Offers employment opportunities in a new marine research/rehabilitation and responsible tourism venture to be established in Tubalan Cove, Malita, Davao del Sur, Mindanao

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1. Lead Research Scientist – Overseeing (a) General coastal resources rehabilitation & specialized coral reef rehabilitation programmes undertaken by local and foreign MSc students in related fields. (b) Representing Zooxanthella in scientific matters, (c) Grant and fundraising.

Part time role: Reporting to VP Zooxanthella. Inc.
Qualifications: Phd in marine biology with minimum of 3 years employment in related field.

2. Asst. Research Scientist – Assistant to lead scientist overseeing (a) General coastal resources rehabilitation & specialized coral reef rehabilitation programmes (b) Supervision of local and foreign MSc students in related fields who are working on the projects (c) Supervision of lab work.

Full time role: Reporting to Lead Research Scientist.

Qualifications: MSc or higher in Marine Biology with a minimum of 3 years employment in a related field. Good diving qualifications essential.

3. Centre Manager –  Competent, experienced tourism/hospitality, able to manage guest house / dive services type operation, good computer and PR skills. The following are additional advantages: Good dive qualifications, basic handyman skills, and a passion for environmental protection and responsible tourism.

Qualifications: Min of 5 years employment in tourism/hospitality industry, preferably overseas, diving qualifications an advantage, passionate about the environment and responsible tourism.

Remuneration, Terms and Conditions:To be negotiated. Preference given to Philippine Nationals.

Applications: Send covering letter, comprehensive CV (with recent photograph) to: tiger@loxinfo.co.th

Employment Start Date: June/July 2012

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About Us: Zooxanthella. Inc. and its non-profit partner VWB – Volunteers Without Borders are establishing a small Coastal Resources Rehabilitation and Research Centre in Tubalan Cove Malita. Both of these entities, one a Philippine no-profit, and the other a Philippine/Foreign registered business  work with together with  local communities to develop viable private/public sector partnerships between communities and the private sector that produce equitable economic, social and environmental returns to all.
The Coastal Resources Rehabilitation and Research Centre will support:

• A programme to rehabilitate the coral reef in the cove using Biorock (mineral accretion) based technology alongside other ‘control’ options.
• Detailed research on the effectiveness of each coral reef rehab option used.
• Regular surveys of the water quality in the cove itself – as part of a greater but localized coastal resources rehabilitation programme.
• Long term studies on the many and unique species of coral that are found almost exclusively in Tubalan Cove.
• Studies and projects (reforestation, sustainable agriculture, sustainable mariculture, re-education, community livelihood development) in the communities within the Tubalan Cove catchment area.
• The studies and project implementation shall be overseen by a suitably qualified lead project scientist and his her assistant, conducted by foreign and local MSc students / marine and other related studies graduates and volunteer divers who will be accommodated on site for between 1 week and 1  year at a time. It will also accommodate visiting officials, potential donors and the media.

Although he thanked the President for making the initiative, Stephen A. Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, said the distance between these unexplored markets and the country “is the problem here.”

Also, he added, the help in resolving the problem must be immediate considering that banana exporters “have been incurring losses” since the Chinese government stringent phytosanitary measures on Philippine bananas.

In a phone conversation with the TIMES,  Antig said that before the controversy started in March, about 1.2 boxes were shipped weekly to China at about $4 per box. Last year, data from the association revealed that the industry shipped about 70 million boxes to China, with 46 million boxes coming from the small growers  who are non-members of the association.

As of May 7, Antig said last week, Chinese authorities blocked the entry of about 200 containers of Philippine bananas and threatened to stop the entry of the product unless exporters comply with stringent quarantine measures that included making packing houses pests free and adhering to highest agricultural standards.

On Monday during a press conference here, Mr. Aquino instructed Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala to find new markets.

Among those being considered by the government as possible importers of Philippine bananas are countries in the Middle East and Russia.

Last year, the industry also suffered a whipping when Iran was not able to import bananas after western countries, particularly America, imposed sanctions on the country for pushing its nuclear program. This even led the Philippines to saturate its other markets like China and South Korea.

Japan is, however, the biggest market for Philippine bananas at about 95%, the Philippine government reported.

Antig said that the government should continue negotiating with Chinese authorities on how to resolve the quarantine issues as the Chinese government warned it will prevent the entry of Philippine bananas unless these issues are addressed by June 1.

The Philippine government is sending a team to China to discuss these issues as well as invite its representatives to visit the country to see how the industry is complying with these issues.

Mr. Aquino also assured the banana growers that the government will help them comply with these requirements as it would need a banana grower about P500,000 to put up a packing plant that would qualify for high agricultural standards specifications.

Antig said for big banana producers like the 18 member-companies of the association, complying with these new requirements is not necessary because they have been certified as having good agricultural practices.

The problem is that the small banana growers are having difficulty because they do not have the resources for these new developments.

The Chinese market, which used to buy bananas with inferior qualities, has matured and has been buying class A bananas which used to be sold only to other mature markets like Japan.

The Department of Tourism XI, in partnership with the local government of IGaCoS, invited the Indonesian Consulate to present their dances from three main islands: Java, Sumatra and Jakarta.

Simon Adare, Musical Director introduced the dance numbers: “Kembang Topeng” or Flower Mask Dance, originating  from Western Java which served as the Welcome Dance; “Indang Badindin” which depicts the arrival of Islam in Indonesia which had its origin from Western Sumatra and “Cepet Cipit” or “Wacky-wacky” featuring comic gestures for a more lively show.

Musical numbers were played on the Kulintang, producing melodious tunes likened to the “Marimba” or Xylophone   from the music of South America.

Students from the Indonesian School of Davao City made up the instrumentalists, singers and dancers for the Indonesian Cultural Night.

Consul General Eko Hartono attended the program with Vice Consul Hermawan Janu Wibowo. IGaCoS hosts were Mayor Aniano Antalan, City Administrator Cleto Bravo Gales, Jr., City Tourism Officer Jeniifer Cariaga and Visit Samal 2012 Chair Gregorio “Boy” Sarmiento.

The Malaysian Night is scheduled for May 17 while the Japan Cultural Night will be on May 18.

One of these sun-sational destinations here in Mindanao that has recently been getting a lot of raves (and tourists) from the sea, sand and sun worshippers is Britania in San Augustin, Surigao del Sur.

We all know how blessed Surigao is (both Sur and Norte) in terms of island destinations. But with Britania’s 25 white sand islands and islets dotting Lianga Bay, which faces the world’s largest ocean, well, where else would you want to be but in these natural pearls of the Pacific, right?

One good reason why Britania is worth visiting is that you don’t have to go far since this place is just 5-6 hours away by land trip from Davao City. If you can bear 6-10 hours of air, land and sea travel (including connecting flights, stops and delays) from Davao to Boracay, then consider your trip to Britania a breeze.

Britania’s islands may be similar to the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan but is certainly much better, more pristine, less exploited and its marine resources well-preserved. By the shoreline, you can see healthy mangroves growing along the San Augustin beach, protecting it from natural calamities while providing fishes with shelter and breeding ground. Even resorts are built to adapt to the natural landscape of the area.

For our island hopping, one of the few islands (half day seem not enough to explore and enjoy all islands) we visited was Boslon, the largest in the group. Boslon, with a much wider shore compared to the rest, is a favorite stopover of most island-hoppers. Although it has zero facilities, visitors prefer to camp here for the night.

We also visited Panlangagan Cave Island and Panlangagan Forest Island, which can be traversed by foot during low tide from Boslon Island; Bonbon Island; and Naked Island, which is actually a sand bar with a breathtaking view of the mountain ranges of San Agustin.  Other islands and islets in Britania include Hagonoy, Isla Verde, Panas, Minasingin, Malingin, Litik, Kang Jose, Kanlota, Taguan, Panas, San Pablo, and Hiyor Hiyoran.

If you opt to stay in mainland Britania, there are several reasonably priced lodging houses and resorts from mainland Britania which you can easily Google. In our case, we stayed at La Entrada Resort, which is conveniently located facing the islands. For island hopping, numerous motor-powered bancas await guests by the shoreline and can be rented out for PhP1,300-1,500 for a half-day tour (maximum of 15 persons).

Enjoy the last days of summer!

This is extremely dangerous; no one feels safe because no one can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them.” Putin’s accusation against American unilateralism can be seen as the sign that Russia desires to play a greater role in the international as well as in the greater Middle East arena.

A great strategic value of the Middle East has always been attached to its oil reserves and the transference of the oil and gas via sea to the European markets.  That’s why Putin, who pushed almost single-handedly for a resurgence of Russia as a mega-energy superpower in oil and gas, can claim that these energy sources now account for two-thirds of Russia’s exports. During the Soviet Union, the Soviets made minimizing the American influence in the region a priority, and thus Russia had close relationships with all the countries in the Middle East except Turkey, because Turkey was a member of NATO and allied with America.

Under Putin Russian foreign policy toward the greater Middle East is not aggressive, but more of a defensive policy aimed at protecting Russian economic interests, working with the countries to prevent Sunni radicalism, and protecting Russian from becoming a target of Muslims. It learned the lesson when Russia invaded Afghanistan 1979. Muslims were angry at Russia for invading Afghanistan and then Chechnya in 1994- 1996 and 1999.  Consequently, Putin is currently using a two-track policy toward the Middle East, developing good relations with Israel while at the same time signing diplomatic, military, and energy deals and forging ties with both Israel and its Arab neighbors without alienating one or the other.   President Putin embraced the Hamas in March and continued having armament deals with Iran and Syria.

Putin’s relations with America and with the West have grown increasingly contentious since Putin first came to power in 1999. There have been several issues that have caused conflict between Russia, some European countries, and especially America, including: the US deployment of ballistic missile defense in Eastern Europe;  the current Arab Spring; NATO’s expansion; conflicts in Kosovo, the Ukraine, and Georgia; Russian gas policy; and human rights in Russia.

America and some Western countries have found Russian foreign policy under Putin to be worrisome for several reasons; for example, Russia now has close relations with Iran, Syria, Hamas, and Hezbollah and now is trying to organize a gas cartel with Algeria, Qatar, and Iran.  As a member of the United Nation Security Council and as a partner with several Middle East countries, Russia remains a main actor in the region.  Russia did not support NATO’s operation in Libya, and the relationship between Russia and some Europeans countries became sour. Russia strongly criticized the West and America and vetoed the UN resolution in response to the violence in Syria. Russia criticized the West and America for not respecting the sovereignty of the states. Also, Putin knows that after the deposing of the leaders of Syria and Iran, it could be him. So Russia has associated itself with the other BRICS countries and challenged the attempts of America and Western countries to impose sanctions and the presence of NATO troops in Syria. For Putin, America is engineering a new world order, but Putin and China are trying to block this latest world system and balance of power.

America and some of the Western countries know that Putin will be a hard person to negotiate with. They know Putin will continue to coordinate with China and BRICS countries. He will not agree with a war in Iran or Syria or with NATO’s humanitarian bombings because, according to Putin, it is an illegal instrument of soft power.  As of now, because of huge protests in Russia by those who do not like Putin’s iron fist rule and are looking for a possible Russian Spring, Putin is well aware that Arab Spring is coming to his neighbor through Iran, which is near him, but it will not make any difference for an ex-spy, at least for now, because when President Putin became the Russian President in 1999, the Russian economy collapsed.

America and Europe tried to assist Russia in exchange for Russia’s not selling nuclear weapons on the black market for it to survive.  Russian policy had failed. But Putin brought Russia back to become once again an international player. However, today at the beginning of his new term, the situation in the Middle East, and the American and European economic crises put Putin’s presidency to test. How will the new greater Middle East projects affect some of his foreign policies?  What will Russian relations with Turkey look like because Turkey seeks regional leadership? Will modernization reforms continue? Will Putin pursue the idea of forming a Eurasia Union comprised of the former Soviet states?

The greater Middle East concept or projects was popularized by US president George Bush, who saw authoritarianism as something that encouraged radical Islamism in the region, and regarded the fostering of democratization as a way to solve that radicalism.

It is early to tell whether President Bush’s theory will work or not. Despite Russian skepticism about America’s spread of democracy in the Middle East, Russia has up to now benefited both from American and European efforts to contain Sunni radical Islam in the greater Middle East and from not paying the costs that the US and other Europeans countries are doing.

Because of unpopular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the gradual withdrawal of Western military, some Sunni Muslim will gain control and power, and, therefore, it is highly likely that the rise of Sunni Islam will target the Russian economic interests in the Middle East, the Caucuses, and Central Asia. It is for sure that the Middle East will no longer be the same as it was during the Cold War, because the rise of political Islam, the decline of American and western credibility, and recent history in the region will have an impact on Russia. It will be a test for President Putin to see whether Moscow will continue to pursue a basically defensive foreign policy that seeks to maintain good relations with everyone in the region.

(Dr. Aland Mizell is with the University of Mindanao School of Social Science, President of the MCI and a regular contributor to The Kurdistan Tribune, Kurdishaspect.com and Kurdish Media.You may email the author at:aland_mizell2@hotmail.com)

Discrimination, as defined by a proposed local ordinance, means “any distraction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on gender, race, color, descent or national or ethnic origin and religious affiliation or beliefs, which has the purpose of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise on equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, labor, social, cultural, educational, or any other field of public life.”

Now on second reading, the proposal authored by Councilor Melchor Quitain, is supported by sectors that feel they are unable to enjoy the same opportunities as the others by reason of their gender, religious affiliation, ethnic origin, among others.

Iwag Dabaw, a non government organization providing assistance to gays, is one of those organizations anticipating the passage of the local law. Rhoy Diaz, Iwag’s chair, said that although they would want a more specific anti-discrimination law that would embody the unique characteristics of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender community, the present proposal is good enough and have their full support.

He said that in communities where they are providing services, Iwag has seen the difference in how gays are being treated from way back when they were bullied or physically abused by their relatives or neighbors. “There is understanding, not just tolerance of gays in the community. Maybe they have appreciated our skills and talents, and contribution to society” Rhoy said when interviewed over DxUM Radyo Ukay’s program “Ang Babaye Karon” yesterday.

Iwag sees the importance of having a law that will provide legal protection for those who are discriminated against, but it is changing the public’s mind that matters most.

The place is Prague and the time is spring. Locals say there’s no lovelier time to see this city than in spring when the days are long and the weather is fine. Darkness doesn’t come till around ten at night and it goes away early. You blink and you miss it. People stay up late just walking about or meeting friends at sidewalk cafes for a nip of what is boasted to be the best beer in the world.

The weather was fine for the most part since I’ve been here. Fickle sometimes. Like, the sun decided to peep out of the clouds at odd intervals today. I’d run out to the castle courtyard to soak in the

warmth.

Leaving home, Google promised warm days, but it turned cold when I got here. And on my last night in the land of Kafka, the conference at that old castle ended late. I was so looking forward to a walk across Charles Bridge. It rained. There goes the walk.

Am staying at a cozy hostel along Nerudova Road in Mala Strana. Out on the street is a row of souvenir shops. They give an education as to which aspects of Prague tourists find relevant. I’ve been up and down that road many times in the last three days.

Crystals and glass and ceramic. Puppets and porcelain dolls. Historical sites and notable tourist spots replicated a million times on mugs and shirts and key chains and refrigerator magnets and sports

jackets. Pralines and wafers and gingerbread. Altar stuff and rosaries. Christmas stuff and the Infant Jesus of Prague. Old, old books. And paintings.

An Italian priest told me that Prague was a most solemn city twenty years ago. Last night, a local said it has turned into one big Disneyland, attracting tourists from all over, especially now when the economy in much of Europe is down and travel costs so much less. Not solemn, exactly. His tone was most somber. He didn’t like how McDonalds and Thai massage and matrioshka dolls on souvenir shops were

changing the culture of the old town. I thought it best not to comment on American pop music playing on the radio.

I tuned out when they started talking about how men past fifty are a throwaway in Europe, in America. I was in a conference with academics from 17 countries in four continents and I heard the same thing there at tea. It’s hard to be on a mission to bring Mindanao to the world when the world has other things to worry about closer to home. Time to hit the streets.

Brick roads. I guess if I find the yellow one I’d be Dorothy. Out there somewhere is the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion and I’m willing to bet that the global economy is not foremost on their minds. I met

black horses instead. They snorted. Like men past fifty in Europe, in America.

Sidewalk artists and musicians. And hordes of walking tourists; like an endless parade, they just keep moving.

The cobbled streets require walking shoes, so it’s a delight to see fashionable women in heels negotiating the uneven road. Beauty first before comfort.

Prague was made for walking. Going out that door is like strolling inside a postcard. But, like the endless stream of visitors to this city, I’m just passing through.

(Wayward and Fanciful is Gail Ilagan’s column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Gail headsthe Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services at the Ateneo de Davao University, where she is also the editor of the university’s journal, Tambara. For comments, email her at gail@mindanews.com.)

From the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) came the following announcement yesterday. I am reprinting it here for my media friends, writers and bloggers who may be into environmental journalism.

The IUCN – Thomson Reuters Environmental Media Award is now open for submissions.

Background: For over a decade, IUCN has teamed up with Thomson Reuters Foundation to honor exceptional environmental journalism. From 15 May to 15 June, journalists and writers across the world are invited to submit an article for the award. The winner of the 2012 Award will receive an all expenses paid trip to Jeju Island, South Korea, from 6 to 15 of September 2012, to attend the 2012 World Conservation Congress, the world’s leading summit on the environment.

The Award aims to raise global awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues by encouraging high standards in environmental reporting worldwide. Entering is easy — simply submit your article (450-word maximum) online on our Facebook page, then get your friends and colleagues to vote for you. Your article should focus on an environmental issue, ideally relating nature to human well-being.You can write something specifically for the competition or enter a previously published article, but you can enter only once.

“Nature is fundamental to our lives, yet we sometimes forget that it is nature that allows us to survive – and thrive – on this planet. We must learn to better communicate the importance of nature and conserving it for future generations,” says John Kidd, IUCN Director of Global Communications.“The IUCN – Thomson Reuters Environmental Media Award is a great opportunity to acknowledge and reward those that are raising the bar in environmental reporting across the globe.”

Established in 1998 by Thomson Reuters Foundation and IUCN, the Award aims to raise global awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues by encouraging high standards in environmental reporting worldwide.

How to enter. The 2012 IUCN -Thomson Reuters Media Award is open to journalists and writers across the world, writing for any publication, website or blog. To enter, simply submit your article on our Facebook page between 15 May and 15 June and then get your friends and colleagues to vote for you.

How to vote. The first time you vote, you’ll need to click on “Connect to vote” and then to allow the application. After that, just click on “Vote” to vote for your favorite article — you can vote once per day between 15 May and 15 June 2012.

The winner. The competition closes at 17:00 CET on 15 June 2012.The article with the most votes will be deemed the winner. IUCN reserves the right to disqualify inappropriate or offensive entries. The winner will be announced on 1 July 2012.

Terms and conditions. Any writer/blogger/journalist over the age of 18 is eligible to enter the Award.

The competition is open to individuals only.

To be eligible, your entry must include:
- Article title
- An article up to 450 words

Each entrant may submit only one entry

Articles may be submitted only in English.

Only entries published or posted on-line in the Facebook page designated by IUCN, between 15 May and 15 June are eligible.

The entry with the most “Votes” at the close of the competition at 17:00 CET on 15 June 2012 will be deemed the winner.

IUCN and Thomson Reuters reserve the right to disqualify any entries deemed inappropriate or offensive.

Employees of IUCN and the Thomson Reuters Foundation are not permitted to enter.

Entrants are not permitted to submit articles published by IUCN or Thomson Reuters, but may submit their own articles previously published by other organizations/media outlets.

The winner will be announced on Monday, 1 July 2012. The winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to Jeju Island, Korea to attend the IUCN World Conservation Congress from 6 to 15 September including economy airfare, hotel accommodation, daily meal allowance (all within limits established by IUCN) and media accreditation for the World Conservation Congress Forum. The prize may not be converted into cash. If the winner is unable to travel or otherwise participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress for all or part of the period 6 to 15 September 2012, then the prize will be awarded to the second most liked article.

By submitting your entry you confirm:
- That you own the copyright for your article and grant IUCN the right to use it in its publications, websites and/or in promotional material connected to this competition.
- That you own the copyright of any photograph included in your entry or have the permission of the copyright owner to use it and for IUCN to use it.
- That you accept these terms and conditions.

IUCN reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions without prior notice.

Any questions?
For general information about the 2012 IUCN – Thomson Reuters Media Award please contact Gillian Eborn at gillian.eborn@iucn.org or t. +41 (0)22 999 0233.

Send an entry today, my friends, and ask your friends to vote for you.

(For comments and reactions, email: rene_bartolo@yahoo.com)

SENATOR-JUDGES in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona agreed to finish the investigation by the end of the month.

Senate officials are as eager as the public to know what will come out of the court trial now on its 30th day.

But the way it is being deliberated everyday, it seems that the Chief Justice’s fate is already a forgone conclusion that he’s going to be impeached as evidences presented in court by the prosecution witnesses and the dilly dallying tactics of the defense panel since day one show positive signs of conviction.

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The power presentation by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales who testified against Corona on the US$ 10 million deposits in several banks last Monday and Tuesday on the flow of withdrawals of his bank accounts again gave another weight to pin down the defense panel on the alleged guilt of the magistrate.

Morales responded to the subpoena and explained that she just exercised her mandate to investigate all the complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

If I were in the shoes of Corona I would have heeded the call for me to resign beforehand if I only knew that I’ll be losing not only the case but my face and hidden wealth, as well.

Sayang, it’s now too late for him to do that. Medyo malabo na.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have been publicly castigated for allowing Eric Bairnals Shcks, a member of the administrative and technical staff of the Panamanian embassy, to leave the country last Friday, after he was accused of allegedly raping a 19-year-old Filipina.

The DOJ ruled that the Panamanian has diplomatic immunity, citing the Vienna convention.

Pastilan, the ruling could be a bad precedent and maybe repeated again and again by diplomats against our women because they are immune from being prosecuted.

Even Sen. Tito Sotto questioned the action of the DOJ and BI on allowing the rape suspect of leaving the country.

“We are trying to find what options are left for us because it is a bad black eye for our country if we will just allow the diplomats to rape our women because they have diplomatic immunity,” he said.

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The Community-based Advocacy and Monitoring Group (CBAMG) is calling on the Davao City Council to urgently pass an ordinance to end corporal punishment against children.

Instead, the city should promote among parents the positive and non-violent way to discipline their kids.

Ewan ko, as if the Child Welfare Act, authored by Sen. Kiko Panganiban that give immunity for suspects below 15 years old not to be prosecuted even if they committed heinous crimes, is not enough that the group still ask for more to protect these criminals from doing their things because they are protected by the law.

According to the CBAMG, the physical punishment may further lead to aggressive or violent behaviour in school, juvenile delinquency and loss of self-confidence among children.

Posible itong mangyari sa isang pamilya, but most often physical punishment may also  help in disciplining children.

I remember my younger years when my nanay lashed at us with a bamboo stick when we failed to follow her instruction to be at home before sunset. We never took this against her knowing that she was hurting us because she just wanted to inculcate to our minds that we’re wrong.

She never failed us. We grew up God fearing.

I suggest to the group that instead of the children, why not the elders  be given corporal punishment.

“This is free to the public in celebration of our 10th year anniversary of AAK Davao,” said chief instructor and branch head Rommel Tan.

Aside from the different karate clubs of Davao City, world-class karatekas coming from Manila headed by former World Cup KO1 and Asian KO1 champion Sonny Montalvo of the Jose Rizal University will also be arriving.

Also to see action are World Cup KO1 and Asian KO1 champion Jamie Lim and veteran international player Radine Flores both of AAK Megamall, Japan Adidas Cup silver medallist Allen Castro and 5th placer Alwyn Batican of La Salle AAK.

“This will be very exciting since the best karatekas of the country will be here,” Tan said.

AAK chairman Manuel “Pocholo” Veguillas is the guest of honor in this year’s event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission through Chairman Richie Garcia and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., Genbukai Karatedo Canada, SM City Davao, AAK Davao Parents, Alex Lao, Archt. Benjamin Lim, LCI Inc., Ricks Car Wash and Beefit Gym and Aerobics.

The categories in the senior division are the Men and Women’s Open Kata, -65 kg. Men’s Kumite and Open weight, Women’s -53 kg. and Open weight kumite, while in the age-group division for the boys and girls are 6 to 7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-17.

AAK Davao is spearheaded by this year’s So Kim Cheng most outstanding karateka Arthur “Chino” Lao III, while also joining are the Shoreikan Karate Club of Bukidon, Shutokai Karate Club of Mati, Dynamic Eagle Karatedo Club of Gen. Santos City, Comatcom Davao and Panabo.

“We will only be accepting a total of 120 entries since it is only a one-day event,” Tan said.

The chief referee-judge is Ricky Lim of Manila, who is licensed by the World Karatedo Federation (WKF).

“We believe that hosting this kind of event is beneficial to us karatekas particularly here in our region. (Because) through the technology learned, shared and friendship made during the championships, “ saidTan.

He added that the event will also serve as a tune-up game for their team who will be competing in various international and national competitions from June to December this year. (SCOOP/LDR)