherhood, choose to have home-based businesses in order to make the most of their time with family and strike a better balance between business and home life.

Mompreneurs, as they are now called, represent the fastest growing segments in our economy.

This mompreneur movement has become a very interesting one as it gradually changed attitudes towards stay at home mothers. Not only do modern moms get to nurture and express their creativity and business acumen by having their own business, they have also become their own boss and they get to work on the field they are passionate about.

Freelance businesses are easy to start, low in risk and offer a great combination of flexibility and high income potential with only minimal startup capital. The rise of the Internet has spawned a new generation of entrepreneurs, particularly among women. Accessible Web tools and techniques have made it possible and easy for anyone to create, launch and sustain new businesses. take it from Anna Ibarreta-Santos, the woman behind the successful Fabianne trends Unlimited (FtU) line of party and utility bags. “ever since I was little I had a penchant for selling,” explains Anna. “every weekend back in the 80’s, I would always ask my Mom to buy me pack of candies and I sold them at a restaurant for 50 cents each. When I learned to bake, I also took in orders for the holidays. I also sold pre-loved clothes whenever I felt I had too much in my closet.”

“I finished a Business Management course in Ateneo and took an internship at Palatinit GmBh in Mannheim, Germany for AIeSeC’s exchange Program. I returned to Davao after I completed my internship

FMOMMY, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Abreeza Mall celebrates Earth Day with Recyclable Fair EvErY YEAr on April 22, almost 200 nations in different continents observe Earth Day, a grand annual celebration in support of environmental protection that has been observed internationally since 1970. As Earth Day once again rolls round this year, Abreeza Mall calls on Davaoeños to be one with the rest of the world and stand up for their home planet by taking part in the Earth Day recyclable Fair, happening on April 22, 2014 at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center.

With improper waste disposal causing grave effects on the environment and the health of the planet as a whole, Abreeza Mall gives customers a venue to responsibly get rid of trash they may have in their own households.

Cu s t o m e r s are encouraged to deposit their recyclable items, particularly electronic waste, tarp, and paper products, at this whole-day event at the Activity Center. This activity is made possible in partnership with the Ayala Business Club Davao, and is supported by Ayala Property Management Corporation, Globe Telecom, and Human Nature.

Yet another green living treat happening at Abreeza Mall this week is the Davao Ecofair 2014, taking place at the ground floor Supermarket Hallway from April 21 to 27, 2014.

Here, mall-goers will find a great selection of eco-friendly products to help them kick off and maintain a greener, healthier lifestyle.

The Earth Day recyclable Fair is the latest in a line of projects that demonstrate Abreeza Mall’s long-standing support to environmental advocacies. Its recent Earth Hour celebration on March 29, 2014 involved a benefit dinner dubbed Green Plates and an Earth Hour-themed art competition called Art in the Dark, both held for the benefit of the Davao City Water District’s Adopt-a-Site Program.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall events, visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

Win a tablet every day with SUN Broadband’s Gadget Blowout Did you know that surfing the Web, posting on Facebook, or visiting your favorite blogs using Sun Broadband can now earn you a chance to have your very own tablet?

Now you can be the envy of your friends as you go around with your shiny new tablet thanks to SUNBroadband’s Gadget Blowout promo, where one Alcatel T7 HD Tablet, one P100 prepaid load and 10 P50 prepaid load are up for grabs to lucky subscribers nationwide DAILY. Every P5 worth of SUN Broadband load will instantly give you an entry into the raffle. Topping up with a P100 Sun Broadband Unlimited Surf load, for example, is equivalent to 20 raffle entries right away. So load up for more chances of winning.

With your very own Alcatel T7 HD powered by a 1.6 GHz dual-core processor, a 7-inch IPS LCD screen and 8GB of internal memory, you can have unlimited Internet fun powered by a consistent, fast, and reliable Internet connection from SUN Broadband.

SUN Broadband prepaid loads come in two variants— Unlimited Surf and Budget Surf—that offer the most affordable Internet surfing rates in the country today.

Choose the perfect load variant for your type of Internet habits: Unlimited Surf comes in P50 (1 day), P100 (3 days), P220 (7 days), P450 (15 days), and P899 (30 days), denominations; while Budget Surf comes in P15 (90 mins valid for one day), P25 (3 hours valid for one day), P40 (4 hours valid for 3 days), P80 (10 hours valid for 7 days), P150 (20 hours valid for 15 days), and P300 (40 hours valid for 30 days) denominations.

So load up on Sun Broadband prepaid loads today to get a chance to win your very own tablet or broadband load for more hours of surfing online. Winning has never been this easy! For more information, visit www.sunbroadband.ph.

Sun Cellular is the mobile brand of Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., a member of the PLDT Group.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EvENT

A double celebration at World K Box

DAvAo CIty’S singers as well as partyphiles now have a new roost to call their home in Downtown in the form World K Box Ktv. Located along Palma Gil street near Durainburg’s bar district, World K Box Ktv recently held their grand opening last April 10.

Couple, Icarius “Sol” Lim Crisostomo and Ivy Sabrine Crisostomo, decided to open their latest venture when they de-

cided to close their older businesses and shift their attention to World K Box which is now much closer to the party beat of the city.

Sol and Ivy also decided to make it a two-for-one event with the safarithemed birthday party of their son eli sharing the date opening of K Box. The party was organized

by Bonjee entertainment Services and was highlighted by a magical show

by Davao-based magican, Kuya James Infiesto.

“We decided to throw our son, eli’s, birthday party together with the opening of World K Box because we want to show off K Box’s capability of also holding exclusive parties and events.” beams

Ivy. “We normally would have a common room Ktv bar set-up but for functions, we can have the area exclusively for the party and the celebrants can arrange the space anyway they want to have it.”

Aside from the main bar area, World K Box also has four family Ktv rooms on the ground floor plus an open air bar area on the second level with an adjacent Ktv room.

“We wanted to take our guests on a tour around the world and that is why we have different themes for our Ktv rooms.” Ivy adds. “We have a room that has a Stonehenge theme, while the adjacent room has a cherry blossoms in Japan theme.”

World K Box Ktv also boasts of the latest karaoke system which allows for the best sound quality as well as ease in finding the songs one wants to belt out.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

ENTErTAINMENT

Meryl Streep: ‘I thought I was too ugly to be an actress’ MErYL STrEEP is returning to college!

The 64-year-old Oscar winner recently visited Indiana University, where she accepted an honorary doctoral degree from the Bloomington school. During her acceptance speech, Streep revealed she wasn’t so confident about her looks at the time she started acting.

“I was always in plays, but I thought it was vain to be an actress,” Streep admitted.

“Plus, I thought I was too ugly to be an actress. Glasses weren’t fabulous then.”

Streep went on, “Many of my friends woke up at three years of age and said, ‘I have to be on stage.’ I never had that. I’ve always been an omnivore, interested in way too many things, but I found the one profession that fed all my appetites.”

Fast-forward to today: Streep is one of the most beloved actors alive.

As for being over 50 in

the entertainment industry, Streep said, “When I was 40, I was offered three witches in one summer. And I thought, ‘OK, this is it. You turn 40, and oh my god.’ The only reason I have a career at 64 is that I’ve had hits later in life. I’ve found that once certain movies are out, audiences aren’t so age-phobic.

They were willing, and they were happy.”

Streep also gave one very important piece of advice for aspiring young performers.

“For young women, I would say, don’t worry so much about your weight,” she said. “Girls spend way too much time thinking about that, and there are better things. For young men, and women, too, what makes you different or weird, that’s your strength. Everyone tries to look a cookie-cutter kind of way and actually the people who look different are the ones who get picked up. I used to hate my nose.

Now I don’t. It’s OK.”

Celebrity style KAtE MIDDlEtON is showing the world what the future Queen of England will look like with a tailored look. the cut and color may be more traditional than some of her fun and flirty looks, but that’s exactly what makes the finished product so totally crown-worthy. the Jane taylor designed fascinator in a slightly deeper colour, complimented the sleek dreamy blue Alexander McQueen coat which sports a high neckline and a clinched waist.

SPINNR opens program for indie artists and labels to reach wider audience SPINNr, the Philippines’ largest online and mobile music streaming portal, recently announced the opening of a new program that will allow local independent musicians and labels to reach millions of users nationwide through their mobile phones.

With the launch of SPINNr Indie, musicians can now submit their songs and sell them via SPINNr, which instantly gives them access to the more than 72 million mobile subscribers of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular nationwide via the various SPINNr apps.

“When it launched, SPINNr promised the total music

experience to Filipino music fans, and this includes the availability of songs from local independent musicians,” said Mellissa Limcaoco, Innovation and Product Development Head at Smart.

“SPINNr Indie is the fulfillment of our advocacy to support original Pinoy music by providing an avenue for artists to distribute and earn from their creations.”

Any aspiring indepen-

dent band or record label can submit their tracks on SPINNr Indie by simply logging on to the SPINNr Indie registration site (spinnr.ph/ indie) to register their interest to join the program.

Once registered, they will be screened and notified via email of the onboarding process, as well as the requirements they need to fulfill to sell their songs on SPINNr. When they are finally onboard, indie musicians will be able to distribute their music to all SPINNr users who will be able to download their songs via the Web, or on mobile through the Android or iOS app.

Song downloads on SPINNr

range from as low as P10 up to P20.

“With the wealth of musical talent available in the Philippines, SPINNr Indie can provide an avenue for artists and fans alike to share and discover new Pinoy music in an exciting and more convenient way through the Web and their mobile phones,” Limcaoco added.

Launched in October 2013, SPINNr is the country’s biggest music portal with more than 3 million songs currently available in its expanding catalogue. Interested bands and aggregators who want to know more details about the SPINNr Indie program may visit spinnr. ph/indie.

Tres Marias on GMA News TV’s ‘Mars’ this Wednesday What happens when three of the country’s OPM legends take the MArS center stage in one night?

Definitely an entertaining evening with unlimited chikahan!

Cookie Chua, Bayang Barrios and Lolita Carbon, collectively known today as Tres Marias, grace the stage of GMA News Tv’s MArS to sing the latest single of their debut album. Then the ladies sit down to talk about so-called the grown woman’s oath, a checklist comprised of statements that define a woman’s maturity, in the

MArS Sharing Group segment.

Later, indulge in the exotic cuisine as Cookie cooks a visayan dish called Bakalaw Tuyo. The Tres Marias will also hit the dance floor to see how they fair in dancing Batchata.

Watch Cookie, Bayang and Lolita with hosts Camille Prats and Suzi Abrera in MArS this Wednesday, 7pm, on GMA News Tv. viewers can also join the fun via social media updates on Facebook (MArSNEWSTv) and on Twitter (@ MArS_GMANEWSTv).

RIO 2 2D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL 2D Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly GP

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

TRANSCENDENCE 2D Johnny Depp R13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heusaff PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

WOMEN

“Having this kind of business allows me to spend quality time with my husband and my daughter, Arianna. I get a lot of support from them, too.”

Mommy...FFROM A1 and worked for five years as an operations Manager for a Manila based recruitment firm.”

“I was determined to take things more seriously and become a successful entrepreneur. I left the corporate world and began joining bazaars to sell totes and clutch bags with my good friend Karyn Flores.

I’ve always loved making bags and I am just fascinated with the versatility of this product. When she left to pursue job opportunities abroad, I decided to continue on my own and started to consign items at Sunlab and oak & Acorn.

Soon after that, I explored the online marketplace and started taking orders through the Internet. I began selling personalized tote bags, backpacks, sling bags and utility pouches for birthdays, baptisms, showers and weddings

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

and customize kits for seminars, schools and companies. In 2010, I decided to expand my business further and opened a shop so customers can visit, look at actual samples and discuss product designs,” Anna proudly shares.

“We have been very busy ever since the shop opened. There would always be mothers coming in, looking for the unique loot bags to give away at their kids’ party. There are also couples scouting for wedding giveaways for their guests. even companies come and order customized giveaways for their clients. The busiest time of the year is September as this is when we get the bulk of orders for personalized Christmas gifts and giveaways like luggage organizers, toiletry kits, charger bags, shoe bags, laundry bags and passport holders.” “having this kind of business allows me to spend quality time with my husband and my daughter, Arianna. I get a lot of support from them, too. In fact, Arianna is my main product endorser as she also uses all the bags I make for her, starting from diaper bags, lunch pouch, travel purse and kikay kits.”

Follow Fabianne Trends Unlimited on Facebook or visit their shop in Rivera Village #4 apartment (at the back of BPI Bank). You may also email them for inquiries or orders through ftutokens@yahoo.com or call 0908-3641933 / 09328710761.

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Globe Business focused on creating wonderful experiences for enterprises A

S the enterprise information and communications technology arm of Globe Telecom, Globe Business has been harnessing its full potential to help make businesses perform at a higher level with its comprehensive portfolio of mobility, connectivity, business voice, collaboration,

business-enabling and IT-enabled services, Globe Business empowers large corporations, enterprises and companies spanning the spectrum of various industries in the country such as business process outsourcing, manufacturing, financial institutions, services, transport and logistics, health-

care and retail, among many others.

“We enable our clients to achieve more of their corporate goals by making them better equipped and efficient through our diverse range of ICT solutions,” shared Globe Senior Vice President for Enterprise Group nikko Acosta.

WE’RE HIRING!

Wonderful experiences, strong network As an ICT solutions provider, it is the mandate of Globe Business to help make enterprises’ business run better through solutions that enable their workforce to carry out their everyday tasks, keep in touch with their own clients,

and carry out their work wherever and whenever they are most productive.

Its best-in-class next Generation network enables enterprises to connect and make decisions, especially in critical instances. A vast array of solutions also allows virtual collaboration, especially

FOR SAlE (Direct Buyer Only)

INTERIOR DESIGNER / ARCHITECT STORE MANAGER / ADMIN OFFICER SALES / MARKETING Send your CV / Resume to furnone.abreeza@gmail.com and become part of our team.

3rd Floor Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City

Destiny Training Center located at Silway-8, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Philippines Area: 1.5 hectares (clean title) Contact Person: Jayson Mata and Jarry Cortez Mobile numbers: 09073069070,09266173168 Telephone number:(083)301-7975 Email Ad: april23jayson@yahoo.com / jarrycortez@gmail.com website: http://www.destinytrainingcenterph.com

as work setups become more unconventional and borderless. More importantly, Globe Business assures that the technology they provide their clientele is secure enough to protect their organization’s most important pieces of information. All these services are powered by a world-class network that provides the highest standards of connectivity.

IcT industry innovator Innovation is now regarded as a vital ingredient in the success of an organization, and in the local ICT industry, Globe Business is renowned as a leading purveyor of such, consistently introducing best-in-class solutions available to the market. Recent ground-breaking endeavors include the formal link up with the Southeast Asia-Japan Cable System in the last quarter of 2013, ushering a new era in telecommunications in this part of the world. Aside from that, its Carrier Ethernet service is first in Asia to be Metro Ethernet Forum or MEF-certified, setting global standards on Ethernet services in terms of reliability, speed and service level agreements.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Davao’s Grandeza excited to see action in Kunlun K8 Fight 4 World Tour

By MOSES BIllAcURA

S

TEVE Sur Grandeza will carry Davao City’s and Team Gan Soo Do’s colors when he enters the ring as one of the undercards of the Kunlun K8 Fight 4 World Tour on April 27 at the Solaire Resort Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

He faces countryman and veteran Jessie Salvador after talks bogged down for him to fight either a Chinese or Australian fighter this year.

The World Kickboxing Federation super welterweight K1 champion has been training for months in the high-altitude areas

of the Bukidnon-Davao boundary with coaches Jerry Fornolles, Jojo Gatmaitan, noel Penales and other staff and has reached the peak of his training.

Grandeza said World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai vice chairman Tony Reyes has given him another opportunity to fight again which he is excited and has prepared well for it. Plans are also in place to keep him in the fighting circle and this will also depend on the terms of the bouts.

“Mr.Tony Reyes personally contacted me for

the fight and I am honored to be part of the competition,” said Grandeza, who also received backing from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, city sports chief William “Butch” Ramirez and the mayor’s executive assistant Christopher “Bong” Go. The World Tour fights are promoted by World Team USA, sanctioned by the World Boxing Council, produced by Kunlun Fight in cooperation with Max Muay Thai Philippines, Kunsun Media, Qinghai TV, Kulunjue TV, GPnTV, Robust, Trust Condoms and ABS-CBn.(mpb)

Rafa makes no excuse for Monte Carlo loss W

ORLD number one Rafael nadal on Monday refused to blame his shock defeat in the Australian open final in January to Stanislas Wawrinka as an excuse for his loss in Monaco last week.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, the top seed for this week’s Barcelona Open, lost in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters to compatriot David Ferrer.

It was his earliest loss in the Principality since 2003 and came 12 months after his eightyear winning streak at the event was ended in the final by Novak Djokovic.

“I cannot continue using the Australia Open final as an excuse, that is past,” said nadal, whose campaign in Barcelona begins in the second round against either Russian nikolay Davydenko or Spaniard Albert Ramos on Wednesday.

“In Monte Carlo I should have achieved more. no one can win all the time, I’m no exception. I’ve lost before and I’ll lose again. But I’m not bitter or mad at myself.” nadal, winner of 13 Grand Slam titles, said there was no disgrace in losing to veteran Ferrer, who is ranked sixth in the world.

Steve Grandeza

Rafael Nadal Despite his defeat he still remains favourite to go on and win a ninth French Open title in June.

“He’s one of the best players in the world,” said nadal. “I didn’t play a good match, he deserved to win.” nadal was joined in the second round by three compatriots, who being unseeded did not benefit from an automatic bye.

Daniel Gimeno-Traver beat Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 7-5 while Roberto Bautista Agut crushed Pole Lukasz Kubot 6-1, 6-0. Wild

card Inigo Cervantes beat Kazakh Aleksandr nedovyesov 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili beat Michal Przysiezny of Poland 6-3, 6-4 and will face second seed Ferrer, who failed to build on his win over nadal in Monte Carlo and lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Wawrinka.

Austrian hope Dominic Thiem beat 35-yearold Czech veteran Radek Stepanek 6-4, 6-4 while Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France advanced over German Andreas Beck 6-2, 6-2.

UM Mutya bags PRISAA top pageant crown

U

MIAn beauties continue to dominate the pageantry as Mary Joyce Villanueva bags the title crown in the 2014 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) meet last April 10 in Davao del norte.

The 19-year old is in her third year of taking up Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management at the University of Mindanao College of Hospitality Education.

Mary Joyce impressed the judges the most with her articulate answer to their question on the top

contribution of the athletic association to the Philippine youth.

“PRISAA’s contribution to the Philippines is the unity of the generation today. It teaches them sportsmanship, camaraderie, and values,” she said.

She bested 11 other ladies in the pageant held during the national games of the PRISAA. Villanueva first emerged in the beauty pageant scene after winning the Miss College of Hospitality Education 2013, and in the same

year won as the titular Mutya in the annual pageant held by the University of Mindanao.

She most recently won as Diwa ng Davao 2014 in this year’s celebration of the Mutya ng Davao during the Araw ng Davao festivities in March.

Villanueva joins Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, a UM alumna and fellow Mutya, in bearing the Kalibreng UM, Kalibreng Da Best! slogan to the national level with their reputable accomplishments.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Grizzlies beat Thunder to tie series O

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook fouls Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee as he attempts to steal the ball in overtime of Game 2 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series in Oklahoma City on Monday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Clippers rout Warriors L

OS AnGELES (AP) -- Blake Griffin scored a career playoff-high 35 points without a foul and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in routing the Golden State Warriors 138-98 Monday night to even their first-round series at a game apiece.

Chris Paul added 12 points and 10 assists for the Clippers, who started the game on a 14-4 run and kept on going, maintaining a sizeable double-digit lead through the final three quarters. They finished with a franchise record points for a playoff game.

All the foul trouble that plagued Griffin and Paul in the Clippers’ four-point loss in Game 1 belonged to the Warriors this time.

Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 24 points in the third quarter, when the Warriors never got closer than 25 points, while playing with four fouls.

Klay Thompson finished with seven points - 15 under his average and four fouls.

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- nothing rattled the Memphis Grizzlies. not squandering a ninepoint lead in the fourth quarter and a five-point lead in the final 19 seconds of regulation. not Kevin Durant’s 20 points after the third quarter. not even giving up an improbable game-tying putback that forced overtime.

The Grizzlies remained steady and took care of business in the extra period. Zach Randolph scored 25 points to help Memphis defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-105 in overtime on Monday night and tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. ‘’It was just staying confident, understanding that those guys are going to make runs,’’ Memphis forward Tony Allen said. ‘’We’ve got to weather the storm by staying together and not getting down.’’

Mike Conley added 19 points and 12 assists for the Grizzlies, who executed their game plan perfectly and put themselves in position to take control of the series in Game 3 Thursday night in Memphis. Oklahoma City pushed the pace through most of its 100-86 victory in Game 1, but on Monday, the Grizzlies successfully slowed the tempo

and limited Oklahoma City’s fast-break opportunities. ‘’Basically it’s just going to be a slugfest,’’ said Allen, who was praised by his teammates for playing solid defense against Durant. ‘’We’re going to pound it. They’re going to run it.

Whoever can come up with the most stops pretty much wins the game.’’

Oklahoma City’s stars put up big numbers, but they worked for everything they got. Durant had 36 points and 11 rebounds, but he made just 12 of 28 shots and had just eight points at halftime and 16 through the first three quarters. Russell Westbrook scored 29 points for Oklahoma City, but he made just 11 of 28 shots. Serge Ibaka added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder, who shot just under 40 percent from the field. ‘’We missed some shots that we could make,’’ Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. ‘’Give them some credit. They did a good job of putting their hands on us and we didn’t free ourselves up enough. I thought in the second half, our defense and offense gave us a chance. Unfortunately, we didn’t make a couple of key plays down the stretch.’’

Kanepi advances in Stuttgart, Wozniacki pulls out Dominika Cibulkova from Slovakia return a shot against Karolina Pliskova from Czech Republic at the Women Single’s semi final match of the WTA BMW Malaysian Open 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

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TUTTGART, Germany (AP) -- Kaia Kanepi of Estonia defeated lucky loser Johanna Konta of Britain 7-6 (4), 6-4 to book her place in the second round of the Porsche Grand Prix on Monday.

Konta lost her qualifi-

er to Italy’s Giola Barbieri but was given a place in the first round when former world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki pulled out of the tournament with a left wrist injury.

Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia also withdrew

with an Achilles injury, a day after losing the Malaysian open final.

Among Tuesday’s matches are Maria Sharapova vs. Lucie Safarova, and Jelena Jankovic against Germany’s Mona Barthel, who replaced Cibulkova.

spent some time training at the SM Mall of Asia skating rink.

He is just coming off a gold-medal finish in a slovenia event, and is hoping to return to the United States where he will continue on working on his quad jumps and other skills.

But Martinez and his mother, Teresa, admitted that the figure skater’s dreams of making it to the 2018 Winter Games may have to be scuttled due to lack of funds.

“Kung wala, anong use? Di na kaya ng mom ko, so titigil ako,” Martinez said.

Lack of funds may force Martinez to quit skating

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, shoots around Golden State Warriors forward David Lee in Game 2 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series in Los Angeles on Monday. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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ILIPInO figure skater Michael Christian Martinez may have to quit his sport as his mother has now run out of funds for his training.

Martinez, who made history in the 2014 Winter Olympics last February in Sochi, returned to the Philippines last Friday and

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 27 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Pacman makes courtesy call to PNoy

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IlIPINO fight icon and Sarangani representative Manny Pacquiao made a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III Monday night after regaining the WBO world welterweight championship following his victory over American boxer Timothy Bradley in las vegas a week ago.

The two gentlemen met for about 40 minutes at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace, according to a statement from Presidential Communications Operations office secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. The boxing star made major headlines last weekend after winning his rematch against the erstwhile undefeated Bradley, to whom Pacquiao lost a controversial decision last year.

The congressman was able to talk shop with the President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Representative Manny Pacquiao during his courtesy call at Music Room in Malacañang Monday evening. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo President, discussing con- Bureau) cerns regarding the delays in the construction of He also pledged to virus among overseas Fili- about lighter matters as member of their family – changing notes with the farm-to-market roads in support the government’s pino workers based in the Pacquiao expressed his Pacquaio’s wife Jinkee is President about their cold Sarangani due to attacks campaign to raise aware- Middle East. excitement about the up- due to deliver the couple’s weather experiences in from lawless elements. ness of the MERS-CoronaThe pair also spoke coming birth of the newest fifth child – as well as ex- the United States.