Edge Davao 5 Issue 221

EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

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Serving a seamless society

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DLPC implements power rate hike

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

Agritrends

Sports

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avaO Light and Power Co. has started to implement the new rates with an average increase of 0.0309 pesos per kilowatt hour, but is still one of the lowest rates in the country, according to the report of their executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In the 26th regular meeting of the Rotary Club of East Davao held at The Marco Polo Davao January 8, arturo M. Milan, DLPC EvP & COO said that

Davao Light has the second lowest rate next to Davao Del Norte Electronic Cooperative.

Dugang galastohon nasad!

Davao Light implemented the new rates in the December 2012 billing cycle with an average increase of 0.0309 P/kwh approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission Philippines for the regulatory year of 2013 covering the period of July 1,

FDLPC, 11

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DEVOTION. Dabawenyo devotees wipe a replica of religious icon, the Black Nazarene, with towels and handkerchiefs to show devotion to the patron during the celebration of its feast at the San Pedro Cathedral on San Pedro Street yesterday. The Black Nazarene, representing Jesus Christ’s passion and suffering, is believed to be miraculous by millions of Filipino Catholics. Lean Daval Jr.

Panabo simplifies business process

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he city government of Panabo has finally put in place a system to serve investors who want to renew or open a business in Panabo City.

The city’s permit and licensing section (PLS) spearheads the business onestop-shop (Panabo BOSS) which started last January 2 and ends January 20 at the ground floor of the new city hall building.

PLS will accommodate clients even on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and with extended office hours until 7:00 in the evening on weekdays.

Business and licensing officer Dulce E. Relopez said that with BOSS, the entrepreneurs will be able to respond immediately to the requirements for investments in Panabo, especially with the increasing

influx of investors.

“With the establishment of the Panabo BOSS fast lane in investment transactions which, aside from the separate fast lane for senior citizens, pregnant women and differently-abled persons, will help boost the influx of investors and make it easier for them to start their business in the city,”

FPANABO, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

Aquino nixes total gun ban P

RESIDEnT Benigno S. aquino III said he doesn’t favor imposing a total gun ban in the country.

He suggested instead the government must go after criminals and private armed groups to prevent gun violence in the country.

In an interview Wednesday in Malacanang, the President said a total gun ban sounds nice but it won’t reduce gun-related violence because outlaws will not surrender their weapons and will only make law abiding citizens defenseless.

“It sounds nice, total gun ban, but the total does not happen because the outlaw will not surrender guns. So we will not stop in our pursuit of these people who are outside of the law and get them before the bars of justice,” the President said, referring to criminals and private armed groups.

The government, through the security forces, is dedicated to go after private armed groups in the country, the President said.

He noted that the government made nota-

FAQUINO, 11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

HISTORICAL. North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Talino-Mendoza (2nd from left), Ludovico Budoy, executive director of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (2nd from right), Mayor Sumulong Sultan of Pikit (ext. right) and Gina C. Batuhan of NHCP sign the certificate of agreement and understanding for the historical marker in Fort Pikit during the unveiling ceremony in Pikit, North Cotabato on Tuesday. The provincial government of North Cotabato also officially launched Fort Pikit as a tourism destination during the event. Lean Daval Jr.

LPA continues to bring heavy rains in Mindanao T

HE Philippine atmospheric, Geophysical and astronomical Services administration (PaGaSa) warned of possible flashfloods and landslides in Mindanao as the low pressure area (LPa) near General Santos City is expected to dump moderate to heavy rains over the region.

Weather Forecaster Ricky Fabregas said as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the LPa embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) was spotted some 150 km southeast of General Santos City (4.6°n, 126.1°E).

Fabregas said the LPa has a slim chance of intensifying into a tropical depression but the agency

continues to monitor.

He added that due to the LPa and ITCZ, the regions of Caraga, Davao, SOCCSKSaRGEn and Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides while Eastern visayas and the rest of Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms.

The regions of Cagayan valley and Ilocos, on the other hand, Fabregas noted, will have partly cloudy skies with passing light rains due to the tail-end of a cold front affecting northern Luzon The tail-end of a cold

front is the front boundary of two air masses, the cold and warm which are found in mid-latitudes, bringing rainfall and cloudiness over affected areas, according to PaGaSa. The rest of country including Metro Manila will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms, he added.

Meanwhile, Fabregas said that PaGaSa is also keeping watch of another LPa which was estimated at 1,190 km East of Mindanao (8.0°n, 138.0°E).

He said the potential cyclone is still too far to affect the country but has a chance to intensify into tropical depression and once it intensifies into a tropical cyclone inside the

Philippine territory, it will be named “Bising.

In its advisory, PaGaSa said that moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail througout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

PaGaSa also issued gale warning as strong to gale force wind associated with the surge of northeast monsoon. It is expected to affect the seaboards of northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Central Luzon.

“Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” PaGaSa said. [Pna]

the unspecified amount of money that he handed out to the NPA for typhoon Pablo victims came from a lady philanthropist and didn’t come from the government. Lean Daval Jr.

By Che Palicte

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avaO City models and comedians joined forces to help Pablo survivors through a benefit show last night at the Zigudu Restobar on Torres Street.

Bar owner Eric Joseph Idong said that they had been planning the event since laat December, but they had a problem with the availability of the comedians. He added that donated clothings and the proceeds of the show will be given to Pablo survivors.

“I am happy and thankful that many of the Davao talents participated and rendered their time for this particular cause” Idong said.

Lourenzo Felix Gaviola, a free lance model, and Ken “Kenita” Castro, leader of the Davao comedians,

the event organizers said that they tapped friends to perform for free and were happy that nobody refused their invitation.

They also would like to be an instrument in helping other people and will still continue to perform for a good cause.

Comedians Bryan Marl “Bryan C” Oliveros and Eric Jc “ER” Mendoza both said that they want to share the blessings they have received in life with the survivors, knowing the hardship they went through. various Davao dance crews from nash villa academy, Jazz up Dancers of Joey Zulueta and Xenias Dance Studio gave their 100 percent effort for the show. Their costumes were courtesy of Fuji Jimenez and Walter Quijada.

that were clogged up due to the accumulation of waste and other materials.

She said the clogging of several drainage canals and irrigation channels triggered the flooding since Sunday in parts of Barangays Baluan, Bula, Lagao and nearby areas.

Intermittent rain continued in the area until Tuesday as the effect of a low pressure area (LPa) and an intertropical conver-

gence zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao.

Dante arriola, weather forecaster of the local PaGaSa station, said the LPa was tracked at 340 kilometers Southeast of Davao City as of 8 a.m.

Wednesday.

He said the weather systems may trigger moderate to occasional heavy rains and thunderstorms in Mindanao, especially in the Davao and Soccsksargen regions. [allen v.

Estabillo/Mindanews]

GenSan launches cleanup of waterways after flooding

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DEBUNKED. Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte debunks a report that he paid revolutionary tax to the New People’s Army during his recent visit to a guerrilla zone in a press briefing at the Grand Men Seng Hotel Tuesday afternoon. Duterte also disclosed that

Davao models, comedians in benefit show for Pablo

HE General Santos City government has launched a massive cleanup of waterways and drainage channels in various parts of the city in a bid to help minimize flooding in several low-lying villages.

Mayor Darlene antonino-Custodio said they have mobilized their personnel and residents of flood-hit communities to clean up portions of the city’s drainage system

SUBURBIA 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 221 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Davao region LGUs sustain cooperation T

HE provinces and cities in the Davao Gulf area shall continue their collaboration in pursuing the shared mission of eradicating poverty, preserving the environment, as well as, improving social services and infrastructure facilities.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario assured the local government units in the Davao region are determined to keep the vitality of the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) that has served as their mechanism for sharing resources in the agriculture sector since 1994.

“We shall continue the complementation that all the member LGUs have enjoyed in two decades of the DIDP existence,” the governor declared at the CY 2012 Year-End assessment Meeting of the locally-funded projects under the Department of agriculture (Da).

Del Rosario, who chairs the only local government-initiated socio-economic cooperation in the country, said the program is an enduring partner of the Da, particularly in ensuring that agri-related projects are implemented “equita-

ASSURED. Chairman Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario assures the sustained dynamism of the Davao Integrated Development Program, which has already completed over 190 kilometers of roads and 128 linear meters of bridges serving about 47,000 hectares of agricultural lands in Southern Mindanao. [Noel Baguio]

bly and proportionately” among LGUs, towards attaining food security and self-sufficiency in Southern Mindanao.

“We are proud to say, that the DIDP as the longest-running inter-LGU-initiated mechanism, proved to be a useful conduit of the Da,”

Special Feature

by Susan B. Palad

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HREE days after, she called in tears. The following day , her sister in Makati called. ”ate, she laughingly said, my sister is miserable in andap.

We all decided to just let her go back to you and the children. We have asked a niece to take care of our mother.” and so Edna came back to us. and then she fell in love with a pleasant young man, Ben, who works as a security guard. I would have liked her of course to marry that macho soldier introduced via internet by a nephew with the US army based in Texas but it seems her destiny points towards Sultan Kudarat , Ben’s hometown. By march, the following year, she helped her sister kimod in her wedding preparations.

Gradually , we saw less of Edna in the house. Finally, my two children has also come to terms with the separation. One day, I asked my boy if he misses mommy Ingga. He philosophically replied, ”I don’t think of her so I won’t miss her.”

In October, she announced her plan to marry

stated the governor, who have presided over the program for more than a decade now.

The operational and management cost of the program is being shouldered by the member-LGUs themselves through their proportional annual contributions.

Yet, the strong backing of the aquino government boosted the dynamism of the program, which now adopts the performance-base method in the disbursement of funds.

Last year, agriculture Secretary Proceso alcala affirmed the adminis-

tration’s commitment to DIDP priority projects, including irrigation projects amounting to P738.5 million, up to 2016.

To date, the program has already received close to a billion pesos from the national government, which was used complete 136 road sections and six

bridge components, adding up to 193 kilometers of roads and 128 linear meters of bridges serving about 47,000 hectares of agricultural lands.

DIDP projects have further generated close to 3,000 new jobs and benefitted over 45,000 households. [noel Baguio]

ateneo to withdraw some medicines, slippers, bottled water that we kept. These are leftovers of our various medical missions with the ateneo grade school community association and the Social action Club. a high school friend in the States also sent P3,000 for Edna. ”We do not want to go up to andap , ate, without bringing some help for our people”, they cried. This is what their mother has deeply ingrained in their being. this is her legacy. In the midst of adversities, they found the true strength of their tribe and their family in their own hearts.

Their mountain village was flattened and vanished. Edna is back in Davao. They have not made any plans on what to do with their farm in the higher mountains of andap. Miraculously, their farm house survived .”With papa and mama gone, there is little reason for me to go back,” she laments.” andap is no longer the andap of her childhood. It has become a nightmare.

On December 15, the ateneo community went

up to andap to distribute relief goods. Edna was with us and brought me to the edge of the river. Such devastation! The village has been turned to a rocky river bed and the mighty river has changed its course almost a kilometer away from its original position.

There are no landmarks left to remind you of houses or locations. just heavy threatening boulders. an old man approached us and showed us a picture of his family. His daughter was one of those missing. I asked him if he was able to get some of the food packs we have distributed earlier . He looked at me squarely in the eye.”to whom shall i bring the food for? There is no one left. I can easily find food for myself.” His eyes looked empty. no grief. no pain .

I turned my head to Edna . I hope and pray that someday, Edna comes back with no tears in her eyes. In the meantime, it is now my turn to wash her wounds, knead the pain and bring her some warm chicken soup on a rainy afternoon.

Andap’s nightmare ( Conclusion )

Ben on December 08. I and my two sisters will stand as sponsors. My son and nephew will be the groomsmen and my daughter as one of the bridesmaids. Her mother came over for a brief visit at the house and made clear her wish to live in her own house by the river in andap, new Bataan. She promised to spend Christmas at the house though.

On that fateful Tuesday afternoon, her mother, after receiving several text messages from Ben, told her to go back to Davao to get the wedding ring. Everything was prepared to include the pigs that will be slaughtered and the “tuldas” or makeshift tents to be used to protect those who will be in charge of cooking the wedding feast the night before. the clothes and shoes have been delivered.all their life savings were poured into the wedding preparations. reservations have also been made for the rooms at the resort for our group who will be arriving on Friday afternoon.

Her mama kept her company along the road

while waiting for a motorcycle to bring her to the bus station. as usual, they were laughing over mundane things. She even passed by the municipal hall and found it full. There was no advisory given by the local government. It was a hot humid afternoon and she noticed that many were drying cacao seeds on the road pavement. Everybody, after all was anticipating the holiday season and was hoping to convert into cash whatever products can be harvested from their farms.

That night, Typhoon Pablo hit Mindanao and turned its rage on a hapless mountainside village .

Her mama wanted to save some of their things by asking the boys to carry whatever she had in the house to the schoolhouse built on a higher ground. Everybody sought shelter in the school house but mud and floodwaters washed it downstream carrying many people who lost their footing in the thick mud. Some were able to run to the forest . Strong winds battered the trees and her relatives running away from the

rushing floodwaters had to stop once in a while to avoid being hit by the fallen trees. others were not so lucky. In the aftermath, more than a thousand perished.

Edna and her sister Kimod were inconsolable.

There was only one cellphone working in andap.

Most were low in battery since it has been two days since there was electricity in the area. all they had were sketchy text messages. Their mama is missing.

To make matter worst, the road to new Bataan is impassable. Her brother who serves as a pastor at Tagum can only reach as far as Montevista. Her other brother, living at new Bataan proper has hastily organized a search team. By five in the afternoon, they received the heartbreaking news. The lifeless body of their mama was found.

The following day, their sister Inday flew in from Manila. she has booked herself on a flight months ahead for the wedding. The sisters broke down and cried their hearts out but in spite of their grief, they still had the strength to go to

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Geo-hazard implementation urged S

EnaTE Committee chair on Climate Change Senator Loren Legarda has pressed for the implementation of geo-hazard assessment as she wages education and information campaign on better understanding of geo-hazard maps and weather reports.

Legarda pointed out the need to get serious about implementing the geo-hazard assessment but she called on the concerned agencies of the government to conduct grassroots communication for better public understanding of the significance of geo-hazard maps.

Her call came on the hells of the tragedy that unfolded when Typhoon Pablo came last Dec. 4 bringing a sustained wind strength of 175 kilometers per hour that caused immense damage to property and took the lives of more than a thousand people in the two provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela valley alone.

Legarda viewed such massive destruction would not have happened if people had sufficient preparation. “an pangyayaring Pablo ay hindi sopresa. ng pangyayaring Pablo ay maaring mangyayari pang muli; a natural hazard. Pero ang pangyayaring Pablo na nagdudulot ng kamatayan at bilyon-bilyong peso kawalan ng kabuhayan ay maaring di nangyari o mangyayari kung tayo ay may sapat na kahandaan” (an occurence like Pablo is not a surprise, it will hap-

pen again, but this event that brought death and billion of pesos in damage won’t happen if we are fully prepared) she told the media.

However, she doesn’t see the need for more laws to institute disaster preparedness saying the country has enough laws such as that on Climate Change and on disaster risk reduction management but only the need to implement them.

Forming a crucial part of disaster preparedness is public understanding of geo-hazard assessment and the impact of such on the lives of people living in areas classified under various level of vulnerability which the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) categorized through color coding in yellow, red, green and purple.

Legarda bared her recent Senate Committee hearing yielded information that geo-hazard maps had been distributed to provinces and municipalities in the country duly received by the local governments but she had doubts whether executives especially at the barangay level, had sufficient understanding of meanings of the colors and their implication. “ang katanungan ko ay naintindihan ba ang purple, dilaw at pula and flesh and if naintindihan ito bay napatupad ba,” she raised the question. (my question is can they understand the purple, yellow, red and flesh colours and if they are understood are they implemented?)

She bared to have personally examined the 1,600 municipal and city geo-hazard maps which she found quite hard time understanding them.

Having found such difficulty, she owned up the responsibility of bridging the gap of better understanding the geo-hazard assessment and the technical findings of experts on weather monitoring and advisory.

She noticed the presence of early warning systems of the government, the scientific and technical information on weather monitoring including the

equipment and upgraded technical facility such as radars.

“Kailangan lang mapaliwanag at mapatupad,” (What is needed is it should be clear and can be implemented) she said as she bared plans to conduct in the coming months workshop on strengthening disaster risk reduction management of barangays, municipal, city and provincial governments to cover information and education on geo-hazard assessment.

Taking initial steps of her plans to wage a massive geo-hazard information drive, Legarda on Monday paid visit to Compostela

Provincial Gov. arturo T. Uy and turned over geo-hazard maps of each of the 11 municipalities of the province while also asking the governor on the extent of understanding he and his constituents had about geo-hazards.

She promised Uy to send a gigantic tarpaulin of the geo-hazard map of the province to invoke further public awareness on geo-hazards and risks.

She also went to andap, new Bataan to see how the barangay a transformed into a waterway after the Typhoon Pablo poured huge volume of water into nearby mountains, flushing

He said the procurement of 1 million pieces of plastic bags for seedling production were distributed to the different nurseries for seedling productions of coffee, cacao, rubber and other fruit bearing trees like mango and durian.

The nurseries are run by the barangays and arrangements are made by them as to how farmers can access the seedlings.

“But I think they sell the

seedlings at minimal cost so that production of planting materials will be a continuing process,” avila said.

He said for the cacao production alone, the industry needs more trees to meet the increasing demand for cacao beans both in the international and domestic markets.

Statistics sourced out for the cacao industry sector here indicated that they need to plant 50 mil-

lion trees in the next five years to have a sufficient supply. The Philippines needs at least 55,000 metric tons annually and 70 percent of this demand is met by the Davao Region.

One market, the Mars Chocolate which produces famous chocolate brands like M & M’s, Snickers, Twix and others, has sourced out its raw materials here and its need is about 100,000 tons of cacao beans, he said. [Pna]

and a warmer-than-average autumn. although the last four months of 2012 did not bring the same unusual warmth as the first eight months of the year, the September through December temperatures were warm enough for 2012 to remain the record warmest year by a wide margin.

The average temperature for the contiguous U.S. for 2012 was about 12.9 degrees Celsius, which is almost 0.6 degrees above

the previous record set in 1998 and nearly 1.8 degrees above the 20th century average, according to the records dated back to 1895.

The average precipitation total for the contiguous U.S. last year was 674.9 mm, 65.3 mm below average, making 2012 the 15th driest year on record for the country.

The nOaa’s U.S. Climate Extremes Index also indicated that last year was the second most ex-

treme year on record for the country. The index, which evaluated extremes in temperature and precipitation, as well as landfalling tropical cyclones, was nearly twice the average value and second only to 1998.

The federal agency said last year saw 11 natural disasters that created at least 1 billion dollars in damage, including droughts, heatwaves, major wildfires, and hurricanes Sandy and Isaac. [Pna/Xinhua]

n expert raised urgency for more efforts to save natural habitats from further destruction, noting protecting such areas is vital to conservation of the country’s threatened biodiversity.

“Without habitats, we won’t have species,” said national Museum of the Philippines herpetology expert Dr. arvin Diesmos.

He noted successive specie discoveries in the Philippines over the years highlight need for effective protection of natural habitats.

“Species we thought were lost or extinct were found again - discovering those in forest patches and remnants of other natural habitats underscore need to save and protect such areas,” he said.

The Dept. of Environment and natural Resources earlier reported over 270 species have been discovered in the Philippines during the past 25 years alone. “Such development ranked our country among

Sen. Loren Legarda discusses with Compostela Valley Province Gov. Arturo T. Uy (ext. right), Cong. Maricar Zamora-Apsay (2nd from left), and Cong. Rommel Amatong (ext. left), the details of the geohazard maps of Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental which she later turned over to the provincial government of Compostela Valley Province at the provincial Capitol in Nabunturan Monday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

rocks, boulders and sand into the heart of the barangay, washing away and burying vital government infrastructure such as barangay health center, barangay hall, building of elementary schools, health centers and hundreds of houses.

The following day, Legarda also turned over geo-hazard maps of all municipalities of Davao Oriental to Provincial Government Corazon Malanyaon to who she also promised to send an large tarpaulin of Davao Oriental’s geo-hazard assessment. [PIa 11/ Jeanevive Duron-abangan]

Davao City intensifies agro-forestry program Save habitats, save species

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n its bid to re-green the hinterland areas of the city including its delineated watershed sites, the Davao City government has beefed up its sustainable agro-forestry program.

City agriculture office head Leo avila III said in support to this re-greening, they had increased the number of nursery sites to 48, set up in the different barangays of the city.

2012 marks warmest year on record in U.S.

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HE year of 2012 marked the warmest year on record in the contiguous United States and also the second most extreme year on record for the country, according to U.S. federal data released Tuesday.

Scientists of the national Oceanic and atmosphere administration (nOaa) found that the year of 2012 in the U.S. consisted of the fourth warmest winter, a record warm spring, the second warmest summer

a

nations with the most number of species discovered,” said Protected areas and Wildlife Bureau Dir. Theresa Mundita Lim. She noted the discoveries include 29 amphibians, three new bats and 29 new rodents. Such discoveries reinforced the Philippines’ standing as one of Earth’s most biodiverse countries.

DEnR also said the Philippines’ endemism level is among the highest in the Indo-Malayan region.

“Despite being home to a unique biodiversity - considered one of the richest in the world - the Philippines is a global conservation hotspot requiring the highest conservation priority,” DEnR pointed out, however.

Experts cited exploitation, habitat destruction and land conversion as among causes of specie extinction. Lim continues advocating biodiversity conservation as she earlier reported studies indicate one specie is lost every 20 minutes. [Pna]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 221 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

THE ECONOMY 5

DTI to boost domestic investments T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BOI) lined up activities and capacity building programs which were designed to promote and generate local investment.

“To complement our efforts to attract foreign investors, we will continue to make parallel efforts to boost domestic investments,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio said on Wednesday.

Panlilio said one of those activities lined up to promote local investment is the holding of the global investment conference and exhibition or InvESTMaRT slated this year.

“In preparation for this flagship project, we have enhanced InvESTMaRT’s concept paper and negotiated for partnership with a leading industry association. We have also worked with industry players and associations in identifying potential investment areas and sectors for promotion such as the public private partnership (PPP), pharmaceuticals, electronics, copper, and auto parts and components,” Panlilio added.

He added that DTI has also recently partnered

with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that local governments nationwide have business environments that are conducive to investments.

The two departments recently signed a joint memorandum circular on the formulation of a Local Investment and Incentives Code (LIIC).

Under this circular, the DTI through the BOI will support the DILG in assisting the local government units (LGUs) in the review of their LIIC, investment priority areas, and investment promotion activities, including investment conferences, business matching sessions, and inbound and outbound investment missions.

It will also make available to DILG and LGUs its expertise in the conduct of investment promotion, project preparation, development and implementation of capacity building, training and technical assistance programs relative to local investment promotion.

To date, the DTI-BOI had conducted 17 trainings on capacity building on investment promotion with LGUs, particularly in the crafting of LIIC and operation of the investment pro-

motion center.

“For this year, we are also targeting 11 investment road shows, which are primarily intended to provide venue for presentation of the approved Investment Priorities Plan (IPP),” Panlilio said.

Last year, DTI-BOI has conducted nine investment road shows nationwide, specifically in Dipolog, Butuan, Baguio City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, naga City, Tacloban, Cebu and Bacolod.

“The country’s participation to the China-aSEan Expo or CaEXPO, we expect that all 13 investment promotion agencies (IPas) will join us to encourage Chinese and aSEan investors to invest in the country,” Panlilio said.

In 2012, only four IPas participated in the business matching session and other activities of the CaEXPO. These IPas were Clark Development Corporation (CDC), authority of Freeport area of Bataan (aFaB), Bases Conversion Development authority (BCDa), and Poro Point Industrial Economic Zone.

“Despite this limited participation of IPas, Philippines was awarded best in investment promotion along with Malaysia and Indonesia during the event’s

LURING. A vendor of grilled corn peeps to a window of a vehicle as he tries to lure passengers plying the Davao-North Cotabato route to buy his product in Bulatukan, North Cotabato yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

closing ceremony,” he enthused.

The CaEXPO is an international trade fair co-sponsored by the ministries of commerce and trade and industry of China, the 10 aSEan countries, and the aSEan Secretariat. It aims to promote the aSEan-China Free Trade area (aCFTa) and generate opportunities for cooperation and devel-

opment. “as the technical secretariat of the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP), we will again seek the engagement of the PIPP Steering Committed (SC) to participate in 10th CaEXPO,” Panlilio said.

The PIPP is a blueprint for all IPas to synchronize strategies in the country’s investment promotion.

Under the direction of the PIPP SC composed of all heads of the IPas, the implementation of the PPIP is carried out by the PIPP Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of representatives of the IPas. “The BOI takes the lead in the coordination of all common investment related endeavors of the IPas,” he said. [Pna]

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THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Building the perfect paradise at Eden Ridge a

Rendering of the Eden Ridge Community Park, which is envisioned to provide an enhanced healthy lifestyle for residents

LSOnS Properties recently announced the groundbreaking of their clubhouse at Eden Ridge, their latest upscale residential project located at Barangay Eden, Toril.

This signals the start of the construction of the clubhouse, which is slated to be finished in December 2013.

Following a Tropical asian architectural theme, the Clubhouse was conceptualized by the famed Manila-based firm, Mana architecture + Interior Design, to complement the natural beauty of Eden. Large doors and windows will seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces and allow residents to relish the fresh air and lush surrounding landscape. The Clubhouse will feature an Entertainment Room and a Game Room that will provide added recreation for the whole family. also, an al fresco lanai at the lower ground will open to a spacious garden, which can host outdoor activities and gatherings, or can simply be a place where kids can run around and play.

Situated 720 meters above sea level, only 40 minutes away from the city, Eden Ridge is an idyl-

lic, eco-friendly community of premier vacation homes that enjoys a naturally cool climate all year round. Besides the Clubhouse, the property also highlights several other amenities that encourage residents to explore nature and have an enhanced healthy lifestyle.

Their community park features playgrounds, a children’s zipline, a basketball half-court, a mini soccer field, and a gazebo that is perfect for picnics. Green pathways called linear parks weave through the property to allow residents easy access to flourishing vegetable and herb gardens, more playgrounds, and outdoor fitness equipment.

Eden Ridge is yet another exceptional development by alsons Properties. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, alsons Properties is known for developing premier residential communities in Davao City such as Ladislawa Garden village, Woodridge Park, Las Terrazas, Fernwood, northcrest, and Wood Lane.

For inquiries about Eden Ridge, call alsons Properties at (082) 222-3281, 227-2152 local 203 or 207, or visit www.alsonsproperties.com.ph.

Perspectives of the Eden Ridge clubhouse by famed Manila-based firm, MANA Architecture + Interior Design

AGRITRENDS MOTORING

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 221 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Global forest products industry recovers from economic crisis

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HE global forest products industry is slowly recovering from the economic crisis, with the asia-Pacific region and particularly China taking the lead. new data published by FaO indicate that on average global production of the main forest products grew by 1 to 4 percent in 2011 compared to 2010 showing that countries are slowly coming out of recession.

Production of woodbased panels and paper in 2011, for example, was above the pre-crisis levels of 2007 and appears to be growing relatively strong in most regions, whereas global production of indus-

trial roundwood despite an increase of 3 percent in 2011 over the figure for 2010 has not so far reached the pre-crisis levels.

In the markets for pulp and paper, overall growth was very modest over the period 2007-2011, with a growth trend of about one percent per year. However, this conceals major differences at the regional level, where pulp and paper production and consumption is increasing significantly in the asia-Pacific region, but generally declining in Europe and north america.

China is increasing its importance as producer of forest products, becoming the world’s second largest

producer of sawnwood after USa and having overtaken Canada. China has also increased its lead over all other countries as a producer of wood-based panels, paper and paperboard.

In 2011, China produced 11 percent of the world’s sawnwood, 38 percent of its panels and 26 percent of its paper.

China is also playing a key role in international trade in forest products, being the largest importer of industrial roundwood, sawnwood, pulp and wastepaper and the largest exporter of wood-based panels. China is the fifth largest importer of paper and paperboard, despite a

huge increase in domestic production since 2007. In 2011, China’s imports of all forest products amounted to $43 billion and account now for 16 percent of the global total.

The structure of production and trade in the Russian Federation, the largest forest country in the world, has also changed in the last five years, with a decline in industrial roundwood exports by 29 million cubic metres or by nearly 60 percent and an increase in sawnwood production by 3 million cubic metres or by 8 percent. Over the same period of time Russia has increased its sawnwood exports by 13 per-

ERE’S good news to our local rice-eating comrades: Philippine rice is arsenic-safe.

“Unlike some 60 rices and rice products in the US that the Food and Drug administration reported to contain cancer-causing arsenic, locally grown rice varieties are safe from it,” said PhilRice chemist Joy Bartolome Duldulao.

Our local rices are safe

as our irrigation water is arsenic-free. arsenic is a naturally occurring metal in the soil in very negligible amounts, if not for environmental pollutants such as arsenic-containing fertilizers that seep through water and soil.

In his recent study, Duldulao found rices sampled all over the country to have safe levels of arsenic.

These samples included 18

milled rices of commonly grown varieties, with one from a commercial outlet, and seven brown rices.

The samples were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES),and their arsenic levels were below the ICPOES detection limit of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

The Philippines has not yet set a maximum limit of

arsenic in rice. australia and new Zealand (1000 ppb total arsenic in cereals) and China (150 ppb inorganic arsenic for rice and rice products) have set limits.

The global “normal” range for arsenic concentration in rice is 80-200 ppb. a study by Yamily Zavala and John Duxbury at Cornell University in new York revealed that arsenic concentrations in rice from the US and Europe were similar (198 ppb), and significantly higher than rice from asia (70 ppb).

The Cornell study showed that arsenic-contaminated irrigation water, not soil, led to increased grain arsenic concentration. as rice is grown in flooded soils, it absorbs and stores a lot more arsenic compared to other plants through its roots.

While some Philippine rices are safe, Duldulao said there is no data yet on whether rice imported into the country is safe from arsenic.

7

cent. a high proportion of Russian industrial roundwood exports previously went to China. However, the amount fell from 2007 to 2009 due to log export restrictions in Russia. nevertheless, Chinese imports of industrial roundwood have recovered and some other major producing countries, including the United States of america, Canada and new Zealand, have expanded exports to China. at present, FaO’s forest product statistics database contains 1.2 million entries, covering production and trade of 52 products, 21 product groups and 245 countries and territories.

The free online database now contains statistics for the last 50 years. Statistics from Forest Products Yearbooks (from 1947 onwards) can also be downloaded from the site.

“The FaO database provides the world’s most comprehensive and internationally comparable statistics for forest products, a crucial tool for making policy and investment decisions,” said FaO assistant Director-General for Forestry Eduardo Rojas-Briales. “FaO relies on data submitted by its member countries to obtain reliable information on major developments and trends in the sector.” [FaO]

GRICULTURE Secretary Proceso J. alcala has urgeg the consuming public, however, to give preference to fruits produced by the nation’s farmers and orchard operators.

“Our country is blessed with many fruits that compare favorably in taste, nutritional and health benefits with those from other countries,” said the Da chief.

“Our mango, for example, is one of the most highly-valued fruits abroad.

We also have pineapple, guava, lanzones, caimito, chico, durian, rambutan, papaya, guyabano, and marang, among others.

“We also have high-quality citrus fruits, like the seedless sweet oranges produced in nueva vizcaya and pomelos in Davao,” he added. “also, we have several varieties of melons and watermelons that are available year-round.”

He said most of our tropical fruits are fresher and contain phyto-chemicals and essential nutri-

ents beneficial to one’s health.

Thus, buying Pinoy fruits gives consumers more value for their money, in addition to providing our farmers, orchard owners and their families more income. Secretary alcala noted.

He urged the country’s legislators and policy-makers, health and nutrition practitioners, educators and parents to promote the consumption of our fruits, especially by the youth.

“We should encourage and lead by example, and urge our young people to love Pinoy fruits,” said the Da chief. “We should also teach them to appreciate indigenous fruits like kalumpit, yaniko and sapinit, the so-called ‘Pinoy wild raspberry’.”

Because of their unique taste, the country’s indigenous fruits have great potential as export products. Sapinit, for instance, is now being processed into quality juice and jam to offset its short shelf life.

PHL rice safe from arsenic Patronize local fruits H a DA chief urges

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

The scariest facet of rascal cops

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EDITORIAL

Positive sentiment

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F YOU know what bullish means in business terms, what could be more bullish than bullish?

If we are to feel good about the positive sentiment the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has said, then bullish is a tame word for an economic matador.

The BSP has boldly said the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country could hit the upper end of the official growth target of 6 to 7 percent in 2013 and may even surpass the prediction made by the aquino administration.

That sounds good indeed.

The BSP has pointed to the indicators in investment, local consumption and spending which could result to a robust growth performance this year. If there is any indication to this sentiment, the peso fared strongly by mid-day after the BSP forecast was made.

That could well be a portent of things to come. a stronger peso as a result of growth in remittances and investments in local assets could touch off the vigorous economic performance this year. Last year, the

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economy grew by 6.5 percent in the first three quarters which was one of the fastest growth rates in asia during the period.

For the third quarter in 2012, the economy recorded a growth of 7.1 percent, the fastest pace since 2012.

Let’s wait when the 2012 fourth quarter economic report comes out on January 31.

Sustained investor confidence is also seen to fan the country’s economic sails in 2013.

With that positive outlook, amidst a global climate of economic weakness due to the crisis in euro zones and the fiscal problems in the United States, the Philippines should translate that forecast into a bullish attitude and hard work. no amount of positive sentiment could propel a vibrant economy without the government and private sector doing their share.

It’s no secret that the key to the realization of our economic targets lie on how we translate a good climate into a bright daylight so to speak. It’s time to seize the moment.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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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

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ISTURBI n G Pa R T OF ROGUE COPS’ DUBIOUS aCTS – On most grievous acts including d i s h o n e s t y, corruption and bribery, the integrity and dignity of the Philippine national Police (PnP) may hinge on its new leadership.

Just recently, President Benigno aquino III appointed one of his fair-haired boys, now P/Director General alan Purisima, as the new PnP chief replacing P/Director General nicanor Bartolome who opted for an early retirement. The President was present during the change of command and turnover ceremonies and seemed satisfied with the exceptional switching.

This is the right moment for the police organization to use its leadership and managerial prowess as leverage to push for radical reforms, respect for human rights; rule of law, transparency and accountability. It comes as no surprise that some scalawag police officers who are in cahoots with underworld characters have been engaged in highly illegal but lucrative activities such as kidnap-for-ransom, carnapping and gun-for-hire operations.

The scariest aspect in the clandestine activities of scoundrels in uniform is that they are battle-ready – well-armed with modern communication equipment, sophisticated and high-powered weapons and ready to shoot it out with vulnerable law enforcers and civilian agents anywhere as they undertake their modus operandi.

Upon taking the worthwhile post as new PnP top honcho, Purisima promised to continue the upright work of his predecessor and most importantly purge the police ranks of “rotten tomatoes.” Well said sir, but your leadership right now is being challenge by a string of horrendous events where some police personnel are allegedly involved in big-time syndicates. One recent incident is the bloody shootout between a group of alleged gun-for-hire group and a combined team of police and military operatives somewhere in Quezon province. So far that was the bloodiest reported armed encounter that happened in year 2013. after the smoke clears out, 13 people were killed and probers discovered that some of them are active members of the police force, military and a civilian agent.

The families and relatives of the victims decried the gory incident and debunked police theory that it’s a legitimate police operation. They alleged that it’s actually a rubout and not a shootout and they’re now re now crying out for justice. Moreover, speculations now are thick that the root cause of the shooting incident has something to do with the illegal but highly profitable numbers game “jueteng,” but authorities had been silent about the charge, for obvious reasons. To avoid a whitewash, President Pnoy immediately directed the national Bureau of Investigation (nBI) to lead a no non-sense probe and expect an early solution to the disgraceful incident.

Unfortunately, despite the assurance of the PnP hierarchy to have a dignified police organization, still many of the concealed activities and illegal money-making ventures involving some rogue cops had been discovered to be thriving on bribery, corruption, ransom money, drug proceeds and sales in carnapping scheme.

This is the most disturbing aspect where the people supposedly would rely on the police for protection. The police are now turning out to be the aggressor instead of being the defender of the oppressed.

More is needed to push the PnP leadership to cleanse the tarnished image and reputation of the organization – more so now when it is facing a serious credibility problem. all this is desired because disregarding reforms will only result in a backlash of resentment and anger from ordinary citizens.

EDGEDAVAO

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2013’s top 10 political risks

T was a close call at times, but we made it through 2012. now we’re set to encounter a new set of risks but not in the world’s advanced industrialized democracies, which are much more resilient than feared. This year, with the global recession on the wane, attention shifts back to emerging markets, the economies that are usually the ones that pose the most political risk. Here’s an executive summary of this year’s top 10 risks: 10.) South africa: africa overall looks like it will continue its recent growth. But South africa, one of the continent’s most complex and important economies, is floundering. Its dominant political party, the african national Congress, is resorting to populism to maintain its base among the urban and rural poor. That means more state intervention, more labor unrest and more assertive unions. We’re not predicting a fundamental political crisis, but the country is moving along a path that offers little reason for optimism.

9.) India: We’ve all read the predictions that India is poised to become the world’s next infinite-growth country. not so fast.

Despite initial optimism, the 2009 election hasn’t freed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to reform the country as anticipated, with the tough choices continually being kicked to the next parliamentary session. (americans should find this familiar.) Corruption continues to reign, and as we’ve seen in the rape protests of the past few weeks, there are fundamental cultural issues that India has yet to resolve. as general elections draw closer, the government’s ability to execute robust economic policies will decline even further.

8.) Iran: When is the United States or Israel going to bomb Iran? That’s the question that followed us through all of 2012.

But a war-wary President Barack Obama and a more-diplomatic-than-you-think Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu mean that the risk of military strikes this year is less than most observers believe. nevertheless, there is still a significant risk: We’re likely to see a sharp escalation in the shadow war between Iran and Isra-

W

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

HEn we arrived in Lagao Settlement in 1940, the mountains were lushly forested.

Two rivers to the west, Silway and its main tributary Klinan, were roaring and deep. Buayan River to the east was wider and deeper. Between Lagao and Buayan was the Baluan forest, five kilometers or more wide, extending from the Conel and Malungon forests down to the sea; a deep creek teeming with shrimps ran through Baluan forest. The forests are now all gone; the rivers practically dried up.

This is true throughout Mindanao and the entire Philippines. In the 1950s, the Congress passed laws legalizing logging. The forests were partitioned into concessions with the influential and wealthy members of the Congress and their friends as concessioners. By the 1970s the once lushly forested moun-

ANAlYSIS

By Ian Bremmer el and the United States, a cycle of mutual killings, cyber-attacks and proxy battles that has been ongoing for several years. as new sanctions are put in place against Iran, as we predict they will, efforts to sabotage the Iranian nuclear program will escalate. That’ll force Iran to escalate its side of the shadow war.

7.) East asian geopolitics: For the past decade, the main risks in this region have been north Korea’s nuclear provocations and tensions around the status of Taiwan. now new risks have taken their place.

China has veered away from its “charm offensive” approach to Southeast asia, and the United States is stepping into the void.

Tensions between the two powers could put decades of economic growth at risk, as I’ve written about in past columns.

6.) Europe: The euro zone is headed for neither breakup nor resolution, and in 2013 the risk shifts from the threat of financial crisis to a loss of momentum in creating a redesigned euro zone. The weak economic outlook and the politics of crisis fighting will be the uncertainties this year.

Big compromises will be needed to make further progress toward an integrated policy framework. It’s still unclear whether the politicians in power—or those who will come to power through elections— are willing to make those compromises.

5.) JIBs—Japan, Israel, Britain: The losers of 2012’s most important trends are all staunch american allies.

Japan, Israel and Britain find themselves in similar positions: Their relationships with the United States aren’t as useful as they once were, they’re outside the major geopolitical changes under way and they’re constrained domestically from responding to the challenges of our new G-Zero era. as a result, Japan is scrapping with China, Britain is stuck in a no-win situation with the European Union and Israel is left watching an arab Spring that hasn’t bloomed.

What a wrath!

4.) Washington politics: It might not look like it, but the United States is on the brink of big developments—a domestic energy revolution, the potential for major trade agreements, a rebounding housing sector and businesses emerging from the financial sector in good condition. Of course, the ongoing drama in Washington threatens to derail all of it.

3.) arab Summer: When the arab Spring didn’t provide any fruit last year, it sloughed into an arab winter. now, in 2013, expect a long, hot arab Summer.

Radicalized movements are going to play a much more important role. an increasingly violent confrontation between Sunni and Shia both within and between countries is bringing the region a sectarianism that, before the arab Spring, had gone largely dormant. But now Syria’s descent into chaos is spreading insecurity into Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. Meanwhile, new regimes are having a difficult time balancing governance with populism.

2.) China vs. information: The risk that the Chinese government can’t necessarily manage is the commodity that’s most unruly: information. a larger, better-educated middle class is demanding more unfiltered access to the Internet just as media reports are revealing secrets about Chinese leaders’ personal wealth. That’s forcing the Chinese to become more riskaverse, and become more nationalistic.

That could easily isolate China even more than it already is.

1.) Emerging markets: Emerging markets are responsible for about two-thirds of the world’s economic growth, and their share will get even larger in the next 10 years. That raises the stakes for their future growth, and thus also the risks in case of an economic shock. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, Malaysia and the Philippines hold immense promise, and immense risk. at the same time, some emerging markets that are submerging: Egypt, Iraq, India, Indonesia and Peru, among others, are all struggling to scale their growth. The global economy can only hope they straighten themselves out.

( Conclusion )

MIND DA NEWS By patrIcIo p. dIaz tains were bald -- their protective covers gone. The plains are now at the mercy of floods with tons of mud and landslides.

Elsewhere in the world parts of countries – australia, China, the United States and other asian and South american countries among them – have been devastated by Mother nature’s avengers, typhoons and floods. Will man be able to restore the natural orders he has destroyed? The Kyoto Protocol has yet to make a score.

In the Philippines it’s all “sounds and worry” – no match to the avengers’ “sounds and fury destroying everything”. The best that could be done is to warn the people to flee to safe grounds.

But as “Pablo” has shown, where are the

“safe grounds”? States of calamities are declared; reliefs are given the victims.

But the billions of pesos in term of infrastructures, farms and crops, agro-industries and private properties destroyed are lost forever.

For Mindanao, it’s a sad awakening – no longer typhoon free since “Sendong” ravished northern Mindanao particularly Cagayan de Oro City in 2011. The typhoons are moving fast southward. another low pressure area, the third since “Pablo” struck the north last December 4 is moving toward southern Mindanao and may hit Davao City and General Santos City.

So far, General Santos City has had cold and rainy weather for the last three days. Will I experience a typhoon after 72 years?

Mother nature’s wrath spares no one. [Mindanews]

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The best solution for climate change ( Conclusion )

COMMENTARY

a

By ralph nader

CCORDInG to the world authority on the subject, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a carbon tax on GHGs of $50 per metric ton of CO2 equivalents would be a good first step. With annual emissions of 6.8 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalents, the United States would collect $340 billion each year.

With revenue like that, a carbon tax could be used to help balance the budget. The policies discussed in the fiscal cliff debate were comparatively instructive. For example, extending the Bush tax cuts to all but the top 2 percent – as President Obama has suggested – would cost $171 billion each year in lost revenue. Preventing cuts to nondefense spending would cost $55 billion. Continuing to pay unemployment benefits would cost $26 billion. a carbon tax would pay for all of this and then some.

Despite the mounting dangers, most fossil fuel lobbies remain determined to prevent a carbon tax. They claim such a tax would lead to “carbon leakage,” where highly polluting industries move to countries without one. However, by 2013 some form of a carbon tax will be in place in 33 countries. Regardless, carbon tax advocates have proposed a fee on “energy imports” from countries without a carbon tax to equalize the price and prevent carbon leakage. another criticism is that a carbon tax disproportionately affects low-income consumers because they spend a larger proportion of their income on energy than do high-income individuals. But astudy from the Congressional Research Service showed that tax rebates, while they would mean some reduction in tax revenue, could be successful in meeting this challenge.

Despite its critics, a carbon tax has garnered broad support – even from unexpected places. Exxon Mobil’s chief executive has supported a carbon tax. among conservatives, it has been supported by scholars at the american Enterprise Institute, former Congressman Bob Inglis (R-S.C.), Gregory Mankiw, an economic advisor to Mitt Romney’s campaign team, and Martin Feldstein, a top economist in Ronald Reagan’s administration.

Unfortunately, a vocal minority of “climate deniers” has stifled congressional action. If the overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary won’t convince them, how about Harvard economist Martin Weitzman’s unique perspective using an insurance approach? Insurance is designed to prevent enormous losses and reduce the risk posed to an individual in the case of a catastrophic event – whether it is a car accident, a flood, or cancer. When we purchase insurance policies, we buy them hoping that we won’t need them – but in the event that we do, we are happy we made the investment.

Think about global warming in the same way: The potential for utter devastation in loss of life, fertile farmland, and infrastructure if climate deniers are wrong is too high to ignore. and like insurance, there are deterrence benefits to a carbon tax beyond the mitigation of economic risk. Spending part of the revenues from a carbon tax on incentives for displacement by clean energy, we would stimulate the economy, create jobs, and improve people’s overall health through reducing the pollution they and their children have to breathe.

It is time for some real action on global warming – we must not temporize anymore. Will our children and grandchildren look back upon our generation as one of endless gridlock? Or will they be thankful that Democrats and Republicans came together to help solve a major crisis by enacting a carbon tax?

10 NATION/WORlD NATION BRIEfS Not bribes?

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e did play Santa Claus and he is standing by his “naughty list,” Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said, adding that any amount he had “given” senators are not bribes.

This, as Enrile admitted that he authorized the release of P1.6-million additional funds to 18 senators before Christmas and only P250,000 to four others.

Dangerous

T

ourists climbing Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales may marvel at the volcano’s crater lake, but the waters are not fit for swimming and other activities due to harmful substances, the government said. “[T]he Pinatubo crater lake water... may affect the human health in various ways and may become fatal over an extended period of time,” the Department of Tourism (DoT) said in a travel advisory Jan. 4.

The warning was issued following the death of a 44-year-old overseas Filipino worker Roselito Julao, who dove into a deep section of the crater lake Jan. 2, a report from the Philippine Information agency said.

festival

P

inoy genius, talent and creativity will take center stage in a new local festival that is seen to lift hopes in typhoon-battered Mindanao.

Individuals and groups considered “social entrepreneurs” are set to converge in Davao City on Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 for “Liwanag: World Festival on Creativity and Sustainability.”

India summons Pakistan envoy after border attack

a

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A Pakistani soldier watches Indian troops at the Tattapani-Mendher crossing point on the Line of Control. India summoned Pakistan’s envoy in New Delhi to protest at the killing

of two soldiers and the reported beheading of one of them in a border attack that has raised tensions in South Asia.

Indian authorities said the body of one of the soldiers was “badly mutilated,” while newspapers and a military source speaking to aFP indicated that he had been decapitated.

The bodies of both men have been brought to an army hospital in Rajouri in northern India where a post-mortem will confirm the extent of their injuries, army spokesman Rajesh Kalia told aFP. “Pakistan army’s action is highly provocative. The way they treated the dead body of the soldiers, Indian soldiers, is inhuman,” De-

fence Minister a.K. antony told reporters on Wednesday.

But a Pakistani military official accused India of spreading “propaganda” to divert attention from a raid on Sunday in which Islamabad says one of its soldiers was killed by Indian troops.

“Pakistan rejected Indian army allegations of cross LoC (Line of Control) firing by Pakistani troops and killing any Indian soldier,” an unnamed official said in a statement.

“Indian authorities were informed that Pa-

kistan has carried out ground verification and checked and found nothing of this sort happened as being alleged by India.”

Khurshid said the attack was designed to “derail” an already fragile peace process. Relations had been slowly improving following a rupture after the 2008 attacks on Mumbai, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

Steps such as opening up trade and offering more lenient visa regimes have been a feature of recent high-level talks.

“Stock Estimate of Filipinos Overseas.”

This number is equivalent to 25.4 percent of the country’s labor force which the Labor Department pegged at 41.94 million in October 2011.

It also represents a 10.7-percent increase in the number of Filipinos abroad, from 9.45 million in 2010.

Of the total Pinoys abroad, 4.86 million permanent migrants, 4.51 million temporary migrants and 1.07 million irregular migrants.

“Permanent migrants include immigrants, dual citizens or legal permanent residents abroad, whose stay do not depend on work contracts,” the report said.

Temporary migrants, meanwhile, include those whos stay overseas are employment-related and who are expected to return to the Philippines after their contract. also under this category are students, trainees, entrepreneurs, businessmen and their accompanying dependents.

On the other hand, irregular migrants are those “not properly documented, without valid residence or work permits, or who are overstaying in a foreign country.”

“Irregular migrants could be found mainly in the United States, Malaysia and Singapore,” the report said.

The U.S. also remained the top destination for Pinoys, with 3.43 million migrants across all categories.

It was followed by Saudi arabia (1.55 million), Canada (842,651), United arab Emirates (679,819) and Malaysia (569,081). [Yahoo!]

Pinoys working, living abroad still growing

T may be more fun in the Philippines but recent data show that every four Filipinos in the labor force correspond to one Filipino who works or lives abroad. a total of 10.46 million Pinoys are in 217 foreign countries and territories as of 2011, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas said in its latest

Devoted

M

alacañang has struck back at critics who assumed that President Benigno aquino III would be an “absentee president” during the the 2013 midterm elections campaign season.

“The President is devoted to governing,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing. “[The year] 2013 is an exciting year, admittedly. It’s the midterm elections but it does not take away the fact that the President is fully devoted to his job of governing the country.”

EDGEDAVAO

I

nDIa summoned Pakistan’s envoy in new Delhi to protest at the killing of two soldiers and the reported beheading of one of them in a border attack that has raised tensions in South asia.

The two Indian soldiers died after a firefight erupted in disputed Kashmir around noon Tuesday as a patrol moving in fog discovered Pakistani troops about 500 metres (yards) inside Indian territory, according to the Indian army.

Pakistan denied that its troops had been involved in any such attack, saying that it had carried out its own investigation.

Promising that new Delhi’s response would be “proportionate”, Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said that senior government and military officials would decide on Wednesday a course of action over the “ghastly” incident.

In a first step, his ministry summoned Pakistani’s High Commissioner (ambassador) Salman Bashir to lodge a complaint about the clash, which has dealt a blow to peace efforts between the nuclear-armed neighbours. after the lunchtime meeting, the foreign ministry said in a statement that Pakistan “should immediately investigate these actions that are in contravention of all norms of international conduct”.

Lamented

t the Black nazarene Mass on Wednesday, Manila archbishop Luis antonio Cardinal Tagle took a subtle dig at the Reproductive Health (RH) law as he lamented that funds that could be allocated to feed and educate people will be used to “kill” life instead.

In his homily during the 6:00 a.m. Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Tagle said, “ang pera na dapat sana gamitin para pakainin ang tao, magtayo ng bahay at iskwelahan, nagagamit para sa pampatay.”

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

This file photo shows a group of Filipino domestic workers collecting their luggage from a carousel at Manila airport. The Philippines is to resume sending workers to Israel as the situation there returns to normal after last month’s violence, the foreign department said on Friday. [AFP]

WORLD TODAy

T

Withdrawal

he Obama administration does not rule out a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from afghanistan after 2014, the White House said on Tuesday, just days before President Barack Obama is due to meet afghan President Hamid Karzai.

The comments by U.S. Deputy national Security adviser Ben Rhodes were the clearest signal yet that, despite initial recommendations by the top military commander in afghanistan to keep as many as 15,000 troops in the country, Oba ma could opt to remove everyone, as happened in Iraq in 2011.

v

Postponed

enezuela will postpone the inauguration of President Hugo Chavez for a new term due to health problems, the government said on Tuesday, another sign the socialist leader’s cancer may be bringing an end to his 14 years in power.

The 58-year-old former soldier who has dominated the South american OPEC nation since 1999 has not been heard from since surgery on December 11 in Cuba - his fourth operation since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in June 2011.

T

Exchange

he Syrian government will free 2,130 civilian prisoners on Wednesday in exchange for the release of 48 Iranians held by Syrian rebels, a board member of the Turkish humanitarian aid agency IHH said.

The Syrian rebel alBaraa brigade seized the Iranians in early august and initially threatened to kill them. “Most of the prisoners to be swapped are Syrian citizens in exchange for Iranians, and there are a few Turks as well,” IHH board member Osman atalay told Reuters.

J

Extra

apan plans to spend an extra $2.1 billion on missiles, fighter jets and helicopters, an official said Wednesday, as it tries to strengthen defence capabilities with concerns growing over a rising China.

The cash injection over the next few months comes on top of regular military spending for 2012-13. It is separate from a request for a rise in the military budget for the next fiscal year which policymakers called for on Tuesday.

a

Confident

British-led excavation team hunting for dozens of rare Spitfires in Myanmar said Wednesday they were confident of recovering the World War II-era planes after finding a crate buried in the ground.

Project leader David Cundall, who has compared the rumoured hoard to the 1922 discovery of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb, said a box found in the Kachin state capital Myitkyina appeared to contain manmade objects.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 221 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Ombudsman affirms resolution to criminally charge DBP execs

T

HE Office of the Ombudsman has upheld its resolution ordering the filing of two criminal charges against Development Bank of the Philippines officers.

The charges are in connection with DBP’s grant of two loans worth P660 million in 2009 to Deltaventures Resources, Inc. In a review resolution signed Sept. 25, 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to indict DBP’s ex-officers Patricia Sto. Tomas, former Chairman; Reynaldo David, former President & vice-Chairman;

DLPC...

former Directors alexander Magno, Floro Oliveros, Miguel Romero, Franklin velarde, Renato velasco and Joseph Donato Pangilinan; Edgardo Garcia, former Senior Executive vice President (SEvP) & Chief Operating Officer; armando Samia, former SEvP & Head of Marketing Sector; Rolando Geronimo, former SEvP; Perla Soleta, former Senior assistant vice President SavP); Jesus Guevarra II, former SEvP & Marketing Head of the Brach Banking Sector (BBS); Crescencia Bundoc, former vP & Head of Regional Marketing Center-Metro

Manila (RMC-MM); arturo Baliton, BBS Manager for RMC-Western Luzon; nelson Macatlang, RMC-WL Chief accounts Management specialist; Marissa Cayetano, RMCMM assistant Manager; and private individuals Roberto Ongpin, DvRI General Manager; Josephine Manalo, DvRI President; and Ma. Lourdes Torres, treasurer of Goldenmedia Corporation, for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic act (Ra) no. 3019 or the anti-Graftnd Corrupt Practices act, in relation to the grant of a P150-million credit line to DvRI.

Milan pointed out “relatively, we are still one of the lowest, if not second to the lowest in Mindanao, the lowest is actually DanECO.” His report also showed that Davao Light is the 3rd largest electric distribution utility in the country with their peak demand (as of november 2012) of 295,113kw, total number of customers (as of november 2012) of 303,135, an average customer growth from 2002 to 2012 of 3.64 percent, and an average kwh Sales from 2002 to 2012 of 4.72 percent.

Milan also assured the City in his report, saying “we are the only city in Mindanao that does not have any rotational outages, unlike other areas which have an average of 2 to 4 hours of brownouts everyday, to name a few, Davao del Sur, General Santos and north Cotabato.”

Davao Light has taken measures to ensure that their customers will get uninterrupted power supply including

the contract they made with the national Power Corporation of 260 Megawatt from 2009 to 2015, the power supply agreement they have with Hedcor Sibulan of 42.5MW, Hedcor talomo Hydro plant with 4.5MW, the power supply agreement they have with Therma Marine of 30MW and the Back up Power Plant they have in Bajada with 40MW. “This means, we have 337MW plus 40MW coming from the Bajada Power Plant for a total of 377MW,” Milan said.

Milan also included in his report certain tips to lower the electricity cost of consumers. The first is to unplug all the lights and appliances not in use. Second is to use energy efficient lighting system and appliances such as LED lights. Then, he said it is important to plan the use of high energy consuming appliances such as electric iron and air con. Finally, in buying appliances, choose appliances with low wattage rating.

everything.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Environment and natural Resources (Cenro), City Health Office (CHO), City Engineering Office (CEO), City Planning Development Office (CPDO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are desks of partner agencies involved in processing investment requirements and prerequisite papers.

BOSS intends to make business registration procedures simpler and

easier as it will house the partner agencies involved in business registration application under one roof. agencies involved are commited to work together in revenue generation, business empowerment and stimulating entrepreneurship.

With this system, entrepreneurs transacting with several agencies will be able to start operating their business as early as this month. [Mark anthony Gellor/Panabo City Information Office]

FfROM 1

2012 to June 30, 2013.

Despite the rate increase, however, compared to other energy providers, Davao Light has the second lowest rate next to Davao Del norte Electronic Cooperative (DanECO). according to the report, the increase differs per customer schedule, and the following is the breakdown: for residential and commercial rates increased by 0.0574 from 7.3978 to 7.4552; for small industrial rates the increase is 0.0307 from 6.7596 to 6.7903; for big industrial rates the increase is 0.0123 from 5.9189 to 5.9313; and the flat rate increase is 0.0274 from 6.9019 to 6.9293. The average of these rates is 0.0309.

The report also tackled the comparative residential rates at 200kwh with the other energy providers of the country which shows that MERaLCO is at 10.59, vECO at 10.4033, CEPaLCO at 8.5083 and Davao Light at 7.4552.

Panabo...

FfROM 1

Relopez added.

Furthermore, 2013 BOSS shortens the flow of transaction. The usual eight steps needed to process a business permit is trimmed down to just five. another major innovation is the release of business permits right after being approved.

It may be recalled that the complex process of complying with business requirements discourages investors and these changes offer the solution as it would simplify

11

Enrile justifies P30-M gift S

EnaTE President Juan Ponce Enrile broke his silence on the alleged P30 million Christmas gift he released for fellow senators, clarifying that money was intended for maintenance and other operating expenses and not to bribe his colleagues to retain the Senate presidency. ”Those Senators who think that I am bribing anyone with additional budgets in order to keep my post as Senate President must have a very low opinion about their own colleagues,” Enrile said in a press statement. ”I was elected as Senate President twice and I can look at anyone straight in the eye in saying that I did not buy this position. not one single centavo of the people’s money is spent just to enable me to cling to this office,” he added.

Enrile was reacting to newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer’s article entitled: “Enrile gave 18 senators P1.6 million for Christmas” with subtitle “But only P250K each to 4 other others.” ”It is unfortunate that the Inquirer either refused to reveal or was requested by the Senators that its reporters interviewed to hide their identities, in relation to their statements on the issue of the additional

Aquino...

MOOE of P1.6M I allegedly gave as “cash gifts” to 18 Senators,” Enrile said.

Enrile admitted that he approved the release of additional MOOE of P1.618 million for every 18 senators, saying he also approved the release of additional MOOE funds amounting to P600,000 each senator last november aside from P250,000 check as Christmas gift last December. ”For year-end of 2012, the Senate budget office advised me that after all our obligations and projected expenses, the available amount for the additional MOOE for the senators was a total of P2.218M for each senator. The 1st tranche of this was in the amount of P600,000. The balance was divided into two tranches of P1.3M and P318,000,” Enrile explained.

Enrile admitted that he did not approve the release of two tranches to Senators alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, antonio Trilllanes Iv, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and to himself. ”Senators alan, Pia and antonio Trillanes are supposedly members of the Minority in the Senate. On the other hand, Senator Santiago’s supposed membership in the Majority is questionable, to say the least, as she

has publicly and repeatedly denounced and attacked me, just like Sen. Trillanes.

She does not consider me a friend and I do not think she considers me as the head of the Senate and that is fine with me,” Enrile explained.

He said Sen. alan Peter Cayetano, being the Senate minority leader, has a bigger budget than the other senators like senators Pia Cayetano, Santiago and Trillanes. ”Sen. Trillanes, despite his move to the Minority, has retained the chairmanship of the Civil Service Committee and of the Oversight Committee on Government Procurement with a budget of P10 Million annually which was just recently increased to P15M,” Enrile said.

Enrile said Santiago, on the other hand, holds the chairmanship of the committee on constitutional amendments and two oversight committees with a total annual budget of P25 million while Pia Cayetano is chairwoman of the oversight committee on clean water act with annual budget of P10 million. ”I stand by the exercise of my sole discretion not to authorize any further releases of additional MOOE last December to the four senators. It is time to call a spade a spade,” Enrile said.

former local government officials or people being attacked, killed or injured especially as the country gears towards this year’s election.

The President said that so far the authorities have arrested 64 individuals, killed nine, and detained 50 persons.

The police also cited a total of 123 members of private armed groups. a total of 249 firearms were also recovered, he stressed.

He said that there was an ongoing campaign to make this year’s election orderly and peaceful.

While the police and the military crack down on private armed groups, the President said the government will remain committed to fighting graft and corruption that also threatens peace and security.

“Talagang seryoso tayo doon sa ating anti-corruption efforts so baka ‘yung iba nag-iisip kung wala silang perang pambili at pang-corrupt ng mga kung sinuman ay baka daanin sa dahas,” he said.

“So gusto natin itong unintended consequences of the anti-corruption effort not to happen. So tuloy-tuloy ‘yung kampanya and this is nationwide.” asked to comment on pending legislations seeking the imposition of a more comprehensive gun control law, the President said there was a summit held last year that will reform the whole process.

He added that he’s awaiting the result of the legislation that will improve gun regulation in the country. [Pna]

FfROM 2 ble successes in driving private armed groups away from areas where they operate and that does not mean that it is stopping, adding that the police and the military will be more active in preparations for the upcoming midterm elections this summer.

The President said he was alarmed by the proliferation of these armed groups, prompting him to instruct the Philippine national Police, the Dept. of Justice, and the national Bureau of Investigation to coordinate efforts in dismantling these groups. according to the President, the Constitution prohibits the creation of private armed groups. among his concerns include the rising number of local officials or

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VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Coffee Shop

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at p10,000/sq m, along national highway, facing east, beside nccc panacan, davao city. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at p2,500/sq m, along matina diversion road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along matina diversion road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at p800/sq m along the national highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at p1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan road, Buhangin district. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the national highway in Bincungan, tagum city. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at p5.5m to p12.3m commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, davao city. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at p4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina town center, along the national highway, dumoy, toril. 9) ready-for-occupancy residential properties: 4Br/3t&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at p4.8m in an exclusive beachfront community in dumoy, toril.; 3Br 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in maa, davao city; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at p3.751m to p5.773m in an exclusive mountain resort community along matina, diversion road. 10) 1Br/2Br residential condo units located in Bolton, maa, obrero, davao city. 11) For aSSUme (rUSh): 1Br res’l condo unit in palmetto, maa. p600K negotiable. note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (prc reB lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

LOT FOR SALE 180 sq. meter, Farland Subd., Dumoy, Toril, P 350,000 only Contact: 0927-706-2510

PROPERTY FOR SALE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRIAL / MANUFACTURING PLANT, 3 hectares, Santa Cruz along the National Highway, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0927-706-2510

PRIME PROPERTY FOR SALE ROBINSONS HIGH LANDS, 173 sq. meters, 1.5 M, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0926-305-1555 0942-966-2444

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

Tel No. (083) 553-2211 / (083) 877-0019 / (083) 878-0308

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Francisco Escarcha, Sr. has been EXTRA JUDICIALLY SETTLED , executed by his heirs per Doc. No. 4; Page No. 82; Book No. 41, Series of 2012 of the Notary Public Ronald S. Tolentino.

(Edge 12/27,01/3,10)

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

Account Executives (2) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

- Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

SPORTS 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 221 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Rockets beat short-handed Lakers H ed.

OUSTOn (aP) -- Sure the Los angeles Lakers are short-hand-

But a team with Kobe Bryant, Steve nash and Metta World Peace should still play better than this.

James Harden scored 31 points and Chandler Parsons added 20 to help the Houston Rockets pick up their fifth straight win with a 125-112 victory over the Los angeles Lakers on Tuesday night Houston trailed by as many as 14 in the first half, but used a pair of runs in the third quarter to go on top and build a big lead.

World Peace had a season-high 24 points for the Lakers, who were playing without their top three big men: Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill - who are all out with injuries.

Bryant added 20 points for the Lakers and nash had 16 points and 10 assists to become only the fifth player to surpass 10,000 career assists, joining John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Mark Jackson and Magic Johnson. nash said he tweaked his back in the game, but that he was OK. ‘’It’s really hard to enjoy it right now,’’ nash said of the assists. ‘’I don’t want to discredit it, or not appreciate the company I share in this milestone, but right now it’s the farthest thing

from my mind. We’re just trying to find a way to win one game.’’

The Lakers, who lost their fourth straight to fall to 15-19, are in 11th place in the Western Conference. ‘’I thought we had the better team,’’ World Peace said. ‘’We definitely had the better team, but every night we have the better team and it’s just not translating to wins.’’

The Rockets have rallied from double-digit deficits for their last three wins. as usual, they did it on Tuesday night behind the strong play of Harden, who has scored at least 25 points in 13 straight games. ‘’They were short-handed tonight, but they are still tough,’’ Harden said of the Lakers. ‘’We knew we couldn’t take them lightly.

They did a great job in the first half of really getting easy shots on us. In the second half we started to pick it up defensively. We got out in transition and made some easy shots.’’

Howard has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, Gasol has a concussion and Hill a right hip injury. all three are out indefinitely.

Seven-foot rookie center Robert Sacre made his first career start due to the injuries, and finished with 10 points, four blocked shots and three rebounds.

Lakers guard Steve Nash reached the 10,000 assist mark in a Laker loss in Houston.

‘’We’ve just got to move forward,’’ World Peace said. ‘’We don’t have time to feel bad for anyone. This team just has to push and move forward.’’

Jeremy Lin chipped in 19 points with six rebounds and five assists for Houston, and Carlos Delfino also scored 19.

The Rockets led by nine

midway through the fourth quarter and used a 5-0 run highlighted by a threepoint play by Lin to make it 112-98. Lin drove to the basket and made the layup as he fell to the court after being fouled by Sacre. ‘’There are some things we can clean up as a group and do a better job,’’ Lakers coach Mike D’antoni said.

‘’a little more attention to detail and we’ll do better.’’

Houston used a 10-2 spurt early in the third quarter to tie it at 69 after a three-point play by Marcus Morris with 6 1/2 minutes left in the quarter.

The Rockets then broke off a 23-11 run to take a 9280 lead near the end of the third. Lin had nine points

in that span and Harden added six.

Bryant hit a jumper with about five minutes left in the third, and the Lakers didn’t score another field goal until Chris Duhon made a 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Houston led 96-88 at the end of the third quarter.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks and Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics were at each other in their heated match. The two sorted things out after the game.

Not so nice words G

REEnBURGH, new York. — Carmelo anthony said Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) he lost his cool after Kevin Garnett said things to him that he feels shouldn’t be said to “another man.” anthony said he sought out Garnett after the Knicks’ loss to Boston on Monday night so they could discuss it. He would not elaborate on what was said. anthony went toward the Celtics’ locker room and waited for Garnett outside the team bus. He said they have spoken and

sorted out the matter.

“There’s certain things that you just don’t say to men, another man,” anthony said. “I felt like we crossed a line, but like I said, we both had an understanding right now, we handled it the way we handled it. nobody needs to know what was said behind closed doors, so that situation was handled.”

The all-Star forwards exchanged words during the game and anthony clearly was affected. He shot 6 of 26, seeming at times in the second half to be most concerned with pushing and shoving Gar-

nett, and acknowledged on Tuesday that he “allowed some negativity to come into my circle.”

The nBa is investigating and has video evidence. It could decide to penalize anthony, who said he shouldn’t be suspended. “nothing happened for me to be suspended,” he said. “I wanted to talk to KG. I think it was something we both needed to get off our chest and see what really the problem was. no altercations, it was just some words and a conversation that we needed to have.”

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Donaire may fight in Asia

n Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire could fight in Singapore or in Macau.

Toroman starts Barako workouts

F

ORMER national team coach Rajko Toroman will definitely make a difference for the Barako Bull team starting in the PBa Commissioner’s Cup. “Lahat kasi may perception na magaling siya (Toroman). We’re observing him kung ano ang maitutulong niya sa team.

Pero definitely, malaki ang naitutulong niya sa drills,” noted team manager Raffy Casyao shortly after the Energy Cola wrapped up their practice on Wednesday afternoon at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong. apparently, the two

sides are still in negotiations on what exact role the Serbian coach will be playing with the team, although at this stage Toroman has already impressed Casyao himself.

“Kung ano mang position, just wait for the announcement. Coach Rajko naman is amenable sa ganitong arrangement. Kakaiba `yung practice (style) because of the transfer of technology. Hands-on European basketball,” he added.

But even with no clear details on what exactly role he will play with Barako Bull, the 57-year-old Toro-

man has already presided over the team practice for the second straight day.

Toroman himself doesn’t seen any problems whatever designation he’ll be given with the team as long as he will be hands-on in trying to help the Energy Cola become competitive in the mid-season conference that begins on February 8. “(Contract negotiation) is almost a done deal … But I don’t know (about being the head coach),” said the man who steered the Iran national team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Chieffy Caligdong, Philippine Azkals forward, receives his Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award from President Aquino in Malacanang.

Chieffy receives TOYM award

P

HILIPPInE national men’s football team skipper Chieffy Caligdong officially received his award as one of The Outstanding Young Men of 2012 in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace Wednesday.

Caligdong joined six other awardees in the event graced by President Benigno aquino III, who praised the azkals veteran in his speech.

“We have Chieffy Caligdong, who evokes that feeling of pride in all Filipinos

whenever he scores in the football matches of our Philippine azkals,” aquino said in his speech addressed to all the awardees.

“Beginning today, you are no longer merely private individuals but symbols—symbols that clearly show our countrymen and the rest of the world that the Filipino is world class and that no matter how successful he or she becomes, the Filipino never loses the spirit of bayanihan and always comes back to

EDGEDAVAO

help his fellow men.”

The TOYM awards recognized Caligdong for the “excellence and luster he brought to Philippine football” after playing for the azkals for almost a decade and also teaching football to children in the grassroots level. aside from Caligdong, the other TOYM awardees are international singer apl.de.ap, broadcaster Jiggy Manicad, congresswoman Emmeline aglipay, veterinarian

OnITO Donaire might end up showcasing his stuff in asia in april.

Top Rank head Bob arum said on Wednesday that Singapore and Macau are on the list of cities being eyed to host a Donaire headliner.

In fact, arum’s stepson Todd Duboef, who takes charge of Top Rank’s daily operations, is travelling to asia to explore the possibility of importing Donaire from

the United States.

Donaire is the current toast of the boxing world following his sensational third-round knockout of Jorge arce last December 15 in Houston.

The Filipino-american puncher is being groomed to eventually fill the void that will be left by Manny Pacquiao.

Donaire fought and won four times in 2012 and is regarded as one of the finest in the world pound-for-pound.

arum also revealed that he is keen on having Brian viloria, another Fil-am, back in the Top Rank fold. viloria, like Donaire, likewise had a smashing 2012, winning over Omar Romero and Tyson Marquez.

Donaire and viloria are candidates for the coveted Fighter of the Year award that the Boxing Writers association of american is giving this June.

Ba-asia tilt since until now he’s at a lost as to who will be available for the national team by the time the biggest basketball event in asia is played seven months from now. as per PBa calendar, assuming the best-ofseven Finals of the season-ending Governors Cup reaches the full route, the league won’t conclude its operation until July 28, or about four days before the start of the world basketball qualifier.

“Hindi ko pa rin alam eh. I doubt kung mag-aadjust ng calendar ang PBa. Yung FIBa talagang august 1 na `yun. Hindi ko alam kung ano mangyayari,” said Reyes as he scratches his head.

“In the first place, hindi ko alam kung sino ang available (na players).

It’s useless para gumawa ng line-up kung hindi mo alam kung sino pwede at hindi,” said the national coach, who is well aware of the condition set by the league in lending its players for the Philippine team.

For the record, league commissioner Chito Salud agreed to loan the PBa players to the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas pool provided the players agree to do so and their respective mother teams are not playing in the Final Four of any of the three tournaments.

“Lahat ng kalaban natin, naghahanda na lang… ang problema na lang nila paano mag-praktis, tayo

eto, andun pa lang sa tanong na ‘sino kaya ang team natin,” explained Reyes. “at least, binibigyan na natin ng partida (ang kalaban),” Reyes could only say in jest.

Bracing for the worst, Reyes didn’t deny the possibility of ending up with a national team comprised of cadet players from the amateur and collegiate leagues.

“Iyan ang isang reason kaya lilipad kami ng Dubai (Wednesday) para i-expose na `yung mga batang players na ito (cadets).

Ini-hahanda na namin sila. at least, may ginagawa tayo,” Reyes reiterated.

“Eh, kung wala rin tayong maihanda, ito na talaga ang gagamitin natin.”

But asked if there are players he expects to come in later, Reyes was honest in answering, “Tingin ko wala.”

“Sa totoo lang, mas mabuti na `yung mag-hintay ako ng wala tapos meron palang dadating, kesa mag-abang ako ng meron tapos wala pala talaga.”

Initially, the league’s only five-time Coach of the Year wanted to begin preparations for the FIBa-asia meet as early as February, but problems with the formation of the team has been the major roadblock to his endeavor.

“Hindi ko talaga alam, ginawa na namin ang lahat eh,” was all he could mutter.

Phl basketball woes:

We never learn I

T’S aLL coming back. again and again and again.

So redundant is the problem of Philippine basketball that it just keeps coming back and the results are just the same.

By august this year, the 2013 FIBa-asia Championship For Men will be staged in Lebanon, and we are sending a Smart Gilas-Pilipinas team that still doesn’t have a lineup. The rest of asia is already mastering their plays as early as now.

So why have illusions of winning the championship?

That is why it’s never easy to be in the shoes of coach Chot Reyes right now.

“Mas malakas ang dasal ko na magpahiram ng players ang mga PBa teams,” exclaimed the outspoken national coach. a little less than seven months before the qualifier for next year’s FIBa-World Basketball Championship is held, the country has yet to come up with a formal lineup to speak of for the august 1-11 tournament.

The country is still on a standby whether it will replace Lebanon as host of the quadrennial tournament after losing the rights to stage the meet in last year’s bidding. and Reyes is on a stand-in too, as to whether he’ll be able to tap the services of the country’s best players for the FI-

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Divinely Trellis & Vines

One would be amazed on how shabby chic the place looks from the outside. I know, I have been in their Mabini branch more than once and I have enjoyed every “bite” off it. Indeed, I have loved Trellis and Vines since the moment I first took a bite off their infamous Chicken Biryani with Mango Chutney. More so, back when I was still in school, my classmates and I would at times drop by after class to have our dinner there.

Beef Biryani

Baby Back Ribs

Business started for Trellis and Vines back in 2003 with their first ever branch at Bangkal. Owner and hands-on restaurateur Ms. Divine Magtoto admits that it was not an easy breezy ride when she was starting that is why she is quick to add that everything in the restaurant she oversees even the menu.

Yes, she sees to it that everything is at par and is divinely delicious before dishes are served to the customers. “You have to love your food first to convince your customers that (it) is good”, she adds.

With good quality food and big servings, you would assume that the price is beyond the normal. However, when you dine in Trellis and Vines you would be amazed on how affordable and budget friendly their prices are -- a definite ‘edge’ amongst its

Boneless Bangus topped with veggies

Ms.Divine, Michelle, Jacob, Me and Ivan

many competitors. More so, what I personally love about the restaurant is their well-rounded menu – there is definitely something for everyone. You would be treated to a tour around the world with their selections. no travelling and jet lag experienced!

Ivan, Lendle, Jacob and Michelle, including myself, met up with Ms. Divine in her Torres branch (Torres compound, beside Yahong restaurant). Joined by her friend, Ms.Verna, the night was filled with merrymaking as feel good conversation took place as we were savoring every bit of food in the table.

Green Seafood Soup The pureed vegetables combined with the tofu make this one superb dish to start your meal. It is extremely savory and the interplay of flavors allows you to have an indefinite palate explosion in your mouth. I personally love the smoothness of the soup as it allows you to appreciate the different ingredients used. I advise you savor it while its hot and feel the magic in your mouth.

Beef Biryani with Mango Chutney and Cucum-

Green Seafood Soup

ber in White Sauce I have only tasted their chicken version of this. I was simply amazed with the beef’s tenderness and the flavored rice. More so, the mango chutney pairs well with kick that the beef has. Though tolerably spicy, the cucumber in white sauce ensures that the palate is soothed with every bite. I would definitely have another of this – soon.

Hot Prawn Salad The hot prawns combined with the sweet salad and the juicy fruits gives forth a different level of excitement with every bite.

The combination of flavors lingers in your mouth and makes you dig in for another bite. That’s what we did, a constant digging with our forks. A recommended dish that would satisfy one’s hungry tummy.

Boneless Bangus topped with Sautéed Vegetables I personally love the combination between the fish and the veggies. The fish tasted so fine and it

just melts in your mouth. even the skin tasted so good. I highly recommend this one.

Baby Back Ribs Well, this one is a staple in our every meal. Again, the boys loaded their plates and munched like there was no tomorrow. Divine said they have a spicy flavored one. But, knowing how the boys love their baby back ribs, it was gone before I could even remember. They said that it was tender and juicy to the bones and that the sauce (basting) compliments the meat and you could savor it with every bite.

Indeed, a truly divine night at Trellis and Vines.

Visit them at their Mabini or Torres branch and experience a meal like no other.

Do you want to be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit?

Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured.

If you are interested, then email me at leebai@chefroyale.com or visit www. chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

MOVIES

Delusions of grandeur in El Presidente

By Jay Rosas GrAnTeD, like what my friend said, that the resurgence—and I don’t know if I can call it a resurgence (with the release of richard Somes’ Bonifacio biopic Supremo last november, in limited release)—of Philippine movies featuring our heroes is a good thing, to break the monotony of the usual tired comedies and Star Cinema romcoms, such intention is thwarted by the callowness of the efforts.

In Mark Meilly’s el Presidente, Laguna Governor er ejercito’s vanity project extension following the re-edited version of Manila Kingpin, is bloated in narrative and clouded with a misguided sense of self-importance. Clearly, as the producer, this so-called biopic is centered on ejercito’s grandiloquent screen character that mirrors the same pompousness of its intentions. Why does he insist on playing characters almost half his age?

The story is overstuffed and suffers from lack of focus, a result of covering pre- and postIndependence Philippine history concluding in Aguinaldo’s death in 1964. Thus, the film suffers from internal bleeding, with the nagging need to “educate” the audience as if the theater was some sort of a large history class and the silver screen a history book that comes alive with lots of characters. In short, like a history textbook that chronicles events and people, it is insufferably boring.

We don’t need the Cineplex for a lecture, we need something interesting, something we could discuss after we go out of the

Clearly, as the producer, this so-called biopic is centered on Ejercito’s grandiloquent screen character that mirrors the same pompousness of its intentions.

Why does he insist on playing characters almost half his age? dark room. But since this is the MMFF, it needs to be entertaining; it needs to gather familiar names in Philippine showbiz in an attempt to wow us of its grandiosity, and to remind us that, hey, this is a BIG and IMPOrTAnT picture. never mind if it portrays an unpleasant Andres Bonifacio, played passionately to no avail by Cesar Montano; never mind if it never explores characters (because there’s too much of them in the first place); never mind if the presence of nora Aunor was not only unnecessary but also laughable; never mind if personifying “Inang Bayan” is so distasteful that I almost fell out

of my chair. When in a heated argument, Christopher de Leon as Antonio Luna (who I think is also too maligned in the film), slaps Joonee Gamboa’s face to attention, I said to myself, this is what the film needs.

The film attempts to look pretty by capturing painterly views, as if gorgeous photography gives it any emotional weight relevant to convey the narrative. Some of the scenes look too processed, so anesthesized (can someone explain to me why after swordfights and exchange of bullets Aguinaldo and his soldiers come out with laundry-fresh clothes?) that it’s seemingly reflecting its

own muddled authenticity.

To my mind, the best examples of films about our heroes are those that veer away from textbook treatment—Mike de Leon’s Bayaning Third World, which presents a rizal biopic that challenges our own perspective of our national hero and heroism, and most recently, Mario O’Hara’s last film, an entry to the 2011 Cinema One Originals, Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio, which focused on the trial of Bonifacio. Both directors took liberties in deconstructing heroism by experimenting in narrative and style, which makes seeing both films an enriching,

unique experience. el Presidente would have taken an interesting turn right at the moment when Aguinaldo ponders on the date of Philippine Independence, or if it has done away with too much details.

But maybe a textbook treatment is what we really need.

Maybe we are deeply entrenched into our collective amnesia that it’s too far a stretch to require Philippine cinema for unique offerings and for people to see them. Maybe we need a retelling of history via the silver screen featuring our heroes as swahsbucklers and action figures. And that’s a pity. RatinG: 2/5

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTaINMENT

Transformers 4, 5 and 6?

Michael Bay announces new “very different” trilogy, new casting MIChaEl Bay is staying in the robot business for longer than anyone anticipated.

The director has not only announced that he’s tapped a complete unknown to star in Transformers 4 opposite Mark Wahlberg, but he’s just dropped the bombshell news that he’s working on not only a fourth entry, but two more sequels that will make up a whole new trilogy!

So who’s the newbie who’ll presumably be teaming with the autobots in the next great battle to save earth from the Decepticons? his name is Jack Reynor.

“I just hired a great new actor for Transformers 4 to star against Mark Wahlberg,” wrote Bay on his blog. “Jack Reynor, he is an Irish kid that came to america with 30 bucks in his pocket. Pretty ballsy.

Seriously who does that? anyway I spotted him in a great little Irish movie What Richard Did. This kid is the real deal.”

according to his brief bio on IMDB, the 20-yearold actor was born in the U.S. but raised in Ireland and first raised eyebrows in the industry with a role in 2012’s Dollhouse.

That was followed by a star turn in lenny abrahamson’s Irish suspense drama, What Richard Did, which debuted at last September’s Toronto International Film Festival. as for what Transformers 4 will be about, the filmmaker known for his glossy, effects-heavy blockbusters was mostly

mum but did offer that it it lays the groundwork for two more sequels.

“Transformers 4 is not a reboot. That word has been floating around on the net. This movie takes place exactly 4 years after the war in Chicago,” said Bay. “The story makes a very natural transition, and reason as to why we have a whole new cast.

This Transformers will feel very different then the last three. We are embarking on a new trilogy.”

More than meets the eye indeed.

Is Britney Spears returning for The X Factor Season 3?

WIll she or won’t she?

That seems to be the question on everyone’s mind when it comes to Britney Spears. Rumors have been circulating that the pop songstress will not return as a judge for The X Factor’s third season, exiting alongside l.a. Reid, who officially announced he’s not returning to the Fox reality series after two seasons of service.

Fox president Kevin Reilly addressed Britney’s future on The X Factor when he took the stage during the network’s TCa presentation on Tuesday, and here is what he had to say about the pop icon’s status: “For next year, I don’t know,” Reilly says of Spears’ possible return to the show, but quickly an-

swers “yeah” when asked if he’s on board to bring her back. however, Cowell is currently on vacation and “hasn’t talked about any of this going forward,” Reilly admits. as for how he feels about her performance during this past season, Reilly says, “I actually thought it went very, very well. It was fraught with unknowns. I think Britney did a really good job. She came on, people remain

fascinated by her and always will be. People got to know her a little bit, maybe some people were waiting for more drastic displays of some nature that never came…She tucked in really nicely on that bench.”

Back in December, Cowell revealed to us that he hadn’t yet made a decision about Britney returning.“I don’t know yet, to be honest with you,” he said.

“I haven’t had the conversation with her whether she’d want to, what other commitments she’s got.”

Though the second season garnered less than stellar ratings, Reilly says, “last year the ratings were better, but I think it was a better show this year…pound for pound, I thought The X Factor was excellent this year.”

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

FOOD

VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

California dreaming at California Diner

IT had been months since I first heard people talking about a new, nondescript diner located just along Jacinto street extension that serves juicy and delicious burgers and upon hearing the word burger, I made it a mission to be able to take a visit and have a taste myself to see what all the fuss is about.

Unfortunately, the busy holiday season kept me glued to my desk and plans to do a burger drive by with Jon and Dadai J. fell through also thanks to the busy holiday season and the requisite eating until you burst (Although I do eat quite a bit, I can only eat SO much!). Luckily, there was a break in my schedules right after Christmas and so there I was, ready to take a bite at my first burger from California Diner.

Set-up from a steel 40foot container van parked beside MetroLifestyle Gym, one can say this burger joint can actually qualify as street food gone Americana as the diner’s “interior” was quite spartan and is actually exposed to the elements, but with a retro American diner twist.

Although I was there for the burger, I was pleasantly surprised to find that California Diner also served rice toppings, chilies, tacos, and fajitas. Too bad I was dining alone, else I would have wanted to give the Mexican menu a taste but alas that will have to be for my next visit.

I ordered their Califor-

nia Cheeseburger combo deal which consists of a burger, fries and a drink.

And after a few minutes, my burger arrived fresh from the grill.

The burger was big and juicy, and had a nice smoky flavor to it thanks to it being cooked on a grill.

I also like the fact that the buns are lightly buttered and toasted on the grill for more flavors plus the beautiful grill marks. The steakcut fries that care cooked with the skin on were not bad, but could have been

better if they had not been soggy.

I do have to note that I love California Diner’s condiments of tomato ketchup, Tabasco sauce and mustard. Any place that served mustard, I respect and any place that serves Coke in a bottle, I respect even more.

Over-all, California

Diner is another place where the Dabawenyo urbanite can quench their burger craving. Of course I cannot wait to come back to try some of their Mexican offerings.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @kennethkingong for more foodie and travel finds in Durianburg and beyond.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 221 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW

Ready for Aussie

M

ELBOURnE (Reuters) - a belated discovery that tranquility makes a useful ally in the pursuit of glory has Serena Williams in the box seat to win a third consecutive grand slam title at the australian Open next week.

The Williams of explosive on-court tantrums and off-court drama has largely been banished, and a calmer, more mature prototype arrives at Melbourne Park with her game rivaling the peak of her brilliant career.

Pundits are already talking up the chances of a sequel to the “Serena Slam” - the non-calendar grand slam that the 31-year-old american completed during the 2002-03 seasons - and Williams herself believes the best is yet to come.

“I was looking at a lot of old matches on YouTube, and I feel like right now I’m playing some of my best tennis,” she said after winning the Brisbane International at the weekend.

“I feel like I want to do better and play better still, and I’ve always felt like I could play better.”

William’s smooth preparations for the year’s first grand slam lie in stark contrast to her troubled lead-in to the 2012 tournament, when she arrived in Melbourne with a foot injury after a season blighted by illness and injury.

Having played two matches in five months, Williams strained l i g a ments i n

her ankle at the warmup tournament in Brisbane, and lasted four rounds at Melbourne Park before being

dumped by Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova. a sensational first-round loss at the French O p e n sparked a n other

round of career obituaries by sports writers.

But Williams, who had survived a life-threatening blood clot in her lungs the previous year, began rebuilding her game with the help of French coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

In a four-month blitz, Williams clinched her fifth Wimbledon trophy, singles and doubles gold at the London Olympics and her 15th grand slam title at the U.S. Open, underlining her status as one of the greatest players to grace the game.

She then capped the year by winning the season-ending WTa finals in Istanbul without dropping a set.

RELaXED aPPROaCH Williams, who

American Serena Williams will be gunning for her sixth Australian Open title.

lost the U.S. Open final in 2011 to australia’s Sam Stosur and the 2009 semi-final to Kim Clijsters following explosive outbursts at match officials, credited her stunning second half of the season to a more relaxed approach to her game.

“I really think starting in 2011, the summer, I really started being more calm on the court and just relaxing more, if it’s possible for me to relax,” Williams said at the Brisbane International.

“I feel better when I’m more calm.” a serene Serena is bad news for her rivals, who have already conceded her world ranking of three is scandalously inaccurate, and likely to be corrected in short time.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 221 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Francis Gabriel Escandor of Ateneo will be at the forefront of the Blue Knights attack when they see action on Saturday at the resumption of the 1st Emilio Escandor Cup at the RMC Gym.

Japeth could land in Ginebra F

Will Japeth Ginebra come home to play again in the PBA? Reports say he is thrilled to hear trade rumors for him to don a Ginebra jersey, the same team his father played for in the PBA.

ORGET the nBa for now, Filipino star center Japeth aguilar could yet end up in a Ginebra uniform. a message given by aguilar over the holidays has given his Philippine-based agent, Marvin Espiritu, hope that the enigmatic player is ready to take the next step in his career.

“I am looking forward to a new beginning,” was the statement relayed by aguilar through Espiritu after coming off a two-week tour of Europe while representing nBa D-League side Santa Cruz Warriors in an all-star US selection.

Espiritu admitted he has not been briefed on what aguilar’s plans are, but he said an article about a possible four-team, four-player trade that may see him land at his father Peter’s former team Ginebra has aroused the interest of the 6-9 slotman.

“Tuwang-tuwa si Japeth, kasi andami talagang nag-message at nag-tweet

sa kanya about it. May iba ngang Ginebra fans parang wine-welcome na siya,” said Espiritu, son of longtime agent Danny.

“Pero hindi siya nagsalita about it, basta ang sabi lang niya gusto niyang maglaro and he wants a new beginning. ang tanong right now ay hindi kung anong team sa PBa, anong liga siya susunod na lalaro,” he added.

Espiritu said he has been in constant touch with Talk ‘n Text management, which still owns the playing rights on aguilar and has been regularly asking about the 2009 top rookie pick’s plans.

“Hindi ko pa rin alam ang sagot eh. ayokong magsabi ng ganito, magsabi ng ganun kasi baka biglang may mag offer sa kanya sa States or Europe,” said Espiritu, who expects a career decision from his client over the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, a source from Ginebra confirmed the team’s interest in aguilar.