Edge10 issue 212, January 26-27, 2018

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

NEW DELHI HOST. President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior to the start of the bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India on Wednesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

House pushes bill on crop insurance T he House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure seeking to strengthen crop insurance services in the country with additional government support to raise agricultural production of farmers.

Voting through viva voce, lawmakers passed House Bill 6686, or the “Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms”, which sought to provide full crop insurance coverage to affected agrarian reform bene�iciaries in the event of natural calamities and pest infestation.

The bill mandates the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to provide insurance to quali�ied farmers and �isherfolk against losses arising from natural calamities, fortuitous events, plant and �ish diseases and pest infestations.

The insurance covers palay and corn crops, high-value commercial crops, livestock, aquaculture and �ishery products, agroforestry crops, and forest plantations as well as non-crop agricultural assets such as types of ma-

chinery, equipment, transport facilities and other related infrastructures.

Life and accident term insurance coverage for farmers and �isherfolk may also be provided by the PCIC. The crop insurance shall cover the cost of production inputs, the value of the farmers’ or �isherfolk’s own labor and those of the members of his household, including the value of the labor of hired workers, and a portion of the projected value of the crops.

The bill’s funding provision titled “Premium Subsidy” provides that unappropriated or unreleased government premium subsidy for policies written for the period of May 1, 1981 to December 21, 2011, shall be programmed for payment by the government.

The bill states that the government shall provide a premium subsidy but limited to subsistence farmers and �isherfolk.

The premium rate and sharing for subsistence farmers shall be determined by the PCIC Board of Directors and shall be reasonably affordable. (PNA)

PRRD to host dinner for ex-NPA fighters

By ANGIE SAVERON

P

resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte has invited a total of 683 former rebels for dinner at the Malacañang Palace for dinner on February 6-10.

“Yung mga nag balik loob sa atin noong December will be brought to Manila to have dinner with the President in three batches,” said Colonel Ernesto Torrres 1003rd Brigade commander during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao press brie�ing on January 24, Wednesday.

He said the former rebels

will have two dinners lined up, one each with Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Rey Leonardo Guerrero and the other with President Duterte in Malacañang Palace.

For the �irst batch there will be a little over 200 people who be transported by the Armed Forces of the Philip-

pines’ C130 planes and this will be from 6 -10 of February the second and third batch will be announced later on.

He said this is how serious the President is in addressing the root problem of insurgency in this country, particularly on why Lumads join the NPA. Last December 21, 2017 the Eastern Mindanao Command has presented 683 former rebels to the President wherein he relayed the programs of the government regarding to those who want

to go back to the mainstream society.

“That is how serious we are in disseminating and increasing the awareness of our lumad brothers who are we know victimized by the recruitment of the NPA (New People’s Army),” he said.

He said that the objective of the educational tour is to �irst encourage the active participation of the former rebels in the nation building and peace building.

services to the 250 OFWs at the embassy of the Philippines in Singapore.

He said that IBP-Davao’s legal mission is to assistsOFWs, who are mostly working as domestic helpers, about their issues and concerns while working abroad.

Largo said among the problems the workers have

been experiencing are related to their marriage, �inances (as some were victims of scams), work conditions, salaries and bene�its, and psychological torture from their employers.

“OFWs have problems dealing with their problems here in the Philippines while they are in Singapore,” he said.

“Problems about their

husband or wife, problems about support, and problems about property concerns especially if they have been separated from their partners for quite so long and labor issues were minimal in Singapore,” He added.

Largo said that they were glad to hear all the issues and

PRRD,P10

IBP Davao holds legal aid mission with OFWs

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Davao chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines successfully conducted a legal aid mission for 250 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore last Jan. 21.

IBP-Davao chapter president Rogelio Largo said, that there were 39 lawyers who participated in the legal aid

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PNP vows justice for slain SAF 44 J

ustice would be given to the bereaved families of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members who were killed three years ago in the operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which neutralized Malaysian terrorist and bomber Zulki�li Bin Hir alias “Marwan”.

This was stressed by Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Thursday.

“Sa akin dapat kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan. We will not stop �inding justice hanggat hindi ma-achieve yung justice sa bereaved families.

We will continue seeking justice (for the fallen SAF troopers),” he added.

An investigation is still ongoing to determine who is at fault or liable for the incident. In line with this, PNP commemorated the heroism and sacri�ice of the fallen SAF commandos during ceremo-

nies at the Memorial Park, SAF headquarters, in Camp Bagong Diwa,Taguig City.

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has declared Jan. 25 of every year as the day of “National Remembrance for the Heroic Sacri�ice of the SAF 44” in honor of the heroism and sacri�ice of the 44 fallen commandos.

In the event, Dela Rosa, was represented by Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP Directorial Staff chief.

Newly-installed SAF director Director Noli Taliño hosted the annual event for the elite maneuver force of the PNP. Also, National Capital Region Police Of�ice Regional head Director Oscar Albayalde led the wreath-laying ceremony in commemorating the heroism and gallantry of the SAF 44. (PNA)

Army officer warns vs. supporting NPAs

By ANGIE SAVERON

T

he Armed Forces of the Philippines reminded the business sector that giving aid to the rebel New People’s Army is a criminal offense.

“The President has made his call for us to work together in the destruction of the CPPNPA terrorists,” said Col. Ernesto Torres 1003rd Brigade commander. “This our best chance for peace, progress and prosperity.”

Torres made the appeal during the AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao press brie�ing on January 24, Wednesday.

“We are making it clear to

everybody to, if you give aid to them in whatever form be it in form of money, in the form of equipment, by harboring them and if validated, you will be criminally liable,” he said.

He said that the AFP is exerting tremendous effort in disseminating the information to its partners in the civilian sector. And he believes that here is a signi�icant amount of reduction in the support given to the CNT not just in the area of his responsibility and probably the whole country as well.

“The President is making that clear and as subordinate

ARMY,P10

IN HONOR OF THE FALLEN. Police officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) offer a snappy salute to honor the heroism of the fallen SAF commandos during the commemoration of the National Day of

Remembrance for the SAF 44 at Camp Domingo Leonor on Thursday.

Lean Daval Jr

CHO appeals for vaccination of kids To protect children from measles virus

By JUDIE VEGA

C

ity health officials have appealed to parents to have their children vaccinated against measles disease locally known as ‘tigdas’, in the city after the declaration of an outbreak on January 22.

Cleo Fe Tabada, medical of�icer IV of DOH XI, encouraged parents to bring their

children to the nearest health center for vaccination as protection against the highly con-

tagious disease.

“Parents should approach us if there is an early sign of tigdas so that we can list it down and monitor it,” she said during the Ispeak media forum on Thursday held at City Hall.

Tabada reminded the public regarding the signs and symptoms of measles such as

high fever, cough, colds, sore throat, skin rashes, in�lammation of the eyes and white spots on the inner lining of the cheeks.

“If the person feels the early manifestations of measles, they must immediately go to the nearest hospital and health clinics,” she added.

CHO,P11

African arrested for estafa, swindling

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

O ON THE MOVE. President Rodrigo Duterte and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go pose for a photo while inside

the presidential car before they alight at the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, India on Wednesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

peratives of National Bureau of Investigation 11 and the Davao City Anti-Scam Unit arrested on Wednesday afternoon a Cameroon national who was able to convince several Dabawenyas to have sex with him and to part with their money on the pretext of doubling them.

Authorities identi�ied the suspect as one Kamaha Dejou Jeamluc, 29, a native of Cameroon in Central Africa.

He was arrested inside Ponce Suites in Doña Vicenta Village, Davao City around 5:00 p.m. of January 24.

NBI 11 Special Investiga-

tor Eli Leaño Jr. revealed that an entrapment operation was launched against Jeamluc after two of his victims complained they were �leeced of thousands of pesos.

The identities of the victims were withheld.

“We have placed him under surveillance since last year after a complaint was lodged against him but we were not able to arrest him because he went to Cebu where her live-in partner resides,” said Leano.

Leaño said Jeamluc’s modus operandi is to search online for women in Davao on

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Ayala to build 300MW Hanoi solar power plants

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he energy unit of Ayala Corp. is teaming up with BIM Group to jointly develop over 300 megawatts of solar power projects in Vietnam.

The initial phase of the 30-MW solar project broke ground Tuesday, with investment for this phase expected to reach 800 billion Vietnamese dong (VND) and to be completed within the year.

The solar project is envi-

5 ECONOMY

sioned to be expanded by an additional 300 MWs. “AC Energy is very keen to participate in the fast-growing Vietnam power sector, with pioneering investments in renewable energy,” said AC Energy chief executive of�icer Eric Francia.

A diversi�ied �irm in Vietnam, BIM Group has successfully established its mark in renewable energy and other business �ields. (PNA)

ADB to finance programs towards inclusive growth

F

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the agenda of this year’s 51st annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank will focus on programs that the institution will carry out in the next 50 years to further reduce poverty and attain inclusive growth in communities left behind in Asia’s economic boom.

Dominguez, this year’s chairman of the ADB Board of Governors, said the Bank has been extremely successful in improving living standards across the Asia-Paci�ic, but now has to contend with new problems arising from the region’s economic resurgence.

The 2018 agenda, Dominguez said, will take off from last year’s annual meeting in Yokohoma, Japan, where the Board of Governors committed to strengthen efforts to develop infrastructure, make growth more inclusive, and collectively strengthen

the region’s resilience amid growing global economic uncertainties.

“As you know in the last 50 years the ADB has been very successful in improving the standard of living among its members. However, when you have successes like that you create new situations that have to be addressed,” said Dominguez. “Unlike in the ocean when the tide rises, all boats rise. Unfortunately, in economies, that doesn’t happen all the time. There are some communities that are not as progressive and vital as other sectors.”

He said the annual meeting this May will center on discussions “on how the ADB can improve inclusive growth that will also contribute to lessening social tensions, as well as (improving) peace and order.”

The Philippines will host the 51st Annual Meet-

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Big ticket projects lined up for Zamboanga port

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he Department of Transportation (DOTr) has lined up 17 priority projects worth PhP1.2 billion for the local port under the agency’s Proposed Engineering Projects 2018.

This was revealed by District 1 Rep. Celso Lobregat, citing DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade was inclined to materialize the implementation of the proposed infrastructure projects.

These projects included the PhP256 million widening of the T-Pier with Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) ramp with complete solar lighting facilities; PhP461 million widening of Marginal Wharf complete with street lights; and, PhP80 million construction of RORO ramp at the Container Freight Station (CFS) area.

Other PPA projects, which were evaluated, included the Construction of T-Head Pier and Backup Area (Paniran Area) worth PhP90.2 million.

Lobregat, who chairs the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, said

that the lined up projects were among the big ticket projects of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration for this city.

“I am thanking the President and Sec. Tugade for these projects. The residents will be happy once these priority projects worth P1.2 billion will be implemented,” he said, adding it would spur progress and development in this city.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the PhP227.3 million Zamboanga Port Expansion is now 25.29 percent complete.

The expansion of the port is towards the R.T. Lim Boulevard area locally known as the “Cawa-Cawa” Boulevard.

The construction of the PhP480.6 million Rail Mounted Gantry Crane has been completed on November 3, 2017.

The Gantry Crane is a port crane use to load and unload container vans from vessel. (PNA)

TRADE AGREEMENT. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez announces during a press briefing at the International Media Center (IMC) in New Delhi, India on Thursday that the Philippines and India

has entered into nine agreements that aim to expand and strengthen the trade and investment relationship of both countries. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DOF, UP link up to offer courses

On finance postgraduate scholarships

T

he Department of Finance in partnership with the University of the Philippines School of Economics (DOF-UPSE) will offer a public finance postgraduate scholarship program to “produce high quality graduates, and provide DOF the next generation of public finance managers” starting January this year, according to Finance Undersecretary and Chief Economist Gil Beltran.

Beltran reported during a recent DOF Executive Committee (Execom) meeting that the eligible DOF employees will undertake Master in Economics or Master in Development Economics studies for four semesters of full timestudy-leave with pay.

According to the report presented by Beltran, the pre-screening and endorsement of candidates will proceed on February and April 2018; and screening and selection, admission and processing on May to June 2018. The timeline for the �irst semester will

start on August to December 2018; second semester on January to May 2019; third semester on August to December 2019, and last semester on January to May 2020.

Furthermore, refresher courses, assessment, research seminars, comprehensive examinations, and �ield reviews are to be conducted spread over the academic year until completion.

“The next batch will cover bureaus and attached agencies to undertake graduate programs within UP system such as NCPAG (University of the Philippines National College of

he research subsidiary of Fitch Group projects the sustained robust expansion of the Philippine economy on back of the government’s infrastructure program, favorable demographics and increased trade with China.

BMI Research eyes a 6.3 percent growth in 2018 and 6.2 percent in 2019 - - levels that the research entity considers “respectable.”

These are lower than the 6.7 percent output, as

measured by gross domestic product (GPD), that the economy posted in 2017.

“We emphasise that the 6+% GDP expansion is still strong by regional and historical standards and this will be supported by positive demographic trends, a strong public infrastructure drive, and deepening economic cooperation with China,” the study said.

However, BMI Research cited as risk to growth the deteriorating business environ-

ment, citing that the seven percent growth in the third quarter of 2017 will “unlikely to continue as leading �inancial market indicators were showing signs of fatigue while the business environment has been deteriorating.”

This deterioration, it said, is expected to hamper further improvement on private sector investment in the next quarters.

It noted that growth of �ixed capital formation declined to 10.3 percent in

Public Administration and Governance),” Beltran added.

This DOF-UPSE Scholarship is a new program under the Philippine Tax Academy (PTA).

As of mid-January, the DOF has already received eleven (11) applications for the scholarship program.

The PTA through DOF will soon tie up with University of Makati (UMak) as the main campus of the academy. Beltran previously said that the DOF is also planning to open regional campuses of the PTA in the Visayas and Mindanao with the main site in Region

2017 from year-ago’s 25.2 percent, with construction rising only by 5.7 percent from 2016’s 15.1 percent and durable equipment by 12.2 percent from year-ago’s 34.5 percent.

Amidst these risks, BMI Research remains optimistic on the domestic economy’s growth, which is expected to get additional lift from the tax reform program, the �irst package of which is for implementation starting January this year. (PNA)

DOF,P10

BMI sees sustained 6% PH level growth T

6 ECONOMY

ONE ON ONE. More than 200 OFWs benefitted from our lectures on Anti-trafficking in Persons Law, Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Law and Family Code Provisions on Marriage, Property and Support.

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FRIENDLY GAME. The meet-up with the Bar leaders of Singapore, we have started to build goodwill and promote understanding between the two Bar organizations as we look forward to an enduring partnership, especially in the field of legal aid or pro bono service, envisioned to improve access to justice for our OFWs in Singapore

SERVICE BEYOND BORDERS. For the first time, the IBP Davao City Chapter conducted a Legal Aid Mission for our OFWs in Singapore today at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.

Bukidnon told to go beyond Cirtek eyes P500M revenues from firm ‘Kaamulan, zipline tourism’ E B

ukidnon tourism should go beyond the annual Kaamulan and ziplines in pursuit of tourism goals in 2018, according to stakeholders in their responses to “Bukidnon 2018: Public Outlook Series initiative.”

Reynaldo Gil Lomarda, head of Greenminds, Inc., said it is time to focus more on natural and cultural tourism because it is the strength of the province.

He said the province’s Kaamulan, a cultural festival,

which he said is already commercialized, happens only once a year.

The provincial government must promote tourism also beyond the festival because Bukidnon is known for its tribes, which should have

tourist attractions before and after the festival.

“If we talk about culture tourism in Bukidnon, only Kaamulan will emerge,” Lomarda added.

Bukidnon local governments, he said, must push for a program focusing on “tourism that is unique to Bukidnon”. He lamented that tourists could only picture out pineapples and ziplines upon mention of Bukidnon.

Bukidnon tourism of�icials could expand their pro-

he National Economic and Development Authority celebrated on Wednesday its 45th founding anniversary with the theme “One NEDA Through the Years: Promoting Malasakit, Pagbabago, at Patuloy na Pag-un-

lad.”

NEDA had lined up activities for the public and its employees, including a photo and singing contest, a sports fest, an exhibit of old photos and past development plans, and a tribute dinner for its former

Secretaries.

A culminating program was held yesterday afternoon at the NEDA grounds in Pasig City. One of its highlights was the sharing of experiences and learnings of loyalty awardees and long-serving employees.

motion to include indigenous cultural sites and farm sites, Lomarda added.

He said tourism could be used to provide livelihood to the indigenous peoples’ communities with some already started in some areas.

But Lomarda warned that government must prevent exploitation of the IP communities. He said government must support IP communities but not to the extent of exposing them to exploitation as what

Among the guests who graced yesterday’s event were former NEDA secretaries Cesar Virata and Solita Monsod, Bohol Rep. and House economic affairs committee chair Arthur Yap, National Youth

BUKIDNON,P11

NEDA celebrates 45th founding anniversary T NEDA,P11

lectronics manufacturer Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. expects its recently acquired e-commerce �irm, MultiPay, to generate PHP500 million revenues this year.

CHPC invested an initial PhP100 million to acquire a substantial stake in MultiPay, and would support the �irm in its efforts to enhance technological capacity and services.

Cirtek Vice Chairman and President Roberto Juanchito Dispo said the company’s purchase of a 49-percent stake in MultiPay would give Cirtek access to superior e-commerce solutions, which fortify its posture in the market as a fully-integrated solutions provider.

“The consolidation of Cirtek’s core strength in hardware and connectivity with MultiPay’s expertise in software and technology systems makes us con�ident that we will be able to provide effective and innovative e-commerce

DOST, 3-M to bring sci-tech to the regions

T

UPBEAT. Damosa Land, Inc. vice president Ricardo Lagdameo (center), together with assistant vice president Danilo Manlangit (right) and project head Pauline Anne Ferrero, provides updates on the company’s residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties

developments and projects in the pipeline specifically the Bridgeport Seaside Leisure Township in Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) during a presser at the club house of Seawind in Sasa, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

solutions to the emerging markets in the region,” Dispo said.

This �irst major software investment of Cirtek will immediately earnings accretive and strengthen the listed company’s software development capabilities and open opportunities in the fast-growing electronic commerce space.

MultiPay President and Chief Executive David Almirol said, “the entry of Cirtek will provide MultiPay with the �inancial wherewithal to take advantage of the still many low-hanging fruits in the Philippine electronic commerce space as well as replicate our success in the local market in other countries in Southeast Asia.”

MultiPay currently provides back-end and integration support for more than 30,000 payment channels worldwide.

It is the exclusive technology partner of the three leading payment channels in the Philippines. (PNA)

he Department of Science and Technology on Wednesday sealed partnership with innovations �irm and manufacturer 3M to further bring science and technology (S&T) to the regions.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena earlier told the Philippine News Agency he planned to expand the country’s research and development pool by including those from the education institutions in the regions.

He added that part of this plan was to include research centers in the regions and identify their niche.

“Our partnership with 3M would bene�it not just our employees but our bene�iciaries as well,” Dela Pena said, adding that the DOST targeted to hasten development in the regions this year.

The DOST chief said the agency was introducing its technology efforts to different sectors, and said he would see

how the DOST could probably follow 3M’s culture since the two had the same advocacy concerning the different sectors.

“We are here to improve the lives of the people. As you can see, our products are in households, schools, among others,” remarked 3M Managing Director Ariel Lacsamana in a press conference held Wednesday at the DOST of�ice in Bicutan, Taguig.

Lacsamana said the company wanted to bring its technology to schools, and in the regions.

Furthermore, Lacsamana emphasized that 3M had partnered with the DOST because he wanted to build leaders and thought leaders.

“I want to have a good talent pool in the Philippines,” he said.

The �ive-year partnership would basically involve student research, internship programs, use of laboratory. (PNA)

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Contractor sets scheduled closure of bridge in Bukidnon M

ALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 25 January) – Mangima Bridge in Manolo Fortich town, Bukidnon will be closed to traffic for some hours from January 26 to 29 due to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ bridge widening project.

The Public Affairs, Information and Assistance (PAIA) division of the Of�ice of the Provincial Governor announced this on January 24.

The project contractor, M. Montesclaros Enterprises Inc. had sought the temporary closure as part of their construction procedure.

The �irm informed the provincial government about it in a notice letter for temporary road closure on the same day.

Rommel Gaudiel, project engineer said in the letter to Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. that they will launch and install bridge girders during which their heavy equipment will block the Sayre Highway.

On January 26 (Friday),

they will close the bridge from 9p.m. to 11:30p.m. On January 27 and 28, the bridge will be closed from 12 a.m. to 4a.m. and 9p.m. to 11:30p.m. On January 29, it will be closed from 12a.m. to 4.a.m, if work is not yet �inished.

The contractor also assured that emergency vehicles like ambulances, �iretrucks, and rescue cars will be given special consideration.

“Rest assured our safety and traf�ic management personnel will provide necessary assistance in order to alleviate the inconvenience that we may bring,” Gaudiel said in the letter.

But the contractor clari�ied

CONTRACTOR,P11

Vendors of food items swarm on a bus as it stops at a section of the highway in Barangay Maluko, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon that is undergoing repair. MindaNews file photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

2 kids drown in Koronadal earns P57M from business permits South Cotabato K

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY — Two schoolchildren died after drowning in a creek in an outskirt village in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato on Wednesday afternoon.

Roberto Bagong, head of the Lake Sebu Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice, said Thursday Jillian Adel Isay, 7, and Jesabelle Segundo, 9, drowned after being swept by strong water current at the Lakik Creek in Sitio

Lamuti of Barangay Lamlahak at around 4 p.m.

He said the victims were on their way home from Lamlahak Elementary School along with three other school children w hen they decided to relieve themselves at a portion of the creek.

“They were not aware that the water current was quite strong so they decided to make a quick stop at the creek,” he

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ORONADAL CITY — The city government collected around P57 million in business taxes during the week-long annual registration and renewal of business permits earlier this month.

Gilbert Gayosa, head of the city’s business permits and licensing of�ice, said Thursday the �igure surpassed their revenue target by around P6 million, which was based on their collections in the same activity last year.

He said the number of registered and renewed business permits in the city this year increased to more than 3,600 from 3,400 last year.

indication that our economy has been thriving and more entrepreneurs as well as investors want to do business in the city,” he said in a statement.

Gayosa said such situation means more economic and employment opportunities for local residents.

Citing their records, a signi�icant number of applications were for lending �irms and ventures in the service industry.

For this year, he said a number of major businesses are set to open in the city, among them a hotel, mall and several 7-Eleven convenience

25, 2015, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman formed the HDAP to attend to calamity victims. The program is an anti-poverty initiative covering barangays in 15 municipalities affected by intensi�ied law enforcement operations launched immediately following the events in Mamasapano.

Since its implementation, BFAR-ARMM has distributed a total of 162 motorized boats, 875 non-motorized boats, 4,280 cribs of �ish corals, 2,000 �ish pots, and 50 �ish cages for �isherfolk in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Talayan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Rajah Buayan, and Datu

Piang.

Three community �ish landing centers with market stalls are also being constructed in the towns of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Talitay and Datu Piang.

The landing centers will house �ish and �ishery products, equipment and tools.

Other projects include community-based hatcheries, ice plants and ice storage facilities.

Musali said the HDAP projects were initiatives geared towards improving the living conditions of families in con�lict-affected areas, and building resilient and empowered communities in a secure environment. (PNA)

ARMM steps up aid to Maguindanao fishers

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OTABATO CITY -- Motorized boats have been distributed to �ishermen in con�lict-affected Maguindanao communities as the regional government stepped up its dispersal of livelihood assistance to the province’s constituents.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is eyeing 4,000 �isherfolk in Maguindanao to bene�it from numerous �isheries-based livelihood projects under a special program called Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program (HDAP).

“Residents dependent on �ishing from the second district of Maguindanao will be assisted with livelihood projects to help them generate income

and improve their living conditions,” said Janice Musali, executive director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-ARMM. Freshwater �isherfolk in 15 towns surrounding the Maguindanao marshland are bene�iciaries of the projects. These are the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona that the military called “SPMS Box” where government forces and Moro rebels frequently clash.

“Dispersal of motorized boats is going on,” Musali said, adding that as of Dec. 31, a total of 2,535 �ishermen had so far bene�ited from the project.

Following the bloody Mamasapano encounter on Jan.

stores.

Three 7-Eleven stores have already opened in the city since December and another outlet is undergoing construction.

The city government opened its business one-stop shop at the city hall lobby from Jan. 3 to 10 for the registration and renewal of business permits.

The local government adopted a more simpli�ied Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) this year as part of a streamlining program initiated by the national government.

The departments of Trade

and Industry, Interior and Local Government and the Information and Communication Technology had issued a joint memorandum circular directing local governments to rationalize their BPLS. Gayosa said the local government has continued accepting late renewals and registrations for business permits but cited that they are already covered by penalties and surcharges.

He said they will impose a surcharge of 25 percent for all late applications this month and an additional 2 percent for each succeeding month.

(MindaNews)

Anti-carnap drive nets 111 motorbikes with dubious papers

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ACURONG CITY –- Barely two days into his new assignment here, city police director Supt. Jeofel Siason led on Wednesday the implementation of “Oplan Dakop (arrest)”, an anti-car theft campaign that netted 111 motorbikes and tricycles with questionable registration records.

The operation was carried out following orders from Sr. Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat Police director, to impound motorbikes and tricycles with dubious papers.

“Most of the crimes committed in the province involved motorbikes without license plates used as getaway vehicles,” Supiter said in his directive.

Siason said the operation

intended to impede lawless elements from carrying out crimes on board motorcycles in the city, particularly during nighttime.

Of the 111 arrests, 20 tricycles were impounded for violations ranging from driving without license, expired registration papers, to lack of franchise, among others.

The con�iscated vehicles were at the Tacurong City Police compound, waiting for claimants.

Siason said the campaign would become a regular component of police law enforcement, which his of�ice would carry out anytime, anywhere in the city. He appealed for cooperation from the public and from legitimate motor vehicle owners. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

A

Free college education

rmed with initial appropriation of P40 billion out of the P3.767 trillion national budget for 2018, Republic Act 10931 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2017 and which provides for the free college tuition program, is now ready to be going in school year 2018-19.

The budget has been worked out with priority by the Appropriations panel led by Davao City lawmaker Karlo Nograles. The budget covers for students’ tuition and other school fees, including miscellaneous fees, that will be shouldered by the government beginning this year. This means, students from the country’s 114 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), 16 Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) accredited by CHED and 122 Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will bene�it from the law. The Com-

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OLIVIA D. VELASCO General Manager

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

mission on Higher Education (CHED) is expected to release the implementing Rules and regulations of RA 10931 later this month.

With free college education, the country can expect the end of such heartbreaking case as Rodolfo Urmanita, an education student of Cagayan State University (CSU), who took his own life last January 16 because of depression. The poor student was plagued by his inability to pay all necessary school fees for the �irst semester of the current school year, which prevented him from enrolling in the second semester.

The celebrated legislation, thanks too to the hardworking lawmakers who sourced out the funding, is a welcome news for impoverished but deserving students who rightfully should have a chance at a better life armed with a diploma or certi�icate.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ANGELIE SAVERON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO JUDELYN VEGA MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters ARMANDO B. FENENQUITO JR. NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS Finance Advertising Specialist Director of Sales Finance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09101864939 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

The score on our Foreign Direct Investments (Part 3: Too many incentive granting agencies and the LUZON bias)

he confusing set of rules and incentives has allowed some businesses to Moreover, unlike other countries, we have many agencies granting overlapping incentives. Apart from the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), 12 other ecozones are authorized to grant incentives, with no clear coordination among them and the tax administration authority.

It must be noted that the PEZA, formerly the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) owns and directs around 4 Special Economic Zones in Baguio, Bataan, Cavite and Mactan Cebu, and manages special economic zones located within many private industrial estates.

In Mindanao there is the Zamboanga Economic Zone and the

P

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212 • FRIDAY- SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

erhaps if you ask any person about what they know about Islam is that they would be quick to point out that Muslim women wear covering on their heads. Well, this covering is called Hijab in Islam. It is a religious obligation upon all Muslim women beyond the age of puberty to wear.

Hijab literally means a barrier and this is what it really is. It is a barrier between the sanctity of the Muslim woman wearing it and the prying eyes or groping hands of the public especially those of lascivious men. It does not take a malicious man to make a Muslim woman wear the Hijab but its primarily done as an act of worship. A Muslim woman expects to be rewarded simply by wearing Hijab the same way Virgin Mary did.

A Muslim woman wears Hijab whenever there are other men around her which are not her immediate family. If a male cousin, brother in law or anyone beyond these in blood relations is around, a Muslim woman or a Muslimah must wear Hijab. But if she is alone with her husband, children or brothers, she may not wear Hijab provided that her privacy is protected and she is not seen by the public through open doors or windows or anything similar.

Hijab is also a prerequisite for performing the Salah or Muslim prayer in order for it to be valid. A

Phividec Industrial Authority with separate charters, and not under PEZA management, allowing their own brand of incentives.

It is clear therefore that historically, Luzon has had the lions share of special economic zones and industrial estates. In recent years, a few Business Processing companies in Mindanao were awarded PEZA status for the current operations (after start-up).

Only in the last year have we had both the Hijo Industrial Estate and the Davao international Container Terminal (ANFLO Industrial estate) obtain registrations as PEZA zones. Thankfully, the �irst non- agricultural export took place last week, with Filipino-european joint venture company PHILDUTCH polymers exporting their �irst polymer products to China.

Muslimah praying without Hijab even if she is totally alone in a room will have her Salah invalidate by not ful�illing this condition. Allah said in the Quran, “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” Quran 33:59 “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour,

MY TWO CENTS’ John Carlo B. Tria In past activities held to promote Davao as a destination for investments, it was noted that unlike the regions surrounding Metro Manila, Davao does not have the

Veil of Piety

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Mujahid Navarra

or small children who have no sense of feminine sex.” Quran 24:31 THE PROPER HIJAB According to the �irst verse above, the Hijab should cover the body of the woman properly which means that Hijab is actually not only the covering for the head. It is supposed to cover the whole body. A Muslimah is expected to cover her entire body with clothing that is of enough size so that it will not reveal the shape of her body, enough length so that none of her body parts are seen when she moves and enough thickness of fabric so that the color of her skin or undergarments are revealed. A Muslimah, however, may have her face and hands uncovered even in public although some prefer to cover their

ready made warehouses that allow start-up manufacturing activities to set up shop while their larger manufacturing facilities are being built.

Perhaps with other players investing in making these new zones, more industrial locators will enter the region, providing the expertise to add value to our products and generate much needed employment.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that among the 14 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), the PEZA accounted for the bulk at more than P66 billion worth of income and customs duty tax perks given in 2015, followed by the BOI with P29 billion, and the 12 other ecozones accounting for P9.4 billion worth of incentives for a total of P104.40 billion for that year.

In terms of sector, the bulk of the

incentives goes to electronics manufacturing, followed by BPO services, and logistics, Chua said.

He underscored the need to streamline the current institutional framework for granting tax incentives so that all IPAs follow a single menu of incentives rather than come out with their respective set of rules that do not complement each other.

Having too many investment promoting agencies poses a worthy question. Whether this makes things simple or adds to the confusion I really do not know. Perhaps its time to check on whether these agencies have delivered on the promise of increased value adding manufacturing activity in their respective areas.

For reactions: facebook.com/ johntriapage

faces and hands as well.

This is the proper Hijab and it is sad to note that many Muslimah thinks that Hijab is only the covering for the hair so they leave the other body parts exposed. Anything that is opposite of the proper Hijab is improper whether the Muslimah is simply walking in public or performing her prayers in private.

Similarly, Hijab is not only in clothing, as Allah said in second verse above, Muslimahs are ordered to lower their gaze which means to be modest in the way she speaks or interact with others especially the opposite sex which are not Mahram which is someone who is not a near relative as mentioned or she may marry even if she is already married. Muslimahs are expected not to �lirt with them or even shake their hands because these are violations of Hijab even in she is fully covered from head to toe.

Because of Hijab, the Muslimah is expected to behave in public to be involved in any free mixing of men and women in any form of gathering where there may be a buildup of �lirting, temptations or even sexual molestation.

Being online does not exempt Muslimahs from not wearing Hijab. Muslimahs who upload their photos to social media or �lirt with the opposite sex are sinning because life online is also your life of�line.

A Muslimah may wear any color or style of Hijab that she likes provided that it is not too attractive because it will defeat the purpose of the Hijab.

THE WISDOM OF HIJAB In spite of the good intentions that come with the legislation of Hijab for Muslim women, many are quick to criticize Hijab as oppressive and women should be liberated by allowing them not to wear Hijab. But what they fail to realize is that Hijab is never meant to be oppressive. Rather, it’s an empowering legislation that Muslim women are not objecti�ied or sexualized especially in this age when voyeurism is rampant. The Hijab forms that barrier that sends signals to everyone including sexual predators to back off.

In today’s world where women are raped, groped and abused, the last thing we need is to leave our women with nothing to wear except a few pieces of clothing that almost cover nothing that tempts any would be attacker as if he’s being dared to come and get it if you know what I mean.

Islam is the most feminist religion even if only a few people realize this and this is shown in how we protect our women with the Hijab – the veil of piety.

If you want to know more about Islam, watch Mensahe TV via Cignal channel 184.

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MEASLES... FROM 1

stitute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Metro Manila for validation and con�irmation.

“We are still waiting for the results,” he said.

Villafuerte said with the number of deaths , it is enough on her part to declare measles outbreak in the city. “One case of measles could lead to an outbreak.”

Most especially, if the immunity is low because the coverage of immunization is also low,” she said.

She explained the measles virus will immediately spread and anyone could be infected especially those people who have low immune system.

Villafuerte said in the said period the city recorded 252 in which 16 were con�irmed who are suspected as carrying measles virus.

Of the 16, there were 13 died due to suspected measles, however upon their validation, only 11 came from the city.

Villafuerte said he removed the two from the 13 because one of these is from Davao City and just died in Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for Pneumonia.

The other one died due to sepsis and not of measles. She

said that in the data, it showed that during the �irst record period which is from November 7 to 30, 2017, there were 23 people who were suspected having measles.

But, there is a rapid increase in December 3 to 31 in the same year that reached to 140 suspected people.

In the period of January 4 to 13 this year, there is a decrease from the previous record in which the CHO recorded 42 people but in the Januarry 14 to 23 period it increased to 47 suspected measles infected people in the city.

Villafuerte said conducted validation with DOH 11 -RESU and it was con�irmed that there are 16 who have measles.

She said that with the alarming record, the CHO immediately conducted Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) especially to the children in different barangays because these are the ones who are vulnerable to the virus.

Villafuerte said the DOH 11 are now assisting the CHO in terms of logistics and the vaccine supply that will be injected to children.

speci�ic policy areas including, education, food security, hunger and nutrition, global health, gender equality and empowerment.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, said: “It is with great excitement that I announce ONE Championship’s partnership with Global Citizen, an NGO with the goal of ending extreme poverty across the world by the year 2030. Just like Global Citizen, ONE Championship aims to inspire the people of the world to come together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Our ONE Championship athletes embody the spirit of perseverance and many have risen through poverty through martial arts, inspiring millions of people around the world with their journey. Through our collaboration across all 24 of our live events scheduled in 2018, ONE Championship and Global Citizen aim to affect positive movement in our society.”

Wei Soo, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with ONE Championship to bring Global Citizen to Asia. ONE Championship reaches millions of young people around the region and together we will engage them on issues that impact the entire world. Since we launched Global Citizen in 2012, over 13 million actions have been taken, and we are excited to drive more actions and increase our impact for the world’s most marginalized people through this partnership.”

The �irst action ONE fans can take will be centred on global education. Fans will be able to call on donor countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and India, to attend the Global Partnership for Education’s (GPE) replenishment conference in Dakar, Senegal on

2 February 2018, and make a commitment to GPE to support better education for all. Currently, 264 million children around the world are missing out on an education. Over half are girls, and over 75 million have had their schooling disrupted by con�lict or natural disasters. At the replenishment conference, the GPE will raise much needed funds that will allow it to continue to support quality, inclusive education to hundreds of millions of children around the world.

Headquartered in New York with of�ices in Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Global Citizen was founded in 2012 with the goal of building the largest platform where people can learn about issues, take action on what matters most, and join a global movement working to end extreme poverty by 2030. Since then, millions of Global Citizens around the world have taken over ten million actions, which includes millions of emails, tweets, petition signatures, and phone calls targeting world leaders to end extreme poverty by 2030. To date, the actions by Global Citizen’s global community, along with its high-level advocacy efforts and various partners, have resulted in 130 commitments and policy announcements from leaders, including �inancial aid valued at over US $35-billion, that is set to affect the lives of over 1.3 billion people.

ONE Championship, Asia’s largest global sports media property, is a celebration of Asia’s greatest cultural treasure, martial arts. The promotion engages millions of people across Asia by building local martial arts superheroes, telling their inspirational stories of perseverance and triumph through martial arts, which has been home in Asia for the past 5,000 years.

ONE... FROM 16

NO PLACE TO GO. Young children spend their afternoon playing along a dirty beachfront near their houses in a coastal community in Isla Verde, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

CRITICAL... FROM 1

He said the market is wide open not only in agri-business but also in tourism, manufacturing, real estate, BPOs and other services.

Damosa Land has plowed over P2billion pesos in residential and condominium development that are either ongoing or completed in some phases.

Leading the list is the six-tower Seawind condominium project, worth more than P1Billion, that has already completed three towers ready for occupation.

Lagdameo said some condominium unit owners have already moved in, and it was a surprise to learn that 60% came from the city itself.

The market, he said, has attracted takers from the upper income bracket, especially couples with a combined earning of P80 to P120, 000 monthly.

Its Damosa Fairlane residential project is 80% complete in so far as its 1st and 2nd phases of construction is concerned. Phase 3 has been completed and will start construction of houses.

The 63-hectare An�lo industrial estate in Panabo City has seen its �irst locator, PhilDutch Polymer, reporting its �irst export shipment. It is looking forward to lure more foreign companies to locate in the eco-zone this year.

Development on the 88-hectare Agriya township project, billed to be the �irst agri-tourism city in Asia is on course. This too has provided room for residential and condominium development in addition to its main features.

On Samal Island, Damosa has been looking forward to its Bridgeport project as a seashore township fronting the gulf and the city of Davao. Its features include a resort, hotel, condominium, commercial and dining areas and a marina that can accommodate 20 boats at a time.

It is described a home away from home just within easy reach of Davao City.

“This an exciting time for us and as we grow in step with the condition, we are optimistic that this will be an interesting year for business,” summed up Lagdameo.

Secondly, they will asked to tour a mushroom production farm and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Finally, for a sense of history, they will be asked to tour Intramuros, Malacañang and other historic spots in the Philippines.

“The historical tour will spark their nationalism and they will be brought to Manila and they would see how things are going there and they will be briefed on the different programs of the

government and then we expect the President will talk to them and update them on the progress of the program that is being offered to them,” he said.

The effect of this activity is that the President wants to make the Lumads feel how pointlessness it is to join in the CPP-NPA terrorist. There’s more hope, more chance for progress and prosperity if they will support the program of the government and not the program of the CPP-NPA terrorist.

concerns of the OFWs. He added that they will be doing another round of the legal consultation abroad to help

OFWs. Aside from the one-oneone legal consultations, Largo said that the IBP Davao

PRRD... FROM 2

IBP... FROM 2

also conducted lectures on Expanded Traf�icking-in-Persons law, Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children, and relevant provisions of the Family Code dealing on marriage, property relations and on support.

He said that the IBPDavao had its �irst legal aid mission in Hong Kong last year and they would like to return to Hong Kong to be able to serve more OFWs. “We are very passionate about it as we intend to do it again. Lawyers are not known for doing humanitar-

ian acts, but here we would like to rekindle the interest of giving back to the community through our legal aid services,” Largo said.

Largo added that the ‘Law Project’ also envisions providing adequate and ef�icient free legal representation to deserving indigent client/ pauper litigants in some cases. It also envisions creating volunteer lawyers.

According to Largo, their next legal aid mission will be in the Dubai and they are now campaigning for more legal volunteers.

commanders in the �ield we are also disseminating that in our region so we made that clear to them,” he said.

He hopes that this information is passed on to the management of those who have attended the said forum.

He said that the public can use this reason as alibi to the CNT and to say no to the extortion.

This is in line with the message of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the Joint Command Conference attended by both AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) held at headquarters 10th infantry division at Mawab Compostellla Valley last January 22, to destroy the enemy of the state.

He said that there is already a program being crafted called the enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) which is somewhat aligned to what the President has said.

“The President also said that once the program is being implemented the information must be disseminated most especially to the far �lung areas it should reach the lowest ranking CTN so that the message of the President is clear that he is extending his offer of peace to them an opportunity a more peaceful life joining the mainstream of society,” Torres said.

Torres said that if the CTN still would not surrender, after the program is crafted to address their problem, they will be destroyed.

“If they still decide to do whatever their doing like conducting atrocities, doing extortions, the message is very clear to us, to destroy them or wipe them out. Destroy the before they destroy us, those are the words of the President regarding the destruction of the President,” he said.

10 following a request by the Bureau of Local Government (BLGF) for the renovation of its Northern Mindanao regional of�ice in Cagayan de Oro City to a PTA center.

Beltran also said the BLGF will also soon start offering PTA training courses

to local treasurer assigned in the Bicol region.

PTA, he said, “is intended to develop a corps of tax and �iscal experts who will formulate and implement the �iscal programs of government to ensure attainment of the country’s �iscal objective.” (DOF)

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

GUAM

An island escape for the family WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT that a small island roughly the size of Camiguin would gain so much press time in the past year. But for one to say that the US territory of Guam, just a short three-and-ahalf-hour Cebu Pacific ride from Manila, has nothing to write home about, then I would say the opposite is true as Guam has many things to offer beyond the white sand beaches and dive spots for every member of your family.

A real life history lesson I can be jested that Guam can be toured on a car in half-a-day, which is also how the locals pronounce “Hafa Adai” which also means hello.

But the size of the island means that it is easier to go around the island to learn about its history and its close ties to us in the Philippines.

Guam was where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first landed on his journey across the Pacific, his landing site at Umatac Bay located at the southwest corner of the island has a monument celebrating his arrival. A short drive from Umatac Bay, one can also visit the remains of Fort Soledad.

Officially called Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledåd, it is the last of four Spanish fortifications built in the village of Umatac and provides

Performers at Taotao Tasi.

Spanish-era cannons at Fort Santa Agueda. a superior view of the village, the bay, the rugged coastline, and the imposing southern mountain range. The fort was constructed to strengthen the defenses of Guam’s most prominent Spanishera bay which was also a prominent stop along the Galleon Trade route.

Aside from the ruins of the fort, one can see and touch the Spanish-era cannons that used to protect the bay.

A little closer to the main strip of Tumon, is Fort Santa Agueda. The only surviving Span-

ish fort in Hagåtña, sits atop Apugan Hill on the western coast of Guam.

The fort, now commonly called Fort Apugan, provides a commanding view of Guam’s capital village of Hagåtña, the Philippine Sea, and the sheer northern cliff lines of Oka Point and Urunao Point. During the Spanish era the site was developed to protect the low lying Governor’s Palace and Fort San Rafael, which were prone to hillside assaults.

The Magellan marker at Umatac Bay.

Enjoying local culture

Guam has many attractions for younger family members with adventurous minds. One adventure is a trip down the Talofofo River. Located in south-central Guam, this is where the Valley of the Latte is found. You can book your family on fun and educational riverboat cruise which goes along the Talofofo and Ugum Rivers.

The cruise allows you to experience Guamanian village life as it once was. The guide showing guests the local flora and fauna as well as talking about the local history of the area. The cruise ends at a rebuilt Chamorro village using traditional latte stones. Latte stones are what the local people used to serve as the foundation of their houses.

After a short walk around the village, one can explore the adjacent botanical garden to learn about the local vegetation which the Chamorro people used in their daily lives. I was actually surprised to see some of our native Philippine fruit trees also in the area.

The tour also provides

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UP AND ABOUT

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Creating spark in crowdfunding THERE IS NO DOUBT that “crowdfunding” has become the default avenue to raise funds for a campaign, a project, an appeal for help, and other issues that tug the heart. This phenomenon has reached global levels and has sparked numerous initiatives, especially in developing socially relevant projects that seek to create a difference.

One such crowdfunding website is “The Spark Project,” a Filipino crowdfunding website and community spearheaded by Founder and CEO Patrick Dulay. It aims to create a “spark” among local entrepreneurs or the so-called “changemakers” and doers and empower them through an online platform to showcase their creations and projects while at the same time, attract people who are willing to provide exciting and socially-meaningful projects.

Thus, Dulay was elated when The Spark Project was chosen as one of the Top 5 winners of the Globe Future Makers (GFM) program, besting 130 other entries. “Globe enables our technology and there are a lot of potential for synergies with Globe. GFM can really help the project by creating a bigger community and expanding our membership, or through resources to help us grow in the next few months. Our goal is to spark 100 projects and to achieve that, we need all the help we can get,” he said.

From L-R: Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart Ventures, Inc.; Rico Gonzalez, Chairman of Ashoka Philippines; Paolo Agloro and Luis Gaza, Co-founders of The Spark Project; Patrick Dulay, Founder and CEO of The Spark Project; Paola Betita Community and Product Manager of The Spark Project; and Mikey Garrovillo, Head of Innovation, Globe Telecom

“Through our partners in GFM such as Kickstart Ventures, Inc. and Ashoka Philippines, we are facilitating the winners’ access to relevant startup workshops or clinics, introductions to potential partners, mentors, advisers, and investors so that they can build their products faster and launch sooner to benefit the communities that they aim to serve. Together, we hope to influence and build a whole ecosystem of social innovators who use technology to create a positive impact on society,” said Chelle Gray, Director for Globe Citizenship.

It was in 2009 when Dulay started to toy with the idea of funding something by the people. He later on began his own project together with his cofounders. “I felt there are a lot

of ideas and I believe in people’s talent. Being abroad gave me a deeper appreciation of Filipino talent being world class and I’d like to contribute to that, make their ideas happen through technology and crowdsourcing so they can enable their dreams and ideas to fly,” he said.

Dulay was proud to note that in five years, they were able to “spark” a total of 63 projects valued cumulatively at more than P5.8 million. On average, a project can raise from Php 80,000 to Php 120,000.

To qualify for crowdfunding, creative entrepreneurs and change-makers should be local or homegrown. Even if not enterprising, the effort should have an impact on society and community and should be innovative enough.

Through crowdfunding,

Dulay reported that they were able to help a lot of interesting projects, mostly product-based or consumer goods. One example is the Gouache Waxed Canvas Bags. The business was launched through Spark in 2013 and already opened a mall-based store last September. “Crowdfunding really helped them raise more than Php180,000 to produce their first batch of bags and grow their business,” he said.

Another noteworthy project, though not a money-making venture but more of a civic action project, was the rehabilitation of Estero de Paco, one of the 48 tributaries or “esteros” of the Pasig River through the group Earth Ventures which came out with a treatment “ball” that uses Bokashi or Japanese water treatment tech-

nology that eliminates bad bacteria using good bacteria. “They used crowdfunding to create those balls and organized a mud-ball throwing into the estero. This is an example of a community-based project and due to their campaign they got a lot of exposure. Through Spark, they were able to raise awareness and bring more people in to participate. Those were really intangible benefits and not just financial,” added Dulay.

He cited that the most challenging part is how to draw the public to a project since there is a high degree of accountability where project proponents have to be able to deliver what they promised. There should always be transparency, Dulay said, so everyone goes through a screening process to determine if they can really deliver.

SKY offers over 90 free channels this January N O T H I N G SPELLS A HAPPY NEW YEAR for TV aficionados better than getting access to dozens of channels across genres, and that is exactly what SKY subscribers are getting until January 30 via #FREESKYCHANNELS.

Go channel surfing and catch over 90 channels including five new ones, namely Fight Sports HD, EdgeSport, Liga, Euronews, and TLC HD. There’s something for every member of the family, from movies, talk shows and series, cartoons, documentaries, and reality TV, to lifestyle, cooking shows, and sports programs.

Fans of Scarlett Jo-

hansson can look forward to watching her suit up in the action adventure movie “Ghost in the Shell.” Based on a popular anime series, the story is set in a future world where people are enhanced with technology

to counter cyber-terrorism. One soldier, Major Mira Killian, discovers a plot to uncover a secret experiment on artificial bodies, which involves her past. Watch it on January 27, 9 PM on HBO. Meanwhile, kids

can enjoy new episodes of “Spongebob Squarepants” on Nickelodeon from January 22 to 26 at 6:30 PM. K-Pop fans will get a kick from watching Sandara Park and her brother, fellow K-popstar, Thunder, tour the Philippines and try different delicacies and experiences all while competing against Grace Lee and Sam YG in tvN’s “One Night Food Trip – International.” Watch them every Wednesday at 8 PM. These are just some of the wonderful, exciting shows that air on the channels on SKY. Visit www.mysky. com.ph/freeskychannels for more information on SKY services and promos, or call 418-0000 or your local SKY office.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

A4 INdulge!

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

Magic and everything fantastic at the Sandcastle.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

A guide shows how to start a fire.

URBANISSIMO A1 an authentic experience of Guam’s culture, way of life, and living history with fire starting and basket weaving demonstrations.

Kids who love animals will love the last part of the tour which is the animal sanctuary where guests can interact with the local farm animals such as chickens, pigs and even a carabao.

Aerial acrobats.

Shopping at Guam Premier Outlets.

That’s entertainment Evenings at Guam are never boring, even for families, as there are a multitude of shows that are perfect for the family. And one such place for family fun in the evening is at the Sandcastle Guam Dinner Theatre.

Located at Pleasure Island, Tumon, Sandcastle offers Las Vegas-style entertainment on a stage larger than any Broadway theater in New York. The world class shows feature beautiful showgirls, incredible flying acrobats, large scale magic illusions and rare white tigers.

If something closer to the beach is more to your liking, then head over to the Taotao Tasi BBQ Beach Dinner Show located right on the beach next to the Nikko hotel Guam. The evening starts with a Guamanian-style grilled food buffet and is followed by the main event of the evening, the authentic island show featuring performances representing the cultures of Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii, and Guam with with a cast of over fifty performers.

At the Valley of the Latte’s Chamorro village.

Tamuning which houses stores like Tommy HilShop shop shop The family that shops figer, Calvin Klein, Nine together, stays together. West, Guess, Forever21, And there is nothing Levi’s, Nike and more. better to do in Guam GPO is the place where than to shop at its many you see discounts on duty-free stores that offer discounts on discounts.

There is also Ross Dress something for everyone.

My shopping destina- for Less, GPO’s anchor tion of choice is Guam store, which is open from Premier Outlets (GPO) in six in the morning until

one in the morning.

For more upscale items, head on over to DFS which carries luxury brands as well as many food items which are perfect as “pasalubong”.

Guam may be small is size, but the island is truly big when it comes to family fun, learning, and excitement.

A hafa aday moment with fellow media and friends from Cebu Pacific and Guam Visitor’s Bureau.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

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EDGEDAVAO

CHO... FROM 4 On the other hand, the City Health Of�iceassured that the government health centers have enough vaccines to cover for targeted children.

Josephine Villafuerte, head of CHO stressed that the city has an adequate supply of vaccine against measles.

Villafuerte said that parents have nothing to be afraid of the anti-measles immunizations because that would be the best prevention and it is 99.9 percent safe and effective and zero death records.

“Parents should not be afraid of measles vaccine since it is already tested effective for years,” Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte said that there is no record Yasmin Avila, Hepo III of DOH XI emphasized that one immunization is not enough; it is required to have the booster for measles immunization immunization/ booster of measles vaccine for children, six to 59 months to avoid the spreading of the virus.

the pretext of doubling their money by using a certain chemical.

He said the suspect has been targeting women who are 40 years old especially those in search for foreign partners.

“Then, in the middle of their conversation, he will tell to his victims that ‘I am here in Davao City to invest. I am going to put up big business here,’ ” he said. “He will disguise as a businessman and will tell them that he has a lot of money.”.

He said Jeamluc has been using different identities to mask his illegal activities.

Once he gets the women to be interested, he will as to meet them. “Pagkita nila, duhay posible nga mahitabo, �irst ang babae mabiktima sexually kay mo ingon man siya nga nangita pud siyag iyang kapares.”

Then, the following day, he will ask again for another meeting and that’s the time that he will show a sample,” he said.

Leaño said he would

show a black paper which is like a carbon paper then he would put the real peso bill on the top of the said paper then pour a little amount of water to appear that there is a chemical reaction then the black paper would turn into a real peso bill.

“Pero katong murag carbon paper, kwarta gyud to siya gipa itom lang ba (The black paper similar to carbon paper is really a really money bill but it was just covered with black powder),” he said.

“Then, he will tell his victims if they have P100,000 to bring it to him so he could make it P200,000,” Leaño added.

He said the suspect took P150,000 from his �irst victim and October 2016 and P25,000 from his second victim which happened November last year. Leaño said charges will be slapped against Jeamluc for estafa, swindling and illegal use of aliases. The suspect is currently detained at NBI 11 of�ice.

ing of the ADB Board of Governors in Manila on May 316 this year with the theme “Linking People and Economies for Inclusive Development.” Manila has been the home of ADB’s main headquarters for more than half a century now.

In his remarks closing the ADB’s 50th Annual Meeting in Yokohama last year, Dominguez said the institution must “begin a process of reinvention” so that its programs could be realigned to meet new global realities.

These new realities, he said, include the shifting of the balance of economic power to Asia, the rising economic nationalism and hostility to globalization in the US and Europe, and the emergence of new multilateral lending institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment

Bank (AIIB).

When the ADB holds its annual meeting in Manila this year, Dominguez said he expects it to help “rethink” Asia’s strategies for growth.

“The economic balance of power has shifted. Asia is now expected to lead global growth. We cannot be content to simply track the development experience of the West,” Dominguez said.

The member-economies of the ADB should also be prepared for the harm to be in�licted by emerging protectionist and anti-globalization policies in the US and Europe, Dominguez said.

For Dominguez, the ADB needs to “revisit the modalities of its intervention in order to remain relevant and effective,” as it works alongside new institutions like the AIIB. (DOF)

has happened in other areas.

He cited as example tourist sites in Luzon where tourists just take pictures of tribal folks wearing their attires.

“The IP communities must be part of those who de-

cide on what will be featured and promoted,” Lomarda said.

He added that even during Kaamulan, the tribal sports and other events are scheduled on weekdays with few spectators.

AFRICAN... FROM 4

ADB.. FROM5

BUKIDNON.. FROM6

A shoe repair man works on a customer’s rubber shoes at his makeshift stall at Rizal Park in Davao City on Thursday. Some people, espe-

cially those in tight budget, prefer to seek the services of shoe repair men than buy new footwear to save money. t

He said the same events could also be organized outside of the Kaamulan to spread out events in partnership with tour operators.

Lomarda’s Greenminds, Inc. runs Umanika Farms, an organic farming site in Malaybalay City that models IP traditional and organic farming. He said farm tourism is also effective in educating the public about farming to help ensure food security.

Maite Abellanosa, chair of the tourism sector of the Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., said there has been improvement in tourism in the province.

But she agreed that more should be done to promote

agricultural and cultural tourism in the province, focusing on these two as its niche.

“This is what we have, let’s show it to the world,” she said, adding that farm and cultural tourism can be helpful in educating the visitors about the life of farmers and the IP communities.

Abellanosa said the government should make tourism sites more accessible with roads. She added there should be support also to the private sector in government accreditation like for the Department of Tourism and accessing incentives such as those offered by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). (MINDANEWS)

CONTRACTOR.. FROM 7

Commission Chair Aiza Seguerra, and Ayala Corp’s head of public policy Tony Lambino.

The history of NEDA began in 1935 when the Commonwealth government created the National Economic Council, which was then tasked to advise the government on economic and �inancial matters.

In 1970, President Ferdinand Marcos in his State of the Nation Address stressed the need to restructure and revitalize the administrative machinery of the government to meet the challenge of change and development. Marcos, hence, ordered the reorganization plan which included a National Economic Development Authority and submitted it to Congress for their approval.

President Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 1, s. 1972 on September 24, 1972 which merged the National Economic Council and the Presidential Economic staff, created by Executive Order No. 8, s. 1966, and renamed it to the National Economic Development Authority. President Marcos subsequently issued Presidential Decree No. 1-A which delineated the composition of the National Economic Development Authority.

On January 24, 1973, President Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 107, s.

1973, which established the National Economic and Development Authority, now the country’s supreme economic and social development planning and policy coordinating body.

The decree allowed NEDA to absorb the previously created National Economic Development Authority.

“The agency has gone far from being a small advisory council composed of eight committees to an agency of 1,500 hard-working staff nationwide now,” Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a statement.

Pernia noted how changes have shaped NEDA into what it is today. “While we are celebrating our agency’s achievements through the years, today also serves as a reminder of our mandate and the challenges ahead of us.”

“We will continue to build on the gains and face the challenges that will emerge by ensuring stability, enriching reforms, and sharpening strategies to ensure that public interest is at the heart of the government’s plans and projects,” Pernia said. (NEDA)

NEDA.. FROM 6

that within the schedule, they will open the road for traf�ic every hour to let vehicles pass.

There is no alternative route for this particular portion of the Sayre Highway, Han-

sel Echavez, head of PAIA said.

The bridge lies below the Mangima Canyon, a scenic spot known for its winding road.

(Walter I. Balane/MindaNews Contributor)

said in a radio interview.

Bagong said the two victims were carried away by rushing waters while wading near a deep area while the three others were able to call for help and rescued by nearby residents.

He said Isay was found at a lower portion of the creek at 5:40 p.m. but was declared dead on arrival at a local hopsital.

Segundo’s body was recovered by the Lake Sebu search and rescue team at 6:20 a.m.

Thursday at a quarry site in the adjoining Luil River, he said.

He said the local govern-

ment will provide the necessary assistance to the families of the victims based on instructions from Mayor Antonio Fungan.

Bagong advised residents, especially children, to stay away from rivers and other tributaries in the area due to possible �looding as a result of the sporadic heavy rains.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice earlier warned residents in parts of the province against the possible occurrence of �loods and landslides in the wake of the almost daily rains. (MindaNews)

sions of methane.

Rice-duck scheme In Zamboanga del Sur, farmers release ducks after rice harvesting. Nonoy E. Lacson, in a report, wrote: “Under the system, ducklings are released to rice �ields to graze and feed.

The paddling movement of the ducks in the rice �ields increases the rice tillers, in effect raising annual yield by as much as 10 to 15 percent. Besides their paddling, ducks also eat the insects and unwanted weeds in the rice �ield.”

According to the agriculture department, the integrated rice-duck farming system is one of the best strategies in increasing rice productivity as it reduces labor and inputs characterized by its devoid use of arti�icial fertilizers and chemicals. Thus, shift from conventional way of planting using inorganic

materials to this technology provides additional source of income and food to farmers.

The said technology is environmentally sound as it restores the relationship of people with nature. This is a sustainable system as it helps in eliminating the contamination of soil, water and air brought by chemical substances which are harmful to both nature and human.

“The integrated riceduck technology reduces the use of chemicals,” the agriculture department points out. “Since ducks are grown alongside rice paddies, they eat harmful pests at the same time their dung fertilizes the soil. Their paddling movement cultivates the soil and destroys the weeds. Its bene�its to the farmers are immediately felt and tangible.”

2.. FROM 7

METHANE.. FROM 12

EDGEDAVAO

12 ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

Methane: Climate change’s second culprit

Second of Two Parts TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“If we control methane, which is viable, then we are likely to soften global warming more than one would have thought, so that’s a very positive outcome.” – Dr. Drew Shindell, a climatologist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Columbia University in New York “Over the last 30 years, methane has gone from being a gas of no importance, to — in some researchers eyes, at least — possibly the most important greenhouse gas both for understanding climate change and as a cost-effective target for future emission reductions,” said Dr. Gavin Schmidt, a research scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Center for Climate Systems Research, Columbia University in New York.

Unknowingly, methane also contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, which acts as a shield against the deleterious radiation of the ultra violet rays of the sun. The ozone layer is the upper atmospheric layer of air above the earth.

Although non-toxic, colorless and odorless gas, methane is highly combustible. At room temperature, methane is a gas less dense than air. It melts at –183°C and boils at –164°C. It is not very soluble in water. Methane is combustible, and mixtures of about 5%-15% in air are explosive.

Some scientists claim that a holocaust is likely to happen should methane violently reactive with oxidizers, halogens and some halogen-contain-

ing compounds. Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 21% free oxygen, and some 2% of halogen and halogen compounds.

One environmentalist post this alarming information in his blog: “If global warming continues unchecked, and the regions of the earth where there is a 5-15% concentrations of methane gas in the atmosphere reaches the temperature of 53 degrees Celsius, which is the �lash point of methane gas, it could result in a spontaneous ignition of atmospheric gases and wreak unimaginable destruction to our planet.”

One of the reasons why methane concentration in the atmosphere keeps increasing is due to food production. There’s no end in hindsight. A report from www.theconversation.com stated: “Food production will continue to grow strongly to meet the demands of a growing global population…”

Way out Is there a way out? “If we cut methane emissions now, this will have a rapid impact on methane concentrations in the at-

mosphere and therefore on global warming,” the report observed.

Rice cultivation is a good start. Flooded rice paddies emit as much as 500 million tons of methane, around 20% of total manmade emissions of this gas, according to the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Scientists explain that long-term �looding of the �ields cuts the soil off from atmospheric oxygen and causes anaerobic fermentation of organic matter in the soil. During the wet season, rice cannot hold the carbon in anaerobic conditions. The microbes in the soil convert the carbon into methane which is then released through the respiration of the rice plant or through diffusion of water.

On the other hand, decomposition of organic material in �looded rice �ields produces methane, which then escapes to the atmosphere during the growing season. “Traditionally, farmers �lood their rice �ields continuously and incorporate 4-5 tons of rice straw per hectare at land preparation,” says a report released by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

“Every year, these practices release 5,883 tons of methane to the atmosphere.”

In Isabela State University, a study fund- e d

by PCARRD showed that by using simple science-based strategies, farmers can contribute signi�icantly to the reduction of methane emissions. For instance, mid-season drainage of irrigation water reduced methane emission by 48 percent.

This emission is valued at P34.16 million, based on the 2009 World Bank price of US$12 per ton of carbon dioxide and exchange rate of P48 per US$1.

Meanwhile, composting of rice straw resulted in 64% less methane emission released in the air. By combining mid-season drainage and application of rice straw compost, methane emission is further reduced by 81%.

“By shifting to climate-change friendly farming practices, as what was done in the 7,789.34 hectares of lowland irrigated rice in Isabela, farmers can get incremental bene�its amounting to as high as P138.95 million per year,” the PCARRD report points out.

Alternate wetting and drying Rice farmers can also help reduce methane emissions into the atmosphere by adopting controlled irrigation or alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology.

Developed by the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), AWD is a technology which allowed rice �ields to dry for a certain period before applying irrigation water.

Also called

controlled irrigation or intermittent irrigation, AWD technology can actually save farmers almost one-third of irrigation water without sacri�icing yields. It also saves farm inputs like oil, fuel, and labor being utilized on the operation of water pumps.

On an 8-season �ield experiment conducted at IRRI, it was found that AWD “has real potential to reduce the global warming impact of paddy �ields to one-third of the conventional continuously-�looded �ield water management.”

In a paper presented during the international workshop on “Water Management and Technology for Crop Production under Climate Change” in Suwon, Korea, the authors claimed AWD “can reduce methane emissions by over 40%.”

Rice �ields using this technology are alternately �looded and dried. The number of days of non-�looded soil can vary from one day to more than 10 days, according to IRRI. It uses an “observation well” that is made of bamboo, plastic pipes, or any hollow indigenous material. Perforations are made in the lower half of the tube.

The AWD technology can be started a few days after transplanting (or with a 10-centimeter tall crop in direct seeding). When many weeds are present, AWD can be postponed for 2-3 weeks

until weeds have been suppressed by the ponded water. Local fertilizer recommendations as for �looded rice can be used. Nitrogen fertilizer maybe applied preferably on the dry soil just before irrigation.

“A practical way to implement AWD technology is by monitoring the depth of the water table in the �ield using a simple perforated �ield water tube,” IRRI explains. “When the water level is 15 centimeters below the surface of the soil, it is time to �lood the soil to a depth of around 5 centimeters at the time of �lowering, from one week before to one week after the maximum �lowering.”

The water in the rice �ield is kept at 5 centimeters depth to avoid any water stress that would result in severe loss in rice grain yield. The threshold of water level at 15 centimeters is called “safe AWD,” as this will not cause any yield decline because the roots of the rice plants are still be able to take up water from the saturated soil and move it to root zone.

“The �ield water tube used in this technology will help to measure the water level in the �ield so that incipient water stress in the rice plants can be anticipated,” the IRRI points out. As such, the AWD technology does not only save water but can greatly reduce emis-

METHANE,P11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

EDGEDAVAO

Manobo artist John Vincent Callo stands beside his works of art in his shop outside the Mt. Apo Natural Park in Sitio Agco, Ilomavis, Kidapawan City on 21 January 2018. Callo excels in painting using synthetic mud combined with oil. He sells his paintings for 1,500 to 3,000 pesos. Photo by JULES BENITEZ

KD... FROM 15 been such a big topic this year. It does seem like maybe there’s a little bit more relationship stuff than there used to be. I don’t know why, I don’t know why that is. I know the best of�icials to me are the ones who will talk to me and I also know they deserve my respect. And I’ve snapped a couple times this year and said some things that I shouldn’t have. So it’s a matter of trying

to maintain composure and dignity and you still have to be able to complain about a call and the ref needs to be able to accept that he’s wrong sometimes.’’

Durant said he initially became upset with Williams for a carry call in the �irst half on a left-to-right crossover move Durant has put so much time into perfecting that ‘’it irritated me.’’

‘’I can’t react like that,’’ Durant said. ‘’I wish I could apologize to James because that was de�initely out of my character.’’

Durant said once he watched the plays that earned him the technicals, he saw he behaved inappropriately.

He also believes the tension between players and of�icials will simmer down once everybody has a better grasp on this season’s rules changes.

13

14

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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SPORTS 15

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

DONNIE DUSTS UP Nietes starts training at Wildcard

I

nternational Boxing Federation (IBF) �lyweight champion Donnie Nietes has started his training in the United States at Freddie Roach’s renowned Wild Card Gym in Hollywood and starts sparring sessions.

He has two classy sparring partners which helps him prepare for his upcoming �ight, Filipino-Hawaiian Brian Viloria and Mexican Ricardo Rodriguez.

“We have Viloria and Rodriguez,” Nietes’ coach Edmund Villamor told SunStar Cebu. “They are very good quality sparring partners.

Viloria has skills, while Rodriguez is a �ighter who wants to come in.”

The three-division world champion Nietes is rigidly preparing for his �irst title defense of his IBF �lyweight crown against former world champion Argentina’s Juan Carlos Reveco in HBO Boxing’s “Super�ly 2” to be presented on February 24 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

The two-division world titleholder Viloria, 37, is also �ighting in the same boxing card of Nietes for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) �lyweight title against unbeaten Artem Dalakian.

“His condition is good.

For now, we are still trying to adjust to the climate here,”

US TRAINING. Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes hits the mitts with trainer Eduardo Villamor at the Wildcard Gym. Philboxing photo said Villamor, who along with brother Edito Villamor, trains Nietes in California. “We will also go to Nick Curson for our conditioning training.”

The 34-year-old Reveco has a vast experienced and an excepional talent which could not be overlooked. He once

held WBA titles in the light �lyweight and �lyweight divisions and is a veteran of 17 world title �ights for 14 years. His last outing was a masterful beating of Komgrich Nantapech by unanimous decision last September.

“We have to watch out for

his left hand,” warned Villamor.

“Ahas” Nietes (40-1-4, 22 KOs) wants to join the list of �ighters who stayed as champions despite their advanced age. “I feel young at age 35 and I’m very positive of holding the title for a very long

AKLAND, Calif. (AP) -Kevin Durant is apologizing to referee James Williams for behaving like a ‘’jerk,’’ using an expletive to describe how he acted during a victory against the Knicks on Tuesday night when the NBA Finals MVP was ejected late for a second technical.

While Durant had yet to hear from the NBA on Wednesday, he said he is prepared for whatever �ine he receives. He also plans to say sorry in person the next time he sees Williams and vowed to handle himself more respectfully next time. ‘’I wish I had handled that better obviously but it was kind of a heat-of-the-moment for me. I could be better. It was a great learning experience for me though,’’ Durant said after practice. ‘’... I wasn’t getting picked on last night. I was being a diva last night. I’ve got to just own up to it. I watched it when I got home. I was wondering why he was coming at me so hard but then I watched the plays I was like, ‘Yeah, I

looked like a jerk out there.’ It was bad. Luckily we won and we can move past it and I kind of owned up to it. I’ll be better next time.’’

Durant had 14 points, a career-high 14 assists and two blocks before his ejection with 2:50 left in the 123-112 win, then criticized Williams publicly afterward. ‘’Kevin knows he should not have said what he said after the game,’’ coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday. ‘’But this has been such a big topic this year. It does seem like maybe there’s a little bit more relationship stuff than there used to be. I don’t know why, I don’t know why that is. I know the best of�icials to me are the ones who will talk to me and I also know they deserve my respect. And I’ve snapped a couple times this year and said some things that I shouldn’t have. So it’s a matter of trying to maintain composure and dignity and you still have to be able to complain about a call and the ref needs to be able to accept that he’s wrong some-

time,” said Nietes as quoted

by Josef Ramos of Manila Times. “There are many world champions who are older than me.” The Murcia, Negros Occidental-born champ was pointing to the durable Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez and the enduring American Ber-

nard Hopkins, who remained champions even at the age of 40 plus.

Edmund Villamor stated that it all depends on the boxer but Nietes is different and very disciplined.

“From the start, he is very conscious with his weight and body that is why his power, speed and footwork remain just like when he was in his 20s. At the same time, this �ight is very important because the whole world will see it on HBO,” added Villamor.

The Nietes-Reveco title match was initially calendared in Bohol last November, but the team of Reveco (39-3, 19 KOs) declined to face Nietes in the Philippines.

The Argentinian camp obviously was worried of a hometown decision. Both camps ultimately decided to schedule the �ight to happen in the United States next month.

Nietes considered Reveco as a brainy and skilled challenger. “My opponent is a two-time world champion that’s why I’m very cautious.

He really knows how to adjust in different situations. He has a good amateur background.

I need to guard against his punches because he’s also fast,” added the ALA Gym star, a former WBO light �lyweight and minimumweight champion.

KD sorry for behavor Antetokounmpo: Kidd helped me develop towards ref O

O

AKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Kevin Durant is apologizing to referee James Williams for behaving like a ‘’jerk,’’ using an expletive to describe how he acted during a victory against the Knicks on Tuesday night when the NBA Finals MVP was ejected late for a second technical.

While Durant had yet to hear from the NBA on Wednesday, he said he is prepared for whatever �ine he receives. He also plans to say sorry in person the next time he sees Williams and vowed to handle himself more respectfully next time. ‘’I wish I had handled that better obviously but it was kind of a heat-of-themoment for me. I could be better. It was a great learning experience for me

though,’’ Durant said after practice. ‘’... I wasn’t getting picked on last night. I was being a diva last night.

I’ve got to just own up to it. I watched it when I got home. I was wondering why he was coming at me so hard but then I watched the plays I was like, ‘Yeah, I looked like a jerk out there.’

It was bad. Luckily we won and we can move past it and I kind of owned up to it. I’ll be better next time.’’

Durant had 14 points, a career-high 14 assists and two blocks before his ejection with 2:50 left in the 123-112 win, then criticized Williams publicly afterward. ‘’Kevin knows he should not have said what he said after the game,’’ coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday. ‘’But this has

KD,P13

GOODBYE. Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and former coach Jason Kidd. times.’’

Durant said he initially became upset with Williams for a carry call in the �irst half on a left-to-right crossover move Durant has put so much time into perfecting that ‘’it irritated me.’’ ‘’I can’t react like that,’’ Durant said. ‘’I wish I could apologize to James because

that was de�initely out of my character.’’

Durant said once he watched the plays that earned him the technicals, he saw he behaved inappropriately.

He also believes the tension between players and of�icials will simmer down once everybody has a better grasp on this season’s rules changes.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 212• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 26-27, 2018

OFF TO LA Ancajas flies to LA for fight

H

aving logged nearly 100 rounds of sparring, Dabawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas left for Los Angeles on Thursday for his much-awaited US debut on Feb. 3.

Manila Bulletin boxing writer Nick Giongco reported on the paper’s website that Team Ancajas, headed by chief trainer and manager Joven Jimenez, was all set to �ly via Philippine Airlines.

The �ight happens in ten days at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, venue of the scheduled 12-rounder for the Panabo �ighter’s fourth defense of the International Boxing Federation super-�lyweight crown against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico.

According to the report, Ancajas, 26,

spent the majority of training camp in Magallanes, Cavite, where he sparred with a bevy of �ighters, including super-bantam Ernesto Saulong, who vies for a world title in Tokyo on Jan. 1.

Jimenez said Ancajas is more than ready to take on Gonzalez’s challenge.

“Jerwin’s prepared to defend the crown,” said Jimenez, who is likewise upbeat about their chances of mesmerizing the US audience as the �ight will be televised by ESPN. The Texas tussle with Gonzalez will be Ancajas’ fourth straight appearance on foreign soil after defending the IBF 115-lb title in Macau, Brisbane and Belfast, all in 2017

ONE, Global Citizen team up to end poverty T

he largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today announced a partnership with Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization with the goal of ending extreme poverty across the world by 2030.

The partnership launching at ONE’s upcoming event in Manila, Philippines on 26 January, will harness the power

of ONE’s platform to engage millions of martial arts fans around the world to support initiatives and �ind solutions to the issues associated with extreme poverty.

Global Citizen and ONE will collaborate across 24 live ONE events scheduled in 2018, and various outreach activations throughout Asia. Fans will have the opportunity to take action and engage with

ONE,P10

EARLY BIRD. Dabawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas has reportedly flown early to LA on Thursday for his fourth title defense. Tiebreker Times photo