Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 41 | Wednesday, June 1, 2022

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NON EXISTENT MGB 11 confirms no open pit mining outside protected areas in DavOr STORY ON PAGE 2

A local enthusiast showcases his skimboarding skills in front of beach goers at Mati City’s famous Dahican beach in Pujada Bay. The regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB 11) has confirmed that there is no presence of open-pit mining near Pujada Bay and Mt. Hamiguitan. Edge Davao

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VOL.15 ISSUE 41 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over the 54th Cabinet meeting at the Malacañan Palace on May 30, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

NON EXISTENT T

Foreign chambers buoyant with incoming Davao City administration

tected areas in the said province.

This is with regards to the photos of the ALMC and HMC mining site, which is situated outside the protected areas of Mt. Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay that were surfacing online that caused concerns among residents.

The Mati City Information Office immediately issued a statement assuring the public that the said mining firm is outside the protected areas.

“The Local Government Unit of the City of Mati has made a statement via a Facebook post, dated 23 May 2022, assuring the public of the same. Also, ALMC and HMC already waived a portion of their mining claims to be part of the protected wildlife sanctuary and collaborated with the Depart-

ment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the delineation of the property’s buffer zone boundaries,” MGB stated.

MGB 11 added that both ALMC and HMC are under Care and Maintenance status and have not operated since 2016. It also said that the location of both ALMC and HMC are outside and adjoining the Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary.

MGB also said that together with the DENR, it adheres to responsible mining.

“This industry is undeniably a source of materials that are essential to our living. Metallic minerals, such as Nickel are an essential metal used as an alloy in the production of our mobile phones, buildings, transportations, power generation, electric battery for the new generation of electric cars to name a few,” it said.

MGB 11 assured that it acknowledges the concerns raised by various environmental groups and advo-

cates and that the DENR is likewise putting its best foot forward to keep the environment and natural resources sustainably managed.

Last week, the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc. underscored that despite claims that ALMC and HMC are outside the protected areas of Mt. Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay, it still has extensive impacts on the environment.

“What alarms us is that the Pujada Nickel Open-Pit Mining Project straddles between and within proximity of Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Range, a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected by Republic Act 9303 and Pujada Bay Protected Seascape and Landscape through Presidential Proclamation 431 and Republic Act 7586.

Regardless of the claim that it is outside the protected area delineation, we strongly uphold and fight for the ecological rights and integrities of these watersheds from ridge to reef,” it said.

he Joint Foreign Chambers of Mindanao expressed elation over the open and willing attitude of incoming Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to listen to the private sector in streamlining the ease of doing business in Davao City.

The First Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of Mindanao recently met the incoming mayor at the Sangguniang Panlungsod building in Davao City with SP Committee Chairman for International Relations Councilor Javi Garcia Campos and attended by Nilo Claudio, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Davao; Keisuke Nakao, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao; Ferdie Maranon, president of the American Chamber of Commerce – Davao; and Antonio Peralta, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines - Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC).

Peralta told Edge Davao that it was an excellent meeting with the incoming mayor who committed to helping in the continued economic growth in Davao City.

“His open and willing attitude to listen to the private sector in helping further streamline the ease of doing business here in Davao as well as reforms

that local government units (LGUs) are entitled to a “just share” of all national taxes collected by the government and not just those collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The implementation the Mandanas Ruling in 2022 is expected to increase the share of national government tax revenue transferred to the

LGUs allowing them to chart the destiny of their people and their community.

The Aleosan District Hospital in Aleosan, the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Amas, Kidapawan; and the Dr. Amado B. Diaz Hospital in Midsayap are the main health facilities in the province that are currently giving medical care and health care support to the

Cotabateños.

On agriculture, Mendoza, thru her “Serbisyong Totoo” program, is also eyeing to address problems face by the farmers specifically on high cost of agricultural inputs.

“We will assist them in forming cooperatives for them to access government support and services,” she said.

“Serbisyong Totoo” fo-

cuses on agriculture, infrastructure, investment in human capital, confidence in the ability of young people, strengthening culture, tourism and sports, security and peace.

Among major projects under “Serbisyong Totoo” that benefited the Cotabateños is the introduction of a variety of rubber to help

MGB 11 confirms no open pit mining outside protected areas in DavOr

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

he regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB 11) confirmed that there are no open-pit mining outside the Mt. Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in Davao Oriental.

In a statement, MGB 11 informed that the Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation (ALMC) and Hallmark Mining Corporation (HMC), both located in Barangay Cabuaya and Barangay Macambol, Mati City, Davao Oriental are nickel mines with valid and existing Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) Nos. 197-2004-XI and 196-2004XI, respectively, and employ strip or contour mining method only.

Likewise, an Environmental Compliance Certificate were issued to ALMC and HMC based on the study of the environmental climate of the area.

With these statements, MGB 11 countered unverified news circulating that there is open-pit mining, particularly near the pro-

and streamlining of the issuance of business permits.

He is open to further digitalizing the process,” Peralta said.

He said the JFC briefed Duterte on the forthcoming developments with each of the foreign chambers “I organized the meeting to help assure the foreign business community here in Davao City that their concerns will be addressed and the efforts to promote Davao City as an investment destination continue and this has led to an increased presence of more consulates in Davao City,” Peralta said.

Currently, consulates in Davao City include Dutch, Spanish, Hungarian, Israel, Chinese, Indonesian, Austrian, Czech, Polish, Kazakhstan, Denmark and Belarus. Forthcoming are the Finnish, Swedish, Belgian, Italian, Swiss consulates. There are also honorary consulates here from non-European countries such as Bangladesh, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, and Israel while forthcoming are the Finnish, Swedish, Belgian, Italian, and Swiss consulates.

“We look forward to working with Mayor Baste Duterte towards getting more investments and partnerships with the foreign business community.

We are witnessing the internationalization of Davao City,” Peralta said. the farmers boost their production.

“Due to Covid-19 pandemic, increase on fuel, and high inflation rate, this administration will focus on implementing sustainable livelihood programs. Of course, we will continue to implement infrastructure projects in order to create more jobs for the Cotabateños,” she said.

Mendoza to upgrade hospital facilities, services in the Province of Cotabato

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overnor-elect Emmylou ‘Lala’ Taliño-Mendoza told Edge Davao that with the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, there will be upgrading of hospital facilities and services in the Province of Cotabato when she assumed office on June 30, 2022.

The Supreme Court’s Mandanas Ruling affirmed

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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In pushing for eligible yet unvaccinated Filipinos to trust the vaccine to better protect themselves and their respective communities against COVID-19:

Although this administration is nearing its close, I am glad that we are still continuing our effort to vaccinate more of our population and inoculate booster doses to our priority groups.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19thCity Council 5thRegular Session Series of 2022 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Co uncilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Jonard C. Dayap Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Rodolfo M. Mande Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic

- OB Acting City Mayor - On Special Privilege Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0873-22 Series of 2022 AN ORDINANCE CREATING PEACE 911, THE CENTER FOR PEACEBUILDING, AS A DIVISION OF THE CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE (CMO), SUBJECT TO ALL LAWS AND EXISTING LEGAL RULES AND REGULATIONS SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as the “Peace 911 Ordinance”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES A. The City Government of Davao is committed to building and maintaining a peaceful society where its citizens have the capacity to lead long, happy lives which is ultimately the goal of all development.

Peacebuilding should therefore be a cross-cutting theme in any development plan or program. Peacebuilding is the process of increasing connectors and decreasing dividers so that equitable development can occur. On the other hand, development is the process of increasing capacities and decreasing vulnerabilities so that people’s choices are expanded to enable them to lead long happy lives.

B. There are eight broad categories that create and sustain peaceful societies. The Institute for Economics and Peace has identified the following eight (8) Pillars of Positive Peace as the most common characteristics of most peaceful societies. These pillars are: • • • • • • • •

well-functioning government; low levels of corruption; acceptance of the rights of others; good relations with neighbors; sound business environment; high levels of human capital; equitable distribution of resources; and free flow of information.

The concept of Positive Peace acknowledges that ending direct violence alone does not guarantee durable peace. Ending direct violence is Negative Peace. For peace to endure, a society must build longer-term conditions that enable society to unify and flourish. This is called Positive Peace. Investing in Positive Peace improves resilience, mitigates risk of violence, and reduces the economic toll from conflict. The Eight Pillars of Positive Peace are highly interconnected and interact together to build a system. It therefore requires building capacities for peace not only of the government but also of local communities and other structures and institutions of the City. The establishment of Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding will contribute to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, in particular Goal 16 on building peace, justice and strong institutions, strengthening human rights, reducing discrimination and inequality, promoting gender equality, preserving natural resources and protecting the climate.

C. Section 3(b) of Republic Act 7160 states that there shall be established in every local government unit an accountable, efficient, and dynamic organizational structure and operating mechanism that will meet the priority needs and service requirements of its communities while Section 3(h) states that there shall be a continuing mechanism to enhance local autonomy not only by legislative enabling acts but also by administrative and organizational reforms; D. Section 76 of Republic Act 7160 states that every local government unit shall design and implement its own organizational structure and staffing pattern taking into consideration its service requirements and financial capability subject to the minimum standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission; SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERM AND ACRONYMS R.A.7160

Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of the Philippines

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UN IEP

United Nations Institute for Economics and Peace- an independent think tank and leader in the study of peace and conflict

SG

Salary Grade

Peace 911

Short name that refers to peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding

PPA

Programs, Projects and Activities

Peacebuilding

Seeks to address the underlying causes of conflict, helping people to resolve their differences peacefully and lay the foundations to prevent future violence (Conciliatory Resources)

CMO

City Mayor’s Office or Office of the City Mayor

E.O. No. 08, Series of 2021

Executive Order Number 08, Series of 2021 - An Oder Amending Executive Order No. 54, Series of 2019, Redefining the Focus Area of Peace 911

E.O No. 54, Series of 2019

Executive Order No. 54, Series of 2019 - An Order Integrating Presidential Executive Order No. 70, Series of 2018, Promulgated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and its Implementing Guidelines Into the Peace 911, Providing Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes

Peace 911 General Committee

Policymaking body of Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding as defined in E.O. No. 08, Series of 2021.

Secretariat

- The administrative department of a governmental organization (Merriam-Webter) - The officials or office entrusted with administrative duties, maintaining records, and overseeing or performing secretarial duties (Dictionary.com)

SECTION 4. CREATION OF PEACE 911- THE CENTER FOR PEACEBUILDING – Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding is hereby created as a division under the Office of the City Mayor to serve as the peacebuilding office of the City of Davao.

A. Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding shall be created as a division of the City Mayor’s Office (CMO); B. Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding shall adhere to the following vision and mission: 1. Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding envisions peace as embedded in justice, the building of right relationships and social structures, through respect for one another and commitment to nonviolence as a way of life; 2. The mission of Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding is to build peaceful communities through people’s participation in giood governance, equitable economic development and cohesive social relations within the framework of positive peace; C. Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding shall be otherwise called as Peace 911; D. Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding shall be headed by a Development Management Officer IV with Salary Grade 22; E. A Development Management Officer III with Salary Grade 18 shall be the assistant head of Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuiding; F. Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding shall be composed of four (4) sections namely; 1. Administrative Services Section 2. Program Management Section 3. Research and Documentation Section, and 4. Partnership Management Section SECTION 5. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF PEACE 911 – The Center for Peacebuilding- The duties and functions of Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuildidng are the following: A. Mainstreams a peace perspective into the City’s development plans and programs; B. Serves as the implementing arm of all initiatives embodied under the peacebuilding program recommended by the Peace 911 General Committee for the City of Davao, as approved by the City Mayor; C. Plans and implements approved peacebuilding programs, projects and activities; D. Serves as the gatekeeper of all programs and projects to be implemented within the Peace 911 focus areas, and as such, shall coordinate all efforts and initiatives of the involved communities, government, NGOs, the private sector and other partners; E. Creates a single channel (convergence) for all services, programs and activities that shall be introduced to the focus areas; F. Coordinates with teaching and training institutions to enhance government and local capacities for peace; G. Conducts researches/studies in all matters involving peace practice and other programs relative to peace; H. Forms partnerships with various groups of stakeholders to form a community of practice in peacebuilding; I. Coordinates with other national and local agencies in the implementation of programs and projects; J. Recommends to the City Mayor any actions/counter measures for all concerns and issues which may arise from time to time relative to the peacebuilding process and program implementation; K. Acts as the secretariat of the Peace 911 General Committee; L. Perform such other acts to ensure the implementation of peace objectives of the national government.

SECTION 6. FUNCTIONS OF THE SECTIONS IN PEACE 911-THE CENTER FOR PEACEBUILDING – Peace 911 - The Center for Peacebuilding as a Division under the Office of the City Mayor shall be composed of four (4) sections with its respective functions, to wit: A. The Functions of the Administrative Section are: 1. Provides assistance to other sections/units on all administrative matters; 2. Assists other sections in the preparation of documents and other official activities conducted by the office; 3. Performs other tasks that maybe assigned by immediate superiors pursuant to the objectives of this Ordinance.

B. The Functions of the Program Management Section are: 1. Plans and implements peacebuilding programs, projects and activities; 2. Engages in innovative peacebuilding practices; 3. Coordinates with peace teaching and training institutions to enhance government and local capacities for peace; and

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4. Performs other tasks that maybe assigned by immediate superiors pursuant to the objectives of this Ordinance.

C. The Functions of the Research and Documentation Section are: 1. Conducts researches/studies in all matters involving peace promotion and other programs relative to the peacebuilding process; 2. Conducts documentation on all matters involving peacebuilding processes and peace promotion programs including lessons that will enhance peace practice and to incorporate these into training programs; 3. Performs other tasks that maybe assigned by immediate superiors pursuant to the objectives of this Ordinance.

D. The Functions of the Partnership Management Section are: 1. Builds a community of practice locally and regionally by building mechanisms for cooperation among all relevant stakeholders; 2. Promotes cooperative problem-solving and institutionalizing appropriate response mechanisms to violent conflicts; 3. Performs other tasks that maybe assigned by immediate superiors pursuant to the objectives of this Ordinance.

SECTION 7. CREATION OF PEACE 911 – THE CENTER FOR PEACEBUILDING PLANTILLA POSITIONSPursuant to Section 13 of Civil Service Memorandum Circular No. 13, Series of 1992, Guidelines and Standards in the Establishment of Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern in the Local Government Units, and the DBM’s Index of Occupational Services, Occupational Groups, Classes and Salary Grades, the Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding shall have the minimum regular positions and the respective numbers to be created.

A. Regular positions of Division Head and Assistant Division Head shall be created in the Peace 911-The Center For Peacebuilding.

Class/Position Title Development Management Officer IV Development Management Officer III

SG/Level Number of Positions 22/1 1 18/1 1

B. The following regular positions and the respective quantity shall be created under the Administrative Services Section: Class/Position Title Administrative Officer IV Administrative Officer II Administrative Aide IV (Driver II)

SG/Level Number of Positions 15/1 1 4/1 1 4/1 1

C. The following regular positions and the respective quantity shall be created under the Program Management Section: Class/Position Title Development Management Officer II Development Management Officer I Project Evaluation Assistant

SG/Level Number of Positions 15/1 1 11/1 1 8/1 1

D. Research and Documentation Section: Class/Position Title Development Management Officer II Development Management Officer I

SG/Level Number of Positions 15/1 1 11/1 1

E. Partnership Management Section: Class/Position Title Development Management Officer II Development Management Officer I Project Evaluation Assistant

SG/Level Number of Positions 15/1 1 11/1 3 8/1 4

SECTION 8. FUNCTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF PLANTILLA POSITIONS - The functions of the plantilla positions in the Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding are hereby listed including the updated qualification standards for certain positions per Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Commission on Audit (COA) issuances. The Human Resource and Management Office (HRMO) may require additional qualifications for each position relevant to the provisions of this Ordinance and that of the Civil Service rules and regulations.

A. Development Management Officer IV (SG-22) 1. Qualifications a. Bachelor’s Degree relevant to the job; b. Three (3) years of relevant service; c. Fifteen (15) hours of relevant training; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility; 2. The functions are: a. Manages and supervises Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding; b. Supervises all programs and projects to be implemented within Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding focus areas, and as such, shall coordinate all efforts and initiatives to the involved communities, government agencies concerned and/or to the prospective project proponents, as may be necessary, in order to effectively manage and smoothly carry out these programs, and at the same time sustain peace in Davao City; c. Supervises the implementation of all initiatives embodied under the peacebuilding program designed by Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding General Committee for the City of Davao, as may be approved by the City Mayor; d. Creates a single channel (convergence) for all services, programs and activities that shall be introduced to the focus areas; e. Coordinates with relevant national government agencies in the implementation of programs and projects; f. Reports any concerns and issues which may arise, from time to time, to the City Mayor and recommend counter-measures; g. Performs such other acts to ensure the implementation of the Whole-ofNation Approach of the national government.

B. Development Management Officer III (SG-18) 1. Qualifications a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. Two (2) years of relevant experience; c. Eight hours of relevant training; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

2. The functions are: a. Assists in managing and supervising Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding; b. Assists in the development to ensure efficient operation of the center; c. Assists in the coordination with national and local government agencies, non-

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government offices and the private sector, as peace partners in bringing more positive peace in Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding focus areas; d. Assists in planning, developing and executing operating procedures and programs that will be conducted by the center; e. Assists the head of the center to ensure that all personnel are informed of new or revised operating policies and that they are properly implemented; f. Assists in supervising the administrative functions of the office, (e.g. supplies and records management, preparation of budget proposals, human resource matters) and submits the reports and proposals to the Officer-in-Charge; g. Performs other tasks that may be assigned by the immediate superior pursuant to the objectives of this Ordinance.

C. Regular Positions under the Administrative Services Section 1. Administrative Officer IV (SG-15) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. One (1) year of relevant experience on DRRM; c. Four (4) hours of relevant training on DRRM; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Supervises the administrative functions of the center relative to records management, personnel administration, supply and property utilization, budgeting, janitorial services, including maintenance and repair; b. Undertakes and coordinates in the administration of fringe benefits and other employee services; c. Undertakes the dissemination of latest issuances relative to the functions of the center; d. Prepares necessary documents such as memorandums, emails, and reports needed by the Officer-in-charge; e. Organizes and schedules appointments and meetings as approved by the Officer-in-charge; f. Plans meetings and take detailed minutes; Performs such other related functions that may, from time to time, be assigned by the immediate supervisor.

2. Administrative Officer II (SG-4) Qualifications: a. Completion of two (2) years studies in college; b. No experience required; c. No training required; d. Career Service (Sub-professional) First Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Assists in performing frontline services to clients, receiving, recording, releasing and sorting new, renewal and special permit applications; b. Scans permit files and attachments for easy reference and retrieval; c. Assists in creating metadata, record list and uploading of e-records and files; and d. Does other functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

3. Administrative Aide IV (Driver II) (SG-4) Qualifications: a. Elementary School graduate; b. No experience required; c. No training required; d. Professional Driver’s License (MC 10, s. 2013 – Cat. IV).

Functions: a. Safely and efficiently transport personnel, office supplies and equipment using the office vehicle; b. Undertakes the proper maintenance and care of the vehicles to ascertain that the said vehicles are in good running condition; c. Prepares reports on fuel and oil consumption as well as the distance travelled for submission to the City Accountant’s Office and City General Services Office; d. Accomplish trip tickets by using the Daily Authorized Trips Summary to ensure that the trips are recorded and official; and e. Does other related functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

D. Regular Positions under the Program Management Section 1. Development Management Officer II (SG-15) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. One (1) year of relevant experience required; c. Four (4) hours of relevant training required; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Formulates peacebuilding programs and projects for Peace 911’s focus areas; b. Implements approved peace-building programs, projects and activities (PPA’s) and monitors the progress of the said PPA’s; c. Evaluates the development of the implemented plans, programs, and projects, and reports it to the Officer-in-Charge; d. Improves existing PPAs and execute it with better program efficiency rate; e. Collaborates with all the center’s units, prepares annual budgetary requirements and submit the proposal to the Community Affairs Officer III; f. Does other related functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

2. Development Management Officer I (SG-11) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job;

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b. No experience required; c. No training required; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Provides assistance to the Development Management Officer II in collaboration and preparation of annual budgetary requirements; b. Assists the Development Management Officer II in formulating peace-building programs for the office’s focus areas; c. Does other related functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

Functions: a. Assists in developing and strategizing community building mechanisms; b. Assists in the development of community building mechanisms for the sustainability of peace in the focus areas of Peace 911- The Center for Peacebuilding; c. Assists in coordinating with government agencies, non-government organizations and private sector in converging all peace efforts, ensuring there is no duplication of projects implemented in a certain area; d. Does other functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

3.

Project Evaluation Assistant (SG-8)

3. Project Evaluation Assistant (SG-8)

Qualifications: a. Completions of two (2) years in college; b. One (1) year of relevant experience required; c. Four (4) hours of relevant training required; d. Career Service (Sub-Professional) First Level Eligibility.

Qualifications: a. Completion of two (2) years in college; b. One (1) year of relevant experience required; c. Four (4) hours of relevant training required; d. Career Service (Sub-Professional) First Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Conducts timely visitation and interview to the households and communities in the center’s focus areas, obtaining relevant information on their concerns; b. Verifies the information reported on the office’s official hotlines; c. Gathers issues and concerns pertaining to infrastructure, water system, agriculture, security, education and health on the assigned areas, and collaborate with the proper agencies/team for action; d. Closely monitors areas especially those identified as high-risk barangays where there are presence of insurgents; e. Submits weekly report; f. Does other functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

Functions: a. Provides support in implementing approved peace-building programs, projects and activities (PPAs) and monitors its progress; b. Conducts assessment of the implemented plans, programs, and projects in the focus areas and submits report to the Development Management Officer for evaluation; c. Does other related functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

E. Regular Positions under the Research and Documentation Section 1. Development Management Officer II (SG-15) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. No experience required; c. No training required; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Collaborates with government agencies, non-government and the private sector on conducting research and documentations about peace-building; b. Manages records management and endorses documents to proper offices or agencies for action; c. Manages inventory of all office equipment and ensure its good condition; d. Documents lessons learned from peacebuilding of local partners; e. Formulates and develops peacebuilding practices and to incorporate the same into training programs; f. Does other functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

2. Development Management Officer I (SG-11) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. No experience required; c. No training required; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Provides assistance in collaborating with government agencies, non-government and private sector on the conduct of peace-building research and documentations; b. Provides support on the documentation of lessons learned from peacebuilding of local partners; c. Cooperates with the Project Evaluation Officer II in formulating and developing peacebuilding practices; d. Does other functions as may be directed by immediate supervisors.

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SECTION 9. APPOINTMENT - The positions in Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding shall be appointed by the City Mayor in accordance with the civil service laws and rules on qualification standards which the appointee must posses as set by the Civil Service Commission.

SECTION 10. HUMAN RESOURCE COMPLEMENT - The City Mayor shall be allowed to employ emergency personnel or laborers needed by Peace 911-The Center for Peacebuilding through Job Orders or Contract of Services based on the availability of budget pursuant to Section 77 of R.A. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and subject to government rules and regulations on budgeting, accounting and auditing.

SECTION 11. APPROPRIATION - The appropriation necessary for the implementation of this Ordinance shall be included by the City Budget Officer in the proposed Annual Budget of the City Government.

SECTION 12. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions thereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

ENACTED, February 02, 2022, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: For in the absence of the Secretary:

ATTESTED:

MA. THERESA A. REYES Acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Local Legislative Staff Officer IV)

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/ray

18 MARCH 2022 APPROVED : ________________,

Regular Positions under the Partnership Management Section 1. Development Management Officer II (SG-15) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. One (1) year of relevant experience required; c. Four (4) hours of relevant training required; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

Functions: a. Develops and strategizes community building mechanisms for the sustainability of peace in the focus areas of Peace 911 - The Center for Peacebuilding; b. Coordinates with relevant government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector in converging all peace efforts, ensuring there is no duplication of projects implemented in a certain area; c. Oversees all projects and activities implemented in the center’s focus areas and monitors the said programs from time to time; d. Submits consolidated reports to the Officer-in-Charge; e. Plans cooperative problem-solving and institutionalizes a response mechanism to violent conflicts; f. Supervises personnel under the unit; g. Initially handles verified community concerns and reports; h. Does other functions as may be directed by immediate superiors.

2. Development Management Officer I (SG-11) Qualifications: a. Bachelor’s degree relevant to the job; b. No experience required; c. No training required; d. Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility.

An Ordinance creating Peace 911, the center for peacebuilding as a division of the Office of the City Mayor (CMO), subject to all laws and existing legal rules and regulations

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A resident buys chicken choice cuts from a community market in Davao City. The price of dressed chicken in the city is constantly rising due to the current threat of avian flu. Edge Davao

NEDA, DTI make final push for Senate nod on RCEP

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with the country’s participation in RCEP, and not only on the concerns of a particular sector.

Concerns raised by some groups in the agriculture sector in the Senate are seen to be slowing down the upper house’s concurrence on the regional free trade agreement (FTA), as they fear that the trade deal will flood the country with

cheaper imported commodities.

The two agencies, especially DTI, have been allaying fears of some groups in the agriculture sector, noting that the RCEP is not a threat to the local sector.

DTI Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty, the country’s lead negotiator to RCEP, said the government has ensured that the interest of the local agriculture sector is protected.

Gepty said that during the negotiations, the country excluded sensitive agricultural products for liberalization.

“In RCEP, basically we have only liberalized 33 agricultural tariff lines. Of

these 33 tariff lines, 17 are raw materials, 8 are inputs and only 8 tariff lines are final goods. This accounts for only 1.9 percent of total agricultural tariff lines and even less than 1 percent of the country’s total imports.

This is very minimal compared to the huge benefits that the whole economy will gain which include the agriculture sector, industry, services, and investments,” Gepty said.

For his part, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Karl Kendrick Chua said RCEP can be ratified while the government strengthens its support to the agriculture sector.

PCCI has partnered with Better Internet PH to advocate the Philippine Internet Agenda in the next administration.

The Philippine Internet Agenda aims to improve access to the internet, make internet services reliable and affordable, and have a secured digital infrastructure.

“We have been lagging behind our Asean neighbors for the longest time in terms of better internet and

we should prioritize legislation that will improve our overall connectivity,” PCCI president George Barcelon said.

He added that improving digital connectivity in the country will attract more foreign direct investments and will create an impact on government, economy, tourism, and education among other sectors.

Better Internet PH Lead ICT Policy Analyst Grace Mirandilla-Santos also bats

for reviewing the need for a congressional franchise for prospective internet service providers (ISPs), adding that the Philippines is the lone country in the world that requires a franchise for this service.

“We want to update policies to make it easier for ISPs to build digital infrastructure. Technology will overtake regulation, therefore our policies should be future-proof,” Mirandilla-Santos said. (PNA)

he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are making their final push for the Senate to concur on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during this administration.

This, as the agencies once again briefed senators on Monday on the positive gains for the country in joining the RCEP. The Senate’s concurrence is the last step before the country can deposit its instrument of ratification.

Both NEDA and DTI reiterated that lawmakers should look at the overall impact on the economy

PCCI to push for bills improving connectivity

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he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it will support the passage of bills in the 19th Congress that will improve internet connectivity in the country.

In a statement Monday, PCCI said legislations that will push for better internet services include the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, Rural Wired Development Act, Satellite Liberalization Act, and Spectrum Management Act.

PH gets $400-M loan from ADB to boost capital markets

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved another loan for the Philippines, this time $400 million for the country’s domestic capital markets and infrastructure development.

ADB said the policy-based loan will be under its Support to Capital Market-Generated Infrastructure Financing Program Subprogram 2, which seeks to boost institutional participation in the market from insurance and pension funds.

“There is huge potential in tapping this sector for long-term funds since they have long investment horizons and low leverage,” the ADB said in an emailed statement.

“These investors can offer better debt pricing and longer maturities in local currency and are less likely to sell or retreat during short-term market corrections,” it added.

With the country’s infrastructure financing gap estimated at P2 trillion a year until 2030, ADB Principal Financial Sector Specialist for Southeast Asia Stephen

Schuster said it will require various sources of longterm financing.

The financing would support the recovery of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, social protection, and infrastructure development priorities.

“A deeper, more diversified investor base can help ease fiscal constraints,” he said in the statement.

The ADB expects the Philippine economy to grow 6% this year, based on its Asian Development Outlook. This is seen to accelerate further by 6.3% next year.

The national government’s debt climbed to record-high of P12.68 trillion as of end-March, given the continuing borrowing efforts to boost the war chest against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier this month said the Philippine government will have to raise P249 billion additional revenues annually in the next 10 years to pay for the historic P3.2-trillion additional debt incurred following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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ECONOMY A2

Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) director Tanya Rabat-Tan bares that the region is expected to gain more tourists with its ready tourism circuits, which may be integrated or connected with the other regions in Mindanao.

Edge Davao

Davao Region to benefit from DOT’s ‘Colours of Mindanao’ France assists Guimaras prepare mango products for EU market

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he French government is helping the province of Guimaras develop the geographic indication (GI) for its sweet mango products in preparation for export to markets in the European Union (EU).

“The French government is helping the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and those applicants like us in terms of technical assistance for us to be able to get the geographic indication. When we have that it is easy for our products from the Philippines like the Guimaras mangoes to enter the European market,” Guimaras Provincial Economic Development Officer Elena V. Quezon said in an interview on Monday.

The IPO, with the help of the French government, EU and the Food and Agriculture Office (FAO), is in the final stages of polishing the guidelines for the issuance of the permit for the GI, she said.

Quezon added that the representative from the French government is waiting for the proposal of Guimaras as to the extent of the technical assistance that it needs.

The technical assistance is expected to focus on strengthening the Guimaras Mango Producers on Marketing Cooperative that handles the collective mark stickers for their mango products.

The collective mark, which is similar to a trademark, was issued to Guimaras mango producers back in 2017.

Quezon said that the GI is a kind of branding that is attached to a certain location, such as Guimaras mangoes.

It is proof that the product follows the desired standard of the target market while it also observes good agricultural practices during the production process.

“We police our own products if we have a geographic indication,” Quezon added.

She said once the EU market is realized, they have to make sure that at least 50 percent of their current 27,000 fruit trees will bear fruit annually.

“We really need to continue developing new farms since most of our fruit trees were affected by the road widening and irrigation projects,” she said. (PNA)

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avao Region is set to receive more tourists as the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched its communication campaign, “Colours of Mindanao”.

In the One Davao Presser held recently at the Aeon Towers, Tourism Director of Davao Region Tanya Rabat-Tan bared that with the ready tourism circuits of the region which may be integrated or connected with the other regions in Mindanao, the region is expected to gain more tourists.

Rabat-Tan explained that the campaign is all about assigning colors to the many tourism circuits in the different parts of Mindanao such that one region gets to offer their own circuits to the similar circuits in other regions

and the campaign consolidates it by offering attractive package tours.

The campaign will showcase new products under colour themes corresponding to a tourism aspect — blue for dive tourism, teal for sun and beach, green for ecotourism, brown for farm tourism, violet for culture and heritage, red for adventure and sports, orange for food tourism, and yellow for faith tourism.

“Since we have our own circuits in the Davao Region, we can then exchange our own with the same circuits in

other regions of Mindanao”, she said.

The DOT official added that the campaign will not just benefit identified circuits but it will somehow highlight all the different circuits in the region.

Davao City leads in MICE tourism being the gateway of the different provincial destinations in the region. It has been the top choice venue for meetings, conferences, and events.

Davao de Oro offers waterfalls, hot springs, and even amusement parks. Davao Oriental is known for the beaches.

Davao del Sur is offering adventure tourism. Davao Occidental pushes for Faith tourism while Davao del Norte offers farm tourism.

“Colours of Mindanao” campaign according to Rabat-Tan is expected to be a hit given the good road network that connects one region in Mindanao to the other regions.

“All the areas in Mindanao are very accessible and we also have direct flights by plane such as Davao to Zamboanga. Also, the land trip makes the experience more enjoyable.”

Aside from accessibility of the Mindanao regions, the DOT also emphasized the warm reception and hospitality of every Mindanawon that makes more tourists drawn closer to the Mindanao tourist destinations. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)

Senator Joel Villanueva.

Apart from the increase in the monthly social pension for indigent senior citizens, the bill also provides options other than cash payout for the pension to reach the target beneficiary. The transaction fee, if any, shall not be charged to the beneficiary.

The bill also transfers the implementation, distribution, and management of the social pension for senior citizens from the Department

of Social Welfare and Development to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) within a period not exceeding three years.

“Tumaas na po ang presyo ng bilihin, marapat lang na itaas rin ang monthly social pension ng mga indigent senior citizens from P500 to P1,000,” Villanueva said in a statement after the passage of SB 2506.

[The prices of goods have gone up, so it is only right that the monthly social

pension of indigent senior citizens go up, from P500 to P1,000.]

“May mga seniors po na wala talagang maaasahan at hindi na kayang magtrabaho at hindi kayang suportahan ng mga kamag-anak o kaya walang kamag-anak. [There are seniors who can no longer work and who cannot be supported by their family, or else they have no family.]

The P1,000 social pension is the least we can give them,” he added.

Senate bill doubling indigent seniors’ monthly pension to P1,000 approved on final reading

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he Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure increasing the monthly social pension of indigent senior citizens from P500 to P1,000.

Voting 18-0-0, the senators approved Senate Bill 2506 or the Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

SB 2506 hurdled the Senate a week after it was sponsored in the plenary by

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EDGEDAVAO FOOD

CULINARY BEYOND COOKING AT ICHEF

In the world of culinary arts, it all starts with the love of food of people who eventually want to become chefs and experts in food preparation, cooking, and exciting presentation.

Because of this fascination with food, some made culinary arts a career to enhance creativity, enjoy unrivaled travel opportunities and job opportunities abroad.

But for some, culinary means pursuing business in food industry.

In all aspects of food business, one needs not only skills but passion for proper planning, great marketing, product positioning, and shelf strategy to increase chances of success.

That’s why the Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHEF) is making sure it’s more than just a culinary school. Students are not only taught culinary skills but also business and entrepreneurship by putting them in the real environment of the food industry wherein they are taught to handle the operation on their own from planning to marketing to selling.

Through the program “Restaurant Operations” the culinary management students of ICHEF are encouraged to dive into culinary entrepreneurship by engag-

ing them in dining activities at the newly renovated ICHEF restaurant.

The program enables the students to realize that the food industry or business is a vibrant and exciting marriage of commerce and creativity.

Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, COO of JIB Schools, said before graduation, the students are required to operate their restaurant.

“They create their restaurant concept which includes the branding, menu, service style, and also a marketing plan,” she said.

How it is being done?

Ledesma said the school lends the students capital to have some initial seed funds and they need to be able to make the restaurant profitable by looking into their budget, expenses, and sales.

All their earnings are theirs (students).

The students do it under the supervision of the school’s exceptional in-house chefs.

“This is an activity where

the experience and learnings of the students at ICHEF become full circle as they own and operate their restaurant and experience being a chefpreneur” she said.

Some of Davao City’s recognized restaurateurs and culinary gurus namely Anthony Ang, owner of Blue Post’s Boiling Crabs; Chef Boyd Isaac of Boyd’s Pizza House; Marie Antoinette of

Nestle Professional; and LTB Philippines Chefs Association Davao Chapter President and owner of Chippens and Salome’s Garden, Chef Sally San Jose have experienced the students’ service by dining in at their restaurant operations.

They also shared their chops on how to correctly run a restaurant and how to make the business successful.

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Wright to suit up for Phoenix Super LPG

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Matthew Wright in action for Phoenix Super LPG. File photo. PBA Images

espite all the rumors on his contract, Matthew Wright is set to suit up for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the upcoming 2022-23 PBA Philippine Cup.

This, according to Phoenix Super LPG team governor Raymond Zorrilla who said Monday that Wright still has a live contract with the franchise.

“Matthew Wright is on the roster. He will be playing,” Zorrilla said during the press conference ahead of the start of the PBA’s 47th season, held Monday at the Conrad Hotel.

“He has a live contract and he will honor

that commitment to play for us,” he added. “We don’t see any problem with Matt playing for the Super LPG Fuel Masters.”

The 31-year-old Wright was included in the Phoenix Super LPG roster for the All-Filipino Cup, although his contract will expire at the end of August.

With free agency looming, Wright was linked to moves to other

teams and even to other leagues, but Phoenix Super LPG is determined to retain the guard.

Wright was the primary scoring option and playmaker for the Fuel Masters in the past season, and he averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.5

rebounds per game in the Governors’ Cup. READ: Phoenix’s Matthew Wright is PBA Player of the Week According to Zorrilla, Wright has vowed to show the same level of play when the All-Filipino Cup starts, even with his

contract status hanging over their heads.

“And sabi nga niya, I could expect that very same Matthew Wright – how he is there as a passionate player, an exciting player who is willing to take the team to greater heights,” said Zorrilla.

For their part, Phoenix Super LPG has assured Wright that he is “the number one priority” of the franchise.

The Fuel Masters open their All-Filipino campaign on June 8 against the San Miguel Beermen.

ing to help us learn the game even more.”

Horford isn’t Boston’s best player. But make no mistake: He is the leader. In practices, timeouts, the locker room, wherever, his voice resonates.

“It’s incredible what he’s done all season,” coach

Ime Udoka said. “As I mentioned, came into training camp in extremely great shape, chip on his shoulder, prideful, wanted to come back to Boston. ... He lays it all out there guarding bigs, smalls and everything in between. His leadership goes without saying.”

Winning the East title was hard enough, going through a No. 1 seed like Miami and having to win a Game Seven on the road.

That told only part of the story.

Horford wasn’t himself in Game Six on Friday night, when Boston had a

chance to clinch the series on its home floor, and for understandable reasons.

His grandfather died the day before, though family members urged Horford to keep playing.

“My grandfather was somebody that I was extremely close with, somebody that I really care for,” Horford said. “All week my mom, my family were just kind of telling me to just go out there and play. That’s something that he would have wanted me to do, to just continue on and really just try and stay focused and understand that he’s at peace now.”

Al Horford’s averages so far in these playoffs: 11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists while playing nearly 37 minutes per contest.

There was grief. There was joy. The last few days have been quite the emotional pendulum for Horford.

But maybe it was fitting that the NBA Finals ticket came his way in Miami, given that he played his college ball at Florida and is a hero in his native Dominican Republic — where countless people have become Celtics fans again because of him.

Horford gets over the hump into title series

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IAMI — The game was over. So, finally, was Al Horford’s journey. He grabbed what would be the final rebound of the Eastern Conference finals, threw the ball skyward, sprinted to join his teammates in celebration and then dropped to his knees to slap the floor.

His time has come.

The oldest player — by six years — on the Boston Celtics’ roster will savor this trip to the NBA Finals in ways that his teammates simply cannot. He will finally play in the title series, with the Celtics set to open the matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time), one day before Horford’s 36th birthday.

“Nobody deserves it more,” Boston guard Jaylen Brown said.

Nobody in the history of the NBA has played more playoff games without making the finals than Horford; Sunday night’s 100-96 East title-clinching win in Miami was his 141st postseason appearance. When the ball is tipped in San Francisco for the start of Celtics-Warriors, that dubious distinction becomes Paul Millsap’s posses-

sion; he’s been in 130 playoff games, none in the finals.

“Just didn’t know how to act,” Horford said. “Just caught up, excited. A lot of hard work. I’ve been a part of a lot of great teams, a lot of great teammates, and I’m so proud of this group. ... I’m really grateful to be in this position.”

Horford had a previous three-year stint in Boston, making the East finals twice, before signing with Philadelphia and eventually getting moved to Oklahoma City. He didn’t play much for the Thunder, and they traded him last summer back to Boston — a move that worked out better than even the Celtics hoped.

His averages so far in these playoffs: 11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists while playing nearly 37 minutes per contest.

“Al could care less about the numbers,” Celtics guard Marcus Smart said. “He cares about the wins and this team. When he came back, that gave us a sense of security. We got Al back there, he’s always going to make the right play on both ends, he’s going to calm us down, he’s going to show us what we missed and he’s go-

In his second stint with the Celtics, Al Horford makes it to the Finals. PHOTO: AP

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MENTOR

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‘Nobody could have done what George has done’: Pacquiao

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oxing legend Manny Pacquiao has delivered a stunning endorsement of Sydney fighter George Kambosos jnr ahead of his world title defence against American Devin Haney, declaring: “Nobody could have done what George has done.”

Kambosos, 28, will attempt to become the first boxer to hold all four belts in the lightweight division when he fights Haney at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on June 5.

George Kambosos Jr has pledged to send American boxer Devin Haney home with no spoils from their epic bout There is mounting speculation that Pacquiao, who did more than 250 rounds of sparring with Kambosos during his career, will be among the 50,000-strong crowd for the fight.

In a rare interview, the 12-time world champion told the Good Weekend Kambosos looked incredibly sharp in preparation and will win world titles for as long as he wants.

“I look at the training videos he has been posting on his various social platforms and I’m amazed at what he’s doing in the gym,” Pacquiao said. “No-one is in better condition. You can tell he wants to keep those belts for as long as possible.

“It’s been a long journey for

George, and he has sacrificed a lot to get to the top — I do not see him letting that go. How many world titles can he win? He’s only limited by his imagination and his ambition. So far, George has accomplished everything he has set his mind to.”

The relationship between Pacquiao and Kambosos first blossomed when the little-known fighter from Sylvania was sparring at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles in early 2017.

Roach thought he would be an ideal sparring partner for Pacquiao for his fight against Brisbane schoolteacher Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium; a fight Horn won in a stunning upset.

Kambosos helped Pacquiao prepare for two more world title fights, including training camps in Manila and running the hills around General Santos, where Pacquiao grew up on the street before boxing became his salvation.

“From the beginning I knew, and my team knew, George was a very good fighter,” Pacquiao explained.

“That is why I wanted George in all my training camps. It went beyond giving me good work. He made me work. He was a sparring partner in name only. You could sense he had big ambitions in boxing. He wanted to be the best and he treated his sparring sessions with me as part of his education. I never saw the same fighter twice. He was more than a sparring partner. He was a training partner.”

Often, on long road runs, Kambosos and Pacquiao would draw away from the rest of the pack.

“George worked harder than anyone in the camp,” Pacquiao said.

“I think that is why we got along so well. He would be right there with me running the hills every morning, doing sit-ups next to me after the run, full workouts in the gym every afternoon. He was always doing the extra work. He never cut corners on himself, and it was that work ethic that showed me he had the drive to do what so few in boxing can, and that is to become a world champion.”

It was that single-mindedness that propelled Kambosos to his own upset victory over Teofimo Lopez in New York last November, a result which delivered him the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles. Haney holds the WBC title.

As Kambosos explains to the Good Weekend on Saturday, he was

Manny Pacquiao did more than 250 rounds of sparring with George Kambosos during his career. prepared “to die” in the ring against Lopez given how much was on the line for his family and his career. Instead, the 13-1 underdog won via a split points decision.

“The fight he took to Teofimo Lopez … I do not think anyone else could have done what George did that night,” Pacquiao said. “He showed in the Lopez fight that not only can he give out punishment, but he can also take it, and that comes from working hard every day in training and staying fit in between fights. George has so many strengths, physically and mentally.

He is not predictable. He sees the whole ring and uses it to his advan-

tage. He keeps everything together.

He is very disciplined.”

Despite holding three world title belts, and the victory over Lopez, Kambosos remains a clear outsider ($2.51) with bookmakers against Haney ($1.56). Kambosos said he was determined to make sure his first title defence in Australia was against a quality opponent.

“I could’ve fought a no-name,” Kambosos said. “Made $3 million to $4 million. Look at me, my first big defence in Australia lasts two rounds. Sorry fans … I can’t do that.

I’m the top dog in the division but the underdog in this fight. It’s exactly where I want to be.”