Edge Davao 4 Issue 41 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 4 NO. 41

December 12 - 18, 2011

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VOL. 4 NO. 41 DECEMBER 12-18, 2011

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THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

It figures

Mindanao has bigger share in 2012 budget

$157 billion

n Ungab says budget is bigger and biased for the poor

HE 2012 General Appropriations Bill, simply called national budget, gives a bigger share to Mindanao compared to the 2011 budget. This was bared by Davao City Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, who is vice chair for finance of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. The lawmaker from the city’s third Congressional district said Mindanao leaders and their representatives in Congress worked hard to increase Mindanao’s share in the annual budget from 27 percent in 2011 to 32.8 percent of the P1.8-trillion budget in 2012. Ungab said the general appropriations bill was ratified by the Congress bicameral conference committee of the House and Senate last week and is expected to be signed by President Benigno Aquino III on December 15. As vice chair for finance of the House committee on

appropriations, Ungab is charged with the responsibility of deliberating on the budgets of the Department of Finance and its revenueearning agencies such as the bureau of internal revenue (BIR) and bureau of customs (BoC), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Assets Privatization Trust, Bureau of the Treasury, Bureau of Local Government Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla) board and Legislative Executive Advisory Council (Ledac). The Calinan-born lawmaker said the budget is propoor . “It is designed to achieve President Aquino’s priorities in promoting social services, supporting economic growth and reducing poverty,” he said. “The budget next year is higher than this year’s P1.6trillion,” said Ungab, adding, “We will also have a lower

HE Philippines’ having the most expensive power in Asia is also taking a toll on the finances of the government as its utility expenses is expected to hit at least P11 billion next year, more than double than what it was seven years ago. Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara said that although the national government is setting aside P10.18 billion in the P1.812 trillion 2012 national budget for electricity and water use in its offices, the historical trend based on audit reports is that yearly it ends up spending almost a billion pesos more than what had

been originally budgeted.” “So next year, we are looking at an annual utility bill of P11 billion or something like P30.2 million a day, which is for national government agencies alone and does not include the utilities consumed by local governments,” Rep. Sonny Angara said. “Kung lalagyan mo ng metro ang konsumo ng gobyerno sa kuryente at tubig, lalabas na ang patak nito ay P1.25 million kada oras,” Rep. Angara said. “The government can actually build one classroom for every 30 minutes of its utility use,” he added.

Energy conservation necessary: Angara T

projected budget deficit in 2012 and lesser borrowings compared to the previous year’s.” All these augur well for Mindanao, where the poverty rate is one of the country’s highest, he said. He said the House committee started deliberating on the proposed budget on August 1st, soon after President Aquino submitted the money measure a day after he delivered his State Of the Nation Address (SONA). Among the highlights of the ratified appropriations bill is the increase of P500 million for irrigation projects of the Department of Agriculture, P351 million for the House of Representatives to provide for the actual requirements for personal services which were not provided for under the National Expenditure Program as well as the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), P96.69 million for the Senate for the operational requirements of

Rep. Ungab with Pres. Aquino [File Photo]

the 5th Global Conference of the Global Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), to bring the budgets of oversight committees to the Fiscal Year 2011 level, and for the repair and construction of committee rooms and executive conference rooms. He said the measure also sets aside P100 million for the initial operations of the newlycreated Governance Commission for Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporations (GOCCs). Proposed by Senator Franklin Drilon, the commission was established to closely monitor the performance GOCCs and to check their excesses in the past. Earlier, Ungab said that local government units (LGUs) hurting over their reduced share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) in 2012 need not worry because it is a temporary situation that

will improve in 2013 and the years to follow. He said leaders and their constituents in the cities and provinces in the Davao Region can look forward to much bigger shares of the IRA in 2013 and beyond because of the country’s high revenue collections in 2010 and 2011. He said the reduction in the IRA next year is a result of the low tax collection in 2009. The creation of 16 new cities also reduces the share of the old ones. Ungab also has good news for Davao City residents saying that several projects are earmarked for the city. The Third District alone, projects worth close to P500 million are being lined for implementation, according to Ungab, who promised to bare details of the projects as soon as their implementation starts.

EXTRA budget (12.1 trillion yen) approved by the Japanese Parliament last week to finance post-earthquake reconstruction and boost an economy hit by slow global growth and a strong yen. The package is the latest government effort to revive an economy reeling from the impact of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which requires the nation’s biggest reconstruction work since World War 11.

P280 million

GRANT provided to the Philippines by the Federal Republic of Germany to boost implementation of biodiversity projects. National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the German and Philippine governments also stipulates that Germany will provide around P205 million worth of financial and technical cooperation funds to four ongoing programs.

$37.9 million

AMOUNT of global humanitarian funding being sought by the United Nations for Mindanao next year as the needs of displaced communities owing to lingering conflict have been complicated by a series of natural disasters that hit the area, as well as serious emerging clan wars among ethnic minorities.

$950 million

NEWEST BRANCH. Guests and top officials of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) spearhead the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon during the opening of the bank’s newest branch in Davao City last

November 20. In the photo are Jerome Camiña, the bank’s business manager with guests Harry Lopez, Mary Rose Tan of Rosegold Pawnshop, Gelli Zamora and Reymando Reyes of the 1st Tagum Rural Bank.

AMOUNT drug maker Merck will pay to resolve investigations into its marketing of the painkiller Vioxx. The US Department of Justice said Merck will pay $321.6 million in criminal fines and $628.4 million as civil settlement. It will also plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge that it marketed Vioxx as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis before getting US Food and Drug Administration approval. Evidence showed that the drug doubled the risk of heart attack and stroke.

DA confident on growth of PHL’s coffee industry

GRICULTURE Secretary Proceso Alcala is confident the country’s coffee industry will grow, dismissing reports it is headed downhill. Speaking at a press conference on Monday at The Marco Polo Davao where the 2nd Philippine Investors’ Forum was held, Alcala said the coffee industry in the country is not heading downhill, considering the impressive performance of the industry, particularly in Mindanao. Annual local demand for coffee beans is currently pegged at 64,000 metric tons (MT) valued at around P5 billion. However, actual yields is P34 MT, 80 percent of which is being purchased by Nestle Philippines. SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sultan KudaratSarangani-General Santos City) and the Davao region are the Philippines’ top coffee producing regions based on Department of Agriculture (DA) records. Edith de Leon, head of Corporate Affairs and senior vice president of Nes-

tle Philippines, the biggest buyer of green coffee in the Philippines, said four of the top five coffee producers in the Philippines are in Sultan Kudarat and Davao Region, while the other is Cavite. Alcala said with the volume of produce and the high demand for coffee, government together with the private sector like potential coffee investors and major markets like Nestle Philippines are currently aggressive in implementing the necessary interventions to improve the country’s current volume of coffee produce. The decline of the coffee industry in Mindanao was perceived due to the shift of coffee farmers in Mindanao and SOCSKSARGEN to banana. Alcala, however, said the result of production, although lower than the annual demand in Mindanao, is not an indicator that the coffee industry nosedived. DA has projected a 5 percent growth rate in the coffee production in country by 2012 and beyond

with the current interventions being made by government and the private sector. The ambitious projection is based on the growth rate obtained from January to September, 2011 of -7 percent compared to the same period in 2010 of -2 percent. Among the interventions being made by DA is making available about 1.3 million coffee planting materials for over 3,000 hectares of land by 2012. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Marlo Mendoza said about 1.5 million hectares are projected to be planted to coffee by 2016 starting 2012 with sprawling nurseries being developed by the government and private sector. He said aside from mobilizing coffee farmers in upland areas, state universities are also being tapped by government to develop coffee nurseries. With these interventions, about 20 new nurseries stand to be developed, Mendoza said. Alcala also said the

development of nurseries in preparation for the expansion projects for coffee production comes along with massive fertilization and improvement of postharvest facilities. “The government is doing its best to meet the coffee supply requirement,” he

said, adding the holding of the 2nd Coffee Investors’ Forum is another form of intervention in which coffee stakeholders from government and the private sector gathered to discuss the potential and opportunities in coffee farming. The first forum was held in Makati

City, Metro Manila last March. According to Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan, about 10,000 hectares of land belonging to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) are currently planted with coffee. [PNA]

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December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

The economy

VOL. 4 NO. 41 DECEMBER 12-18, 2011

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

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

43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

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

Small group of fruit farmers sells directly to global mart M

ANY small farmers and producers in developing countries, aware of the quality control 3. Exports 1/ USD 4,128 million standards and volume reJun 2011 quirements of buyers in the global food trade, quickly decide that they can’t afford 4. Imports 1/ USD 4,503 million to compete. Jun 2011 But as a fruit growing association in the southern 5. Trade Balance USD -376 million Philippines found out, in Jun 2011 today’s highly diversified and fast-moving food trade, even small players can pen6. Balance of Payments 2/ USD 222 million etrate export markets and Jun 2011 increase profits.The Tupi Papaya and Guava Growers’ 7. Broad Money Liabilities P4,423,849 million association (TUPAGGA), a 25-member cooperative Jun 2011 with a production area of about 50 hectares, saw it8. Interest Rate 4/ 4.48% self only as a supplier to Apr 2011 markets in its home region of Mindanao, and in the national capital, Manila. 9. National Government P100,139 million Earlier this year, the Revenues Jun 2011 association, like other fruit growers, was in the 10. National government P 4,777 billion doldrums after the Japan outstanding debt May 2010 earthquake and tsumani caused a sharp drop in demand for tropical fruits. 11. Peso per US $ 5/ P 42.81 Multinational firms based Jul 2011 in the Philippines which regularly supply the Japa12. Stocks Composite Index 6/ 4,503.6 nese market dumped their Jul 2011 shipments of tropical fruit in Manila, causing prices to slide. 13. Consumer Price Index 126.4 Still, hoping to attract 2006=100 Jul 2011 new domestic clients, TUPAGGA decided last May 14. Headline Inflation Rate 4.6 to attend the International Food Exposition (IFEX), 2000=100 Jul 2011 an international food trade show in Manila, with assis15. Core Inflation Rate 3.7 tance from the U.S. Agency 2000=100 Jul 2011 for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Department 16. Visitor Arrivals 317,443 of Agriculture and the MinApr 2011 danao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit). 17. Underemployment Rate /7 19.4% USAID, through its Apr 2011 Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, which is implemented un18. Unemployment Rate /7 7.2 % der the oversight of the Apr 2011 Mindanao Development Authority, assists MindMONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE anao growers’ coopera(January 2009 - January 2011) tives and associations to upgrade their production methods and post-handling Month 2011 2010 2009 techniques, while assisting them to identify lucrative 45.11 47.637 Average domestic and export markets for their produce. December 43.95 46.421 “It was our first time to attend a large trade show November 43.49 47.032 like IFEX, and we were looking for local buyers, October 43.45 43.44 46.851

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

PAPAYAS TO THE MIDDLE EAST. Members of the Tupi Papaya and Guava Growers Association (TUPAGGA), a farmers’ association based in South Cotabato, applied hot water treatment (HWT) to sunrise variety papayas which were recently shipped to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. TUPAGGA’s trial shipment was facilitated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which helped link the group to an exporter of food products to the Middle East. USAID, through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, partnered with the Tupi local government to support TUPAGGA’s participation in the recent International

thinking that the export market was beyond our capability,” said Ramon Mananasala, TUPAGGA’s chairman. These perceptions changed quickly when a buyer from the Middle East visited their booth, and liked the sunrise variety of papaya he sampled. “It had the sweetness he was looking for, and has a good shelf life,” said Manansala. USAID-GEM had earlier provided the association with training on updated farming technologies and introduced co-op members to new papaya varieties, including sunrise. After visiting TUPAGGA’s production area in Mindanao, the buyer placed an order for a trial shipment of papaya to Dubai, for almost triple the value the fruit would have

fetched on the domestic market. “When I informed the other members about the order, at first they couldn’t believe it,” Manansala recalls. “They had thought the export market was beyond their reach.” As they went along, the association members made use of vital lessons they’d already learned, that would help them survive and thrive in the global market. They also gained new insights in the process of filling their first order. Following up on marketing opportunities. The IFEX show may have been its initial exposure to global buyers, but the association was prepared with its marketing strategy. For example, it provided the walk-in buyer from the Middle

Food Exhibition (IFEX) in Manila which enabled the group to attract potential buyers. USAID-GEM also provided postharvest training to TUPAGGA growers to help them comply with international quarantine standards. In partnership with the Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), USAID-GEM has helped upgrade the production methods and post-handling techniques of growers’ associations and cooperatives across Mindanao, while assisting them to identify lucrative markets for their produce. [GEM]

East with vital information about its production capability, invited him to visit the plantation in South Cotabato Province, and stressed the comparative advantages of Mindanao growers: a typhoon-free climate year-round, as well as the potential to expand the production area. Consolidation is key. Their foray into export would not have been possible if the 25 farmers hadn’t organized themselves into an association, with encouragement from USAID-GEM. This enabled them to synchronize their production and shipping schedules, and assured the buyer that his volume requirements would be met. Quality control and post-harvest technology. TUPPAGA found

that quality control begins at the ground level. “For local markets, the fruit is sorted according to appearance, size and weight after it is harvested,” said Manansala. “But for export markets, we begin classification while the fruit is still growing, and then repeat the process in the packing stage, so as to ensure good quality.” The association also learned that quality controls vary from country to country. Most small fruit growers, for example, are unable to afford the vapor heat treatment (VHT) which is a prerequisite for exporting papaya, mango and other tropical fruits to countries with stringent phytosanitary requirements, like Japan. [USAID-GEM]

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US-based group urges stakeholders PlaNet Finance Japan to upgrade dairy project in DavNor to assist Mindanao A

US-based private voluntary organization has urged stakeholders to upgrade the P23-million Food for Progress (FFPr) dairy project by properly breeding their existing milking cows using 100 percent imported Holstein through artificial insemination. Land O’Lakes, Inc. (LOL) country manager Qazi Yawar Naeem said in this way, the bloodline of the next generation of cows will increase from 62.5 percent into 80 Holstein, which ensures production of more milk while retaining the stock’s characteristics of being able to produce in tropical climate. Naeem said out of the 148 cows delivered by the LOL, 49 milk cows have already delivered a total of 49 offspring and are now producing an average of 317 liters per day. He said minus the milk required for newborn calves, a total of 125 liters are now available for home-based milk processing, giving additional income to farmer-beneficiaries. The target of 75 initial recipients of the project are expected to produce an average of eight to 10 liters of fresh milk a day, allowing them to earn more than P300 a day. The new dairy processing plant which started in May this year, is being funded by the province and will be completed by January next year, he said. Zaheer Baber, director of LOL International Development Division, believes Davao

December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

small scale farmers T

del Norte has the potential of becoming the dairy capital of the country. “It is a pleasure to see how successful this project is and how well things are coming along,” he said. He said to make the project more sustainable, suitable local breeds must be developed first out of the imported animals, among other requirements. Aside from saving on shipping costs, the new breed that is developed locally is more resistant to a variety of local diseases, climate change and all other factors. In their recent visit here,

Baber and Naeem along with executives from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), saw for themselves how the multi-million dairy development project was doing. The visitors were amazed to see the vast, flat fertile tracks of land in the area that is suitable for dairy farming. Baber thanked Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario and all the local officials for their all-out cooperation and support. He added the people will truly benefit from the project, which was implemented by the LOL with funds from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), primarily to provide livelihood

to the poor farmers and make available and affordable dairy products in the province. On the other hand, del Rosario assured the sustainability of the project, which showcases some components of the governor’s human-centered development agenda, known as P.E.O.P.L.E., to include publicprivate partnership, optimum health, and livelihood opportunities. “We will sustain the project even after the LOL shall have been long gone,” the governor told the visitors. He even assured them that the province intends to develop the area into a dairy zone. [PNA]

HE Mindanao Micro-Finance Council (MMC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has embarked on a project dubbed as PlaNet Finance Japan to help improve financial access of small scale farmers in Mindanao. MMC executive director Jeffrey Ordonez said PlaNet Finance Japan is a three-year project that commenced in August 2011 and will end July 2014 with funding support of 65,464,088 Yen. He said the financial access for small scale farmers to meet their various daily financial needs is still limited even as he said that technical assistance is necessary to improve access of farmers to financing. PlaNet Finance Japan aims to increase financial access of farmers particularly in Eastern Mindanao which has one of the highest incidences of poverty among farmers in the country. Ordonez however said technical assistance is provided to both the supply

side and the demand side of financial services and this includes microfinance institutions (MFIs). He said among the activities to be undertaken are on the implementation of market research with the MFIs while financial literacy training will be provided to small scale farmers. There will also be provision of technical assistance in institutionalizing Social Performance Management (SPM). Once completed, the results of the market research will be used to improve the delivery of products and services. Poor farmers’ knowledge of various financial management skills has improved while the MFIs aside from tracking their social performance also use the information to better serve small scale farmers. Ordonez said PlaNet Finance Japan is a Japanese non-governmental organization established in 2006 with the goal of alleviating poverty by promoting Japan’s understanding of and involvement in microfinance. [PNA]

Solon wants probe on status Government plans P243M of the coconut water industry two-year cattle importation

lady lawmaker has asked the House Committee on Agriculture and Food to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the status of the coconut water industry in the country. Rep. Sharon Garin (Party-list, AAMBIS-OWA) filed House Resolution 1856 directing the committee to look into the development of what she described as an emerging industry to ascertain suitable actions to make it prosper. In filing the resolution, Garin cited the enthusiasm expressed by President Benigno Aquino III about the popularity of coconut water or buko juice as the preferred drink of Americans when he visited the United States of America last September. Garin also quoted Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo who proclaimed the coconut industry as the next giant employer and “business-process outsourcing”. She said soft drinks giant

Pepsi Corporation (PepsiCo), American Beverage company Vita Coco, and Fiesta Coco Equity have expressed their desire to invest and expand production and harvesting of coconut water in response to the growing demand. “In the first half of 2011, it showed that 7.5 million liters of coconut water were exported, 6.2 million liters of which were exported to the USA. The figures indicate a 315% increase in coconut water exports from the same period in 2010,” Garin said. Indicators also showed the huge potential of the coconut water industry in the coming years, bringing a slew of good tidings for countryside development as well as employment generation, Garin added. Garin said although interest in the coconut water industry is peaking and demand for coconut water is exponentially growing, there is a need for the government to take stock of

the status of the coconut water industry to balance supply and demand and protect the competitiveness of the products. “There is also a need to increase the production, which means planting of more coconut trees as 44.8 million coconut trees at present are already old,” Garin said. “The growing interest in coconut water also highlights the need to strengthen research and development and extension services to further improve the dynamism and competitiveness of the industry as the Philippines might eventually face competition from other coconut-producing countries to supply the international demand,” Garin added. Garin also pointed out the need for the government to look into the existing quality control points and good manufacturing practices, which affect the competitiveness of the country’s product in the international market.

Nestle mulls coffee buying station in Sultan Kudarat

ROCESSING giant Nestle Philippines, Inc. has expressed intention to put up a coffee buying station in Sultan Kudarat province to bring the market closer to farmers, an official said. Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Trade and Industry-Sultan Kudarat provincial director, said Nestle officials voiced out the plan following the recently concluded 1st Region 12 Coffee Congress hosted by the province. “More than just access to market, the presence of the buying station would redound to more significant impacts such as proper technology,

from planting to harvesting as farmers, would be aware of the coffee quality profile and thereby aim to achieve the highest yield and grade for their coffee,” she said. Sultan Kudarat hosted the regional coffee congress recently to showcase the area’s potentials as well as to improve local coffee production pegged at 400 kilograms per hectare. This is way down the coffee production in Cavite of 1,000 kg or one metric ton per hectare. Sultan Kudarat posted the largest coffee production area in the country with

19,064 hectares in 2010 and 17,914 has in 2009. The province’s production volume was recorded at 22,789 MT last year and 22,410 MT in 2009. DA regional office’s data showed that at least 13,401 hectares of land are suitable for coffee expansion in Sultan Kudarat province. The area’s coffee production is centered in Senator Ninoy Aquino town. Dillera urged farmers in the province to plant coffee, noting that the market “is not a problem” with the corporate giant Nestle and many coffee shop buyers. [PNA]

HE National Dairy Authority (NDA) plans to invest some P243 million on importing in 2012 and 2013 a total of 2,020 bulls and pregnant cattle that qualified local farms will raise as base stocks for propagation nationwide to help increase domestic production of milk which the Philippines continues importing to meet its needs. “The bidding process for this is in progress already,” NDA Administrator Grace Cenas said Thursday on the side of the Philippines’ first international livestock industry show which the Bureau of Animal Industry is spearheading in Metro Manila. She said that after quarantine, NDA will distribute the cattle imports as loans to

local multiplier farms that’ll propagate and sell these so the country can have more dairy sources in the future. NDA can fast-track local milk production through such herd build-up strategy, NDA Operations Officer-in-Charge Sulpicio Bayawa Jr. noted earlier. He also said increasing the domestic cattle population will help boost local availability of dairy supply that’s free from diseases and radiation contamination. Cenas said farms concerned must repay government for cattle these will receive during the next two years. She noted such farms must help build up the country’s cattle population by giv-

ing back to government within eight years two island-born offspring of the imports. NDA already implemented such arrangement in the case of the 869 head of cattle this agency imported from New Zealand in mid-2011, she said. Cenas said NDA is already evaluating farms interested in receiving cattle to be imported during the next two years. She also said NDA targets establishing some 50 breeder farms in five years. The country already has 18 such farms established beginning 2010, she noted. Earlier, NDA reported the 2011 cattle importation is the government’s 12th since the mid-1980s. [PNA]

opment Program (DA-MRDP). Cateel is an east coast town that boasts an area of 22,952 hectares devoted to rice production. The said irrigation project aims to provide sustainable irrigation water for approximately 1,600 hectares of suitable lands covering 11 barangays.

“Gusto po nating tumaas ang rice production natin kahit sa tag-init. (We would like to increase rice production even during dry season). (With this,) we would be expanding the areas that will be irrigated and we will be safe and secured in the coming years despite calamities,” Alcala said. [DA-MRDP/

Irrigation, better postharvest to boost rice sufficiency bid

GRICULTURE Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the country’s rice sufficiency can be attained after 2013 with irrigation projects on the way in Mindanao. Alcala recently expressed his confidence that the Aquino administration will attain sufficiency in rice as the Department of Agriculture (DA) will allot at least P500 million next year to establish nationwide hundreds of small irrigation projects (SIPs). The SIPs are considered more cost-efficient, faster to construct, and easier to maintain and manage. One project now in the works is the construction of Cateel Irrigation Project in Cateel, Davao Oriental with a total project cost of P255million and contract duration of 580 days. The project is being funded by the Department of Agriculture’s – Mindanao Rural Devel-

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December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

City bats for enjoyable, meaningful Christmas

ITY Administrator Zuleika T. Lopez yesterday issued a memorandum directing all city government employees to participate in the yearly Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw which kicked off on Dec. 5 at the People’s Park. “Since this is a government activity and a recognized event for the city, I encourage all our plantilla, job order and contract of services personnel to witness and participate in all Pasko Fiesta activities as they are scheduled after 5 p.m., or already beyond office

hours”, Lopez said. It can be noted that in Tuesday’s session of the city council, the appropriation for the Christmas bonus of all city-paid personnel was already approved and Lopez said Mayor Sara Duterte has specific instructions for its release. “The mayor has already instructed the members of the local finance committee to start giving the bonuses, prioritizing the job orders and contract of services, as they have to get it from the win-

dows of the City Treasurer’s Office”, Lopez said, adding that all of these bonuses due for Christmas will be released by Dec. 15. “We have to thank the city government employees for being supportive to the programs of Mayor Inday. They have to continue doing their job, the way they have been doing it. We wish them much love and good health for their families and make Christmas more enjoyable and meaningful”, Lopez said. (CIO/ROLDAN G. GORGONIO)

PANTAWID’S BEST. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog of Iloilo City presents Tuesday best practices being done in his area as well as strategies employed to resolve issues for the effective implementation of programs and services complementing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) engaged the national city mayors in a three-day forum in Davao City to seek

inputs and recommendations for the improvement of Pantawid Pamilya implementation in 2012. The activity is part of a series of consultation with local chief executives that aims to strengthen the relationship between the national and the local government as they work together for the attainment of the goals and objectives of Pantawid Pamilya. The other presentor was Mayor Philip Tan of Tangub City.

BOC sets measures to attain DSWD documents 41 human P365 B revenue goal in 2012 trafficking cases in Region 11

USTOMS Commissioner Ruffy Biazon has identified several measures to ensure the attainment of the agency’s P365 billion revenue goal next year. Some of these measures include re-shuffling of personnel in the first quarter of next year, strengthening of the Value Reference Information System (VRIS), faster disposal of seized smuggled items, strengthening of the postentry audit, and transfer of the Interim Customs Accreditation (ICARE) from the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (RCMG) to Intelligence Division. “I’m hoping that the target would be lowered but since this is still not sure, we are sticking to the P365 billion and will do everything to achieve our goal,” Biazon told reporters in a briefing Thursday. Biazon said their collectors would be the first to be included in the re-shuffle, which would be done in stages “so that we can put in the right person in the right position.” BOC personnel have been informed about this plan as a way of warning for them to be efficient and

responsible in their duties, otherwise be transferred, he said. On the strengthening of the VRIS, which is the reference being used for the price standards of products brought in the country, Biazon said they will continue to build up their data base to make sure that this is up-to-date and really shows the correct price visà-vis those sold in the retail stores. He said a test run on their data base would be done in the first quarter of next year and this would be repeated on a monthly basis from then on. Biazon also said they vie for the fast-tracking of the disposal and bidding of seized items, as a way of generating revenue from non-traditional sources, to ensure that they get additional revenues from this and clear their stock yards of smuggled items. He said there were about 2,000 container vans in the various BOC ports around the country that contained “over-staying” smuggled items. Meanwhile, Biazon said the Philippines was already behind the other countries in terms of post-

entry audit. “We are very strict in the entry of goods but we don’t have monitoring after that unlike in other countries that ‘s why we don’t know if the prices or amount they declared upon the entry of the items are really what is it in the market,” he said. “We hope that all these measures will enable us to achieve our goal since there are moves again to cut the tariff of more products, which would be another loss for our part,” he said. As of last October, the BOC’s collection rose by 1.84 percent year-on-year to P217.78 billion from the P213.53 billion same period last year. For last October alone, BOC’s revenues reached P22.84 billion, 1.18 percent higher than year-ago’s P22.58 billion. The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has given BOC a P320 billion revenue goal for this year, but there is a proposal to reduce this by 13 percent to P278 billion on account of the impact of lower import volume due to the negative economic developments overseas. [PNA]

HE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the region is beefing up its rights-based approach in promoting, protecting and fulfilling human rights of every Filipino. CHR regional director Atty. Alberto Sipaco, Jr. said several programs have been in place and implemented to uphold human rights in the region, especially the most vulnerable sectors. Sipaco cited visits to jails all over the Davao region to check on the situation of inmates in terms of the state of their prison cells, their food and health condition, as well as the sanitation

inside prison cells. “We would like to find out if the conditions of the inmates who are temporarily deprived of their liberty are humane,” he told the Philippine Information Agency. He said lectures and inputs on the basics of human rights will also be provided the inmates during the visits. He said the visit started last week in collaboration with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, local government units, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health. Another program centers on the protection of hu-

man rights of people internally displaced by war, Sipaco said, referring to victims caught between the conflict of the military and the New People’s Army (NPA) in the countryside. He said CHR will visit at conflict areas such as Pasian, Monkayo in Compostela Valley to conduct investigation on human rights violation cases. The visit also aims to identify the needs of internally displaced persons who would be provided with appropriate livelihood projects by local government units. Sipaco disclosed that between 50 amd 100 fami-

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region reported that it has documented this year some 41 cases of trafficking in persons mostly involving adult women who were victims of illegal recruitment. DSWD technical assistant division chief Raquel Nuñez said that most of the cases were referrals from various government and non-government organizations in Davao Region, and one case from a rescue operation in Davao City. Nuñez told the media here during Friday’s Kapihan sa PIA that the cases were referred to DSWD for psychosocial interventions and provision of temporary shelters for the victims. She said that majority of the victims were adult women aged 20-40 years old, and the youngest victim was a 16-year old child. Nuñez said that the victims were recruited illegally by agencies and private persons for a promised employment outside the region and abroad. She added that Davao Oriental has the highest cases of human trafficking, followed by Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte. According to DSWD of-

ficial, 27 of the victims have returned to their respective families after undergoing psychosocial interventions such as counseling, evaluation, and treatment from DSWD center. Meanwhile, Davao-based Talikala, Inc. has documented 35 cases of human trafficking for the period of January to November this year. “The victims were mainly trafficked for sexual trade,” reported Jeanette Ampog, executive director of Talikala a non-government organization catering to prostituted women and children. She disclosed that 90 percent or 33 of the victims were young girls aging 14-17 years old who were cunningly recruited to become call girls, GROs, entertainers and dancers. According to Talikala’s documentation, the receiving places of the victims in Mindanao are in Samal Island, Panabo City, Sto. Tomas and Kapalong in Davao del Norte; Maragusan, Diwalwal and Monkayo in Compostela Valley; Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat and in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Ampog said that some of the young girls were brought by their recruiters from Davao to Cebu, and others from Davao to Palawan. Out of the 35 cases, Ta-

likala has catered to 21 victims who were provided with psychosocial interventions including counseling, legal advices and provision of livelihood projects for the parents. However, Ampog lamented that the victims settled on not filing any case to court due to fear. Since the inception of Republic Act 9208 or the AntiTrafficking in Persons in 2003, assistant regional prosecutor Barbara Mae Flores of the Department of Justice said that only 33 cases have been file in the courts of Davao Region. Flores reported that 22 of the cases were filed in Davao City, and the rest were scattered in the other courts of the region. She disclosed that five cases of human trafficking have already resulted to convictions, while about ten cases are undergoing trials. The rest of the cases were dismissed due to a reason that the victims were no longer interested to pursue the case, and some were archived because the accused were not arrested, Flores said. However, she added that the archived cases could still be reviewed to determine if a follow-up could be made with the help of the law enforcers. [PIA-11/CARINA L. CAYON]

CHR strengthens rights-based programs Davao barangays urged to put up VAWC desks T lies in Compostela Valley are affected by the conflicts. Apart from the conflicts, the CHR is also closely monitoring the condition of people displaced by natural calamities such as typhoons, landslides and flashfloods. In the near future, Sipaco said that his office is bent on looking into cases of displacement due to demolition by virtue of massive construction development such as the rise of housing subdivisions. The visitation activities cover CHR’s programs on advocacy, forum, training and monitoring of cases, he stated.[PIA-11/CARINA L. CAYON]

Condom use among sex workers urged C ONSISTENCY in the use of condoms among sex workers as to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV-AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is one of the advocacies of the Davao City Reproductive Health and Wellness Center. Dr. Jordana Ramiterre of the RHWC said that although condoms are widely used during sexual contact between paying partners, these are not

however used when the sex workers are in contact with their intimate partners like husbands or boyfriends. Ramiterre said that the use of condoms is advocated particularly to persons prone to having multiple sex partners and it must be used consistently whether the partner is a paid customer or an intimate one. Also another problem is that condom advocacy is getting lukewarm support from males. According to Ramiterre they are trying of ways to repack-

age the advocacy. According to data, there are four to five new cases of HIV-AIDS every month from screenings conducted by the RHWC. In 2010 there were about 71 cases of HIV-AIDS in 2011 from January to September the number of new AIDS cases has breached the 2010 figures. The figures could go higher as this only purports to persons who volunteered to check with the RHWC. [PIA11/

RG ALAMA]

N support of the full implementation of laws protecting women and children against violence, the city government has enjoined all its 182 barangay units to create their respective VAWC desks. The local government through the Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) reiterated the directive in a series of orientations on December 1 and 2, and another session on Dec. 5. The orientation provided inputs to gender and development focal persons of every barangay on the importance and the need of creating VAWC desks

in their respective barangays. IGDD executive director Lorna Mandin said the LGU is strengthening its program in facilitating the full implementation of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women and Republic Act 9262 or the AntiViolence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004. Mandin told the Philippine Information Agency that both laws mandate each barangay to create its VAWC desk that will be established in the barangay hall to give appropriate assistance and referrals to abused women and children.[PIA 11/CARINA L. CAYON]

BizQUIPS

‘EXPERTS did a study and calculated the cost of building bridges and tunnels to connect the continents and found that connecting the world is cheaper than the cost of war in the Middle East.’ --Filipino architect Felino Palafox Jr., 2011 Gusi Peace Prize laureate (BusinessWorld)

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 4 NO. 41 DECEMBER 12-18, 2011

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

You can be a lifestyle entrepreneur

RE you burned out? Discontented with your current work? Tired of being an employee? Sick of having very little time (and money!) to spend with family, friends and yourself? If your answer is yes to any of these questions and desperately want to do something about it, then you could be a lifestyle entrepreneur. An entrepreneur, as most people know, is somebody who has chosen to take the path of being his or her own boss and engaged in a micro, small or medium enterprise as one’s main means of livelihood. What distinguishes an entrepreneur from a lifestyle entrepreneur is that the latter’s main motivation is the lifestyle that comes with being independent from the employment grind, and not the level of income or financial rewards that may or may not come with owning a business. Nowadays, there are so many outside stimuli that have influenced people on what it means to have a life. This means going beyond the stressful officehousework schedule and having enough time to stop and smell the roses. Travel, leisure activities, watching the children grow, working from home, pursuing a hobby that brings contentment and peace - these have now become part and parcel of a routine that is defined as ideal. They have also been among the main motivations why more and more people choose to be lifestyle entrepreneurs. In selecting a business, most lifestyle entrepreneurs select a field that reflects their competencies and interests. While most of them are mid-career professionals who may have a small amount set aside for the future, these fields usually require minimal start-up capital and fueled by the entrepreneur’s drive and passion. I have a friend in his mid-thirties who was an upper middle manager in one of the biggest advertising firms in the country. He was making more than enough to subsidize life in a middle class neighborhood in Manila, and travelled constantly within and outside

the Philippines for work. It was exciting when he was in his twenties, he told me, but after the birth of his daughter, my friend told me that the satisfaction he felt with every successful pitch suddenly paled in comparison to the happiness he felt when he was home. With the support of his stay-at-home wife, my friend turned his back on his lucrative but backbreaking advertising career and started a small bakeshop and advertising consultation business. The money, he admits, is a far cry from his old income. In order to increase their savings, he sold his two-bedroom condominium in Ortigas and transferred to a house in Rizal. “At the start, I made just enough for my family’s needs”, he shares, “and it took some adjustments on all of us. But that little thing is nothing compared to the fact that when I woke up, I would smile because I know I didn’t have to sit through another meeting or travel and be gone for two weeks. My daughter’s asthma cleared up because of the fresher air in Rizal. The work I have to do now is the same as before, but the big difference is that I work from home. My family is happy, and I am happy. And that is more important to me than a six-figure salary. I am living the life I want now, and I’m glad that I did not wait for my retirement to enjoy my life and my family.” To some, being a lifestyle entrepreneur might be a luxury that can only be indulged in by successful midlifers. But I beg to disagree. If you have gone beyond mere survival (that is, successfully struggled beyond earning just enough for basic food, shelter and clothing) and find yourself always asking if you could start pursuing a higher purpose in life that gives you true satisfaction, look inward and ask yourself if you can make being a lifestyle entrepreneur work for you the same way taking the plunge has worked beautifully for me. Feel free to send your comments to nic_agustin@yahoo.com.

BizQUIPS ‘HE is not at fault because he is the buyer. The buyer has nothing to do with inside trading.’

--Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, in deciding to no longer ask Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan to appear in the Senate probe.

editorial

Economic driver

HE REAL estate property development sector is undoubtedly the most robust participant in Davao City’s growing economy. This is pretty obvious since the proofs are all there for everybody to see –malls, condominiums, hotels, subdivisions, townhouses, resorts, entertainment enclaves and sundry other horizontal and vertical structures that have risen from every nook and cranny of the city. Yet not all of the major players in the country’s property development industry have come to the city. To be sure, we are not yet experiencing the flurry of construction activities happening within and around metropolitan Manila, activities that spawn both pleasant and unpleasant problems to urban living. The boom in the building industry is reflected in the the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent report that nationwide in the first half of 2011 alone, consumer loans mostly residential estate loans grew 15.1 percent to P500 billion. Indeed, the construction sector continues to be a leading driver of the Philippine economy. It is very much so in the case of Davao’s economy. Dabawenyos will continue to enjoy the benefits that a strong economy brings in terms of employment and livelihood.

This will raise the people’s purchasing power that in turn enables them to send their children to school, cover expenses in health and other social services and later engage in small-scale business ventures with their extra income. One glaring effect of growth and development is the increase of a local city government unit’s tax collections. An example of this is the more than P11 billion that the city of Cebu earns every year, compared to the P4-billion yearly income of Davao City, despite the fact that Davao is a lot bigger than Cebu in area and population. In order to parry the downside and the social costs of a rapidly expanding construction industry admittedly we need to learn the lessons that the experience of other places offer. The country’s laws that are in place provide enough safeguards against unsound practices that put the safety and order of the community at risk. Indeed. the rules of the game are all there for honest-to-goodness enforcers to implement without fear or favor and those charged with crafting local policies to conscientiously observe and address the identified challenges. With all these in mind, we dedicate the supplement in this edition to all the players and stakeholders in the property sector.

vantage POINTS

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

FACE OFF

PRO ‘IT’S a basic premise that we should all be reminded of, the President merely wanted to remind all of us the basic tenets of the Constitution.’ ‘The President made his point. He wanted to a statement knowing fully well the presence of the other heads of the other branches of government.’ ‘THIS is a justice summit and it is good that the entire branch, the three branches of government, were all present, and to remind all of us, everyone of them, not only the legal community but the government officials, of our role as public officials and the need to be accountable to the Filipino people.’

--Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda

‘THE objective of the President is to continuously make the people aware and be conscious of these issues and to rally the support of the people. If he needs to be very strong about it and very firm in his language and very forthright about what he thinks and what he feels about the whole issue, that is precisely his right and prerogative.’

--Justice Secretary Leila De Lima

‘Being head of the Executive, a political branch of government, the President spoke from the political side of the issue, not the judicial aspect. By political side, I mean the concern of the public about how the government should rule. The President must express the people’s wishes. The Supreme Court’s rule is to temper, with proper evaluation, this collective wisdom of the people or what some would call mob rule.’

--Dean Amado Valdez of the University of the East College of Law CON ‘NOW, he did it again, but this time in the presence I think of the chief justice no less, so that is completely uncalled for and that was a criminal justice summit to get the cooperation of all sectors and here comes the President again pontificating on his favorite issue, bashing the SC and persecuting the former President.’ ‘That is very bad example for a President to do because once the political departments have lost the confidence of the people. It’s only the judiciary which could bind the people together.’

--House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman

number of years ago, a story went around that sprouts were being transported from across Britain to an East Anglian airport, from where they were sent to Poland for washing and packaging before being air-freighted back again for sale in supermarkets located but a few miles from where they were grown. This is an extreme example of the sometimes insane supplychain dynamics of modern-day globalisation, but it speaks loudly to widespread disillusionment with the once-unquestioned blessings of free trade. From the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements of the US to the renewed rise of populist politics in Europe, the backlash is everywhere to be seen. In real terms, Americans are on average no better off than they were 30 years ago; in Britain, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says that our real disposable incomes are in the midst of a 14-year freeze. Vast tracts of gainful employment in textiles, potteries, shoe-making, machine tools and many other industries have disappeared, to be replaced by… well, not very much at all outside the now languishing financial services industry and the housing market. The West’s competitive advantage, even in hi-tech industries such as pharmaceuti-

Globalisation has turned on its Western creators [Part 1]

Commentary By Jeremy Warner cals and aerospace, is being fast whittled away too. The welfare and health entitlements to which we have become accustomed look ever more unaffordable, while the final-salary pensions that workers could once expect as reward for a lifetime of service are now confined to the public sector – and those too will surely be gone within 10 years. It is small wonder that the benefits of free trade are now so widely questioned. Critics of globalisation, such as Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel laureate in economics, used to focus on the supposed harm that Western-inspired trade liberalisation was inflicting on the developing world. Few would these days think this the correct way of looking at the problem. On the contrary, by opening up the global economy to Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, the West seems to have unleashed a dooms-

day machine which threatens ever-greater destruction of its own living standards. After a brief number of years in which globalisation made everything seemingly cheaper, the terms of trade have moved badly against the West. Sure enough, the world as a whole is getting a whole lot richer. In the past decade alone, the global economy has doubled in size. But most of the benefits of this explosion in activity have gone to the developing world and, in the West, the already rich, highly educated and talented. The wealth divide has widened to record levels almost everywhere. Western business leaders embraced globalisation not just because it opens up new markets, introduces new ideas and weeds out unproductive, protected sectors, but because it allows for lower production costs and so bigger profits. It doesn’t

seem to have occurred to them that if you don’t provide Western consumers with jobs, they’ll be priced out of the market and the mother economy will wither and die. The principles of free trade are the same for nations as they are for individuals. Rather than trying to produce everything we need to live, most of us choose to work in quite specialist forms of employment, the product of which we sell to others. We then use the proceeds to buy in other goods and services. Nations ought similarly to derive a collective economic benefit by specialising in the things they do best and then trading with others for the rest. But the system only works if everyone plays by a common set of rules and standards. Nations won’t live happily together if they don’t. That’s what has gone wrong with globalisation. Many have just copied from the West and used cheap labour for competitive advantage. Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” cannot operate efficiently in a world of wildly different labour standards, attitudes to the rule of law and manipulated currency values. Even Smith, the father of free market thinking, recognised that markets must be policed if they are to function properly.

EDITORIAL The Business Paper

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December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

On P-Noy’s attack on the Supreme Court

Cagayan de Oro Marketing Office:

Manila Marketing Office:

Marketing Manager | Liezl A. Deloso

Marketing Manager | Angelica R. Garcia

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HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS decisions.

Kick their asses

HE recent call of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to the leadership of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the city to sit down with her and talk peace was a atroke of statesmanship. That is why, it was rather strange for the NPA to reject outright the mayor’s call. And stranger yet was the way the NPA, through its spokesperson, Rigoberto Sanchez, regarded the mayor’s offer of peace as a “stupid” call, nay, even “ignorant”. By dismissing the invitation to talk peace, the NPA missed a golden opportunity to explain what really is their agenda in terms that will allow the ordinary Dabawenyo to understand the belligerence that is the hallmark of the NPA’s behavior towards the government and its functionaries Just by sitting down with the local leadership to talk about how to go about achieving peace in the city would have been a propaganda coup for the rebel movement and given it a human face that abhors the use of violence as a last resort to attain what it calls a just peace—regardless of whether or not the talk produced the desired results. To dismiss Mayor Duterte’s call to talk peace as a sign of ignorance is for Sanchez to forget that it is her duty as mayor to ensure that her people live in a climate of peace and tranquility that will translate into opportunities for a better life for all— no less. Davao City has gained the rare distinction of being

‘

By dismissing the invitation to talk peace, the NPA missed a golden opportunity to explain what really is their agenda in terms that will allow the ordinary Dabawenyo to understand the belligerence that is the hallmark of the NPA’s behavior towards the government and its functionaries Just by sitting down with the local leadership to talk about

how to go about achieving peace in the city would have been a propaganda coup for the rebel movement and given it a human face that abhors the use of violence as a last resort to attain what it calls a just peace— regardless of whether or not the talk produced the desired results.

cited as one of the most livable cities in Asia, an honor that attests to the kind of leadership that the Dutertes—father and daughter— have provided Dabawenyos the past two decades and counting. Mayor Sara perhaps realizes how fragile peace can be in these times marked by a proliferation of armed groups, loose firearms and improvised explosive devices (IED) that, in the hands of malefactors, constitute a potential threat to the city’s reputation as a zone of peace and economic prosperity. If you were the city mayor, you would certainly feel deep concern for what could happen that would set back the clock to the pre-Duterte time when Davao City was just a large space on the map and not much else, really. The largest city in the world, kuno. Period. The killing fields and Nicaragdao, remember? The growing pains amid a burgeoning economy. It’s tough to guide the fortunes of a city of more than a million souls— Christians, Muslims, Lumads, migrants from everywhere in search of the elusive greener pastures and a new life in this part of Mindanao the “Land of Promise”. For a good number of them--especially the hardworking visionaries--that promise has found fulfillment while the others are on the way there, one way or another. But out there in the countryside are the NPAs who remain the thorn on the side of peace-loving Dabawenyos. But they don’t want to talk peace, unless it’s on their own terms. They are on a different wave length than Mayor Sara and the rest of us. Pastilan!

10 VOL. 4 NO. 41 DECEMBER 12-18, 2011

competitive edge

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

CebPac increases flights to Hong Kong, Boracay C

EBU Pacific, the airline unit of JG Summit Holdings Inc., on Thursday said it has increased flight frequencies to popular domestic and regional destinations because of the holiday season. In a statement, Cebu Pacific said it added a daily ManilaHong Kong-Manila flight from Dec. 21, 2011 to Jan. 3, 2012, giving passengers a choice between a total of five daily flights to Hong Kong. The airline also added daily flights from Manila to Kalibo and from Cebu to Caticlan to accommodate the influx of visitors to Boracay, one of Asia’s top

beaches. Cebu Pacific also said that one daily flight each was added on Cebu-Davao-Cebu, DavaoIloilo-Davao, Manila-Cebu-Manila, and Manila-Davao-Manila routes. One daily flight each was also added to the airline’s ManilaTacloban-Manila and ManilaDumaguete-Manila routes until further notice. Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s vice president for marketing and distribution, said the airline’s December bookings increased by 23 percent this year, compared to last year, driven by a 27 percent hike in international bookings.

“We added these flights so more local and foreign passengers can take advantage of the holiday season and CEB’s low fares,” Iyog said. Cebu Pacific currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 18 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. By the end of 2011, CEB will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft – with an average age of less than 3.5 years – one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and 2 Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements. [PNA]

LABORATORIES, INC. won this year’s BEST GREEN CONSUMER PRODUCT. Of the several entries, DAVAO BIOSKIN TECH LABORATORIES showed our judges exemplary development of product lines that are demonstrably environmentally friendly; from cradle to cradle. Their commitment to green technology and green environment through their product lines are admirable. By creating consumer products that gives ecological and social benefits to the community, they are truly helping improve the quality of life of Filipinos. The award was received by owners Mr. and Mrs. Geri Evnagelista. Meawhile, PAQUITO MANGOSTEEN JUICE of Paquito y Catalina de Davao Processed Foods won this year’s Datu Awards Most Innovative Product. Paquito Mangosteen Juice showed the judges exemplary innovation in food processing and packaging across the supply chain - from technology to the end-users. Their product design has shown quality of design and workmanship, functionality, ease of use and safety. The

award was received by owner, Naome Basilio and sisters, Elizabeth B. Amparo and Cynthia B. Madelo. Finally, DAVAO DOCTOR’S COLLEGE won this year’s DATU GREEN AWARD. Davao Doctors College’s waste management program has built a sustainable, green culture across their entire brand. From the school’s management down to the students, DDC has established an authentic and environmentally responsible business operation. Through their actions and business practices, they are able to help decrease waste’s negative impact on the environment and thus, help create a green environment. The Award was received by Dr. Lucila Lupo. The Datu Awards is the Philippine Marketin AssociationDavao Chapter’s unique contribution to recognizing marketing excellence in the Davao region. Through the years, different companies, SMEs and individuals have received awards for their marketing efforts and for bringing to the industry unique and excellent products and services.

HONORARY CONSUL. H.E. Beibut Atamkulov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines, presents the appointment papers of Mr. Dennis A. Uy as the new Honorary Consul to the Philippines. The ceremony was held at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,

on November 25, 2011.Uy is the president and CEO of independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.Kazakhstan is a transcontinental country in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It is the ninth largest country in the world and has vast mineral resources and economic potential.

Three SMEs receive Datu Awards DepEd sets rules on National from PMA Davao at Marco Polo Achievement Test set March

AST December 1, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as an institution was cited by the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA)- Davao Chapter in several categories: The Datu Award for the Most Innovative Product of the Year, Datu Award for Best Green Consumer Product, and The Datu Green Award . The event was held at The Marco Polo Davao. The winners in this year’s Datu Awards competition represent a variety of exciting new products and ideas that offer better and more environmentally responsible initiatives, inventions and innovations. These companies and institution have shown commitment to transforming our world into a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly place, while at the same time creating businesses that offer huge upside potential for more jobs for Filipinos, as well as, investors. Each nominee was evaluated by a panel of judges representing universities and the business industry who are familiar with clean and green culture and green technology. DAVAO BIOSKIN TECH

Geri and Victoria Evangelista of Bioskin Tech Laboratories Inc.

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N preparation for the conduct of the National Achievement Test (NAT) in March next year, the Department of Education will conduct a preNAT seminar workshop to set the rules on the administration of the NAT and to ensure the security of the test materials. “We will conduct a seminar to be attended by division testing coordinators and private school supervisors for the smooth conduct of the test and put safeguards to ensure the integrity of the exam,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro. Among the key points to be discussed in the seminar workshop are: proper conduct of the test, security of test materials, delivery and

retrieval schemes, as well as allocation of test materials. NAT is given towards the end of each school year to gauge the academic performance in key subjects of elementary and secondary students in both public and private schools. NAT is administered by DepEd’s National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC). According to Dr. Nelia Benito of NETRC there will be some changes in the conduct of NAT next year in preparation for future enhancement of the basic education curriculum. Benito said that NAT will be taken by fourth year high school students both in public and private schools instead of second year high school students

“In next year’s NAT, fourth year high school students will take the exam to give us feedback on the students’ knowledge gain after the ten-year basic education cycle. The result will also be used as input for the K to 12 program,” explained Benito. NAT will also be taken by Grade 3 pupils of public schools, Madrasah schools and pilot schools of mother tonguebased multi-lingual education. Meanwhile, DepEd said it is inviting local education stakeholders such as the local government units, civic groups and non-government organizations to be part of the monitoring group to ensure the smooth conduct of NAT next year. [DepEd]

Music, fashion, art and style mark the arrival of Honda’s stylish compact scooter. High-street and rockand-roll lifestyle was showcased recently as Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) celebrated the launch of the new Honday Scoopy, a beautifully designed scooter with trendsetting looks and excellent city cruising performance. Dubbed “Scoopy on the High Street,” the launch was held on 3 separate weekends in 3 major metropolitan areas and gathered HIP executives, motorcycle enthusiasts, celebrities, fashion models, musicians, students and even members

of the media in one city. During the Manila launch held at the Bonifacion High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Mr. Katsuhisa Yoda, HPI President and General Manager, said that the classy and elegant Honda Scoopy illustrates the great diversity in styles of machinery that the company is pushing for the motorcycling community. He also formally welcomed Honda’s newest brand ambassadors: rock music icon Ramon “RJ” Jacinto and supermodel/ entrepreneur Patricia Grandidge. The two were presented with their own custom Honda Scoopy: a rockand-roll inspired version of

RJ and a pink and purple modification of the motorcycle accented with cupcake patters for Patti. Compact and lightweight, the Scoopy is powered by a clean and quiet 4-stroke 110cc engine, and features a rounded bodywork and bold, high-quality finish. It is designed to deliver enhanced fuel economy and quiet operation, perfect for maneuvering around town in the most efficient mode possible. The scooter’s hip range of colors – pearl metalloid white, pearl angel yellow, cheerful pink metal, candy rose red and asteroid black metallic – was displayed at the event kickoff as well as in a 150-strong scootercade led by the Alliance of BeAT Riders (ABR). The launch included performances by RJ Jacinto, Moonstar 88, G-Force Dancers and the Bloom Brothers, the Honda Scoopy Song – an original composition by Jacinto – was also debuted, energizing the High Street audience with its infectious hooks and signature guitar riffs. Meanwhile, fashion model and rising actress Nicole Andersson served as one of the judges in The Scooter Project. The design completion underscored Honda’s commitment to creativity and vale-driven innovation by bringing young designers from top universities to interpret the Scoopy in a way that reflected their lifestyle. The team from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Fince Arts and Design took home to P50,000 grand prize.

Scoopy on the High Street

DAVAO –BASED PACKAGING MANUFACTURING COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS DEV’T. & MARKETING MANAGER • Male or Female 35-49 years old • Must have at least 5 years experience in industrial sales & marketing in various industries like chemical, pharmaceutical, food & agricultural industries • Previous experience in industrial and packaging supplies is an advantage • Can handle people, with integrity & willing to do field assignments • MBA Graduate is an advantage HR MANAGER • Male, 40 - 50 years old • Extensive HR experience in Manufacturing Industry • Good people management / Interpersonal skills • Responsible, hardworking, flexible & can work under pressure • Good communication skills & leadership quality • Trustworthy & pro-active SALES REPRESENTATIVE (FOR DAVAO - GENSAN) • Male or Female, 25 to 35 years old • Graduate of any 4-year business course • Must have good communication skills, initiative & is trustworthy • Responsible, hardworking & can work unsupervised under pressure • Willing to travel Email or send Comprehensive Resume with recent 2x2 picture and Transcript of Records to metroaceplastic@yahoo.com or The Manager, MP blue gate, Opposite Granland Bldg., R. Castillo Street, Davao City

competitive edge

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

Monteverde, Angliongto elected Sun Cellular supports PIRA president, chairman of the DCCCI S D

R. Ma. Loudes “Malou” Monteverde was unanimously elected president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a second term balloting last Friday that also resulted in the election of comebacking past president Sebastian L. Angliongto as chairman of the board of the multi-awarded group. The others elected are architect Daniel T. Lim, executive vice president; Antonio T. Dela Cruz Jr., VP

for trade and commerce; past president Robert “Boyet” c. Quinto, VP for industry; Wilfredo “Evoy” C. Tevez, VP for agriculture; Lizabel “Wit” G. HolganzaVP for professional and service ventures; Maria Julieta “Tisay” Torres, corporate secretary; and Myrna Valdez, corporate treasurer. Members of the board of trustees are past president and former chairman John V. Gaisano Jr., Jose Puentespina, Napoleon M. Liloc, Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puent-

espina, Amelia Bonifacio and Agathan Ellen “Angga” Salanatin-Valencia. Ealier last week, the chamber’s members of good standing voted as directors Monteverde, Angliongto, Salanatin-Valencia,Torres and Dr. Puentespina to fill the vacancies. Dr. Monteverde said the chamber will focus on about a dozen impact projects planned with the collaboration and support of the city government led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

members and their families; OWWA members; students and faculty of the Philippine Women’s College, University of South Eastern Philippines, University of Mindanao and Pope John Paul II College; and the members of YMCA of Davao Incorporated. Department of Foreign Affairs OIC Erlinda Albay also graced the activity. The Global Pinoy Center is a one-stop shop for OFWs, migrants workers and their families that offers remittances services, communication facilities, shopping, skills training, investment and legal consultations. This corporate social responsibility initiative of SM Supermalls aims to serve the needs and champion the cause of Pinoys abroad and expatriates, as well as their dependents and beneficiaries living in the country. An Overseas Filipino Worker who visits any SM

GPC can get his own Global Pinoy Card, which entitles him to exclusive rewards and privileges. The card also allows him entry to any SM Global Pinoy Center where he can do transactions at the BDO remittance counter, SM Department Store’s Foreign Exchange or Business Counter. He may use the center’s Internet facilities, voice or video calls for free. The card is also available for the Global Pinoys families and beneficiaries, which they can use in any of our Global Pinoy Centers across all SM Supermalls nationwide. SM Davao Global Pinoy Center is located at the Level 2 of SM City Davao. For inquiries, interested parties may call 297.6998 local 120. The franchising seminar was also made possible by Blue Gre Central, Dimsum Diner, Cafe Rysus Bakeshop, Almans Pastry Inc. and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc.

SM’s Global Pinoy Center holds franchising seminar

HE Global Pinoy Center in partnership with the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) held a free franchising seminar last December 1 at the SM Davao Event Centre. The seminar dubbed as “All About Franchising” has been touring SM Global Pinoy Centers nationwide in order to promote livelihood opportunities for GPC members. FIFA founder Rudolf Kotik and FIFA Cebu branch manager discussed concepts of franchising, its history, and it’s the benefits. More than 300 participants were also able to get tips on franchise selection, its demands and an overview of the common mistakes made by franchise buyers. Legal requirements, DTI concerns and other franchising essentials were also covered. In attendance during the event were Global Pinoy

UN Business, the corporate solutions arm of Sun Cellular, recently sponsored the 1st Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA) Stakeholders Convention & Awards Night held at the Peninsula Hotel to show its support to entrepreneurs looking for the best mobile solutions for their businesses. A partnership between the PIRA and the Insurance Commission (IC), the PIRA Awards is the first and only badge of excellence for the Philippine nonlife insurance market. Working on the theme of “Celebrating Malasakit,” the awards night highlighted companies and individuals who have selflessly given their time and talent for the benefit of others. The convention tackled relevant topics such as the current state of Philippine buildings amidst earthquake and

tsunami concerns. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Dr. Renato Solidum discussed Phivolcs’ latest hazard map that can help insurance companies evaluate risks faced by their clients. More than just offering Call & Text Unlimited services, Sun Business is a company’s complete telecommunications partner which provides valuefor-money wired and wireless voice, data and specialized services so enterprises can do more for their business for less Presented during the event were two of Sun Business’ most effective business solutions: Message Cast and Mobiserve. Ideal for advisories or announcements on office updates, emergencies, company activities and events, recruitment, pricing updates, staff notifications, traffic up-

Present during the event were (l-r): Sun Cellular’s Senior Manager for Sun Business Marketing Ruth Ritumalta together with Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association General

dates, info-on-demand and campaigns, Message Cast helps a business update clients and employees with company developments via text messages to individual or multiple recipients in just one click. Mobiserve, on the other hand, features SMS-based ticket creation and tracking; online customer database; and SMS customer registration and hotline. It also offers personalized categories; keywords, auto-replies, footers and templates; and can monitor agents’ performance and support hundreds of CSRs, all with hassle-free installation. For more of Sun Business and its mobile solutions for ventures, log on to http:// sunbusiness.com.ph or call the Sun Business Hotline 395-8PRO (395-8776) or visit The Sun Shop nearest you.

Manager Mario Valdes and Fire and Engineering Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation First Vice President Armand Pesigan.

A brand new product Enjoy Blend 45 to combat dengue at Simbang Gabi

ENGUE fever is an acute mosquito-borne disease risking people’s lives in many South East Asian countries. Last year, many lives were taken due to the increasing outbreak of dengue fever across the Philippines. What is worse is that there are still no vaccines or preventive medication for the dreaded dengue fever. Therefore, preventing and controlling breeding of mosquitoes is an important measure for guarding ourselves against the disease. Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI), a known marketing and distribution company recently launched ZAP AK multi-insect aerosol insecticide, the latest addition to its home pest solutions

category. ZAP AK Multi Insect Killer contains high quality active ingredients which are specifically formulated by Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan to effectively kill dengue-carrying mosquito in one spray. It is tested, trusted and proven to have faster knockdown power than any other brand in the market. “When we were designing ZAP AK, we focused on faster knockdown and efficacy of the product. This is because we know that the main concern of the consumers, especially the mothers, is the increasing cases of dengue. So by maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings and now with the help of ZAP AK Multi Insect Killer,

we are confident we can better protect our families from the attack of dengue.” said May Wong, the JDI executive in charge of the product. “Consumers can be assured of ZAP AK’s high quality performance because it is

a result of the convergence of technologies from three leading companies in home pest solutions- JDI, a multinational company known for marketing quality products in agriculture, construction and home pest solutions; Sumitomo Chemicals, a leading Japanese chemical company, and AeroPack, the leading aerosol manufacturer in the country. The combined specialized and expertise of these three companies will ensure consumer confidence on ZAP AK,” she added. ZAP AK Multi Insect Killer comes into two sizes, 300ml and 500ml both in aerosol cans. ZAP AK in now initially available in supermarkets, D0-It-yourself (DIY) and hardware store in Davao.

LEND 45, the coffee that’s truly Filipino, celebrates the time-honoured Pinoy tradition of Simbang Gabi, with free cups of coffee to warm church goers during the cool December mornings. Blend 45 will be greeting Pinoys with cups of delectable coffee in four Vis-Min cities namely, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao for the whole stretch of the traditional Misa de Gallo. In Davao, Blend 45 will be in San Pedro Cathedral (Dec 16) and Redemptorist Church (Dec 17). More than just a way to perk up, Blend 45 highlights a quaint and well-loved part of the Filipino culture. Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Blend 45 has been satisfying the Pinoy palate

for more than 45 years and has found its spot in the lives of Filipinos who grew up enjoying its signature sweet and distinctly Pinoy taste. The Simbang Gabi is one of the highlights of the Yuletide season in the Philippines, in addition to the vibrant Parol and delicious Christmas cuisine. Aside from fulfilling their devotion, Filipinos also look forward to the family breakfast which follows the “midnight mass.” Made by Filipinos for Filipinos, Blend 45 is backed by a 45-year heritage that pioneered and expanded the country’s coffee industry. Blend 45 has continuously delighted many generations with coffee that is rich in both taste and aroma

EDCOR Sibulan, Inc. together with the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) trained 90 indigenous peoples (IP) from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on how to farm abaca at their areas last October. “The training aims to let the IP farmers acquire knowledge on the proper cultural management of abaca, update them on the market opportunities and trends of abaca industry and the many uses of abaca they need to know,” FIDA Sr. Agriculturist Analyn Bolivar said during the training. Hedcor and FIDA be-

lieve that the training is helpful to the abaca farmers because of its viability to the market. Abaca as one of the endemic treasures of the country can now be used for soap making, cosmetics, and beauty cream besides the usual abaca-made hemp products. “Nakatabang ang training sa ako. Mas nakabalo nako unsa ang saktong proseso sa pag-atiman sa abaca. Gitudluan pod mi nila sa mga lain lain nga produkto gikan niini. (I learned how to grow the abaca properly through the training. We were also taught on the different products from abaca),” said 51 year-old Linda Alid.

Hedcor initiates training for 90 abaca farmers Globe backs forum on use of ICT in education H

S part of its advocacy to promote the use information and communications technology (ICT) in uplifting the quality of education in the country, Globe Telecom supported the recently held TechTutor III: Paradigm Shift in ICT Learning to Reach the Unreached organized by InfoChat, an online information center on news, updates and opinions about issues concerning the Philippine IT industry. The 2-day seminar attended by over 8,500 participants composed of learn-

ers, educators, experts and parents showcased the latest hardware, software, and technology-aided teaching skills to further enhance the quality of education in the country. It promoted mobile accessibility of information, communities’ general interest for communication, and usage of multisensory tools in facilitating diverse learning strategies. It also introduced a range of gadgets that can be a significant means for personal learning such as mobile computers, e-books, mobile devices and more.

Educator and business technology expert Jerry Liao, management and IT consultant Ruben Canlas Jr., and video editor and post-production supervisor John Wong spoke about various topics on ICT and education such as Mobile Environments in Learning; The Current State of the Net; Social Networks become Learning Strategies; ICT – Practical Teaching and Learning Strategies; Bringing a Global Perspective to Classrooms, among others. As a staunch advocate of ICT and its impact

to national development, Globe continues to develop mobile and internet technology solutions through Globe Bridging Communities, its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, to help raise the bar of the Philippines’ educational system, address Barangay peace-keeping, promote micro-enterprises, make environmental conservation advocacy more efficient and provide national government inexpensive and fast means to deliver social services.

COMMUNITYSENSE

12 VOL. 4 NO. 41 DECEMBER 12-18, 2011

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Panabo schools receive facility support from DLPC

HREE public schools in Panabo City received the community services from the Davao Light & Power Co. as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility brand new computers from the Aboitiz-owned electric utility The recipients are Souther Davao National High School, Dondoy Elementary School and Gredu Elementary School These schools are under the franchise of Davao Light. The computer units were received by the principals of the respective schools witnessed by OIC- City Administrator Henry Esparagoza as LGU representative, DepEd Davao del Norte officials and the barangay captains of the two localities. The Dondoy Elementary School and Gredu Elementary School are also recipients of a re-wiring project by Davao Light aimed to prevent the occurrence of fire due faulty wir-

ings.

Davao Light Asst. Vice President and Panabo Branch Manager Engr. Reynold Felix led the turnover team. Felix was joined by the utility’s Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Vic N. Sumalinog, Panabo Branch Supervisors Engr. Mark Sam Banluta and Honey Micabani, Comrel Supervisor Fermin Edillon, Panabo senior lineman Edgar Orilla; and Information Systems Group technician Mario Faeldonia. Barangay Captain Manuel Somoso expressed their profound gratitude to Davao Light for the support it has given to their barangays through the schools. They encouraged the teachers to maximize the computer utilization by diligently teaching the students on ICT skills and the students to make the most out of the equipment for their learning.

Elementary students using the donated computer units

Beneficiaries seek 4Ps expansion AOFF, TLTC’s early Christmas to include high school students treat for T’bolis in Lake Sebu

AMILY beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are clamoring for an expansion of the grant that would also cover high school students. This was bared by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman after conducting a series of consultation dialogues with different stakeholders nationwide.

During her recent visit toi this city, Soliman said this is the common feedback received by the agency from the beneficiaries. This early, the official cannot personally address the feedback as this would need Cabinet and Presidential approval. At present, the conditional cash grants are given to extremely poor households to improve the health, nutrition and education of children

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12

aged 0-14. “ If the government commits to support these children beneficiaries until high school, that would require us to raise an additional budget for the program”, she said. She is favors the consolidation of data and funding between local government units and the Department of Education to make sure that these 4Ps beneficiaries really finish high school.[PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

HE Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (AOFF) was in full blast with the Tadeco Livelihood and Training Center (TLTC) in generously welcoming this holiday season by mobilizing a gift-giving activity for the T’bolis of Brgy. Klubi and Brgy. Lamdalag, Lake Sebu last December 2-3, 2011. “We have been doing this activity together with the TLTC even before. This sym-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

Davao City SP PROC. NO. 11, 448-11 IN THE PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR KIERSTEN DOMINIQUE ELCANA ARANA WITH PRAYER FOR CHANGE OF NAME FROM KIERSTEN DOMINIQUE ELCANA ARANAS TO KIERSTEN DOMINIQUE ELCANA ANDRADA, SPS ERNESTO C. ANDRADA AND MELANIE E. ANDRADA Petitioners x----------------------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER Petitoners filed a verified petition praying that they be allowed to adopt as their own child, KIERSTEN DOMINIQUE ELCANA ARANAS, a minor, whowas born in Davao City on May 27, 2008, that the proposed adoptee is the illegitimate child of Petitioner Melanie E. Andrada having been born out of lawful wedlock of the child’s parents; that Vic Donald Aranas, who is the biological father of the proposed adoptee has abandoned the subject child from the time of her birth, and that her name be changed to KIERSTEN DOMINIQUE ELCANA ANDRADA. In the Child Home Study Reports previously file by Social Welfare Officer Nelsie A. Magsalay of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Davao City, she favorably recommended the adoption of said child by the petitioners. Wherefore, let the petition be set for hearing on February 8, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. at which date and time, all persons concerned may appear to show cause, if any, why the prayer in the petition shall not be granted. Let this Order be published,at the expense of the petitioners, in Edge Davao, a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three(3) consecutive weeks. Notify all parties concerned and the Solicitor General through this Order SO ORDERED (SGD) PELAGIO S. PAGUICAN Judge

Edge 12/12,19,26

Davao City, Philippines, November 18, 2011

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

bolizes our long-standing commitment to reach out to serve our brothers and sisters here in Lake Sebu,” said Russell U. Barrizo, the AOFF Programs Director. More than 3000 T’bolis embraced the early Christmas treat. They were all gratified as the AOFF and TLTC fulfilled their Christmas wish list including gift bags containing food items, toiletries, and toys for kids. Used clothes, shoes, and bags were also distributed. “Lipay kaayo mi nga nakadawat mi ug mga regalo gikan sa [AOF] Foundation ug TLTC. Naga-pasalamat kami nga padayon lang gihapon ang inyong pag-suporta dinhi sa amo, pasko man o dili pasko,” said Elena Marcelo, 46.

The presentation of entertaining intermission numbers and exciting games with prizes also chipped in to the vibrancy of the activity. Likewise, the T’bolis shared more of their culture by performing some of their tribal dances and traditional songs, making the affair truly remarkable. “We want them to feel and appreciate more the celebration of Christmas and to end this year happily… This is indeed a touching experience,” stressed TLTC Manager Juvy Fernandez. For the rest of the members of the team, all it took to make the entire effort worth it was seeing the priceless smiles painted in the faces of the T’bolis. (CYRIELLE P. NAIG)

Australia supports Phl’s social protection agenda

HE Australian Government is increasing its support for the Philippine Government’s social protection reform agenda. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Rod Smith, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Secretary Corazon Juliano–Soliman signed an agreement for Australia to provide Php200 million (A$5 million) through a technical assistance facility to support the scaling up of DSWD’s social protection programs, particularly the conditional cash transfer program, known locally as the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program. The Program provides cash grants to poor families with children aged 0-14 years old based on compliance with targets for attendance at school and regular visits to health centers. The Facility will support analytical work, program evaluation, communications linked to the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, as well as other priority technical assistance needs of the Department. “Australia acknowledges DSWD’s strong leadership

BizQUIPS

in implementing one of the Aquino administration’s priority poverty reduction programs. By using the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction to effectively target assistance to poor families, the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program can play a critical role in breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty,” Ambassador Smith said. “We are thankful to the Australian Government for this funding support which will go a long way in achieving this administration›s goal of inclusive economic growth. This partnership with Australia will help the DSWD manage the scale-up of its anti-poverty programs to ensure that the poor will not be left behind in the country’s journey to economic progress,” Secretary Soliman said. An AusAID-World Bank study showed that about 90% of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program come from the poorest 40% of the population. It also showed that providing cash grants to targeted poor families can reduce food poverty by 5.5 percentage points.

‘Apple has been our strong partner since 2005 and this relationship has allowed Globe to provide our customers with the best deals for the complete Apple product porfolio!

--Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest Cu on the launching of iPhone 4S on Dec.16.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

ICTHUB 13 The ACER Aspire S3 series: fashionably slim Globe to launch more competitive unli offers I December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

T’S slim, it’s sleek, it’s lightweight, and evokes a beautiful and fashionable aura that perfectly complements its outstanding performance features. That’s the Acer Aspire S3 Ultrabook, codenamed “Hummingbird,” which was launched recently by Acer Philippines, Inc. This latest member of the renowned “Aspire” line of products from Acer features some of the most inspiring and innovative technologies that will surely capture the attention of both enthusiasts and professionals looking for a computer that’s performance-centric yet a true sight to behold. “Ultrabooks’ are considered super-slim laptops with the power of a mid-range notebook packed into a smaller, lighter and thinner infrastructure yet do not shrievel in terms of connectivity or battery performance. Powered by 2nd generation Intel Core processors, ultrabooks should measure up to certain standards before they get the “ultrabook” tag. Aside from the form factor, responsiveness with regard to processor speed and booting up under 7 seconds are the other qualities needed. Ultrabooks also usually come out with a metal chassis and a solid state drive instead of conventional

hard drives. One specific example is the Apire S3’s “Acer Green Instant On” feature. If you’re always on the go and try to keep up with your bumper-to-bumper meetings for the day ad you don’t even have time to shut down your computer properly, you’ll surely find this feature absolutely nifty. The “Acer Green Instand On’ lets you resume the Aspire S3’s operations from Sleep mode in less than 2 seconds whether you have several applications open. Even if in Deep Sleep mode, which happens after 8 hours in Sleep mode, turning back on happens only 6 short seconds. And what’s even astonishing is that the “Acer Green Instant On” feature helps extend battery life up to an unbelievable 50 days on a full charge. Of course the battery life of the Acer Aspire S3 that lasts 6-7 hours is an endearing factor already. Since most cyberprofessionals nowadays rely in the Internet to do their work – or even play – won’t have to worry since the Acer Aspire S3 boasts of being able to access the Internet 4x faster than any other notebook in the market, especially when accessing previously visited sites. For a

professional always in a hurry or an IT enthusiast with a short attention span, connecting to the internet in as easy as 1-2-3 via the Aspire S3’s “instant connect” feature is definitely a welcome treat. Lugging the Acer Aspire S3 anywhere you want – coffee shop, office, board room, hotel lobby – is also no problem. The aluminum / magnesium – aluminum alloy chassis, plus the revolutionary display technology that integrates the 13.3-inch frame and a razorthin 13-mm ultra-thin size as its thinnest point makes the Aspire S3 sleeker, more durable, and totally portable. Plus, the fact that it’s featherlight being

under 1.5 kilos makes it truly thinner and lighter, a real bringanywhere laptop for the modern cyberwarrior. And who says the Acer Aspsire S3 is not cool? Well, figuratively and literally, it is. The new “Thermal Comfort” airflow cooling design of this ultra-slim laptop has been redesigned to fit any environment. The ventless bottom design is an innovative feature where the air flow and heat goes to the rear and not the bottom so performance will not be affected. For those at the office or coffee shops or those who love to do their work at the comforts of their bed or pillow need not worry about heat issues.

track record of successfully helping industry applicants acquire skills needed by employers in sectors such as animation, contact center, medical transcription, and software development. The I-TWSP program seeks to retrain 65,000 all over the country. In Davao alone, the target for the next six months is to deploy at least 2,500 IT-BPO workers to meet the growing demand of both voice and non-voice employers. Davao’s ICT champions led by TESDA’s RD Gus Gayona, PD Ness Tabada, and members of the ICT Davao Inc led by Wit Holganza, its presi-

dent, has been actively promoting to various Mindanao ICT hubs to participate in this program that seeks to deepen the talent pool where BPO employers can increase their hiring rate from 30% to 50%. “We strongly believe that the opportunities in the IT-BPO industry can be a viable option for aspiring OFWs who seek to improve their quality of life minus the social cost of having to leave their families behind.” Through the Dept of Labor and Employment’s tripartite industry peace councils’ (TIPC), the ICT Davao Inc as initiated with the academic

sector led by Ms. Angel Torres – Academe TIPC vice chair to reach out to the huge network of college and university alumni who have graduated but have not yet found jobs and widen the participation of Davao’s unemployed or underemployed workforce. BPAP has designated its partner association in the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and its member ICT councils to help manage the funds for nonNCR locations. The NICP has allocated 89M of this stimulus package for implementation in about 30 locations outside of the national capital region.

Davao IT-BPO to get 7M stimulus program

HE ICT Davao Inc, the city’s Information and Communication Council announced that the ITBPO industry will get a boost from a 7M stimulus program. The Office of the President through the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has granted 400M to the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), in the form of scholarship subsidies for the IT-bpo Industry under the Industry-Based Training for Work Scholarship Program (ITWSP). The rapidly growing ITBPO industry has a proven

LOBE Telecom on Thursday insisted that offering unlimited and bucket promos would benefit majority of the Filipino subscribers, instead of reducing short messaging service (SMS) rates to 80 centavos. In a statement, the Ayala-led telco said it would soon release new unli offers with lower rates and the inclusion of more packages complimenting their unli voice or sms services. “The new unli offers will benefit the larger base of Globe customers,” the company said. Globe said more than 90 percent of its prepaid customers were using unli services. “With these new menu of lower and better unli pack-

ages that will be offered very soon, more people shall be able to enjoy and benefit as a result of the NTC initiative to reduce the sms domestic access charges,” Froilan Castelo, head of Globe corporate and legal services group, said. Globe has informed the NTC that it has complied with the NTC circular to reduce the short messaging service (sms) domestic access charge from P0.35 to P0.15. “Globe is one with the NTC and supports its proconsumer policies. It is on this context that Globe shall come up with better, lower and affordable unli pricing for the greater good and benefit of its subscribers,” Castelo said. [PNA]

Twitter rolls out major site design

WITTER has announced its biggest site redesign since the service launched in 2006. The redesign spans Twitter’s website and iOS and Android apps and features a simplified design that makes it easier for new users to discover content and people. The new Twitter is less intimidating for newbies and encourages all users to stick around on the site for longer than ever before (which is good news for Twitter and its advertisers). It also helps Twitter change its image from a site that is all about trending topics to a place where users can discover breaking news, find information and follow the topics that they love. “We’ve simplified the design to make it easier than ever to follow what you care about, connect with others and discover something new,” announced Twitter in a December 8 blog post. You’ll see this new design both on Twitter.com and mobile phones, so that you’ll have a familiar experience any time,

anywhere. We’ve also updated TweetDeck to be consistent with this new version.” The new version of Twitter focuses on four key elements of the service: home, connect, discover and me. Each element now has its own tab on the site. Home is where you will find tweets from the people you follow. Tweets are now found on the right-hand side of the page and photos, videos and conversations are embedded in the feed so you don’t have to navigate away from the home page to follow a conversation. The “@ Connect” tab functions in the same way as the @mentions page did before the redesign. It lets you see who has followed you, favorited your tweets or mentioned your @username in a post. The “# Discover” tab is a new, centralized and personalized place to stumble upon interesting users, see the latest trends and find topics that you want to follow.

Davao nurses could land jobs in medical transcription and contact center sector Yahoo wins $610M in alleged lottery scam T HE ICT Davao Inc., the city’s Information and Communication Council announced last week that the IT-BPO industry will get a boost when it receives millions from a stimulus program. The Office of the President through the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has granted P400M to the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), in the form of scholarship subsidies for the IT-BPO Industry under the Industry-Based Training for Work Scholarship Program (ITWSP). Among the sectors in the

rapidly growing IT-BPO industry, the Transcription Alliance of Davao Inc and its transcription stakeholders have a proven track record of successfully helping industry applicants in acquiring skills needed by over five Davao-based company employers in transcription and data documentation. Through the I-TWSP program, the medical transcription (MT) sector sees 200 scholars who can be trained to acquire competencies that include English proficiency and hearing accuracy, familiarity with medical terminologies, keyboarding and internet research. Nurses and other al-

lied health graduates are in the best position to qualify for the scholarships as their educational background gives them an advantage. Through the Dept of Labor and Employment’s tripartite industry peace councils (TIPC), Wit Holgnza, ICT-TIPC vice chair, has initiated talks with the academic sector led by Ms. Angel Torres, academe TIPC vice chair, and its allied health institutions which include Davao Doctors, San Pedro College, Brokenshire among others to reach out to the huge network of college and university alumni who have graduated but have not yet found jobs,

thus widening the participation of Davao’s unemployed or underemployed allied health professionals. BPAP has designated its partner association in the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and its member ICT councils to help manage the funds for nonNCR locations. The NICP has allocated P89M of this stimulus package for implementation in about 30 locations outside of the national capital region. For inquiries about MT scholarship, call Mich King / Cackie Cañete at 082-2226822 pr 0923-7082313.

vealed in a bodybuilding forum at bodybuilding.com. “We discovered a bug in one of our reporting flows that allows people to report multiple instances of inappropriate content simultaneously,” Facebook said in a statement. “The bug allowed anyone to view a limited number of another user’s most recently uploaded photos irrespective of the privacy settings for these photos,” it said. “This was the result of one of our recent code pushes and was live for a limited period of time,” Facebook said.

“Upon discovering the bug, we immediately disabled the system, and will only return functionality once we can confirm the bug has been fixed,” it said. An unidentified Facebook user who exploited the bug posted 14 pictures of Zuckerberg to the image-sharing website Imgur along with the comment: “It’s time to fix those security flaws Facebook...” The user claimed they were taken from Zuckerberg’s Facebook page although a number of the pictures have

previously been released publicly. Facebook, which has more than 800 million members, agreed in a deal with the US Federal Trade Commission last week to tighten its privacy policies and submit to external audits in order to settle charges that it abused users’ personal data. In its statement about the photo bug, Facebook said “the privacy of our user’s data is a top priority for us, and we invest significant resources in protecting our site and the people who use it.”

Facebook fixes photo privacy bug F

ACEBOOK has fixed a bug that allowed the viewing of some private photographs of other members and which was reportedly used to access personal pictures of founder Mark Zuckerberg. The bug involved Facebook’s system of reporting inappropriate images on the social network. By reporting a member’s profile picture as inappropriate a user was asked whether they had other photographs to report, providing access to other private pictures. The glitch was first re-

AHOO has won a $610 million court judgment in a scam that tried to dupe people into believing they had won prizes in a lottery the Internet company was supposedly running. U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain in New York issued the default judgment Monday. Yahoo announced it Wednesday. Yahoo filed the lawsuit three years ago, alleging that a group of Nigerian and Thai swindlers had concocted the hoax in an attempt to steal passwords and other sensitive personal data, including credit card information and Social Security numbers. The civil complaint alleged that nearly 11.7 million emails were sent from December 2006 to May

2009 promising a lottery prize. Winning the case might not yield a windfall for Yahoo, however. Collecting judgments in such cases can be a frustrating and fruitless exercise because online swindlers are often difficult to find. Yahoo said it wasn’t motivated by money. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that users continue to trust Yahoo as the leading U.S. email provider,” said Christian Dowell, the company’s legal director of globe brand protection. Yahoo Inc. ended September with about $2.9 billion in cash. So actually receiving the $610 million would be a boon for the company while it struggles to revive its revenue growth.

BizQUIPS

‘MONEY is available in Asia. Our challenge is how to recycle those reserves within Asia and how to develop our capital market.’ --Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima (Phil. Daily Inquirer)

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

suburbia

14 VOL. 4 NO. 41 DECEMBER 12-18, 2011

BOC charges Digos businessman, two brokers for onion smuggling

ion importations, smugglers are able to sell their imported onions at a much cheaper price than the locally produced ones. This results in economic dislocation to our local onion raisers. The BOC estimate on the duties of the seized illegally imported onions was placed at Php 1,483,332.00 based on the 40% rate of duty for onions. However, since the shipment was misdeclared, its computed tariff was very much lower than the official duty rate. Moreover, it did not have the necessary import permits from the Department of Agriculture. The charges filed against Rodriguez and his two brokers bring to eight the number of cases filed by the BOC against violators of the country’s TCCP under Commissioner Biazon’s leadership. “We are harnessing the capabilities of the BOC’s RunAfter-The–Smugglers (RATS) group to enable us to get a high conviction rate on the cases we have filed at the DOJ,” Biazon pointed out. Deputy Commissioner for Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group (RCMG) and concurrent RATS Head Peter Manzano, for his part said, “We are tightening the cases we are filing with the DOJ and closely coordinating with DOJ officials to get convictions.” [Bu-

trader and two brokers will now realize the seriousness of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) anti-smuggling campaign, when they get their day in court, after the bureau filed cases against them at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for attempting to smuggle into the country Php 3,708,331.13 worth of onions. Charged for violation of various provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) like misdeclaration, undervaluation and importation of agricultural products without the necessary permits from the Department of Agriculture were Moises BaganRodriguez of San Miguel, Digos City and the owner/proprietor of YANZHEN ENTERPRISES, the consignee of the illegally imported onions together with brokers Abolkhayr L. Cali and Zahraida M. Abdul. According to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the illegally imported onions which were declared as pastries ingredients and dough and contained in 20 forty footer container vans were intercepted at the Port of Davao on September 23, 2011 by BOC Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) operatives. “These people may have thought that our anti-smuggling efforts are only focused in the metro ports of Luzon. We have operatives in all of the

country’s international ports of entry to closely monitor the movement of cargoes,” Biazon said. “And I have specific instructions to all of them, not only to be more vigilant in their jobs, but to spare no one as well,” he added. The shipment of illegally imported onions were seized after BOC Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group (IG) Danilo Lim issued the corresponding alerts for the twenty customs entries of YAHNZEN ENTERPRISES on the day the onion shipment arrived at the southern port on board the vessel MV Jan V-1126. Lim subsequently ordered the CIIS operatives headed by Al Tomas Albano to conduct a 100% examination on all the 20 forty footer container vans. “Onions, based on our many seizures for the past months, score the highest in smuggling attempts. This is the reason why we are closely monitoring the importation of agricultural products to ensure that the BOC’s thrust to protect the interest of local farmers, upon instruction of the Commissioner, is strictly enforced,” Lim said. The sector that is mostly affected by the entry of illegally imported onions into the country is the local onion industry. Because they do not pay the right taxes for their illegal on-

reau of Customs]

community of health buffs who share the love and joy of running is on the rise at the Provincial Capitol of Davao del Norte. Packs of happy running people will soon dot the late afternoon landscape of the Government Center in Mankilam, Tagum City, after the Provincial Sports Development Division (PSDD) organized the Capitol Runners Club. Sports Division Chief Giovanni Gulanes said the main mission of the club is to promote running not only as a sports but as a way to a healthy lifestyle in order to increase the productivity of Capitol employees. He said the program is in line with Governor Rodolfo del Rosario’s policy of promoting a culture of health and wellness among the personnel of the province and the whole Dabaonon population, in general. Running sessions around the Provincial Government Center are slated to be held every Monday and Wednesday a few

minutes after office hours in the afternoon. More than 30 initial runners representing the various departments of the Provincial Capitol were all set to run during the supposed maiden run last Monday, December 5, 2011. However, the soft launch was marred by intermittent rains that affected the whole province. But, Gulanes hopes other health-conscious workers will join the opening run that was re-scheduled on Wednesday in order to encourage more personnel to run along. He urged them to join the club in order to take advantage of the fitness regimen. According to him, becoming a member of the group is the fastest way to make running a habit and keeping motivated to stay fit. The sports division bared the membership to the club will soon be opened to the general public, who believe in the many benefits of recreational running. He said the exercise im-

proves health condition as it prevents diseases, reduces body weight, relieves stress and eliminate the depression of an individual, among other gains. Yet, many eyebrows were raised when Gulanes revealed that running further improves sex life. He was referring to a health journal which disclosed that sex stands to be enhanced from regular running, since exercises increase feel-good hormones and improve overall physical wellbeing. Year-round running activities will also be organized, including at least one fun run in a year to be sponsored by the province in coordination with the club. Club members will be taught about the proper execution of running, especially on postures, pace, breathing, pronation, among others. Speakers from the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) will also be invited to handle provincewide running clinics.

OCIAL Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman sees the need to use biometrics to ensure that target beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) really get the grant. After speaking with the local chief executives from all over the country in consultation dialogue last week held at the Grand Regal Hotel, Soliman admitted that implementing the program in ARMM remains the most challenging. “Doing it in ARMM makes it the most difficult. There are towns in Maguindanao which are controlled by barangay captains, local chief executives and their representatives. People who are supposed to get the grant opted not to talk because

of fear” Soliman said. Assessment from the field showed that there are non-beneficiaries who insisted to claim the grant even if they clearly appear non-beneficiaries. Despite that, they went home with the cash grant because the releasing officer was often threatened by the sight of guns. Soliman said DSWD suspended the operation of 4Ps in ARMM last 2010. Months since its re-operation, the agency observed another recurrence in some areas. Through its Grievance Redress Committee that receives and handles complaints from the people in the field, DWSD recorded a total of 195 complaints sent through text message from ARMM beneficiaries from July to November this year. Sixty-three of that are payment-related.

One of the solutions pushed by Soliman is the use of biometrics to make sure that only the target beneficiaries get to claim the cash grant. “We are still doing the math as to how to make use of the technology for a simple and cheap way of doing this in ARMM,” she said. This project will specifically pilot the operation in ARMM and in Leyte . The local chief executive of Leyte personally requested for the inclusion of the province in the biometrics system that the DSWD hopes to apply in ARMM. DSWD gets to listen to the best practices shared by Tangub City Mayor Philip Tan Iloilo Mayor Jed Mabilog, Santiago City Mayor Amelita Navarro, andNaga City Mayor Cecilia de Asis during the consultation dialogue forum. [PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]

DavNor sports division launches runners club among employees A

Biometrics for 4Ps eyed in ARMM S

DAIRY PROJECT. Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario welcomes Mr. Zaheer Baber, Director of the Land O’Lakes Inc. International Development Division, during his

visit in the province to see the multi-million dairy development project in New Corella town. [noel baguio/davnor pio]

DavSur coliseum to spur economic growth--Cagas

5,000-seater coliseum worth P268-million in Digos City is expected to spur economic growth for the province. Governor Douglas Cagas has high hopes for the airconditioned coliseum to bring economic stability for Davao del Sur, saying that this has been his longtime dream for his constituents. The coliseum is part of the P500 million five-structure components designed for the Davao del Sur Sports-Cultural and Business Center Complex to include convention centers, swimming pool, volleyball court, dormitory and restaurant, parks and playground and track and field. Izumo Contractors, Inc. turned-over on Monday (Dec. 05) the completed coliseum structure to the provincial government that approved the project in 2008 and had the building constructed within the 11-hectare site of the complex in 2009. Cagas said that the coliseum is open for public function uses such as conventions,

congress, and sports events like basketball games with a fee of P15,000 per hour. However, he said that the rate is negotiable subject to the discretion of his office and depending on the use and the users. The coliseum has been the venue of the regular Monday convocations of the provincial capitol employees and other big provincial events since its grand opening on December 04 last year. The big gymnasium has already hosted three games of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has chosen the province as one of the ten provinces nationwide to host the PBA semi-finals on July 30. The first PBA game was played by PBA teams Talk ‘tN Text and Rain or Shine during the grand opening of the coliseum on December 4, 2010. The event has earned the province some P1.58 million net proceeds. The second PBA game

was played on June 25 as part of the week-long celebration of the 44th Araw ng Davao del Sur. This game provided about P700,000 net income for the province. Cagas said that the PSC has been considering the sports complex to be the sports training center in Mindanao. Early this year, Sports Commissioner Chito Loyzaga visited the province and signified an intention to sponsor a resolution to the Commission to make Davao del Sur Sports Complex as the country’s sports training center in the island. The governor has welcomed this development for the province as a headstart in the field of sports tourism in the province and a landmark in the countryside. Improving the sports tourism in the province is part of the governor’s core program in making Davao del Sur an Agro Industrial Commercial EcoTourism province. [PIA 11/CARINA L. CAYON]

Comval eyes installation smoking cessation clinic

HE provincial government of Compostela Valley is mulling the installation of a Smoking Cessation Clinic in the capitol premises to provide therapy services for employees who are trying to quit smoking. The plan was agreed upon during a recent Provincial Health Board meeting facilitated by provincial executive assistant Isabelo L. Melendres and provincial health office chief Renato Basañes. The smoking cessation clinic will be realized through a passage of a resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and an Executive Order from the governor. This program is another mitigating measure of of the province in promoting healthy lifestyle for capitol employees. A smoking cessation clinic is defined as a fixed premises where qualified medical professionals/ counselors provide smok-

ing cessation therapy to help clients in their attempt to quit the smoking habit. The therapy can involve individual or group counseling and may include the dispensing of pharmacological aids, if the clinic is registered and equipped to do so. Smoking cessation is the process of discontinuing the practice of inhaling a smoke substance. Its mission is to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use. Tobacco is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, implicated

in over 90 percent of all lung cancers, contributes to cancers at many sites including the larynx, esophagus, kidney, bladder, and cervix, and is a principal risk factor for respiratory illnesses such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Tobacco use also causes damage to nonsmokers, for example to spouses, and young children in the smoker’s environment through passive exposure to cigarette smoke. [IDS-COMVAL/RODIELYN A. MANUGAS]

BizQUIPS

“There should be an even playing field, because if there are more flights, airline will complete with the price. It could be that there will always be rocketing prices,” --Lawyer Domingo Duerme, PAL Vice President for Mindanao Operation said the open skies policy of the country should also be reciprocal to the policies of other countries.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

E-mail: edgedavao_editorial@yahoo.com.ph

UP AND ABOUT

Suzuki opens new Davao office

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country, recently inaugurated its new satellite office in Davao City last November 23, 2011, in line with its motorcycle production expansion plans for 2012.

According to Satoshi Uchida, SPH President, “With our new office and service bay in Davao, our current and prospective consumers will only be assured of an even enhanced customer relations. “ He adds, “The move also brings Suzuki to a more accessible space to our clients in this part of Mindanao.” The new SPH office located at Dacudao Avenue, Agdao, Davao City, features a bigger and better office space, showroom and warehouse in the southern part of the Philippines. “The supply chain in Southern

Philippines would be improved. Hence, delivery time of Suzuki motorcycles will be expedited, preventing stock-out situations in the region,” explains Eiji Kobayashi, SPH General Manager for Motorcycle Sales and Marketing Division. At present, sales of motorcycles in the country stands at 120,000 annually. However, the motorcycle industry is growing at a robust rate as it has become a widely accepted means of transportation in the country. In early June this year, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. has began the construction of a bigger assembly plant in Canlubang, Laguna to replace the Pasig City plant in Metro Manila, which has reached its maximum output potential of 8,000 units per month. The estimated P1-billion plant is expected to be completed by 2012, and is expected to accommodate production of 200,000 units annually.

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HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS decisions.

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 4 NO. 41 December 12-18, 2011

Hollywood Glam at Marco Polo

All the stars lead to Marco Polo Davao as we count down to 2012, Hollywood style! Experience the glamour of the film capital of the world on December 31, 2011, Saturday at 9:00 PM, with tunes performed by the Route 70 band, whose cast includes members from popular Pinoy bands from the 80’s. For Php2,500.00 net, treat yourself to a dinner buffet for one at Café Marco or Lotus Court and get free entrance to the New Year’s Eve party at the Ballroom, four food and beverage coupons, party giveaways, raffle ticket for the lucky draw, and a ten percent food and beverage discount coupon for your next visit. Guests to the New Year’s Eve party can also avail of our New Year’s Weekend Package. Stay overnight in a superior room for only Php2,300++. Add Php300 for a deluxe room or Php1,500 for a Contintental room.

Kids fashion at SM City Davao In time for the Holiday parties, SM Kids Fashion mounted its first Fashion Council event last December 3 at the Event Centre of SM City Davao. Over 80 gorgeous kids were styled by SM Department Store’s able fashion council. The prepped up cuties then sashayed the runway donning trendy and comfortable numbers available at the Kid’s Fashion Department Store. Performances from Davao’s Nica Tupas also added spice to the tasteful afternoon. The Holiday collection was an eye-candy as airy frock were paraded by little lady models. Polkas and plaids were the prints of choice for the season. While the girls were mostly dainty and delicate, the young men looked cool and preppy. Numbers brought out the kids’ schoolboy charms with blazers, jackets and vests. This made the boys project ‘every inch’ the little gentlemen. Gear up the kids for fun and fashionable Holidays! Visit the Children’s Wear Department located at the Ground Floor of SM Davao Department Store.

YOUTH TRENDS

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO

Three party-throwing tips

or the common partyphile, throwing hot parties seems natural. We simply create a theme, stick to it, invite a handful, pour some alcohol click some glasses, and voila--- an epic party has been thrown. However, during this season, partyphiles always have to face their worst fear: throwing a Christmas party.

Here is the deal: when we talk about Christmas parties that we throw ourselves out of our own will, we actually enjoy it. Unfortunately, when we are forced into organizing a Christmas party, it seems like all hell breaks lose and stress just comes flooding through our lives as if flood gates of stress-triggers have just been opened. For the really pitiful partyphile pushed into organizing a Christmas party for his office, school org, school mates, class mates, church mates, seat mates, cheat mates, and all other social groups sine time immemorial, a comma is inevitable. Why? Because organizing a party that is supposed to be fun for everyone is hard to do. Why? Because when you take some random group of people, it is hard to get an idea of what they like doing and what they enjoy. Moreover, it seems impossible to please each and every single one of the party’s attendees. In fact, simply gathering all the attendees before the party happens to draw names that

decide who shall exchange gifts with whom is a gargantuan task all in itself. The good news is, I felt really inspired today so I decided to give you three tips on how to make organizing a Christmas party a little easier for you instead of going on and on with my holiday rants. So here are my tips: Although it is really tempting hire a caterer to get rid of your food preparing problems, the truth is, for groups comprised of people who do not see each other often, asking for the payment for the caterer is very difficult. More-

over, caterers’ prices spike up during the season and since they are extra busy, you would need to book them way ahead. The solution: a potluck party. Again, the only problem with potluck parties is that people bring either similar food, or food that are so different they can not be eaten together. The solution is simple: throw a potluck party but set a theme. For example, you can require the party attendees to bring Pizza or Pasta ONLY. Or, you may ask them to bring some Chinese food. If you want a more diverse spread, assign

each person to bring a specific kind of foodstuff. Assign some people to bring dessert, some to bring some alcohol, some to bring entrees…. You get the idea. When it comes to exchanging gifts, it becomes very difficult to see each other at one time just to draw names to decide who gives gifts to whom. I suggest you set a price range and simply exchange gifts on the day of the party. Of course, everyone would have to bring a gift that would be good for everyone, but all the effort that goes into scouring for the perfect gift that anyone would like is part of the fun. If you want to keep your party exciting for everyone, it is important that you follow a program. Leave all your hangups out the door and play silly games and give away prizes. You may also play drinking games or a trivia game involving bits of trivia about Christmas and the attendees of the party. Although eating and giving gifts is exciting, it should not be the only thing to transpire during the party. Remember, you are get together to bond with the other attendees of the party. Plan activities that will allow you to have fun while bonding and strengthening relationships with other people in the party. Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 in the PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or tweet the columnist at twitter. com/zhaun

Santa’s picks at Toy Kingdom

Waterfront Insular Hotel launches Tree of Hope Waterfront Insular Hotel (WHID) welcomed the holiday season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1, 2011. This year the hotel shines the light on the young cancer patients of the House of Hope who are treated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. It has been their long-standing tradition to celebrate Christmas with the kids but this year to make things extra special they brought the kids over for the Waterfront Insular Hotel experience. The hotel’s Christmas Tree of Hope Project allows guests to hang up Christmas ornaments with their name when they give donations for the kids. Pictured is Mr. Rouel Guanzon, the new Hotel Manager of WIHD, Ms. Tet Fernandez, the new Hotel Manager of Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino in Mactan, Cebu, Dra. Mae Dolendo, co-founder of the House of Hope Projecy and Mr. Wesley Gatchalian, Asst. to the Presidento, Waterfront Hotels and Casinos.

Each year, parents go in search for the season’s IT toys, the stuff kiddie wish lists are made of. Toy Kingdom, the amazing toy store, has gathered all the amazing gift ideas to make Christmas Day special for the little ones. Some of Santa’s picks for the kids who’ve been nice all year: speed racers and interactive games for the boys…dolls and dollhouse sets for the girls… video games and consoles for the tech savvy kids…learning toys for tots… and plush presents for kids and kids at heart. What’s more, a minimum P500 single receipt purchase entitles shoppers to avail of a limited edition 26” Holiday Bear for only P299.95. This can be availed of at Toy Kingdom stores at the second floor of SM City Davao. Check out more Christmas gift ideas at our stores and at our website www. toykingdom.com.ph.

Clockwise from top left: Play the AR.Drone Flying Video Game from your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. You’ll find five toys in one with the Ben 10 Plumber Tech Kit: a super decoder, deluxe blaster, mini blaster, and scanner with multi-scope modes. PlayStation3 Slim in 160G and 320G. Angry Birds plush toys with sounds. Sylvanian Families Hamburger Shop play set. Nintendo Wii with Mario Kart. My First Lego Set introduces young kids to the world of building fun. Nintendo 3DS features real 3D graphics for gameplay.

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

FOOD

Streetfood superstars Beyond the usual kwekkwek and street side barbecue stalls, Davao’s street food is fast developing with better options and flavors for the average foodie.

TOP: Balamban Liempo. ABOVE: Streetside dining is de-riguer.

Balamban Liempo Originally from Cebu and now in Davao, this nondescript eatery is tucked on the side road of the Buhangin flyover . Their trademark liempo (pork belly) is stuffed with an assortment of herbs and spices and is spit roasted creating a crispy skin that every lechon lover looks for. Expect a nice briny taste that is paired well with a cold bottle of cola and lots of rice. For chicken lovers, Balamban Liempo also has their own version of roast chicken with the same spices as that of the liempo and also spit roasted to fall-off-the-bone perfection. The liempo is at P180 per piece that can serve up to four, depending on the size of their appetite, while the chicken is at P160. Gino’s Burger Just a few months in operation but already a local favorite this burger

Roasting Balamban Liempo.

joint is taking Davao City by storm with their affordable giant-sized but juicy burgers. Tucked away at Lapulapu Street near Sobrecary Street Gino’s Burger is a must-visit whenever one is near Chinatown. This street-side no-nonsense eatery features American-style charcoalgrilled burgers with a myriad of toppings ranging from crispy bacon, to onion rings and japaneño peppers. Their burgers are made of a right balance of beef that is freshly made and never frozen which makes the patties naturally juicy and never dry. Foodies with a huge appetite can take a swipe at any of Gino’s Giant Burgers that features a dinner plate-sized burger.

LEFT: Gino’s Burger’s expansive burger menu. TOP: Patties on a charcoal grill. BOTTOM: Look for the red tarpauline banner when looking for Gino’s along Lapu-lapu Street. RIGHT: Gino’s burger

HEALTH

Worms and fertility T his new research on worms and women’s fertility really caught my attention! Science and research are really amazing. This research provides a theory regarding women’s fertility or reproductive system and aging using worms. Indeed, this could help us understand better the intricacies of the human body. The research puts some light on the reproductive system of women so read on.

Different molecular mechanisms may regulate the aging of the human body and the aging of the reproductive system, new research with worms suggests. The findings may help explain why a woman’s fertility begins to decline after age 35 but other cells in her body don’t show major signs of aging until decades later, study author Coleen Murphy

of Princeton University said in a news release from the American Society for Cell Biology. Murphy and her colleagues

studied the roundworms, called C. elegans, to compare the types of genes that affect lifespan and the types that

keep immature egg cells (oocytes) healthy. The researchers found that both body aging and reproductive aging in C. elegans involve the insulin regulation pathway, but there are marked differences in the molecular mechanisms that maintain youthful oocyte function and those that affect body (“somatic”) aging. “It seems that maintaining protein and cell quality is the most important component of somatic longevity in worms, while chromosomal/ DNA integrity and cell cycle control are the most critical factors for oocyte health,” Murphy said in a news release. She added that finding ways to delay oocyte aging could reduce older women’s risk of giving birth to a child with birth defects. Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

EVENTSTRENDS YOUTH

VOL. 4 NO. 41 December 12-18, 2011

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Emilia’s indulgent afternoon

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t was an afternoon of glittering indulgence as Emilia’s Jewelry Collection opened their store at the second level of Abreeza Mall. Right in tune with the jeweler’s emerald anniversary, the area around the store was transformed into a formal English garden where high tea was served to Davao’s chic set.

“We wanted to have a formal English garden setting so that the jewelry models can interact with the guests” says Emilia’s Jewelry Collections’s Emil Sitjar, “the setting is perfect since the guests can actually see the beauty of the pieces in a more natural setting beyond the glass cases.” Showing-off the Emilia’s

General Santos

Jewelry Collection’s latest designs featuring various colored semi-precious stones, eye-catching cameo lockets, and distinctive stingray leather cuffs were Arlene Legazpi, Marissa Salonga-Tionko, Malouchi Gahol, and a very radiant Booboo Maramba. “We wanted to separate ourselves from other jewelers by providing our clients, unique quality crafted pieces that are not only beautiful to look at but are actually of good value” says Emil. And as the tea flowed like the conversations should during high-tea, one word I got to hear the entire afternoon was “beautiful” and that is what indulgence rightly should be. Congratulations to Emilia’s Jewelry Collection for a fabulous store and an equally indulgent jewelry collection.

Christian Pasumbal, Booboo Maramba, and Emil Sitjar

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Marissa Salonga-Tionko, Malouchi Gahol, Arlene Legazpi and Booboo Maramba

Danney Barnett (second from left) and sister with Emilia and Eileen Sitjar Marissa Salonga-Tionko

Arlene Legazpi and daughter, Emilia Sitjar, and Cecil Mitra

EDGEDAVAO THE BUSINESS PAPER

games

Photogs rule Columbia Scavenger Challenge M

December 12-18, 2011 VOL. 4 NO. 41

GOLFER OF THE WEEK

HE all-male photographer duo of Rhonson Ng ang Arthur Yap, both of M Magazine bested 10 other media personalities of Davao City in topping the Columbia Scavenger Challenge held Friday in an out-and-back course at the Abreeza Mall Davao. Ng and Yap submitted a time of one hour and 49 minutes in completing the six control points to both earn a brand new pair of Columbia running shoes awarded by Brand Manager Tiffany Batungbacal and area supervisor Clarife Lozano. Yap, who weighs 220 pounds and fresh from a Mt. Apo climbing guide in Digos, had to eat almost whole of the durian fruit. “Hindi kasi talaga ako kumakain ng durian. Napilitan lang talaga ako,” said Ng, a native of Manila who migrated in Davao

in the 90s to work for the Department of Tourism. Ng’s real-life partner Jojie Alcantara, also of M Magazine started slow but was able to catch up with the other teams together with her teammate Kenneth Ong with a time of two hours and nine minutes. “My penalty kasi yung ibang teams, mostly for riding the wrong taxi,” said race director Erwin “Pastour” Emata, the second Filipino to summit the world’s highest Mt. Everest. Over-all third place was the duo of Mindanao Mirror’s section editors Leo Palo and Jon Joaquin, who only lost by one minute. The team-up of sportswriter Lito delos Reyes and SunStar Davao’s Ana Dulay had a good start by running second behind Ng and Yap after the second control point at the People’s Park. But

they struggled in going to Magsaysay Park and savoring one whole durian fruit. “Muntik na akong sumuka dahil my malaking bangaw pala yung softdrink na iniinom ko,” said delos Reyes, president of the Sports Communicators Organization of the Phils. (SCOOP) Davao. SunStar’s business editor Charles Maxey and Columbia’s Nhorgelyn Bihag placed fourth at 2:12 followed by Mirror’s Maya Padilla and Jessie Boga at 2:15 in fifth place. Delos Reyes and Dulay finished at 2:18. Organizer Dax Ang thanked all the participants and sponsors for making the event very succesful. “We only wanted our media friends, who have been covering our events in the past to also experience and know for themselves how it feels to join this kind of exciting races,” said Ang. [LDR

Phoenix-Suzuki Invasion Run heads to Mindanao

HE NBA champion Dallas Mavericks opened training camp on Friday, but like all the league’s teams their excitement at finally getting on court was tempered by uncertainty. A day after owners and players ratified a new 10-year contract to end a lockout that delayed the scheduled November 1 start of the season to December 25, players and coaches had to get down to the business of training even as executives got down the business of trading. “We’re world champions,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “We’re excited about that.” But the Mavericks will have to come up with a replacement for defensive leader Tyson Chandler, who was headed to New York on Friday after agreeing to a deal with the Knicks. “We got what everybody wanted New York to get, which was a big man,” forward Carmelo Anthony said. “Tyson, he’s established himself as a dominant force on the defensive end, he showed that on the biggest stage in sports last year in the championship.” But the deal wasn’t quite done. The Knicks still had to make salary cap room before they could make it official and were expected to trade France’s Ronny Turiaf and waive Chauncey Billups using the amnesty clause in the new contract. That would mean Billups’ $14.2 million salary wouldn’t count against their salary cap or luxury tax. Similar stories abounded around the league. The Miami Heat took the practice court with just six available players as contracts were worked out for point guard Mario Chalmers, swingman James Jones and forward Juwon Howard.

TRAINING. The Davao Association of Tennis Clubs and Philippine Tennis Academy recently conducted another round of coaches

Morgan Pressel

ORGAN was born in Tampa, Florida. She grew up playing golf (starting when she was 8 years old) at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton Florida where she lives with her grandparents. She graduated from St. Andrews School in Boca Raton. At the age of 17 years, one month, Morgan gave up her amateur golf status and a scholarship to Duke University to play golf professionally. Morgan tied for second with Brittany Lang in the 2005 U.S. Women›s Open Championship. In 2004, she won four American Junior Golf Association tournaments. When she was 12 years old, she became the youngest person to qualify for the U.S. Women›s Open.

sports shorts

WEET-SHOOTING Christopher “Bong” Go buried 12 of his 22 points in the final quarter to lead VMO in beating the Regional Public Safety Battalion, 83-71 in the ongoing Mayor Sara/Mayor Rody Duterte 9th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the airconditioned Davao City Recreation Center. Go initiated the scoring spree in the last four minutes en route to their fifth straight victory. *** Louie Batoon topscored with 28 points to lead Holy Cross College of Sasa past Davao Jones Academy, 6359, in the cadet division of the ongoing United Basketball League at the Margarita gym in Bajada. Jan Raymund Yumo and John Paul Sabellano scored 22 points, each but their effort was not enough to stop Holy Cross tally its second straight win as they dropped to a 0-2 win-loss card. In the junior’s division, Holy Cross (1-1) downed Davao Central College(0-2), 52-48, Davao Jones (2-0) defeated Mindanao Christian Foundation College and Seminary(0-1) , 59-42, and Lifestream International College (2-0) beat St. Peter’s College of Toril, 76-64. *** Holy Child High School managed to finish second place after losing to Sacred Heart of Cebu, in the Milo BEST National Passarelle finals, recently in San Juan. *** Oscar Villasenor of Alabel, Sarangani Province pocketed P75,000 by winning the 4th Mindanao Open 9-Ball Challenge, recently at the B3 of NCCC Mall. Villasenor shocked the crowd and his opponent Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle of Davao, 9-4 in the finals.

training at Eco2 Club with emphasis on foot work. The follow up session is in February 2012. [DATEC]

The 21-year-old is a two-time LPGA Tour winner and a two-time member of the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. In May 2010, Morgan won the Japan LPGA Salonpas Cup. On July 5, 2009, Morgan came in second in the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. On October 19, 2008, Morgan won the Kapalua Classic in Hawaii. On April 1, 2007, Morgan won the Kraft Nabisco Championship and became the youngest women golfer in histor to win an LPGA tournament. Morgan›s sister Madison (three years younger than Morgan) and brother Mitchell (five years younger than Morgan) also play golf in junior amateur tournaments.

Aaron Krickstein, a top 10 professional tennis player (1983 to 1994), is her uncle. Morgan lives in St. Andrews Country Club, Boca Raton, Florida where she is the resident touring pro.

Football goes to Lasang, Toril

T seems that it’s going to take forever to change the landscape of Philippine sports development. It’s heartbreaking to know that a once sports power in Southeast Asia like the Philippines is time and again beaten by our neighbouring nations in the Southeast Asian Games. It’s sad that our top Philippine sports officials always have the lousiest excuses for failing to hit their target number of gold medals. My expectation was that after the dismal performance, they would tender their resignation as a matter of honor. Where’s the honor? None. Horror? Yes. *** I am very impressed with how the Davao Association of Tennis Clubs (DATEC) officials are doing these days. They recently conducted a coaches training at Eco2 Club and the next round of training is in February next year. With the help of friends, businessmen and tennis players, DATEC has found a way to be self-sufficient in the conduct of training and tournaments. Philta regional director Engr.Carol R. Angel would want to keep the events going in order to achieve in the near future the production of top caliber players and coaches in her tennis jurisdiction. Tennis players and their parents are lucky to have an “angel” taking care of them. *** For the first time, the 7th Mayor Inday Sara/VM Rody Cup Holcim Cement Inter-High School Fotball League wil be moving out of

the Tionko field. The Davao Football Association and Holcim Philippines officials have decided to bring the beautiful game closer to non-downtown kids. Aside from the Deca Homes Resort Residences Country Club which has been hosting the tournament courtesy of club manager Giovannie Paulo Soo, games will now be played also in Toril and Lasang. I know that this is going to be an extra cost to the sponsors but this is the best way to promote football to kids in the other areas, like Lasang and Toril. We have high schools like A.L.Navarro High in Lasang and Dona Carmen Denia High in Toril where there are a lot of sports talents waiting to be discovered. It’s not only from the private schools that football talents can be discovered. It has been proven in the past that many of our former national players from Davao actually were products of the public high school system. If the sponsors will continue to hold the games outside of the Tionko field, football, for sure, will be the next sport kids in the Lasang and Toril areas that they will be appreciating and eventually playing it. *** Happy birthday to George Walter Misa of the Davao Horse Club, Kristel S. of Manila Bulletin, Art Bonjoc of ABS-CBN, ma’am Yeng Laureano of A.L.Navarro High, longtime amiga Raymin ReyesSunga, former Ateneo High basketball star Carl Anthony Tech and fellow Holy Crossian Robert Rances.

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VOL. 4 NO. 41 December 12-18, 2011

THE BUSINESS PAPER EDGEDAVAO