Monday, March 10, 2008 (Philippines)

Kids from different public and private schools in GenSan, pose with city officials and officers of The Asia Foundation during the turnover ceremonies at the oval covered court on March 7. The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia program distributed about 20,000 children's books and reference materials to 560 schools in General Santos City and South Cotabato. (Contributed photo) GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The country's tuna industry, which is centered in this city, would be adversely affected should Chinese companies be allowed to conduct offshore mining ventures in the disputed Spratly Islands, a nationwide militant fisherfolk group said. Fernando L. Hicap, chairperson of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), said the alleged secret deal between the Philippines and China on the Spratlys would allow Chinese oil corporations to conduct offshore mining in the contested area. Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo [full story]