Edge Davao 4 Issue 39 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 4 NO. 39

November 28-December 04, 2011

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weeks before

The Business PAPER

Davao City-IGaCoS span: ICT HUB P12

‘A bridge too far’

Struggling

figures of the week STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE

Philippine Stock Index As of November 25, 2011

US DOLLAR = philippine peso As of November 25, 2011

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VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

On the cover

Davao City-IGaCoS span:

A‘ bridge too far’ By ANTONIO M. AJERO

and GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

N OVERWHELMING majority of Dabawenyos and Samalenos favor the construction of a bridge spanning the short distance between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). In fact, an unpublished opinion survey conducted by this paper last October indicated that eight of every 10 persons interviewed said “yes” to the construction of a bridge over the narrow Pakiputan Strait from barangay Sasa in Davao City and the poblacion area of the former municipality of Babak in IGaCoS. Sasa is only 900 meters away from Barangay Caliclic, the port on the IGaCoS side of the Bangayan familyowned roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ferry company, Mae Wess, currently servicing the route. The distance is so short that it takes less than 15 minutes for the ferry boat to negotiate the route one way. A total of 150 persons were asked to answer the question “Do you favor the building of a bridge between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal? If yes, why? If no, why not?” The question was asked through Short Message Service (SMS) or text message in the cellular phone. Of the 138 persons who responded to the SMS opinion survey, 112 persons, or 81.1 percent, said “yes” to the construction of the bridge, while the remaining 26 respondents, or 19 percent, opposed the idea. The opinions were sent in by a cross-section of Dabawenyos and Samalenos– business leaders, professionals, incumbent and former government appointive and elective officials, corporate executives and media persons. The “texters” included seven former presidents of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., two former congressmen, 6 lawyers, two former members of the Cabinet, 12 businessmen, half a dozen leaders of the Rotary International, four doctors, four NGO leaders, 10 professionals in various fields, six tour agency operators, three inventors, and 14 media practitioners, among others. Advantages The pros cited at least 10 advantages of building a Davao-IGaCoS bridge. They said the bridge will 1) promote tourism; 2) boost economic activities in Davao, IGaCoS and surrounding areas; 3) hasten the development of IGaCoS into a world-class tourist and investment destination; 4) promote development linkages between the two areas; 5) lower the cost of transport of people, goods and materials for business like construction materials; 6) increase accessibility of the resorts that are rising in IGaCoS; 7) improve mobility of the people in the island; 8) hasten development and economic growth of the island city; 9) save time, money and other resources; and 10) provide more comfort and convenience to the people of IGaCoS and those transacting business with them and patronizing their tourist destinations.

Disadvantages Interestingly, the oppositors, although they’re only a fourth of the survey respondents, cited just as many disadvantages of building the bridge now. They said the existence of bridge as proposed will 1) endanger the marine and coastal ecosystem of the island; 2) attract informal settlers leading to social problems; 3) increase land speculation; 4) destroy the island’s pristine landscape; 5) it’s a very expensive project whose ROI (return of investment) will take a long time to come; 6) compromise the “exclusivity” of Samal; 7) erase the sense of adventure in going to the island; 8) no adequate socio-economic safety nets; 9) destroy local culture, traditions and norms of Samalenos; and 10) sacrifice funds and resources that could otherwise to many more important and urgent projects. IGaCoS administrator Cleto B. Gales Jr. said that recent estimates placed the cost of the bridge as between P4 billion and P6 billion. “Everybody wants the bridge, but nobody is willing enough to finance its construction,” former Mayor Rogelio Antalan said. Antalan he is all for the construction of the bridge with all its advantages and disadvantages, adding that there not substantial opposition to the idea. He said even the Bangayan family, owners of the ferry boat system, told him they are not opposed to the bridge. BOI regional head Gil Dureza suggested that n international wharf be placed in the other side of the island to make the bridge very viable. NGO leader Atillo said that he JICA Davao regional masterplan also recommends a bridge connecting Samal and Lupon, Davao Oriental., Interestingly, too, the former presidents of the DCCCII are not one in indorsing the project. Here is a sampling of their answers to the opinion poll: YES, to enhance business and tourism. Look at Mactan, Macau and other places. ATTY. DOMINGO DUERME, former DCCCII president and chairman of the board YES! YES! YES! This will liberate the people of Samal from a lot of hardships. Sana this happens sooner than later. – PETE DURANO. former president of DCCCII NO. I think it will congest the bridge’s end and concentrate development there. Whereas, more ferry landings will spread that development. Additionally, jetties (landing piers) are cheaper to build and boats are cheaper than cars. Thus more people can benefit. As an archipelagic nation, we also need to develop s small boat and marine industry. SIMEON P. MARFORI 11, former DCCCII president YES, a bridge will facilitate and lower the cost of trade and commerce between Davao and Samal and thus boost development, income for government, and jobs and livelihood for people. It will also enhance the attractiveness of Davao as a tourism destination. MAN-

UEL “BOBBY” ORIG, former DCCCII president NO. There are more important projects that will have greater impact to business and employment. The cost that does not justify the benefit. JOHN GAISANO JR., former DCCCII president and chairman of the board YES. I’m in favor 101 percent. Atty. BIENVENIDO CARIAGA, former DCCCII president and chairman of the board YES. The bridge would create more economic activities to Samal Island and also Davao. This will hasten the progress and development of Samal. But it’s important to note that timing is critical. We need to consider whether Samal and its Local Government Unit are prepared to deal with massive daytime migration especially in terms of environment care and protection. JOJI ILAGAN-BIAN, former DCCCII president Following are some of the other answers: YES of course, but whose debt should it be? Atty. RAMON ED BATACAN, former Eastern Mindanao governor, IBP NO. We must the island’s environment. Easier access of cars and people will hurt/damage the the already delicate environment of Samal. Besides, ferrying cars and people is more charming and will help manage the negative effects of progress. CARLO LORENZANA YES. For economic (promote tourism and boost business activity for Davao and Samal) and convenient reasons. ZENAIDA LUCERO YES. For faster and cheaper means of travel..for greater economic synergy for both Davao and Samal.. for more tourists, more trade and commerce, etc. DR. PILAR C. BRAGA, city councilor No. Because it would be disadvantageous to the native Samalnons. There is no adequate socioeconomic safety nets in place right now. Having a bridge would remove the last barrier protecting the poor people from the land speculators who would gobble up the properties and drive them out of their land, their home and their livelihood. We have seen this with the beaches of Samal. With the bridge in place, there is a big risk the same will happen to the rest of the island. CARLOS MUNDA, broadcast executive YES. To hasten the development of the island city. DR. BO PUENTESPINA NO, because I fear the destruction such an invasive construction project will wreak on the marine environment. BLOGIE ROBILLO NO. No major cost benefit. One effect is that the island will become a magnet to more informal settlers. Too early yet. Just improve the ferry system now. ANTHONY B. SASIN NO. I want to preserve The pristine condition of the island. ANA OROPESA YES, a bridge to link development is a must in a globalized world. AMALIA BANDIOLA CABUSAO THAT bridge was recommended a long time ago when I took part in a JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency)-sponsored formulation of a Davao regional master plan. I think local shipowners vehemently oppose the bridge. We are underdeveloped because

of vested interest business. AMELITA ATILLO YES to the bridge. It is the right time to do it for the economy itself is nearing maturity and it is not good that the infra and facilities are way behind. AMADO SO YES.The bridge will accelerate trade, commerce, tourism- social and economic development both for Davao City and Davap del Norte cities and even Mati City and parts of Comval. EDNAR DAYANGHIRANG YES. It will become cheaper to go there. The accessibility will benefit both the Davao City residents and the Samalenos. Likewise, trade an commerce will boom. DR. ROY FERRER NO. ALL of Davao’s garbage will go to Samal. Samal will lose its pristine landscape and beaches. BENJIE LIZADA NO, in order preserve the nature’s beauty in Samal Island. MAFEL NEGRIDO, info officer- TESDA YES. Definitely. Progressive cities like Hong Kong and Macau are linked by bridges to facilitate more efficient transport, tourism and trade. CLARISE BAUTISTA, info officer, Philippine Ports Authority YES. Davao City should not be parochial. GIL M. DUREZA, Board of Investments YES to a bridge, as it will no longer allow pollution and destruction to the marine life arising from ro-ro traffic in the channel, improve farmto-market transport and increase rde and commerce in both areas. WIT HOLGANZA YES, because it will further spur economic development in Samal, as the bridge will allow easier access to the island. Economic development will also translate in more livelihood and progress for the people of Samal. HONEY WONG NO, the cost is exhorbitant. Very long return on investment, My suggestion is to strengthen the roro service by introducing competition among port operators, shipping lines and PUB services. The traffic volume does not warrant a bridge. There are least-cost operations. MANUEL “JAM” JAMONIR, development planner NO, that would open the island to runaway “development” at the expense of the local culture, traditions and norms – NIKKI GOMEZ YES, of course what keeps this so long to implement this plan anyway. Lack of funds or politics? - THELMA CUIDADANO YES, a bridge would make Samal development faster and would make it accessible. No need to wait for a barge or boat. – TERRY UNGSON YES, I agree if and when the expected return on investment justifies it. I’ve heard that a study has already been conducted on a proposed bridge but the ROI doesn’t justify it yet. – GICO DAYANGHIRANG, former congressman Two decades ago, a memo of understanding was entered into between the Philippines represented by former speaker Joe de Venecia and 3 big foreign companies to construct a bridge linking Davao City and IGACOS. Nothing happened. A bridge that will connect IGACOS with the mainland will propel economic development/prosperity and fully promote tourism in IGACOS now known worldwide as a tourist destination. ANONYMOUS YES.It will allow for pollution and destruction of the marine life arising from roro traffic in the channel, improve farm to market transport and increase trade in commerce between both ar-

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

eas. WIT HOLGANZA YES. That has been approved 8 years ago parent nalipat lang ang budget to Misamis. CRISTETA GALLANO NO. The cost is exorbitant, very long return of investment. My suggestion is to strengthen the roro service by introducing competition among port operators, shipping line and PUB services. The traffic volume does not warrant a bridge. There are least-cost options. MANUEL “Jam” JAMiR, development planner YES, because aside from ferry fare being costly, during weekends, it not takes two hours to get to Samal island from Davao City. ANTONIO PARTOZA YES, so that those who fear riding boats can now visit Samal through the bridge. DR. MARIBEL T. CARMELOTES YES, for economic and tourism development. Question is can IGACOS come up with the financial counterpart? They are not even done with their road system yet. WILLIE YONG, architect YES. To boost the tourism industry in Samal and Davao. GOV. ARTURO “Chiongkee” T. UY YES, it will ease out Davao City and expand toward Samal, i.e. housing, international port terminal, etc. EDWIN BANQUERIGO, DTI YES. I have two areas in Samal. I visit 2 times a week. Ferry boat charge is too expensive for me. MIKEY MIYAKE YES. A bridge will boost tourism since getting there would be cheaper. No barge fee or boat fare. JOY BALINAS YES, because it will hasten the progress of Samal island…now we are at the mercy of availability of barges which impose expensive rates. REYNALDO “Boy” REYES, banker NO, if contractor is local. YES if foreign contractor. JONATHAN ‘Bong” NAGAYO Life for everyone is better with a bridge. CARMELO JOSE “ABO” GEMPESAW YES, like other parts of the country, Samal deserves to have its chance at progress as well. JESSE FORTICH NO. The ride between Davao City and Samal is part of the package of visiting the beaches in Samal. Putting a bridge would take out the enjoyment of crossing by boat ride. ESTTIE TURINGAN I believe that the bridge will not only help the Island Garden City of Samal and its people but also the entire region, most especially Davao City being the gateway to the Southern Mindanao. RACHEL ZOZOBRADO, Davao City councilor As the Cebu Mactan bridge brought to Mactan so will Davao-Samal bridge will improve Samal’s economy and avoid monopoly. NANDIE SUBIDO YES. It is really sad and pitiful to see motorists in a long queue during weekends and holidays. Considering the fact that Samal is only 900 meters away from the mainland Davao. Left unconnected makes our place backward technologically. SAMUEL ABRENILLA, inventor NO. Not financially viable, according to studies, even by those who wanted to invest. ROGER BALANZA NO. With the bridge, visitors would now easily frequent the island. That would mean more garbage. Right now, the island does not even have a proper garbage disposal system yet. Besides, the mystic of the island would be lost if could easily be accessed. WILFRE-

It figures 49

NUMBER of airlines in the Philippines – most of which are merely domestic or company operations-oriented –now included in the list of airlines banned from flying in the 27-nation bloc European Union for being found to be unsafe. The blacklist which covers 273 airlines from 20 countries includes Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. The latest to be blacklisted from the Philippines are Aeromajestic and Interisland Airlines.

P1 billion

COST of the casino and hotel complex to rise just beside the Clark Airport set to begin operations next year and employ more than 300 workers. It will be called the Estag (Eaglesky Technology Amusement and Gaming Inc.) Airport Hotel and Entertainment Complex.

$10 billion

EXPECTED value of insurance claims as a result of the floods in Thailand which had disabled major foreignowned manufacturing operations in that country. The floods, Thailand’s worst in 50 years, began to recede only recently after they first struck three months ago. DO “PIDOT” VILLACINO YES. The bridge serves as a tool in the improvement of the people’s business activities and livelihood. Produce from Samal can be transported easily and vice versa. More business opportunities. Students can commute easily everyday without fear of being late in going to their schools and in coming home. Transportation is easier and safer than by motorboats and other means of water transportation. LILIA TAPIZ YES absolutely! It’s a long delayed project. Samal today is one of the most expensive yet underdeveloped but naturally beautiful cities in the world. Expensive because of the ludicrously exhorbitant cost in going to the island, just to cross a few meters of water. Underdeveloped because the roads and other facilities need to be drastically improved. The construction of a bridge will reduce travel cost and lessen travel time. The bridge will show to the world that Samal and the perhaps the Philippines is also capable of improving its facilities. Such a project will serve a small step towards the bigger dream of being at part with the best tourist destinations in the world. ISRAELITO “BOBBET” TORREON, Eastern Mindanao governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines YES. Samal Island is the next tourist destination in Davao. It will bring millions of dollars in revenue so it is reasonable to invest in building a bridge to realize the market potential. RICKY DAYOT, inventor YES. Reasons: 1. Easy transport of goods from Samal to Davao. 2. Faster and convenient to travel for people working in the city. 3. Attract more investors in Davao, thus creating more jobs, in effect growth in our economy. Davao will be more progressive. RODING CUTTLER NO. It will be easy for the informal settlers to invade the island by then. TEK OCAMPO

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

The economy

VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily 5J961 / 5J962 Zest Air Daily Z2390 / Z2390 Cebu Pacific Daily 5J593 / 5J348 Philippine Airlines Daily PR809 / PR810 Philippine Airlines Daily PR819 / PR820 Cebu Pacific Daily 5J394 / 5J393 Cebu Pacific Daily 5J599 / 5J594 Cebu Pacific Daily 5J347 / 5J596 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 5J963 / 5J964 Philippine Airlines Daily PR811 / PR812 Cebu Pacific Daily 5J595 / 5J966 Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat MI588 / MI588 Cebu Pacific Thu 5J965 / 5J968 Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968

STAT WATCH INDICATIOR

LATEST

1. GNP Growth Rate (At Constant 1985 Prices)

1.9 % 2nd Qtr 2011

2. GDP Growth Rate (At Constant 1985 Prices)

3.4 % 2nd Qtr 2011

3. Exports 1/

USD 4,128 million Jun 2011

4. Imports 1/

USD 4,503 million Jun 2011

5. Trade Balance

USD -376 million Jun 2011

6. Balance of Payments 2/

USD 222 million Jun 2011

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P4,423,849 million Jun 2011

8. Interest Rate 4/

4.48% Apr 2011

5:45 Manila-Davao-Manila 5:45 Manila-Davao-Manila 6:00 Cebu-Davao-Iloilo 6:10 Manila-Davao-Manila 7:50 Manila-Davao-Manila 7:50 Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga 8:00 Cebu-Davao-Cebu 9:10 Iloilo-Davao-Cebu 9:40 Manila-Davao-Manila 11:30 Manila-Davao-Manila 12:00 Cebu-Davao-Manila 18:55 Davao-Cebu-Singapore 12:55 Manila-Davao-Manila 13:35 Manila-Davao-Manila

43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

Silk Air Thu/Sun MI566 / MI566 18:55 Davao-Singapore Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Cebu Pacific Daily 5J967 / 5J600 16:35 Manila-Davao-Cebu Philippines Airlines Daily PR813 / PR814 16:55 Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat 5J215 / 5J216 18:00 Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Cebu Pacific Daily 5971 / 5J970 18:40 Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun 5J973 / 5J974 20:00 Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu Pacific Daily 5J969 / 5J972 20:30 Manila-Davao-Manila Airphil Express Daily 2P987 / 2P988 20:30 Manila-Davao-Manila Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday PR821 / PR822 21:20 Manila-Davao-Manila Philippine Airlines Sunday PR821 / PR822 22:20 Manila-Davao-Manila

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

P72B stimulus fund for Mindanao T HE P72-billion stimulus fund under the President Aquino’s administration will also benefit Mindanao, says Mindanao Development Authority chair Lualhati Antonino. She bared that among those that will be benefited are the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which has been allocated P8.5 billion. The fund which is termed the ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan will include welfare projects covering cash-for-work-programs, construction of day care centers, supplemental feeding, core

shelter assistance. The stimulus fund will also be for building infrastructure like irrigation and farm-to-market roads. Aside from the ARMM funding, P6.5 billion will also be poured into various local government units for their own stimulus funds dubbed the LGU support fund. These allocations will be strictly for capital outlay as local governments’ pumppriming measures and not as funds for maintenance and personnel services. The government is aiming for LGUs to prioritize the development of roads, enhance agri-

cultural productivity and local enterprises. During their Philippine Development Plan (2011-2016) Roadshow in Davao City last week, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said that the P72-billion stimulus fund comes from government savings in line with the present government’s prudence in implementing projects which has generated savings. Among its strategies was the scaling down of project costs due to revised cost estimates and bidding prices.[PIA 11/ RG ALAMA]

Davao businessmen urged to utilize FTA with China

ILIPINOS businessmen are urged to take 9. National Government P100,139 million advantage of the exRevenues Jun 2011 isting Free Trade Agreement between 10. National government P 4,777 billion China and the Asean outstanding debt May 2010 which includes the Philippines. 11. Peso per US $ 5/ P 42.81 Commercial AtJul 2011 tache of the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), Emmanuel 12. Stocks Composite Index 6/ 4,503.6 W. Ang, told Davao Jul 2011 exporters and customs brokers about 13. Consumer Price Index 126.4 recent updates on 2006=100 Jul 2011 China’s economy and potentials to wel14. Headline Inflation Rate 4.6 come foreign prod2000=100 Jul 2011 ucts. “There’s an in15. Core Inflation Rate 3.7 crease in the income 2000=100 Jul 2011 of Chinese people, RMB currency appre16. Visitor Arrivals 317,443 ciation, inflation, and Apr 2011 government policy to encourage further domestic consump17. Underemployment Rate /7 19.4% tion. All these make Apr 2011 the Chinese afford to buy more imported 18. Unemployment Rate /7 7.2 % products,” he said. Apr 2011 Ang was one of the resource speakers MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE invited to encourage (January 2009 - January 2011) Filipino exporters in last week’s Information Session: DoMonth 2011 2010 2009 ing Business in Free 45.11 47.637 Average Trade Areas held at the Grand Men Seng, December 43.95 46.421 this city. The information November 43.49 47.032 session is an initia-

October September August July June May April March

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

tive of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for educating Filipinos to make use of the existing trade agreements with other countries. Ang explained that contrary to what many Filipinos think the Philippines actually imports more China made products. “In 2010, the Philippines and China had a positive bilateral balance trade which shows that China actually imports more Philippine goods than it exports to this country,” he said. A balance trade of negative 873.50 in 2009 was turned to 1,096.91 in 2010. Ang also stressed the increase in salaries of Chinese workers as their government allows for a growth rate of more than 20 percent per year on workers earning minimum wages. This, he said, pushed employers to pay their workers above the minimum wage. That openrd more windows for foreign products to

be consumed by the Chinese market. The DTI sees new opportunities arising in the furniture sector as China puts more focus on products utilizing indigenous design and materials. Another potential sector that exporters could take advantage of is the marine business. One example is the shipment of live fish to Zhuhai from the Philippines. Filipinos are also seen as potential partners while China pushes to develop its own IT and IT enabled services industry. Ang cited the presence of Pinoy call center workers in Guangdong. He said the China market is so vast that it can actually buy everything that Filipinos can offer. However, the challenge is the readiness of the Filipinos to do business in China. “We should remember that China is a hungry market that’s why we must have the volume and the quality that China demands, ” he added. [PIA 11/MAI GEVERAMACAPAGAT]

ANTONINO

PAL starts brand recovery

HILIPPINE flag carrier, Philippine Airlines resume full operations last week as it commits to work on brand recovery through marketing and promotions. PAL Vice President for Corporate Communications Joey G. De Guzman announced that all flights including those temporarily housed at NAIA 3 will now have its hub in Terminal 2. The carrier has also restored its full in-flight meal service as it reverts to preoutsourcing taken over by third party service providers. After months of paralyzed operations, PAL is now set to carry passengers to its 20 domestic destinations and 26 international destinations. Today, it resumes its regular flight levels of 140 flights daily. Meanwhile, De Guzman clarified that 60 percent of the carrier’s more than 2,000 workers covered by the spin-off have already received their separation checks. PAL has already released P1.2 billion worth of checks to the takers while a

remaining P1 billion is yet to be claimed by the affected workers. There are still 250 workers whose status are on hold pending final clearance while about 40 workers have pending criminal charges. These workers were charged for grave coercion during the incident that caused a blockade of the Inflight Center. Spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said that most PAL workers who availed of the separation pay immediately applied to the identified service providers and were later hired for the same job. In Davao where no workers were affected by the spin-off, regular flight operation was normalized a month after PAL embarked on its outsourcing program. Villaluna thanked the public for bearing with the airlines during difficult situations like in the previous months. The management is set to rejuvenate the brand and gain back the trust and confidence of the its passengers. [PIA/MAI GEVERAMACAPAGAT]

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

The Economy november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

Exporters told to target LOHAS market in Japan

XPORTERS in the region are encouraged to tap the LOHAS market or the Lifestyle of Health And Sustainability market, wjich makes up about 30 percent of the adult population in Japan. Speaking before Davao exporters and brokers, Organic Producers and Trade Association of the Philippines executive producer Girlie Sarmiento introduced this particular market for Filipino exporters to take advantage of in exporting products to Japan. The LOHAS market needs goods and services focused on health, environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living.

Sarmiento described this demand as a potential window for Philippine export since the country is rich in organic products. Japanese consumers prefer environment-friendly goods and services. The LOHAS market is categorized as personal development like zen and tea ceremony; alternative healthcare like aromatherapy and food education; health lifestyles like natural organic food; ecological lifestyle like energy saving products; and sustainable economy like renewable energy. Sarmiento said this is the characteristic of the Japan market that Filipino exporters should consider and

focus on. She added that consumers are generally well educated and discriminating, thus, the need for intensive study and research for Filipino exporters before trying out the said market. “The Japanese are also particular in the aspect of product quality. There may be many suppliers in the market both from abroad and from within the country but quality products command a good price,” she said. Japan has a total of US$ 693 billion total merchandise imports from the world making it the fourth largest importer of goods in the world.PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACA-

wood, seaweed, mining, tourism, and information and communications technology (ICT). The DTI official attributed the successful implementation of DICCEP I to the strengthened involvement of the private sector in the industry clusters that subsequently enhanced the capability to manage the industries in Davao region. Loreto cited the banana cluster as one which had significantly benefited from DICCEP, particularly the small cavendish banana growers. Through DICCEP, she said, the small cavendish banana growers have found a

direct market in Japan and forged a marketing agreement with the buyer. She added that local banana growers no longer produce for the banana-based multinational corporations. Loreto claimed that the tourism sector is another successful industry cluster where several major programs have been initiated for its improvement in the region. The DTI official cited the Tindahang Pinoy or the pasalubong center as a milestone for the region’s tourism industry, being the first in the country to showcase Davao-made world-class products.[PIA11/

PAGAT]

DTI wants upgrading of DICCEP

HE Department of Trade and Industry is gearing towards the upgrading of its Davao Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (DICCEP) following a three-year successful implementation. DTI regional director Marizon Loreto said that DICCEP I will extend its services and programs in DICCEP II by December this year to provide more development assistance to the eight priority industry clusters in the region. Loreto said the DICCEP I has productively served the requirements of the different activities of such industries as banana, mango, coconut,

CARINA L. CAYON]

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VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

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PROPERTY FORUM

Camella Tagum development on track

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HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS decisions.

HE development of Camella Tagum, the Mediterranean-Italian inspired masterplan subdivision of Camella in Tagum City, is well on its way with the rise of its model houses and clearing of land for road construction. “We’re pleased to announce that Camella Tagum’s development is on schedule. Land development has already reached 10% in less than a month’s time after we received our development permit,” said Shielamae C. Lara, Camella Tagum Marketing Head. Simultaneous with the land development is the construction of three model houses on site targeted for completion by yearend. The model homes are named Drina at 83 square meters and Carmela at 65 square meters under the Camella Series, and Marga at 46 square meters under

the Lessandra Series. “We look forward to showing soon the stylish, functional homes of Camella Tagum to our homebuyers. It will help them visualize the kind of lifestyle they will have when residing in this masterplanned community,” added Lara. As early as now, the interior design of the model houses are being developed by Creative Post Inc., a Manila- based interior design company. To better serve Tagumeños and the rest of the people in Davao del Norte, Camella opened a sales office in Tagum with a full staff. The Camella office is located at Unit 12 Gaisano Grand Arcade, Lapu-Lapu Extension, Apokon Road in Tagum City, with contact numbers 09175639617 and 09237399671. The Camella office was formally opened last No-

vember 21 with a ribboncutting ceremony led by Rafael E. Abrenica, City of Administrator of Tagum, Ramon Jungco Jr., Security Bank Tagum Branch Manager and Ms Lara. The blessing was attended by the officers and staff of Camella Davao, Camella Tagum sales network, business partners, as well as guests and homebuyers. Camella Tagum is situated on 14 hectares of prime flat land at the Visayan Village along the National Highway. It will be developed with the distinct lush character of a Camella community, with verdant plant life, preserved trees, manicured lawns and landscape, with a mountain view. It will have complete facilities and amenities, such as a clubhouse, multiuse court, gardens, park, playground, and swimming

pool. It will also have an impressive entry gate that leads toward the entrance plaza, with underground storm drainage, water system, complete electrical facilities, perimeter fence, and 24/7 security system. An added bonus will be a shuttle service provided by Camella for the convenience and easy mobility of the homeowners within the subdivision and to Tagum’s downtown area. Camella Tagum is seen to set the pace for a new standard of living in Tagum, with Camella’s trademark brand of stylish and functional homes, world-class amenities, and premier location. Camella is a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the largest homebuilder in the country with over 250,000 homes built in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in over 35 years.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

agritrends

Strict quarantine in farms sought vs Panama disease G

OVERNOR Rodolfo del Rosario asked key players of the banana sector to be resolute in protecting the top export of Davao del Norte from the onslaught of Fusarium wilt. As a pioneer of the industry, Del Rosario appealed to banana growers and farmers to shield their plantations from Fusarium infection, which threatens to wipe out the number one source of revenue for the province. “It is important for us to protect our banana farms from the disease, as this will directly affect the economy of the province,” the governor told stakeholders during the recent provincial forum on cavendish banana, adding: “You cannot imagine should our banana industry be wiped out,” he stressed. Also commonly known as Panama disease, Fusarium wilt infection has already ravaged more than 600 hectares of bananas in the Davao region, endangering the $720-M industry of Southern Mindanao, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). As a leading producer of the export commodity, Davao del Norte devotes about 39,000 hectares to cavendish banana production, or close to 50 percent of the total banana production area in Region 11. As there is no known

RDR ON BANANA GROWERS. Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario asks the growers and farmers to protect the banana industry in Davao del Norte from Fusarium wilt, known

as Panama disease, which threatens to wipe out the $720-M industry of Southern Mindanao. [Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO]

cure yet for the Panama disease, Del Rosario enjoined plantations to set up strict quarantine measures and employ footbaths, while following other preventive actions recommended by authorities in order to stop the disease from spreading to other farms. He also directed the provincial agriculturist’s office (PAGRO) to launch a massive early detection and prevention campaign, as the best way to fight the dreaded banana

disease. PAGRO chief Dominador Encarnacion Jr, said his office has started conducting an information and education campaign to let the public know more about the soil-borne fungal infestation that has begun to spread in banana plantations across the province. He recommended five steps for banana farms and individuals to follow for curbing the spread of the Fusarium wilt fungi. (1)

strict quarantine measures within the farms; (2) burning of infected areas within 24 hours, preferably using rice hull burning method; (3) setting up footbaths at road networks connecting banana farms; (4) preventing unauthorized persons and animals from loitering within plantations; and (5) enactment of local ordinances to institutionalize ground rules and regulations on preventing the spread of the virulent banana plague.

essential to ensure that the Golden Rice grain that PhilRice and its partners are developing poses no threat to either people or the environment. PhilRice will submit the results of the study to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for review and possible approval, noted Alfonso who also heads the Golden Rice project. BPI’s approval will pave the way for further studies on Golden Rice’s varietal performance, which includes yield and resistance to environmental stresses, as well as the grain’s bioefficacy in addressing VAD, he said.

“Such rice can be commercialized only after passing government scrutiny of its biosafety, varietal performance and bioefficacy, however,” he said. Golden Rice is genetically modified rice grain containing beta carotene, a source of vitamin A. Government continues its quest to develop local Golden Rice as available data show VAD remains a health challenge in the country. Citing 2006 Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) data, PhilRice reported VAD afflicts four in 10 youngsters aged six months to five years as well as three

in 10 school children nationwide. The FNRI data also show VAD in one of five pregnant and breastfeeding women, PhilRice said. Blindness and lower body resistance to infection are some results of VAD. Among factors authorities cited for VAD’s prevalence in the Philippines is difficulty in bringing to remote areas government health programs, including the one on vitamin A fortification and supplementation. “Rice is a staple food in our country so enriching it with beta carotene can help address VAD,” said Alfonso.

PhilRice developing own ‘Golden Rice’ P HILIPPINE Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) expects to fully develop its own beta carotenerich Golden Rice by 2013 that will potentially help address vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the country. “We target finishing by 2013 our on-going study on biosafety of the Golden Rice grain we’re developing,” PhilRice chief science research specialist Dr. Antonio Alfonso said Thursday on the side of a technical forum at Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ headquarters as part of this year’s National Biotechnology Week. He said such study was

Binay backs establishment of banana research institute

ICE President Jejomar Binay is pushing for the establishment of a research institute specific to banana growing and stressed the need to harness technology in order to promote growth of the country’s banana export industry. “We cannot lag behind in the digital age, but it is now time that we should learn to explore and apply new technologies to our agriculture in order to enhance our food security and increase the value of our exports,” he said in a speech during the induction of the officers of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) in Davao on Saturday. “We all have to employ our greatest powers in order to protect this industry

which contributes around US$ 720 million in export earnings yearly,” Binay added. The Vice President also warned against the threats of the fusarium wilt disease which has already infected about 1,200 hectares of banana plantations. He noted that if the disease is left unchecked, the plague could wipe out the banana industry and deny planters of much needed revenue. “As the country’s fifth largest export industry, and a major source of livelihood for the people of Mindanao, we must address this problem quickly,” he stressed. “Over 300,000 families stand to be affected and I am certain that your association will work tirelessly with local and national

government units to end this threat,” Binay said. He also assured members of the PBGEA of the Aquino administration’s support in developing and maintaining a globally competitive banana export industry. He promised to relay to President Benigno S. Aquino III the various concerns and issues that PBGEA raised during their meeting. “Coming from an agricultural center, he (President Aquino) is sensitive to the importance of our crops and the contributions of our farmers to our nation’s welfare,” Binay said. “I am here to listen and more importantly, to bring your voice to the necessary channels in Manila,” he added. [PNA]

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

Dizon shuts down Monkayo operations

HE operation of some 40 hectares of its cavendish banana plantation in Monkayo, Compostela Valley province by Dizon Farms, Inc. will be shut down following massive infestation caused by Fusarium Wilt, also called Panama disease. Dizon Farms board secretary Madeline D. Marfori, who is also president of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA), said it has become too expensive for the company to continue treating the area. The cost of quarantine has initially come up to P3 million. “Why should we continue putting up this big amount of money to quarantine the area and at the same time operate the farm? We may as well close the area,” she said. However, they cannot immediately implement the closure out of consideration for the livelihood of 40 workers assigned to the area. She said the onset of the disease has really threatened the industry, with corporate farms or plantation farms finding it too expensive to treat their areas, much more for the small banana farm growers. She said without any concrete intervention, the industry will suffer tremendously. “The corporate farms have their respective research and development arms but nobody takes care of the small farm growers,” she said, adding that without proper intervention, such as sanitation, the spread of the disease would be massive. Current figures indicate that the total number of hectares affected by the diseases has already reached 1,200. “In our respective corporate social responsibility programs we do assist small farms adjacent to our plantations, but this is small compared to the bigger number that hardly get support,” she said. During their talk with Vice President Jejomar Bi-

nay on Saturday (Nov. 19), banana growers asked for government’s immediate intervention even as Marfori reiterated for the establishment of a banana research institute that will handle the needs of the industry. She said the intervention must be immediate since the disease spreads fast, especially during the rainy season. Binay,who was in Davao City as guest at the PBGEA’s induction ceremony, said he would bring their concerns to the proper channels in Manila. He assured members of the PBGEA of the Aquino administration’s support in developing and maintaining a globally competitive banana export industry and said he would relay to the President the various concerns and issues that PBGEA discussed with him. The Vice President supports the putting up of a banana research institute in Mindanao. Meanwhile, Marfori said they need the help of local government units and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to educate small farm growers in implementing control measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Marfori also admitted a decline in their production due to climate change. She said too much rain had affected the growth of the plants and would produce undersized fruits. More rains are expected in the next few months and this will affect production. Dizon Farms has a total aggregate area of 700 hectares planted to cavendish banana located in Nabunturan, Monkayo, Compostela and New Bataan in Compostela Valley province as well as in Cateel, Davao Oriental. Mindanao has a total area planted to cavendish banana of 80,000 hectares, 60 percent of which are corporate farms while 40 percent are small banana farm growers. [PNA]

140 cavans per hectare! More hybrid rice production eyed

HE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) targets further boosting palay production nationwide through increased planting of Mestizo 20 hybrid rice variety so the country can even better achieve its food security and rice self-sufficiency bid. “For such variety, we’re targeting an initial 100,000 hectares of land in the next two years,” said PhilRice executive director Dr. Eufemio Rasco Jr. He said PhilRice is already producing Mestizo 20 seeds so more farmers can plant these. PhilRice is bullish about Mestizo 20’s contribution to Philippine palay production, reporting this variety has more yield than the inbred variety NSICRc 160 farmers commonly plant at present. “Mestizo 20 yields some 140 cavans per hectare,” Rasco said. NSICRc 160’s yield is about 100 cavans per hectare

only, he noted. He clarified that yield for both varieties exceeds the traditional rice variety Sinampaguita’s 30 cavans per hectare. The country’s sole demonstration rice garden located in Metro Manila’s Rizal Park features all the three varieties. PhilRice further reported Mestizo 20, NSICRc 160 and

Sampaguita mature in about 111 days, 107 days as well as 150 to 180 days, respectively. The Department of Agriculture continues supporting PhilRice’s efforts to promote use of certified and hybrid rice seeds. Certified seeds are pure, clean and have a minimum germination rate of 89 percent, PhilRice said. [PNA]

BizQUIPS

‘IF electronics (exports) can grow in the last two or three months and nonelectronics do the same, we can come out with zero growth.’ --Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo on the country’s “slightly negative” or “flat” export performance this year.

VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

Three battles and a war

HERE are three battles going on that have captured headlines and the attention of every Filipino who watches the daily evening news. The first battle is between the Arroyos and DOJ Secretary De Lima. The second battle is between the Executive and Judicial branches of government. The third battle, and the most exciting to watch in my opinion, is a melee between the spokespersons of the protagonists in the first two battles. Nothing else has eclipsed a Pacquiao fight so quickly than these three scuffles being fought in the ring of public opinion through media coverage. I have shared my opinions on the first battle in my previous column. My feelings for the second, on the other hand, have been a roller coaster ride that started with disbelief, then dismay, disappointment, depression and surprisingly - hope. Let me share why. The feeling of disbelief did not begin with the issuance of a BOI WLO against foreign travel for the Arroyos, nor was it spurred by the Supreme Court TRO against the same WLO. My disbelief began when the DOJ and BOI insisted on implementing the WLO despite the TRO. I am no lawyer, but I am aware of the fact that Supreme Court translates to “Kataas-Taasang Hukom” in Filipino, and that any decision of the SC supersedes any prior verdicts on the issue it covers. How could at least three agencies under the executive branch simply disregard the SC decision, I asked myself. How high the level of hubris of De Lima, I told myself. How come these institutions cannot work together, I wailed with dismay deep inside of me. And that was when the disappointment set in - but not with the DOJ and the SC. The disappointment was directed towards this administration - leadership itself. As more arguments from all sides came in, I was left with the impression that this was a leadership that could not get its act together, a leadership that was pulling itself in a so many directions with no clear hows or whys. I was under the impression that everything everyone was doing - the Supreme Court, De Lima, the Arroyos, Malacanang - was being done for the sole purpose of securing public sympathy for their own selfish causes, respect for order and the rule of law be damned. This time, malicious insinuations (“majority of the SC justices were Arroyo appointees!”), thinly veiled threats (“we will file charges of contempt against De Lima

and all the officials who followed her orders!”), tugs at the heartstrings (“the former president was lying in bed, very thin, and connected to an IV drip, she is very weak!”) and unexpected comic relief (“i’ll cut off one of my balls if they don’t come back!”) seemed to take precedence over the principles on which our very democracy was built. I needed to pinch myself to shake off the depression that had slowly closed its hands on my throat. I was riveted, but I was very, very sad. It was this sadness that spurred me to take a step back from the frenzied media reports, to allow for my own reflections on these erstwhile disturbing current events - I needed to breathe as I was drowning in the swirls of idiocy that seemed to define not only our justice system but our entire way of governance. Then, a warrant of arrest for electoral sabotage was issued. The warrant suddenly jarred my memory towards a series of events in the past few years: the 12-0 pro-Team Unity results in Maguindanao, the corroborative statements from whistleblowers, Zubiri’s resignation from the Senate. I realized this was the WHY, this was the entirety of the puzzle that was missing from my own perspective of recent events. I realized that we have been so used to the most important issues being swallowed by the slow grinding wheels of the Philippine justice system that we never truly expected the high and the mighty to EVER be held accountable for the wrongs they have done. The three battles are only part of the war against corruption and the impunity with which our highest officials have manipulated our democracy to pursue their own agenda. Battles may be lost or won, but what is most important for every Filipino right now is to win the war where the stakes are no less than justice, democracy and the future of this country. As for the melee between spokespersons, it takes a special skill to keep a straight face and appear to be objective, classy and intelligent while mouthing facts mixed with exaggerations, half-truths and whole lies. It may be entertaining for a short while, but I have promised to not lose sight of what is truly important. And that is, those who have done the Filipino people wrong need to pay for their heinous crimes. And I choose to hope that their day will come. Or as they say in Filipino, “may araw ka rin!” Feel free to email your comments to nic_agustin@ yahoo.com.

BizQUIPS

‘IT is said that good public relations, not only increases recognition, but more importantly, improves the credibility of an individual or organization.’ --Regional Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim of the National Economic and Development Authority Region 11

editorial

Fiscal reforms

TARTING next year all government agencies will be required to register their accounts with the Bureau of the Treasury to allow the Department of Budget and Management to better monitor their finances. Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad admitted that not all bank accounts (of government agencies) are registered with the Treasury, so it makes cash management more difficult for the government. “We don’t know if there are leftover or idle funds,” Abad said. Henceforth, all existing bank accounts must be authorized by the BTr so the government can monitor the overall cash balance. Better still, state agencies will also be prohibited from withdrawing from accounts that aren’t registered. The current system allows the agencies to hold a lot of cash that would otherwise be ready for use for government projects. National Treasurer Roberto B. Tan bared that according to initial audit, government agencies could have been holding roughly P60 billion in idle as of end 2010. The new policy on bank accounts will be crucial in the implementation of a planned Treasury Single Account linking all accounts to the Treasury and the National Payroll System which will allow the Treasury bureau to deposit government employees’ salaries directly with their bank accounts, withhold taxes for the Bureau of Internal Revenue and remit premiums to the Government Service Insurance System.

Indeed, one doesn’t have to be a financial guru to understand the significance of this new policy in the effort of the P-Noy government to achieve transparency in governance and win the fight against graft and corruption. This fiscal reform will not only check stealing of the people’s money by those who have access to it, but also enable decision makers to know what exactly are the government’s borrowing needs at any given time. Earlier, the country’s senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former Senate President Franklin Drilon also complained of millions, if not billions, of pesos in the vaults of government-owned and –controlled corporations (GOCCs). These monies --mostly income from fees and corporate operations of these GOCCs --could not even be touched or appropriated by Congress as they were under the control of the GOCCs’ governing boards. For the longest time, these huge amounts were not remitted to the national treasury but were used to award the directors, officers and employees of these GOCCs in the form of unconscionable amounts of salaries, honoraria and bonuses. Hopefully, the law sponsored by Senator Drilon will finally check this disastrous anomaly which led to unmitigated greed within many GOCCs. Let us hope and pray that nothing dubious will come in the way of the implementation soon of these much needed fiscal reforms.

vantage POINTS

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

AST year, a panel of self-styled language observers-cum-judges who had nothing better to do than debate on what word had the greatest imprint on the nation, picked jejemon as the word of the year (WOTY) for 2010. As 2012 steadily looms over the horizon, you can be sure that the same panel would be comparing notes these days on the probable word of the year for 2011. Well, I’m jumping the gun on them and, this early, I nominate the word ILLEGITIMATE for WOTY honors. The infamous “Hello Garci” scandal that rocked the nation and almost caused the collapse of the Arroyo government several years back, gave birth to the word illegitimate. The legitimacy of Gloria’s presidency was promptly put to question. The tag illegitimate hanged by Gloria’s neck till the very end of her term. But here comes the ultimate irony of it all. Some of those who kept harping on

S the heads of government from South-East Asia and beyond gathered two weeks ago in Bali for the 19th Asean Summit, the economic struggles of the eurozone are never far from view. With each day heralding a new piece of bad news - another bailout, another administration going into freefall leaders and economists across Europe and around the world watch nervously and hope to avoid similar fates. It would be easy to look at Europe’s woes and react by drawing in on ourselves, battening down the hatches and waiting for the storm to pass. But isolationism is never the way forward. The global economy is just that: global. It belongs to the whole world. Trade and industry is more intertwined and interdependent than at any other point in history, and pretending otherwise is simply not an option. So, we must engage with this reality - and the best way for Asean’s members to tackle the current crisis and put ourselves in the strongest possible position for the years ahead is not to pull apart but to come closer together. For nearly half a century, the Cold War locked the world into a stagnant bipolarity: you were either with the United States or with the Soviets. Now, in the 21st century, our economies are so interdependent and production processes are so dispersed across borders and oceans that national economic interest is becoming more and more about collective interest. That is why, in Malaysia, we have rejected the outdated notion of “taking sides”, opting instead for a new multilateralism that works both for Malaysia and for our partners

WOTY 2011

Gloria’s illegitimate occupancy of Malacañang Palace and hold on political power are certified illegitimate persons. The one who shouted the loudest was JV Ejercito, former mayor, now representative of San Juan City. This political upstart and windbag is the illegitimate son of ex-president and ex-convict Joseph Estrada with Guia Gomez, a one-time movie bit player who was Estrada’s mistress for years. Before joining the movies, Gomez was a campus beauty at Rizal Memorial Colleges in Davao City. She is now the mayor of San Juan City succeeding her son JV. It seems that the people

of San Juan prefer to have bastards and mistresses as political masters. It’s puzzling how illegitimate personalities draw national attention. For the past weeks this month, the hottest talk of the town was the murder of a young actor, an illegitimate son of a retired actor-senator that bears the Revilla name. Police have identified the suspects, and two of them are illegitimate siblings of the victim. Their mother is the illegitimate daughter of a deceased senator. She has a total of illegitimate children sired by the retired actorsenator.

Asean and global power shift

Commentary By Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Malaysian Prime Minister overseas. Fifty years ago Malaysia was just a spoke in the international wheel but today we are at its hub - we are connected to the United States, but we are also connected to China, to Europe, to the Middle East and to Africa. It is what foreign relations analyst Parag Khanna calls “multi-alignment” - forging a criss-crossed network of alliances right across the board that reflects the geopolitical realities we face today. At the heart of that network lies Asean. Malaysia, like Indonesia, has been a member of the Association since it came into being nearly half a century ago, and down the years I have watched with great satisfaction as we have grown from a loose coalition of five countries into a strong union of 10 proud and independent nations. Now, in late 2011, we are close to securing the most crucial stage yet of our regional relationship - the Asean Community. It’s not about trying to create some tropical facsimile of the European Union. We’re not thinking about a single currency or open borders or a central bank. Instead, we are forming a more consolidated Asean, a stronger union based on three pillars - mutual security, an integrated economy and socio-cultural ties. Why is this so important? Last week (US Secretary

of State) Hillary Clinton said that the years to come would be America’s “Pacific century”, with the United States looking toward Asia rather than to the Atlantic alliances of old. I would go further. If the 19th century belonged to the British Empire and the 20th century to the United States, the 21st century is going to belong to Asia. If current trends continue, China will soon become the world’s largest economy. Coupled with the continued strength of Japan and the rapid rise of India, these nations make Asia a force to be reckoned with, but also draw the balance of power toward the north and west of the continent. As individual countries it is all too easy for the world to dismiss South-East Asia as a disparate collection of islands and peninsulas neatly tucked between China and Australia: A pleasant enough place for a holiday, but not a serious player on the global stage. When we come together they can make no such mistake. Asean is home to more than 600 million people twice as many as the United States and 100 million more than the European Union. We inhabit a geographical position of enormous strategic, political and military importance. Our total GDP is almost US$2 trillion (RM6.3 trillion)

Times, indeed, have changed. Three of four generations ago, illegitimate children kept the black spot in their lives a tight secret. But these days, illegitimate persons regard their illegitimacy as a badge of honor. And why not? Some even get elected to public office, and are called honorable! I guess it’s the general lifestyle of this 21st century. A twisted sense of morality clearly pervades virtually in all levels of our society. The call of the hour is a sweeping and forceful moral reform. Let’s bring back honesty, decency, honor, respect and uncompromising sense of moral values in our lives. Calling the CBCP! Lead the moral reform crusade. Let’s get it on! Get politics out of your minds. You are men of the cross, not men of mundane cause. Do what you know best – save souls. Christ said: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Obey Him. and our economies are consistently growing even as Europe ponders whether it can afford another bailout and US politicians debate their rising debt ceiling. As a 10-nation bloc, we bring more to the international negotiating table, allowing us to secure the best possible terms for treaties and trade agreements. But don¿t be misled into thinking that the Asean Community will simply make things easier for governments and for big business. Building a tight-knit community of nations also has a direct impact on the lives of ordinary people right across the region. Closer relations lead to more trade, and more trade means more jobs and lower prices, and more jobs coupled with lower prices means an improvement in standards of living. Over the next few days I look forward to working with our chairman and host, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, whose insight and knowledge will help ensure that the Asean Summit is an effective forum at which leaders can forge a stronger future not just for Malaysia and Indonesia, but for all our nations. The benefits of closer integration and the dangers of increased isolation are both too great to let minor local differences create tensions and divisions between us. We need to be a community if we are to thrive not just survive - and now is the time to work together to make that community a reality.

EDITORIAL The Business Paper

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HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS decisions.

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

After emancipation, what next?

HE decision of the Supreme Court to break up the 5,000 hectare Hacienda Luisita and distribute the sugar plantation among the 6,000 workers who have been tilling it for the longest time is certainly a consummation whose time has come. It was like a fresh breath of wind blowing from out of nowhere. If nothing else, it certainly earned instant pogi points for the much maligned highest court of the land (but hey, don’t look now and cross your fingers lest it flip-flops yet again). Now that the decades long dream of the farm workers of owning a parcel of land is about to be realized what are they going to do with it? Will they continue planting sugarcane? Hardly. The more logical decision would be to plant cash crops that can translate to quick return of investment (there goes a familiar refrain these days). How much income can a farmer derive from a parcel of land that’s less than a hectare (divide 5,000 hectares by 6,000 beneficiaries, you get less than a hectare). Perhaps, the government can help the

new landowners by urging them to plant rice instead. Not just any variety of rice mind you, but the newest discovery courtesy of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) which has discovered a very promising variety

people working within sight of each other day in and day out, some doing okay, some not so okay, something’s bound to give. It would be interesting to find out how things are faring in the former Hacienda Luisita exactly one year from now. It’s worth a study.

--Mestizo 20 --which matures in 111 days and averages 140 cavans per hectare. That’s a bit superior to the variety NSICRc 160 which matures in 107 days but with only an average of 130 cavans while the age old so-called Sinampaguita 160 variety matures in 150-160 days but with a measly 30 cavans per hectare. PhilRice says the Mestizo 20 variety could earn up to P40,000 a hectare. Of course the farmer may opt to grow vegetables or other cash crops like camote, cassava, etc. The choice is his, but at the end of the day, the 6,000 who have found emancipation as free farmers will still need the assistance of government. That is, if they intend to remain tillers of the land forever. What if after a while they cannot make a go of it for one reason or another and they want out? If you have 6,000 people working within sight of each other day in and day out, some doing okay, some not so okay, something’s bound to give. It would be interesting to find out how things are faring in the former Hacienda Luisita exactly one year from now. It’s worth a study.

‘If you have 6,000

’

‘Now that the

decades long dream of the farm workers of owning a parcel of land is about to be realized what are they going to do with it? Will they continue planting sugarcane? Hardly.

’

BizQUIPS

‘OUR tourism office in Tokyo has recorded an increase in inquiries about retiring in the Philippines, particularly in Davao.’ --Regional Director Arturo Boncato Jr. of the Department of Tourism Region 11

10 VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

competitive edge

SuperFerry resumes operations

Davao Doctors College’s general services head Virgilio Enrique Abanilla (center) and electrician Ricardo Lingatong (left) show off

the brand items they received from Davao Light key accounts representative Bong Gamad (right).

DaLight conducts seminar at Davao Doctors College D AVAO Light and Power Company recently conducted a seminar on Energy Conservation, Electrical Safety and Computation of Electricity Bill to the faculty and staff of Davao Doctors College (DDC). The seminar was in response to the invitation of DDC’s HR director, Angelica Torres. Davao Light’s distribution services department supervisor Nelson Gumba lectured on several topics including energy conservation, how to read the kilowatt hour meter, and electrical safety practices. Meanwhile, billing and

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

collection supervisor Allan Jaca and quality control staff Joey Tenajeros talked on rate components and bill computation, respectively. The speakers were also joined by the key accounts representative, Bong Gamad and corporate communications and branding staff, Ruann Pogado and Jade Gamas. Prior to the speaking engagement, Gamad and Dado Gonzales of the safety department conducted an occular inspection of the college’s electrical facilities as requested by Torres.

“The seminar with Davao Light and Power Company aptly provided a handle for the employees on how they use energy, how much energy can be wasted, and how much can be saved if properly utilized. With the start of this relationship forged with DLPC, we hope to bring in more activities and promote more energy-efficient ways to utilize energy and live up to our claim of being an environment-friendly school. Davao Doctors College is truly thankful to Davao Light and Power Company for all their support”, said Torres.

UPERFERRY has resumed operations after a brief suspension meted by the MARINA over the weekend. Officials of the company decried the alleged undue haste and arbitrariness of the entire fleet’s suspension which caused the company substantial losses from claims of shippers whose perishable cargos were not delivered. To make matters worse, large volume shippers have threatened to pull out booked cargos as questions linger over the capability of the shipping company to deliver its time-sensitive shipments to customers during the period of suspension.

The passenger business was also adversely affected as thousands demanded ticket refunds. Schedules of group travelers were disrupted as a result of the 26hour interruption of vessel operations arising from an alleged incident with local fishermen off Sarangani. An unlit and unpowered banca allegedly collided with a vessel of the company. In a news report, Superintendent Edgard Cuanan, chief of the police’s maritime unit in Central Mindanao, said their patrolling personnel sent out light and sound signals to fishing boats in the area to warn them about the passing vessel. “It appears that the

fishermen were not familiar with the basic warning signals about oncoming ships.” Cuanan added, indicating that the fishermen were to blame for the accident. “Under the rules, small vessels must always give way to bigger ones.” SuperFerry management questioned the hastily enforced suspension order on the entire fleet deemed as unjust and unfriendly to business. The vessels were eventually allowed to sail after an exhaustive safety audit by MARINA revealed “the fleet had no negative findings and was found to be fully compliant with national and international safety management systems.”

House committee okays Zamora-Apsay proposals n AGR, Maricar seek increase

in number of beds for reg’l hospital

HE House Committee on Basic Education chaired by Sorsogon Rep. Salvador H. Escudero III of approved House Bill No. 5377, principally authored by Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay, during a public hearing on November 22. The proposal seeks to nationalize Bango High School (Compostela National High School Annex) in Sitio Bango, Barangay Ngan, Compostela. “This is a big step in our quest to enact the measure into law. It will now be endorsed by the Committee on Basic Education to the Committee on Appropriations for the approval of the proposal’s budgetary provision,” the young lawmaker from Compostela Valley Province said. In another positive de-

velopment, the House Committee on Health chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo D. Marañon III approved House Bill No. 125, seeking to increase the bed capacity of Davao Regional Hospital from 200 to 400 beds. The measure is also principally authored by Rep. Zamora-Apsay, and is coauthored by Davao Region Reps. Thelma Z. Almario, Nelson M. Dayanghirang, Karlo Alexei B. Nograles and Rommel C. Amatong. In her sponsorship remarks before the committee, Rep. Zamora-Apsay said that the hospital only has a capacity for 200-beds but it is now accommodating around 400 patients daily. Even the physical structure of the hospital has expanded so much so that there is a need to upgrade its bed-capacity to ac-

commodate more indigents who rely on it for medical services. The Comval solon agreed to consolidate the measure with a similar proposal filed by Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony G. del Rosario. At the same time, the lady legislator announced that henceforth she will officially use Zamora-Apsay as family name. She said this will prevent her old friends and constituents who knew her way back when she was still single as a Zamora from being confused The lawmaker is the only daughter of former congressman Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora. Only 37 years old, she started public service at the age of 18 as chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.

USeP, Aussie school ink deal

ECOGNIZING the value of scientific and educational collaboration between institutions, two state universities from two different continents entered into a memorandum of understanding. The Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory in Australia represented by vice chancellor Barney Glover and the

University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City represented by president Perfecto Alibin formalized their understanding to facilitate the exchange of ideas, students, and scholars/staff. The MOU signing took place after a discussion on internationalization that covers international curriculum, student mobility,

and staff exchanges made by professor Glover on November 14 in the boardroom of the office of the president at USeP. An open dialogue was participated in by the USeP vice presidents, deans of colleges, directors of some units, president of the student council and editor-inchief of the student publication. [USeP PIO]

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EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

CAAP shaping up through performance-based navigation A

By Arlene Pasaje

IR travel has grown by leaps and bounds. Despite the fiscal financial crisis that hounds many countries and the downgrading of the civil aviation industry from Category 1 by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in November 2007 and recently by the International Civil aviation Organization (ICAO) the, Philippine air travel continuous to be in full zip. The increase in both local and international air traffic travels to different parts in Asia is evident by congesting air traffic. Fleets of aircraft servicing different hubs and plying many routes to and from various Asian cities have tripled. Intense promotional wars on low cost airfares changed the penchant of transport mode of the traveling public who used to take buses and ships. In Davao International Airport alone, Air traffic has quadrupled in numbers in a span of one and a half decades. As a Senior Air Traffic Controller assigned at Davao Control Tower for sixteen years, I have witnessed how air travel landscape changed. Arriving and departing air traffic converge within Davao airspace anytime of the day. Surge of inbound traffic come by fives and six at almost the same time that the entire ramp bays are occupied. Long queues of passengers are seen boarding and getting off the planes. Every

day, Davao International Airport becomes an hub bustling with air travel related activities and last flight daily leaves as late as midnight. But while air travel increased, the available airspace, navigational aids and competence of personnel compliment remain the same. These odds consequently led to inevitable delays especially when the traffic in NAIA reached its maximum during the peak hours. Since its creation in 2008 by virtue of the passage of the Bali Act 9497, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines became a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC). Bestowed with a quasijudicial authority and quasilegislative power, CAAP is delegated to redraft the intricate and dense topography of the Philippine civil aviation especially in the Air Traffic Service and to develop the aviation industry at par with the neighboring countries. With such task, CAAP is faced with a huge task to address the looming complications especially in the area of air traffic service brought about by the growing number of air traffic vis a vis the same airspace which full use have been limited by conventional air traffic management procedures and capabilities of the land based navigational aids.

The graduates of the PBN training. Interestingly, CAAP stands up to the challenge and fearlessly faces the tasks head on. Two years ago, the CAAP management embarks on another milestone to reshape Philippine aviation topography through performance based navigation. Cognizant that other neighboring countries are already enjoying the benefits of PBN, CAAP sent some air traffic controllers abroad to train as airspace designers. These designers create Performance Based Navigation compliant airspace designs to address the need for more airspace capacity, ensure continuous civil aviation safety, while also reducing ground infrastructure investment expenses. This move is also in consonance with the ICAO Resolution A36-23 adopted in Montreal in September

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF THE DAVAO CITY 11TH Judicial region BRANCH 11 SPECIAL PROC. NO. 11504-11

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City SONIA C. MARTINEZ Mortgagee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 12,98411 – versus – IMELDA BITUIN MANAAY and ESTEBAN MANAAY, Mortgagor/s, x------------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against IMELDA BITUIN MANAAY and ESTEBAN MANAAY, with postal address at Sitio Basac, Mintal, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtness which as of November 3, 2011 amounted to Php 720,000.00, Philippine Currency, including interest,penalty charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 5, 2012 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or Manager’s Check and in Philippine Currency, the real property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-298888 “ A parcel of land (Lot 53-D-3-D-2, psd-11-054613 xxx) situated in the Barangay of Mintal, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx. Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SIXTY (260) SQUARE METERS, more or less.” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above – stated time and date. In the event that the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on FEBRUARY 2, 2012 WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. This NOTICE will be posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein above-described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be., Davao City, Philippines, November 16, 2011 FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD) CONRADO P. MACUTAY , JR. Sheriff IV Noted by: ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio provincial Sheriff Cc: Mortgagee: SONIA C. MARTINEZ Mortgagor: IMELDA BITUIN MANAAY and ESTEBAN MANAAY Publisher: Edge Davao Posting : 3 conspicous places

2007 urging all States to implement RNAV and RNP air traffic services (ATS) routes and approach procedures in accordance with ICAO PBN concept described in the PBN Manual (Doc 9613) ICAO and IATA training in Davao Just recently, a five day training workshop on Performance Based Navigation was conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) AsiaPacific Flight procedure programme and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) here in Davao City. Spearheaded by the Airspace Procedure Design Division- Air Traffic Service, the nationwide event was attended by the Philippine Air Force Pilots and Air traffic controllers from major airports like Manila, Mactan, Davao, Subic, Clark, Pala-

IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRIES APPEARING IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTHS OF AMIE FELNA KOYAMA RABANES AND JOYCE KOYAMA RABANES ALL REGISTERED IN THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY AMIE FELNA KOYAMA RABANES AND JOYCE KOYAMA RABANES Petitioners -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondent x======================================x ORDER By this verified petition and for the reason therein stated, the above-named petitioners, assisted by counsel, seek for an Order of this court directing the Office of the City Civil Registrar of Davao to correct/change their certificates of live birth, to wit: In the Birth Certificate of AMIE FELNA KOYAMA RABANES: the date of marriage of parents from February 14, 1966 to February 19, 1966, and In the birth Certificate of JOYCE KOYAMA RABANES: the date of marriage of parents from February 17, 1966 to February 19, 1966. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance , the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City, on December 14, 2011 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which place, date and time any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the some should not be granted. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper published in the city of Davao and of general circulation in the said city and the provinces of Davao determined by raffle in accordance with law. Furnish, each with a copy of the petition and of this Order the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and City legal office of Davao City as counsel for the City of Davao. SO ORDERED.

Given this 3rd day of November, 2011, in Davao City, Philippines.

SGD) VIRGINIA HOFILEÑA-EUROPA Judge

Serve on: Atty. Jerome A. undalok-Davao City The City Legal Office- Davao City (with the copy of the petition) The Office of the Clerk of Court, RTC-Davao City (for raffling) (Edge Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 05)

wan, Kalibo, Zamboanga, Bacolod and Tacloban. Walter White, a former Air Traffic Controller and Noppadol Pringvanich, an Thai airline pilot were the ICAO programme instructors of the workshop. The trainees were taught the concept of the Performance Based Navigation and the basics of airspace designs. Specifically, the Davao Terminal Area (TMA) design was the first project of the group. “Series of trainings PBN training had been going on conducted by Quovadis , the Airbus subsidiary company that conceptualize PBN. The November 7 to 11 training workshop here in Davao was the only one held outside Manila,” Jessicca Jamero, a CAAP Airspace designer trained in France and program coordinator of the PBN training revealed. Davao would be the first recipient of this new Air Traffic Management Procedures considering that air traffic has significantly grown fourfold in a span of a decade added by the fact that the terrain in the surrounding aerodrome is challenging. What is Performance Based Navigation Performance Based Navigation (PBN) is a concept that allows flying through accurately designed paths or airways without relying heavily on groundbased navigation aids. The reliability of the ground based navigation like the DVOR/DME and ILS system aids are often compromised during power outage. To recall, the recent outage of the Manila DVOR/DME and ILS system NAIA June 2010, disrupted the orderly flow of air traffic that many flights were diverted to other aerodromes. The loss of revenue as offshoot of the unexpected outage reached billions of pesos. With PBN, navigation is aided by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) which provide predictable level of navigation performance in the course of flight of each aircraft. PBN ensures continuous civil aviation safety, allows direct, shorter routing and continuous descent operations (CDO) technique maximizes

the benefit of reducing fuel burn, manages more stabilized approaches and consequently, effects the optimal use of airspace. To date, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines through the Airspace Procedure Design Division lay the objectives of PBN implementation as follows to: take full advantage of the benefits of PBN; to be consistent in the implementation of RNAV and RNP ATS Routes and approach procedures with that of the Asia Pacific Region ICAO PBN Implementation Plan; ensure that the implementation of the Navigation aspect of CNS/ATM system is based on established operational requirements; develop a transition strategy from sensor-based navigation to area navigation that will minimize multiple equipment required on board an aircraft and on the ground; provide the time frame for the aviation community to comply with the corresponding requirements of different navigation applications that are defined to facilitate global harmonization of PBN implementation, and ensure a safe transition from conventional means of navigation to performance-based navigation. Generally, PBN spells more advantages to the aviation industry service providers and users since it allows optimal use of airspace, , continuous and more reliable an use of satellite based navigation, requires less workload for air traffic controllers environment friendly with less fuel consumed. Although still on its planning and designing stage, the implementation of Performance Based Navigation could be instrumental in CAAP’s drive to comply with the deadline set by Philippine government to make the country’s aviation achieve Category 1 status with Federal Aviation Authority by June 2012. (Arlene Diana-Pasaje, Senior Air Traffic Controller, Davao Aerodrome/Approach Control Tower Participant in the PBN Concept Workshop held in Davao City on November 7-11, 2011)

BizQUIPS

‘THIS is the fruit of our reforms to fight corruption. The principle behind these reforms is that the guilty must be made to account.’

--President Noynoy Aquino on the criminal cases against former President Gloria Arroyo

12 VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

COMMUNITYSENSE

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Ahon Bayan endorses 9 projects to donors

HE DSWD Ahon Bayan Program endorsed during its 4th Local Resource Forum last Thursday nine social development projects for funding by local donors such as NCCC Cares, Anflocor Foundation, Sagrex Corporation, Kasilak, Holcim, Doña Luisa R. Lorenzo Community Development Foundation (Lapanday), and Soroptimist International. According to director Ester A. Versoza, the DSWD, proposed projects are Educational Sponsorship for 150 Talaingod Children and Youth; Provision of Equipment for Older Persons’ Center; Child Care Support for Food, Medical and Education Expenses; Skills Training on Plumbing Leading to NC II; Women’s Garments and Ca-

tering Project; Skills Training for Returning OFW Filipinas; Quail Production; and Completion of Day Care Center. Versoza said project proponents for this year are Livingstones Network of Hope Foundation, LGU Talaingod, Magdum SEA-K Association, Cu-Sogian Home for the Elderly, The Religious of the Good Shepherd-Center for Overseas Workers, LGU Hagonoy, and Well of Life Community Development. The Ahon Bayan Program (ABP) is a resource generation strategy of the DSWD which was started by former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo in 1998 when she was DSWD Secretary and Philippine Vice President. DSWD then convened non-government groups and even some

local government units, and resource providers or donor communities for partnership and program-related collaboration. Ahon Bayan hopes to respond to the augmentation needs of DSWD partners through matching of feasible and sustainable social welfare and development projects with available development assistance or resources of both local and foreign donors. Versoza said, “With this year’s donors’ forum, we hope to continue to generate commitment of our interested resource providers to support social development projects endorsed through DSWD’s Ahon Bayan Program.” [DSWD/CARMELA CADIGAL-

Central Mindanao through WFP’s Emergency School Feeding (ESF) programme, which provides on-site nutritious meals in targeted elementary schools in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao. WFP implements its school feeding programmes in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education as well as the non-government organization Community Family Services International. The ESF programme helps to bring children back

to school after a protracted period of displacement in 2008/2009. With the participation of Parent-Teacher Associations, it promotes a sense of normalcy in the lives of the families of the school children and enhances their participation in class. “Giving back to society is part of our corporate ethic at Julie’s Bakeshop, and this is shown by our latest partnership with the World Food Programme,” said Joseph R. Gandionco, president and CEO of Julie’s Franchise Corporation. [PR/

PGCP OFFICIALS MEET WITH TRIBAL LEADERS, Andy Russell, President of St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. (SAGCL), personally attended a consultation meeting with leaders of the Mansaka Tribe, Gumayan Tribal Council headed by Tribal Chieftain Jamori Manlinab in the Municipality of Pantukan during a recent site visit to the Kingking gold and copper deposit. During the meeting, and in conjunction with the signing of the MOU between NADECOR and the Mansaka Tribe, Mr. Russell received the Acceptance Letter from the said tribe containing their support on the entry of the project for the development in their ancestral lands. He was accompanied by Tom Henderson, SAGCL Chief Operating Officer and Clyde Gillespie, Director for Environmental Permitting. SAGCL is working under a technical services agreement with Nationwide Development Corporation (NADECOR) of the Philippines to develop the Pantukan Gold and Copper Project (PGCP). PGCP is currently studying the feasibility of mining the Kingking gold and copper deposit in Compostela Valley Province. In connection with this, PGCP is conducting extensive environmental research, community consultations, exploratory drilling and other related studies within the area. For Inquiries Please Contact: Aida Mae Puyat, Pantukan Gold and Copper Project,PR Coordinator 0908-886-8611, mpuyat@sagcmining.com

council in watershed project Julie Bakeshop, WFP team up vs hunger Tribal OVERNOR Migs Domin“For the remaining month upon reaching their

HE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Philippine’s largest bakery chain, Julie’s Bakeshop, have entered into an innovative partnership to fight hunger in the Philippines . Julie’s Bakeshop is launching a new product called Julie’s Bayan Sliced Bread, and will donate two pesos to WFP for every loaf of Julie’s Bayan Sliced Bread sold. While nationwide in scope, proceeds from this initiative will exclusively benefit school children in conflict-affected areas of

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 12889-11

SPS. GASPAR F. QUIBOD AND LORNA G. QUIBOD, Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS.GASPAR F. QUIBOD AND LORNA G. QUIBOD, with postal addresses at Diho, Buhangin, Davao City and Lot 3, Blk.16, Ph. 4, PAG-IBIG GREEN MEADOWS, BO. MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 15, 2009 amounts to Three Hundred Thirty Three Thousand Four Hundred Two Pesos and 50/100 (333, 402.50), Philippine Currency,inclusive/ exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on December 08, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-234468 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (Lot 3, Blk.16, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-11-001554, being a portion of Lots 1-C11, 1-C-12,1-C-13,1-C-14 & 1-C-15, Psd-11024548 Amd. & Lot 1-C-16-A & 1-C-16-B, Psd112402-032444), situated in the Barangay of Mintal, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY ONE (141) SQUARE METERS, more or less. xx x” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 05, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, October 19, 2011.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc. The Mortgagor- SPS. GASPAR F. QUIBOD AND LORNA G. QUIBOD PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 11/14,21,28)

DURON]

WFP]

guez, Mayor Jose Zamorro and Joel Aton of Sarangani Energy Corporation led a turnover of seedlings to the Maasim Municipal Tribal Council for distribution to indigenous people (IP) families living in the upland barangays of Nomoh, Kablacan and Amsipit. The seedlings will be planted to boost the watershed development program of the municipality. The turnover rites rook place last Monday (Nov. 21) at the municipal grounds after the flag raising ceremony. The thousands of seedlings are set for planting this year.

months of this year, we will be distributing a total of 17,500 seedlings of rubber, coconut, jackfruit and coffee to 50 families from barangays Nomoh, Amsipit and Kablacan,” said Joel Aton, project assurance manager of Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC). “This is part of the commitment of Sarangani Energy Corporation to rehabilitate watersheds and to provide livelihood support to Maasim highlanders and tribal communities where each family will receive seedlings good for one hectare which can provide an added income of around P3,000 to P5,000 pesos a

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 12890-11

SPS. ARMANDO A. RECAMADAS, SR. AND MANUELITA N. RECAMADAS, Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS.ARMANDO A. RECAMADAS, SR. AND MANUELITA N. RECAMADAS, with postal addresses at Lot 20, Blk. 32, NHA Kadayawan Homes Housing project, Bangkal,Davao City and Lot 20, Blk.32,LANZONES ST., NHA-Kadayawan Homes Housing Project, Bo. Talomo, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 25, 2010 amounts to One Hundred Ninety One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand and 50/100 (191,387.50), Philippine Currency,inclusive/ exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on December 08, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-185686 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (Lot 20, Blk.32, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001339, being a portion of lots 337-N to 337T, all of (LRC) Psd-115581; Lots 25 to 115 & 118 to 119, Blk.1; Lots 43 to 45, Blk.3; Lots 1 to 2 &4 to 36, Blk.9; Lots 1 to 29,31,33 &35 to 48, Blk.10; Lots 1 to 14, Blk. 11; Lots 1 to 23, Blk. 12; Lots 1 to 21, Blk. 13; and Road Lots 8 to 16, all of (LRC) Psd-177069, and Lot 337-I-4-C, (LRC) Psd-283459, situated in the Barrio of Talomo; City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of EIGHTY (80) SQUARE METERS, more or less. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 05, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, October 19, 2011. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc. The Mortgagor- SPS. ARMANDO A. RECAMADAS, SR. AND MANUELITA N. RECAMADAS PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 11/14,21,28)

productive stage,” Aton added The project is supported by the provincial and municipal governments, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police, 73rd Infantry Battalion and the Alcantara Foundation. “I know this project will change the life of our people. The tribal people will cooperate and support this project because we know that this project will give us some livelihood and at the same time will help us restore all the forests that are gone on the mountain,” Municipal Tribal Council chief Benjamin Donato said.

[COCOY SEXCION/SARANGANI INFORMATION

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 12888-11

TERESITA B. PAPARON, Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against TERESITA B. PAPARON, with postal addresses at New Visayas, Panabo, Davao del Norte and Lot 8,Blk.9,Ezra St., EMILY HOMES SUBD., BO. CABANTIAN, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 11, 2010 amounts to Two Hundred Thirty Seven Five Hundred Eighty Five Pesos (237.585.00), Philippine Currency,inclusive/ exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on December 08, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-248124 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (Lot 8, Blk.9, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-11-002119, being a portion of Lots 11425-D-1 (LRC) psd146690,1914-B,(LRC) psd-74304, A, (LRC) Psd-130686 & Lot 1343, Cad. 102, situated at Cabantian, Davao City, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TEN (110) SQUARE METERS, more or less. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 05, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, October 19, 2011.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc. The Mortgagor- TERESITA B. PAPARON PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 11/14,21,28)

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

ICTHUB

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

Globe rolling out fiber optics Microsoft mulling new Yahoo! to expand network capacity

LOBE Telecom on Tuesday said it would accelerate the roll out of its fiber optics to increase network capacity in a bid to meet the growing demand for broadband and mobile data. Jesus Romero, head of Globe Business, told reporters that 50 percent of its base stations nationwide would be using fiber optics to significantly increase capacity and improve network quality. At present, Globe has more than 6,000 base stations nationwide. Romero added the company’s cell site locations would be converted into 3G enabled and HSPA Plus from 2G. He said the upgrade of its network is expected to be completed between 18 months to 24 months, adding that subscribers can expect an improve service by middle

of next year. Alongside its network modernization program, Globe likewise embarked on an IT transformation that would enhance business support systems to improve customer experience. A standards-based IT architecture will be in place that is robust, scalable, and flexible, allowing Globe to quickly respond to future business requirements. Once the new system is in place, Globe will have an integrated front-end application that will allow Globe Stores and call centers to respond quickly to customer queries and service requests. “We envision an unparalleled customer experience that will truly set Globe apart from competition. Our plans are ambitious, yet necessary step to help sustain our momentum towards being a customer-centric orga-

nization,” Robert Tan, chief technical adviser of Globe said. Globe will also establish a Joint Innovation Center (JIC) with its technology partner, Huawei that will provide opportunities for Globe to learn network best practices and tap into the latest developments of the 17 R&D centers of Huawei globally. Owned by Ayala Corp. and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., Globe announced a $ 790-million investment for a massive network modernization program and information technology (IT) re-engineering project in the next five years. Of the total, $ 700 million would be invested for its network modernization program and another $ 90 million for IT transformation initiative. [PNA]

Police had failed to find Luis Matias, 78, who suffers from memory loss, after he walked out of his Manila home on November 11, but he was located within two days of the Facebook post, his daughter Norma Avancena said. “We don’t even know how to use Facebook, but it was such a big help to us and we thank the person who took my mother’s picture and posted it,” Avancena, 48, told AFP a day after her parents

were reunited. “My mother was overjoyed. She had almost lost hope that she would ever find him again.” The husband, a retired waiter, was found sitting atop a flower box less than half an hour’s walk from home after a member of the public tipped off a radio station, one of many that latched onto the Facebook story. The post was shared nearly 61,000 times. “My mother is a thought-

ICROSOFT has stepped up as a potential bidder for Yahoo!, making a deal to review the struggling Internet pioneer’s financial books, The New York Times reported on Wednesday. In signing a non-disclosure agreement, according to the Times, Microsoft has joined a small pool of suitors that includes private equity firms that appear to be preparing serious bids for Yahoo!. Microsoft has reportedly been collaborating with private investors to assemble a multi-billion-dollar offer to purchase the Internet firm that spurned the US software giant’s takeover effort in 2008. Microsoft has since arranged for its Bing search engine to power queries at Yahoo! websites and to share in revenue from online advertising sold by the Sunnyvale, California-based firm. Microsoft has reason to protect its relationship with

Facebook helps find missing husband

ens of thousands of sympathetic Facebook users helped reunite a grandmother in Manila with her 78-year-old husband who went missing for two weeks, the family said Wednesday. A black-and-white picture of a forlorn Aurelia Matias, 73, sitting on a street corner with a missing person poster on her back, went viral after an amateur photographer posted it on the popular social networking site on Monday.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 12887-11

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 15, Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF THE PROBATE OF THE WILL OF ABITONA SP. PROC NO. 11,561-11 MICHELLE ABITONA, Petitioner

JOFEL I. PUNONGBAYAN, Mortgagor/s.

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against JOFEL I. PUNONGBAYAN, with postal addresses at c/o New City Commercial Center R. M agsaysay Ave., Davao City and Lot 26, Blk. 16, Ph. 2, Mabini St., ROSEVILLE SUBD.,BRGY. MAMAY, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 09, 2010 amounts to Two Hundred Seventy Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Pesos (270,750.00), Philippine Currency,inclusive/ exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on December 08, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-194638 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (Lot 26, Blk.16, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001530, being a portion of Lots 2-B-2-B; 2-B2-C, both of Psd-11-022746 & lot 555-B-2, Psd-11-019365), situated in the Barangay of Mamay, City of Davao; Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of SEVENTY SIX (76) SQUARE METERS, more or less. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 05, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, October 19, 2011.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc. The Mortgagor- JOFEL I. PUNONGBAYAN PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 11/14,21,28)

A document having filed on August 1, 2011 in Court purporting to be the Notarial will and testament of Luciana Abitona and a petition having been presented to the Court requesting: 1.The probate of the will of Luciana Abitona; and 2.The letters testamentary be issued to Atty. Virgilio Murcia the designated ex ecutor who resides at Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. Wherefore, set hearing on the petition for probate of the will on February15, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. On the said date and time, any interested person may appear and contest the allowance of said notarial will and testament and the issuance of letter testamentary prayed for in the petition. It is further ordered that this order containing the date and time of hearing be published for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED Davao City, Philippines, September 26, 2011

Serve on:

If Microsoft were to succeed in buying Yahoo! it is believed it would spin off the company’s Asia assets, which include online commerce titan Alibaba. Alibaba is 43 percent owned by Yahoo! and is considered one of its best assets, but the Chinese firm reportedly feels it has outgrown its US partner.

Nokia Siemens to lay off 17,000 worldwide

IRELESS equipment maker Nokia Siemens Networks will slash 17,000 jobs — almost one-quarter of its work force — in a move to cut annual costs by euro1 billion ($1.35 billion) by 2013, company officials said Wednesday. The joint venture between Finland’s Nokia Corp. and Siemens AG of Germany said it would focus on mobile broadband networks and services as it slims down with a view to becoming an inde-

pendent company. Nokia Siemens has struggled to make a profit amid stiff competition in the global market for network infrastructure — the technology and services needed to run mobile and fixed-line networks. “As we look towards the prospect of an independent future, we need to take action now to improve our profitability and cash generation,” CEO Rajeev Suri said Wednesday.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 12891-11

SPS. ALEX L. RECAÑA AND MA. DULCE F. RECAÑA, Mortgagor/s.

x------------------------------x ORDER

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

ful person. She has been bathing him, cooking for him, feeding him, and changing his diapers ever since he lost his ability to take care of himself. He was her first love,” the daughter said. The photographer, who calls himself Reddie Js, recounted his chance meeting with the frail, white-haired woman, a street vendor, on his Facebook site: “I was... pained to see her looking for him in that manner, so I decided to help.”

Yahoo! by not letting it fall into the hands of a potential competitor, according to analysts. At least nine private equity firms are reported to be eyeing Yahoo! and its global audience of 700 million monthly visitors to the company’s various websites, including Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance and Yahoo! Sports.

( Sgd.) RIDGWAY M. TANJILI Judge

Atty. Raul Tolentino 2/F, Babo Bldg.San Pedro St. Davao City

Office of the Clerk of Court,Regional Trial Court, Ecoland, Davao City Michelle Abitona/Peter Abitona Libby Talomo, Davao City (Edge 11/14,21,28)

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. ALEX L. RECAÑA AND MA. DULCE F. RECAÑA, with postal addresses at Lot 24, Blk. 2, Ph. 3, NHA Kadayawan Homes, Housing Project, Bangkal ,Davao City, and Lot 24, Blk.2, Ph. 3, NHA KADAYAWAN HOMES HOUSING PROJECT, BO. TALOMO, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 15, 2010 amounts to Two Hundred Twenty Three Thousand Seventy Five Pesos (223,075.00), Philippine Currency,inclusive/ exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned will sell at public auction on December 08, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-199396 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project (Lot 24, Blk.2, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001539, being a portion of Blk. 45, Pcs-112402001339, Lot 337-I-3,(LRC) Psd-128813 & Lot 337-H, (LRC) Psd-115881), situated in the Barangay of Talomo, City of Davao; Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of EIGHTY EIGHT (88) SQUARE METERS, more or less. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 05, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, October 19, 2011.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) SERGIO LEONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc. The Mortgagor- SPS. ALEX L. RECAÑA AND MA. DULCE F. RECAÑA PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 11/14,21,28)

14 VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

governance

Conversation with a peace negotiator

Peace achievable --Bello P

EACE with the National Democratic Front will be achieved in our lifetime. This is the belief expressed by former Justice secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, the Dabawenyo who was involved in peace negotiations with the communists for a total of 10 years, four years of it as chairman of the government panel. “I am confident we can achieve a just and lasting peace with the NDF very soon,” Bello said when interviewed in his Makati law office three weeks ago. Confident of accord signing “Before my departure from the panel (in December 2004), we were very confident that we could sign a peace agreement in less than a year. At the time, high level na ang pumunta sa Netherlands (where the negotiations were being held).. we already agreed on a time frame… there were already trigger mechanisms adopted that we were hoping that in a span of eight month we could be signing an agreement,” the two-time justice

By Antonio M. Ajero

communists. These include the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl), the first of the four substantive agreements that both panels aim to achieve in the peace negotiations for the world’s longest insurgency to end (See list of agreements somewhere on this page.-AMA). Framework of the talks “The framework of the talks is that we have four substantive issues,” Bello said. “The first issue is on human rights and international humanitarian law, number 2 is social and economic reforms; the third is political and constitutional reforms.” “If we can agree on these three issues, the fourth will be the cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces,” he said. However, the veteran peace negotiator said “we should not delude ourselves into thinking that the solution of the insurgency problem is the signing of the agreement, kasi if there

“While we are talking, the expectation is that the shooting is reduced, he said. “More talking, less shooting, that’s the tactical value,” he added. The strategic value, Bello said, is that while you are negotiating, you are supposed to address the root causes of the armed conflict. “As established by the National Unification Commission headed by the late Prof. Haydee Yorac, the root causes are extreme poverty of the people, injustice and corruption in government,” he said. Bello quoted NDF consultant Jose M. Sison as saying “peace talks like these would not be needed, if you just render us irrelevant. Kung walang mahirap, sino’ng magdyo-join ng NPA (New People’s Army), kung walang victim ng injustice, sino ang magdyo-join sa NPA, kung ang government is a clean and honest government, sino’ng magdyo-join sa amin? We are the alternative to corruption, alternative to injustice and the alternative to poverty…”

Then Chairman Bello and Chairman Jalandoni during a fellowship break at the Social Hall of the Holenkolmen Hotel in Oslo, Norway, venue of the peace process negotiations, June 12, 2000.

secretary recalled. Bello, who was in Davao City during his early law practice in the turbulent days of martial rule, takes pride in his decade-long involvement in the peace process, during which the government was able to strike 10 accords with the

is still poverty, there is still injustice and people in government are still corrupt, marami pa ring disipulo ang mga dissidents..” Strategic, tactical value Bello explained that the peace negotiation has both tactical and strategic value.

ics

Negotiation dynam-

Bello also ask people to understand why it is taking the talks a long time to achieve an agreement. He said that sometimes the NDF negotiators are very stringent in their demands, “pero alam namin (in the

government panel) na yan ay part of negotiating skills.” There were times when just one word which the panels could not agree on would stall the talks for days. “This happened even after we had already agreed on the whole paragraph,” Bello said. “Sasabihin ng NDF, we ask for a few minutes recess.. those few minutes would become three hours. Then, we also had a chance to ask for a few minutes break.. this was also our opportunity to delay returning to the negotiation table… hahaha. Sometimes, one party would wonder why the other panel quickly returned to the talks. That is all part of the negotiation dynamics,” he said. FVR lauded Bello considers his stint with the panel most remarkable during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos. He said that FVR saw to it that the peace process moved forward. “His strict instruction was never to suspend, never to cause a stalemate in the talks… proceed if there are difficult questions,” Bello recalled. “Ang usapan noon .. kung meron tayong hindi pagkakaintindihan.. iwanan muna natin yan. (The tacit agreement then was that if there was a point of disagreement…let’s leave it first..). We proceeded to issues where we could agree.. so we could move forward,” he said. High hopes with Rody Bello said that he is confident the talks will resume very soon, especially with Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s acceptance to be the NDF’s resource person. Is VM Rody’s acceptance as NDF consultant good for him? Good for the country? Good for his politics? “Good for the peace process,” Bello said. “I’m sure that Mayor (Rody) Duterte knows the issues and probably he has the answers to these issues. I would not be surprised if he has some solutions, that’s why he is a big help to the peace process,” the former peace negotiator said. Other prominent persons who acted as consultants to the peace talks included former Senate President Franklin Drilon, former senator now congressman Rodolfo Biazon and Fr. Joaquin Bernas, among others. [AMA]

BRIEFER ON THE SIGNED AGREEMENTS AND JOINT STATEMENTS A.AGREEMENTS SIGNED DURING THE EXPLORATORY TALKS 1.Hague Joint Declaration (Sept. 1,1992 –The Hague, The Netherlands) 2.Breukelen Joint Statement (June 14, 1994-Breukelen, The Netherlands) 3.Joint Agreement between the GRP and the NDF on the Safety and Immunity Guarantees of JASIG (Feb. 24,1995Nieuwegein, The Netherlands) 4.Agreement on the Ground Rules of the Formal Meetings between the GRP and NDF Panels (Feb. 26, 1995- Nieuwegein, The Netherlands) B.AGREEMENTS SIGNED DURING THE FORMAL PEACE NEGOTIATIONS 5.Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees or RWC Agreement (June 26, 1995 –Brussels, Belgium) 6.Additional Implementing Rules Pertaining to the Docu-

ment of Identification (June 26, 1996 –The Hague, The Netherlands) 7.Supplemental RWC Agreement (March 18, 1997- Breukelen, The Netherlands) 8.Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL (March 16, 1998 –The Hague, The Netherlands) 9.Additional Implementing Rules of the JASIG Pertaining to the Security of Personnel and Consultations in Furtherance of the Peace Negotiations (March 16,1998 –The Hague, The Netherlands) 10.Joint Agreement in Support of Socioeconomic Projects of Development Organizations and Institutes (March 16, 1998The Hague, The Netherlands) 11.Joint Statement (March 9, 2001 –Utrecht, The Netherlands)

--Courtesy of Mr. Ednar G. Dayanghirang, Member, Government Peace Panel with the National Democratic Front

BELLO

Sec. Deles hopeful of talks resumption

EACE Process Presidential Adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles expressed hope for the peace negotiation to pursue after both the Philippine Government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) showed eagerness for a substantive agreement. The talks between negotiators held last November 4 in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia was enough reason for the government peace panel to hope for a focused negotiation. “ There’s clarity between the two parties and another meeting will be set before the end of the year”, Deles told Davao media during her recent visit in the city. MILF negotiators earlier also bared a sense of hope to forward the peace process. During the KL talks, negotiators clarified certain concepts and identified common grounds where both parties can work on when they start talking again. Both sides also called for a joint investigation into the deadly clash in Basilan’s Al-Barka town that left 19 soldiers and five rebels dead

on October 18. Deles disclosed plans of President Benigno Aquino III of visiting Basilan with Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo to check the condition of the displaced residents. Meanwhile, the OPPAP secretary welcomes the P8.5 billion roadmap and investment plan for the five provinces of the ARMM. The budget is on top of the P11.8 B regular ARMM budget for 2011. Deles clarified the need to first validate some municipalities if these still have occupants. There are also set conditions before the release of such fund. Bulk of the stimulus fund will go to health services to rehabilitate hospitals and to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the construction and repair of national roads. Secretary Robredo stressed that the allocation of the multi-billion-peso funds for ARMM is one of the efforts of the present administration to alleviate ARMM’s social economic development, governance reforms and for improving peace and security in the region. [PIA 11/MAI GEVERA MACAPAGAT]

BizQUIPS

‘NOT all bank accounts are registered with the Treasury, so it makes cash management more difficult for the government.’

--Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad explaining why starting 2012 all government agencies must register their bank accounts with the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

E-mail: edgedavao_editorial@yahoo.com.ph The uber cozy and chic VIPinoy lounge featuring Filipino designed and made furniture.

LIVING

Shop and enjoy with Metrobank Card Welcome to the ‘City in Bloom’ Davao, a modern city in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. Only one and half hours by flight from Manila the city of Davao is sure to become your next ‘mustvisit’ destination, and who could be a better host than the Marco Polo Davao with its unique blend of Western comforts and All SHOE-A-HOLICS Asian hospitality! get a P2,000 voucher Standing in the for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P5,000 heart of Davao’s shopping and business district, Marco Polo Promo Period: November 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012 Davao is your first step to the Davao experience. With the use of your Metrobank Card, feel free to check-in one of the hotel’s 245 elegant guest rooms and suites and avail of 40% OFF on published rates that comes inclusive with a Buffet Breakfast for two! Catch up with friends or have power lunches in one of the five restaurants serving everything from international buffet at Cafe Marco to Cantonese delight at Lotus Court. The Eagles Bar with its classic bar ambience proves just the place to unwind for a drink after a long day. If International a la carte food is what you desire, then the Polo Bistro Pool Lounge is the place for you or better still, enjoy the signature high tea at the Lobby Lounge. All of which will provide you 10% OFF on your food and beverage bills when you pay with your Metrobank Card. Or if relaxation is more to your liking, reinvigorate yourself in the Lazuli Spa and get to enjoy 10% OFF on spa services from 10am to 3pm when you use your Metrobank Card. Explore Davao’s Abreeza Mall and enjoy more treats using your Metrobank Card. If you fancy Japanese cuisine, bring your friends or family at Red Kimono restaurant. Spend a minimum singlereceipt dine-in purchase of P3,000 and get 40% OFF your food bill. If you are a self-confessed shoe-aholic, Tretorn might just be the right pair of shoes for you. Get a P2,000 gift voucher when you spend a minimum single-receipt purchase of P5,000 worth of Tretorn products.

Pampering the new heroes at Abreeza

T The first VIPinoy Program members at the Abreeza VIPinoy Lounge.

SANUK: Eastwood • Glorietta • TriNoma • Robinsons Galleria • Robinsons Place Manila • SM Mall of Asia • SM Megamall • SM North EDSA-The Block • SM Southmall SM Fairview • SM Tarlac • Marquee Mall, Pampanga NATIVE: Greenbelt • TriNoma TRETORN: Greenbelt • Robinsons Galleria • Abreeza Mall, Davao • Marquee Mall, Pampanga

Terms and conditions apply.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 9022, Series of 2011.

Free internet and teleconferencing facilities.

hey say every Overseas Filipino is a hero. It is actually thanks to them that dollars flow regularly into the Philippines and every year this amount grows by leaps and bounds through their hard work and perseverance. And in honor of the OFWs hard work Ayala Malls recently launched their VIPinoy program and lounge at the rooftop garden area of the Abreeza Mall. The VIPinoy program gives cardholders discounts and freebies at participating establishments, special invitations and reserved seats to Ayala Malls shows and events. Members also gain access to , not just at Abreeza’s chic, relaxing

and exclusive VIPinoy Lounge, but also at any VIPinoy lounge at all Ayala Malls throughout the Philippines. Every VIPinoy Lounge has free internet and videoconferencing services. The lounge also provides free consultations with property, banking, investment, business, franchise, travel, and leisure specialists; and

has a convenient currency and remittance area providing secure and safe monetary transactions. With so much perks, it is actually easy to apply and join theVIPinoy program. All you have to do is to fill-out the application form and submit a proof of remittance, a valid overseas company ID, a valid passport or an OWWA or POEA ID plus a P150 processing fee. One can also apply online at www.ayalamallsvipinoy.com.ph. So what are you waiting for?

Showing off their VIPinoy cards. Councilor Melchor V. Quitain, representing Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, Emilio J. Tumbocon Jr., senior vice president of Ayala Land Inc., Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) regional head Zenobia Caro, Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato, Accendo Commercial Corp general manager Clavel Tongco and Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre.

CONCHINGS

UP AND ABOUT 16

VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

All in the family. On JP: Maine New England yellow striped polo shirt, Red Herring blue V-neck knit, black Red Herring jeans. On Anna: Frill detail cardigan over rose print cardigan, both by Julien Macdonald, & Ben De Lisi matte satin fit flare skirt. On Miggy: V-neck mock knitwear, roll sleeve shirt & chino, all by Jasper Jeans boyswear. On Isabel: Spot cardigan, Peter Pan collar tee, basic legging, all by Bluezoo.

STYLE

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Style is in the genes

Jose Nicolas O. Pacheco was the most popular athlete during his university years at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He was the good-looking team captain of the college basketball team that led his peers to victory and the cager who bagged the MVP title and trophy. An injury may have taken him off the hardcourt but this didn’t take the sport out of him. JP shifted to coaching and pioneered basketball sports programs and clinics around the country. “It’s my way of encouraging the younger generation to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle,” says JP. Known only to a few, this top shooter also scored high points in the field of fashion, he was once Inno Sotto’s image model and product endorser. On the courtside was Annalea Borlongan, the popular cheerleader whose athletic dexterity extended more than the stunts required of a squad member. Ana was equally as active in the center of the arena as she was by it. She was a member of a competitive rowing team, a mountain climber and a surfer during her younger years. It wasn’t only this outstanding athlete’s ability that drew much appreciation. She was the athlete with good looks. Her pretty face wasn’t hard to miss, a talent scout spotted her in a

Crimson charm. On Anna: Collection funnel neck jacket, Maine short sleeve stripe crew top, Julien Macdonald popper detail legging. On Isabel: Cool short sleeve pop, Cat cardigan, belted kilt skirt, all by Bluezoo.

CHIMES

shopping mall and soon enough her face was on the pages of magazines, billboards and television commercials. As singles, JP and Anna’s lifestyles were very active and wellrounded. Now, as couple, it still is. Fated to meet, marry and rear children to inherit their genes, they now have Jose Miguel, 9, and Aaliyah Isabel, 8. It’s quite evident whom their kids take after in looks and character. The apples don’t fall far from the tree. Not surprising, the two offspring joined the parents as young sportsmen and models. The stints became a family affair. The Pachecos were the featured “family” in one of the country’s respected real estate developers’ advertising campaign. Davao became their base by 2006 when they took their positions in the family-owned business, JP as the manager to the rubber plantation and Anna in the finance department. Apart from the family business, they own and manage a shoe store they recently opened. Family, career and fashion, get to know the role models and their kids a little more as Debenhams styles up the Pachecos, a family that best exemplifies the Debenhams life and style. Style is inherited. Miggy and Isabel have clearly

inherited JP and Anna’s genes. Aside from the good looks and athletic prowess, these kids have their parents’ knack for fashion and style. Anna relates, “Let’s just say as young as they are, the kids know what they want. They are free to

...turn to page 18

Girl in stripes. Isabel in a striped dress with bows by Bluezoo. Checks & dots. On JP: Red Herring dark red brushed hood long sleeve shirt over Maine New England red mock vee tee shirt. On Isabel: Bluezoo heart print cardigan over Jasper Conran bow short sleeve top.

Game boys play. On Miggy: Jasper Conran raglan sleeve long sleeve top, Bluezoo V-neck knitwear & Jasper Conran jog bottom. On JP: Red Herring V-neck purple knitwear, Maine New England green polo shirt, Red Herring slim chino.

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO YOUTH TRENDS

Partyphile’s life lesson

woke up this morning and realized that the air was cooler than it used to be, some random yuletide songs were playing from the neighbour’s speakers, and wish lists flooded my Twitter timeline.

To me, that only signalled one thing: the season of spending and receiving has started. December has always been my favorite month because of two things: my birthday and Christmas. And although I am tempted to write about my birthday, the saner side of me suggests that would sound a wee bit too narcissistic. So I’m going to stick with the topic that most every writer in the Philippines will be writing about starting this week: Christmas.

Here is the deal, for partyphiles, Christmas is one of the busiest seasons. It is the most festive part of the year, filled with parties and events. In fact, the partyphile’s schedule is so jam-packed during the season, that it is virtually impossible to attend each and every soiree. And because there is much to do, so many people to meet, and so many places to go, the common partyphile loses his sense of what the season truly means and how he should feel towards it. More importantly, he loses his view of how to spend an ideal Christmas. Because the season is just too hectic, a lot of people get stressed out and totally forget how to have fun; and that is a shame for any selfrespecting partyphile. In fact, a great Christmas experience has less to do with what happens, and more to do with what you feel and how you react to what happens during its course. Obviously, a perfect Christmas is different for everyone. We all have different expecta-

tions and traditions to live up to. However, one thing binds us all: the partyphile spirit. You see, the partyphile spirit is carefree, fun, and well-meaning. I know it sounds much like the Christmas spirit and that is because it is one and the same. The only difference is that partyphiles are expected to imbibe this type of positive attitude all throughout the year while the Christmas spirit is only expected to somehow take over your usual demeanour during the Holidays. What am I talking about? Here is my attempt at describing it: you know that fuzzy feeling you get a couple of days before Christmas? The one that pushes you to do well and makes you feel good from the moment you wake up until you drink yourself to sleep? That is the Christmas spirit, and that is the partyphile spirit as well. So here is the thing; if you want to be a partyphile, you must try to achieve that feeling every single day. Why? Because as a partyphile, you owe it to yourself to feel good, feel positive, and spread the positivity for the reason that it will come back to you tenfold. I know this sounds preachy and

up in the air, which is odd for someone who has created a reputation for being materialistic and hedonistic, but I think positivity goes beyond that. I think it goes beyond buying stuff for yourself; it goes beyond wanting to surround yourself with nice things. It goes beyond giving in to the pleasures in life; it goes beyond wanting to party every single night. Because positivity is something you acknowledge only when it takes over you. You can still want nice things, still want to party, and still want to get drunk every single night and remain positive. Now why am I giving a lecture about positivity? Because during Christmas, the worst thing a partyphile could do is to play the Scrooge to a tee. Positivity is the only weapon against that; and it is the only way everyone could enjoy their own version of a perfect Christmas. I know it is a little too early to start lecturing about the real meaning of Christmas and all that fluff, but this is not like that. This is a life lesson, dear partyphile. One that took me years to learn, and is taking me more years to mas-

ter. The truth is, in the most basic sense, a partyphile is somebody who encapsulates the feelings you get when attending a real good party, exudes that, and shares that to everyone. In a nutshell, a partyphile is someone who is positive. He does not need to drink, although he does. He does not need to spend a lot, although he may. He does not need to dress up, although I wish he can. All he needs is positivity to be counted as part of the partyphile breed. What is the point of this article? To tell you this: if you want to enjoy the Holidays, or any other season or episode in your life, let go of all the stressors and the drama, and keep a positive attitude. I know what you’re thinking. If I could say it in one sentence, why is this article so long? Obviously, I needed to fill up the space. And because I know my editors and my readers are positive people, they won’t mind. Listen to Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www. mixfm1059.com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, visit http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun

‘It’s Christmas! The Musical’ at SM Davao, Dec 11! After bringing Christmas treats like the Nutcracker with Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja, Celebrate Joy with Mascara Productions and A Joyful Company with The Company in the past years, SM City Davao now brings a unique and very enjoyable musical which children of all ages will surely love. “It’s Christmas: The Musical” unfolds a unique story of a little girl who finds herself at the mall. And while she opts to stop and rest on a bench, she falls asleep and awakens to an empty mall. Startled by a talking mannequin, her adventure begins while meeting characters along the way. Until a mean spirited elf steals away all the fun, which makes

everyone work out a secret, to change his ill ways and make him happy. Then, the girl wakes up only to find out all is but a dream…or is it? Presented by Theatre Down South with the artistic direction of veteran actor Michael Williams, the musical promises to warm everyone’s hearts. Celebrate your favourite season at your favourite mall, SM City Davao! Catch TDS’ Its Christmas! The Musical live at the Event Centre, December 11. Admission is free. For more information, please call 297.6998 local 126. Visit www. smcitydavao.blogspot.com or like SM City Davao on Facebook for event and promo updates.

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

HEALTH EVENTS

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Coffee cuts endometrial cancer risk

he study that you will read about is another plus factor for coffee! Long-time coffee fans who drink four or more cups a day of caffeinated coffee may be reducing their endometrial cancer risk by 30%, a new study shows. And if you prefer decaf, drinking two or more cups showed a trend toward reducing risk by about 22%. “Consistent with other reports, this study suggests that women who drink coffee, regular or decaf, are at reduced risk of endometrial cancer,” says study researcher Edward Giovannucci, MD, ScD, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health.

Even so, Giovannucci says, “It’s premature to recommend that women take up coffee to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.” He found a link, not cause and effect. About 46,470 new cases of endometrial cancer and 8,120 deaths are expected in 2011, according to the American Cancer Society. The cancer occurs in the womb, or inner lining of the uterus. Giovannucci evaluated more than 67,000 women enrolled in the long-running Nurses’ Health Study in the U.S. to examine the link between coffee and endometrial cancer risk. During the 26-year followup, there were 672 cases of endometrial cancer. The researchers found a stronger protective effect among obese women, which has also been found in other research. Obesity is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. The link between four or

more cups of coffee and reduced risk of endometrial cancer was also stronger for: • past or current smokers • women past menopause • women not on menopausal hormone therapy “Coffee seems to improve insulin resistance, which lowers insulin levels,” Giovannucci says, and coffee and caffeine have also been shown to decrease estrogen levels. Both high estrogen and high insulin have been associated with higher risk of endometrial cancer, he says. As for the stronger effect in smokers, he says, “We don’t know why at this point.” It’s not clear if the results would apply to those who drink coffee with sweeteners or cream, the researchers say. No information was given on how the women drank their coffee. Adding sugar or cream could offset any potential benefits. It might be more than the caffeine providing the protection, Giovannucci says. “Coffee contains numerous compounds (outside of caffeine) that may improve insulin action in the body.” The results are “intriguing,” says Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, strategic director of nutritional epidemiology for the American Cancer Society. She reviewed the study but was not involved in it. The finding about a weaker link in people who have never smoked needs more study, she says. But McCullough agrees the study does suggest that a woman who currently drinks coffee may be receiving benefit in terms of reducing her

risk of endometrial cancer. “If not, there are other important ways to reduce the

risk of endometrial cancer, such as maintaining a healthy body weight and staying physically active,” says McCullough. Coffee is indeed getting more good reviews. So, go ahead, have a cup of coffee!

Style...from page 16 choose which clothes they want to wear (as long as it’s proper for the occasion) or need to purchase, with our approval of course.” Miggy likes blue and has a preference for jackets and loafers. Isabel loves the color yellow, dresses and has an attraction to heeled shoes. “The kids loved the Debenhams clothes they wore for the photo shoot and were quite vocal with the pieces they preferred to model, the Jasper Conran blue blazer for Miggy and the Bluezoo dresses for Isabel,” shared Anna. Working on the farm most of the time, JP’s style is more casual. “I like to wear cargo shorts and plain shirt of any color that fits right and comfortable. Working in a plantation, these rugged and outdoor collections of Mantaray and Red Herring will work best for me.”

Anna only had praises for the clothes Debenhams styled for her, paticularly the Julien Macdonald and Ben di Lisi collections. “They are very comfortable and the lines are minimal, sleek and stylish. What I like best about the collection is I can mix and match the individual pieces and come up with a different look each time. These work for me perfectly.” When asked who their style influence is, both replied “Inno Sotto. We like his simplicity and elegance.” “We may have the preference for the basics but we’re not afraid to try new things. Comfort will always top the list,” said the couple. Located at the ground floor of Abreeza Mall, Debenhams is styling up Davao. Rustan Specialty Concepts, Inc. (RSCI) is the official franchise holder of Debenhams in the Philippines.

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games

Davao athletes to receive cash rewards from PSC

AVAO athletes who won medals in the recent Indonesia Southeast Asian Games will receive cash rewards from the Philippine Sports Commission. Former University of Mindanao standouts Saxon Omandac and Edmer del Socorro won gold medals in the men’s baseball and softball events, respectively. Charly Suarez won the gold medal in boxing’s light flyweight class while Nesthy Petecio finished with a silver in the bantamweight division. Rey Saludar settled for the bronze in the flyweight class. Dexter and Norton Ala-

mara brought home silver medals as members of the water polo team while divers Nino Carog and Jaime Asok teamed up for a silver in the synchronized 3-meter springboard. Asok partnered with Rexel Ryan Fabriga to collect his second silver in the synchronized 10-meter platform. Shiela Mae Perez and Ceseil Domenios could only win a bronze each in the synchronized 3-meter springboard diving event while Jose Joaquin Gonzales, son of amateur swimming regional director Deedee, helped capture bronze medals in the team 4x100 and 4x200 freestyle events.

Judoka Jenielou Mosqueda bagged a bronze in the over 48 to 52 kilogram to contribute another medal for the country. Under Republic Act 9064, gold medalists will get P100,000, P50,000 for the silver medal winners and P10,000 for the bronze medalists. The coaches will receive 50 percent of what their athletes will get. PSC chairman Richie Garcia has scheduled to give the incentives before the Christmas break. The country finished 6th over-all with 36 golds, 56 silvers and 77 bronzes. [Moses P. Billacura]

november 28- December 04, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 39

GOLFER OF THE WEEK

SK any golf writer in the country about the best story in women’s golf, and chances are they will say: Stacy Lewis. It isn’t because she has won a major on the LPGA Tour and in the process, took down the #1 player in the world in the final round. It isn’t because she is now the #3 ranked player on the LPGA Tour and one of the very best golfers in the world. It isn’t just because she has been the best amateur player in the US for over 2 years before turning pro, or because she was the 2007 NCAA champion, or even because she had won 12 tournaments at the collegiate level while putting the University of Arkansas’ women’s golf program on the map. It isn’t because in her last event as an amateur, at the prestigious Curtis Cup held at the Old Course at St. Andrews, Stacy be-

Stacy Lewis

came the first person in the 76 year history of the Curtis Cup to post a 5 - 0 record while leading her US team to an historic victory. And it isn’t because in her first tournament as a professional at the US Open 2008, the most prestigious of majors, she lead the star-studded field after the 3rd round and played in the final group with Paula Creamer, where she managed to finish third. Stacy Lewis is the best story in women’s golf because of the things that she’s had to overcome in order to just play golf again. 7 1/2 years in a back brace and back surgery, after which she wasn’t sure she would even be able to walk, let alone swing a golf club again. We can’t help but like Stacy because she’s earned everything she’s ever won, and then some. She embodies those values

that we most cherish: fiercely competitive yet considerate, tremendously talented yet seeks betterment through hard work, intelligent without being condescending, confident without being self absorbed and incredibly irrepressible no matter what obstacles are before her. In many respects, Stacy Lewis is who we would like to be as an American people. [stacysback.com]

Acosta Cup starts; Hooligans beat PNP Red Knights; PAL ladies

AVAO City’s former no.1 councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta has not stopped backing the Acosta Cup football tournament that opened last November 19 at the Tionko field. «This is her commitment to women›s football development,» said Davao Football Association general secretary Erwin E. Protacio. Six teams are entered in the single round robin tournament with the top

two teams advancing to the finals. Philippine Women›s College started on a high note with an 8-0 blanking of UP Mindanao while Ateneo’s Lady Knights stopped DDS Football Club, 3-1. Meanwhile, the Hooligans nipped PNP FC, 3-2 in the Davao Premiere League3rd Leg with goals coming from Allan Rey Fernandez (37th, 55th minutes) and Christian Hager (50th).

Rene Valdesco (75th) and Ian Pongo(82nd) scored for PNP. Joven Benitez scored the winning goal to break the 3-3 tie as WTFM bested Ebocci, 4-3 while Medvil Farms edged long-time rival Columbia Computer, 3-2. Games are played every weekends, said Protacio. In other football developments, Real Madrid FC coach Victor de Arce conducted a trainors› training

last Nov.23 to 25 to select the coaches for the Ang Nagkahiusang Kabatan-onan sa Kalamboan-Sta.Cruz (ANAKK Sta.Cruz) Social Sports Academy. The Real Madrid Foundation and Mapfre Insular Insurance have inked a partnership to fund the sports academy that has 70 children, 14 years old and under, who will receive football training and education on promoting the healthy lifestyle. [MPB]

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Will purse split be an issue ?

EGOTIATIONS for the long-awaited fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are expected to resume after the holidays. Judging from recent statements made by Mayweather’s close advisers, it seems the unbeaten champion and his team are all set to have Manny Pacquiao on their menu. Two of Mayweather’s closest advisers said they have already made reservations for a Mayweather May 5 fight at the MGM

Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Although they have not named Pacquiao categorically as his next opponent, it was understood Mayweather wants a Pacquiao fight this time — after more than two years of failed negotiations. Oscar de la Hoya, who is representing Mayweather along with Richard Schaefer, said Golden Boy Promotions wants the fight and so does Mayweather. vDe la Hoya is optimistic the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight could indeed

take place on May 5 if both camps agree. Mayweather’s uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather said in a recent interview on radio station, On the Ropes Boxing Radio: “Any other fight don’t make sense. The only fight that makes sense is Floyd and Pacquiao.” But another major issue is shaping up which has something to do with fight purse splits. It appears Pacquiao won’t go down on anything lower than 50% of the purse. There were reports

earlier Mayweather wants as high as 60% of the purse. The fight purse issue is slowly becoming a major obstacle in a renewed fight negotiation which will happen after the holidays. Still, a lot of other issues will have to be dealt with, including the catchweight if there is going to be one, the billing (whose name will come up first), rematch clause and the penalties for going over the agreed weight, among other things. [MPBOXING.COM]

Half-Pinoys defended

“

Enrico Villanueva of Brgy.Ginebra finds himself closely guarded by former University of Mindanao center Samigue Eman (left) and Eric Salamat of

Alaska in the 2011-2012 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Ginebra won, 8577. [NUKI SABIO]

It’s good to have Filipinoforeigners in the team so that football in the country will create noise,” said FilipinoSpanish Angel Guirado as he responded to criticisms on the Philippine national team for having more half-Filipino players. Born to a Filipina mother and Spanish father, Guirado admitted to having hard time finding a place to play football during his visit in the Philippines five years ago. His older brother is a professional footballer in Spain. With the growing popularity of the Philippine Azkals, the 26-year-old footballer said the national team could recruit more local players once the sport is established. The 6’3’’ striker who formerly played for Spanish league Third Division club CD Ronda said he wanted to inspire the Filipino youth and is willing to do anything to help develop football in the Philippines.

ORLD kick boxing champion Steve S. Grandeza has announced that the Red Knights gym at Artiaga St. is open to all young and adults who want to become fit and learn the art of self-defense. Backing him is Manny Pacquiao’s former sparring partner, Rudy Tacogue. Students can learn boxing, muay thai, kick boxing, arnis, judo or moo duk kwan during gym hours of 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Text or call 09995960565 or 09228092028. *** I decided to shrug off the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez post-fight blah, blah, blah. The judges’ score cards were clear. Our boxing idol won. Period. *** The 6th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf Tournament hosted by Davao City at the Rancho Palos Verdes course that ended last Friday was played by outstanding golfers from Manila Southwoods, Del Monte Bukidnon, Negros, Alabang, Rivera, Valley Golf South, Cebu Country, Mactan Island, Manila Southwoods Legends, Bacolod, Eagle Ridge, Manila Golf, Kooka Birdies, Victorias, Tagaytay Highlands, Iloilo, Mt. Malarayat, Valley Golf North and Japan Golf Clubs, and local teams Apo, Davao and Rancho was a whopping success and added another feather to PAL’s cap. PAL president and CEO Jaime Bautista, Philippine Department of Tourism-Hong Kong representative David Leung, PAL senior assistant vice president for Mindanao Atty.Domingo Duerme,

VP for marketing support Felix Cruz, and RPVGCC president Anthony “Taras”

‘I decided

to shrug off the Manny PacquiaoJuan Manuel Marquez postfight blah, blah, blah. The judges’ score cards were clear. Our boxing idol won. Period.

’

Sasin and director Jose Francisco “Nonoy” Llamas gladly did the ceremonial swings in this year’s event appropriately dubbed “She Swings”. It looks like the PAL Ladies Interclub is on the roll again after 23 years of absence as team managers decided to choose Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Sta.Barbara as next year’s venue. Developments like this are a big boost to women’s amateur golf. That would be lovely! Keep ‘em flying, PAL! *** Belated happy birthday to Imee Garcia of Hotel Galleria and for this week happy birthday to longtime amigo Dondon Concepcion, hermanos Arvin and Allan Salih, ate Nellen Fernandez-Forbes of Samboan and Canada and my first cousin Ritchell.

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 4 NO. 39 november 28- December 04, 2011

Music-filled week at Abreeza Mall

PRINCESS VELASCO

BREEZA Mall welcomed the Holidays with popular celebrities, performers, and bands that didn’t fail to delight Dabawenyos with music and performances. Oh Sam Day! Rockoustic hearthrob Sam Milby, lady rocker Yeng Constantino, and Step Dancers awed shoppers and audience in a very inspiring Christmas concert titled “Inspire” on November 15 at the mall’s activity center. Sam serenaded his Da-

SAM MILBY bawenya fans with renditions of “Wherever You Will Go,” “All My Life,” among others while Yeng rocked the house with her performance of her hit singles like “Ang Awitin,” “Cool Off,” “Away-Bati,” “Jeepney Love Story,” and more. Acoustic day with the Princess Dubbed the country’s “Acoustic Princess”, Princess Velasco serenaded shoppers that packed the activity center last Nov. 18 with hits from her latest

album titled “Acoustic Princess” features acoustic version of today’s popular hits that include “Firework,” “DJ Got Us Falling In Love,” “Lonely Night”, among others. You can catch Princess every Sunday on ASAP Rocks with the rest of the Sessionistas. Barbie rocks with Franco The former lead singer of popular bands, Barbie Almalbis rocked her audience in back -to –back per-

PUPIL formances with Franco on Nov. 19. Davao fans were mesmerized by Barbie’s performances of “Torpe,” “Goodbye My Shadow,” “Just A Smile,” and more. Barbie writes songs, plays the guitar, and loves to perform live. Franco is among today’s bands that impress aspiring musicians and is idolized by the yuppies. It is composed of lead singer Franco Reyes, on the guitars are Gabby Alipe of Ur-

bandub and Paolo “Ocho” Toleran of Queso (formerly named Cheese), Buhawi “Buwi” Meneses of the seminal 90s band Parokya ni Edgar on bass and JanJan Mendoza of Urbandub on drums. The band rocked Dabwenyos with live renditions of “Touch the Sky,” “Memory to Kill,” “Cast Away,” “Season,” “This Gathering,” “Next Train Out,” “Song for the Suspect,” and more. Pupil Live

Ely Buendia (vocals, guitars) Yan Yuzon (lead guitars, vocals) Dok Sergio (bass, vocals) Wendell Garcia (drums, vocals) popularly known as Pupil rocked the house during their live performances last Nov. 20. This band carries postpunk revival, Alternative rock, New Wave revival music style rocked the crowd with their hit singles “Disconnection Notice,” “Sala,” “Obese,” “Different Worlds,” “Nasan Ka” among others. [KENSHIN YURI]