Flying fair, flying right p.4

Enhancing El Nido p.6 Race to paradise p.10

Miss Aviation p.8

The APEC meetings, which the Philippines is hosting this year, aim to build inclusive market economies that reach the people at the bottom of the pyramid.

Inclusive economies

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By Dr. Ronald U. Mendoza, Executive Director, and Monica Melchor, Research Associate, Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center

Vol. 4 No.11 Q2 2015Philippine EditionISSN No.

www.theimmigrant.com.ph

Turn to page 3

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ON THE COVER:“Makati Skyline” by Erick DantocMakati City’s Central Business District, regarded as the Philippines’ economic nerve center, throbs with light and activity even at night. It’s a scene captured from an office window by Erick Dantoc, who manages to combine his passion for music and traveling through shooting concerts and the outdoors. A full-time purchasing professional, Erick also finds ways to listen to his vinyl collection and climb mountains during his free time.

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(c) 2015-2016

Atty. Jose ‘Pepe’ Villanueva IIIPublisher

Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. • Henry S. Schumacher • Katrina Legarda Editorial Board

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Figure 1. Gross domestic product growth and poverty reduction, 1990s-2000s

Source: Kanbur, R. C. Rhee and J. Zhuang (2014: 2).

GDP growth (1990-2010), % Reduction in poverty rate (1990s-2000s), percentage point

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0Developing

AsiaSub-Saharan

AfricaLatin America

and the Caribbean

Middle Eastand Northern

Africa

79

3.7 3.24.1

2.3

5.7

32

Figure 2. Annual growth of Gini coefficients, 1990s-2000s (%)

0 .2 .4 .6 .8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8

PRC

Indonesia

Sri Lanka

Lao PDR

Georgia

Korea

Mongolia

Bangladesh

Singapore

India

Tajikistan

Taipei, China

Source: Asian Development Outlook 2012.

The Philippines has witnessed strong economic growth in recent years, growing 6.1 percent annually from 2012 to 2014, and averaging 5 percent growth since 2002. Leveraging strong macroeconomic fundamentals and sound fiscal

management, the country has earned multiple credit upgrades from major ratings agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch. Furthermore, strong growth in manufacturing combined with a robust services sector growth has propelled the Philippines to be among the most dynamic emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Nevertheless, it seems the main benefits of economic growth have failed to trickle down to those in the lower socioeconomic strata. Poverty reduction has been very weak, compounded by largely unequal income distribution across and within Philippine regions. In the latest poverty estimates by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), rising incomes among the poor have been wiped out by rising prices of basic commodities, notably the main food staple, rice. Poverty also increased in early 2014, reaching 25.8 percent from an estimated 24.6 percent the year before.

Hence, even as the Philippines is climbing the global economic competitiveness rankings and garnering multiple upgrades in credit ratings, it will also fail to achieve the first United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing its poverty incidence by half compared with its incidence in 2000.

This challenge of translating broader economic growth to “growth for all” is one shared by countries in the broader Asia-Pacific. Analysts point to the tension between high growth and rising inequality in the region. The regional average annual GDP growth rate registered 7 percent from 1990 to 2010, more than twice that of Latin America and the Caribbean (See Figure 1). About 700 million individuals in developing Asia have been lifted out of poverty as a result of this growth.

Inequality nevertheless persisted and rose in some countries between the 1990s and the 2000s. Of the 28 economies with comparable data in the region, 12 – constituting more than 80 percent of the population of

developing Asia in 2010 – saw a rise in their Gini coefficient of per capita expenditure (See Figure 2). 13 of 36 economies with available data registered a Gini coefficient at or greater than 40, widely used as the threshold for “high inequality.” (The Gini index is a measurement of the income distribution of a country’s residents. This number, which ranges between 0 to 1 and is based on residents’ net income, helps define the gap between the rich and the poor, with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 representing perfect inequality. –Ed.)

Among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, three countries reached or surpassed this high inequality threshold in the 2000s, namely Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand (See Table 1). The ASEAN average Gini coefficient was moreover very close to the threshold at 39.8. Across developing Asia, average per capita expenditure of the top 20 percent was seven times greater than that of the bottom 20 percent.

Inclusive markets require strong public investments

It is in this context that Philippines set the agenda for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 as “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” The Philippines set the following priorities:

• Investing in human capital development;• Fostering small and medium enterprises’

(SMEs) participation in regional and global economy;

• Building sustainable and resilient communities; and

• Enhancing the regional economic integration agenda

At its core, any effort to ensure that the gains from economic growth and integration trickle down evenly must recognize the need to empower individuals through strong

public investments and effective private sector innovations and public-private partnerships.

Framed as an alternative to the traditional aid and donor-driven approach to development, an emerging scheme centers on reaching a largely untapped and underserved segment of developing country populations, the so-called “bottom-of-the-pyramid” (BOP) – estimated to comprise 3 billion individuals, or a little under half of the world’s population. Such an approach focuses on the need to harness more inclusive economic growth by strengthening marginalized individuals’ access to markets as

bytesnewsTriumphant PH return to Venice Biennale

The Philippines has returned to the Venice Biennale Art Exhibition after a 51-year hiatus, through the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

For the 56th edition of the Venice Biennale, the Philippine Pavilion will present the curatorial vision of Dr. Patrick Flores. His theme, “Tie a String Around the World,” will feature the works of Jose Tence Ruiz and Manny Montelibano, along with the film “Genghis Khan” by National Artists Manuel Conde and Carlos Francisco.

The Philippine Art Venice Biennale (PAVB) Coordinating Committee is now in the final stages of mounting the Philippine Pavilion in time for its official opening on May 8 at the Palazzo Mora in Venice.

Held every other year, the Venice Biennale is the most prestigious gathering of the world’s outstanding artists from different disciplines and perspectives to interpret the relationship between art and the development of the human, social and political world.

Some 90 countries will be represented in the 56th Venice Biennale, where a multitude of art and culture lovers the world over are expected to visit. The international art exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 to November 22.

“We are confident that the Philippine Pavilion will contribute to the dynamism of the dialogue of ideas and philosophies among artists and visitors to the Venice Biennale,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

4 Pinoys in 2015 World Wood Day in Turkey

Four Filipinos participated in the 2015 World Wood Day (WWD) held in Odunpazari, Eskisehir, Turkey from March 6 to 25. It is an annual cultural event celebrating wood as an eco-friendly and renewable bio-material, and also raises awareness of the importance of wood in building a sustainable world through biodiversity and forest conservation.

Rudel San Gaspar and Desiderio Marabella from Pakil, Laguna, Dr. Consuelo dL. Habito from University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Danilo Cads from Paete, Laguna, joined representatives from the Philippine Embassy at the event in Ankara. They also discussed a future collaboration to promote Philippine woodcrafts in Turkey.

Gaspar, owner of The Whittler Arts and Crafts in Pakil, took Marabella, one of his company’s woodcarvers, with him to demonstrate whittling—the art of wood shaving by hand—to the 2015 WWD crowd. Marabella’s work stood out among the predominantly machine-assisted woodcarving presentations at the event.

Dr. Habito, an Associate Professor at UPLB, presented her paper, “Bridging the Geographic Divide for Cross-Learning: The Experience among Woodcarvers in the Philippines,” at the symposium. The paper focused on woodcarving communities in Luzon and the challenges they faced in pursuit of their craft.

Cads, an award-winning woodcarver from Paete, was one of 24 woodcarvers from different nationalities that collaborated on the WWD wooden arc. Cads is highly regarded by his Filipino peers for his expertise in carving human faces in wood. The WWD wooden arc is now a permanent fixture of the town of Odunpazari.

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Inclusive economies From page 1

“The challenge of translating

broader economic growth to ‘growth

for all’ is one shared by countries

in the broader Asia Pacific”

4

What diplomacy is all about

This year, the United States is excited that the Philippines, our long-time friend and ally, is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum. Over the past 25 years, APEC has strengthened diplomatic ties through its top priorities such as advancing economic integration,

developing human capital, promoting women’s empowerment, and combating climate change.

With 21 member economies on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, APEC brings the region together. The Philippines is using its status as host of APEC in 2015 to promote the theme of inclusive growth, with specific initiatives to advance regional economic integration, increase access to capital and markets for small and medium enterprises, and build sustainable and resilient communities to face natural and manmade disasters.

The United States (and other APEC economies) supports the Philippine proposal to develop an “APEC Services Framework” aimed at expanding cross-border trade and investment in services, as well as the continuation of work on urbanization and the Internet economy, which were put forward during China’s host year in 2014.

The United States has itself put forward initiatives to advance diplomacy, such as promoting economic growth, protecting the environment, and supporting disaster resiliency. We also continue work on other APEC top priorities including combating corruption, promoting women’s economic

empowerment, facilitating cross-border education, promoting food security, and creating an enabling environment for infrastructure investment.

One example of US-Philippine cooperation in support of APEC goals is the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise (AAE), a collaboration between the Philippines, the Aspen Institute, and the Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI). Launched in November 2012, it promotes artisan enterprises globally with a specific focus on women artisans and their families. Within the Philippines, the project seeks to increase micro-enterprise access to capital to allow them to become part of the global value chain and to provide income to the communities in which these businesses operate.

Another example of how we are tackling global problems together through APEC is in climate change and energy. The Philippines has agreed to undertake a fossil fuel subsidy peer review under APEC. This review, which the United States is supporting with financial and technical assistance, will study how subsidies and other policies can lead to increased use of fossil fuels and higher greenhouse gas emissions. The Philippines has largely eliminated such subsidies and can share its experience with other APEC economies as they seek to reduce their emissions and make renewable fuels more competitive in the marketplace. This will lead to a cleaner environment for all of us.

As APEC enters its 26th year, it continues to be an example of countries coming together for common causes, which is what diplomacy is all about.

faqsThe Immigrant

T he Air Passenger Bill of Rights is the joint administrative order issued by the Philippine Department of Transportation

and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the protection of air passengers against unsound, deceptive, or unfair business policies and practices of air carriers. Here are some important frequently asked questions:Q: What flights are covered by the Air Passenger Bill of Rights?A: All flights into, from, and within the Philippines by a Philippine air carrier as well as all flights or portions of a flight from the Philippines by foreign air carriers.Q: What are the rights of the passenger before purchasing a ticket?A: Passengers have a right to the full, fair, and clear disclosure of the service offered and the terms and conditions of the trip to be purchased, such as refund and rebooking policies, and procedures and responsibility for delayed and/or cancelled flights, and other important conditions.

Air passengers also have the right to clear and non-misleading fare advertisements. Air carriers are required to disclose the major restrictions (such as rebookability or refundability) attached to the ticket, including baggage allowance policies, fuel surcharge, government taxes and other crucial information. Q: What are the passenger’s rights after purchasing the ticket?A: The passenger has the right to be processed for check-in. This means any passenger within the designated check-in area at least one (1) hour before the

published estimated time of departure (ETD) cannot be considered late or a no-show and shall not be denied check-in. Q: What are persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens entitled to as passengers? A: PWDs and senior citizens are entitled to have their own check-in counter. Moreover, air carriers are obliged to coordinate with the proper authorities for the use of airport equipment, entryways and/or aerobridges (if available) to facilitate the movement, boarding and/or disembarkation of PWDs and senior citizens. Q: Can a passenger who has checked in be denied boarding?A: Yes, but only for legal or valid causes such as immigration issues, safety and security, health concerns, non-appearance at

the boarding gate at the appointed boarding time, or government requisition of space.Q: Can an air carrier overbook a flight?A: Yes. It is an airline practice to sell seats beyond the actual seating capacity of the aircraft. However, any expense, consequence, or inconvenience caused to affected passengers must be shouldered by the air carrier.Q: What are the duties and obligations of an air carrier in case a flight is overbooked?A: In case of overbooking, the air carrier shall look for volunteers willing to give up their seats. The air carrier shall provide the interested passengers or volunteers a list of amenities and offers, which they can choose from. The list of amenities shall always include the option to be given

priority booking in the next available flight or to be endorsed to another air carrier upon payment of any fare difference, and/or a cash incentive. The air carrier shall increase the compensation package until the required number of volunteers is met.Q: What are the rights of a passenger in case his/her flight is cancelled by the air carrier?A: If the passenger is already at the airport at the time of cancellation, he/she should be given sufficient refreshments or meals, hotel accommodation conveniently accessible from the airport, transportation to the hotel, free phone calls, text or emails, and reimbursement of the full value of the fare (including taxes and surcharges) if the passenger decides not to fly the ticket.If the air carrier cancels a flight at least 24 hours before the ETD, it need not give the above amenities to the passenger. However, the air carrier is required to notify the passenger of the flight cancellation and to rebook or reimburse the passenger, at the option of the latter.

If the cancellation is due to force majeure, or for safety and/or security reasons, a passenger shall have the right to be reimbursed for the full value of the fare (including taxes and surcharges).Q: What are the passenger’s rights in case of a “terminal delay” lasting at least three (3) hours?A: In case of terminal delay of at least three (3) hours after ETD (whether or not attributable to the air carrier), a passenger shall have the right to be provided with refreshments or meals, free phone calls, text or emails, and to rebook or refund his/her ticket.

The salient points of the Air Passenger Bill of Rights that everyone should know

Flying fair, f lying right

THE DIPLOMAT

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By H. E. Philip S. GoldbergUnited States Ambassador to the Philippines

US-Philippine ties grow stronger in APEC’s 26th year

By Atty. Brigido J. Dulay and Racquel Victoria D. Tenorio

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5

Startup businesses in the Philippines, especially those located in the central business districts, are often one of the following: a small and medium

enterprise (SME) with about 20 employees, a professional consultancy, or a satellite office or affiliate of a foreign company just entering the local market.

If you are running one of these types of enterprises, what do you do when it’s your turn to move out of your garage (a.k.a. the “home office”) and look for space in the central business districts such as Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to match the growth and rising prestige of your company?

Finding the right office space can be both “one of the most exciting and disruptive challenges for a business,” said Kevin Cronin, an American corporate real estate advisor. There are several options available for entrepreneurs, but the key is to find the office most tailored to your specific situation, added Andy O’Brien, co-founder of HiRise, an online marketplace for commercial real estate.

“Do you need a distraction-free workplace or more open, collaborative environments? Do you feel confident in signing a long-term lease or should your company consider a sublease? There are always questions, and depending on the growth of your company, you need to be ready to make sure your office needs align with your business strategy,” O’Brien said.

Some of those questions can be answered by considering the following:

1. Time. It’s important to make sure you don’t get locked into leasing or renting office space for a period that’s longer than you need. “You may have only 10 employees now, but you could have 60 in six months,” said O’Brien. “Generally speaking, you should never sign a lease that doesn’t work for your long-term business plan.”

In order to minimize disruption and increase the effectiveness of your search, Cronin said it is essential “to start with a clear understanding of your needs, budget and specifications, as well as of the process and time commitment required to successfully find and occupy a space.”

Also, most startups and SMEs underestimate the time – and effort – required to find office space, said Cronin. “No matter the location, you’ll want to start planning at least 3 to 4 months before you’re ready to make a move,” he added.

2. Layout. A technology or creative company may want more open space to facilitate collaboration among employees, but a law firm may want an office-focused,

closed-door setup. “Make sure the layout of the space you choose is conducive to the type of work you’ll do in it,” O’Brien said. Also, explore options that share conference rooms or kitchens.

Capital House, a boutique office development at the BGC in Taguig City, is one such example. It offers units “that can be designed and adjusted by its owners to fit their needs anytime” said Herbert M. Herrero, senior division manager of the Project & Strategic Management Group of Avida Land, which launched the project recently.

No two spaces with the same square footage are the same, added Cronin. Floor plan and layout matter. “For example, a 5,000-square foot rectangular space is much more efficient and will support more people than layouts with round or angled corners. Make sure the alternatives you select have layouts that support your business requirements.”

3. Location. This can make or break an office space, so make sure a location aligns with your needs, said O’Brien. For instance, Capital House – which will be completed in December 2017 and turned over in the second quarter of 2018 – benefits from the business-friendly environment and outstanding location of BGC.

BGC has nine access points along the EDSA and C-5 highways and the Kalayaan and Gil Puyat flyovers. It’s practically a stone’s throw away from the Makati CBD and is a few minutes to the Ortigas business district as well as the airports in Parañaque City.

BGC is also home to a number of lifestyle, health, and entertainment hubs, which makes a building like Capital House “a desirable address for companies, employees, and residents alike,” said Pol Tanco, head of Avida’s Project & Strategic Management group.

Make sure your key employees weigh in on the geographic boundaries for your search. “Relocating is disruptive to everyone, and most employees will want to know whether or not the office is convenient for them,” Cronin said. If you see clients in your office, consider whether or not the location boundaries are convenient for them as well.

4. Amenities and parking. “You should make two lists: one of amenities your company ‘needs to have’ and another of the ones you’d ‘like to have.’ Use these to guide your search,” said O’Brien.

As for parking, study the cost, access and the actual spaces your employees and customers will park in, Cronin said. Stay away from buildings where parking is difficult or costly for them.

Capital House is well-equipped for both amenities and parking, said Tanco. The development offers retail spaces at its ground floor, conference or function rooms for lease, provisions for concessionaires, an open deck or roof deck, and individual control of light and power inside the office unit.

Avida also made sure to provide six podium parking floors and three basement parking spaces at Capital House “that will cater to the tenants and also their visitors,” Tanco adds.

5. Leasing vs. buying. The longer your lease term, the more choices you will have, Cronin said. Yet the last thing any startup wants “is to sign a five-year lease, only to realize in a year that the space doesn’t meet your needs.” Lease only for the length of term that suits you.

Of course, you may want to buy the office space you need instead of leasing it. Long-term leases often have annually increasing lease rates that may be a burden. When buying a unit, amortization is fixed. Capital House, for its part, offers office units that business owners can purchase from Avida.

“If companies would operate for more than 10 years, it would be better for them to buy units instead of perpetually leasing because it also reflects their monthly rentals,” said Herrero of Avida.

When determining how much you’re willing to spend, O’Brien advises business owners to shy away from calculating price per person and instead “focus on how much you’re willing to spend monthly, all-in, for your team.” Also, don’t forget to calculate the hidden costs like utilities, furniture and other office fees. “When you’re starting from scratch, these things can add up.”

Determine upfront your budget and office-related costs: parking, utilities, janitorial, relocation, tenant improvements, insurance, furniture, and other office fees, said both O’Brien and Cronin. Focusing only on the alternatives that don’t exceed your budget will help refine your search to a manageable list. And so, happy office hunting!

FROM THE DESKBy Peter Wallace Finding

the perfect office space

for your startup

Whether you run a small enterprise, a consulting firm, or just a business that needs the right amount of space for your stuff, these tips

should help you make the right choice

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“You need to be ready to make sure your office needs align with your business

strategy,”

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

W hen the Philippine Constitution was written, it was a time when the Philippines was digging

itself out of a ruthless dictatorship in a world it understood little. A revolution and a new democracy called for a new constitution. One was written, but it was, in a word, parochial, at least on the economic side. Restrictions were put into it that should never have been there, in detail that doesn’t belong in a constitution but in enabling laws.

Since those turbulent days much has changed, and one of them is the country’s attitude to the world. Filipinos now welcome it, want to be part of it. They want an open economy that integrates the Philippines into Asia and the world on an even footing.

That is what APEC is all about. Manila hosts APEC this year, in November. And what I like about that is it has put pressure to act on a government that needs to act more swiftly. The nightmare of getting to and from the airport is to go. The Skyway link is being rushed so the VIPs to APEC can get to the meetings, and we’ll be able to get to the airport at last.

But it puts on other pressures too. The Constitution must be changed if the Philippines is to be part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and to fully benefit from the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). And be part of them it must. The economic recovery experienced in recent years is fragile. If the Philippines fails to join or fully participate in these open-market initiatives, it will, once again, sink into a forgotten morass. To join those groups’ reforms, real, done reforms have to be accomplished.

Is the Philippines ready? No, but then neither are a number of other countries, principal for us being Vietnam now, our nearest competitor (from far back a scant 10-15 years ago). Myanmar and Cambodia, the others that are trailing, you don’t expect to be ready. The other ASEAN countries are ahead.

Real integration is not going to happen in 2015, as there are still details that ASEAN needs to work out. But it’s certainly going to happen and the Philippines, being among the least prepared, needs to be better prepared for it. The fine-tuning and debugging that still have to be done to make the system work seamlessly should buy the Philippines time to put needed reforms in place – a lifeline that the Philippines shouldn’t squander. But as we have seen in the past, the Philippines probably will. Cynicism, sadly, too often brings one closer to the reality.

Among the critical reforms to prepare the Philippines for ASEAN integration include:• Automating, streamlining and improving the transparency of business procedures at local and national levels;• Putting in place a National Single Window (NSW) – single submission of applications for permits and licenses;• Improving port infrastructure and logistics to lower the cost of distribution. This will need faster implementation of relevant public-private partnership projects, among other things;• An information and education campaign on AEC and providing assistance in maximizing benefits from AEC, particularly to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that could otherwise be the greatest losers. The Philippines is lagging behind in terms of making SMEs aware of the advantages and disadvantages of AEC, and putting action measures in place to make them competitive.

Pressure onPH must act now, via APEC

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V isitors to Palawan, the country’s “last frontier,” can expect a better travel experience as tourism stakeholders in the resort town of El Nido commit themselves to preserving its natural

environment and promoting its local culture.Located in northern Palawan, El Nido has been consistently

named as one of the world’s best island and beach getaways by international travel magazines and websites.

“Powder-fine beaches and gin-clear waters complement the stunning view of karst limestone formations, empty lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and waterfalls,” CNN Travel says on its website, which lists El Nido among the World’s 100 Best Beaches.

The town boasts of 2,645 hectares of mangrove forests, 114 bird species, 447 coral species, 888 fish species, vast tracts of tropical rainforest, and five endemic mammal species, including the dugong (seacow), the world’s rarest marine mammal.

It was declared a Managed Resource Protected Area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 1998, and currently has 13 community-managed Marine Protected Areas.

Because of this global accolade and appearance in the Hollywood hit “Bourne Legacy” (where some of the scenes were filmed in the Philippines), tourist arrivals hit 65,000 in 2013, the biggest in its local history.

El Nido mayor Edna Gacot-Lim said the municipal government has been collaborating with the private sector to minimize the impact of tourism on the town’s fragile ecosystem.

Story and photos by Bernard L Supetran

Enhancing El NidoShe noted that the most notable of these programs is

the implementation of the Ecotourism Development Fee (ETDF) for visitors in 2008, which requires visitors to pay P200 to access tourist sites for 10 days.

Fees go to environmental protection, education and training, resource rehabilitation, solid waste management, and infrastructure development.

Reef watch, mooring buoysA major project funded by the ETDF is the Reef Watch

Program of the Municipal Tourism Office, which collects garbage from the islands, maintains mooring buoys, educates guests and tour guides on responsible ecotourism, and addresses other threats to the reef ecosystem. Reef Watch also monitors environmental enforcement in Bacuit Bay 24/7.

A vital private sector initiative is the installation of mooring buoys around the islands to prevent boat anchors damaging the corals. Seacology, a non-profit environmental conservation organization, and El Nido Foundation installed 70 mooring buoys in 2014, with the local government augmenting that number.

Another important undertaking is the Green Fins, a United Nations Environment Program-funded project, which accredits dive shops that practice responsible marine-based activities. El Nido is a pilot area for the accreditation of snorkeling tour operators before it is applied in other parts of the country.

Lim revealed that the El Nido Municipal Council will be enacting key legislation to make the local tourism industry sustainable.

These include the passage of a comprehensive ordinance on ecotourism, implementation of carrying capacity for tourists, the prohibition of the use of plastics in the market and stores, installation of waste water treatment facilities, and updating the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan.

The mayor noted that the town’s exit-entry ordinance is already in place, which requires boats to seek clearance from the Tourism Office and Coast Guard at selected entry points. This law has helped increase collection of ETDF.

Lim also said El Nido is likewise developing its cultural destinations, while new beaches and islands in the eastern coast are being explored to supplement existing ones.

Cuyonon cultureIn Sibaltan, the town’s heritage village and settlement of the

indigenous Cuyonon tribe, proudly stands Balay Cuyonon, an ethnographic museum and replica of a traditional house. Made up of light materials in the bahay kubo mold, it is composed of the main living room and an adjunct kitchen.

Residents of Palawan’s “last frontier” are taking environmental protection into their own hands

El Nido’s Big Lagoon is pristine and inviting, yet needs diligent care.

Members of El Nido’s Reef Watch program maintain

the mooring buoys.

This model boat is a replica of the traditional Cuyonon boat.

The Pangko museum, a life-sized replica of the traditional Cuyonon boat, which showcases the tribe’s maritime culture, was completed last year. The pangko reflects the Cuyonons’ seafaring way of life, which brought them to various parts of mainland Palawan from their island hometown of Cuyo several hours away.

Funded by the United States Department of State through its “Ancient Shores, Changing Tides” Project, the museum was completed in October.

Another project in the pipeline is the Sibaltan Archaeological Museum, which will house artifacts unearthed in the coastal community. Archaeological finds are currently housed in the barangay hall, which doubles as a community museum.

Potential spots in the neighboring villages are Makangit Cave, where spelunkers can wade inside a chest-deep subterranean river and explore the adjoining chambers. Also nearby is Ille Cave, a prehistoric settlement tucked inside a limestone mountain.

7

products, and the DTI is now developing service sector roadmaps.

But rice, corn, and other agricultural industries are not yet ready, as the cost of production is too high versus other ASEAN members due to lack of infrastructure and mechanization, high cost of and access to farm financing, and undue involvement of middlemen.

Given the skills of Filipinos and willingness to relocate local management, organizations are concerned that opening up of professional services could lead to poaching of Filipino talent and skills by ASEAN neighbors. We’ll lose the best and brightest.

There’s going to be more competition and that will put pressure on businesses. But it is pressure Philippine businesses can handle, if they set their minds to it. And the consumer will benefit from better quality and lower prices.

Overall, big businesses are likely to benefit more from the AEC than SMEs, which need help in access to credit and technology, plus simplification of business registration and facilitation, among others.

The teething will be painful, but the end result should be more beautiful teeth.

Disclaimer: The article above is the sole opinion of the writer and should not constitute legal opinion or advice. – The IMMIGRANT

More work needs to be done in opening up services and investment, agriculture, facilitation of trade in goods, and lowering of transport and logistics costs. Tariffs may have gone down to zero, but this only applies if the importer is able to prove that the good (product) was produced within ASEAN using ASEAN raw materials and other production inputs.

Sectors still to be opened up include health care, real estate, air transport services, insurance, non-bank financial institutions such as securities, bonds, the stock market and pawnshops, communications, and inter-island shipping. Advertising and mass media too, but for the country to join the TPP, it needs a change in the Constitution (so foreign investors can have greater media ownership), - something we hope will occur after the 2016 elections.

On the positive side, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments have kicked off forums nationwide to increase awareness and understanding of the risks and opportunities under the AEC, which includes a “Doing Business in FTAs (free trade areas)” campaign targeting SMEs. A number of industry roadmaps have been completed for selected

Hidden gemsMeet Tago, Tagaytay’s newest private enclave

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“Tagô” is the Filipino word for hidden, and is also now the name of the newest real

estate development rising right in the heart of Tagaytay City, the cool, hilly hideaway of Metro Manila’s well-heeled denizens.

Just 300 meters off the busy Aguinaldo highway, Tagô, the private vacation community by Mañosa Properties Inc (MPI), is secluded yet accessible, said its developers.

Q: What are passengers entitled to if the “terminal delay” extends to least six (6) hours?A: If the terminal delay lasts at least six (6) hours after ETD due to causes attributable to the air carrier, the affected passenger is entitled to: (a) additional compensation equivalent to the value of the particular leg/trip that was delayed or deemed cancelled, to be paid in the form of cash or voucher (at the discretion of the air carrier), and the right to board the flight (if the air carrier proceeds with the flight despite such delay) and the affected passenger has not opted to rebook and/or refund.Q: What are the rights of passengers in the event of “tarmac delay?”A: In cases of tarmac delay of at least two (2) hours after the ETD, reckoned from the closing of the aircraft doors, or when the aircraft is at the gate with the doors still open but passengers are not allowed to deplane, a passenger shall have the right to be provided with sufficient food and beverage.Q: What are the obligations of the air carrier in case a passenger’s baggage is off-loaded for operation safety or security reasons?A: The air carrier should inform the passenger the soonest that his/her baggage had been off-loaded and why it was off-loaded. The air carrier should carry the

Atty. Brigido J. Dulay is the Managing Partner of the Dulay Pagunsan & Ty Law Offices (www.dptlaw.asia). He is also a columnist for The Manila Times, the oldest daily English language newspaper in the Philippines.Racquel Victoria D. Tenorio is a Senior Paralegal at the Dulay Pagunsan & Ty Law Offices.

off-loaded baggage in the next available flight and deliver it to the passenger personally or at his/her residence. Otherwise, the air carrier shall be liable to pay the passenger two thousand pesos (P2,000) for every 24 hours of delay in such delivery. The 24-hour period starts one (1) hour after the arrival of the flight of the passenger carrying such baggage.Q: What are the rights of a passenger if his/her baggage is lost or damaged?A: For international flights, the passenger shall be entitled to compensation according to the relevant international convention. For domestic flights, the passenger will be compensated a maximum amount (in pesos) equivalent to half the amount granted by the relevant international convention.Q: What is the liability of air carriers in case of the death or bodily injury of a passenger?A: The air carrier shall compensate a passenger for death or bodily injury based on the relevant international convention and inter-carrier agreement.Q: Where and when should compensation be given to a passenger?A: Any and all compensation under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights should be available to the passenger at the air carrier’s counters at the airport on the date when the incident entitling the passenger to compensation occurred, or at the air carrier’s main office or branch, at the discretion of the passenger.

Disclaimer: The FAQs above are the sole opinion of the writer/s and should not constitute as legal opinion or advice. –The IMMIGRANT

“We acquired this Tagaytay property in the ‘90s. It took us a while to develop it because we wanted something that’s worth our investment, something that we can be proud of,” said Cesar Duque, Chairman of United Pacific Capital Corporation, landowner partner for Tagô. “And what MPI had in mind matched our vision.”

Conceptualized to be very exclusive, the Tagô development is made up of 12 “Ara-al” homes and 40 “Adobe” homes, with

each house having its own design. The 240-square meter Adobe homes occupy 250-square meter lots, while the larger 300-square meter Ara-al homes sit on lots that range from 350 to 400 square meters in size. Both homes have two storeys with three bedrooms and a maids’ room.

“We like to leave a lot of open space and not consume every buildable square meter,” said MPI CEO Dino Mañosa, son of famed Architect Bobby Mañosa, the National Artist. Tagô is master-planned to make the most of the raw natural beauty that surrounds it, and is limited to only 52 homes to provide a secure, close-knit community environment.”

Each Tagô home, Mañosa said, takes inspiration from the classic bahay kubo, featuring an airy, open-plan design crafted to incorporate the green and distinctive Filipino design elements the multi-awarded Mañosa legacy is known for.

Intrinsic to every Mañosa design is a deep respect and love for the land it lies on, said Dino. Building authentic Filipino ancestral homes intended to span multiple generations, the Tagô development uses locally-sourced sustainable materials and native design elements wherever possible. Bamboo, coconut, woven mats, native stones, recycled lumber, and a mix of farmed and reclaimed wood are used in the building and interiors.

The signature Mañosa staircase with señorita steps, the banggerahan, which is used for the natural drying of dishes, as well as Mañosa-designed wooden wall lamps and other accessories, provide classic Filipino touches.

“The banggerahan is a standard for all Mañosa homes from the inception of our architectural firm, it is inspired by the bahay kubo banggerahan. We build ours with modern materials such as stainless steel,” shared Dino.

Tagô also features a series of environment-friendly features, harnessing

both nature and technology to showcase green design at its finest, Dino said. Private gardens and landscaping are painstakingly planned to use plants that are edible and endemic to the area.

High ceilings, wide windows, and a clear center space allow for excellent cross-ventilation and abundant natural light, minimizing the need for electrically-powered cooling and lighting. Energy-saving lighting systems are built into each unit, and energy star-rated kitchen appliances, as well as gas-powered washing machines and dryers, are offered as options.

For more information, log on to www.Mañosa-properties.com, call 0917-8825604, or email sales@Mañosa-properties.com.

Locally-sourced sustainable materials and the bahay kubo template are trademarks of every Mañosa-built home.

raised several hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars for the organization.

More events are being planned by the yacht club in the near future, such as the Rolex China Sea Race biennial and the

Around the Island Race, Hong Kong’s biggest sailing event. They are also hosting the Flying Fifteen Worlds later this year.

But nothing beats a race which is challenging and unpredictable. Next year, weather permitting, they will end up on the white sands of the Luzon west coast, on the idyllic islands of sunny Philippines.

The wood paneling and weave designs of most Mañosa properties are present in the

bedrooms of Tago houses.

Race to...From page 10

Flying fair...From page 4

Mañosa-designed houses use a lot of glass windows and LED lightbulbs to take advantage of natural

lighting and save on energy costs.

Pressure on...From page 5

8

Another “Weekend of Everything That Flies” capped off a successful run as more than 70,000 Filipinos flocked with friends, family and loved ones to the 19th Philippine

International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF).The Philippines’ first, foremost, longest-running and

most highly anticipated air show was held at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, where more than 30 uniquely themed hot air balloons from all over the globe were showcased.

Crowd favorites included the Pink Elephant from Belgium, USA’s Dog, Old McDonald’s Farm, Pink Daisy, Little Devil and Old Lady Shoe, Netherlands’ Van Gogh, Japan’s Octopus, and United Kingdom’s Little Girl and Little Boy.

Aside from breathtaking air spectacles, attendees were also treated to on-ground activities and entertainment, notably from local artists such as Radio Republic, Aiza Seguerra, and Paolo Valenciano.

During the four-day event, outstanding aviation industry professionals were also recognized for their contributions to the field.

The 2015 awardees were Airworks Aviation Academy flight instructor and captain Joseph Gerard Perez for Flight Instructor of the Year, multi-awarded Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumnus and major Gerald Escalante for Flight Instructor of the Year under the military category, and PMA graduate and captain Manuel Foronda and lawyer and aviation expert Antonio Gonzales for the Outstanding Aviator Service awards.

Japan’s Hirotsugu Tomioka and Malaysia’s Richard Ong

Flights of fancy

Soon Lee were also recognized as Aviators of the Year. Tomioka is one of Japan’s general aviation pioneers, being one of the first private pilots to own a single turbine engine and land at Chofu Airport. He was also among the first Japanese pilots to fly around Europe and Asia in a TBM-700.

Ong Soon Lee is one of the key members of the Sabah Flying Club, and is considered as one of the most influential aviators on Sabah who have kept general aviation flying alive in the island.

The Philippines’ very own Captain Roland Narciso, the pilot-in-command of the Philippine Airlines flight that recently brought Pope Francis safely to and from Tacloban, was also honored as Airline Pilot of the Year.

Also a PMA graduate, Narciso was a flight commander for the Philippine Air Force before embarking on a commercial airlines career.

Cleo Margaret Brown, an Aviation Electronics Technology student from Asian College of Aeronautics, bagged the Miss Aviation Philippines crown, besting 20 other hopefuls from the aviation industry.

According to Captain Joy Roa, PIHABF organizer and event director, the annual fiesta has generated a lot of interest and awareness in the aviation industry.

“Seeing families come together and appreciate the beauty of aviation is the ultimate reward for us,” Roa said. “Philippine aviation has a long way to go but with passionate and dedicated professionals like the volunteers that make up PIHABF, we can definitely put the Philippines on the map as one of the world’s aviation leaders.”

The PIHABF 2015 was made possible with the support of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark

Freeport, Clark International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with media partners Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, Business World, Business Mirror, Pilipino Mirror, Natural 97.9 FM, DWIZ, and ABS-CBN. Sponsors included SM City Clark, UPS, Prudential Guarantee, Hotdog on Stick, CDO Bibbo Hotdog, Segway, Qube, Kopiko, Rudy Project, The Medical City, Yellow Cab, Tempra, Snow Cone, Flanax, Bonamine, Garant Group, and Radio Republic.

Ticket sales of the event were donated to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund, which grants scholarships to deserving but underprivileged students pursuing an aviation career in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services.

Beyond beauty

Aside from a night of glitz and glamour graced by 2002 Miss Universe-Philippines Karen Agustin, the event also coincided with the annual Aviators Ball, which recognized outstanding aviators within the region. The venue was filled with celebrities, and local and international delegates led by Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

Miss Aviation Philippines 2015 was made possible by by Rudy Project, YKL Fujifilm, iWhite, Nisce Skin N’ Face, Wings Institute of Global Careers, Inc., and Island Rose.

W ith its competitive lineup of candidates, highly regarded founders and judges, and a solid vision, one of the most glorified pageants of the 1950s and the 1970s once

again proved its timeless grandeur during the recently held Miss Aviation Philippines 2015 grand coronation night. Lighting up the ballroom of the Manila Peninsula were the thirteen lovely candidates, who took the stage with beauty, confidence, and wisdom, though only one of them owned the title.

“Miss Aviation Philippines highlights the transformative, efficient and reliable power of women in the fields of tourism and aviation,” remarked pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo. “And for that, we believe that our winner has the capacity to go beyond beauty, and help us in making these industries sparkle once more in the international scene.”

With her knowledge, confidence and unmatched grace, 17-year old Filipina-Scottish Cleo Margaret Brown easily surpassed these criteria and won the Miss Aviation

Philippines 2015 grand title. The Aviation Electronic Technology student is now following the footsteps of previous titleholders dancer-choreographer Joji Felix-Velarde and actress Lotis Key. Meanwhile, hailed as the first runner-up was Lizl Louise Resoles, who also won the Miss Nisce Skin and Best Catwalk awards, followed by second runner-up Mica Angela Angeles, who won the Miss Alluring Face and Miss Body Beautiful awards.

Winners were judged according to beauty (30 percent), personality and intelligence (40 percent), and figure (30 percent). Joining Quimpo in the panel of judges were Joyce Ann Burton-Titular, Capt. Joy Roa, Atty. Carmelo Arcilla, Jade Dy, Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III, Janice Trillo, Arthur Tugade, and Dr. Antoinette Nisce.

Other special awards were also given including the Miss Personality award won by Elaine Elago, Most Charming Face award won by Lyra Velchez, and Best in Evening Gown won by Dayna Lyn dela Vega.

The 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival caps off another historic weekend

Fil-Scot stunner tops search for Miss Aviation Philippines 2015

The “Dog” from the USA floats above the other hot air balloons still preparing for takeoff.

Hirotsugu Tomioka (center) receives his trophy from the organizers as Aviator of the Year.

Miss Aviation 2015 Cleo Margaret Brown (center) is flanked by first runner-up Lizl Louise Resoles (left) and second runner-up Mica Angela Angeles.

9

companygood

both producers and consumers.Markets are said to offer substantial gains

and opportunities to society as a whole. These gains and opportunities accrue to individuals as well, translating to economic empowerment and a heightened standard of living.

Participation in such markets by vulnerable groups, however, is constrained by myriad factors, including their lack of human capital to effectively engage in the labor markets or as entrepreneurs. Hence, it is important to capacitate all citizens through strong investments in education and health, notably for children and youth.

Other reasons could also include missing markets (e.g. credit and insurance markets), inadequate provision of public goods and services, as well as other macroeconomic shocks and disturbances. As a result, those at the BOP are inhibited from market access as producers in labor and product markets (owing to limited human capital and constrained access to sources of credit and insurance); and as consumers of goods (arising from a lack of understanding of the consumer preferences of these groups or a failure to recognize their market potential on the part of the private sector).

Private sector innovations for the poor also matter

This exclusion of the poor from market participation is further exacerbated by a “poverty penalty” whereby the poor incur a higher cost in accessing markets, relative to

the non-poor. This is the case as they are compensated less and yet need to pay more for goods of often poorer quality.

More inclusive business models have emerged to cater to this viable and under-utilized market, offering lessons in generating profit and innovation while delivering social goods such as enhanced access to basic necessities for marginalized groups. Such processes result in mutual value creation as extended credit allows individuals to undertake costly productivity-enhancing human capital investments while allowing private firms to further optimize their resources. Such an approach also lies at the heart of skills and vocational training programs, which seek to heighten the preparedness of vulnerable groups for jobs while at the same time providing firms with more capable employees and reduced labor costs.

The examples of public private partnerships to help forge more inclusive

The fun of givingThe Child Protection Network Benefit 2015 was a memorable evening for its guests, its hosts, and most especially the CPN Foundation

Is it easier to give when you’re having fun? This seems to have been the case at the recent Child Protection Network (CPN) Benefit 2015. Held at the

ballroom of Raffles and Fairmont Hotel, the dinner-auction was punctuated by surprises, excitement, and yes, fun.

The dinner was not only sumptuous; it was also seasoned by the great harmony of the British award-winning trio Blake, who serenaded guests with three songs plus an a capella version of “Moon River” as encore.

The programme was fast-paced, the auctions novel and creative, and there was still a lot of time left for dancing to the live music of the Power House Band. And this is all to protect and treat children suffering from the many faces of abuse.

Game onCPN turned the event into a fun night.

About 20 door prizes were given away in unusual ways. For instance, guests were asked to look under their bread plates, to bring a lady wearing five- to six-inch

stilettos, or a man wearing a patterned tie, to identify the founders of the CPN.

That evening, couples also discovered the benefits of long relationships, as the couple with the longest relationship won two business-class round-trip tickets to Hong Kong via Philippine Airlines, with accommodation at Marco Polo Gateway, courtesy of CV Travel and Tours Corporation.

Auctioned offNow, apart from the donations to CPN

given by the guests and advocacy patrons, an exciting auction was prepared during the dinner, which gave generous souls the

opportunity to be rewarded with something precious for their equally precious gift to the abused children CPN helps.

On the block were five lots: a set of Wynn Wynn Ong objet d’art and a bracelet, three days and two nights stay at the fabulous Amanpulo resort, an overnight stay at a luxury villa in Solaire Resort and Casino, a 36-by-60-inch acrylic on canvas painting by Jana Benitez titled Amazonian, and a week-long stay at Valfond, Provence in France.

The advocacyIrene Martel Francisco, CPN president and

managing director of the Philippine Tatler,

Oliver & Cindy Dudler and Marilu & David Batchelor

Iris Bonifacio, Judge Amy Avellano, The Immigrant’s Editorial Board member Atty. Katrina Legarda, and Marivic Rufino

Dr Bernie Madrid, Johnny Velasquez, and Lotta Sylwander.

Irene Martel Francisco, Renna Angeles, and Chuchu Madrigal Eduque

Maripi Muscat, Alice Eduardo, and Caroline Taojo

Professor Ronald U. Mendoza, PhD is the Executive Director of AIM Policy Center. He is also a core faculty of AIM Center for Development Management (CDM). Prof. Mendoza is a senior economist with research and policy experience in development policy, international economics, and public finance. He has spent almost 10 years with the United Nations in New York working on international development policy issues, first as an economist with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and later as an economist with the United Nations Childrenís Fund (UNICEF).Monica Melchor is a Research Associate at the AIM Policy Center. She is currently undertaking research in Democracy and Inclusive Growth. Monica is also involved in the Social Protection and Youth project of the Center in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Economy Initial year Final year Gini coefficients Annualized growth rate (%)

1990s 2000s

Cambodia 1994 2008 38.3 37.9 -0.1

Indonesia 1990 2011 29.2 38.9 1.4

Lao PDR 1992 2008 30.4 36.7 1.2

Malaysia 1992 2009 47.7 46.2 -0.2

Philippines 1991 2009 43.8 43 -0.1

Thailand 1990 2009 45.3 40 -0.6

Viet Nam 1992 2008 35.7 35.6 0

Source: Asian Development Outlook 2012.

Table 1. Trends in inequality in Southeast Asia

markets are further growing. Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), for instance, partnered with the National Livelihood Development Corporation and the Catholic Relief Services to place farmers at the heart of their supply chains by way of a Farmer Entrepreneurship Program launched in 2008. This program increased the efficiencies, incomes, and ultimately stability of farmers by shifting their production to higher value-added crops. JFC, in turn, benefited by means of reduced reliance on imported ingredients as well as discounted inputs.

In addition, telecommunications giant Smart Communications enhanced access of the BOP to their services by issuing prepaid cards in lower denominations and by allowing for short-messaging-system (SMS)-based remittance transfer systems, increasing its market reach while providing a valuable service to an underserved group.

These examples help to underscore the point that BOP approaches benefit all parties and facilitate mutual value creation for those involved.

Ultimately, inclusive economies are also more likely to sustain economic growth. An International Monetary Fund (IMF) study on economic growth spell worldwide finds evidence that longer durations of economic growth are linked to stronger equality in income distribution. In fact, a 10-percentile decrease in inequality is expected to increase the length of a growth spell by 50 percent. Asian Development Bank studies also suggest that rising inequality constrains poverty reduction efforts. Up to 240 million more individuals live below $1.25 a day due to the unequal nature of their country’s economic structure.

All of this evidence motivates the APEC’s emphasis on building inclusive market economies and stamping out excessive inequality.

Inclusive... From page 3

warmly welcomed the guests of the dinner and auction. She also introduced a video about CPN, which included a short message from its founders, David and Katherine Bradley.

The event sponsors Butch and Cris Albert for Fila, David Batchelor for Raffles and Fairmont Makati, and Alice Eduardo for Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, shared their insights and concerns on child abuse. Their representatives pledged continuous support to CPN and delivered a common message urging the guests to join the fight against child abuse today, not tomorrow.

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Unity through sport The Palarong Pambansa and how it helps promote peace in Mindanao

The month of May welcomes the 58th edition of the annual Palarong Pambansa, a type of national Olympics for Filipino

student athletes which will see the cream of the country’s young athletes competing for the prestige of being proclaimed the best in the nation at a number of sports, ranging from archery and badminton, to boxing,

Race to paradiseThe annual San Fernando Race would have taken dozens of yachts from Hong Kong to the shores of La Union

A pril Fool’s Day this year saw the 20th official edition of the San Fernando Race, a Hong Kong-to-Philippines yachting

event which actually dates back to 1977, when a mere six boats took part in braving the trip across the West Philippine Sea (or South China Sea).

It was a race eagerly anticipated by sailors from across the globe, who usually cast off from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) to reach La Union on the western Philippine shore. The sailors aimed to be the first to sample the natural beauty of the Philippines awaiting them at the finish line – the beautiful islands, white sand beaches, and turquoise blue-green seas, as well as, of course, the various laidback watering holes dotting Luzon’s west coast.

But this year, Mother Nature saw fit to throw a wrench into the organizers’ plans.

Just as The ImmIgranT went to press, race chairman Gerry Daughton announced the rerouting of the race course as Typhoon Maysak barreled through Luzon on Easter Sunday, right onto the intended path of the sailors from Hong Kong to San Fernando.

“Given the information and forecasts available to them, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the San Fernando Race

Organizing Committee believe that there is no alternative but to alter the destination of this year’s race in the interests of competitor safety,” Daughton said. The event instead became a challenging 330-nautical mile offshore race from Hong Kong and back.

17 of the 25 boats still competed in the shortened race, which is usually a 480-nautical mile Category 1 offshore regatta.

Competitors converged at the RHKYC from as far afield as New Zealand and Australia to set off for the supposed two-day battle. The race is known for the tactical challenges it tends to throw up and the rough seas at the start of the first night, as well as the network of holes as the fleet approaches the Luzon coast, which have robbed many a boat of first place.

However, before the race route was changed, the sailors had been drawn to the

promise of what awaited them at the end: the exquisite lush nature of the Philippines, the laidback resorts and beach bars which can be found on the San Fernando stretch of La Union’s coastline, and, of course, the opportunity to then sail around this beautiful country and experience more of its stunning scenery and warm culture.

This is actually part of what made the race so appealing to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in the first place – because of the support of the Philippine Department of Tourism, which has always supported the growth of this event by facilitating anchorage, customs, and immigration facilities, the sailors are encouraged to stay beyond the actual event and experience the country and its very accessible cruising grounds.

But there’s also a more serious, philanthropic side to this event, since it supports a children’s home through the San Fernando Foundation, and a dinner and charity auction before the race

will unify all Mindanaoans in rallying the support of the whole country,” the governor said, before adding that for the coming national games they will “show the world that sports may be a tool to achieve peace.”

Indeed, the logo for the event is a dove that carries an olive branch having 17 leaves representing the 17 regions of the country. The three flaming tails of the dove stand for the tri-people diversity of the Palaro delegations, emblazoned with elaborate designs of the Muslim artwork okir, fishes that portray Christianity, and the beadworks of the indigenous people.

In the aftermath of the recent troubles in the region, these games can prove to be the perfect antidote, aside from being a wonderful showcase of the young Filipino athletes who have been training for this all year round. Sport does unite people and has far more potential than to just entertain; if nothing else, this should be a great spectacle. -Dimitris Lyritzis

sports

By Dimitris Lyritzis

football, chess, and gymnastics, and even including softball and billiards.

This is the country’s largest sports enclave and it’s always eagerly anticipated all around the country, and heavy preparations for this have been going on for the last few months.

The students will compete for their region, and the event, which aims to promote the

ideals of harmony, brotherhood, solidarity, and tolerance and which is scheduled for from May 3 to 9, will be held at Tagum City in Davao del Norte.

The choice of this location initially raised some concerns due to the recent troubles in the Mindanao region, but Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Chair of the Palaro Executive Committee, is hoping to prove that sports can indeed help to unite people and bring peace to a troubled region.

Del Rosario insisted that the committee, who chose the slogan “Sports: Breaking Borders, Building Peace” as part of their official logo, decided on peace as the main theme of the games since it has been a perpetual issue in Mindanao.

“Through this year’s Palarong Pambansa, we will show to the world how sports could be a powerful tool in achieving peace and for the passage of the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law)… this will not only glorify sports but

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Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC (third from right) and Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony Rafael Del Rosario (in red shirt) stand with (from left) Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon, DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali and Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera, Davao del Norte Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio Jr. and DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Lorenzo Mateo.

Notice the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” logo on this ship’s bow. One of Hong Kong’s entries is full sail on leaving Victoria Harbor. Turn to page 7

If Typhoon Maysak didn't blow across the Philippines when it did, this fleet of

yachts leaving Hong Kong and its tower-ing skyline would have reached the sands

of La Union in a matter of days.

TLTS No. ENCRFO 14-09-031(02) 848-5200 • avidaland.com • avidalandphCOMPLETION DATE: DECEMBER 2017

O W N E D & D E V E L O P E D B Y B G N O R T H P R O P E R T I E S , I N C .

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