Edge Davao 5 Issue 213

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VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

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Castigador conviction

Civil society lauds Ombud’s verdict

Hugaw pas paburot

By ANTONIO M. AJERO And CHE PALICTE

D

AVAO leaders of the country’s civil society allied with the matuwid na daan (straight path) campaign of the P-Noy administration lauded the November 29 decision of the Ombudsman in Mindanao convicting the customs collector and three other employees of the Bureau of Customs in Davao for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and violation of Republic Act 6317.

The 24-page verdict penned by graft investigator Marilou B. Unabia, reviewed by

Sports

Group asks Biazon to enforce decision now Decision vindicates businessman Reta Director IV Maria Iluminada S. Lapid-Viva and assistant Ombudsman Rodolfo M. Elman and approved by Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Humphrey Monteroso on December 14, dismissed from the service lawyer Anju Nereo C. Castigador as district collector of the Port of Davao and Alicodsaman Palao Dimasicil as customs guard and acting as-

sistant wharfinger.

The decision also meted a six-month suspension on two other customs employees –Lerrie Leyson Natividad and Moctar Somalug Amir

FCASTIGADOR, 10

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Follow Us On MISSIONARIES. American and Canadian missionaries volunteer to repack relief goods for survivors of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Panacan yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Davao City’s security tightened

By Anthony S. Allada

D

AVAO City authorities have tightened security measures following explosions in the cities of Iligan and Tacurong.

Lt. Col. Jerry Besana, spokesperson and executive officer of Task Force Davao, said that since the start of the Pasko Fiesta celebration on December 7, they have been in a heightened alert status to protect revellers from any possible terrorist attack.

“But this time, we have additional

forces coming from those sent to help in the rescue and retrieval operations in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental” Besana said in an interview Thursday morning by mobile phone.

He said members of the Army’s Explosive and Ordnance Division together with K-9 dogs have been doing the rounds in areas of convergence around the clock to prevent bombing attempts.

TFD is closely working with the

FDAVAO, 10

2 THE BIG NEWS

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VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

3 people hurt in Tacurong blast T

HREE people were injured in a bomb explosion late Wednesday evening at a section of the commercial district in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat province, an official said.

Supt. Junny Buenacosa, Tacurong City police chief, said the improvised bomb exploded about 10:30 p.m. by the roadside in front of a Western Union outlet and the Fit Mart department store in the city’s downtown area.

He said the scene of explosion was a few meters from the city’s main rotunda and a waiting area for passengers of public utility vehicles.

Sr. Supt. Rolen Balquin,

provincial police director of Sultan Kudarat, quoted witnesses as saying that minutes before the blast a white van stopped near the site and later sped off along the highway to Isulan.

“The explosive was planted by the roadside where there were some people when it went off,” Buenacosa said in a radio interview.

Wounded were Jessa Dizon Marcelino, 23, of Purok-11, Abadilla Subdivision; Christian Jay Vino Gabaon, 26, of Block-3, Canos Subdivision , Purok-11; and James Biernes Salinda, 26, of EJC Montilla Street, all are from the poblacion of Ta-

curong.

Citing a technical report filed by the city’s explosives and ordnance disposal (EOD) team, Buenacosa said the explosive was fashioned from a 60mm mortar that was attached to a battery pack and a mobile phone.

Last Nov. 16, an improvised bomb also exploded near a ticketing office along the national highway in the area but no casualties were reported.

Another explosive was recovered by the local police at a portion of the city public terminal’s exit.

[Allen V. Estabillo with reports from Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews]

AFFIRMATION. Fr. Albert “Paring Bert” Alejo, S.J., MINDANAWON founding chairperson and transparency in governance advocate (right), says the dismissal of customs collector Anju Castigador by the Ombudsman is an affirmation of the need for the Aquino administration’s drive for reforms in the Bureau of Customs. Photo taken during the Orientation-Work-

shop on the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro for officials of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples at the Court View Inn on Quimpo Blvd. yesterday. At left is Ednar Dayanghirang, member of Government of the Philippines Peace Panel negotiating with the National Democratic Front.

LEAN DAVAL JR.

DCWD say water supply Firecracker ban violators charged normalized by next year T

By Anthony S. Allada

W

ITH two more bypass lines to be installed to temporarily replace collapsed transmission lines, water supply in the city will normalize by next year.

This according to Imelda Magsuci, spokesperson of the Davao City Water District, in clar-

ifying that the installation of the additional 400-mm diameter steel pipeline on Friday until Saturday would not be enough.

“No, not yet because it is only 800-mm against the 1,350-mm that collapsed. We need to add two more pipelines on bridge 1 (Gen-

eroso Bridge),” Magsuci explained.

She said they are alternating the installation of steel pipelines per week and schedule water interruptions in selected areas so that water supply may be available in days without water stoppage.

FDCWD, 10

HE Davao City Police Office has formally filed charges against six persons who violated the firecracker ban on Christmas Daywhile referring 26 other violators, all minors, to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for counselling.

Senior Superintendent Ronald M. dela Rosa, DCPO chief, in an interview over dxAB’s Banat program Thursday morning, said the six were taken to court for inquest proceedings Wednesday.

“This is to remind ev-

DOH mulls total firecracker ban

EALTH authorities are planning to push fpr a total ban on firecrackers nationwide.

This, after the Dept. of Health had noted the increasing number of firecracker-related injuries in the run up to every New Year revelry. Health Secretary Enrique Ona told newsmen in an interview Thursday he and the DOH team are analyzing the trend in injuries prior to New Year’s eve.

He said if the same number of firecracker-related injuries is established, a radical change will be ob-

H

served. “We analyze how effective these [measures to prevent firecracker-related injuries] are and if the case is always the same, maybe it’s time we did something more drastic,” Ona said.

According to Ona, despite having the objective to raise a ban on firecrackers, especially illegal ones, much consideration must be taken as this ban would also affect manufacturers, sellers and the country’s culture. “[We should] see how other countries do it [meaFDOH, 10 sures] and see the effect of

DONATION. Usec Mateo G. Montano of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (3rd from right) receives from Said Faisal, executive director of ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (3rd from left), 3,000 sacks of rice for survivors of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Panacan

yesterday. Also present are Stephen Anderson, country director of World Food Programme (extreme right), Priscilla N. Razon, OIC regional director of DSWD (2nd from right), Adelina Kamal, ASEAN Commission on Disaster Management head (2nd from left).LEAN DAVAL JR.

erybody that we can’t simply forgive them just because it’s Christmas time.

We have to charge them to set an example for others that we don’t tolerate those violating our existing firecracker ban,” dela Rosa said, adding that his men will intensify their surveillance and monitoring operations as more could be violating the ban during New Year celebration.

“We will not hesitate to arrest you. So don’t dare us,” he warned would-be violators.

Seven teeners were

arrested by personnel of the Sta. Ana Police Station; three youngsters and one adult in San Pedro Police Station; six youngsters in Talomo Police Station; six youngsters and three adults in Sasa Police Station; one youngster and two adults in Bunawan Police Station; and three youngsters in the Toril Police Station; while all other police stations recorded zero.

Police records that there were more violators arrested this year compared to 2011.

China’s plan to fortify disputed lands a violation

C

HINA’S plan to develop and fortify an expansive area of the resource-rich South China Sea lacks merit under international law, the Dept. of Foreign Affairs has said.

Beijing has established a new city called Sansha under its southern Hainan province to politically administer its claimed territories in the disputed waters known as West Philippine Sea in the Philippines.

In a move that could stoke tensions anew, China this week said it will invest at least US$ .6 billion for the construction of a harbor, an airport and other facilities in the areas, where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims.

“This is giving a lot of concerns among nation states not only in the region but as far as the international community is concerned,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters.

China’s recent move to bring all its claimed territories under the ambit of a recently-established “Sansha City” was “a way of rein-

forcing their nine-dash line claim which is considered excessive and a violation of international law,” Hernandez said.

“This action will not gain validity for China,” he said.

China’s so-called ninedash line is a U-shaped map that covers nearly 90 percent of the waters believed to be rich in oil and natural gas.

Many have feared the conflicts could be Asia’s next flashpoint.

In their latest spat, Asian neighbors Beijing and Manila engaged in a standoff in April this year when Chinese vessels sailed into into a shoal called Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which Philippine officials say is an integral part of its territory.

Vietnam likewise protested what it calls increasing Chinese aggression in the resource-rich waters after Beijing tendered bids for several gas and oil exploration areas within Hanoi’s waters.

China has frowned on bringing the territorial dis-

FCHINA’S, 10

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4 SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

9 firecrackers injuries recorded in Region 13

T

HE Department of Health-13 (DOH-13) reported a total of nine firecrackers injuries in the region, all of whom are children.

The DOH-13 has also placed all government hospitals were placed under Code White Alert to cope with the expected injuries due to firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Sunshine Alipayo, DOH-13 information officer, said three of the firecrackers injuries were reported from Surigao del Norte, five from Agusan del Sur and one from Butuan City.

Alipayo said the ages of those injured range from five to 13 years old.

She said eight of the injuries were caused by piccolo and one by “bawang”

which are both banned under RA 7183 or act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Alipayo also said that the extent of the victims injuries are blastings, burns and lacerations. Seven of those injured are active cases (or that the victims themselves set off the explosives) and two are passive.

With these injuries despite the DOH massive campaign against firecrackers use, both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DOH appealed to the public to be responsible in reveling during the New Year and to avoid the illegal, oversized and other harmful firecrackers. [PNA]

TINDOG COMVAL! The rebuilding of Compostela Valley is now in full blast as those partially damaged houses in New Bataan by the use of free GI sheets, wood and free

EDGEDAVAO

labor assisted by the provincial government of Comval. [A. DAYAO/IDS COMVAL]

DA sends farm inputs C to ‘Pablo’ victims T

HE Department of Agriculture 1 2 ( S O C C S K S A RGEN)has sent another round of relief goods not only consisted of food but also farm inputs for the typhoon “Pablo” victims in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan of the Department of Agriculture 12 on Thursday left for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental

to continue relief missions.

She said personnel of DA 12 decided to conduct the second relief mission “because they feel the affected families need our help.”

The team brought dry goods, rice and food packs for the typhoon victims.

Datukan said since many government and non-government organizations have already ex-

tended relief goods and rice, DA 12 is distributing OPV (Open Pollinated Varietal) white corn seeds, certified palay seeds, laminated sacks and hand tractors.

“Through these farm inputs and facilities, the affected families who are all farmers can start rebuilding their livelihood,” Datukan said.

DA is also sending vegetable seeds for farmers to plant and

have something to eat in a month’s time when relief goods are expected to dwindle.

“We would like to give our affected farmers that the government is not abandoning them and that through DA they can re-establish their livelihood and farms,” she said, adding that her office has already released a total of P10 million funds for calamity victims. [PNA]

Cotabato mayor condemns rash of violence, orders police to probe

OTABATO City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. has condemned the rash of violence that rocked the city on Wednesday as he ordered the police to thoroughly investigate and prevent recurrence of attack.

Guiani said there are people trying to disrupt the prevailing peace and order in the city.

On Thursday, police here have launched a citywide manhunt against gunmen who ambushed a village official and his family Wednesday morning that left two dead and six wounded.

Supt. Marlow Martinez, deputy city police director, said the ambush against Barangay Chairman Amil Sula at about 6:00 a.m. took place a few meters away from police station No.2.

No one has claimed responsibility and Martinez quoted initial police

investigation report that the ambush was due to a long-standing family feud.

Meanwhile, Ghani Uy, a former village councilman in Barangay Rosary Heights 4, was wounded on his feet when unidentified men tossed a hand grenade in his house along Ramon Rabago Street here at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday.

No one has claimed responsibility.

At about 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, police found an improvised explosive device left unattended beside police station No. 2 along Don Ramon Rabago Street.

The IED, fashioned from 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as trigger mechanism, went off while a bomb sniffing dog was checking on it, Martinez said.

The K-9 dog was slight hurt and is being treated by a veterinarian. [PNA]

More villages in Mindanao to have access to livelihood

M

RELIEF OPERATION. The Ambassadors Club Davao in cooperation with Dimdi Center Davao distributed a relief goods last December 20 to Typhoon Pablo victims in Barangay Mapaca, one of the hardest hit barangays in Compostela town.The area’s banana industry was totally devastated by the typhoon. About 600 families received rice,canned goods,noodles,personal hygiene kit and bottled water.Shown in the

picture are members Ambassadors Club Davao Mr Uy Ching Siong (owner of Dimdi Center), lawyer Leoncio Villa Abrille, past national president, Sofronio Jucutan,Engr Paul Puyat,Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, immediate past national president, Dr. Antonio Ybiernas and Board Member of Compostela Atty Josielyn Romano.

ORE conflict-affected villages in Mindanao will have access to livelihood and basic services from the national government, an official from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Peace Process (OPAPP) said on Wednesday.

OPAPP Secretary Teresita Deles said that funds would be poured in 21 conflict-affected towns in Mindanao to help speed up reconstruction and provide jobs to unemployed residents to these areas.

The assistance, Deles said, is made possible with the recent approval of a US$ 5.251 million additional grant for the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF).

The fund is designed to improve social and facilitate economic recovery in at least 65 villages in these conflict-torn communities.

Deles explained that the additional financing for the MTF will help the country’s efforts to heal, rehabilitate and develop conflict-affected areas. “It will also strengthen the constituency for peace and citizen’s participation on the ground,” she said.

The World Bank and other international development partners established the MTF in 2006 as a mechanism for pooling funds and coordinating support for conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

[PNA]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

THE ECONOMY 5

S&P raises PLDT ratings outlook to positive

I

NTERNATIONAL credit ratings firm Standard & Poor’s (S&P) improved the ratings outlook of telecoms leader PLDT to positive from stable, following a similar action on the sovereign credit rating outlook of the country.

S&P also affirmed PLDT’s foreign currency and senior unsecured rating of BBB- and the ASEAN regional scale rating of axA- which are considered investment grade.

“The rating reflects the company’s strong position in the domestic market, diversified services, integrated network, and solid cash flow measures,” S&P said in a statement.

“This affirms that the company is in the right direction as it evolves into a multi-media services group that is fully prepared for the screen age,” said PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

He added that the recent decision of the company to sell 80% of its shares in leading Filipino business process outsourcing firm SPi Global will further strengthen PLDT’s finances and improve its cash flow.

PLDT President and

LET THE MUSIC PLAY. Benny Labrado, 60, plays a Christmas tune on an improvised percussion made of rhum bottles in Agdao in Davao City. [MindaNews/Keith Bacongco]

CEO Napoleon Nazareno said the completion of the two-year P67 billion network modernization program and further turbo-charging of the network make PLDT far ahead of competition in terms of service reliabil-

ity, speed, and efficiency.

This enables PLDT to lower its capital expenditures to its normal level of about 17-18% of revenues.

PLDT has earlier earned the distinction of being the first Philippine

corporate to be given investment grade credit ratings by all three major international credit watchers – S&P, Moody’s Investors Service, and Fitch Ratings.

After raising the sovereign ratings outlook,

S&P said it “may raise the country’s debt rating next year depending on improvements in government revenue structure, a continued diminished reliance on foreign currency government debt financing, or a lower gov-

ernment debt burden.”

“We may also raise the ratings if institutional and structural reforms lead to improved investment environment, and thus better growth potential,” the credit watcher added.

6 THE ECONOMY

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EDGEDAVAO

PHL remains resilient amidst economic global uncertainty T

NEW FIELDS, NEW HOPE. Less than a month after typhoon Pablo destroyed agricultural lands in Davao Oriental, farmers plant rice in Cateel town on Dec. 21, 2012. [MindaNews/Ruby Thursday More]

HE Philippines has remained resilient to the effects of uncertainties in the global economy.

“The issue of (global economic) uncertainty has been with us since last year.

The trick is diversifying and ensuring the growth of the domestic economy (to defy it),” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“It will make us less vulnerable to any shocks.

There are many opportunities out there. The rapid urbanizing areas of the Asian region would mean high demands for foods, agro processed products,” he explained.

Balisacan said even as the Philippines continues to depend on semiconductor and electronics for exports growth, the country needs to expand its product lines.

“The economic expansion continues to be broadbased, as almost all sectors posted higher year-onyear growth rates,” he said.

Government data indicated that industry and services sectors remained the biggest drivers of economic growth.

The country posted a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.1 percent in the third quarter on the back of strong domestic demand and diversified exports.

The third-quarter Philippine GDP was the fastest economic growth within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the period.

Indonesia came in second with 6.2 percent, followed by Malaysia (5.2 percent), Viet Nam (4.7 percent), Thailand (3 percent) and Singapore (0.3 percent). China, however, posted a 7.7-percent GDP growth during the period.

Philippine GDP for the first three quarters averaged 6.5 percent, well above the official target growth of 5 to 6 percent set in 2012.

“Our recent economic growth was remarkable.

The 6.5-percent figure was much closer to the country’s aspirational target of 7 to 8 percent annual real GDP growth,” he said.

The impacts of typhoon “Pablo” on the domestic economy was minimal, though some can still be felt in the first half of 2013.

Camella’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ sales promo to run till yearend

W

ITH only a few days left to the New Year, Camella is all geared up to accommodate as many homebuyers as possible who will avail of the closing salvo of its yearend promo.

The ‘Home for the Holidays’ promo, an annual offering of Camella to OFWs and homebuyers who wish to acquire their dream homes, will be run until the end of office hours on December 31.

“This promo makes the family celebration of Christmas really more meaningful, as Christmas is a gathering of family, and the ‘Home for the Holidays’ gives families a place to be together for Christmas and the coming New Year,” said Anna Mae dela Pena, Marketing Head of Camella Davao.

The “Home for the Holidays” makes it easier for homebuyers to own a Camella Northpoint condo unit as the promo offers big discounts and easy payment terms that are easy on the pocket.

Discounts from P125,000 up to P150,000 are given away to those getting a condo unit in Liverpool, Camella Northpoint’s fourth and tallest tower at 15-storeys high.

Liverpool is also a green

building, safe and healthful to the environment and to those living in it.

“To those wanting to call Camella Northpoint home, they can make their reservations now for only P20,000—ten thousand pesos less than the original reservation fee of P30,000,” added dela Pena.

Camella Northpoint is a landmark condo development of Camella, the first condo community in the region that is a pine estate in the making with hundreds of imported Caribbean pine trees currently growing all over its grounds.

It is a British colonial themed condo development whose living proposition is unmatched anywhere in Mindanao. While it is nestled within the emerging growth area of Davao, Camella Northpoint has a tranquil and refreshing ambiance that makes it a haven within the city’s hustle and bustle.

Situated on elevated land at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue in Bajada, it is tastefully tucked within the natural contours of the land it stands on. The growing pine trees provide fresh oxygen, cooling shade, and a natural barrier from the city noise.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

Yearender

7

PHL elevates climate adaptation campaign T

HE Philippines’ climate change adaptation bid soared to new heights in 2012, fueled by President Benigno Aquino III’s enactment of Republic Act 10174 which established the People’s Survival Fund for such purpose.

PSF’s establishment aims to help provide longterm finance streams that will enable the country to better cope with impacts of the changing climate.

Such fund “is hereby established as a special fund in the National Treasury for the financing of adaptation programs and projects based on the National Strategic Framework,” Aquino said in RA 10174 which he signed in August.

Adaptation measures are adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or effects of these. Aquino enacted the law as he recognized Philippine communities’ vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Studies show dangers from climate change include warming temperatures, rising seas, changing landscapes, increasing frequency and/or severity of droughts, fire, floods and storms, onslaught of more climate-related illnesses and diseases, damage to ecosystems as well as biodiversity loss, he warned.

The Philippines continues prioritizing adaptation as experts warned this country is among the most vulnerable to climate change’s impacts. They noted the country faces such peril even if it isn’t among the world’s major sources of climate change-driving greenhouse gas emissions.

Mitigation measures like shifting to green production target reducing such emissions, they continued. Aquino ordered that PhP1 billion be set aside under the General Appropriations Act as PSF’s opening balance.

The PSF balance from

GAA and other sources thereafter must not be lower than such opening amount and may be increased as the need arises, he said.

He noted PSF “may be augmented by donations, endowments, grants and contributions, which shall be exempt from donor’s tax and be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 as amended.”

“The fund shall be suppletory to any annual appropriations allocated by relevant government agencies for climate change-related programs and projects” and to budgets set for similar local government undertakings, he also noted.

Among initiatives that PSF can support are establishing forecasting and early warning systems, managing water resources and land, improved monitoring vector-borne diseases triggered by climate change

and contingency planning.

PSF can also serve as guarantee for risk insurance needs of farmers as well as other agricultural workers an d stakeholders.

Climate Change Commission Vice-Chairperson Mary Ann Lucille Sering assured consultations on initiatives targeted for PSF support. “The fund must be utilized accordingly,” she noted.

She said PSF is intended “to support pro-active local approaches including integration of climate change projections into land use planning.” Such integration aims to help make communities more resilient to climate-induced disasters, she continued.

She noted lackluster developments in continuing global climate talks, and uncertainty of sources for the international Green Climate Fund, further highlight urgency for PSF. To help further boost climate efforts in the country, CCCspearheaded in November 2012 launch of ‘Braving the Uncertainties

of Weather,’ the policy brief that resulted from several risk financing and insurance-related roundtable discussions the agency organized with Oxfam and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.

The brief highlights need for overcoming market and operational barriers to weather index-based insurance for the Philippine agricultural sector.

Such document also recommends several measures for addressing such barriers to help scale up WII in the country.

WII is a risk transfer instrument that pays out compensation to an insured farmer or fisher once a weather index like rainfall is breached, enabling this party to recover and resume productivity at the soonest time possible without having to first file a claim with the insurer.

CCC and its partners are seeking regulatory amendments that will help scale up provision of and access to WII so farmers and fisherfolk nationwide can better adapt to climate change. ”If we don’t help them, their loss will eventually impact on our food security,” Sering said.

She said CCC will help facilitate coordination between government and the private sector so both sides can discuss how to best scale up WII for Philippine agriculture which is among sectors most vulnerable to climate change’s impacts. ”About 90 percent of insurance in agriculture is still with government but the private sector is showing a lot of interest on the matter,” she noted. ICSC Exec. Dir. Red Constantino agrees with Sering that

financing for adaptation nationwide hasn’t been as much as funding made available for domestic mitigation measures. ”In 2010, more money for mitigation came into the Philippines but our priority is adaptation and most funds didn’t go there,” he said. He also said available data show loans comprised 94.6 percent or bulk of the PhP73.8 billion official development assistance for funding 43 adaptation projects in the country. ”The bigger part of adaptation funds were in the form of loans – that’s wrong,” he said.

Last month, authorities also released in Metro Manila a report that can help generate informed choices on management and use of Philippine natural assets to truly promote sustainable development amidst climate change.

The report ‘A Measure for Resilience’ acknowledges the Philippines’ development gains over time but warns these can be reversed if gap between the country’s ecological footprint and biocapacity continues widening.

“We can’t afford to have a footprint larger than our biocapacity,” CCC Commissioner Naderev Saño said at launching of the report this agency, Global Footprint Network and Agence Francaise de Developpement collaborated on.

Ecological footprint represents the “area of biologically productive land and water a population requires to provide resources it consumes and to absorb its waste using prevailing technology,” Global Footprint Network noted.

“Such footprint measures humanity’s demand on nature,” the network said. The report noted biocapacity represents the biosphere’s ability to produce crops, livestock, timber products and fish as well as to uptake carbon dioxide in forests.

“It measures ability of available terrestrial and aquatic areas to provide ecological resources and services,” the report also said. Citing available data, Saño noted the Philippines already breached its biocapacity as early as the 1960s.

“Our country’s been in ecological deficit since then,” he said. He said such deficit’s been increasing ever since. “That’s over-spending,” he said.

Such over-spending can only go on for so long until signs of collapse become undeniably clear, however, he clarified. “We can’t live beyond ecological limits,” he said.

‘A Measure for Resilience’ noted over-spending prevailed to such extent that by 2008, people nationwide were already using over two times the country’s capacity to provide biological resources and to absorb climate change-driving carbon dioxide emissions.

“The nation demanded more than twice what it had in available capacity,” the report said. Such situation compounded climate change threats and other challenges to the country’s bid for sustainable development, the report noted.

Experts earlier noted sustainable development is human development that’s within the biosphere’s ecological limits. [PNA]

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Richer China to benefit world COMMENTARY

A

EDITORIAL

Pablo in our minds

T

HE DAVAO City chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross has launched a campaign to institutionalize private sector-government partnership for a quick and continuing system of responding to emergency situations such catastrophes.

This effort is rather a delayed response to a long-felt need but admittedly this is a mechanism that cannot be outdated or rendered irrelevant given that more and more disasters are happening in our country and elsewhere in the world. Blame it on the crazy weather patterns or what we call climate change, but we can not ignore the fact that disasters of whatever nature –freak typhoons, earthquakes, floods, fires, tsunamis, rising sea levels and the most recent phenomenon called sinkholes have become parts of living.

Red Cross leaders Rogelio Aca and Aileen Lizada told reporters

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OLIVIA D. VELASCO General Manager

RICHARD C. EBONA Advertising Specialist

JOCELyN S. PANES Director of Sales

JANE E. CARO Marketing Assistant

about the enthusiastic response of the community to the proposed partnership. According to the duo, the warm response of those who attended the first partnership meeting on December 21 was encouraging.

Credit it to the mindset created by Typhoon Pablo whose victims need succor for the next few months or even years. Indeed, most people who have seen the horrors inflicted by the freak typhoon on the hapless populace of the hard-hit towns in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental would be nothing but receptive to a quick disaster response mechanism because it is good and would be very helpful when fortuitous events do happen.

All the Red Cross initiators need is to strike while the iron is hot, to borrow a cliche’, and be sure that the players to be engaged know exactly what role to play in this great project.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

ALBERTO DALILAN Managing

NEILWIN L. BRAVO Sports and Motoring ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEy Consultant

kENNETH IRVING k. ONG Creative Solutions

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography

JADE C. ZALDIVAR • VICky BERDINA M. DE GuZMAN ANTHONy S. ALLADA • AQuILES Z. ZONIO Staff Writers

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

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance AGuSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAyAN DE ORO MARkETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARkETING OFFICE

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

By Liu Chang

S the new Chinese leadership has been gearing up to double the country’s 2010 GDP and per capita income by the year 2020, a stronger China and richer Chinese population could also help to stimulate the lackluster global economy.

Compared with the world’s major economies such as the United States and some European nations, China’s current consumption rate is relatively low.

If the country’s newly designed income-doubling scheme could be realized as scheduled, it means that the Chinese people would have more money in their pockets to spend, and their demand for products and services from other parts of the world would also be expanded accordingly.

HSBC has predicted recently that the annual growth rate of U.S. exports to China could be raised to 10.4 percent over the next three years, and would further rise to 12 percent between 2016 to 2020. Britain’s exports to China could also see a substantial increase.

As the demand is growing, more and more Chinese choose to go abroad for both touring and buying brand name products. Nowadays it has already been quite common to see crowds of Chinese customers going on shopping spree for products of international brands in department stores and outlets worldwide.

According to the World Tourism Organization, the Chinese spent as high as 72.6 billion U.S. dollars last year outside China, ranking the third in the world.

China’s rising demand would also help to expand its imports from other countries and regions, thus making the nation’s trade more balanced.

Meanwhile, as the Chinese economy continues to grow, home-grown Chinese enterprises would also have more capital and capacity for overseas investment. That would be good news for overseas industries that are short of funds and markets.

With the growing cost of labor, Chinese firms are forced to move their production lines to countries and areas in Southeast Asia and Africa while maintaining their designing and research sectors at home.

And the countries that harbor Chinese investment could receive more capital, technologies and job opportunities as part of China’s growth dividends.

The Chinese companies would also work to promote their development by following a capital, technology and service intensive pattern, so they can better serve costumers worldwide with more cost-effective, environmental friendly and energy saving products.

Daniel Rosen, visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, has said recently that China’s global direct investment assets would rise from 400 billion dollars today to 1 or even 2 trillion by 2020.

It is expected that as the Chinese government is determined to boost development of an advanced manufacturing industry and accelerate transition of traditional industries, the global competitiveness of Chinese companies would surely be further enhanced.

Additionally, the Chinese currency is also moving fast along its path toward internationalization.

As the world’s second largest economy and trading power, the amount of RMB that was used in cross-border trade surged from an equivalent of 506.3 billion dollars in 2010 to 2.08 trillion last year, making the currency the world’s third-biggest trade settlement currency.

In the next decade, it is possible that China could overtake the United States to become the world’s top trading power, and the Chinese RMB could be used as the settlement currency on an even more expanded scale. [PNA/Xinhua]

EDGEDAVAO

A

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

Impasse: Basic vs. expedience

T the root of the “technical impasse” that occurred at the 34th exploratory talks of the peace panels of Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front early this month are the basic concept of “transition” held by MILF and the expedience of establishing Bangsamaro under the presidency of Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III as the solution to the Bangsamoro problem. Which of the two should be considered primary?

Two questions are the key to the option. First, why must an MILF be the chairman of Bangsamoro Transition Authority?

Second, why may any Bangsamoro will do?

The primacy of one over the other hinges on the purpose of transition as planned by MILF in reference to the establishment of Bangsamoro according to its concept and vision at the heart of “How to solve the Bangsamoro problem”, the original talking point MILF proposed in 1997.

All GRP-MILF negotiations from February 25, 1997 to June 3, 2010 under Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph E. Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo revolved around this talking point, essentially the focus of all agreements. All GPH-MILF negotiations under President Aquino III have acknowledged all past agreements implying their recognition of the original talking point as may be gleaned from Key Points 1 and 3 of “Decision”.

The only GPH-MILF substantial agreements, the “Decision Points on Principles” and the “Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro”, essentially reflect – if not textually adopting in their provisions – the “GRPMILF Memorandum Agreement on Ancestral Domain” in its original or in its 2010 and 2011 reframed versions. This may be clearly seen through a close comparison of the GPH-MILF and GRP-MILF agreements referred to above.

Provisions of the FAB Part VII on “Transition and Implementation” were obviously culled from Articles III, IV and V of “MILF Draft Agreement of 2011” which the MILF submitted to the Government

D

IMINISHING AGRICULTURAL BASE - As it now stands, the damage wrought by super “Typhoon Pablo” to the economy of the most badly affected provinces in Region XI – Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte was so devastating that rehabilitation efforts will require technology of unprecedented sophistication and huge capital outlay. By government estimate damage to agricultural crops, farm tools and animals, private and government properties run to billions of pesos, notwithstanding the loss of thousands of lives and hundreds still missing. Undertaking massive rehabilitation job naturally involves logistics and financing.

The affected areas, several kilometers from the northeast part of Davao City once seemed blessed. It had strategic locations for deep-sea fishing, coconut and banana industry, corn and rice production, wonderful beaches and industrious and well-educated workforce. But after the devastating fury of nature, affected residents and their families are now again starting from scratch. Thousands of families celebrated their simple Christmas revelry in different jam-packed evacuation centers and make do with whatever they have mostly food items donated by civic and religious groups, the private sector and government entities.

This painfully convincing compendium of perilous occurrence challenges assumptions about progress – flood control, power supply, agricultural development, food production and environmental protection the government is supposed to bring. But that was then, this is now. To-

MINDA DA NEWS

By PatriCio P. Diaz panel in February 2011. Key concepts and terms in the “Draft” have been either modified or adopted in the FAB in the process of negotiation. Parts I to VIII of the FAB consist of the “agreeable” provisions in the “Draft”; Part IX (1) guarantees the joint implementation of the FAB which is (2) an agreement in progress.

Article IV, 4c of the “Draft” states the MILF’s concept of transition: “Transition process will serve the function of entrenching institutions for capacity building and mobilization of human resources during the interim period.” This is vital to the stability of Bangsamoro as the foundation and basic structures are to any building.

The two basic concerns during the transition are “institutions” and “human resources”. Entrenching the first to build the capacity of the second and mobilizing them will take time. The “Draft” sets one year to establish institutions and mechanisms (pre-interim) and six years for their full operation (interim). That MILF has agreed to shorten the transition to three years – the real transition one and a half years at the longest – does not diminish its vital importance and the need for MILF to lead it.

Why must MILF chair the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA)? MILF has struggled to reclaim the Bangsamoro ancestral domain and envisioned the government in pursuit of its right to self-determination. Government under President Aquino III has agreed to establish Bangsamoro in fulfillment of the struggle and the vision. Is there any other one better than MILF to lay down the foundation on which to establish Bangsamoro?

To MILF, the establishment of Bangsamoro it has envisioned is a promise to the Moro nation. The fulfillment of that

Inexorable reality day the most affected areas notably the towns of Cateel in Davao Oriental and New Bataan in Compostela Valley are adrift. Their a g r i c u l t u ra l base is fast declining, the economic future is bleak and the once crop-abundant municipalities could no longer match its slightly typhoon-battered neighboring areas. These towns will not be the site of business opportunities perhaps for a few years.

“Typhoon Pablo” victims are fuming at how their once proud communities had been buried in knee-deep mud, rocks, stones, logs and other rubbishes.

That’s precisely the reason some environmentalists explain why they see the latest killer typhoon as a symbol of uncontrolled development in the areas, referring to unabated illegal logging and mining activities as the real culprit behind the latest tragedy. The sad irony is that local government units only quickly learn lately that they were unable to control its effect on the environment and on society.

The people in the distraught areas are completely groping in the dark as to how they could rise from the ruins.

The relocation of residents displaced by

promise is a responsibility. In declaring that leading the BTA is a non-issue, MILF is stating that it does not want to pass on to any non-MILF the responsibility of fulfilling its promise.

However, Government is proposing that any Bangsamoro can be the chair of the BTA under the principle of inclusivity.

That will make Bangsamoro more acceptable to non-MILF Moro leaders as well as leaders in the national government especially those in the Congress. That is most expedient for the establishment of Bangsamoro under the Aquino III regime; it will prove that Bangsamoro is not just for MILF, so it will disarm the anti-MILF opposition to the establishment of Bangsamoro.

But MILF, as its top leaders especially Chairman Murad Ebrahim have stated, has recognized the imperativeness of inclusivity. The Transcom and BTA – it has agreed – are composed of MILF and non-MILF Bangsamoro unlike their composition in MILF Draft 2011. The leadership of Bangsamoro after the transition period will be “an open game”; MILF will constitute itself into a political party to contest the leadership in the election of the regular members of the Bangsamoro Assembly.

When the Parties meet for their 35th exploratory talks in January 2013, will Government see the weightier reason in letting MILF chair BTA? MILF wants to fulfill its responsibility to the Moro nation.

Despite the difficulty – after agreeing to shorten the transition period for expediency – in entrenching the institutions to build the capacity of the Moro people and mobilize them, MILF still wants to take the lead.

With a non-MILF as BTA chairman, the MILF leaders, in case Bangsamoro fails, can conveniently wash their hands: “Bangsamoro has not been established as we had envisioned.” Yet, MILF still wants to take the responsibility despite the shortness of the transition period. [MindaNews]

the destructive typhoon perhaps is the thorny issue presently faced by the government. Experts and media sift through the figures to show that the government’s relocation budget is nowhere adequate.

Aside from providing food, shelter, jobs and livelihood projects, another problem is the terms of amount of compensation for farmers and fisher folks but also on its tally of the victims to be relocated.

Furthermore, the peasants whose farms are again destined to be inundated by floodwaters and mudslides whenever it rains heavily argue that relocation sounds efficient but their bald descriptions bring home the bitter, inexorable reality of calamity inching up to swallow their houses, their farms and livelihood.

All indications suggest that after the shattering typhoon most rural residents will be left with nothing and their standard of living will indeed be badly affected.

The villagers probably don’t need to be told. As they informed authorities, the land at their designated relocation sites can’t compare to the rich soil in the lowlands. The upheaval is greater for the thousands who make a living directly from agriculture. Farmers and fishermen probably will have to learn new skills or somehow find other employment in their designated new resettlement locations.

Not only that, these “new” job-seekers will be competing with hundreds of their class being displaced by the latest catastrophe. Worries are also writ large for the government; the most obvious one: what if another super typhoon comes? If a similar storm hits the same areas, widespread tragedy may again be the result.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

How to fulfill our potential as a nation (or the story of G+C+I for Juan de la Cruz) ( 1st of two parts )

C

U R RENT E x change Rate: 41.06 Pesos to the US Dollar. Economic growth rate for the third quarter: an astounding 7.1% - way beyond the fo re c a s te d 5.4% - and the highest in the region.

It seems that the Philippines has successfully transformed itself from being the sick man of Asia to the darling of the global financial media – an emerging tiger, the diamond of the ASEAN, a country that has finally found the impetus to leap to its feet, and well on the way to fulfilling its youthful potential.

This is good news for sure; it is this kind of non-propaganda pronouncement from the outside that gives our leaders the warm fuzzies and helps them sleep soundly at night at the thought of a job well done. Yes I do agree that good governance translates to good economics, and that this administration has been very successful in setting up the foundation for our nation to live up to its promise.

But good governance is not the end-all and be-all for every Filipino to have the life that all of us decent human beings deserve.

And “Aquino-mics” is just one part of an elaborate equation.

Allow me to explain.

The domestic economic growth of a nation (or commonly referred to as gross domestic product or GDP) is defined by three basic parameters: Government Expenditure, Domestic Consumption and Investments.

The management of government expenditures (or “G”) is where “Aquino-mics” made the most leeway. “G” does not only refer to the extent of investments that government makes to stimulate growth but equally important is how government manages its resources. In 2013, a record PhP400 billion is earmarked for major infrastructure projects. In the wrong hands, this is mere fodder for the pockets of the corrupt. But the general perception is that this administration does not have the wrong hands and therefore spending PhP400 billion on airports, ports, roads and bridges will result to concrete returns and stimulate economic growth.

There is so much faith on how the national government is doing things that no less than the presidential spokesperson bravely and confidently made the statement that by the end of Pnoy’s term in 2016, the Philippines would have garnered an investment grade from international financial institutions like Moody’s and S&P. I believe him; and therefore in terms of “G”, we’re doing ok.

The second parameter is domestic consumption (or “C”). Even an iota of observation skills would yield the conclusion that: (a) We spend the most money during Christmas; and (b) OFW remittances peak during the holidays. It is therefore no surprise that the peso is always historically strongest in the -ber months, and that the exchange rate almost always settles down after the start of a new year, when we look at it from a consumption perspective.

Given the fact that a great percentage of domestic consumption is driven by OFW remittances which, in turn, is affected by the strength of the peso, the extent of the contribution of “C” to overall growth in the fourth quarter is not only a reason to smile, it is to be expected.

10 NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

Castigador...

EDGEDAVAO

FFROM 1

, both as acting customs examiners in the port’s assessment division, for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The administrative complaint was filed by businessman Rodolfo C. Reta, almost three years ago, as a result of the illegal closure of the designated examination area (DEA) operated by the BOC inside his (Reta’s) Acquarius Container Yard in Sasa.

Reta charged that Castigador illegally stopped the DEA operation after his lawyer, Manuel Quibod, reported to Castigador about the presence of 40 containers containing rice imported from Thailand but misdeclared as construction materials.

Instead of acting on the report of Reta’s lawyer, Castigador stopped the DEA operation and illegally rescinded a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Reta and the BOC covering 25 years.

In separate statements to the Edge Davao news team, Ednar Dayanghirang and Fr. Albert Alejo, leaders of the People’s Action Against Corruption (PAAC) and People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR), described the Ombudsman’s decision as fair and comprehensive.

While the decision vindicated the position of businessman Reta who

Davao...

had been deprived of legitimate income as result of the illegal closure of the DEA, Dayanghirang said the verdict confirmed the existence of collusion and other illegal acts between customsmen and those who transact with them including smugglers operating in the guise of consignees and brokers.

Fr. Alejo urged BOC Commissioner “Ruffy” (Rozzano Rufino) B. Biazon to immediately enforce the Ombudsman decision and take advantage of the situation as an opportunity to institute badly needed reforms in the agency, long acknowledged as a center of corruption.

He said these will include the resumption of the DEA operation with some improvements.

While the DEA has been proven to be effective in minimizing entry of contraband goods by subjecting suspicious incoming cargo to x-ray examination, it can be made a lot more effective through the involvement of third parties from the civil society, Alejo said.

He said third-party citizens watchdog group is now institutionalized in many government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Commission on Audit, Department of Education, Department of Fi-

nance, to name a few.

Alejo said the Namfrel (National Movement for Free Elections) system in the Commission of Elections is in line with this watchdog idea.

“After almost three years, the (Ombudsman) decision gives hope to those who want to institute reforms in the government, Dayanghirang said.

Alejo called upon Commissioner Biazon to immediately implement the decision of the Ombudsman by firing some people.

He however said it is advisable for BOC to initiate an independent study on the congestion in ports and on the involvement of citizens watchdogs in BOC transactions to enhance transparency.

Irregular gate passes In weighing the pros and cons in the Reta complaint, the Ombudsman said “ the issue is whether respondents are guilty of Grave Misconduct, Dishonesty and violation of R.A. No. 6713 in issuing gate passes in violation of the rules, in transferring the examination area of the RAPZEL shipment from AYC to PPA without observing due process and in failing to file criminal charges against RAPZEL.” “The subject 4 gate passes (with Control Nos. 990, 986, 991 and 987) reveal the consign-

DOH...

three people were injured in a bomb explosion at a section of the commercial district in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province. (see related story in page2).

The improvised bomb exploded at around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday by the roadside in front of a

Western Union outlet and the Fit Mart department store in the city’s downtown area.

The scene of explosion was a few meters from the city’s main rotunda and a waiting area for passengers of public utility vehicles.

low age 10. He did not disclose comparative figures from last year’s pre-New year celebration. Ona said about half of the victims were onlookers.

He added: “It is a time for celebration, a time to be happy, a time to be with friends, family and loved

ones. “It is not the time to be crying, especially if the injuries obtained by these firecracker victims are severe.”

Ona also remind the public that the New Year should not only be a happy one but also a safe one.

[PNA]

along with non-claimants like Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are members.

Beijing prefers to nego-

tiate with each of the other smaller rival claimants, giving them an advantage because of its sheer size and dominant military force. (PNA)

FFROM 2

firecracker ban in places in the Philippines like Davao City and Subic that have [already] done a total ban,” Ona said.

As of Wednesday, there had been 72 victims of firecracker-related injuries, about 40 % of whom were children be-

China’s...

DCWD...

examination and were already signed as received by the consignees representative even before the conduct of the 100% examination as recommended by the X-Ray Inspector,” according to the Ombudsman verdict.

“Respondent CASTIGADOR, in allowing this irregular practice of preparing gate passes prior to inspection of the shipment allegedly to facilitate the process within the ACY DEA in effect agrees with such irregular practice.

The control mechanism at the Port of Davao then leaves much to be desired.”

It added that the February 26, 2012 letter of Castigador transferring the designated examination area from Reta’s container yard to the Philippine Ports Authority is done without lawful authority. The MOA was entered into the BOC through Commissioner of Customs and Reta, on behalf of ACY. Respondent Castigador, on his own, cannot suspend or revoke the MOA as such authority pertains to the Commissioner of Customs. It is in record that the revocation of the MOA by the Commissioner was only made per his letter dated March 5, 2010. It was unilateral as it was made without consultation with Reta, the other party.

The Ombudsman also

pointed out Castigador’s failure to file a criminal case for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code against Rapzel company is tantamount to giving unwarranted benefits to the company. “ Section 1802 of the Tariff and Customs Code provides that the owner of any abandoned article is not relieved from any criminal liability arising from any violation of law committed in connection with the importation of the abandoned article.

In this case, in addition to the sale of the abandoned articles, Castigador, as port collector, has the duty to file the case in court for violation of the said Code.

This failure to file the case in court sends the wrong signal to the importers and runs counter to the government’s drive to run after the smugglers. “ On the other hand, the Ombudsman said the failure of customs examiners Natividad and Amir to examine the Rapzel shipment because they granted undue advantage or benefit to it amounts to Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. Their act has unduly prejudiced the service because they deliberately neglected to perform their official duty in order to curry favor to a private entity.

line.

Acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado said this 400mm bypass line will be laid on top of the already laid pipe.

“Although these 400mm bypass lines may not restore normal water supply in affected areas, specifically downtown, Agdao, Obrero, Bajada, Lanang and Sasa, they will already be of considerable help,” he explained.

According to the feedback from

DCWD’s call center, some customers have already felt improved water supply after the first 400mm bypass line was laid.

Regalado said the DCWD will be adding a 750mm bypass line which will be laid early next year.

“With three bypass lines temporarily replacing the collapsed transmission lines, we may be able to normalize water distribution in all affected areas,” Regalado said.

FFROM 2

FFROM 1

Davao City Police Office and the Police Regional Office 11 in securing the city from lawless elements and terrorists.

Last Christmas Eve, an explosion damaged the Negra Lodging House in Palao village, Iligan City.

No one was hurt.

On Wednesday night,

ees name, its address, the vessel where the cargo was laden, the vessel’s registry number, the date of arrival of the vessel at the Port of Davao City, the container numbers, the description of the goods, the authority of the District Collector for the release of the shipment by the consignee/representative. These entries were duly filled out and for all intents and purposes, the subject gate passes are official documents bearing the name and seal of the Bureau of Customs Collection District XI, Port of Davao. The gate pass is the document which will allow the release of the shipment from the DEA to the custody of the consignee/representative. The preparation of the gate passes even before the conduct of the 100% examination of the shipment as recommended by X-Ray Inspector Nilo A. Lim, is irregular. Note is to be taken that the “release of shipment” column was signed by respondent Alicodsaman P. Dimasicil, Assistant DEA-Wharfinger, on February 24, 2010, and signed on “received” column by the consignee’s representative. The record shows that the shipment arrived at the DEA only on February 26, 2010 and yet, the gate passes were prepared two (2) days ahead of the receipt of the same shipment at the DEA for

On December 21-22, the first 400mm bypass line was installed after the Department of Public Works and Highways approved the DCWD’s application to install steel pipelines on the bridge as replacement for the collapsed transmission lines.

On Friday night until Saturday afternoon or a 20-hour water interruption is again scheduled for the installation of another 400mm bypass

FFROM 2

putes to any international forum such as the Association of South East Asian Nations where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are members

Enterprising residents sell boiled eggs, biscuits, “kakanin” and other snacks to hungry volunteers at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Panacan yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

SPORTS 11

Raining fines

PBA slaps fines on Alaska, TNT players

Alaska players Gabby Espinas (27), Calvin Abueva (8) and Cyrus Baguio (3) have all been slapped fines by PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

P

BA commissioner Chito Salud cracked the whip on erring players during Game 3 of the Alaska-Talk `N Text Philippine Cup semifinals by slapping a total of P45,400 in fine, including P30,000 on marquee play-

er Cyrus Baguio.

The Alaska star was the heaviest recipient of the penalty for committing a flagrant foul 2 penalty by hitting Jayson Castro of Talk `N Text in the face with his forearm during a fastbreak sequence midway in

Game 3 of the TNT-Alaska semis matchup turned out to be very physical.

the fourth quarter.

Baguio, however, was spared from an automatic one-game suspension and will see action in Game 4 Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“After carefully reviewing the FFP2 (flagrant

foul penalty 2) called on Cyrus Baguio and weighing his explanation of the circumstances leading to the flagrant foul, this office is upholding the flagrant foul called on him and is fining him the amount of P30,000.00,” Salud said in an official statement after personally meeting Baguio at his office Thursday afternoon.

“No suspension is being meted out in this particular case after taking into consideration Baguio’s explanation that he was indeed going to give Jason Castro a hard foul, but realized at the last instant that he no longer had the chance to play for the ball,” added the commissioner.

Two other Aces in rookie Calvin Abueva and Gabby Espinas bore the brunt of the total fines.

Abueva was penalized for P7.4 K on grounds of technical foul for second motion (P2.4K) and flagrant foul 1 (P5 K), while Espinas was fined P5 K for flagrant foul 1.

Called for technical fouls for second motion and a corresponding P1K fine were Alaska’s Sonny Thoss, and Talk `N Text’s Jarred Dilinger and Kelly Williams. Williams’ technical foul, however, was committed last Dec. 21.

Baguio told Spin.ph in an earlier interview that he was trying to go for the ball, but because Castro was ahead of him, the TNT

Cyrus Baguio was fined P30,000.

guard was instead, hit on the face.

Salud also stated that Baguio had no “blatant follow through of his arm on Castro’s face”.

“It was decidedly sheer momentum on his (Baguio) part that largely caused the hard contact on Castro. Nonetheless, this office stands by the FFP2 call for being unnecessary and excessive and

fines Baguio,” explained the PBA commissioner.

Game 3 had been marred by several physical plays that led to various technical and flagrant fouls called on both Alaska and Talk `N Text.

Coaches Norman Black and Luigi Trillo said they are hoping for officiating to improve in the succeeding games of the best-of-seven series.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

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NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No(s). 21002292 under LOYOLAPLAN Contract No(s) NNN 130003725 issued to MARCELINA B. JALOG was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

12/28, 01/4, 11,

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

Tel No. (083)- 553-2211

We offer Pasta, Pizza and all Filipino foods and international cuisine

South Osmeña, General Santos City Cell No. 09999923588 Tel. No. (083) 552-3297

SPORTS 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

Knicks win on buzzer-beater D

JR Smith of the New York Knicks canned the buzzer-beater that gave the Knicks a win over the Suns.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region BRANCH 11

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO CORRECT THE DATE OF BIRTH OF JEFFREY SEPE TE WITH REGISTRY NO. 90-24, 893 PARTICULARLY:

SPECIAL. PROC. NO. 12,261-12 A. ITEM NO. 3 FROM NOVEMBER 15, 1990 TO NOVEMBER 15, 1989, AND; B. ITEM NO. 45 FROM 151190 TO 151189 JEFFREY SEPE TE, Petitioner, -versusTHE OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL, REGISTRAR OF DAVAO Respondent, x-----------------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER By this verified petition and for the reasons therein stated, the above-named petitioner,assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court directing the Local City Civil Registrar and the Civil Registrar General to cause the correction in the following entries of the certificate of live birth of petitioner Jeffrey Sepe Te to wit:

A. ITEM NO. 3 FROM NOVEMBER 15, 1990 TO NOVEMEBER 15, 1989, AND; B. ITEM NO. 45 FROM 151189.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St., Ecoland, Matina, Davao City, on February 13, 2013 at 2:00 in the afternoon at which place, date and time any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper published in the city of Davao and of general circulation in the said city and the provinces of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Furnish, each with a copy of the petition and of this Order the Honorable Solicitor General, as counsel for the government, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and City legal Office of Davao City for the City of Davao.

SO ORDERED.

Given this 23rd day of November 2012, in Davao City, Philippines.

12/14/21/28

(Sgd) VIRGINIA HOFILEÑA-EUROPA Judge

ENVER — Corey Brewer matched his career high with 27 points and the Denver Nuggets overcame a 40-point effort

by Kobe Bryant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 126-114 on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) for their seventh straight win at home.

Brewer hit four of his six 3-pointers in the final 12-plus minutes, helping the Nuggets hold off the Lakers, whose five-game winning streak was snapped.

Bryant, who hit 40 points for the 116th time in his career, has scored 30 or more points in 10 straight games.

Kenneth Faried had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and Danilo Gallinari added 19 points for Denver. Ty Lawson had 17 points to go with 14 assists, and Andre Iguodala also scored 17 points.

The Lakers lost Dwight Howard to an ejection with 5:02 left

in the third quarter. He was called for a flagrant foul 2 when he jammed his hand in Faried’s face as the Nuggets forward drove the lane. Faried tumbled to the floor, but shook off the fall to stay in the game.

Pau Gasol added 19 points for the Lakers and Steve Nash had 15 points in his third game back from a leg injury that sidelined him for 24 games.

Leading by three points at the half, the Nuggets went on a 10-0 run capped by a 3-pointer by Gallinari for a 7360 lead midway through the third quarter.

The Nuggets scored five consecutive points after Howard’s ejection, including one of two free throws by Faried for an 84-72 advantage. But the Lakers fought back, pulling within 91-87 with a 9-3 burst near the end of the third quarter that Bryant started with a 3-pointer.

Taking advantage of a Lakers turnover, the Nuggets stunned the Lakers with five points in the final 12.7 seconds of the third, with Brewer hitting a running 3-pointer at the buzzer from 26 feet away to allow Denver to take a 96-87 lead into the fourth quarter.

Brewer and Iguodala each hit 3-pointers in the opening minutes of the final period as Denver gained a 15-point advantage.

The Lakers cut it to 113-106 on layup by Jodie Meeks with 4:34 remaining, but Gallinari answered with his third 3-pointer of the night and Faried followed with a driving layup to rebuild Denver’s lead to 118-106. Brewer hit two more 3-pointer in the final 1:19 to ice the victory.

Faried, who had 13 points in the first half, helped the Nuggets take a 57-54 lead at the break. The Nuggets led by as many as eight points in the second quarter, going in front 40-32 on a breakaway dunk by Brewer but a couple of 3-pointers by Gasol along with a pair of long jumpers by Bryant over the final five minutes of the quarter got the Lakers close again.

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Lakers streak snapped D

NOT ENOUGH. Not even Kobe Bryant’s 40-point night saved the Lakers winning streak.

ENVER — Corey Brewer matched his career high with 27 points and the Denver Nuggets overcame a 40-point effort by Kobe Bryant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 126114 on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) for their seventh straight win at home.

Brewer hit four of his six 3-pointers in the final 12-plus minutes, helping the Nuggets hold off the Lakers, whose fivegame winning streak was snapped.

Bryant, who hit 40 points for the 116th time in his career, has scored 30 or more points in 10 straight games.

Kenneth Faried had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and Danilo Gallinari added 19 points for Denver.

Ty Lawson had 17 points to go with 14 assists, and Andre Iguodala also scored 17 points.

The Lakers lost Dwight Howard to an ejection with 5:02 left in the third quarter. He was called for a flagrant foul 2 when he jammed his hand

in Faried’s face as the Nuggets forward drove the lane. Faried tumbled to the floor, but shook off the fall to stay in the game.

Pau Gasol added 19 points for the Lakers and Steve Nash had 15 points in his third game back from a leg injury that sidelined him for 24 games.

Leading by three points at the half, the Nuggets went on a 10-0 run capped by a 3-pointer by Gallinari for a 73-60 lead midway through the third quarter.

The Nuggets scored five consecutive points after Howard’s ejection, including one of two free throws by Faried for an 84-72 advantage. But the Lakers fought back, pulling within 91-87 with a 9-3 burst near the end of the third quarter that Bryant started with a 3-pointer.

Taking advantage of a Lakers turnover, the Nuggets stunned the Lakers with five points in the final 12.7 seconds of the third, with Brewer hit-

ting a running 3-pointer at the buzzer from 26 feet away to allow Denver to take a 96-87 lead into the fourth quarter.

Brewer and Iguodala each hit 3-pointers in the opening minutes of the final period as Denver gained a 15-point advantage.

The Lakers cut it to 113-106 on layup by Jodie Meeks with 4:34 remaining, but Gallinari answered with his third 3-pointer of the night and Faried followed with a driving layup to rebuild Denver’s lead to 118106. Brewer hit two more 3-pointer in the final 1:19 to ice the victory.

Faried, who had 13 points in the first half, helped the Nuggets take a 57-54 lead at the break.

The Nuggets led by as many as eight points in the second quarter, going in front 40-32 on a breakaway dunk by Brewer but a couple of 3-pointers by Gasol along with a pair of long jumpers by Bryant over the final five minutes of the quarter got the Lakers close again.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

An edgy & luxe Kikay holiday

By now, you are in the thick of the holidays and the haze of parties and get-togethers don’t seem to be waning. As it may be the most social time of the year for you, a trip to the mall to add some vital pieces to your holiday wardrobe won’t seem that farfetched. In fact, all the merrymaking and revelry might call for it.

One brand that is set to bring something completely different to your closet this holiday season is Kikay through its subbrand Pink Sapphire by Kikay. Known primarily for its accessories, Kikay is joining the clothing retail wagon in a big way with its offering of luxe pieces that seem to embody the velvety-rich spirit of the yuletide season. Its High Luxe Holiday Collection boasts of standout pieces with leather, rich lace and brocade fabric molded into sexy silhouettes and softened by touches of faux fur and feathers.

Particular favorites

from the collection that Managing Partner Timmie Chua’s friends are calling “Chanel meets Alexander McQueen” are short skirts done in layers of lace and fur trim, textured tights in geometric patterns and cropped jackets decorated

FAN, A4

Particular favorites from the collection that Managing Partner Timmie Chua’s friends are calling “Chanel meets Alexander McQueen”

A2 INdulge!

UP & ABOUT

GlAmpiNG: Waterfront’s New year’s countdown In welcoming 2013, Waterfront will be hosting a new Year’s Countdown celebration. The theme will be “GLAMPInG”, that’s short for glamorous camping. It will be first in Davao.

A dinner and cocktail Party will be held at The Garden Tent, where guests can have a great view of the spectacular fireworks from the Island Garden City of Samal. It will surely be a night of festivity to be joined by loyal valued regulars of the hotel and new clientele.

Tickets are available at Php 1500.00 net per person. Kids aged 6 to 12 get a 50% discount while kids aged 5 and below are free of charge.

For more reservations and inquiry, you may call (082) 233-2881.

Sm Supermall’s endof-Season SAle is oN!

SM’s End-of-Season Sale is back with great discounts! Beginning December 26, the season’s eagerly awaited event offers unbelievable discounts of up to 70% off in all SM Malls!

So load your shopping carts with gifts, souvenirs, branded items and everything else you need for this festive season!

At SM City Davao, SM General Santos and SM Lanang Premier, holiday shopping continues until January 13, 2013!

Plus, mall hours extend until 10 PM on Dec 26-30. On December 31, Monday, SM Malls open early at 9 AM and will close at 7 PM while SM Supermaket opens to serve its customers as early as 7 AM. SM Davao, SM GenSan and SM Lanang Premier are open on January 1, 2013 from 12 nn to 9 PM.

TRUST Home DepoT SpReADS moRe HoliDAy cHeeRS! It’s THD’s after Christmas blowout and all Christmas trees and decorations go on sale. Enjoy as much as 30% discount off the original price tags of the Yuletide collectibles-- elegant tree and table trimmings and stuffed toys.

The Christmas Blowout will run from December 26, 2012 until January 13, 2013. VIsit Trust Home Depot, Ecoland Drive, Quimpo Boulevard, Matina (formerly Task Force Davao). Telephone numbers 298-7878 and 295-3588. Trust Home Depot is on Facebook, “Like” the page to receive updates.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

EVEnTS

SKY Partners with HBO to launch 1st SKY Zone in Davao City

SKycable subscribers and non-subscribers alike flocked to the Abreeza Mall to check out the latest offers from SKy through SKy Zone.

The 3-day mall event held on November 30, December 1, and December 2 showcased the difference between high-definition and standarddefinition viewing that left avid HD viewers in awe.

“SKy Zone provides a chance for our customers to experience SKycable HD first-hand,” said Kathy Maristela, Regional Marketing Manager. “We’re happy we have an opportunity to serve our subscribers, as well as those new to SKycable, in such a strong market as Davao.”

Adding to the excitement of a packed SKy Zone crowd were three cosplayers,Captain America, Legolas of Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter who gamely posed with kids and kids-at-heart.

HBO, which features these Hollywood blockbusters this December, exhibited their recently launched HD channels – HBO Signature and HBO Family during the event. “We are thrilled to partner with HBO in SKy Zone’s 1st ever Davao mall event,” said Dino Quizon, Marketing Specialist. “HBO Family offers viewers of all age groups wholesome entertainment.” HBO hosted the photo booth which was clearly a main attraction for family and friends.

Since its introduction in October 2011, SKycable HD now boasts an improved channel line-up with the addition of CNN, Food Network, Sundance, CinemaWorld, HBO Signature, and HBO Family bringing a total of 22 fullHD channels – the most number of HD channels being offered by a digital cable provider today. With these new HD channels, subscribers can further maximize their HDTVs to experience life-like imagery and cinematic sound 24/7.

In SKy Zone, visitors also explored SKybroadband’s unlimited surfing, streaming, and download-

The people who bring SKYZone to Davao for the exciting experience of a superior cable and broadband services that only SKY can offer.

SKY people take time to pose with the super heroes: (left to right) Allan V. Fernandez – Operations Head, Katharine Maristela – Regional Marketing Manager, Rhodora Legita – Customer Service Manager, Dino Quizon – Marketing Specialist Hands-on incredible high-speed SKYbroadband experience. and (Seated) Rex Delmo – Marketing Staff.

One of the attractions at SKYZone. Posing with their favorite super heroes. Hands-on incredible high-speed SKYbroadband experience.

ing with Unlimited Plans of up to 12 mbps! Amazed at SKybroadband’s faster web navigation, as well as quick and seamless downloads of big files from the internet, customers were also delighted to know that various broadband plans are available depending on their internet usage at home.

To know more about SKy’s latest offerings, log on to www.mysky.com.

The SKYZone at the Abreeza Mall.

ph. Call SKy’s customer service hotline 305-5456 or text them at 0917-8888-

Having fun at SKYcable’s SKYZone.

SKy (759), and sign up for a 15-day FREE trial of SKycable HD and SKy-

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

EnTErTAInMEnT

Kristen Stewart, Natalie portman and Shia laBeouf top Forbes’ most bankable stars

SUrELY you already knew that Kristen Stewart, natalie Portman and Shia LaBeouf all make bank , but did you know these three stars are actually the most bankable?

Forbes’ released their annual list of Hollywood’s Best Actors For The Buck, ranking the most bankable actors in the biz based on the financial return the studio receives for the actors’ films.

Coming in at no. 1?

Academy Award winner natalie Portman, who provides about $42.70 for every dollar she’s paid thanks to the success of films like Black Swan, which reportedly earned a whopping $329 million at the box office. not far behind is Kristen Stewart, who brings in $40.60 for every dollar she earns due to the wildly successful Twilight franchise.

Costars robert Pattin-

son and Taylor Lautner also made the cut, with Edward barely beating out Jacob Black in fourth and sixth place, respectively.

Slightly more surprising is Shia LaBeouf’s no.

3 spot, the actor returning $35.80 for every dollar he’s paid.

Forbes analyzed data from the last three films each actor starred in over the last three years to calculate the studio’s return on investment.

$200,000 in “production pay” whenever the exAmerican Idol judge had a professional engagement, whether filming a movie or performing.

However, Manoukian said he was unfairly demoted to being an “L.A. driver” after Medina humiliated him in public during a job in Atlanta,

and then unceremoniously dumped him in September 2011 without receiving the promised production pay or any overtime compensation.

Lopez’s attorney has not responded to E! news’ request for comment.

Manoukian’s case is scheduled to go to trial sometime next May.

Jennifer Lopez extortion suit vs former chauffer dismissed JEnnIFEr Lopez isn’t feelin’ so good after this ruling.

A California judge has dismissed a $20 million extortion countersuit the singer-actress filed against her former driver Hakob Manoukian who sued her last spring for wrongful termination claiming his contract was breached.

According to the minute order obtained by E! news, Los Angeles Superior Court Justice Joseph Kalin granted the chauffeur’s motion to strike J.Lo’s cross-complaint at a hearing on Dec. 21.

In a lawsuit filed April 30, 2012 against Lopez, nuyorican Productions and her manager Benny Medina, Manoukian alleged he was hired to be the superstar’s full-time driver, but the defendants failed to pay him his previously agreed upon yearly salary of $72,000.

Per the complaint, in addition to that amount, Manoukian asserted he was owed upwards of

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

STYLE

Its High Luxe Holiday Collection boasts of standout pieces with leather, rich lace and brocade fabric molded into sexy silhouettes and softened by touches of faux fur and feathers.

An...

FFRom A1 with pearl clusters. When perfectly paired with Kikay’s layers of pearls, sparkling cuffs and gold-tone neckpieces, they make for ensembles that exude a polished sheen of sophistication that will make any girl the life of her party.

To add to its appeal, Kikay employed the unique creative eye of Jo Ann Bitagcol to photograph the collection and Luis Espiritu to style it. Going beyond what the masses expect of a brand like Kikay, it is finding a winning proposition in going the high road of being couture-like.

Tastes run rich this season and Kikay obviously has the goods to suit the market’s penchant for just that.

Photographed by Jo Ann Bitagcol. Styled by Luis Espiritu. Kikay is located at the Ground Floor of Abreeza Davao. For more information on the Pink Sapphire Collection, visit facebook.com/kikay.accessoriescompany or email kikayaccessories@yahoo.com.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 213 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28-29, 2012

YEARENDER

SPORTS 15

Losses and gains in Philippine sports

By Louie A. Morente notched its first PBA title since joining the league three years ago. B-Meg’s Denzel Bowles was named Best Import for the conference while teammate James Yap the finals MVP. Last August, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters also prevented the B-MEG Llamados from getting a consecutive title by closing out another exciting Game 7 finals to claim the 2012 PBA Governors Cup, their first title since joining the league in 2006, despite the absence of Rookie of the Year Paul Lee, who failed to finish Game 2 of the finals due to a recurrent shoulder injury.

fancied Ateneo Blue Eagles won its fifth consecutive title by winning the 2012 UAAP 75 Season beating University of Sto. Tomas two games in a row in their best-of-three championship at the Araneta Coliseum that was attended by some 20,000 fans.

In the latter part of October, the San Beda Red Lions, mentored by high school alumni Ronnie Magsanoc, scored a three-peat at the expense of the Letran Knights in the 88th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the feat, Magsa-

the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Prior to the semifinals, the Azkals lost, 2-1, to Thailand before winning against Vietnam, 1-0, and Myanmar, 2-0, to advance.

The last time the Azkals reached the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup was in 2010.

In a FIFA-sanctioned international friendly last September, the much improved Azkals, for the first time, had beaten Singapore in their home turf. They repeated the feat in a friendly in Cebu City last Nov. 15 prior to the Suzuki Cup. Despite reaching the semifinals of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, the Philippines

in Asia, with the winner earning a slot in the 2015 Asian Football Cup in Australia.

At present, the Philippines is preparing for the Challenge Cup qualifying, where the country hosts this year’s runner-up Turkmenistan, Brunei and Cambodia with the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City as possible venues for the upcoming tournament in March.

While they fell short of expectation, the Azkals, led by the popular Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, and other Europe-based players with

slid down to 147 in the latest FIFA world rankings released last December 19, from their highest ranking of 143rd last November.

FIFA, the world governing football body, now ranks the Philippines third in Southeast Asia behind Vietnam (131st) and Thailand (136th), which lost to Singapore in the Suzuki finals.

Singapore is now ranked 154th, Indonesia at 156th and Malaysia, 158th.

Last September, the Azkals also won the Peace Cup sweeping its games as expected against lower ranked Guam, Macau, and Chinese Taipei.

Last March in Nepal, the Azkals also reached the semifinals and landed third in the Challenge Cup, a football competition played by emerging football nations

Filipino lineage, have been locally popularizing the sport which does not require height as in basketball and, in several years, could put the Philippines in the football map.

OTHER SPORTING EVENTS NEEDING SUPPORT There are other not so popular sporting events that brought honors for the Philippines despite the apparent lack of support that include the bemedalled dragon boat paddlers and student athletes competing abroad.

Also, the 11-member Philippine Memory Team members who won nine medals including the bronze in the 2012 World Memory Championships (WMC) held in London last December 14-16 .

LOSS. Manny Pacquiao

GAIN. Nonito Donaire

T

HE year ended with an unhappy note for sports loving Filipinos when they were stunned with the sixthround knockout loss of eight-division boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao during his Dec. 8 fourth fight with Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With the loss, Pacquiao fell in most poundfor-pound ratings behind Marquez and Filipino boxing sensation Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr., who had a successful campaign in 2012.

During the year, Donaire defeated all four opponents in the 122-pound division including his recent third round knockout win over Mexican veteran Jorge Arce a week after Pacman’s loss on Dec. 15 in Houston, Texas which somehow brought life anew to the bright future of Philippine boxing and soothed the hurting pride of Filipinos.

On Nov. 17 in Los Angeles, California, World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Brian Viloria knocked down World Boxing Association (WBA) champ Hernan “Tyson” Marquez, in the first and fifth rounds before the Hawaii-based Filipino unleashed a solid left hook in the 10th to win via a technical knockout when the Mexican’s corner threw in the towel to unify the two belts, the first time in nearly 50 years.

With the biological clock ticking fast on the 34-year-old Pacquiao and

GAIN AND LOSS. Philippine Azkals the 31-year-old Viloria, the role of inspiring Filipinos, athlete or not, now lies in the hands of Donaire and upcoming bright prospects.

BASKETBALL Last January, basketball crazy fans saw Talk ‘N Text, backed up by finals MVP Larry Fonacier, successfully defending the 2011-2012 Philippine Cup against the Cinderella team of Powerade to notch its fifth Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) title and third all-Filipino crown.

With the win, Talk and Text became the first team in 27 years to defend the PBA’s most prestigious title after Great Taste accomplished the feat in 1985.

But in the 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last May, Talk and Text failed to continue its winning ways bowing out in an exciting Game 7 overtime to the B-Meg Llamados which

The ongoing 2012-13 PBA Philippine Cup started last Sept. 30 and will wrap in the third week of January 2013. Teams now battling it out in the semifinals are led by top seed Talk ‘N Text, San Mig Coffee Mixers, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and the Alaska Aces, with scheduled games until Dec. 28 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the exception of the loyal Barangay Ginebra fans, enthusiasm in basketball has somewhat diminished as fans cannot distinguish anymore between the All Filipino Cup and the PBA reinforced conference with the influx of numerous Fil-Ams unlike when excitement in the popular sport was dished out by homegrown Filipino talents.

COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL In October, the highly

noc, one of the PBA’s 25 legends and an assistant coach of the Meralco Bolts in the PBA, earned the Season 88 Coach of the Year.

The win also catapulted San Beda as the winningest UAAP team with a record 17 titles.

PHILIPPINE AZKALS The Philippine Men’s National Football team, or the Philippine Azkals, had a Cinderella run in 2012 playing a total 32 games including several wins in friendlies with neighboring countries in preparation for the coveted 2012 2012 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup. However, the Azkals fell short when the Singapore Lions upended their luck, 1-0, during the second leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal match in Singapore. Earlier, the Azkals held Singapore to a draw in their first semifinal leg at

LOSS. Ginebra Gin Kings

16

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EDGEDAVAO