Edge Davao 6 Issue 235

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

FALL FROM GRACE? A student looks at a huge campaign poster of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao mounted on a parked campaign vehicle of the PBA Party-list along Loyola Street in Bo. Obrero yesterday. Pacquiao lost his lucrative endorsement deal with Nike over statements he made against the LGBT community the other day. Lean Daval Jr.

MABEL BREAKS SILENCE EDGE DAVAO Sports

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City councilor Maria Belen “Mabel” S. Acosta broke her silence on Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte’s statement blaming her for the controversy surrounding the amendment of the City Land Use Plan (CLUP) removing the additional 10 percent area in the subdivision for green space.

In a statement, Acosta denied that she was not doing her job as a councilor, leading to the approval of the amendment without environment

groups being consulted.

“I am not a member of the Committee of Rules and Privileges and the Committee on Housing which handled the item. Hence, my office did not receive any invitation,” she said, referring to earlier committee hearings on the matter.

She said on both the second committee report and third reading, she gave the same answer and same vote against the amendment. “I believe I did my task well as a consistent legislator,” she said.

“The 30 percent open space required by the national law is already allotted for roads, drainage, water and energy facilities, community facilities, amenities that may have been promised by the developer like club house or multipurpose hall, gym, basketball court, parks and playground, etc. In the 30 percent open space, a large part of it is already eaten up by roads and drainage. Only a fraction of it would be left for community facilities for homeowners. I

believe it is a good and sound policy and is part of a progressive piece of legislation that Davao City is famous for. And amending it would be a step backward. I voted no to the proposed amendment to remove it and incorporate it in the 30 percent,” she said.

As to why she did not ask for a deferment on the second reading and why did she not call the attention of the environmentalists on the second reading, Acosta said: “I did not

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Carlos anchors Canlubang campaign in PAL Interclub P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

LUMAD DORM. A student of University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) walks by a construction site of a building intended for the dormitory of lumad students granted scholarships. The building is being built inside the USEP campus in Bo. Obrero, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Araw ng Davao has bigger budget this year

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AVAO City will have a P10.5 million budget for the 79th Araw ng Davao celebration.

This was bared by Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) assistant vice president for reputation enhancement Rossano C. Luga in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum.

Luga said this year’s budget is higher than last year’s P9.3 million budget for the celebration.

“We have an increase of about P2 million or just about 13 percent,” he said.

Luga said P5 million will be given by the city government while the remaining P5.5 million will come from the 35 sponsors.

He said half of the sponsorship is cash and the other half is in kind and exchange deals.

Luga said majority of the funds will be allocated for the Mutya ng Davao since this event has five activities: the screening, press conference, selection of top 15 candidates, talent portion, and coronation night.

City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Lisette Marques said the DLPC is the private partner of this year’s festival executive committee (execom).

Marques said the DLPC is the co-chair of the ways and means committee of the the execom. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

No blackout on election day, DLPC assures public

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO Light and Power Company (DLPC) assured the public that there will be no rotating power outage during election day on May 9, 2016.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, DLPC assistant vice president for reputation enhancement Rossano C. Luga said that within the company’s franchise areas, “we can assure that we will not implement scheduled power interruptions.”

Luga said there will be lower demand for electricity on May 9 since it has been

declared a holiday and many offices and industries will be closed.

“Even before the conduct of the election, we are closely coordinating with the Commission on Election (Comelec) to ensure that we have contingency measures,” he said.

Luga, however, said their assurance has limitations because DLPC only distributes electricity.

“We can confirm only on our distribution network,” he said.

Luga said DLPC cannot give assurances on the part of

DR. JESSIE MAR CULASTE (left), head of the dental team, Dr. Hexel Verano (center) and Marc Joebert Culaste (right) are shown at the Cesareo Villa-Abrille Elementary School Gym giving dental services to the school children and Bucana residents during the free dental clinic sponsored by RCC Bucana and Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille Foundation, Inc. Photo by Nancy Camporedondo

generation, transmission, and supply of electricity.

Aside from that, he said there might be “forces of nature” that could interrupt power supply.

Earlier, vice presidential aspirant and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said he is hoping the power crisis in Mindanao will be resolved before the national and local elections this May. Cayetano said the team is worried that the power situation in Mindanao might affect the conduct of election.

Kontra Daya-Southern

Mindanao convenor Sheena Duazo, for her part, said the power situation in Mindanao is alarming because it could lead to a failure of election in the island.

Duazo said based on the report of the Department of Energy (DOE), around 18 transmission towers have been bombed since last month.

She said it seems that someone is creating a scenario for a failure of elections here in Mindanao.

Duazo said the people should pressure the govern-

HE Rotary Community Corps (RCC) of Bucana, organized in 2004 by the Rotary Club of South Davao in Barangay 76-A, held a day-long free dental clinic last Sunday.

The free clinic was a joint outreach program with Cesareo Villa-Abrille Elementary School as a prelude to the school’s 67th foundation day celebration on February 13.

At the end of the mission

there were 100 beneficiaries/ students and residents who were treated at the Cesareo Villa-Abrille Elementary School gym in Bucana.

RCC president Weslie Capute, treasurer Nanette Macapundag and secretary Fely Pedrosa with help from other RCC officers launched the dental mission with the support of Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille Foundation Inc, and. Dr. Jessie

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RCC Bucana renders free dental services T

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

El Niño destroys crops in SouthCot A

ROUND P90 million worth of agricultural crops have been devastated in parts of South Cotabato province due to the impact of the continuing dry spell trig-

gered by the El Niño phenomenon.

Milagros Lorca, acting head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said their monitoring

showed that around 3,200 hectares of farmlands in the province have been so far affected by the dry spell, which is seen to last until June.

She said most of these

areas have already dried up due to limited irrigation supplies and lack of rains since October last year.

The effects of the dry spell was compounded by the onslaught of crop pests,

DRIED UP. There used to be water in the rice fields of Tamontaka in Cotabato City. But the drought has dried up the farmlands, as shown in this picture taken recently. MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh B. Cabrera

specifically rats or rodents and army worms, she said.

As of the end of January, Lorca said the damaged corn crops have reached a total of 1,912.72 hectares, affecting 1,234 farmers.

For palay, she said the damaged area has reached 1,335.48 hectares and with some 1,145 farmers affected.

Hardest hit were Koronadal City and the municipalities of Tantangan, Polomolok, T’boli and Tampakan.

Lorca said they have stepped up their mitigation activities as the situation could worsen in the coming weeks based on advisories released by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

“According to the latest forecast, it (dry spell) would even intensify in March and extend to April and May,” she said in a media forum in Koronadal City.

The official said they have allotted nearly P11 million for various priority interventions that were set under the province’s El Niño mitigation plan.

She said they have set aside around P7 million for

the rollout of the local government’s climate change assistance program and a food-for-work scheme for the affected farmers and farm workers.

The assistance program, which will be implemented in coordination with the city and municipal agriculture offices, includes the distribution of vegetable seeds and other fast-maturing and drought resistant crops, she said.

Lorca said they have allotted some P2 million for the implementation of an alternative livelihood program for farmers and P1 million for the construction of a 48,000-liter overhead tank that will be used for storage of potable water.

Around P500,000 has been set aside as augmentation for the cloud seeding operations of the Department of Agriculture in Region 12 and P300,000 for a training on silage making for livestock farmers, she said.

Lorca added that they also created a team that will lead the conduct of awareness campaigns in local communities regarding the calamity and their mitigation programs. MindaNews

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

17 New eLearning BPO outbound modules offered by partnership

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GOING BATS. Mall-goers check out the paintings and photographs of bats at the ongoing “Art for Bats Exhibit” at Abreeza Mall yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

PARTNERSHIP has developed 17 new eLearning BPO outbound modules which can help the 90% BPO (business process outsourcing) applicants who wish to get hired.

Experience indicates that the skills needed by the BPO contact centers are not what most people commonly know. To be a practitioner for this industry, one should be competent and can withstand internationally accepted norms.

As a result of this desire to help, Kathy Sisk, founder and president of Kathy Sisk Enterprises, Inc. and Belinda Torres, founder and president of Jobs eSolutions, Inc. came together to produce modules that will set an agent apart to be employable.

Sisk has been actively involved in the call center industry for more than

Kathy Sisk - President, KSE

Belinda Torres - President, eJoBS 40 years. Today she is a world-renowned trainer, speaker, consultant and pub-

All presidentiables confirm Army tags BIFF in Maguindanao attendance in CDO debate Tbomb attacks on civilians

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LL the presidentiables have signified they will be attending the presidential debate dubbed as “Pilipinas Debates 2016” at the Capitol University this coming Sunday, the Commission on Elections said.

Comelec Misamis Oriental acting director Joseph Cuevas said they have already received confirmation from all the presidential candidates.

“This is the first of a series of debates. We are inviting the people to watch or listen to the debate,” Cuevas said over Magnum radio here.

Local journalists led by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club have expressed indignation over the guidelines imposed by organizers of the debate – GMA 7 and Philippine Daily Inquirer – limiting their access to the venue.

Non-government organizations and politicians have

supported the call of the press club with many of them saying they would also not be attending the debate.

Reports said GMA 7 is scrambling to persuade the NGOs and politicians to attend.

Charlito Manlupig, chairman emeritus of Balay Mindanaw Foundation, said they received a call from GMA 7 asking them to change their mind not to attend the debate.

Manlupig and Balay Mindanaw earlier issued a statement supporting the position of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, saying they would not attend the debate and are giving up the 15 slots allotted to them by the organizers.

“We hope that you understand that our decision is in solidarity with the local groups who we believe represent the legitimate concerns of communities in Mindanao,” Manlupig wrote.

DCWD phone hotline inaccessible Feb 20

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AVAO City Water District (DCWD) yesterday said the Central Information Unit / Call Center landline number 297-DCWD (3293) will be inaccessible on February 20 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM due to maintenance works on the water utility’s IP phone system.

In lieu of the landline, the general public may contact DCWD’s Call Center cellular phone hotlines 09277988966 (Globe), 09255113293 (Sun) and 09084410653 (Smart) for water updates, leak reports, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services.

Relatedly, DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado explains that 297-3293 is

also inaccessible during rotational power interruptions in Ma-a and Matina because the Call Center’s IP phones in DCWD Ma-a office and the IP network server housed at DCWD’s Matina office need electricity to operate.

Likewise, bill queries and other customer requests that have to be referred to DCWD’s Job Management System cannot be attended during power cuts in said areas.

Regalado apologizes to customers who have called 297-3293 and experienced sudden call cut-off due to the rotational brownouts. He assures that customer requests will be immediately attended to once power has been restored. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd district, Cagayan de Oro) said giving only 25 slots to local journalists is a gross discrimination against the local press community.

“All Kagayanons should join hands to protest this arbitrary and unjust treatment of our local media,” Rodriguez said.

Earlier, presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City threatened to boycott the debate if local journalists will be discriminated by organizers.

Veteran anchors Mike Enriquez and Jessica Soho of GMA7 network will host the presidential debate.

In his column on Feb. 16, John Nery of the Philippine Daily Inquirer described the setup of the incoming debate.

“A candidate is given 90 seconds to answer a question, the candidate he or she is paired with in that round has 60 seconds to offer a rebuttal,

then the first candidate has 30 seconds to issue a counter-rebuttal and close the argument,” Nery said.

Nery said the questions to be fielded were derived from three “town hall meetings” conducted by the Inquirer in three different places in Mindanao to get the so-called “Mindanao agenda.”

Rodriguez, who attended one of the town hall meetings, said some of the questions they wanted the candidates to answer are about agricultural development, peace process and the Mindanao railway project.

Nery also explained the setup of the media center where journalists, accredited by Comelec, will be stationed.

“All the presidential candidates have agreed to go to the media center after the debate to meet with the media present there,” he said. Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews

HE military here has blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for the series of bomb attacks in Maguindanao allegedly targeting not only military combatants but also civilians.

The latest attempt of the BIFF was to set off an improvised bomb along the highway in Gindulungan town in Maguindanao Wednesday afternoon that provided discomfort to motorists, including this reporter, for two hours.

An alert infantryman noticed what he suspected at first glance to be an improvised explosive device (IED) by the roadside.

Army bomb experts quickly responded and confirmed it was a bomb, according to Col. Feliciano Budiongan, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

“The BIFF was targeting the military and non-combat-

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ants alike,” he said of the IED found in Guindulungan town where a team of soldiers had just passed by.

Almost at the same time, an IED went off in Barangay Crossing Taviran, about 800 meters away from an Army battalion headquarters.

Nobody was hurt. “Luckily, no civilian passersby were hurt,” Budiongan said.

The IED, according to Budiongan, was made of black powder, empty shells of ammunition, electrical wiring and spark plugs for motorcycles.

It also contained cut concrete nails as shrapnel.

Budiongan said the group of BIFF commander Abu Nasria was behind the series of bombings on Maguindanao roads, apparently to divert the Army’s attention from Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

The Army and the BIFF have been trading bullets

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TIGHT SITUATION. Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) assistant vice president for reputation enhancement Rossano C. Luga explains to reporters the tight power situation in Davao City which has been causing the rotational blackouts. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

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6 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

MinDA eying viability of WESM for Mindanao

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HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said national government agencies are looking into the viability of establishing the wholesale electric spot market (WESM) in Mindanao despite the fact that the island is not yet interconnected with the Luzon-Visayas grid.

“Part of the discussion between the Department of Energy and Philippine Electricity Market Corporation is the viability of WESM in Mindanao,” Romeo Montnegro, director for investment promotions and public affairs of MinDA, said during this week’s edition of Wednesdays at Habi at Kape sa Abreeza.

Montenegro said WESM could be viable in the Mindanao grid as it is expected to enter a power surplus regime this year with the entry of coalfired power plants.

He said the 300MW additional supply from the Aboitizowned Therma South Inc. as well as the entry of two units of San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation (SMCP) with a combined capacity of 300 MW, and Saranggani Energy Corporation (Sec) unit one with a capacity of 100 MW will provide reserve power to the Mindanao grid.

MinDA secretary Luwalhati Antonino said this will be

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DTI 11 to put up 14 more Negosyo Centers

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 is targeting to establish 14 more Negosyo Centers in Davao Region this year in a bid to support the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises and start-ups.

DTI 11 regional director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Compostela Valley will have three Negosyo Centers each, while the new province of Davao Occidental and the Davao City will have one center each.

“We’re targeting to add one more Negosyo Center in Davao City that will be located in Toril District,” Ambi told reporters at the sidelines of the consultative meeting with industry stakeholders at the Park Inn by Radissons Davao last Tuesday.

DTI provincial director DTI in Davao City Edwin Banquerigo earlier said the center in Toril will provide assistance to budding start-ups

and food processors from the southern part of the city.

At present, the city has only one center located at the office of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) in Magsaysay Park Complex. It was the first center in the city which became fully operational July last year.

The agency allocated P800,000 for the establishment of the first Negosyo Center in Davao City that has a total area of 110-square-meter floor area.

The DTI allocated some P4.7 million this year for the establishment and operations of the six operational centers in the region.

The establishment of Negosyo Centers, anchored to Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act which was passed in 2014, is one of the flagship programs of DTI which provides assistance and facilitation to SMEs in terms of business registration,capacity building, consultations, and information packages. CHENEEN R. CAPON

SIDEWALK MARKET. A livestock trader selling pigs from the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) waits for customers at the entrance of Sta. Ana wharf yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

Banana firms ‘starting to move out of Mindanao’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ULTINATIONAL banana companies in Mindanao are starting to move out because they are “sick and tired” of the problems they are facing in the island.

Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig said some member companies have acquired thousands of hectares of banana plantations in Equador.

“They are sick and tired of being confronted with the problems here in Mindanao,” Antig said.

He said two multi-national companies bought 2,000 hectares of existing banana plantations in Ecuador last year. He said moving to Ecuador would expand their export market to

US, Europe, and Latin America.

Antig said other member companies are also planning to buy-out other banana companies abroad.

He said other companies are looking to relocate in the Visayas. Antig said the government of Negros express its intent to be the next destination for banana investments.

Antig said Negros has huge potential because of its vast fertile land that are contiguous that used to be sugarcane plantations.

But the absence of a port that can accommodate big ships has hindered investors from moving to Negros.

“We pledged to the provincial government of Negros that we will surely move to their

government to resume the long-stalled peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NDFP).

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, meanwhile, said it wouuld be a disadvantage for banana exporters and producers to move out of Mindanao.

At present, Mindanao is the top producer and exporter of banana in the country, with Davao as the highest contributor to the production.

Some of the production areas in the region are located in Davao City and provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

ute to national productivity.

The Davao City mayor noted that CARL failed because the government did not provide support services to the beneficiaries.

Bacolod is the capital of Negros Occidental, known as the ‘sugar bowl’ of he Philippines being the country’s leading producer of sugar.

The National Statistical Coordinating Board said sugar remains to be the main product of the province with about 56 percent of its total land area of 7,926 square kilometers planted to sugarcane.

Annually, the agency said, the province is producing 800,000 metric tons of raw

sugar.

“We can improve this production as we are hopeful that through the government’s intervention under my administration, we will revive the glory of the sugar industry of the province,” said Duterte.

Last year, the Sugarcane Industry Development Act was passed. Duterte said he will make sure that the law is implemented according to its objectives.

Once fully implemented, the law will increase the competitiveness of the industry, improve the incomes of the farmers and farm workers through improved productiv-

Duterte says future is‘sweet’ for sugar industry if he wins

P BRIGHT. Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sees a bright future for the Philippine sugar industry under his administration. Photo courtesy of Duterte Media Team

area if they can have a port which we can use for our export,” Antig said.

He said if government does not help them, the banana industry will move out of Mindanao.

Antig said limited assistance is being extended to the industry which is now threatened by stringent government policies imposed in areas banana companies operate, drought, pests, and diseases.

He also said the problem of insurgency continues to push banana companies away.

“The incidence of burning equipment became more prevalent in the past few months and we’re losing so much because of the damage,” he said.

Antig urged the Philippine

RESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte vowed to push aggressively to revive and subsidize the Philippine sugar industry if he wins the election.

The mayor of Davao made the promise Wednesday, before a cheering crowd of people mostly dependent on the sugar industry.

At the same time, Duterte said he is not keen on extending the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) or Republic Act 6657.

He said he would rather relax and liberalize credit and financing facilities for small farmers to be able to contrib-

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7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

Taro for food and profit Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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ARO – or gabi as it is called by Filipinos -- was once one of the most edible root crops in the world because it is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins. In the Philippines, this starchy tuber has faded from the grocery list of modern consumers, who are unaware of the healthy benefits of the crop.

The word taro was taken from Tahitian or other Polynesian languages. Its scientific name is Colocasia esculenta; esculent is an English word taken directly from Latin and it means “edible.”

Taro’s corm or underground stems as well as leaves or petioles are edible.

Taro’s boiled corm and cooked petioles provide numerous health benefits. This is because taro is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins B, C, and E, iron, calcium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc. It has low content of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Taro corms are very high in starch, and are a good source of dietary fiber.

Calcium oxalate is reportedly present in raw taro leaves which is poisonous, according to Alan Davidson in the Oxford Companion to Food. There was this story of a business class passenger on a transpacific flight of a major airline who fell mysteriously ill. An investigation discovered that a meal served on board was presented on top

Harvesting taro

of a raw cut taro leaf used as the garnish.

Despite this, the leaves are completely safe and delicious after cooking. Also, extra care must be taken to oil your hands before handling the leaves, as some leaves are acidic and cause scratching.

Generally, the leaves are often dried in the sun first before cooking.

The gabi leaves are very popular in Asian dishes. In the Philippines, for instance, taro stems and petioles are the main ingredients of laing that is cooked incoconut milk, salted with fermented shrimp and spiced with red hot chillies particularly siling labuyo. In India, the leaves are rolled along with gram flour batter and then fried or steamed to make a dish called patode which is finished by tempering with red chillies.

In the past, taro has been prescribed in the past as effective in combating malnutrition and indigestion. It was also known as an effective treatment to ulcers, eczema, diarrhea, asthma and bronchial ailments. Its stem is ap-

plied topically to heal burns, boils, skin rashes, insect bites, and even wounds.

Aside from being a main source of nutrients, taro is used as herbal medicine.

The juice of its petioles is used for earache and internal hemorrhages. On the other hand, the juice of its corm is a good laxative and acts as an antidote for wasp and insect stings. Heated, the gabi corm can ease painful rheumatic joints.

Taro is planted primarily for its corm.Ginataan, a popular Filipino dessert, uses coconut milk and gabi that are mixed with tropical fruits.

In India, it is used as a staple food, as a side dish, or as a component in various side dishes. As a staple food it is steamed, and eaten with a chutney of green pepper and shallot onions.

In China, taro is mainly used as a flavor enhancing ingredient. It is commonly braised with pork or beef. It is used in thedim sum cuisine of southern part of the country to make a small plated dish called taro dumpling, as well as a pan-fried dish called taro

Taro plant cake. It is also woven to form a seafood birdnest. The taro cake is also a delicacy traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year. In desserts, it is used intong sui, bubble tea, as a flavoring in ice cream and other deserts.

In Taiwan, taro chips are often used as a potato-chip-like snack. Compared to potato chips, gabi chips are harder and have a more assertive nutty flavor. They are generally made from upland taro because of their lower moisture.

In Japan, taro was a regional staple food before rice became predominant.

The corm is often prepared through simmering, but occasionally grated and eaten raw or steamed. In Bangladesh, taro is cooked with small

prawn into thick curry.

Flour can also be produced from taro corms. The flour can be used for soups, biscuits, bread, beverages, and puddings. Taro starch is highly digestible and is recommended as baby food. In Hawaii, chemical studies to determine the food properties of poi (a native food prepared from boiled taro corms mixed with water, cooked, mashed into paste, and slightly fermented) have confirmed its value as food for normal, allergic and potentially allergic babies.

Taro is native to the Old World, but has become an important crop in the equatorial regions of the world. It is believed to have been cultivated as long as 6000 years ago and some sources assert

that it originated in Southeast Asia or India.

In the Philippines, taro can be grown anywhere as it grows on all kinds of soils.

But for best results, it must be planted on deep, welldrained, friable loams, particularly alluvial loams with a high level of water table.

Saline soils could be tolerated by taro.

“The crop can be grown in all parts of the Philippines, from sea level to 1,800 meters high,” notes The Philippines Recommends for Gabi, published by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD). “The crop has particular potential in marshy, waterlogged regions and for coastal and saline areas.”

Growing taro

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

EDITORIAL From hero to heel

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REEDOM of religion and freedom of speech are both enshrined in the Constitution. In this country, one is free to practice any faith without fear of being sanctioned, punished, or otherwise given a hard time about it. While the majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholics, there are large numbers of people following other faiths, and there has been harmony over the years despite the differences these religions have. Even in Mindanao, where there is a perception that a religious war is going on, the reality is that Christians, Muslims, and Lumads live peacefully with each other.

Freedom of expression is also a cherished right in this country, especially since we lived through two decades under a dictatorship that forbade any expression of dissent against it. Here all sorts of ideas abound, and they are freely expressed, discussed, debated, and analyzed so that every person participating is enriched in mind and spirit.

But sometimes when these two freedoms are mixed, the result can be disastrous. This was the case with boxing champion Manny Pacquiao who only days ago made a very public pronouncement

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against gay relationships. That by itself is not a problem; as said earlier, this country cherishes its freedom to believe in anything.

But Pacquiao stepped over the bounds of fairness and even decency when he decided to mouth what may have been taught to him by his Bible teachers: that those who engage in homosexual relations are “worse than animals.” That constituted hate speech, and while he may have been free to say it, the words he said did not have a place in a civilized society.

Again, to be clear, what was offensive in what Pacquiao said was not his belief that gay relationships are evil. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. What was offensive was that he took that a step farther and compared lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals (LGBT) with animals — an insult that is twice as offensive when one says it in Filipino: “masahol pa sa hayup.”

For his misguided tirade, Pacquiao has been rewarded with almost universal criticism — many of it coming from the ranks of his fellow evangelical Christians. In light of his descent from hero to heel, losing the multi-million dollar endorsement deal with Nike may not have been the worst consequence.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Is Poe PNoy’s Plan B?

D

ESPITE the feverish – even herculean – efforts of the LP and the support from the administration to put him up, the survey ratings of Mar Roxas remain low. At best, he would remain tied with another candidate in second place but he has never taken the lead for that matter.

Political analysts are not surprised because Roxas and his handlers have ostensibly failed to “communicate” the correct messages to the voting public, appearing more like PNoy’s clone as he continues to promote the rollercoaster ride of Daang Matuwid as his platform of government.

That is why inquisitive eyes and ears have been entertaining the notion that Pres. Noynoy, aware of this unsettling circumstances, might have installed a “PLAN B,” in case Plan A (Roxas) goes pffft.

If you will note, Grace Poe has the wily Chiz Escudero, a close ally of PNoy, for her running mate. The latter has been reportedly taken the reins of their campaign, running and advising her of her political strategies, including their partnership for the two highest posts in the land. Because of this arrangement, Poe appears to have gained a private line to PNoy thru Chiz.

Did she SPECKS OF LIFE not “gatecrash” Pres.

Noynoy’s celebration at the Palace where she threw away social ethics, fully knowing that Mar Fred C. Lumba Roxas, her rival for the presidency, was there? Why has she become suddenly dense?

Even if she were invited to the affair as her media spin masters explained, she could have politely turned it down for reasons of delicadeza. What do you think?

Since coming into the national scene first as a senator, Poe has been mouthing lines of governance according to PNoy’s basic Daang Matuwid principles. She has not deviated because her initial blast of following her father’s (FPJ) legacy were found to be standing on thin ice, with plenty of cracks in the middle.

In the Supreme Court where disqualifica-

tion cases against her are now currently tackled, three justices are clearly manifesting a favourable decision in her favour. The manner Chief Justice Sereno, Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Jardeleza questioned Comelec officials during the oral arguments, gave us a hint as to how these three magistrates might render their individual opinion. Guys, these three are all appointees of PNoy. Now, if Poe is the alternative candidate of PNoy, you will have to consider the wide and long influence of Pres. Noynoy in the conduct of her campaign approaches.

The yellow media (referring to media outlets and journalists aligned with Pres. Aquino) are definitely giving Poe the widest and most extensive coverage in both print and broadcast.

Unlike Digong Duterte whose faults, instead of his pluses, are highlighted in the two largest TV networks (ABS & GMA7), Poe is enjoying a better media presentation than even Mar Roxas himself.

Alarms have been sounded that should any of the opposition bets win, PNoy and his cohorts could stand to face trial and be jailed for their abuses during the six years of the Aquino term.

If Binay wins, speculations are not distant to ignore that those who collectively conspired to destroy him and his family during the Senate probe on corruption charges, VP Binay might just get back at them.

That is why, I hear of disturbing noises that the LP and this administration will resort at all costs to enhance Roxas’ image so that his survey ratings will likewise rise on the lead up to the May 2016 balloting. This is part of mind conditioning and the yellow media are already collaborating.

If Roxas’ survey ratings get to tie those in the lead and eventually wins the counting on May 9, then the public would not entertain the idea that there was widespread cheating.

The only hindrance to Poe’s aspirations is the disquieting notion of a disqualification to be rendered by the SC after the oral arguments.

Still and all, there is logic in entertaining the idea that Grace Poe may be the “ace up in the sleeves” of PNoy, not Mar Roxas.

In the Iliad novel, in the epic battle between Greece and Troy, they say “beware when the Greeks bring gifts.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahooc.om). God bless the Philippines!

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” — Thomas Alva Edison

power (CSP). CSP THINK ON THESE! systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.

PVs convert light into electric current using the phoHenrylito D. Tacio toelectric effect. henrytacio@gmail.com A company advertising solar power claims: “Solar power is an ecologically and environmentally friendly solution to your power needs. Solar power virtually emits zero pollution. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power does not emit harmful pollutants which contribute to the greenhouse effect which leads to global warming.”

It adds: “The Philippines, which has the most expensive electricity in Asia, will continue to have increasing electricity rates in the future.

By generating your own electricity you introduce long term savings and will no longer fully depend on power providers. You also gain the reliability that when utility power lines are cutoff, you can still enjoy the electricity which you yourself generated using the power of the sun.”

Tapping power from the sun is not new in the Philippines. In 2001, theEnvironmental News Network (ENN) carried this news item: “In one of the world’s most isolated areas, where power generated by coal, oil or natural gas is not readily available, 150 villages are about to see the light of solar panels as a means of their first electricity.

The ENN report commented: ““Renewable energy in the Philippines is often more efficient than extending the electric grid. The prohibitive cost of building power lines and the difficulty of transporting fuel for generators to remote, developing areas makes solar power an ideal solution.”

But while solar power is indeed free and plentiful, the solar panels (the mirrors that catch the rays of the sun to turn water into steam that would turn the power-generating turbines) are very costly. “The cost of trapping sunshine and converting it into electricity is considered: approximately P1,000 per watt, way above the reach of the ordinary people,” de la Cruz wrote.

Those who want to avail themselves of 1,000 watts of solar power to run appliances in their home need to invest at least P1 million.

But the good news is: The cost of manufacturing solar panels is getting lower every year. What’s more, their efficiency is increasing.

Solar power is indeed environment-friendly. As the ENN report puts it: “The solar systems in the Philippines will reduce the dependence of villages on non-renewable energy sources.

The systems will also slow deforestation, as less wood will be cut to meet daily needs. Replacing diesel generators, the new solar systems will reduce air and noise pollution.”

But an in-depth report released by the Associated Press (AP) recently speaks of “a dirtier side” of the solar power. It talks about the experience in the United States but Filipinos should know the other side before the country rushes itself to become a solar energy dependent.

“While solar is a far less polluting energy source than coal or natural gas, many panel

makers are nevertheless grappling with a hazardous waste problem. Fueled partly by billions in government incentives, the industry is creating millions of solar panels each year and, in the process, millions of pounds of polluted sludge and contaminated water,” the AP report said.

“To dispose of the material, the companies must transport it by truck or rail far from their own plants to waste facilities hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of miles away.”

The fossil fuels used to transport that waste, experts say, is not typically considered in calculating solar’s carbon footprint, giving scientists and consumers who use the measurement to gauge a product’s impact on global warming the impression that solar is cleaner than it is.

After installing a solar panel, “it would take one to three months of generating electricity to pay off the energy invested in driving those hazardous waste emissions out of state,” Dustin Mulvaney, a San Jose State University environmental studies professor who conducts carbon footprint analyses of solar, biofuel and natural gas production, was quoted as saying.

Solar power should be one and not the only source of electricity. “Since power from solar power plant fluctuates (when there are clouds, or when it suddenly rains), you need a standby power plant that will switch on, to maintain the voltage,” said someone, who doesn’t want to be identified.

Generally, that power plant is generated by diesel.

My reliable source also said: Using solar power means more areas to be used. Specifically, to produce one megawatt, you need at least two hectares of land.

I

***

READ with great interest a news report which appeared in Philippine Daily Inquirerrecently.

The article, written by Carla P. Gomez, said that a solar farm will start generating more power for the Visayas.

The solar farm, built on 176 hectares of land in barangay Tinampaan in Cadiz City, is touted “the biggest solar farm in Southeast Asia” and “the seventh largest in the world.” It has the capability of producing 132 megawatts of electricity.

The sun, from which solar power comes from, is one of the renewable energy sources.

According to Janet Sawin, a senior fellow at the institute and an expert on international energy and environmental policy, renewable energy technologies are now ready for use on a large scale and have the potential to meet world energy demand many times over.

“Renewable energy offers tremendous potential and, combined with improvements in energy efficiency, could fuel the economy of the future,” Sawin pinpointed. “The future is in renewable energy — not in outdated and environmentally destructive fossil fuels,” agreed Anna Abad, Climate and Energy campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PVs) or indirectly using concentrated solar

Here comes the sun

10 NEWS MABEL... FROM 1

know that the views and voices of environmental groups were not heard at all the whole time. I did not know that they were not given the chance to participate in the legislative process. I was as surprised as they were. It was only after the second reading that I learned that their views and voices were not heard at all.”

Earlier, the vice mayor said he had told Acosta in a closed door meeting last Tuesday to stop “fueling” the environmentalists’ opposition because it gives the Council a bad image.

He said it was only on the third and final reading that Acosta manifested her objection, saying she wanted the item deferred so she could invite civic groups that were not informed of the amendment.

Responding to statements by environment groups that they were not informed of the amendment, Paolo said the item was posted in the notice board in the Sangguniang Panlungsod and was also published in local newspapers.

He said the item had been in his office since May last year and was passed on first reading in August.

Acosta, however, denied she started the issue. “To those accusing me, what exactly did I start? Did I dictate upon, or commandeer, or summon environmental groups to manifest their sentiments to the Council? No. What I know is that whatever beliefs I carry now, have long been with me since my formative years during childhood, and has guided me through the years into maturity,” she said.

“How could I be accused of ‘starting’ whatever? I have no control over environmental groups or advocates. They are responsible enough, and mature enough, and intelligent enough to think and act on their own. That we happened to have a similar outlook is a fateful coincidence. I just continue on from where I started a long way back. I had no intentions of painting anyone

black or white. That is not my handiwork. Sound policy that puts a premium on the public’s wellbeing is shared by most of us,” she added.

Acosta also explained that she did not demand that the item be deferred on the third and final reading on January 26, 2016.

“Not true. The Sangguniang Panlungsod is a collegial body. We arrive at decisions through consensus. There were several of us, even those who voted yes to the amendment, who were huddled together on recess because there were environmental groups present in the gallery. It is a fact that their views and voices were not heard in this concern,” she said.

Acosta said three options were discussed: 1) for a representative of the group to be given a chance to speak before the council; 2. for the item to be deferred and a meeting with the environment groups be held; and 3. for the vote on third and final reading be held that day.

“These options were discussed freely and intelligently in that huddle. The final consensus was to defer the item,” she said.

Acosta also said the environment groups were informed “and they were happy about it.”

“After a few minutes they left the gallery. At some point I also went out to go to my office to go to the restroom. When I got back to the session hall, I was surprised that the item was being voted upon already on third and final reading, which was different from the consensus earlier,” she said.

Acosta said she believes a solution can still be found on the matter.

“The idea of all stakeholders working towards a winwin option is not far fetched.

Tax incentives for investors with green initiatives, or ‘green compliant,’ could be explored, for instance. There will not be a lack of good suggestions from various sectors,” she said.

Mar Y. Culaste’s dental team.

Aside from Dr. Culaste and Dr. Hexel Verano, the dental team included Marc Jobert Culaste, Marisol Culaste, Grace Rallos, Letty Mabale, Rosemarie and Cherrie Luay.

The medicines, food and drinks including lunch were provided by the Villa-Abrille

Foundation while the manpower, set up, clean-up, patients screening and ice cream were provided by RCC Bucana.

The use of the gym as venue was a significant contribution given by the school to the dental mission. By Frances VA Castaña

and mortars in Datu Salibo, a marshland town in Maguindanao, since Feb. 5 after the rebel group harassed a government dredging project in the town.

But BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri Mama quickly denied his group was behind the roadside bombings, including the one in Datu Saudi Ampatuan that killed a town treasurer and three others.

At about the same time, soldiers had their attention focused on a nipa house in Barangay Salbu also in Datu

Saudi Ampatuan, where they found a secondary bomb that the BIFF could have set off.

It was reportedly similar to a bomb exploded two years ago in the same municipality, wherein 12 people, including two workers of a national TV network, were injured.

Budiongan said the area is bomb prone because it is isolated and lack street lights.

As of press time, tension remained high in Datu Salibo and Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews

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Army... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

NO POLS. Davao City Tourism Operation Office (CTOO) head Lisette Marques says no national politicians will attend the Civic Parade for the 79th Araw ng Davao next month. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

No... FROM 2

ment to fix the power crisis in Mindanao as soon as possible.

NGCP spokesperson lawyer Cynthia Alabanza said President Benigno Aquino

gave a deadline to all concerned agencies especially in the power sector to solve the problem on or before the election in May.

ity, product diversification, job generation and increased efficiency of sugar mills.

Ironically, the Philippines is expected to resume sugar importation this year. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said the Philippines is committed to import 135,508 tons of raw sugar in 2016.

Duterte said the importation won’t be necessary if the local production is strength-

ened and the local farmers are given the needed government interventions.

In the Visayas, Negros and Panay are the two major sugar producing provinces, while Mindanao has the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, and North Cotabato.

As of 2011, the Philippine Exporters Confederation said the total land area planted to sugarcane in the Philippines reached 383,000 hectares.

the first time that Mindanao, which used to be dependent on hydroelectric power plants, will have a power reserve.

Montenegro said interconnecting the grid will have benefit in the long run.

He said it is only through grid interconnection that power suppliers here and electric cooperatives and distribution companies can sell their surplus in an electric market.

Montenegro said while interconnection could possibly increase the rate in Mindanao, it will also allow the Mindanao power players to tap and sell available power in the market without the need of sealing a 25-year contract at a fixed price.

Business organizations in Mindanao opposed the proposal, saying it will only increase the electricity rate in Mindanao which is pegged at an average of P8 depending on the energy mix.

Business leader Bonifacio Tan earlier said the grid has not yet connected but consumers have to carry the burden of paying the expenditure of the

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for the failed feasibility study which identified Zamboanga as initial interconnection point for the Leyte-Mindanao grid interconnection project.

Tan said the consumers should not pay for the cost of conducting feasibility study which has no assurance of delivering the best result.

At present, the NGCP is exploring the viability of interconnecting the Mindanao grid with the Visayas grid and is targeting to complete it between 2018 and 2020.

Earlier reports have said the proposed interconnection project is part of the Mindanao Energy Plan 2012-2030 and is estimated to cost some P24 billion.

Meanwhile, Montenegro said the interconnection is necessary for the Philippiens to be interconnected with other Asean nations which is targeted under the ASEAN development blueprint which aims for the creation of a single electric market for the region.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

Duterte... FROM 6

MinDA... FROM 6

17 New... FROM 4 lished author and considered one of the most sought after in her field. Kathy is a “master strategist” when it comes to call center solutions by providing the most advanced and informative solutions from her hands on experiences throughout her successful career.

Torres, has been a leader in the field of education and brings with her competencies in the field of organizational studies and development. She has provided consultancy services in the areas of communications, branding and school management and continues to be engaged in the developmental work in the local government unit and other government and nongovernment institutions.

She has been in the academe for more than 15 years fo-

cused on ITBPO and Business.

Both believe in a business objective of continuing to provide the most advanced training programs and call center solutions globally. Their long-term goal is to contribute their successes into markets where knowledge and expertise are not as accessible. With Kathy’s wisdom, knowledge and expertise and Belle’s communication and branding capabilities, both believe that this e-learning training platform where students from any country will have superior training at a cost they can afford.

The 17 new eLearning BPO outbound modules are now available online. For more information and to enroll, visit our website www. jobsesolutions.net

not take the 10-day training course. Instead, they will proceed to the Competency Assessment after passing a pre-qualifying written test.

Those who pass the assessment in all of the five leadership competencies will earn a Certificate in Leadership and Management, which can be used in lieu of a master’s degree to fulfill the education requirement for appointment to Division Chief or to equivalent positions.

Executive Director IV Arthur Luis P. Florentin of the CSC-Civil Service Institute (CSI) said that a competency-based approach improves the efficiency of the recruitment process and helps organizations select the right people. He added that it is already a common practice in the private sector and in countries such as Singapore and Australia, so it is high

time that the same is applied in government.

At present, appointment to government positions is based on qualification standards (QS) comprised of generic eligibility, education, training, and experience requirements.

“Adding competencies to the QS would improve accuracy in assessing a candidate’s fitness to a particular job, and in the case of C-PRO, to particular managerial positions,” said Florentin.

The CSI is now accepting the first batch of candidates for the C-PRO. The 10-day LMDC and subsequent ALP for the Training Track will begin on March 7, 2016. For more information on the requirements, procedures, and fees, contact the CSI at telephone numbers 931-4182 and 931-7935 local 301 to 305.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

Assist WELL Processing Center launched by DOLE-RCC 11

I ABOITIZ, CIT-U PAY IT FORWARD. The Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, officially turned over to Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), the winner of the Aboitiz Green Fashion Revolution 2015, the latter’s P45,000 cash prize last February 9.

As part of its winnings, CIT-U also formalized its Adopt-A-CSR program

with the Agsungot Public Schools and Community Producers Cooperative, signing a memorandum of agreement that will provide for critical livelihood support to help cooperative members jumpstart their businesses and earn a living. This support will come in the form of capability building training sessions in February, and an accessories-making training session in March.

Phl fastest-growing market in Asia for use of mobile forms in enterprises T HE Philippines is the fastest-growing market in Asia for the use of Canvas, the revolutionary cloud-based software service that empowers enterprises to collect, share, and integrate information using mobile devices, according to its CEO James Quigley who recently came to Manila for a visit.

Globe Telecom, through its IT-Enabled Services Group (IG), launched Canvas as its first and exclusive distributor in the Philippines in late 2014.

As a result of the partnership, enterprise and small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers of Globe were able to discover the potential of mobile devices by shifting key business processes from paper forms to dynamic mobile apps with functionalities.

“Philippine enterprises are now finding ways to achieve operational efficiency for sustainable business results through information and communications technology (ICT), and we at Globe are pleased to enable their goals with our roster of innovative solutions, and one of which is

Canvas,” shares Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing. “As the shift to a more digital enterprise landscape grows, we at Globe, through our partnerships with global companies like Canvas, are more than equipped to offer our enterprise clientele solutions that transform and scale up their business for the future.”

The Canvas app is customizable and can incorporate functionality such as GPS, image capture, dispatch, barcode scanning, electronic signatures, push notifications and access to business data such as parts catalogs, price lists or records. Canvas eliminates paperwork, captures information and allows collected data to be shared instantly.

With Canvas mobile forms, customers that are going paperless will enjoy significant savings in cost and productivity gains, saving up to 75% on paper costs as well as productivity savings. A P500 monthly investment per account includes unlimited access to the Canvas Application Store, un-

limited creation of forms, and unlimited submissions.

“We are delighted that our partnership with Globe is helping Philippine businesses automate how work gets done across the workplace,” quips Quigley. “They are seeing fast improvement to their bottom line as costly, outdated manual process and paperwork are replaced with Canvas, enabling their workforce to connect and interact better with colleagues and customers. Com-

panies across logistics and transportation, construction, pharmaceutical, energy, financial services and retail are amongst the first to adopt Canvas in association with Globe.”

Canvas currently has more than 14,000 business apps ranging from inspection forms and work orders to surveys and checklist. Canvas mobile forms run on Android, iOS or Windows platforms on any smartphone, tablet or laptop. █

N order to hasten the delivery of the growing need for assistance of returning and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Department of Labor and Employment Region 11–Regional Coordinating Council (DOLERCC) launched on Monday the region’s Assist WELL Processing Center.

The program aims to address Welfare, Employment, Legal, and Livelihood (WELL) needs of overseas workers. It is also pursuant to DOLE Department Order No. 139-14, Series of 2014.

“The Assist WELL Program is specifically for OFWs that are going to be affected by the unfavorable employment scenario in the Middle East as of this time,” said DOLE 11 regional director Joffrey M. Suyao, who led the launching ceremony.

Suyao said given the present situation the program will be helping thousands of OFWs who may be affected.

Present operations of the center will focus on developing

a database for returning OFWs from the Middle East Region.

In Davao region, the processing center management committee is composed of the Philippine Overseas Employees Association (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

Services offered by the center include stress debriefing/counseling, local and overseas employment referral/ placement, livelihood assistance, legal assistance/conciliation services, and competency assessment and training assistance.

The region’s Assist WELL Processing Center is located at the DOLE Davao City Field Office at third floor AMQ Bldg., Corner Dacudao Avenue and Lakandula Street, Agdao, Davao City. Concerned OFWs may visit said office or call our NRCO focal person Rea B. Sa-an at 09228261563/09464159769. █

CSC launches new program for aspiring gov’t managers

T

HE Civil Service Commission (CSC) is offering a certification program that provides an alternative mode of satisfying the education requirement for those aspiring for a division chief position or equivalent executive/managerial positions in government.

The Leadership and Management Certification Program (C-PRO) ensures that candidates possess the five leadership competencies necessary for effective performance. These are: thinking strategically and creatively, leading change, building collaborative and inclusive working relationships, managing performance and coaching for results, and creating and nurturing a high performing organization.

C-PRO enrollees will be asked to choose from two

tracks. In the Training Track, candidates will learn and develop the competencies through the 10-day Leadership and Management Development Course (LMDC), then demonstrate them by undertaking a 90-day Action Learning Project (ALP) with coaching sessions.

They will then undergo competency assessment, consisting of a written test to determine conceptual knowledge, a portfolio review to check adequate practice of the competencies, and a behavioral event interview to further probe the competencies presented in the portfolio.

In the “recognition of prior learning” track, candidates who have acquired the competencies through actual work experience need

FCSC, 10

PICE Davao extends assistance to Ciriaco Mariano community I N line with the organization’s thrust to increase social connectivity with great understanding and appreciation for diversity, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Davao City Chapter through the Community Service program donated 400 paving blocks to Ciriaco Mariano Elementary School (CMES), Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City on February 13, 2016.

Nearby residents and more than 300 students, mostly children of Davao Smokey Mountain beneficiaries who used to live in a dumpsite along Diversion road in Maa, will ben-

efit from the said project.

The initiative intends to alleviate and address issues relative to a high risk area and difficult passage for residents especially during rainy season.

The project is a continuous effort and is organized by the Chapter through the leadership of Engr. Anacleto V. Calamba, Jr. (president) and Community Service team: Engr. Hilario A. Fernandez (chairman), Engr. Nelson S. Palermo (co-chairman), Engr. Jimwell L. Bonguyan & Engr. Arnel T. Bernardino (members).

Garbage bins and school supplies will also be given to the recipients,

including the sponsoring of some medical & dental program activities within the year.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with school principal Jose R. Bagaslao was witnessed

by CMES faculty, barangay officials, JPICE, students, and some residents of the community. Also present were PICE staff and other board members Engr/s Cary H. Beatisula, Sharon Angelica G. Bonguyan, Wilfredo A. Balaye and Angel T. Torrejon (2015 pres.) together with Davies Paints representative Alvin F. Alcantara. ENGR. SHARON ANGELICA G. BONGUYAN

The PICE Davao City Chapter board of directors headed by president Anacleto Calamba Jr (fourth from right) together with the Ciriaco Mariano Elementary School faculty, students, and residents during the formal torn over of the donated items and MOA signing on February 13, 2016 at Ciriao Mariano, Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City.

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INdulge!

LAID-BACK, COMFORTABLE AND RELAXED, the ubiquitous basic flip-flop has always been part of the Dabawenyo lifestyle.

But with the entry of Havaianas not so longago, the lowly tsinelas became instantly fashionable and was seen as a way for Dabawenyos to express their own fashionable selves.

MT Martish Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in Southeast Mindanao, held a private party last February 10 called “Obrigada” or “Thank You” in Portuguese. The event was a way for Havaianas to touch base again with Davao’s lifestyle writers and was also a venue to introduce the 2016 Havaianas collection.

More intimate than last year’s Obrigada, this year’s theme was all about passion and creativity. As such, Havaianas also invited as some of Davao’s design and art personalities such as cake designer Joel Rodriguez, painter Dadai Joaquin, makeup artist

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Creatively thank ful

Carine Bacani, fashion designer Bobby Castillo, and plastic surgeon Rina Baluyot-Angeles to join the party which was held at the Yellow Hauz.

The event was hosted by famous crafter and artisan April San Pedro, who held a quick watercolour lettering workshop for guests to whet their creativity. A canvas bag design contest immediately followed with none other than Chardin’s fashion czar Bobby Castillo handily winning the contest and bringing home the top prize given

by Fujifilm Instax.

I had so much fun relearning how to write using water-colour and a brush. The short workshop helped me loosen up my hands to use softer strokes that are different from that of writing on a pen.

And what is a Havaianas party that celebrates creativity without the flip-flop’s famous MakeYour-Ow n-Havaianas experience? Ending the event, guests were allowed to express themselves even more by making their own Havaianas, mixing and matching different soles, straps, and pins to express their own personality and creating one-of-a-kind fashionable footwear.

Obrigada Havaianas!

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

EVENT

CCD inducts new officers

By Kenneth Irving Ong

THE CAMERA CLUB OF DAVAO (CCD) recently installed its new set of officers last February 6, 2016 at the Sarangani Room of the Marco Polo Davao.

The event opened with a moving valedictory address from the outgoing president Anthony Serafin who highlighted the achievements in the past year of the Philippines’ second oldest existing camera club.

The induction of the new set of officers followed, led Davao City’s City Tourism Officer Lisette Marquez. Inducted were CCD President Frederick Peter Villegas, Vice-President William Pedraza, Secretary Arfe Gavilanes, PRO John Francis B. Angeles, and Treasurer John Gorre. Elected as directors were Salvador Mascardo, Anthony Francis Serafin, Michael Balgos, William Chin, and Ken Bandayanon.

In her inspirational speech, Marquez said the Camera Club of Davao has always worked hand-in-hand with the promotion of Davao City’s tourism. “The many beautiful photographs taken by the members give the world a chance to see and experience the city,” she said.

Aside from the formalities, awards were also given out to members and their exemplary work. Winning as CCD’s Photographer of the Year was Anthony Francis Serafin. Winners of the Camera Club of Davao’s monthly photo contest were also announced.

UP AND ABOUT

‘Surviving El Niño’ airs Feb 20 on GMA News TV POSITIONED AT THE FRONT LINES of climate change impacts, the Philippines is plagued by food and nutrition security concerns—a growing emergency.

The worsening impact of climate change and the unpredictability of extreme weather events, such as typhoons, El Niño

events or drought, are putting unnecessary stresses on the coping mechanisms of farmers who provide food for Filipinos.

This February, GMA News TV airs a very timely documentary that highlights the need for our country to address the disastrous impacts of El Niño. Produced by the environmental group

Greenpeace, “Surviving El Niño” tells the story of how Filipino farmers confront the challenges of climate change and of the need to shift to a more climate-resilient ecological farming. Set against the backdrop of a developing El Niño, the story follows a number of farmers who are into organic and inorganic farming from different parts of the country—Bohol Sorsogon,

Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and North Cotabato. The compelling drone shots that capture the breadth of the ill-effects of El Niño on our fields include those shot in Mindanao by GMA news anchor Raffy Tima.

As the National Elections draws near, this documentary also calls on the next president to prioritize food and agriculture by developing policies and programs to

help transition the country’s farming system towards a more climate-resilient ecological agriculture, as well as equipping farmers with timely and localized weather information and an early warning system to enable farmers to plan well.

Greenpeace’s “Surviving El Niño” premieres on Philippine TV on February 20, Saturday, 5:30 p.m. on GMA News TV.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Andi juggles duties as police officer and mother in MMK ACTRESS ANDI EIGENMANN portrays a dedicated police officer and mother who struggles to balance her responsibilities in this Saturday’s (Feb 20) episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

Raised in a lower class family, a boyish Judy grows up idolizing her hardworking parents, who are very supportive of her education and her interest in taekwondo.

But one day, Judy’s mother runs into a hold-up and gets injured, marking the only time Judy sees her tough mother shed tears.

Wanting to seek revenge for her mother’s mishap, Judy takes up criminology in college, where she meets the man who then captivates her heart – Edmund (Patrick Garcia).

After graduating from college, Judy builds a family with Edmund and from then on would juggle her duties as a mother and a public servant.

Until one night, Judy is tested when their one-year-old baby suffers from a high fever while she is on duty, and promises to attend to her son as soon as she gets home. However, on a bus on her way home, Judy runs into a robbery-holdup aboard the bus and is forced to stand up to foil the crime.

How will this incident affect Judy’s relationship with Edmund, as well as their family?

Joining this “MMK” episode Maureen Mauricio, Minco Fabregas, Jai Agpangan, Manuel Chua, Mara Lopez, Hyasmin Neri,

Jimboy Martin, Barbie Imperial, Zeppi Borromeo, Lloyd Zaragoza, Art Acuña, and Rolly Inocencio.

The episode is directed by Dondon Santos and written by Benson Logronio. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos.

Don’t miss the longestrunning drama anthology in Asia, “MMK,” every Saturday on ABSCBN. For more updates, log on

to MMK.abs-cbn.com, follow @ MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” Facebook .com/MMKO f f icial.

Tweet your thoughts using this week’s hashtag #MMKCallOfDuty.

Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “MMK” through ABS-CBNmobile.

For more information, please go to www. abscbnmobile.com.

‘I Love OPM’ hits the right notes in pilot episodes ABS-CBN’s newest singing competition for non-Filipino singers who love Pinoy music and hosted by Anne Curtis with Eric Nicolas, “I Love OPM,” premiered on a high note last Saturday and Sunday according to data from Kantar Media.

Eight hopefuls, or called “Touristars,” auditioned but only six of them got the approval from the “Himigration Officers” composed of the Philippines’ Concert King Martin Nievera, Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, and Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga.

Among those who made the cut were GermanIrish Jeena Dimaandal captivated the crowd with her heartfelt version of Sharon Cuneta’s “Bituing walang ningning;” American heartthrob Ryan Gallagher made the women scream with “Himigration Officer” Martin Nievera’s “Kahit isang saglit;” Russian Anna Rabtsun surprised the audience with her rendition of Gloc 9’s “Sirena,” and Indian exchange-student Addy Raj serenaded the crowd with Daniel Padilla’s version of “Hinahanap-hanap kita”.

What OPM hits will be showcased next?

Who will have the best love story on how they fell in love with the Philippines and Filipino music? Which country will be able to produce the foreigner whom can sing OPM the best?

“I Love OPM” is a firstof-it-kind singing contest for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music. It is an original concept by ABS-CBN.

‘Dolce amore’ captivates viewers V I E W E R S N AT I O N W I D E W E R E I M M E D I AT E LY FA SCINAT ED by ABS-CBN’s newest primetime teleserye “Dolce Amore” starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil as its pilot episode last Feb 15 won the ratings game.

The teleserye’s sweet beginning gave a peek into the young life of Serena (Liza) after she was adopted by Italian socialites Roberto (Ruben Maria Soriquez) and Luciana (Cherie Gil). As a baby, Serena was separated from her real parents Alice and Uge (Sunshine Cruz and Andrew E) who were

February 18 – 23, 2016

JOY Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro

PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

DEADPOOL

caught in a war in the country Askovia.

There is also Tenten, this time known as Simon (Enrique Gil), who grows up in an orphanage with the desire to be adopted so he could have a family.

There she meets cook

Taps (Rio Locsin), her husband Dodoy (Bobot Mortiz), and their son Binggoy.

Now that Serena has found out that she is adopted, she is drawn to helping orphaned kids and decides to donate to an orphanage

in Manila where Simon lives. There begins their correspondence through letters as they find a friend in each other by being pen pals.

Don’t miss “Dolce Amore”, weeknights on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin R16

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

THE CHOICE/ *THE FOREST Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker/ *Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken PG/*R13

11:45 | 1:50 | 3:55 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

ZOOTOPIA Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Alan Tudyk PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

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EVENT

Eat. Stay. Love at Eden

LAST FEBRUARY 13, Saturday, around 250 guests celebrated a Pre-Valentine event at the Vista Restaurant with heart-melting offerings.

The restaurant was transformed to a romantic setting. The ambience was the perfect setting for a Valentine’s Day celebration, with a backdrop of nature.

Upon the arrival of the guests, the ladies were given a bouquet of flowers. For a warm gesture on a chilly night, a shawl was the perfect gift to the ladies. The shawl not only added some

flair to the outfit, it also provided warmth.

Guests feasted on a gustatory experience featuring Eden’s fresh organic garden salad, Waldorf salad, Cream of tomato soup, Iberian chicken, beef roll with mashed potato, salmon with basil pesto, baked

ham, baked lasagna and mini-paco cups. To cap off a wonderful meal and to indulge the sweet tooth, Fruit cocktail crème brulee, Strawberry Cheesecake, custard pudding, and chocolate cupcake was served.

Acoustic Theory band

sweetened up their playlist by serenading the guests with mellow, R &B and Jazz music.

Gigz Unlimited made a 5-foot red balloon sculpture of the letters L-O-V-E. The stage of the venue was decorated with white ceiling works.

Couples were given photo souvenirs as lovely keepsake of the romantic evening courtesy of Kapcher Photobooth.

For a Valentine’s day with a view, guests can take in the sights of the city scape for a picture-perfect evening at Eden.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Direct seeding rice D beats high labor cost

NEWS 13

Davao Light nears completion of underground cabling system

D

IRECT seeding, a crop-establishment method where pre-germinated seeds are sown directly onto the soil surface, can help address high labor cost in rice farming.

PhilRice Agronomist Myrna Malabayabas said the method can be done either by dry or wet seeding and does not require seedbed preparation.

“The dry direct-seeding method is more commonly used in rainfed and upland areas. It involves sowing of pre-germinated seeds on dry soil surface and then incorporating the seeds either by ploughing or harrowing. Wet direct-seeding, on the other hand, is practiced during dry and wet seasons in irrigated and rainfed areas. It is done either through broadcasting or drilling pre-germinated seeds with the use of a drum-seeder on a wet, well-leveled paddy,” Malabayabas explained.

Direct-seeded rice matures earlier than transplanted rice. Hence, labor requirements and expenses for crop establishment and the time spent on crop management are reduced.

A PhilRice study titled Benchmarking the Philippine rice economy relative to major rice-producing countries in Asia, says that P4.42 is spent on labor cost for every kilogram of transplanted rice planted, while P3.28 is spent on direct-seeded rice.

With the direct-seeding method, farmers can save up to P1.14 on labor cost for every kilogram of rice they produce and 23-man days for every hectare of their field.

In a seminar titled Direct-seeded Rice: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges at PhilRice, Dr. Vethaiya Balasu-

bramanian said that managing weeds is one of the challenges in using the direct-seeding method.

The former agronomist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) explained that weeds germinate simultaneously with rice due to the absence of water that suppresses their growth. Nevertheless, options are available to address the problem.

“Among the ways to manage weeds include narrow spacing and uniform plant population, appropriate water depth and timing, use of weed-competitive varieties,

and herbicide rotation and combination,” Dr. Balasubramanian said.

Malabayabas added that savings from the labor cost can offset the expenses in weed and pest control.

“When the Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is followed properly, the optimum yield is comparable to that of transplanted method,” she said.

Experts at PhilRice recommend varieties for the direct-seeding method. These varieties are early maturing, resistant to drought, and can attain a maximum yield of at least 6 t/ha.

AVAO Light and Power Company (DLPC) is 96 percent complete in its underground cabling system within the environs of the Davao City Hall.

Ross Luga, DLPC Corporate Communications Office, said the company is expected to complete its part of the project by the end of February.

Luga said there are no longer DLPC poles in the streets of Claveria, San Pedro and City Hall Drive.

Magallanes Street will have poles removed by the end of February this year.

These are streets which bound the project site of the underground cable system- Davao City Hall and the Sanguniang Panglungsod (City Council).

City Ordinance 0177 Series of 2014 establishes an underground cabling system for electrical and telecommunication to replace the present overhead cabling system within the peripheries of Davao City Hall and Sangguniang Panglungsod.

Luga said the power firm has spent about P108-million for the project. He added that other

companies with vertical wires are also embarking on transferring their overhead wires underground.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order no. 2 Series of 2015 constituting the Wire and Cables Technical Team.

The team included representatives from DLPC, PLDT, Skycable, Bayantel along with other representatives from the local and national government offices.

Luga said that the underground cabling system is friendlier to business as it gives more spaces for establishments, the cables and wires are shielded from natural elements, promote environmental sustainability as the poles can be replaced with plants and shrubs and also without the eyesore of dangling wires is more pleasing aesthetically.

The power firm’s underground cables along San Pedro Street, Claveria Streetand City Hall Drive is now energized. While they are expecting the underground cable along Magallanes Street to be energized by the end of February. (PIA/RG Alama)

14 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

It’s TIME to CHANGE THE GAME.

Your ads come to life with vivid, clear, crisp colors.

Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an awful copy on a badly printed space.

Advertise wisely.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

As creative as you can get.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016 OVERALL MEDAL TALLY—FINAL TEAM

G

S

B

PANABO CITY

45

48

46

DAVAO CITY

TAGUM CITY DAVAO SUR

DIGOS CITY

DAVAO NORTE COMVAL

DAVAO OR. MATI CITY IGACOS

112 61

28

21

20

14

10 2

1

87

59

27

21

17

34

12 9

0

79

54

42

35

59

56

20

10 5

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City bets reign supreme

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

P

njb@edgedavao.net

ERENNIAL champion Davao City wrapped up the overall championship of the 2016 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet after running away with a wide margin in the medal tally.

At the close of competitions on Thursday, the Durians amassed 112 gold

medals on top of 87 silvers and 79 bronzes.

The Durians typified its domination in the team events after it ruled the boys football events in elementary and secondary divisions. John Mark Diamat scored a brace to give the DC bets a 2-0 triumph over Tagum City for the second-

ary title.

In the elementary division, the Durians stamped its class with a 5-0 thumping of Panabo City to win the gold.

Host Tagum City drew inspiration from the partisan crowd and translated that homecourt edge to a strong second place finish

with 61 golds, 59 silvers and 54 bronzes.

Panabo City wound up in third place with a 45-4846 haul followed by Davao del Sur which is a distant fourth with 28-27-42.

Digos City and Davao del Norte were locked in a tight battle for fourth place with the former edging the

co-hosts by a mere gold medal. Digos tallied 2121-35 while DavNor found itself with a 20-17-59 total.

Rounding up the top 10 are Compostela Valley at 7th (14-34-56), Davao Oriental at 8th (10-12-20), Mati City (2-9-10) and tailender Island Garden City of Samal (1-0-5).

Carlos anchors Canlubang campaign in PAL Interclub

W

ITH the regular Men’s championship division of the Philippine Airlines Interclub making a return in two weeks to Mimosa’s two courses, the current toast in amateur golf will all be seeing action, assuring a slam-bang affair.

Jobim Carlos, the two-time reigning national amateur champion, will be playing his farewell tournament before turning pro and will be seeking to lead Canlubang to a triumphant return in the centerpiece division.

National pool member Justin Quiban will banner defending champion Manila Southwoods; Jelbert Gamolo will be spearheading Del Monte and Cebu Country Club will have its rock-solid core trying to regain lost glory in the 72-hole event that tees off on March 2 at the Mountain View layout and the composite Lake View and Acacia nines.

Carlos will be backed up by many-time national champion Rupert Zaragosa and Gab Manotoc while Quiban has reigning Southwoods club champion Yuto Katsuragawa and Ryan Monsalve by his side with Gamolo expected to get support from products of Del Monte’s grassroots program.

Senior’s play is also not wanting in superstar appeal, with Tommy Mano-

toc of Canlubang renewing his rivalry with ex-pro and Luisita stalwart Eddie Bagtasin an anticipated two-way fight.

Carlos is making this as his last amateur event before campaigning professionally in the local ICTSI Tour and in the Asian Tour, and the 23-yearold advertising graduate of University of San Francisco is determined to make a difference for Canlubang.

“I definitely want to go out with a bang and help my team,” Carlos said as he takes a string of victories into the five-to-play, four-to-count event. “I hope to deliver whatever the team needs.”

Zaragosa has groped for form of late but is expected to come in a lot sharper for his mother club.

Luisita is also making its return in the Men’s division and will be parading a youthful lineup headed by Basti Lorenzo, while Cebu CC will again count on the likes of burly Bayani Garcia, Eric Deen and ex-pro Carl Almario.

Tommy Manotoc will be making yet another Interclub appearance at 67 years old and

expects the Senior’s derby to go down the wire.

“They (Luisitans) have a great team,” Manotoc, who lost the individual title via countback to Bagtas in Cebu last year, said.

“It’s going to be a great battle and we

are all excited.”

Luisita’s Senior squad will also have Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia and a new man in the 55-yearold and above ranks, Jingy Tuason.

Abe Avena and Dave Hernandez are the other stalwarts of the Cangolf crew. Senior’s play starts on February 25.

The 69th PAL Interclub is sponsored by People Asia, Travelife, Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Airbus, Business Mirror and Philippine National Bank.

Other supporters are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer. net, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tanduay Distillers, Asia Brewery, Splash Corporation, RFM Corporation, Goldilocks, Eastgate Publishing Corporation, Robinsons Land and Rolls-Royce.

The PAL Interclub will be Jobim Carlos’ final tournament as an amateur.

INDUCTION. Dabaw City Sports Council, Inc. (DCSCI) officers and board of directors are sworn into office by inducting officer Atty. Nathaniel D. Dalumpines, Chief of Staff, Davao City Mayor’s Office. From Left: Denise Bunayog-Sec. Gen(Dancesports), Michael Flores-Asst. Sec.(Table Tennis),Rommel TanTreasurer(Karatedo), Mario Palazuelo-Bus. Mgr.(Arnis), Atty. Neil Dalumpines, Dexter So-President(Wushu), Belen Kempis-VP(Athletics), Rene DalayonBOD(Tenpin), Jerson Tamayo-PRO(duckpin) & Engr. Daks Yambao-Auditor(volleyball).

FIRST PBA WIN. RR Garcia of Phoenix Fuelmasters tries to wiggle past Sean Anthony of NLEX Road Warriors in their PBA match on Weednesday. Garcia fired 33 points to lead the Davao-based franchise to its first win in the PBA. PBA Images

Messi surpasses 300 La Liga goals as Barca down Gijon

L

IONEL Messi scored his 300th and 301st goals in the Spanish league on Wednesday as Barcelona defeated Sporting Gijon, 3-1, to open up a six-point lead atop the standings.

Luis Suarez also scored for Barcelona in Gijon in a game postponed from December because of the Club World Cup. The win gave Barcelona 60 points, six more than Atletico Madrid and seven more than third-place Real Madrid after 24 rounds.

Messi opened the scoring with a well-struck low shot in the 25th minute and added his second from close range in the 31st, four minutes after Sporting equalized with striker Carlos Castro in a breakaway at the El Molinon Stadium.

Suarez missed a chance to add to his league-leading 24 goals when his 62nd-minute penalty was saved by Sporting goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar, but the Uruguay striker sealed the victory five minutes later after a nice move inside the area.

This time there was no controversy with the way the penalty was taken. Messi and Suarez attracted the world’s attention on Sunday when the Argentine star rolled the ball

to the side for Suarez’s goal instead of taking the shot himself.

Messi is the Spanish league’s all-time scoring leader with 301 goals in 334 games.

He has scored 15 this season.

“It’s a privilege to be able to count on Leo,” Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said. “We faced some difficulties against a team that knows how to defend well, but I think we played a very complete game.”

The win — Barcelona’s 12th in the last 13 games — extended the club’s record streak of 31 games without a loss. The Catalan club hasn’t been defeated since a 2-1 result at Sevilla in the league’s seventh round in October.

Barcelona’s biggest league lead had been four points, in the 12th and 13th rounds in November. No other team has had more than a two-point advantage atop the standings this season.

“It’s not been easy because our opponents have been playing against us with extra motivation,” Barcelona defender Aleix Vidal said. “What matters in the end is regularity and we’ve been doing a very good job so far. We have to keep this going, we can’t afford a letdown.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

Pacman camp plays M

ANNY Pacquiao’s camp on Thursday played down the fallout from Nike’s decision to sever ties with the boxing hero over his ‘anti-gay’ remarks, saying other major companies are sticking with the eight-division world champion.

Pacquiao’s showbiz manager Arnold Vegafria told Spin.ph that their other major companies with endorsement deals or other links to Pacquiao are still ‘very much with them,’ with some even renewing contracts with the Sarangani congressman.

According to Vegafria, the country’s most popular athlete is still the brand ambassador of East West Bank, Kia Motors, LBC, Rexona, Motolite, Datu Puti (vinegar), Pizza Hut, Ricoa, PLDT, Bench, Robust, Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Organo Gold, Sting Energy Drink and Chinese cellphone brand ZH&K. “We are confident that all of them will stay. Wala namang masamang ginawa si Manny and if people think na mali yung sinabi niya, nag apologize naman na yung tao.

He admitted na mali talaga yung choice of words na nagamit niya,” said Vegafria regarding Pacquiao’s interview

comparing gays to animals.

“Yung ZH&K nga kaka renew lang ng contract. Yung Bench, andyan pa ang Bench, wala namang reaction ang Bench. Yung Rexona, yung PLDT, andyan pa. Actually, nasa kabilang room nga si Manny ngayon signing pa other contracts including some papers for his campaign,” he added.

“Wala namang against (dun sa naging statement niya), wala namang tumatawag, even yung international brands, walang tumatawag (regarding plans to drop their contracts).

“Bottomline is, the Nike endorsement is already expired. Yung Nike sponsorship ng sports apparel that they supply him, ‘yun lang ang nawala,” Vegafria added.

Vegafria also explained that Pacquiao’s relationship with Nike has already been reduced to a sports apparel sponsorship since his original endorsement deal expired a few years ago.

“Wala nang money involved ‘yung Nike nya since it expired. Nag-i-sponsor na lang sila ng damit at sapatos, that’s apart from Nike sponsoring his fights,” he said.

The giant apparel brand’s decision to cut

ties with Pacquiao will even make it easier for the Filipino boxing icon to move on, said Vegafria.

Vegafria added Pacquiao

VOL. 8 ISSUE 235 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2016

down Nike split didn’t sign with other apparel brands at the end of his en-

dorsem e n t deal with Nike because of loyalty to his longtime partners.

“Like in the issue regarding the ire of the LBGT group, we have also moved on

with Nike. Mainam nga sa kanila na nagmula kasi we can now find a new endorsement (deal),” Ve g a f r i a said.

T h e long-

time showbiz talent manager also revealed how other sports brands have been trying to lure Pacquiao.

“Actually, madaming kumakausap sa amin na brands, since last year pa. Hindi lang namin pa pino-formalize kasi as you know, Manny values loyalty over money. Kaya kahit wala nang money involved sa Nike, he stayed with them,” Vegafria said while refusing to confirm nor deny talks with Under Armour, whose main endorser is Pacquiao’s

basketball idol and fellow Christian Steph Curry.

Asked if Pacquiao felt bad regarding the sudden pullout of Nike, Vegafria shook his head.

“Hindi naman sumama ang loob ni Manny, sabi nga nya kanina: He respects the decision of Nike. Matagal naman na ring tapos yung endorsement eh,” he said.

Vegafria, meanwhile, was non-commital when asked if Pacquiao will still use Nike shorts and shoes when he climbs the ring to face Timothy Bradley in their rubbermatch on April 9 (April 10, Manila time).

“Pwedeng isuot niya ulit yun, pwedeng mag suot siya ng iba. Pero we are trying our best to get a new apparel endorsement deal. But we are not in a hurry, mas priority kasi niya ngayon ang kanyang training for the fight,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vegafria bared that after his interviews with major television networks on Thursday morning, Pacquiao will no longer answer questions regarding the matter. Spin.ph