Edge Davao 5 Issue 256

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VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

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DSWD, rallyists agree to settle

DANCING FOUNTAIN. Mall goers especially children enjoy the sight of SM Lanang Premier’s now-famous fountain which dances to the tune of the different contemporary music, in J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City yesterday. (Lean Daval, Jr.)

Colorful dining at RBG Sports

Page 16

Gov’t. to release 10,000 sacks of rice, while the militants will submit the list of beneficiaries

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

Cebu takes lead

Follow Us On

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HE controversy surrounding the alleged “looting” by militants Tuesday at the Department of Social Welfare Department 11 office of relief goods intended for victims of Typhoon “Crising” in Davao del Norte appeared to have simmered down after both protagonists, militants and government, agreed to settle the bone of contention of the conflict -- the demand of the militants for the DSWD to release 10,000 sacks of rice to them.

After a closed door meeting yesterday afternoon, the militants agreed to disperse and be transported home with 100 sacks of rice as “pabaon” from the DSWD. The happy compromise is as follows: DSWD will release the 10,000 sacks demanded by the militants, while the militants will submit the list of authentic beneficiaries demanded by the DSWD. It was agreed that the mili-

FDSWD, 11

LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND. A fruit vendor displays a bunch of mangosteen fruit at the ‘bagsakan’ area of Davao City’s Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Price for the sought-after mangosteen dramatically decreased after its supply flooded the market.

Lean Daval Jr.

Unsa kahay behind ani?

2 THE BIG NEWS

Villar says

In Davao Or. and ComVal housing is main priority

By Che Palicte

“W

E have offered livelihood projects for Pablo victims, but instead, they want to have their houses built first.”

This was the take of senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar in an interview yesterday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel here during the Philippine Councilors League North Cotabato Assembly.

She said that if she makes it to the senate, she would prioritize housing projects for the victims in Compostela Valley province and Davao Oriental.

“Senator Manny Villar has already given appropriations in order to start building houses in Pablo-hit areas, ‘yun ang hinihingi nila e’,” Mrs. Villar explained, adding that livelihood projects would commence after the asked-for houses are built.

She also commented on the barricade at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office 11 in Davao City.

“I was really wondering why these Pablo vic-

FVILLAR SAYS, 11

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Humanitarian groups say

Sustainable livelihoods in Pablo-hit areas need to be put in place now “L

IVELIHOODS recovery intervention by the government and other humanitarian actors for Typhoon Pablo victims in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley needs to begin now. Development plans for the regions should prioritize incomes and sustainable livelihoods for small farmers and fishers, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable groups such as women and IP’s,” says Kevin Lee, head of the Humanitarian Response Consortium (HRC), a group of local

and international NGOs working for emergency response in a roundtable discussion held at the Ateneo de Davao University.

Initiated by the HRC, international humanitarian organization Oxfam, Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneo TropICS, the roundtable discussion dubbed “Challenges and Opportunities for Building Back Better and Resilient Post Pablo Economy and Communities in Eastern Mindanao,” gathered government agencies, local government officials

T

VOLUNTEER. A supporter of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who is running for a senate seat, attaches the pastor’s campaign poster to a vehicle on Magallanes Street, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

US donates blast investigation equipment to PNP Region 12

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earlier given by the US government to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) anti-terrorism campaigns and operations.

He said the package consists of six units of post-blast investigation and explosive incident countermeasure kits.

“These were intended to enhance and strengthen the post-blast investigation capabilities of our EOD (explosives ordnance disposal) personnel in case bomb-related explosions would occur in the area,” Mauricio

said in a statement.

The police official said the equipment was turned over recently by Ed Schlachter, resident program manager of the US State Department’s Regional Security Office/Anti-Terrorism Assistance (RSO/ATA), to Chief Supt. Charles Calima Jr., Police Regional Office 12 acting director.

He said the post-blast investigation enabling equipment and explosive incident countermeasure kits were initially assigned to the Sultan

FUS DONATES, 11

from Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, humanitarian actors, private sector and civil society groups to share recovery plans and strategies on building back resilient communities after Typhoon Pablo.

Typhoon Pablo devastated the local economy of the affected provinces, which mainly relied on single-long term crops, like banana for Compostela Valley and coconut for Davao Oriental. According to Lee, interventions are needed now since “banana and coconut farm-

ers risk losing their lands because they have no resources to re-establish their livelihoods, and are forced to sell their land instead.

In Compostela Valley, large packing monopolies are taking advantage of the situation and are renegotiating contract growing agreements that are unfair to local banana farmers, further increasing the poverty gap in the region. Diversifying the agricultural economy, creating industries to add value to primary

nicipalities that were heavily affected--Baganga, Cateel and Boston-get their fair share.

“No one can say that they were not able to receive their share because there is a schedule for distribution of relief goods. The number of days that the relief goods would last is computed so that the next round (of distribution) is done before the relief goods are consumed,” Malanyaon said.

The governor said each surviving family is provided with a ration card which they show at the designated barangay distribution site in the presence of their barangay officials when they go to get their share. In case they fail to get their share during the distri-

bution schedule, “all they have to do is go to the local command post, show their ration cards and get their shares,” the governor explained.

If their barangay officials do not complain, it is presumed that all the affected families got their share of relief goods, she added.

She lauded agencies involved in relief operations in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley for the smooth, coordinated implementation of relief operations.

Nyangara said that his organization (WFP) and other international aid groups are coordinating with Philippine agencies so that everyone will get a fair share of relief goods intended for victims of the Pablo. ChePalicte

own specie to be known worldwide,” Salvador said, adding that this will also be a way of generating sponsors for the foundation.

Globe Telecom’s senior specialist for Corporate Social Responsibility, Fernando Esguerra Jr., said they approved the project right away when PEF asked for their help to make the project possible.

“We are offering an internet connection for free for the first 12 months and if the PEF will ask for an extension, we will be happy to give it again for free,” Esguerra said, adding that using this technology is a big help in the foundation’s further development.

“The streaming uses

a pan–tilt–zoom (PTZ) camera that is capable of remote directional and zoom control, controller, microphone, and computer to capture, process, and unicast video stream to a service provider who broadcasts it across the internet,” he added.

They also use Ustream’s as their streaming video provider that allows going live with just a webcam and an internet connection.

The web broadcaster allows to share and record broadcasts and communicates with followers in real-time via the Social Stream--- Ustream’s live chat module that syndicates comments to Facebook friends and Twitter followers. ChePalicte

FHUMANITARIAN, 11

Malanyaon lauds distribution of relief goods in DavOriental

HE distribution of relief goods to super Typhoon Pablo survivors in Davao Oriental has been going on without a hitch, thanks to the effective system adopted by local and international agencies involved in the humanitarian effort.

Gov. Corazon C. Malanyaon told reporters in Mati City the other day the distributing agencies--particularly the Department of Social Wefare and Development, the United Nations’ World Food Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the provincial government--have put in place a systematic way of distributing relief goods to make sure that all the victims in the three mu-

HE US State Department has turned over a package of modern blast investigation equipment to the Police Regional Office 12 to help improve the capability of local police units in countering and responding to bomb-related attacks that might occur in the area.

Senior Insp. Benjamin Mauricio, spokesperson of the Region 12 police office, said the blast investigation equipment package was part of the commitments

EDGEDAVAO

PEF to live stream activities of its Philippine eagle wards

T

HE Philippine Eagle, highly endangered specie, has embarked on a project aimed at installing cameras in the eagles’s manmade habitat with-in the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Malagos, Davao City in partnership with Globe Telecom and Aboitiz Power to live stream the eagles’ activities to the outside world.

Dennis Salvador, PEF executive director, said yesterday during the weekly Club 888 forum at The Marco Polo Davao, that the project will provide an opportunity to present the Philippine eagle to the world.

“With this, we will be able to raise public awareness and this is the best time for our

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

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S. Kudarat police forms TF to probe massacre of family

OLICE authorities in Sultan Kudarat province have created a special task group that will spearhead the investigation on the massacre of four members of a family in Isulan town last week.

Senior Supt. Rex dela Rosa, Sultan Kudarat police director, said Wednesday they have activated the Task Group Debarbo to facilitate the speedy resolution of the killing of the entire Debarbo family in Barangay Sampao in Isulan town last Feb. 20.

“This is to ensure a more focused investigation and operations in connection with the case,” the official said in a radio interview.

He said the task group is composed of personnel from the Isulan municipal police station, Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Sultan Kudarat.

The Debarbo family was heading home aboard a motorcycle at past 9

p.m. when they were waylaid by unidentified gunmen at a portion of Barangay Sampao, which is about two kilometers away from the town proper of Isulan.

Police said the victims, who died instantly due to multiple gunshot wounds, had just attended a birthday party in another village when the incident happened.

The victims were identified as couple Rey and Reynalie Debarbo and their children Catherine Faith, 14 and Karen, 8, all residents of Leonora Subdivision in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan.

The Debarbo patriarch is a pastor of the Fundamental Baptist Church denomination and also owns a small business in the area.

Dela Rosa, who heads the task force, said they are currently evaluating several leads regarding the incident based on accounts from a witness and relatives of the victims.

He said a witness, who was only identified

LECHON TRAY. A worker carves a lechon tray from gmelina wood at this shop in Barangay Mabuhay in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. Priced at P20 each, the trays are sold in bulk at shops in Cebu, Bohol and Dumaguete. [MindaNews/Ruby Thursday More]

as a former resident of Barangay Tamontaka in Cotabato City, surfaced several days ago and volunteered some informa-

SOCOTECO II, MAPALAD POWER SIGN DEAL FOR 30MW POWER SUPPLY

A

S SOCOTECO II tries to alleviate the power shortage in its franchise area, the Coop signed with Mapalad Power Corporation a power supply deal of 30 megawatts last February 21, 2013 at Coop Board Room, General Santos City.

The deal will augment SOCOTECO II supply by May 2013, adding up to the current supply from the National Power Corporation and Therma Marine Inc. With the additional supply from Mapalad Power, the rotational brownouts will be lessened, if not totally avoided. This move will increase SOCOTECO II capacity from 82 MW to 112MW, where NPC will supply 52MW, TMI at 30 megawatts & Mapalad Power at 30 megawatts, which was evaluated to be sufficient to tide the rest of the year.

Rate impact of the additional supply will range from 35 centavos to P1.30 per KWH, depending on the number of hours when the plant is expected to run. The contracts with TMI and Mapalad, being short-term in nature, will be terminated upon operation of Sarangani Energy Corporation on March 2016, which offers cheaper rate. Power supply through diesel plants is purchased at P9.00/KWH while power from coal plant is at P5.80/KWH. NGCP’s strict implementation of lower power supply contract to SOCOTECO II, from 72 MW to 52MW, plus the unstable supply from hydropower plants cause the four-hour rotational brownout within its franchise area, from 9AM to 9PM during weekdays. Lesser power demand during Saturdays and Sundays also results to shorter period of outage. SOCOTECO II franchise area suffers a daily 30MW shortfall on its demand. At certain times, however, the periodic raining increased the hydropower plants’ normal capacity, allowing utilities to draw extra power, as experienced last February 19-24, 2013 which resulted to no rotational brownout.

Approved for Release:

GERONIMO C. DESESTO ISD Manager

3

Tel. Nos. 5535848 to 50 February 25, 2013

tion regarding the incident.

The witness initially tagged at least two persons as behind the inci-

dent, he said.

He said the suspects, who are still at-large, were identified as Muhammad and James San-

gki, residents of Leonora Subdivision in Barangay Kalawag 2, Isulan. [Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

‘Lolong’ died of pneumonia, cardiac arrest – PAWB report ‘L

OLONG’, which landed on the Guinness as the world’s largest crocodile i n c a p t i v i t y, died of pneu-

monia and cardiac arrest, the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said in a report released days after its first necropsy on the animal.

PAWB made the necropsy at the eco-park in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur where the crocodile had been kept after its capture at the Agusan Marsh by a local hunter after whom it was named.

“Lolong had difficulty

Board member eyes banning pine tree resin extraction in Bukidnon

B

UKIDNON provincial board member Nemesio Beltran Jr. proposed an ordinance seeking to ban extraction of pine tree resin anywhere in the province of Bukidnon.

Beltran told MindaNews Monday the proposed ordinance was referred to the board’s committee on laws for public hearing.

He said he proposed the ordinance to end the extraction of pine tree resin within the 38,000-hectare area of the Bukidnon Forest Inc.’s (BFI) Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) due to expire in 2016.

The BFI, run by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Natural Resources Development Corporation, contracted the Chinese firm Luda Chemicals, Inc. (LCI) to extract resin.

DENR-Bukidnon held about 500 sacks of resins on January 30 due to lack of permit for the extraction.

The provincial board earlier passed a resolution, proposed by Beltran, urging President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to cancel the BFI and LCI contract. They also called on the President to terminate BFI’s IFMA. They proposed, too, that BFI use its area for the national government’s National Greening Program.

Beltran said the ordinance seeks to end resin extraction activities anywhere in the province. He also proposed to penalize

the violators of the ordinance with six years imprisonment or a fine of P5,000 or both, “at the discretion of the court.”

The board member cited in his proposed ordinance studies that revealed that extraction could cause high rate and scope of forest fires because the resin would “accordingly leak out to the base of the pine tree and the accumulated deposits have been proven to be combustible such that a grass burn could quickly ignite a tree and swiftly spread to other trees.”

Dr. Felix Mirasol, DENR-Bukidnon chief, said in an earlier interview that despite being asked to submit requirements for a permit to extract, BFI refused and still managed to extract and transport resins.

In his notes furnished to this reporter, Mirasol stressed their fear of being accused of being “remiss of our function” due to the continued refusal of BFI to document their oleoresin extraction.

“This happens out of courtesy to its (BFI) President who is our Undersecretary and it (BFI) being a DENR-NRDC project,” he said, referring to DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. Mirasol said they have tried to stop the extraction of pine tree resins because it is not part of the annual operation plan of BFI in 2012 and they have no extraction permit.

Mirasol told MindaN-

ews last week BFI has already applied for a permit.

DENR Bukidnon has started the process of checking on their requirements, the first of which is an inventory of pine trees where they tapped resin.

Reynaldo Abordo, BFI general manager, explained during an administrative deliberation on February 13 that they obtained the nod of the top leadership of the DENR with a BFI board resolution authorizing them to proceed with the agreement with LCI. But BFI vowed to apply for a permit.

Also during the deliberation, Belino Epie, of the Environmental Desk of the Diocese of Malaybalay, asked the DENR to act on what to do with the 500 sacks of pine tree resin it apprehended from LCI “and not only discuss matters about securing a permit, an act in the future.”

Epie, who was joined

by San Isidro assistant parish priest Fr. Noel Suarez, who also heads the diocese’s pro-environment arm, clarified that he never wanted to dictate what the DENR should do to the resins they held on January 30. “(I meant) that the DENR will pursue the case based on the rules and regulations,” he added in his recommendations in the deliberation, an administrative mechanism at the DENR conducted to draw recommendations about reported violations of environment laws. [Walter I. Balane / MindaNews]

in breathing due to the wound in his lungs and heart leading to pneumonia and cardiac arrest. He was exposed to the conditions he was not used to; it will really result to low resistance,” said PAWB director Dr. Theresa Mundita-Lim. The report added the croco-

dile’s resistance might have dramatically decreased after it was taken out of its natural habitat.

Lim said Lolong should have been kept in an area that simulated its habitat in the wild.

“There is a huge difference comparing the cage he was in to that of the wild. In the wild he was able to move in a much wider space and swim properly,” she said.

Mario Eludo, PAWB Caraga regional director explained t h a t more tests

were needed to further understand how Lolong died.

“We know it was cardiac arrest and pneumonia but we still need to find out how it led to such. Laboratory tests on the internal organs are still being conducted at the University of the Philippines. This will help us figure out how he got the disease,” said Eludo.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde said he could not find any reason for the crocodile’s death.

“We took very good care of Lolong, [we] even gave him essential vitamins. We cannot see any reason because everything that was recommended to us, we followed all of it,” he said.

The mayor said it was possible Lolong was already sick prior to his capture. [Erwin Mascarinas/MindaNews]

ICS supports MRV concept

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HE International Chamber of Shipping announced it strongly supports an international proposal on the regulation of C02 emissions from all merchant vessels.

Its board also said it supports the concept of monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions (MRV) espoused by the United States and the European Commission.

“ICS will fully support the concept of MRV, provided that any measure adopted is developed and

agreed at International Maritime Organization, and that it will be simple to administer and primarily based on fuel consumption measured by bunker delivery notes,” ICS chair Masamichi Morooka said.

But he clarified that ICS support for the development of an MRV mechanism does not imply acceptance of MRV being used for the eventual development of any other market based measure, or the mandatory application of energy indexing measures to existing

ships.

ICS is currently developing a detailed position on how MRV might work, but is waiting for formal submissions to be made by governments at the next meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in May. The organization is optimistic that the United States will submit a paper to IMO that will address some (though not all) of the concerns previously raised by ICS in response to earlier US proposals made last year. [PNA]

ty guard and the wounding of two others.

“These companies have been occupying thousands of hectares of lands for so long, they benefited a lot from exploiting the land, the farmers and farm workers in the midst of landlessness apart from environmental destruction, use of aerial spraying and massive land use conversion,” he said.

The NDF official alleged that the presence of these companies worsened the impact of typhoon Sendong in December 2011.

Calling the attack a “legitimate exercise of the NDF’s political authority, Echanis said they had warned big logging, mining and agribusiness companies not to engage in

land-grabbing and environmental destruction.”

At the forum, Echanis presented the NDF’s draft on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reform (Caser).

Caser is the second agenda in the peace talks between the NDF and the Government of the Philippines. The first accord signed by both parties was the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl).

In an interview, Echanis said discussing the Caser was needed to address the situation of victims of calamities like storms Sendong and Pablo. [Lorie Ann Cascaro/MindaNews]

NPA vows more attacks vs. big firms destroying environment

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HE New People’s Army (NPA) will stage more attacks against big companies that contributed to environmental destruction, an official of the National Democratic Front (NDF) said.

Randall Echanis, of the NDF’s Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reform, aired the warning in a peace forum Monday in Davao City organized by the Sowing the Seeds of Peace and the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform.

Echanis’ warning came six days after the NPA raided the compound of Del Monte Philippines in Manolo Fortich town Bukidnon resulting in the death of a company securi-

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

A

THE ECONOMY 5

SouthCot minefield yields more gold, silver deposits

Canadian mining company has disclosed higher gold and silver reserve at a minefield in T’boli, South Cotabato as commercial production gears towards full stream this year.

Cadan Resources Corp. now pegged the estimated deposit at the T’boli project at 3.8 million tons, containing 1.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold and 3.3 (Moz) of silver.

Previously, deposit at the T’boli project was placed at 2.4 million tons, containing 420,000 ounces of gold and 1.6 million ounces of silver, Cadan Resources said earlier.

Cadan Resources is the foreign partner of Tribal Mining Corp., holder of Mineral Production Sharing Agreement 090-97-XI covering 84.20 hectares that was granted in 1997.

“The mine has begun producing from the stopes and the gold plant is improving throughput, 2013 should be a great year for Cadan as a company and for our shareholders,”

Robert Butchart, Cadan Resources president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

He added that the update estimate has incorporated historical drilling and sampling as well as 7,665 meters of diamond drilling completed in 2011 to 2012.

Butchart said that a drilling program is still ongoing despite commercial productions, and that they expect to file an updated technical report within the third quarter of 2013.

Eumir Ernesto Tiamzon, Tribal Mining president, said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) issued last October an interim Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility that allowed the company to go into commercial production.

The initial commercial production at TMC’s carbon-in-leach processing plant in T’Boli hauled 316oz of gold and 497oz of silver, for a combined sale value of Canadian (Cad) $547,032 or rough-

POWER SPRAYER. A carwash shop crew cleans up the exterior of a car using power sprayer to ensure that all the dirt will be washed out along McArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City yesterday. Davao City must copy other countries’ law which requires car wash facilities to treat or reuse their water to lessen their consumption of the depleting water supply. Lean Daval Jr.

ly P21.7 million at today’s exchange rate, Butchart said.

The average prices for the metal sold late last year were Cad $1,680/oz for gold and Cad $32.50/

oz for silver, he noted.

Deposits at the T’boli project are being mined using the tunneling method. The South Cotabato provincial government has banned open-pit min-

ing method across the province.

Citing the environmental compliance certificate issued to Tribal Mining, Constancio Paye Jr., MGB Region 12 direc-

tor, earlier said the company is allowed to mine and mill only up to 70,000 metric tons of ore from the project area annually.

[Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews]

6

THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Purchases of capital, consumer goods push PHL imports growth in December

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ROWTH in payments for capital goods, consumer goods, raw materials and intermediate goods propelled Philippine merchandise imports to a 13.2-percent yearon-year increase in December 2012, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“The improvement in imports performance during the period represents a rebound in the value of imports from a 6.4 percent contraction a year ago and partly reflects the favourable sentiments of both businesses and consumers,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The country’s merchandise imports amounted to US$5.2 billion in December 2012, up from the US$4.6 billion during the same month in 2011 Imported capital goods rose by 40.2 percent to US$1.8 billion from US$1.3 billion from a year ago due to higher payments for aircrafts, ships, and boats (564.7%), telecommunications equipment and electrical machineries (10.0%), and power generating and specialized machines (15.9%).

The increase in imports of aircrafts, ships, and boats is partly attributed to aircraft purchases of Cebu Pacific.

Also, consumer goods grew

RESIDENT CERTIFICATE. A long queue of Dabawenyos wanting to get a resident certificate can be seen at the ground floor of SangguniangPanlungsod building on San Pedro Street, Davao City yesterday. Resident certificate is an important document to acquire especially when applying for a job. Lean Daval Jr.

by 38.2 percent to US$688.3 million in December 2012 from US$497.9 million from the same month in 2011. This was due to higher payments for both durable (50.4%) and non-durable (28.1%) consumer products.

“The higher receipts from imported consumer goods were due in part to the more favourable sentiments of con-

sumers, specifically towards durable items,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

Imports of raw materials and intermediate goods, meanwhile, also increased by 6.1 percent as values of both imported unprocessed raw materials (40.4%) and semi-processed raw materials (0.9%)

registered annual gains.

“Higher importation of raw materials and intermediate goods was partly due to heightened optimism among importers that demand for goods would increase in the nearterm because of additional projects, business expansion, and continued investor confidence,” Balisacan explained.

Award from the Philippine Franchise Association. The company’s immense growth is established on its advocacy of bringing affordable healthcare products to the under-privileged Filipino.

TGP has over 1,500 outlets all over the country.

Under the Sun Partner Program, TGP employees and franchisees are entitled to exclusive Sun plans and special offers.

Present at the contract signing event were (above photo, from left to right) TGP’s Debbie Pangan, Corporate Affairs Director, Philip Tan, Chief Marketing Officer, TGP President and CEO Benjamin Liuson, Sun Cellular’s Faraday Go, VP for Retail and Corporate Sales, Michele Curran, VP for Sun Business Marketing, and Corinne Zablan, AVP for Strategic Sales Partnership.

For more information on the

Sun Partner Program, log on to Sun Business’ dedicated website, http://sunbusiness.com. ph/, or call 395-8PRO (776).

You can also check for updates by logging on to Sun Cellular’s official Facebook page: facebook.com/suncellularph or on Twitter: twitter.com/suncelltweets.

Sun Business is powered by Sun Cellular, a member of the PLDT Group.

Sun Business forges partnership with The Generics Pharmacy

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

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

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

S

UN Business, the corporate solutions arm of Sun Cellular, recently formalized a partnership with major retailer The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) through the network’s Sun Partner Program.

Being the first generics retail pharmacy to operate in the Philippines, TGP has earned a variety of accolades throughout the years, including the Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise

as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

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

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55 13:35

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

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

Silk Air Mon/Sat Silk Air Wed/Sun Silk Air Thurs Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI588 / MI588 MI566 / MI566 MI551 / MI551 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

13:35 15:20 12:05 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

E-SEASON

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

7

Team PNoy in ‘early lead’ versus UNA, independent candidates

T

HE administration coalition has taken an early lead against the senatorial bets from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in the latest senatorial survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS).

In a survey originally published on BusinessWorld, SWS revealed that nine candidates from President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s Team PNoy will win if senatorial polls were to be at the time of the survey.

The survey, which conducted face to face interviews with 1,200 respondents from February 15 to 17, revealed six Team PNoy bets occupied the first half of the winning circle.

Reelectionist Senators Loren Legarda and Francis “Chiz” Escudero as well as former censors chief Grace Poe still occupy the top 5 even after being dropped as guest candidates from UNA last week.

Incumbent Senator Alan Peter Cayetano continues to trail behind Legarda and Escudero on the third spot while former Las Pinas City Rep. Cynthia Villar placed

fourth ahead of Poe. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who has just assumed post as senator in late 2011 after years of electoral protest since 2007, is tied at fifth and sixth place with the daughter of late Fernando Poe Jr. Meanwhile, the daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay jumped five notches from 12th place to seventh, becoming highest-ranking UNA candidate to enter the winning circle in the SWS survey.

Running under Team PNoy, Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV also jumped two spots, ranking 8th after coming from a tie on 10th and 11th place in the same survey held last January.

San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito-Estrada suffered a big loss after falling from the fourth spot down to a tie with social entrepreneur Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV on 9th and 10th place.

This is the first time for President Aquino’s first cousin to enter the Magic 12.

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara

PRESIDENTIAL PARTY. President Benigno Aquino III visits the Xavier University Ecoville Resettlement Area for Typhoon Sendong survivors in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 26. Aquino later went to Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center to

attend a rally of the administration’s Liberal Party senatorial slate and endorsed candidates for local positions in Northern Mindanao. [MindaNews/Froilan Gallardo]

re-entered the winning circle, occupying the 11th spot after placing 13th during the last two surveys conducted by SWS in December 2012 and January 2013.

Former Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri placed the last in the win-

ning circle, sliding from Top 7.

UNA candidates – Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce “Jack” Enrile and reelectionist Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan – were bumped off their spots in the Magic 12, placing 13th and 15th in the latest SWS

survey.

Jesus Is Lord Movement founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva placed 20th, the highest spot that an independent candidate not associated with any coalition has occupied.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn

with an artista,” Zubiri said.

“They say you have reached (a high stature) if they are throwing this kind of rumors against you,” he added.

Hinting annoyance and frustration, Zubiri even challenged those who still insist he is “hiding in the closet” into a fist fight.

“Anyone who says that to my face, be ready to put their dukes up

because I was the world champion of arnis in 1989,” Zubiri said.

“I represented the Philippines. And I was the wushu champion as well so they can try saying that to my face,” he added.

Zubiri, who has been married to Tan for seven years, told critics to direct questions about sexuality to other senatorial candidates.

“They should ask that question to other politicians whose wives already left them,” Zubiri said in a parting shot.

In May 2012, Zubiri’s rival Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III announced his separation from his wife, beauty queen Jewel May Lobaton.

Zubiri earlier admitted getting upset with Pimentel for his “malicious thoughts” before leaving United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) last year.

Zubiri and Pimentel traded electoral protest, saying they were both victims of election rigging in 2007 senatorial polls. [Yahoo!]

and Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro “Teddy” Casino placed 23rd and 24th while former Philippine Constabulary chief Ramon Montano and Ang Kapatiran Party bet JC Delos Reyes were tied on 26th and 27th places. [Yahoo!]

Binay on SWS poll on Zubiri on gay rumors: ‘Ask my wife’ VP UNA fall: I don’t believe it

“A

SK my wife.” It is all what resigned Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri could say in response to persistent rumors questioning his sexuality.

“They should ask my wife. My wife must be happy. She’s very happy with her husband,” Zubiri told Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

Zubiri, who has been married to commercial

model Audrey Tan, said the gossip started circulating after his break up with a popular singer and actress.

Then serving as Bukidnon congressman, the outspoken leader of so-called Spice Boys broke up with actress Vina Morales in 1999.

“I’ve said this before: I’m a lesbian. I love women. I will not dignify that with an answer. That all started when I broke up

Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, running for senator in the coming May 2013 elections, smiles during an interview with Yahoo! Philippines, at the Yahoo! Philippines’ office in Taguig, south of Manila on 26 February 2013. [George Calvelo/NPPA Images]

But believes in daughter’s ranking

“I

don’t believe it.”

This was how Vice President Jejomar Binay responded to the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) senatorial survey, where only three United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) bets made it to the Magic 12.

“How could I comment on something that I don’t believe in? Let’s look at it,” Binay said.

The vice president, who has been very vocal about his lack of confidence on political surveys, wants SWS to disclose how it conducted the study.

“It’s difficult to follow survey (results) because of their huge difference.

Some land on third, fourth places then in other survey, they place fifth. Maybe they should lay down their basis,” he added.

Binay explained he only ranked second or fourth places in surveys conducted during the official campaign period in the 2010 national elections.

He explained he is the perfect example of why

and how political surveys reflect a good estimate of voters’ preference after pulling of a come-from-behind victory in 2010 vice presidential race.

But while he doubts the poor performance of UNA senatorial candidates, Binay said SWS survey convinced him of his daughter’s performance in the senatorial race so far.

“Others have been wondering but I believe that part,” he said.

Nancy Binay got 47 percent of voters’ preference, jumping five notches from 12th place to seventh.

But the vice president’s daughter expressed elation over her drop in SWS survey, explaining her sliding down the survey could eventually protect her from negative attacks from critics.

“I would be more worried if I place higher because when I placed fourth in Pulse Asia, that was when they started to launch these attacks,” Binay’s daughter said in a separate interview. [Yahoo!]

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO The Europeanization of America

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

( Conclusion )

COMMENTARY

J

EDITORIAL

L

Local government control

ET’S get this clear. The campaign period for local elective positions does not begin until March 29.

Although the campaign period for national positions started last February 12, there are some ‘stray’ posters and billboards around bearing the images and names of local candidates. In simple terms, this is ‘epal’ (slang for “public officials who advertise themselves using government projects).

But ‘epal’ is not just limited to incumbent officials. There are candidates who, although not being incumbent officials, are also into some gimmickry of selling themselves in many ways than one.

There are those who hang tarps bearing greetings for fiesta, Christmas, New Year and other special occasions. These ‘epal’ billboards are mounted in village entrance, highways, intersections, schools and other conspicuous places.

The Commission on Elections says it cannot do anything about these forms of political advertising. The Comelec relies on the Supreme Court ruling in Perena v. Comelec decriminalizing premature campaigning. It says no one can be held for premature campaigning outside the

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campaign period. The rationale is that no one is considered a candidate until the start of the election period.

The Court emphasized that “any person who files his certificate of candidacy within [the filing] period shall only be considered a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy.”

With that argument, it is easy to say that anyone can advertise himself, print posters bearing his image and name, and the position he is seeking election to.

In this case, where the Comelec cannot impose restrictions against these materials which are obviously made to solicit votes, the local government can take action by implementing strictly the provisions of RA 9003 or the Anti-Littering Law. The problem is where the local government is dealing with incumbent officials guilty of these ‘palusot’ practices.

This brings us now to face this grim reality armed with our last weapon against lame laws and abusive lawmakers and officials.

If the law cannot stop them, let your votes do it.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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BY MARK LEONARD

. Robinson West, who advises most of the big energy companies as head of PFC Energy, predicts that the U.S. will be producing more energy than Saudi Arabia and Russia within two decades. But the Obama administration seems less excited about energy exports than the promise that cheap gas could lead to a manufacturing revival. The administration seems receptive to arguments put forth by Dow Chemical’s president, Andrew Liveris, that being cautious about granting export licenses could help create jobs in the U.S. Obama thinks a manufacturing revival is a key element of enhancing America’s ability to innovate – whether it is the chance to develop patents, innovations in production or create higher-wage technical jobs. Above all, Obama, influenced by the German example, thinks advanced manufacturing can create export-led growth.

The transatlantic trade deal knits the economic and geopolitical strands of the new Obama vision together. The idea of signing a free-trade deal with America’s most reliable allies should provide a more solid economic platform for the West’s attempts to support a liberal geopolitical order. Signing a deal with rich European Union countries that have high wages and even higher environmental standards accords with America’s new philosophy of globalization. Such a transatlantic deal – particularly if linked with hopes for trade deals in Asia (such as the TransPacificPartnership) will help the rich world to impose regulatory standards on rising powers by making access to this new mega-market dependent on meeting these standards.

People used to ask: What would bring the two sides of the Atlantic together – reminding them of their common interests or reinforcing the thick web of values that they share in common? The truth is that while values (guns, god and GMOs) and interests (Iraq, Israel-Palestine) have divided Europeans and Americans, it is austerity and the prospect of decline that have brought them back together.

This was obvious in one of Hillary Clinton’s last speeches as secretary of state, in which she explained that the U.S. is not planning to pivot away from Europe to Asia, rather with Europe to Asia. Her speech also illustrated the continuing differences between the European and American strategies for dealing with (relative) decline.

When it comes to global order, many Europeans distinguish between establishing a rules-based order and maintaining perpetual American primacy. They worry that Washington’s multi-partner strategy might prolong the latter at the expense of the former.

One example is Washington’s nuclear deal with India, which allowed a great power that is friendly with Washington to break the rules. In spite of Washington’s new debate about austerity, there continue to be differences over how to deal with global economic imbalances.

Oscar Wilde once famously joked that England and America are divided by a common language. But today, though Americans sound more German by the day, it is Washington and Berlin that seem divided by their common concepts (which may explain why Kerry began his journey in London rather than Berlin).

In spite of these differences, there does seem to be a remarkable convergence of views across the Atlantic, and a real chance to move beyond tactical cooperation on issues such as Libya and Syria toward a joint strategy. It is certainly better to be divided by a common language than living on separate planets.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

A

VANTAGE POINTS

Political intrusiveness

PLANNED CAMPAIGN MORE INSIDIOUS THAN A POLITICAL PARTY – Top leaders of the highly-politicized Catholic Church speak openly about their plan to stage a nationwide campaign aimed at pressing the faithful not to vote for some senatorial aspirants. The root cause of the controversy is the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill and the senate bets who voted for the approval of the significant measure. Attempts at influencing Catholic voters are aimed at humiliating the pro-RH Bill senate contenders – five from LP’s Team PNoy and two from UNA’s Tatak Binay group.

The over-bearing church superiors’ reference to the pro-RH Bill senate bets whom they called as “Team Patay,” however, led to speculations about moves in this sphere. This is plain and simple political meddling of the highest form. Through the years this ritual of the church hierarchy had been more visible and far-reaching. Nonetheless, some blabber-mouthed church leaders were quick enough to defend their actions citing morality as the primary reason for their “intrusion.”

Goodness gracious! What morality are they talking about? Have they forgotten too hastily that since time immemorial the Catholic Church had already been embroiled in immorality issues? Shades of hypocrisy!

Many renowned political analysts and religious experts even insinuated that what probably prompted the Pope to retire from his sovereign posts are the interlocking problems confronting the papacy such as profound mismanagement, rampant corruption and money laundering at the Vatican and sexual abuses involving men of the cloth. And yet the country’s church leaders still have the audacity to insist on

morality issue by describing mistakenly the RH Bill as anti-life and anti-poor measure that promotes abortion.

Holy cow! Nowhere in that law would they find a certain provision that clearly promotes abortion, which is of course, a heinous crime punishable by law.

Well, there are also reasons to respect their viewpoint. As citizens – laymen, priests and even bishops are perfectly within their rights, if not their duties. They can criticize and tell higher authorities when something gone awry that no one is above the law. You cannot just simply restraint them merely because they are authorities of the church. The Constitution says that no religious test maybe required for the exercise of one’s right. However, the problem begins when over-assuming church leaders seek to enforce their own beliefs and private virtues by using the pulpit and the faithful as unwitting tools to promote their vested interests.

There is no problem when citizens, church heads in particular – enforce public virtues or more accurately values that have been officially recognized by law such as public accountability – the part in which the Constitution says that “public office is a public trust.” Now here’s the question: “Is it proper for church leaders to join the political fray and continue to exert considerable influence on politics and

public opinion?” One of the main issues they considered a “perennial’ problem is the RH Bill. To set the record straight, the Constitution clearly says that the State shall defend the right of the spouses to plan their family in accordance with their religious conviction and the demand of responsible parenthood. It is therefore inappropriate for the church hierarchy to forcibly persuade the electorate not to vote for the pro-RH Bill senate bets because this mode of action is tantamount to dictatorial tendency – an insult to the voters’ intelligence.

Now, they want to embark on a campaign more deceptive than a political party. For years, church leaders relied heavily on the so-called “Catholic vote,” which has been proven time and again to be just that – all air, no substance. They should have broadened their apostolic works and attend to the needs of the faithful instead of crossing swords with government officials and politicians. Better still, they should take off their habiliments and join mainstream politics. The recent move of top church leaders not only marks the beginning of political meddling, but also opens the possibility of violating the Principles of the Separation of Church and State.

At this crucial juncture, perhaps we must establish new ways of thinking and develop new rules of conduct. Even more, we must uphold the existing principles that the separation of the church and state is inviolable. This defines that the state and the church or any religious order in the Philippines are two different entities, therefore should not meddle or influence each other. Quoting phrases from the Bible, Jesus said unto His disciples,” Give unto Caesar’s what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Italy elects the impossible

I

N a parliamentary election this week, a majority of Italian voters – some 60 percent – chose parties that even a cursory glance could tell had no coherent idea of how to run an advanced and complex state (let alone Italy). Forty percent voted for two groups that have a recognizably sensible approach to governance, the largest of which is mainly made up of the Democratic Party, heirs to the former Communist Party of Italy. In one of the smaller ironies of the election, these heirs of an anti-capitalist, anti parliamentary revolutionary ideology were regarded, especially by investors, bankers and politicians of both the center-right and center-left, as Italy’s greatest hope for constitutional and market stability.

Just under 30 percent of the vote went to the coalition put together by Silvio Berlusconi, a man not exactly proven at being able to govern Italy well. He is yesterday’s but also tomorrow’s man, who saw his run for office – once regarded as something of a joke – embraced as he promised to return, in cash, citizens’ payments

( 1st of two parts ) ANALYSIS

BY JOHN LLOYD

of a property tax for which his party had voted; asked a young woman how often she climaxed; and remarked, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, that former dictator Benito Mussolini, whose racial laws condemned thousands of Italian Jews to concentration camps and death, had done some good things in his time.

He didn’t win, but nearly did; which means he remains a major power in the land.

Tim Parks, the British writer who has married and lived for most of his life in Italy, wrote of his adopted people that “nonchalance is perhaps their greatest (talent)”, and continued: “Berlusconi’s political instincts mesh perfectly with the collective determination (of Italians) not to face the truth, which again combines with the deep fear that a more serious leader might ask too much of them. … Only in a country where tax evasion is endemic can one appeal to evaders at the expense

of those who pay taxes.”

The other major threat to the necessary reform of Italian politics and society is the surging Five Star movement of former comedian and champion blogger Beppe Grillo. It is an irony that this man, who has no obvious peers in his movement, is positing the largest possible reform and has the least means to achieve it. Grillo has for a decade and more described the entire political class, and the news media, and the Church and the corporate establishment, as thieves, criminals and liars, interested only in feathering their own nests and in pursuing their private vices.

His program is for the political parties to “go home,” for Parliament to be dissolved and for parliamentary rule to be replaced by rule of the people, their will made evident through the Internet. Little question that this is absurd: If and when the Net plays a large role in democratic politics, we will require a staged and consensual movement, one that is explained at length and over time to the electorate. Grillo’s leap into postmodernity is a fantastic indulgence.

9

Ushering peace in the ‘land of bakwits’ ( 1st of two parts )

SPECIAL FEATURE

BY HILBERT T. ESTACION

W

HENEVER 60 year-old farmer Zukarnain Dagandal looks at the sky, he does not see the clear skies and the cotton-like clouds.

Instead, he sees images of violent armed conflicts: planes unloading bombs, people caught in cross fires, burning houses, and other kinds of hostilities.

He is not the only one having these images flash before their eyes. He and fellow villagers in the war-torn village of Pamalian in Pikit, North Cotabato located 20 kilometers away from the town proper, have witnessed how difficult life can be in the middle of two raging groups: the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Residents there have seen firsthand the ugly effects of war.

“Wala sa atin ngayon o di kaya ang susunod na henerasyon ang papagindapatin na magdurusa sa epekto ng kaguluhan (Neither we nor our next generation deserves to suffer the effects of armed conflict),” Dagandal lamented.

Through the collaborative efforts of different agencies, Dagandal’s anticipation for the dawning of a beautiful morning in Pikit after the nightmares of armed conflicts will hopefully soon unfold before his eyes.

Pikit, is a first-class and predominantly Muslim municipality in North Cotabato. Although, a relatively peaceful community as compared to its neighboring towns, it was always in the eye of the storm, dragged in conflict from 1997 to 2008 because of the warring factions.

In 2000, former President Joseph Estrada declared “all-out war” against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a declaration which led to the take-over of Camp Abubakar, along with other 13 major camps and 43 minor camps of MILF. The war continued from 2003 and 2008, with then-President Glorial Macapagal-Arroyo waging a war against the rebel groups following a series of bombings and after the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was trashed by the Supreme Court, prompting Ameril Umbra Kato and other groups to stage attacks on various civilians, respectively.

Afraid of getting caught in the crossfire, residents fled their villages, running for their lives and staying in the nearest evacuation centers until the conflict ceased. Because of the several instances that the villagers evacuated, some dubbed Pikit as “land of bakwits (evacuees).”

The armed conflicts took its toll on Pikit, resulting in the consumption of the resources of the community and the energy of the people.

Their plight did not go unnoticed, as various international, national, and local aid organizations reached out to them to answer the immediate needs of displaced and conflict affected individuals to rehabilitate their lives.

One such organization was the Office of the Presidential Affairs on the Peace Process (OPAPP), which has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to implement Payapa at Masaganang pamayanan (PAMANA, or Peaceful and Resilient Communities), the Peace and Social Cohesion Project for conflict conflict-affected communities.

PAMANA is the Philippine government’s peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.

10 NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Psy slaps Rodman over North-South slip F

LAMBOYANT former NBA star Dennis Rodman’s colourful tweets from the heart of Stalinist North Korea appear to have upset South Korea’s best known cultural export, the “Gangnam Style” rapper Psy. In one of several tweets since he arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday with members of the Harlem Globetrotters, the retired basketball Hall of Famer wondered if he might meet up with Psy during his stay in the

North.

“Maybe I’ll run into the Gangnam Style dude while I’m here,” he tweeted.

Whether Rodman was joking or not, Psy clearly decided he needed to be set right on the geo-politics of the divided Korean peninsula, and which side he hailed from. “@dennisrodman I’m from #SOUTH man!!!” the singer retorted on his twitter feed Wednesday.

Psy, who has been on a constant world tour since his Gangnam Style

video became the viral hit of 2012, was in his home country on Monday performing at the inauguration of South Korea’s new president Park Geun-Hye. South and North Korea remain technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean conflict concluded with a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty.

Inter Korean tensions are running particularly high at the moment, after the North conducted its third nuclear test earlier this month, triggering global condemnation.

Lieutenant Greanata Jude.

“Most of the equipment on top of the deck has already been transferred to a barge but they have yet to get the large equipment inside the ship,” she told AFP. Sensitive equipment from the USS Guardian will be re-used but most of the ship will have to be scrapped after its hull was breached when it ran aground the reef in a remote part of the Sulu Sea, she said.

The ship damaged a section of the reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich marine life. President Benigno Aquino has said the US Navy will have to pay penalties for the damage.

The US Navy had originally targeted March 23 for the full removal of the

vessel but the bad weather could change the timeframe, Jude said.

The wood-and-fibreglass hulled boat, estimated to cost about $277 million, was too badly damaged to be towed away, the US Navy said earlier.

The United States has repeatedly apologised for the incident, which it has blamed on faulty maps, but it has fuelled anger in the Philippines, a former American colony and important US ally in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vessels sailing into the Tubbataha marine park need permission but Philippine authorities said the crew of the Guardian had made no request to enter and had even ignored radio messages that it was about to hit the reef. [AFP]

Funnel removed from US Navy ship stuck on Tubbataha Reef

S

ALVAGE teams have removed the funnel from a US Navy ship stranded on a UN World Heritage-listed coral reef in the Philippines after bad weather caused weeks of delays, the coastguard said on Wednesday.

The 68-metre (223foot) USS Guardian minesweeper became stuck on the Tubbataha Reef on January 17 and strong winds and heavy seas have hampered the operation to dismantle it.

The salvagers hailed the removal on Tuesday of the funnel as a major step.

The team has also removed the ship’s winch, used to operate its sonar equipment, and plans to dismantle the mast later Wednesday, said regional coastguard spokeswoman

The USS Guardian sits aground on the UN World Heritage-listed Tubbataha coral reef in the Philippines, January 22, 2013. Salvage teams have removed the funnel from the US Navy ship after bad weather caused weeks of delays, the coastguard said on Wednesday. [AFP]

Former NBA player Dennis Rodman. His colorful tweets from the heart of Stalinist North Korea appear to have upset South Korea’s best known cultural export, the “Gangnam Style” rapper Psy. [AFP]

World powers, Iran wrap up crunch nuclear talks

Representatives from world powers and Iran hold talks on Iran’s nuclear programme in the Kazakh city of Almaty on February 26, 2013. World powers and Iran were due Wednesday to respond to offers presented by both sides in a final day of talks aimed at breaking a decade of deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear drive. [AFP]

W

ORLD powers and Iran on Wednesday wrapped up two days of talks in Kazakhstan aimed at breaking a decade of deadlock over the Iranian nuclear programme, but there was no sign they had achieved any breakthrough.

The first day of gruelling negotiations in an upscale hotel in the Kazakh city of Almaty had concluded Tuesday with both sides relieved to have pushed the talks along for another day.

The world powers of the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany had described the first day of the talks as “useful” without giving further details.

The second day began with a one-on-one session between EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton -- representing the world powers -- and chief Iranian negotiator Saeed Jalili.

All the nations involved then opened a full

plenary session behind closed doors. The first day’s session lasted three hours but on the second day it wrapped up in just one hour.

“Talks have concluded,” said a Western official, adding that details of the meeting would be provided shortly. An Iranian official also confirmed that the talks had now concluded, without giving further details.

The powers made an offer to ease some sanctions on Iran in exchange for concessions on its disputed nuclear programme -- a proposal that had been discussed in various forms at three previous meetings in the past year.

Ashton’s spokesman had made clear late Tuesday that it was very much up to Iran to respond to the offer, although Tehran had also said it was coming up with counter offers of its own.

“We hope very much that the Iranian side

comes back (on Wednesday) showing flexibility and a willingness to negotiate,” Ashton’s spokesman Michael Mann said.

“The ball is very much in their court,” Mann stressed.

On the table is an offer for the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany to ease sanctions on Iran’s gold and precious metals trade while simultaneously lifting some restrictions on the Islamic republic’s banking operations.

The measures are meant to encourage goodwill in Tehran while encouraging it to stop enriching uranium to 20 percent -- a level seen as being within striking distance of military capabilities.

The powers also want Iran to shut the Fordo plant where such highgrade enriched uranium is produced and to ship out the existing stock it does not need for established medical purposes. [AFP]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Humanitarian...

FFROM 2

products, providing small entrepreneurs, farmers and fisherfolk access to fair capital markets and implementing support mechanisms are all required to build back the local economy stronger”.

Dr. Lourdes Simpol, director of Ateneo Tropical Institute for Climate Studies (Ateneo TropICS), presented her organization’s findings and recommendations for Post-Pablo recovery in the eastern seaboard of Mindanao which focuses on food security, livelihood sustainability, and local economy and industries.

Other recommendations for LGUs is to facilitate recovery planning and updating of municipal land use plans and

Villar says...

comprehensive development plans must include the standards of infrastructure and shelter and long term factors such as crop identification, market access, technology and development among others.

“Now is an opportunity for government to implement an equitable development plan, by strengthening the local economy communities will be able to cope better with future extreme weather events and global economic fluctuations” Lee added. “for example, it is crucial to put in place policies that would ensure fair contracts that benefit both farmers and banana growers, as well as the packing industry,”

Lee further adds.

For Oxfam’s Humanitarian Programme Coordinator Paul del Rosario, local government units must practice inclusive and participative governance in determining the rehabilitation of basic social services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in the community. “Local government units must incorporate disaster risk reduction elements in recovery planning and ensure that residents are provided options for resettlement in areas of low risk. Resettlement areas must also have provisions for access to basic and essential services as well as livelihoods,” del Rosario adds.

FFROM 2

tims were able to come to Davao City when in fact they are from Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. They just came here to destroy a government building and forcibly get the relief goods? I guess we need to know who transported them here,” she added.

Villar added that people should know where the finances of the activ-

DSWD...

ists came from and who informed them about the relief goods that is stored in the DSWD office.

“I won’t be surprised if they ransack DSWD office in ComVal or Davao Oriental, because this people are claiming that they are residents from those places, but why Davao City?,” she said.

The senatorial candidate said she is happy

that the people getting her message and believe in her intentions.

She said that she would continue to provide livelihood projects to generate more jobs for people to be able to provide money for education, medicine and for their living. “We teach them how to fish, we don’t give them fish,” Villar added.

FFROM 1

tants be given until June to produce the list, at which time the DSWD will also release the 10,000 sacks of rice.

The signed agreement is this: “AGREEMENTS MADE AND DULY SIGNED BETWEEN BARUG KATAWHAN AND DSWD REGION XI

1. There is a need for

validation in every Purok/Sitio in the concerned barangay to determine inadequacy/insufficiency of relief goods received. This will be a coordinated effort of Barug Katawhan, Balsa Mindanao, PLGU, MLGU, BLGU and DSWD Region XI. 2. The validation should immediately determine the total number of families who did not receive enough goods as basis for distribution of relief goods.

3. The relief operation will cover six months from December 2012 until June 2013.

4. Barug Katawhan, DSWD Region XI, PLGU-PSWDO, MLGU-MSWDO, BLGU, and Balsa Mindano

have agreed to fast track the validation on the number of families who did not receive enough goods, the sitios and puroks in the barangay which did not receive or failed to receive sufficient relief goods. Barug Katawhan will provide the list if there are indeed areas which did not receive or which obtained inadequate relief goods.

5. On the request of the members of Barug Katawhan ‘to bring home a little volume of rice when they return home’, it was agreed that 100 sacks of rice will be provided them.

6. It was sworn and duly agreed by Barug Katawhan, PNP-Davao City, and DSWD XI that there will be no action for retaliation against each one including fostering other means to cause break down to what have been agreed.

7. It has been agreed that should there be problems in effect to this signed agreement, only the following have the authority to discuss the

matter:

Barug Katawhan -Larlos Trangia, Cirila Anding and Grace Curso Balsa Mindanao -Rev. Sarly Templado and Sr. Noime Degala Environmentalist -Francis Morales DSWD -ASec. Camilo G. Gudmalin and RD Priscilla N. Razon” The alleged ransacking and the ensuing dispersal by police last Tuesday and yesterday left in their wake two protesters, five policemen and a media photographer slightly injured , while an alleged undercover policeman was disarmed by militants.

The protesters, including some women and children, who claimed to be victims of Typhoon “Pablo” continued their rally yesterday in front of the DSWD Region11 office demanding for the release of 10,000 sacks of rice the government had promised them provided they submit a list of legitimate beneficiaries.

To many observers, it was really a case of both parties reneging on each other’s promise –DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman’s alleged commitment to release the 10,000 sacks of rice and the militant group Barug Ka-

11

Armed men ambush vehicle of chieftain supportive of mining

U

NIDENTIFIED armed men ambushed the vehicle supposedly owned by a tribal chieftain supportive of the mining venture of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI).

Neraldo “Dot” Capion, tribal chieftain of Bong Mal, said two men armed with Garand and M-14 rifles fired at the vehicle carrying his wife Madelyn, 34, two other women, a child and the driver around 3 p.m.

Tuesday at Barangay Kimlawis in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. Fortunately, no one

suffered serious injuries in the incident, he told a local radio station here.

The group was going home from Digos City in Davao del Sur when ambushed in Barangay Kimlawis, some 14 kilometers away from their home in Bong Mal, Capion said.

Kimlawis is part of the mines development site of SMI. Capion, who did not go with the group, said that at least eight shots were fired, some hitting the car.

The tribal chieftain believed “he was the

main target of the attack and that he knows who could have been behind the ambush.” He did not give a name or identify the group, however.

Manolo Labor, SMI external communications and media relation superintendent, separately confirmed the attack.

Capt. William Rodriguez, spokesman of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade that has jurisdiction over the area, did not respond to calls and text message for more details of the attack. [Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews]

Kudarat, North Cotabato, and South Cotabato

police provincial offices and the city police offices of Cotabato and General Santos City.

He said another unit was assigned to the Police Regional Office 12’s Aviation Security Group 12.

“The PNP organization and the US government under the ATA had been partners in a mission and vision to provide the country and the world a peace-

ful place free from any danger, threat or killing,” Mauricio said.

ATA had conducted several trainings and courses for police personnel all over the country to enhance their capabilities and capacity to detect, deter, counter, and investigate terrorist activities, he said.

He said they were especially trained in detecting bombs, disarming and disposal of improvised explosive

devices.

“The knowledge and skills of our EOD personnel in the region were greatly enhanced through this initiative,” Mauricio said.

Aside from the blast investigation equipment and explosive incident countermeasure kits, he said the US State Department also donated a laptop computer and a 5-in-1 printer. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

tawhan’s promise to submit a list of genuine beneficiaries.

Also yesterday, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte ordered City Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa to disperse the picket.

“I gave him (dela Rosa) blanket authority to do whatever needs to be done to end it ASAP (as soon as possible). If the rallyists resort to violence I told him to use force to quell the violence and arrest as many as they can,” she said in a text message.

Reacting to the mayor’s order, Sheena Duazo, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao, said the mayor is heartless, adding that the Pablo victims did not want to cause chaos but to ask for food.

When the protesters tried to block the police’s food ration at 10:30 a.m. another riot broke out which resulted in injuries to two protesters, five police officers and a press photographer, according to statements coming from Duazo, Sta. Ana Police Station chief Police Superintendent Cesar Cabuhat, and Karlos Manlupig, the media man who was hurt during the scuffle.

Protesters Allan Capili,

27, from Monkayo and Daniel Binang, 31, of Compostela town were arrested and detained by the police.

A 9mm caliber pistol was also confiscated by militants from an undercover police officer who was in civilian attire. “Our marshals noticed a man in plain white t-shirt, who we believed was a police intelligence agent whom we disarmed,” said Tony Salubre of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).

Dela Rosa admitted that the man was a policeman under him, and that he would take full responsibly should a case be filed against the policeman not in uniform. “Policemen risk their necks when they violate the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban to perform their duties,” he said.

“But an assault against authorities and disarming a policeman is a heavier case than the Comelec gun ban violation,” dela Rosa said, adding, “The man in a sutana, who may be a priest or a pastor, disarmed the policeman. How can a servant of the church be so abusive?”

During a press conference at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) library yesterday, Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) head Eduardo

Estores said that the force used by the authorities was too much, considering that the protesters were simple people from the provinces who were victims of “Pablo”.

“These are people who lost their children and families during the typhoon, people who have children who are starving, what is more important, getting the master list or giving the hungry victims the relief goods that were promised to them?” he said.

DSWD regional office spokesperson Carmela Duron said that it won’t take that long to verify names in the required master list, it depends on the agreement on whether or not the relief goods could be given on the spot.

“I hope there will be a settlement today, because I feel sorry for the ‘Pablo’ survivors, I feel sorry for all of us,” she said.

The closed-doormeeting was held inside the DSWD 11 office with the leaders of Barug Katawhan, DSWD assistant secretary Camilo Gudmalin, and DCPO director dela Rosa to come up with an agreement on whether the 10,000 sacks of rice would be released or not. [With Lorie Ann A. Cascaro /MindaNews]

US donates...

FFROM 2

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VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

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SPORTS 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

P

ERENNIAL chamion Davao City fished seven golds at the pool and that is all that they needed to stay on top of the heap after three days of of hostilities in this year’s Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet in Davao del Norte.

The Durians showed the way while the host Pioneers are far behind at fourth place.

As of 3pm today, the Durians got nine golds, 11 silvers and seven bronze medals ranking them number one over nine other contingents.

The Durians capitalized on a seven gold haul at the pool to go one up over second-running Davao del Sur Cobras with 8 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes.

Digos City is in third place with a 5-1-3 harvest while host Davao del Norte has 3-4-4 after three days. Rounding up the standings areIGACOS (2-3-4), Davao Oriental ((2-1-2), Panabo City (15-0), Compostela Valley (0-3-4), Mati City (0-2-2) and Tagum City (0-1-4).

Durians show way DAVRAA 2013 Team Standing (Medal Tally) As of February 27, 2013 (3:00 PM) – Day 2 Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Team Davao City Durians DavSur Cobras Digos City Trekkers DavNor Pioneers IGaCoS Pearls Davao Oriental Sunrisers Panabo City Banana Magnate CamValGolds Mati City Sea Eagles Tagum City Premier

Gold 9 8 5 3 2 2 1 0 0 0

Silver 11 2 1 4 3 1 5 3 2 1

Bronze 7 2 3 4 4 2 0 4 2 4

Source: DAVRAA 2013 Secretariat

In Day 3 action, Davao del Norte Pioneers dominated the Davao del Sur Cobras, 2-1, in Sepak Takraw to kickstart its gold medal campaign in the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA).

Third regu players Kingsly Jay Culanag, Mario Sagaldia and Charles Libatan-II carried the

fight for the vaunted Pioneers.

“The day isn’t over yet”, said by Mario Sagaldia, a player from the pioneers reminding his troop not to be overwhelmed because their mission is to grab the gold.

In other events, Davao del Norte Pioneers finally hammered their way to

grab a “W” against Mati City, 25-21 26-24, in elementary volleyball at the University of Mindanao Gymnasium in the ongoing 2013 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet.Led by team captain Franklin Cuabong of Sto. Nino National High School, Talaingod, the Pioneers hand-

ed the Sea Eagles’ their second defeat. The Sea Eagles had one win over Davao Oriental yesterday.

It was the first win for the Pioneers who dropped two matches yesterday against Davao City Durians and Compostella Valley Golds.

“It’s a morale booster getting this win”, team

captain Cuabong said in an interview after the game.

DavNor Pioneers team coach Jesus Maramara said that teamwork and trust from teammates were their keys in opening this victory. (with Jumar James B. Dela Cruz and Jerry Ben V. Sasam)

14

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

P1M up for grabs in Phoenix Open A

whopping million pesos in cash and 100,000 pesos worth of Phoenix fuel cards await the winners of the hole-in-one of the 5th Phoenix Open on March 9, 2013 at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club Davao City. A brand new pick-up, a car, and other prizes will also be given away in designated par 3 holes.

Lucky winners shall receive Royal Selangor Pewter Plates and Phoenix Petroleum Fuel cards.

Champions shall receive limited edition Phoenix signature golf bags.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines CEO Dennis Uy, this year’s Datu Bago Awardee, will be leading the hitting of ceremonial balls.

Registration is ongoing until March 4, 2013, Monday, up to 5 pm. Participants can register at the following outlets: Rancho Palos Verdes, Apo Golf and Country Club, and Davao City Golf Club.

Entry fee is P5,000.00 per player inclusive of dri-fit golf

shirt, a double layered golf umbrella, portable gadget power bank and a golf cap, to be distributed on the day of the tournament at the venue. Players can participate in the team, partner or individual categories.

Phoenix Open players are entitled to one practice round on any day between March 5 to 8, 2013 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club upon presentation of the tournament receipt at the club’s front office.

The 5th Phoenix Open is presented by

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Pioneer Insurance. Proceeds from the 5th Phoenix Open will go to the advocacies of the Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc. The Phoenix Open is the official golf event of the Araw ng Dabaw festival.

For more information, please call tournament organizer Ms. Liloh Evangelista at 0917-362-0880, 0922-944-4114 or email phoenix.opengolf@phoenixphilippines.com

DENNIS UY

Basketball coach Dayong stages one-man show

D

AYONG J. Mendoza, renowned artist and former PBA and collegiate basketball coach, will mount his third OneMan Show on March 2 at the Blue Gray Gallery inside Serendra at the Global City Taguig.

“Dyip! Dyip! Dyip!” will mark Dayong’s comeback after 14 years of absence from the art scene. His last exhibition, “Ugat,” was sold out in 1999 at the SM

Megamall in Mandaluyong City. His first, “Basketbol Siris” in 1996, was also sold out at Shangri-La Makati.

While “Basketbol Siris” was about Philippine basketball and “Ugat” touched on rural life in his father’s bucolic hometown in Pangasinan, “Dyip! Dyip!

Dyip!” is Dayong’s bold attempt at depicting the quaint qualities of the nation’s No. 1 mode of transportation.

NCCC Mall hosts DSA Forum today

T

HE NCCC Mall Davao, particularly its Food Cove located at the second floor, plays host to the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at 10 a.m. today.

Guests are Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDDCMO) officer-in-charge Pochollo Elegino, Phoenix Araw ng Dabaw Marathon race director Kenneth Sai

and Davao Tenpin Bowlers Association (Datba) PRO Joshua Disuacido along with HB1 marketing supervisors BJ Pedres and Delsea Rain Sanchez.

Elegino is set to bare the various events entered in the 76th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival while Sai tackles updates on the Phoenix Araw ng Dabaw Marathon, dubbed SM to SM Run, slated March 10.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Pleasures in small packages HERE’S my last hoorah for February. Baking, as you now all know, is my waterloo thus; I opt not to play with the oven unless I want to forget something. In this case, I wanted to take my stress off my face and my system and I decided to do it the baking way.

Woke up with that much gusto to bake, I ended up making some cupcakes with the ingredients I have in my pantry.

Playing with flour made me think of new ways to keep my busy schedule in the positive box whilst trying to envision the possibilities of the cupcake I am about to make.

Cupcakes are basically cakes in their own rights.

Well, literally they are but they are made in smaller batches and bite size pieces for easier consumptions.

Flavors after another are made to fill the bland taste of the cake. Different shades of colors and toppings are used to make the cupcakes as playful as its flavor. Sonja’s Cupcake over at Serendra, Dulgie’s many flavored cupcakes in Iloilo, Vanille at the terraces in Ayala Center Cebu, Bob’s Café and their wide array of colorful sweets over at Bacolod and of course, our very own Johnny Cupcakes are but some of my favorites as they whip up cupcakes that are extraordinarily delicious and affordable too.

Now, here is my own cupcake recipe. Being the scared baker that I am, I chose to keep it simple but not bland. Try this and tweak the recipe to your own liking. Add the flavors you want and top it with anything that you like just DO NOT forget to load up on the flavor! Remember --- your imagination is your limitation.

Cheesy Cupcakes Here is my basic cupcake recipe. Just because I love cheese, I opted to make mine with some cheese bites in it. I have found it to be not too sweet – like how I want it to be. So, if you have a sweet tooth, just add honey or maple syrup in the recipe and you are all set.

Ingredients: ½ cup softened unsalted butter ¾ cup to 1 cup white sugar 1 ½ cups shifted all pur-

1/2 cup hot water 3 tablespoon butter Pinch of rock salt 2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract ¼ cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoon cinnamon powder ½ teaspoon chili powder Pure chocolate Liquer Oil for frying

pose flour ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 2 eggs 2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2/3 cup milk Cheddar cheese, cubed Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line muffin pans with cupcake baking paper. Set aside In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth and well blended. Better use an electric mixer to do this. Cream butter and sugar until well blended.

Add eggs one at a time.

Remember to beat after each addition. Add vanilla extract and continue beating.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, stir dry ingredients together. Once blended, add dry ingredients and cheese to the butter mixture. Mix well. Use spatula and scrape the edges. Add milk. Mix again.

Scoop out mixture into muffin pans. Use ice cream scoop to have it uniformed or fill ¾ of each pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cupcakes are baked.

Use a toothpick to test – if it comes out clean, it is cooked.

Could be topped with more cheese before baking. Cool before serving.

Marbled cupcake Just like the choco marble cake, this cupcake is as whimsical as the cake.

With chocolate swirling in your mouth with every bite, you are sure to finish a piece after another in minutes However, if you want a more chocolatey flavored cupcake, double up on the

chocolate syrup and you are good to go.

Ingredients: ½ cup softened unsalted butter ¾ cup to 1 cup white sugar 1 ½ cups shifted all purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 2 eggs 2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2/3 cup milk 2 tablespoon Chocolate syrup or Chocolate liqueur Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line muffin pans with cupcake baking paper. Set aside In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth and well blended. Better use an electric mixer to do this. Cream butter and sugar until well blended.

Add eggs one at a time.

Remember to beat after each addition. Add vanilla extract and continue beating.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, stir dry ingredients together. Once blended,

add dry ingredients and cheese to the butter mixture. Mix well. Use spatula and scrape the edges. Add milk. Mix again.

Add chocolate liqueur to the mixture and fold lightly creating a trail of chocolate goodness with each fold. Do not mix thoroughly as we only want to have bits of the chocolate flavor in the batter.

Scoop out mixture into muffin pans. Use ice cream scoop to have it uniformed or fill ¾ of each pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cupcakes are baked. Use a toothpick to test – if it comes out clean,

it is cooked.

Cool before serving.

Deep Fried Creamy Vanilla Fritters rolled in Cinnamon Sugar Drizzled with Chocolate Liquer Craving for something sweet, crispy and creamy, I opted to whip some churros but ended up with some fritters instead. One note though, do not overmix your batter to keep it from falling out of shape.

Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour 1 large egg at room temperature

Procedure: In a pan, mix butter, salt and water. Bring to a boil over low heat.

In a bowl, mix all purpose flour and water-butter mixture until completely dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps. Let cool for 5 minutes and set aside.

Cover with cling wrapper.

Once cooled, add the egg. With an electric mixture, mix completely until well incorporated. Once done, add vanilla extract.

Mix again. Continue until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix sugar, chili powder and cinnamon powder. Set aside.

Heat pan with oil over high heat. Once suitable for deep frying, lower heat down to low.

Scoop one tablespoon of batter in another tablespoon and continue until it forms into fritters. If you are unable to do so, place mixture in a pastry bag, snip the end and use to form the fritters directly into the oil.

Deep fry fritters and brown on all sides. Once done, throw in with the cinnamon powder and toss to cover fritters. Drizzle with pure chocolate liqueur and serve hot.

If you do not have any chocolate liqueur (thank you Siao for this!), you can use any chocolate or caramel syrup or even plain maple syrup.

Happy Birthday to our lil kitchen chef, Datu Ansel Raees Norman Sinsuat Zainal and to our beloved Mommy – we miss you and continue to guide us from up there Lovelove 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!

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

SM City General Santos’ first 3 Day Sale kicks off on March 1 SHOP till you drop as SM City General Santos brings to you the first ever biggest 3-day Sale to hit General Santos City. Get up to 70% off on selected items from March 1 to March 3, 2013 mall-wide. Avail of the 2-Hour Special exclusive to SM Advantage, Prestige, and BDO Rewards cardholders during the first day of the sale from 10am to 12nn and get an additional 10% off on almost all items at The SM Store, SM Appliance Center, Ace Hardware, Toy Kingdom, Surplus Shop, and Watsons.

SM City General Santos will be giving away 3 Sets Devant Smart 3D Internet TV to our valued shoppers on March 3, 2013. Every P500 single or accumulated purchase, within the promo period, from The SM Store, SM Supermarket entitles a shopper to one raffle coupon.

SM Foodcourt Customer gets one raffle coupon with every P150 single purchase receipt. SM Cinema Customer gets one raffle coupon with every single purchase of four cinema tickets.

Shoppers may also avail of additional raffle coupons through the SM Eco Bag purchase. For every purchase of 1 set of SM Eco bags, along with a minimum P500 worth of a single or accumulated purchases from mall establishment, entitles customer to one additional coupon. Global Pinoy members may present their Global Pinoy cards, along with a minimum P500 worth of single or accumulated purchases from participating mall establishments, to avail of three additional coupon.

Raffle draw will be on March 3 at 9:45pm at the mall Event Center. Deadline for submission of entries is fifteen minutes before the raffle draw begins. The list of winners will be posted in designated areas at the mall.

At The SM Store, shoppers are entitled with a raffle coupon for a chance to win one of seven iPad mini 16GB Wi-Fi plus 3G with free globe prepaid SIM powersurf 99 for every purchase worth P 1000 in a singlereceipt. Get additional 5% rebate on a minimum P 5,000 single-receipt purchase with BDO Credit Card.

Free P100 Savings Coupon for EVERY P2,000 singlereceipt purchase on Saturday and Sunday which may be redeemed on his / her next purchase also at The SM Store.

Enjoy shopping with SM City General Santos’ 3-Day Sale on March 1 –3, 2013. Mall hours are extended from 9am to 10pm.

For event updates, check out SM City General Santos (Official) on Facebook or call Marketing Department at (083) 878-0667.

Philippines’ AirAsia turns up the heat at the recently concluded Travel Tour Expo in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City with super low fares for flights from Clark International Airport to Kalibo (Boracay), Davao, Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Photo shows (L-R) Philippines’ AirAsia Commercial head Freddy Herrera, Philippines’ AirAsia CEO Maan Hontiveros, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Travel Tour Expo chairperson Aileen Clemente, PTAA president John Paul Cabalza and Miss Tourism International 2012 Rizzi Alexi Gomez at the opening of the three-day exhibit.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Fly away for free with a Globe Platinum plan

Get a roundtrip ticket to your destination of choice and a smartphone for free when you subscribe to a Globe Platinum plan with your Allied Bank credit card EVERYBODY has a dream vacation. May it be in an exotic beach, in a majestic countryside, in the land of temples, or in an ultimate shopping district, we all get giddy about the thought of setting foot on our destination of choice.

Dream no more, because with the new partnership between Globe Platinum and Allied Bank, you can now travel to your favorite place in the world for free. Yes, you read it right – FOR FREE. With this exciting tieup in time for the summer holiday, Allied Bank credit cardholders who subscribe to any Globe Platinum plan from February 1 to May 1, 2013 with successful applications will receive free Mabuhay Miles enough to earn them a roundtrip ticket to Asia, Australia, or the United States.

Subscribers under Platinum Plan 3799 get free 30,000 Mabuhay Miles which can be used in Bangkok, Bali, Beijing, Fukuoka, Delhi, Guam, Hongkong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Nagoya, Osaka, Ho Chi Minh, Seoul and Shanghai.

For Platinum Plan 5000, subscribers are gifted with 40,000 Mabuhay Miles which can be used to travel to Sydney and Melbourne also for free.

Finally, Platinum Plan 10000 subscribers will receive 60,000 Mabuhay Miles which they can use to fly all the way to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Honolulu, Hawaii.

As an added bonus, all Platinum subscribers get a Sony Experia Arc to stay in touch with friends and loved ones while wandering around the world.

“With this hard-to-resist offer, now is the perfect time to get a Globe Platinum plan, especially for those who love to travel and see the beauty of the world,” said Debbie Obias, Head of Globe Platinum. “It’s really more fun to be on Globe Platinum with a host of exclusive perks and privileges, and now the chance to travel for free to their favorite international destination when subscribers use

their Allied Bank credit card to enroll.”

Aside from the amazing free trips, Platinum Plan 3799 subscribers get unlimited mobile internet, 7 call and text freebies, P2,800 monthly consumable for calls and texts, and a Platinum Blue Membership which includes exclusive access to the 24/7 Globe Platinum hotline, Platinum Concierge Service assistance, exclusive offers and discounts from partner establishments, and priority lane access in all Globe Stores nationwide.

For Platinum Plan 5000, subscribers also get unlimited mobile internet, choice of SuperDuo or Consumable Roaming, P4,001 monthly consumable for calls and texts, and Platinum Premier membership which includes the same privileges for the Platinum Blue membership plus your choice of premium reward for every P120,000 spend, inclusive of roaming charges, a dedicated Platinum Relationship Manager, worldwide concierge service, MIASCOR Lounge Access at the NAIA Terminal 1, complimentary pickup and delivery for handset repair, plus use of an emergency handset and complimentary vanity numbers to ensure you get the mobile number you want.

Finally, Platinum Plan 10000 subscribers get the best of all worlds with their unlimited mobile internet, choice of SuperDuo or Consumable Roaming, P10,000 monthly consumable for calls and texts, and Platinum Elite membership which includes the same privileges for the Platinum Premier membership plus one Platinum Elite extension card to share select benefits with a nominated recipient, extended MIASCOR

Subscribe to a Globe Platinum plan with your Allied Bank credit card now and get a roundtrip ticket to your destination of choice in Asia, Australia, or the United States for free.

Lounge access for 1 guest, credit limit flexibility with up to 50% increase when needed, and hassle-free access to other Globe services with waived documentation requirements.

Globe Platinum launched the Platinum Concierge Service last year giving its subscribers access to a premium hotline which provides exclusive assistance on a slew of services such as referral and reservation assistance for golf activities, car and limousine rentals, hotel accommodations, restaurants, flower and gift delivery, events and performances, as well as business, courier and messenger services anywhere in the Philippines.

In recognition of their global lifestyles, Globe Platinum offered its Premier and Elite members complimentary VIP access to the MIASCOR Lounge at the NAIA Terminal 1.

Private amenities include

complimentary food and beverage, a business center complete with wireless internet connection, cable television service, baggage and coat storage areas, centralized music, conference rooms, local and international reading materials, towels and toiletries, shower facilities, and flight monitor and paging systems.

Globe Platinum prides itself in giving its subscribers customizable offers no other network can provide. Aside from the latest premium handsets and devices, Globe Platinum offers consumable amounts and various choices of complimentary exclusives which can be changed as often as every month. It is known in the industry to provide unparalleled service from the country’s top relationship managers, as well as exclusive rewards and privileges to its growing number of subscribers.

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Ben Affleck shaves beard!

Source says Oscar winner wanted to ‘Mark the end of a chapter’ GET READY to welcome back a barefaced Ben Affleck.

The Argo director and star, who captured our hearts during his Oscars acceptance speech last night for Best Motion Picture, has decided to part ways with his lucky beard, E! News confirms.

It was while celebrating the film’s win during an Oscar after-party last night at Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood that Affleck made the bold move to shave off his facial hair.

A source tells E! News, “He did it to mark the end of a chapter. It had that ceremonial quality to it.” (He does know that mustache March is right around the corner, right?)

The proud star—who was snubbed by the Academy for Best Director—gave an emotional acceptance that included numerous thank yous, admiration for his wife Jen-

nifer Garner and lessons he’s learned in Hollywood since getting into the industry at a young age.

“You have to work harder than you think you pos-

sibly can. It doesn’t matter how you get knocked down in life because that’s going to happen. All that matters is you have to get up.”

Kara David receives Adamson University Media Award for 2013 SEASONED broadcast journalist Kara David was declared as this year’s recipient of the Adamson University Media Award during the awarding ceremonies held at the Adamson University Theatre on Wednesday, February 13.

Adamson chose David in recognition of her “significant contribution to poverty alleviation, public education and information” as demonstrated through her works. The university believes that such contribution sets positive examples to future media practitioners.

David’s awards include the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for her documentary “Ambulansyang de Paa” which revealed the severe lack of medical facilities in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro; and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award for “Alkansya”, a documentary on the plight of child laborers in the country. David was also cited as one of 2007’s The Outstanding

Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines .

David, a senior news producer for GMA News and Public Affairs, co-hosts the documentary program I-Witness and is an anchor of GMA News TV’s morning newscast News To Go. Apart from her duties as a journalist, David managed to put up Project Malasakit Foundation, Inc., a nonstock, non-profit foun-

dation that sends poor Filipino children to school via community outreach projects. The foundation currently has 15 scholars, most of which are once child laborers and victims of child abuse.

For three years in a row, GMA broadcast personalities have won the Adamson University Award with Howie Severino receiving it in 2011 and Jessica Soho in 2012.

INdulge! A3

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

FOOD

Colorful dining at RBG

Dining in Davao just got a little more colourful and hip thanks to the opening of RBG, Park Inn Hotel Davao’s restaurant, bar and grill.

The bold new concept offers a fresh take on dining with modern and clean interiors coupled by great food and friendly service.

“The whole concept is designed for today’s generation of fun-loving urbanites. This is the perfect place where they can enjoy comfort food and socialise in between and after work.

After all, food is meant to be enjoyed with good company,” explains Park Inn General Manager Gier Sikko. “RBG is not like a fancy restaurant in a hotel which offers menu items too difficult to digest at first read. Here everything is easy as Sunday morning. Its all about chilling out. We offer comfort food cooked to perfection with rich flavours --- all at reasonable prices.”

I love the set-up of the restaurant, the furniture is sleek, the ambience is modern, and the food is just simply divine, thanks to 2-star Michelin Chef Ric Loteria. Items to try are the US Angus Ribeye Steak and for dessert, the dessert platter which features a to-die-for Durian Cheesecake, a Mango Pavlova and a luscious Chocolate Lava Cake.

RBG is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily. For reservations and inquiries, you may call 2727608.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 256 •THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

PAL MEN’S INTERCLUB DAY 1

Blow hot, blow cold Sarangani in 2nd, Davao teams continue to struggle

By Neil Bravo

C

EBU CITY—Sarangani stormed to second place on Day 1 but the teams from Davao went flat cold at the start of the 66th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub here.

Playing at the par72 Cebu Country Club, a championship course established in 1928 and features winding fairways, numerous trees, and sand traps furnished with ground coral rock, Sarangani got a big lift from its golfing Governor Miguel Dominguez to finish the first round with an aggregate 103 points.

Dominguez had an impressive round of 26 points to back up the pair of 27s by Ryan Gotan and Michael En-

riquez. Antonio Perales added a 23 for Sarangani.

Another Mindanao team, Zamboanga, paced the Sportswriters Division with 108 points.

If the Sarangani swingers were having a hot start, the day wasn’t as good for Davao teams. Davao Golf Club struggled to score a low aggregate of 81 points and found itself at the bottom end of the standings in a tie for 9th to 10 place.

The Matina-based DGC dispatched the crew of Valeriano Pasquil, Eliseo Braganza, Councilor Jimmy Dureza, Marlon Aranas and Ludwig Ledesma for the first 18 holes of the 54-hole event and

managed to finish in a tie for 99th to 10th in the Sportswriters Division.

Pasquil paced DGC with 31 points but the next best score was a 22 by Ledesma. Dureza contributed 16 points while Aranas had 12.

Braganza’s 10 did not count in the 5-to-play4-to-count scoring system.

Another Davao team Lanang crumbled down to the bottom with a 76. Alrey Ceniza paced Lanang with 23 followed by Danny Nagayo with 22, Jonathan Cabreros with 16 and Bobby Plana with 15. Francis Barlis’ 11 did not count.

The PAL Interclub is being sponsored by the Department of Tourism, 105.1 Crossover, Solar Sports, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, 92.3 FM Radyo 5, Araneta Coliseum and AXN. Major sponsors are Airbus, Manila Broadcast-

MEN’S ACTION. Yesterday’s Day 1 action in the PAL Interclub Regular Men’s play was as exciting as these images: Carl Almario (top) of Cebu Country Club blasts from the bunker, Boy Braganza (lower photo, left) chips from the fringe, Councilor Jimmy Dureza (lower, right) does an impromptu jig, and Ludwig Van Ledesma (right) of Davao Golf Club watches his putt roll. The 66th PAL Men’s Interclub got going at Mactan and Cebu Country Club courses yesterday. (Lean Davao and PAL pool photo)

ing Corporation, Philippine Broadcasting Network, People Asia,

Rad i o Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and ABSCBN The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Corporate sponsors include Radisson Blu Hotel, Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boeing, Inquirer Golf Magazine, Philippines Graphic and Manila Bulletin.

Sportswriters – 108—Zamboanga 103—Saranggani 102—Mactan 101—Red Hawk 99—Club Filipino 95—John Hay 90—Evangelista 85—Navy 81 – Davao 81—Iloilo 76—Lanang

16 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 256 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Cebu takes lead C

EBU – Cebu Country Club barely made it out on top of a day of ballooning scores yesterday, shooting 120 points at tight Mactan Island Golf Club for a one point lead over Del Monte at the start of the 66thPhilippine Airlines Interclub’s Regular Men’s championship.

Burly Bayani Garcia and teenager Lloyd Jefferson Go both churned out four-over-par 76s worth 32 points each, and Jovi Neri shot 30 with either 26 of Mark Dy and Carl Almario counting to make up one of the lowest opening day scores to lead the tournament in recent times.

Del Monte got 34 points from 15-year-old Jelbert Gamolo, 30 from Noel Langamin and the 28 and 27 of Francis Morilla and Leonardo Lofranco for its 119, which was two points

better than third-running Alabang.

Jovencio Lusterio failed to count with a 25 for Del Monte, the 2011 champion.

Lefty Andres Saldana, a talented 18-year-old who has his eyes on a professional career, and veteran campaigner Justin Quiban each shot 32 with Miguel Shah firing a 27 and Dax Garcia pooling 26 points for Alabang, labeled as the darkhorse here.

Christopher Popp, a

junior talent, had his 25 thrown out by Alabang.

“Despite the 32, I thought I played well,” the 27-year-old Garcia said. “We hope to separate from the pack tomorrow (today) when we play our home course.”

Most of those in the field were punished by the tight and hard fairways and the very slow greens of the military-operated layout in Lapu-Lapu City, with Cebu CC, seeking to win this event a second straight year, going 17over after its final player finished his fifth hole.

In Founders action also at Mactan, Orchard shot 114 points built around the 30 of TJ Benitez and the 29 of King Stehmeier, for a nine-point lead over Southwoods. Allan Arcilla fired a 28 and Ace Stehmeier 27 for Orchard.

Steve Yoon paced Southwoods with 31 points even as Apo was third with a 103 after getting 29 points from Jose Saavedra. Negros and Eagle Ridge also pooled 103s.

Defending Founders champion Wack Wack got off to a bad start, firing just 99 points to trail Orchard by 15.

“I had even thought that we would be shooting 124 on the first day, and that’s an average of just 31 for each player, which is low,” Cebu CC official Jeric Hechanove said. “We didn’t get the strong start that we wanted, but at least we are in the lead.”

Sta. Elena was a distant fourth with 97 points after getting 31 points from former senior match play champion Jingy Tuason and 26 from Yuri Allado.

GOLFING GOV. Sarangani governor Migs Dominguez blasts from the bunker at the Cebu Country Club in Day 1 action of the 66th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub. (Lean Daval)