Edge Davao 7 Issue 262

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NEVER-ENDING. Sisters Saria Namawog (left) and Cartiquia Cartin (right) of Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, have lived a life of never-ending evacuations. The sisters hope peace would come so they can return home. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

125,302 ‘BAKWITS’

By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

T

HREE generations of families of sisters Cartiquia Cartin and Saria Namawog are among 125,302 residents who fled their villages in Maguindanao following the “all-out offensive” waged by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) nearly a month ago.

Cartiquia, who claims to be 90, and her sister Saria who estimates she is 80, sit on a mound of gravel by the gate of the Dapiawan Central Elementary School — a “Zone of Peace” according to

the tarpaulin hanging nearby — hoping their ordeal would end soon and they can return home.

The sisters are no strangers to evacuations. “Madakel” (Many), they said. In fact, they have evacuated so many times in their lifetime that they can no longer remember how many times they had to flee their villages because of armed clashes.

“Panahon pa sa Hapon” (Japanese time), Cartiquia, a resident of Barangay Elian, said. Unlike her contemporaries elsewhere in the country whose knowledge of war

is “Panahon sa Hapon” in the 1940s, it has been a never-ending series of evacuations for her and her siblings, later sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters, due to armed conflict.

A number of their children and grandchildren are within the same school compound.

Cartiquia, who has 13 children from four marriages, complains she is too old to evacuate. Saria, who married once and has 12 children, echoes her sister’s statement.

Speaking in Maguindanao but translated to Filipino by their fellow evacuees, the

sisters said they are praying peace would come soon so they and their grandchildren can go home.

For them, peace means “wala nang bakwit” (no more evacuations).

As of 6 p.m. of March 19, the ARMM-HEART (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team) recorded a total of 25,067 families or 125,302 persons from 14 towns have been displaced by the “all-out offensive” announced by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio

F125,302, 14

INSIDE EDGE

Indulge A1 THE ISLAND BUENAVISTA SAMAL’S ULTIMATE ISLAND GETAWAY

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

TAKE A BREATH. Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant director Macario “Bong” Gonzaga demonstrates before members of local media how to use the agency’s newly acquired Professional Law Enforcement Alcohol Breath Analyzer device worth P68,000 at the LTO regional office in Davao City yesterday. The device will help the agency to fully implement the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act which will start before the end of the month. Lean Daval Jr.

Pulong: Make mining ban conform with Mining Act

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

D

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte directed the committee on rules and privileges, law and ordinances headed by councilor Bernard Al-ag to look for ways for the proposed total mining ban ordinance to conform with the national law on mining.

Duterte made the directive after Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) legal officer lawyer Erwin Enad said in last week’s regular ses-

sion that the proposal will be difficult to implement due to the existence of the Mining Act of 1995 which allows mining companies to explore and extract minerals in the country.

The vice mayor said the City Council wants to pass the total mining ban in the city since Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is firm in his opposition to mining.

The vice mayor, however, said if the ordinance is declared null and void, the ban

Released Ampatuan massacre suspect back in Maguindanao

A

SUSPECT in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre who was released on bail early this month is now back in Maguindanao and Cotabato City, an official said.

Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan, the youngest son of Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and one of his co-accused in the 2009 massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao of 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, posted a bail of P11.6 million for his temporary liberty.

“Sajid was back here in Cotabato and Maguindanao. That’s how strong influence works but that is only temporary liberty,” Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu said that while he was dismayed with the court’s decision allowing Sajid to post bail, he respects the decision of Judge Jocelyn Reyes and has high regard for her honesty, sincerity and in-

FRELEASED, 14

on mining can still be implemented by simply not issuing business permits to mining companies.

“Unsaon man na nimo ng national law na mo sulod ang mining kung dili mi mo hatag og business permit (What is the use of the national law allowing the mining industry to enter if we will not issue a business permit)?” Paolo said.

He said if the companies insist on their exploration and extraction projects, the city

is willing to face charges just to prevent the city from environment exploitation due to mining.

The City Council will continue the discussion on the proposed total mining ban in the city in its regular session today.

City council committee on environment and natural resources chair councilor Leonardo Avila III invited City Mining Regulatory Board chair Joel N. Catulong, Mines and

Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11 regional director Edilberto L.Arreza, and Strauss M. Fernandez of Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM) Inc. to share their views on the mining ban.

Avila also invited City Planning and Development Office officer-in-charge Marcelino Escalada and Zoning Enforcement Division acting head engineer Mary Anne G. Orilla to present the identified critical protected areas declared

under the watershed management ordinance.

Also invited is the Department of Tourism “to help us understand the National Tourism Development Plans in which there are certain areas considered as off-limits to mining. We would like to find out with the DOT,” Avila said.

Enad explained in last week’s plenary discussion that the proposal might be declared null and void because no local law supersedes national law.

tal dog and cat population that needs to be vaccinated,” she said.

Rayos attributed the failure to hit the target to the lack of enough anti-rabies vaccine and the huge area of Davao City.

“The ideal timetable to cover the whole population is only three months but because Davao City is big we have to extend it,” she said.

Areas with positive cases like districts of Talomo, Bu-

hangin, Calinan, Tugbok, and Toril are the priority areas in the city for the vaccination.

“As early as January, our team has reached Toril district but we also had a caravan at Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District recently,” Rayos said.

She also said it would be easier to hit the target of 70 percent if the veterinarian office has enough supply of vaccines.

Davao City misses anti-rabies target

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

D

AVAO City would have been a rabies-free city if it had enough anti-rabies vaccines to cover the 155,000 estimated population of cats and dogs that need anti-rabies shots every year.

The city government has allocated only P1.1 million for the acquisition of anti-rabies vaccines for the entire dog and cat population, assistant city veterinarian Dr. Esther Cherry Rayos said during the Kapehan

sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

“The office has allocated only P1.1 million good for acquisition of 3,700 vials of vaccines for this year,” Rayos said.

“This could cover 37,000 dogs and cats.”

She said last year, only 50 percent or a total of 78,168 were vaccinated.

“We are short of 20 percent to hit the target of at least 70 percent or above of the to-

FDAVAO, 14

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

DaLight bares fire safety tips

I

THE REAL SCORE. GABRIELA Women’s Party Representative Luz Ilagan explains to the crowd what really happened in the bloody clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which resulted in the deaths of 44 members of

the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) during a public hearing in Barangay 23-C Mini-Forest, Boulevard, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Mt. Apo trek fee to triple in May

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE eco-tourism council overseeing the management and protection of the Mt. Apo Natural Park and Protected Area is planning to triple the trekking fee from P1,000 to P3,000 by May this year.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) park operation superintendent Edward Ragaya said a public hearing on the fee increase will be scheduled before its implementation.

“The public hearing will be a venue for stakeholders to lobby their concerns and opinion on the plan,” he said.

The fee increase is part of a trekking policy drafted by the council and different city tourism officers from different local government units surrounding Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.

According to the proposed policy, trekkers have to pay P1,500 upon entry and another P1,500 upon reaching the end of the trail.

Ragaya said tourism officers from the surrounding local government units (LGUs), namely Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City; Barangay New Israel, Makilala; Barangay Balutakay, Bansalan; Agco, Kidapawan; Barangay Bongolanon, Magpet; and Barangay Baruring, Sta Cruz will assist in the implementation of the policy

Phl prosecutors to gather in Davao for nat’l confab

once it is approved.

The trails located in Tamayong, Davao City and Barangay Balabag and Perez in Kidapawan City were closed to the public starting this month because of environmental conservation reasons.

“It is for the common good,” Ragaya said. “It’s one of the mechanisms to control the number of mountain climbers and preserve the park.”

Ragaya said more than two tons of garbage were collected in June last year during the unified clean-up activity for Mt. Apo, a capability assistance program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We’re expecting that after the trekking season by

June, the amount of garbage that will be collected will lessen because of the rate increase,” he said.

Porters and guides of climbers in Mt. Apo are also trained on environment conservation and environment law enforcement.

“We need to train our porters and guides so that they will be able to orient trekkers and mountain climbers of Mt. Apo,” Ragaya said.

Digos City tourism officer Edgardo C. Elera said more than 400 individuals trek Mt. Apo during the peak season, which starts during Holy Week.

“Last year we recorded more than 900 mountain climbers last year,” Elera said.

T is once again the season of graduations and last school days. It is that time of the year when seniors will be marching down and young ones will be moving up. But alas, it is also the month which reminds us that aside from the excited graduates’ hearts, homes can also catch fire.

This fire prevention month, Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Company Inc. would like to rekindle our awareness in fire and electrical safety protocols.

Follow directions. Instructions on how to operate your appliances and electronic devices are not mere pieces of paper. These rules can keep your home and your family safe from possible danger caused by improper usage.

Orienting the household about how to use and how not to abuse your appliances is a must.

Install safety equipment.

Invest in fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and sprinklers especially if you often leave your home unattended.

Or, simply keep flammable

materials away from heat or fire generating devices at home. A sample of this rule is not to have piles of papers near stoves and ovens.

Remember to unplug.

A big number of home fires result from failing to turn off and unplug running devices.

Simply turn off and detach your appliances once done using each. If you are attempting to multitask cooking with another chore, either stay in one room to keep your eyes open or simply put out your cooking flame before leaving the room.

Extend within limits. Extension cords are not for permanent usage. If the need for a power supply in a certain part of your house is frequent and deemed necessary, have a registered electrician install a direct wiring for safety. Extension wires also have various capacities. Plugging in too many devices will only leave you with either a burnt extension wire or your entire house in ashes and smoke.

With the advancement

Lerma D. Sevilla passes away at 85

M

RS. Lerma D. Sevilla, wife of lawyer Jose “Joe” C. Sevilla, businessman-civic leader who was once president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., passed away Saturday, March 21st, at Davao Regional Hospital. She was 85 years old.

Mrs. Sevilla is survived by husband Joe, five sons

FDALIGHT , 14

and one daughter, who are all professionals.

Her remains lie in state at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes near Camus Street, Davao City.

Interment will be at 3 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25th at Davao Memorial Park, Matina.

The family sincerely requests the pious render to say a prayer for the eternal repose of her soul.

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

M

ORE than a thousand prosecutors are expected to join the National Convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines which will be held in Davao City on April 7 to 10.

This will be the second time that Davao City will host the event following its hosting in 1993.

Regional State Prosecutor Antonio Arellano said more prosecutors have listed their names to attend the convention to witness for themselves the development of the city.

Arellano said they had only targeted 800 prosecutors to attend the event but the number exceeded 1,000 following the announcement that Davao City will host the convention.

“Initially we targeted a to-

tal number of 800 prosecutors from Regions 1 to 15 but as of last week we have already over a thousand prosecutors who will be attending the convention. It appears that they are interested in visiting Davao City,” he said.

The Prosecutors League of the Philippines is an organization of the prosecutors belonging to the National Prosecutions Service of the Department of Justice.

Arellano said the reports about the changes and development in the city have reached the prosecutors’ ears, resulted in their eagerness to visit.

He also said the prosecutors have been talking about the ordinances that promote

FPHL, 14

GOV’T PROSECUTORS CONVENTION. Regional prosecutor Antonio Arellano discusses with media details of the National Convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City

on April 7-10. Arellano appeared during the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at SM City Annex yesterday with Panabo City prosecutor Janet Grace Fabrero and Tagum City prosecutor Noel Palma (not in photo). Cheneen R. Capon

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Convergence fast-tracks core shelters construction A

NEW SHELTERS. Julian F. Pregon of Lambajon, Baganga town in Davao Oriental shows off his Certificate of Occupancy while Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon leads the distribution of Certificates of Occupancy to 1,255 beneficiaries.

TOTAL of1,255 certificates of occupancy were awarded to typhoon Pablo survivors in the three hard-hit towns of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga during the recent round of turn-over ceremonies held last March 17.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 regional director Priscilla N. Razon said that although building shelters in such a massive scale is no easy job, the strong support of the provincial government made its implementation a lot

easier.

Razon lauded the initiative of Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon who took the lead in the quick construction of these core shelters, noting Davao Oriental as one of the “fastest” local government unit among all areas affected by disasters in terms of implementation of this housing project.

Funded under the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) of the DSWD, the implementation of this massive housing project is spearheaded by the pro-

vincial government, which shoulders the procurement of resettlement sites.

Housing beneficiaries in this latest batch of turned over housing units include 650 in Baganga town, 510 in Cateel town, and 95 in Boston town.

To date, a total of 15,265 disaster-resilient houses have been turned over as symbol of security, progress, opportunities, and new beginnings for typhoon Pablo survivors.

Among the houses turned over were 34 units constructed by 534th Engineering

Company Battalion under 52nd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Commanding Officer LTC Francis Marlon S. Wong, who was assisted by LTC Michael A. Banua, 67th Infantry Battalion Commander, handed over the ceremonial key to Governor Malanyaon as a testament of the Philippine Army’s genuine endeavor to help people restore their lives through “Bayanihan.”

Lieutenant Colonel Michael A. Banua, 67th Infantry Battalion Commander encouraged residents to help

preserve the peace and order in their own communities. He also urged them to do their respective functions and roles in keeping Davao Oriental peaceful and become active in the government’s development efforts.

For Melden Manaopanao, a recipient of a newly built shelter in Cogon, Barangay Alegria, Cateel, these houses were the symbol of government’s care for its people. Married to a 34-year old farmer and a mother of four, Manaopanao family’s is also a beneficiary of DSWD’s

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program where they enjoy a monthly subsidy from the government to support their children’s education.

During the ceremonial turn over, Governor Malanyaon reminded the beneficiaries to also offer their counterpart by not only keeping their communities clean and orderly, but also to help themselves improve their lives by seizing the abounding livelihood opportunities that would help them break away from the clutches of poverty.

By Van Jorain O. Rufin

General Santos City,” she said.

Conche, who personally received a copy of the resolution in a simple ceremony held at the city council session hall, hails from the city and is an alumnus of the Mindanao State University-General Santos campus.

After graduating from college in 1991, he joined the Philippine National Police and later became a part of the country’s peacekeeping mission under the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal in Yugoslavia.

In 2010, he resigned from police service to become an associate of the OPCW, which mainly promotes the eradication of stockpiles of the “world’s most terrible weaponized toxins.”

Nunez said OPCW was tasked by various states in the world “to monitor and stand guard over the global prohibition against chemical weapons.”

She said the group’s achievements in pursuing its mission and mandates led to

its recognition by the Nobel Prize in 2013.

The Nobel Peace Prize is considered as the most prestigious international prize that is awarded annually by

the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The award received by OPCW stands on Nobel’s continuing advocacy “towards the building of fraternity

between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the holding and promotion of peace congresses.

Vice Mayor Shirlyn

Bañas-Nograles said the OPCW is worthy of the Nobel Prize “for its extensive efforts to eliminate and in outlawing chemical weapons all over the globe.” (PNA)

Council honors Nobel Prize winner from General Santos G

ENERAL Santos City officials on Monday honored a former police officer from the city who was part of an international group that won the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize two years ago.

In a resolution, the GenSan city council gave a belated commendation to Michael Conche, one of the 10 Filipino members of the Geneva-based non-government group Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was awarded with the Nobel Prize in 2013.

City Councilor Rosalita Nunez, author of the resolution, said Conche’s achievement was a big honor to the city and an inspiration to local residents.

She said Conche is a good example for other Filipino workers abroad to emulate, especially in terms of showing spirit and culture in their work places.

“He is a role model and has earned the respect and admiration of the people of

Michael Conche (photo from the General Santos City Sangguniang Panlungsod website)

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Coal-fired plant to augment power supply in Mindanao

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

T

HE operation of AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South Inc. (TSI) coalfired power plant will augment the power supply in Mindanao, the Department of Energy (DOE)–Mindanao field office said.

DOE Mindanao science research specialist II Engr. Glenn Jay Reston said the plant will address power supply demand in Mindanao especially during the summer when power supply is insufficient.

“It can supply the Mindanao grid to add power supply in order to avoid brownouts during the summer season,” Reston said in the vernacular.

He said that presently, Mindanao is still coping with power supply insufficiency due to lack of base load power plants.

TSI had announced that the power plant is expected to start its reliability run in the first half of April. During the tests, the power plant can deliver power to the grid, which can be availed of by its customers.

TSI president and Chief

Operating Officer Benjamin A. Cariaso Jr., said customers should be able to start receiving power from the plant by April on a scaled basis.

“The timing could not have been better as the coming summer months are expected to affect the power output of Mindanao’s hydro power plants. Therma South will be able to assist our customers to cope with the demand for power,” Cariaso said.

TSI said the plant is scheduled to synchronize with the Mindanao grid by Holy Week, taking one step closer to full commercial operations.

Full commercial operations of the first unit will start after the reliability test is successfully completed. The second 150-MW is also on track to meet its scheduled commercial operations timeline.

The planned synchronization is currently being coordinated with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

TSI said that there are more than 20 distribution util-

PHONES GALORE. Representatives of the different cellular phone companies flash their mobile phones during yesterday’s press briefing to announce their

FCOAL-FIRED, 14 promotions in support for the 15th anniversary of mobile phones and gadgets distributor Wiltelcom held at Shakey’s Gaisano Mall branch. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Power facilities to improve investment climate in Digos

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE additional 445 MW combined capacity from two solar pants and one coal-fired power facility in Davao del Sur will improve the investment climate in Digos City, an official announced on Monday.

“With a lot of energy supply, investors come in,” Digos City Investment Promotion Officer Edgardo C. Elera said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Elera was referring to the 10 megawatt (MW) Digos So-

lar Photovoltaic Power Project of Chinese corporation Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources, Inc. in Digos City that is expected to start its commercial operation soon.

However, he did not mention the exact timeline.

On Department of Energy’s presentationon 20142020 Power Outlook for Mindanao, the commissioning of the 10 MW solar plant is supposed to be in October, last year.

Another solar project in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is the

Hedcor’s health care benefits DavSur IPs

A

BOITIZ Power subsidiary Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation recently delivered its regular medical and dental mission to the Bagobo-Tagabawa communities in Sitio Tudaya, Sitio Pogpog, and Barangay Sibulan in Davao del Sur. In partnership with the Province of Davao del Sur, Sta. Cruz Municipal Health Office and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the outreach program serviced over a thousand Indigenous People (IP).

“We are committed with what we have promised to our partners. We see it as our corporate obligation. This free medical and dental mission is one way of giving what is due to our host communities,” said Hedcor’s vice president Rolando Pacquiao.

“We believe that we can do well by making good,” Pac-

quiao added.

The services included medical and dental consultation, hemoglobin tests, vaccination, and sputum microscopy.

The IP beneficiaries were given free medicine and vitamins. Common illness such as fever, flu, cough, back pains and dental related ailments were given appropriate action by the specialists.

Hedcor regularly conducts outreach programs to serve the people of the communities that host their plants. This activity is one of the many elements of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program, which focus on health, education, livelihood, and the environment.

Other contributions that the company provides to host communities are farm-to-

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AirAsia Piso Fare is back

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HE highly-anticipated AirAsia Piso Fare* is back again, with more than 3 million seats up for grabs to over 20 countries across AirAsia Group’s wide route network, including AirAsia X. With base fare starting from P1.00 and the abolishment of the fuel surcharge, guests only need to pay for airport taxes and fees when booking for this promotion to great domestic and international destinations in the Philippines such as Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Macau, Incheon (Seoul), Manila, Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Kalibo (Boracay), Tagbilaran (Bohol), Tacloban, Cebu and Davao. From Cebu, promo fares are also

available for flights to Incheon (Seoul), Kota Kinabalu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, Kalibo (Boracay), Melbourne, Seoul, Sapporo (transit via Bangkok), Taiwan and many others are also on promotional sale.

Book promotional seats from as low as P201.12, allin and for one way, via online at airasia.com from today until 29 March 2015, and travel from 1 September 2015 until 31 May 2016. Promo seats can also be booked via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as the mobile sitemobile.airasia.com.

FAIRASIA, 14

35 MW Darong Solar Photovoltaic Power Project of PhilNew Energy Inc. , which will be operational by September 2015.

Aside from this, another project on the pipeline is the initial 300 MW San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Davao Power Plant project of San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation (SMCPC) at Barangay Culaman, Malita, Davao del Sur. The first 150 MW of the 300MW coal-fired power plant is expected to be online by this October, while the second will

be on March 2016.

SMCPC is also planning to expand the capacity of the plant by an additional of 600 MW, of which the first 300 MW will be on December 2019 and the second 300MW will be on 2019. The third phase of expansion of another 300 MW is expected to be online by December 2020.

The city government of Digos is also looking forward on the additional capacity that will be supplied by the geothermal power project of

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP) that is on its exploration stage.

“The increase in the number of investors in the city has a domino effect. It will create jobs as well as increase our tourism industry,” Elera said.

Tourism-related establishments like hotels, inns, and recreational center will spur as part of a domino-effect brought by the increasing and improving power supply of Davao del Sur, according to him.

Elera said abundant power

supply in the grid will continue to entice more Japanese investors on their Davao Industrial Economic Zone where tile firm Nakayama Technology Corp is located.

“Our industrial zone is already accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. We are just waiting for the president to sign necessary document,” he said.

Among the rising industries in Digos are housing, agriculture, industrial, and manufacturing, among others.

BENEFICIARY. A cacao farmer in Brgy. Sawata in San Isidro, Davao del Norte harvests cacao pods which he sells in the town market. With the rehabilitation of the 9-km PRDP farm-to-market road in their area, this farmer can expect more buyers of his produce. File Photo by: Sherwin Manual.

PRDP okays P298M for DavNor roads

T

HE regional project board of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) has recently approved a total of P298.8 -million farm-to-market road (FMR) projects for the province of Davao del Norte.

PRDP is a special project of the Department of Agriculture, which aims to promote an inclusive, value-chain oriented agriculture and fisheries development. The PRDP regional project advisory board that evaluates and approves project proposals for PRDP funding in the region is chair by the DA regional director with members from the DPWH, DAR, DENR,

DILG and DTI. Davao del Norte planning chief Josie Jean Rabanos said the approved projects cover the rehabilitation of three FMRs in the towns of Sto. Tomas, Kapalong, and San Isidro, which had been, identified as major cacao-producing areas.

Under PRDP, cacao was identified as a priority commodity of which better road network will help strengthen it value-chain.

The province of Davao del Norte has an existing area of 6, 307 hectares planted to cacao with 23, 665 hectares of potential areas for development and expansion, Rabanos said.

Of the P298.8-million

proposed approved projects, P114.8-million will cover rehabilitation of 13 kilometer FMR from Esperanza to Poblacion in the town of Sto. Tomas; P102.2-million for 11-kilometer FMR from Capungan to San Miguel, in Kapalong; and P81.8-million for 9-kilometer FMR from San Miguel - Sawata-Igangon in San Isidro.

DA assistant regional director Febe Orbe in her message during the regional project board meeting said PRPD regional team is targeting at least P1.4-billion projects while the Mindanao cluster is working to meet its targeted P4-billion projects.

PRDP is a demand-driven projects where project funds are not allocated per region but based on the submission of project proposals. If we are not prompt on submitting and evaluating proposals, chances are funds will be accessed by regions form other parts of the country,” Orbe said.

We urged our partners from the local government units to work on their project proposals and enabling documents such as social and environment clearance, resolutions and other requirements fro the region to meet if not exceed its targets,” she added. (Noel T. Provido-DA XI)

EDGEDAVAO

7 ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

NOT A DROP TO DRINK Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life.”

– Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project

W

ITHIN the next 50 years, water will become more precious than oil, according to some studies done by the United Nations.

“The inequality of its distribution in the planet, the desertification, its progressive disappearance as a consequence of global warming and also because of human activity, its wasting or at least its poor rational use and its importance for the growth of every economy will certainly end up by leading to that prevision,” wrote Ana Gloria Lucas in an article entitled, Water: A Matter of Life or Death.

Dr. Sevillo D. David, Jr., executive director of National Water Resources Board, agrees. “Population growth, increased economic activity and improved standard of living are placing tremendous pressure both on the reserve supply and service delivery systems,” he said during the recent trade fair and business leaders’ conference of BIMP-EAGA Summit held in Davao City.

In his presentation, Dr. David said the Philippines has 12 water resources region, 421 principal river basins, 18 major river basins, and 72 lakes.

The country’s annual average rainfall is 2,400 millimeters.

The dependable surface water supply of the country is estimated at 125,790 million cubic meters per year.

The groundwater potential is around 20,200 million cubic meters per year.

But due to surging population, the current water supply may not be enough. Currently, 100 million Filipinos live in the country’s 300,000 square kilometers. Experts claim that with an annual population rate of 2% to 2.3%, the Philip-

Water crisis

pines would be facing a water shortage by 2025. That’s only 10 years from now.

In Davao City, however, water crisis may even come earlier. As of 2011, the city is home to 1,530,365 people, making it the country’s largest city outside Metro Manila. The city serves as the regional center for the Davao Region.

According to demographers, the spike in the city’s population was mainly due to the influx of people from other parts of the country.

As the National Statistics Office explains, “The increase in population was the result of migration, among others, of people from other regions because Davao City offers many opportunities as a hub of government, business, and industries.”

As the economy booms and population swell, water becomes one of the city’s problems. “Right now, over 99 percent of the water consumed by the city comes from groundwater extracted from the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed,” wrote journalist Jeffrey Tupas in an article some years back. “With a daily extraction of 212,000 cubic meters from 50 production wells, sustainability is in danger.”

This daily extraction of groundwater has a corresponding consequence. Dr. Kelvin S. Rodolfo, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago, interviewed by GMA News Online, singled out Davao City, five other cities, and Metro Manila as those that will experience land subsidence – or the sinking of land.

“Today, we withdraw water far faster than it can be recharged – unsustainably mining what was once a renewable resource,” deplores

Janet Abramovitz, a researcher/writer of the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute.

Water covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface and is a major force in controlling the climate by storing vast quantities of heat. About 97.5 percent of all water is found in the ocean and only the remaining 2.5 percent is considered fresh water. Unfortunately, 99.7 percent of that fresh water is unavailable, trapped in glaciers, ice sheets, and mountainous areas.

Water is drawn in two fundamental ways: from wells, tapping underground sources of water called aquifers; or from surface flows that is, from lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs. Water is drawn in two fundamental ways: from wells, tapping underground sources of water called aquifers; or from surface flows - that is, from lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs.

Water was acknowledged as a fundamental human right in November 2002 by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In its General Comment N. 15 about the Right to Water, the commission stresses that “water is inseparably linked to the right to good health, housing, food, as well as to the right to life and human dignity.”

The World Health Organization reports that about 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean water. Fully 2.4 to 3 billion people lack access to sanitation. Every day, around 3,000 children die of di-

arrhea caused by unsanitary conditions, the UN Children’s Fund said.

Experts have outlined a basic daily requirement (BWR) -- 50 liters per capita per day for the purpose of drinking, sanitation, bathing, cooking, and kitchen needs -and urged its recognition as the standard against which to measure the right to safe water.

But water is not for domestic uses only. Even in industry, water is very much needed. For instance, to produce one smartphone requires 910 liters -- or 240 gallons -- of water.

“Cellphones and smartphones use water throughout their production process, from creating the microchips to mining the metals used in the batteries to polishing the silica glass used in their touch screens,” writes Stephen Leahy, author of Your Water Footprint. “In total, each phone requires 910 liters of water to manufacture.”

Drilling water

Water scarcity

B y 2030, in a

business as usual scenario, it has been predicted that human consumption of water could outstrip supply by as much as 40%. This would place water, energy and food security at risk, increase public health costs, constrain economic development, lead to social and geopolitical tensions and cause lasting environmental damage, according to Karin Lexen of the Stockholm International Water Institute.

“Therefore, the founda-

tion for a resource efficient green economy must be built upon water, energy and food security and these issues must be addressed in an integrated, holistic manner,” Lexen pointed out.

Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project, believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

“Of all the social and natural crises we humans face, the water crisis is the one that lies at the heart of our survival and that of our planet Earth,” surmised Koichiro Matsuura, former director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

EDITORIAL Protecting Mt. Apo

M

T. Apo, the country’s tallest peak, stands proud not just for its towering height but for what it symbolizes. It is fortuitous that it is located in Mindanao, a land full of promise and hope, but which has been subjected to harsh realities for decades on end. Wars and rumors of wars, conflict, violence – these have punctuated Mindanao’s history and served to stunt the growth that is due it. Mt. Apo stands as a strong symbol for strength and resilience for the island region’s people. As long as the mountain is there, we believe that better things are ahead for us.

Sadly, even the mighty mountain is being subjected to assault from those who would disrespect it. Each year climbers presume to conquer its peak, proudly standing at the highest point and taking “selfies” of their achievement. In their wake often lie evidence of abuse and misuse: defaced terrain, vandalism, and garbage – tons of it. How people could be even think of leaving waste and destroying what lies on their path is unthinkable, and yet it happens every year.

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The trekking season is starting soon, and we fear more of the same will happen once again as climbers treat the journey as one huge party.

To curb this misplaced enthusiasm, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is poised to increase the trekking fee from P1,000 to P3,000, quite a hefty sum for the average climber. This is an apparent attempt to dissuade all but the most serious trekkers to make their way up the peak. In so doing those who are apt to disregard the environment would be weeded out. This is a positive step, but it also needs to be fully implemented for it to have any real effect. It is one thing to increase the fees, after all, and quite another to collect the money.

Ultimately, the goal is to protect Mt. Apo from ignorant souls who think that it is their right to leave behind a trail of destruction as they make their climb. Increasing the trekking fee is just one step; more needs to be done to make a lasting difference.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

How will you know, unless I tell you?

I

AM not sure if you heard this joke before, but allow me to share it again. Mark visited his close friend John at his home and was totally amazed at how well John treated his wife. He told her several times how attractive she was, complimented her on her culinary skills, and showered her with hugs and kisses.

Mark told his observation and inquired. This was John’s secret: “I started to appreciate her more about a year ago. It has revived our marriage, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Inspired by John’s story, Mark hurried home, hugged his wife, told her how much he loved her, and said he wanted to hear all about her day. He was totally caught by surprise when his wife, Sarah, burst into tears. “Sarah,” he asked, “whatever’s the matter?”

Sarah replied, “This has been the worst day I’ve had for a long time. This morning our eldest son fell off his bike and hurt his ankle, then the while was watching my favorite show, the television quit working. Now, to top it off, you come home drunk!”

Of course, the anecdote was a joke, but it came into my mind as I read the article written

by Jane Lindstrom, “How Will You Know Unless I Tell You?” It first appeared in ‘These Times’ but was condensed by ‘Reader’s Digest.’ The title was taken from a letter sent to the author from a casual acquaintance.

But that’s going ahead of the story. Jane was a teacher and one time, she had a surgery. In the beginning, friends sent her flowers, fruits, etc.

But as days passed, those things stopped coming. In fact, there were no more friends visiting her. “I felt lonely, unimportant, forgotten by a world that apparently was doing very well without me,” she wrote in her article.

Then, all of a sudden, there was a letter coming from someone whom she passed each morning on her way to school. “Dear Jane,” said the letter. “My class is about to begin, but I must write these few words before my students arrive. I missed your smile and your wave this morning, just as I have every day since you’ve been ill.

“I pray you’ll be well soon,” the letter continued. “You’re probably surprised at receiving this note, but the world for me is a less happy place without you. And how will you know unless I tell you?”

Notes like that will never be thrown away.

Ask film actor Denzel Washington. At age 20, he was sitting in his mother’s hairdressing salon, when he saw one of her customers looking at him.

“Somebody give me a piece of paper!” she exclaimed. “I’m having a prophecy.” Then, look-

ing at Denzel, she told him, THINK ON THESE! “You’re going to speak to millions of people. You’re going to do great things.”

At that time, Denzel was a student at New York’s Fordham University about to flunk. Today, he is one of the Henrylito D. Tacio most successful henrytacio@gmail.com film actors to come out from Hollywood and winning Academy Awards.

Denzel still has the paper the woman used to write down her prophecy. He still thinks of what she said.

“I’ve felt the hand of God on my life,” he told Dotson Rader, author of an article which appeared ‘Parade.’ “And I think I do speak to millions of people. A part of me says, ‘Maybe, Denzel, you’re supposed to preach. Maybe you’re compromising.’ Well, right now, since I’ve been given this ability to act, this must be what she was talking about. I’ve had an opportunity to play great men and, through their words, to preach. I take what talent I’ve been given seriously, and I want to use it for good.”

See what good words and notes can do?

In her article, Jane Lindstrom also wrote of the story of a co-teacher, who prepared a variety of experiences for her pupils, hoping to share with them her love of the fields and woods, at a school outdoor center.

“But the week was a complete disaster. It rained four of the five days, and the children were rowdy and uncooperative,” Jane noted.

So, when the children were packing and ready to return home, the young teacher was broken hearted and crying. “I wasn’t sure before,” she told Jane, “but now I know. I can never work with children. I’m just not cut out for it.”

But Jane observed that she was would make an outstanding teacher. But who would tell her?

Just as they were about to leave the center, too, a little girl came up and told her: “I want to thank you for this week and for the things you taught us. You know, I never listened to the wind in the trees before. I will never forget it. Here’s a poem I wrote for you. I almost didn’t give it to you.”

Jane reported: “After reading the few penciled lines, the young teacher looked up with tears in her eyes, but now they were tears of happiness. I breathed a prayer of thanks to this

one child who had made the right choice. I knew that because of her gesture countless children would enjoy the affection and guidance of a fine teacher.”

Maybe someone out there is just waiting a note from you. Maybe this is the right moment to do so. Read the poem below sent to me by a friend. I really didn’t know who wrote it, but it goes this way: “If I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

“If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more. If I knew it would be the last time I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

“If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say ‘ love you,’ instead of assuming, you would know I do. If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I’m sure you’ll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

“For surely there’s always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right. There will always be another day to say our ‘I love you’s,’ and certainly there’s another chance to say our ‘Anything I can do’s?’

“But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I’d like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike. And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight. So if you’re waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

“For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll surely regret the day, that you didn’t take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear. Tell them how much you love them and that you’ll always hold them dear. Take time to say ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘Please forgive me,’ ‘Thank you’ or ‘It’s okay.’ And if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.”

“Finish every day and be done with it,” Ralph Waldo Emerson once said. “You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays.”

Again, how will you know unless I tell you?

Financial ratings good but inclusive growth still slow (Part 1)

A

S we have noted several columns ago, Fitch, S&P and other international ratings agencies have consistently upgraded our financial ratings and have largely kept them at an investment grade of BBB or similar levels. These ratings set the benchmark for other moneylenders to also lower their interest rates when lending money to prospective businesses in the Philippines. This bodes well for the entry of foreign direct investment, and improves our overall business climate to encourage even local businesses to expand since it generally becomes easier to borrow funds needed, and at cheaper rates. The growth is felt in the rise in private infrastructure spending in Metro Manila, and major cities like Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao, where many empty lots are now teeming with construction activity, building new structures and renovating or refacing old buildings. Already, OFW remittances, while increasing, already contributes a lower share of national GDP than it used to. Manufacturing as a share is going up. This can mean that there are slightly more jobs generated at home than before.

This rise of other industries at home is a trend that must continue, as it enables us to

grow even MY TWO CENTS’ more. OFW spending on housing, appliances and other needs can only bring us to a certain point in our growth, after which the development will plateau.

John Tria Sustainable ecisouth@gmail.com growth needs for us to make things from our country, and sell them at home and abroad. The higher the value of goods we make, the better for us. Korea is one example of a war torn, damaged country to an industrial power. Malaysia and Thailand are not far behind. These three countries are heavily encouraging manufacturing investments as a core driver of their economic growth.

What is noted, however, is the low per capita income of the Philippines at $2,836 in 2014 compared with the compared to other

countries ‘BBB’ median of $10,654. While this should not be an immediate problem, the further increase of our financial ratings can only be sustained if the economy is more equitable, meaning, that the per capita income, which is the income of individuals and their families, goes up. Lower income means less capability to purchase needs and wants from the market.

But when per capita income goes up, people buy products made by local suppliers, who employ more workers and subcontractors, who in turn buy more from others, and so on. Over all, the pie of growth gets bigger, and everybody goes up with more earnings and a better quality of life.

This is especially important in areas where agricultural activity is the main source of income. Farmers need more people to buy their produce, and this encourages them to plant more or increase productivity, which in turns moves more people to go into farming even in small plots to meet rising demand. This allows more farmers to earn more per hectare, while stabilizing pricing of commodities such as rice, vegetables and meat. Of course, pump priming agriculture to soften pricing shocks may be needed, but that’s the topic of another column.

9

Empower your barangay (Part 1) THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

T

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging everyone throughout the nation to attend their respective Barangay Assembly on Saturday, March 28.

It is in compliance with PNoy’s presidential proclamation requiring all barangays to convene their Assembly twice a year (last Saturday of March and second Sunday of October), with an agenda provided through a memorandum circular for the purpose.

However we may feel about such directive, particularly as to how it manipulates the exercise of sovereignty and our citizens’ right to assemble as often as we please, we might as well go along and view it as an opportunity to awaken our community to its role in the larger context—as the basic unit of the Philippine Republic and a microcosm of Philippine society.

It is very important that we be conscious at all times that We, Sovereign Citizens, are the source of the government’s legitimacy and of its officials’ authority.

Assertive Sovereignty Such community assemblies serve an essential purpose in fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among the neighborhoods while heightening consciousness among the officials concerning their duties and obligations as public servants.

Provided people take part in its deliberations and not allow themselves to be dominated by officials who monopolize proceedings, the Barangay Assembly can rescue the community from being blithely ruled and manipulated by presumptuous traditional politicos (trapos) with selfish agendas and dynastic pretensions.

Literally a constituent assembly, this Barangay Assembly affirms and embodies the paramount role of the popular will in the acts and decisions of government.

Unless the people convene periodically, exchange views, and build consensus on how to secure their interests and the common good, the grassroots will remain helpless captives of trapos, their cronies, and other predators. It is incumbent upon the people to be vigilant and practice an assertive brand of sovereignty.

Establishing Responsible Government Too many people forget that they are responsible for good governance at every level. Starting with their own barangay, their votes establish governments on all levels all the way to Malacañang and Congress.

And they also forget that responsible governments are created by responsible citizens while irresponsible citizens create irresponsible governments. Thus the people’s essential role in creating governments cannot be overemphasized.

Anyone unhappy with the conduct of government, especially their own barangay or municipal government, should look inward and consider if they themselves are to blame.

But simply acknowledging the blame won’t do any good. It won’t make government or the officials change their behavior.

Power of One Citizens with a desire for good governance— and who perform their role in its processes—can change the behavior of government. They can because their sovereign power, aided by the law, provides them the strength and the basis for imposing their will, bending wrongful conduct, and stopping graft and corruption.

Asserting the sovereign power of a citizen, using it to reform government or politics, is the important point in the deliberations of the Barangay Assembly.

For this Assembly is People Power in a real, actual sense. It is power which starts with an individual participating in the governing process.

This “Power of One,” combined with those of other individuals, strengthens the community’s collective power—which establishes or disestablishes government. To be reminded of this power, to wield it along with the rest of the community, is to bring about the realization of communal wishes and expectations and promote the common good.

As a great American thinker wrote more than a century ago, “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that is the first step toward attaining it.” (Henry David Thoreau, 1849, America’s first and foremost practitioner of the Power of One.) To enable every Filipino to make known what kind of government would command his respect, the Gising Barangay Movement offers an eightpoint Agenda, which we shall detail in this column starting Part 2 onwards.

(Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. He is chairman/convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. and author of books on governance. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Globe bags bronze at 2015 PR Awards G

LOBE Telecom bagged a Bronze award in Best Crisis Management at this year’s PR Awards for leading the industry shift to consumable data plans using an extensive communications campaign which aimed to educate the public and its customers about responsible internet use.

As part of its customer experience roadmap, Globe embarked on a massive awareness campaign for its fair use policy as a standard

global practice to ensure quality of network experience among customers. The campaign also taught customers responsible data usage and monitoring and provided them access to a better mobile internet experience with the introduction of its GoSURF data plans.

The successful introduction of GoSURF provided customers with better and more relevant mobile data plans with more affordable pricing, access to exclusive

content and apps, and a more seamless and uninterrupted browsing experience. Globe spearheaded industry shift to consumable data plans following steady increase in smartphone penetration along with the demand for affordable and relevant data plans.

The success of the company’s consumable data plans helped underpin a double-digit growth in the company’s mobile data business in 2014. Mobile browsing and

other data revenues reached P14.3 billion, up 23% from P11.6 billion in the previous year, accounting for 18% of total mobile service revenues and posting higher revenue contributions to overall mobile business, with growth on the back of the continuous demand for data services, popularity of data-driven products and applications, and the continuing shift among consumers to a digital lifestyle.

“We are thankful to the PR Awards for recognizing

Facebook testing Android phone app

I

S FACEBOOK launching a phone app? The details were accidentally leaked via a server-side update to the Facebook app, which was probably fixed rather quickly.

According to Android Police, the new app is called Phone. The description was briefly found within Facebook’s app indicated that you could “install or update” Phone to try it out. Tapping on the option to install or update to Phone did nothing, since Phone (with a [FB-ONLY] tag appended to the name) is likely something that only Facebook employees can access internally.

However, the description of Phone seems to indicate that the app, which is likely just an app meant to replace your smartphone’s standard dialing functionality, would allow users to receive information about who is calling them whenever the call comes in. We can only surmise that this info would come from Facebook itself, and it’s unclear whether Facebook would only cough up information on your smartphone’s screen for your Facebook friends, or any Facebook user who has

let Facebook know his or her phone number.

Facebook’s Phone app would also “block calls from commonly blocked numbers,” which is a bit vague.

We don’t yet know whether that means Facebook’s dialer would block calls from people that you’ve already elected to block on your specific device—which would be a good thing—or people you’ve also blocked on Facebook itself. That, or perhaps Facebook is applying some kind of groupthink technique to dialer, and telemarketing calls that a number of people might tend to block would then be blocked for all.

A Facebook spokesperson confirmed that Phone exists to Venturebeat, but that’s the only detail said person would share.

“We are always testing things and have nothing to announce at this time,” the spokesperson said.

You can bet, however, that Facebook would only launch Phone—if it does—as an Android app. Apple, to little surprise, is very particular about letting other apps completely replace its smartphones’ core abilities.

our efforts to be open and transparent with our customers as well as provide them with innovative services and experiences. This citation is a testament to our strengthened visibility in the regional telecom industry and our continued journey as a global digital brand,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications at Globe.

Globe also received finalist citations for its #StopSPAM campaign under the

Best Crisis Management category and Slipstream under the Best Sports PR campaign category at the PR Awards 2015.

The PR Awards is the premier event celebrating excellence across the public relations spectrum in Southeast Asia. From one-off stunts to long term programs, the PR Awards recognizes brands that have pushed themselves towards measurable success through sound and strategic communications.

BRONZE. Globe External Affairs Director Jocel de Guzman (right) and Globe Brand PR Head EJ Francisco (left) are all smiles as they receive a Bronze award in Best Crisis Management for the telco’s awareness campaign on consumable data plans at the recent 2015 PR Awards held in Singapore.

BIGGER PICTURE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Phl real estate market:

Outlook remains rosy, but challenges loom W

ITH the latest economic growth rate at 6.1%, second only to China, a growing service sec-

Given the country’s strong economic performance, real estate services agency KMC MAG Group believes that the local real estate market is in a position to sustain its growth across all sectors.

“We expect the property markets to remain active throughout the year,” shared KMC MAG Group Managing Director Michael McCullough.

“There are a lot of reasons for this optimism, chief among

tor, and rising foreign investments, the Philippines remains one of the world’s bright spots.

them low interest rates, quantitative easing from the central bank, and positive feedback from investors. These factors have helped create a favorable climate for both local and foreign businesses.”

2015: The year of the townships McCullough noted that the rise of townships across various cities has created pockets of growth and development in Metro Manila. Major de-

velopers such as Megaworld, SM, and Ayala are focusing on township projects, with Megaworld turning its attention to McKinley West and Uptown Bonifacio, while SM is working on reclaiming more land and expanding the Mall of Asia complex, and Ayala developing the Arca South (Taguig), Makati Circuit (Makati), and Vertis North (Quezon City) townships. In addition to these, developers like Federal Land and

Vista Land have also started to build townships, with the former building Metropolitan Park (Pasay) and Veritown Fort (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig), and the latter building Vista City (south of Manila).

The ongoing race to build townships has also led to local developers pouring in massive amounts of capital. Capital expenditure programs are now expected to breach the Php300 billion mark this year, covering land acquisitions, ongoing projects, and launches.

“The live-work-play lifestyle encapsulated in these townships has resulted into a lot of success for some of the major developers, so it’s no surprise that new players are working to capitalize on this and bring the concept to new areas,” noted McCullough.

“The township concept also provides a way for developers to be part of the solution to the congestion in Metro Manila,” said McCullough. “With developers taking the critical first step and building in other areas within and outside of the Metro, they’re creating new microdistricts and encouraging more Filipinos to live, work, and play closer to home.

We hope that this will help reduce congestion and make Metro Manila more liveable.”

BPOs still driving takeup for office sector Strong demand from the outsourcing industry continues to power the upswing for the office market, which has encouraged developers to launch new developments across Metro Manila. For this year alone, approximately 560,000 square meters of new office space is expected to be built across the major central business districts, with nearly half of the supply located in Bonifacio Global City.

Office supply is also set to increase in Alabang, Ortigas, and in the Bay Area, with the additions of the Alabang Town Center BPO Building, Vector Three, the BDO Corporate Center, and Five E-com. Meanwhile, Quezon City will have to wait until 2016 for new office supply.

Meanwhile, the Makati CBD market has experienced a fall in take-up, owing to the lack of supply which is expected to remain low for the next four years. However, there is a silver lining as this opens opportunities for BGC to absorb the demand and rise as the choice of location for prime offices and headquarters.

Retail sector growth providing new opportunities for the Philippines With the recent decline in oil prices, consumers now have more spare cash and more reasons to consume, powering the boom in the retail sector.

Demand for tenants within malls continues to be at its peak, encouraging developers to pursue new projects. The retail market’s strong performance has led to developers adding approximately 600,000 square meters of new retail space until 2018.

Driven by their success in Metro Manila, the top three domestic players, Ayala Land , SM Prime, and Robinsons Land, and other large players in the community mall segment like Cosco Capital and DoubleDragon, are also looking into expansion strategies outside Metro Manila.

“The expansion of BPOs to new wave cities and the economic growth in major cities such as Cebu and Davao have spurred developers into pursuing more projects outside of Metro Manila,” said McCullough. “One of the major retail developments outside Metro Manila is SM City Seaside, a 472,470 square meter mall in Cebu. Once this has been completed, it is expected to break into the list of the world’s biggest shopping malls.”

The retail sector also enjoys the advantage of having lower rates than Hong Kong , Singapore , Australia , Japan , Malaysia , Indonesia , and Vietnam . “At $49.1 per sq. m., the monthly prime mall rental rate in Manila remains as the lowest in the region, less than its counterparts Ho Chi Minh City , Hanoi , Jakarta , and Kuala Lumpur . The Philippines should be taking advantage of that,” noted McCullough. “We hope that this boom in the retail market would persuade more local companies to seek out foreign retailers and pursue the unique opportunity that the country provides.”

In residential sector, demand shifts toward developments for the middle-class In the residential rental market, rates have continued to grow at a modest rate. While yield compression is ongoing for luxury and high-end properties, demand for middle-income residential properties remains high, largely due to overseas Filipino workers and BPO employees investing in condominiums. “Previously, the gains in the residential market were largely due to luxury and high-end properties, but now we’re starting to see attractive returns for lower-end products,” shared McCullough.

“The growing demand and the shortage of residential units in this sector has led to a shift among developers, who are now focusing on providing more developments catering to the middle-income sector.”

Despite the strong demand, financing remains a challenge for prospective condominium owners. “The majority of the growing middle class still doesn’t qualify for bank loans. We have seen developers try to work around this by taking on the bank loans and offering more affordable payment schemes; however, the Central Bank’s tightening might scale back the lending.

This will not be a problem for major developers, but second tier and mid-sized players may face a bumpy road ahead.”

Lack of solid infrastructure continues to limit hotels

sector Another prospective growth area in the real estate market is the hotels sector, which is also supported by the country’s favorable economic environment. The lack of solid infrastructure, however, is still a major roadblock to the sector’s growth. “The government’s target of 10 million arrivals by 2016 seems to be difficult to achieve as Philippine tourism last year only grew by 3.2%, currently at 5 million in foreign tourist arrivals,” said McCullough.”Without expanded runways at the flagship airport NAIA and new alternative runways to accommodate more flights, it would be difficult to create substantial growth in the number of annual passengers.”

However, McCullough added that despite the slow tourist arrivals growth, the hotels sector is still performing well. “The deluxe segment is enjoying relatively high occupancy rates, and the number of rooms in this category is likely to increase further. In fact, there are currently at least 2,000 rooms in the pipeline for this segment within the next two years from brands such as Shangri-La, Conrad, Novotel, Moevenpick, Westin, Grand Hyatt, Hilton, and Sheraton ,” shared McCullough. “This shows that global brands also recognize the strong potential of the Philippines’ hotel sector across all markets, particularly for the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions).”

McCullough also noted that business travelers are increasing demand for more serviced apartments, which Ascott is now addressing by opening its 180-key site in Bonifacio Global City. Ascott will also be opening another group of serviced apartments under its Citadines brand in Ortigas.

Amending ownership policies, increasing investments in infrastructure needed to further strengthen the Philippine economy For the Philippines to attract more investments and fully maximize its positive momentum, McCullough believes that strengthening infrastructure and relaxing foreign ownership rules will be critical. “To encourage more people to visit and invest in the Philippines , we need to make improvements in land and air transportation, from upgrading the metro rail system to building new roads, highways, and airports. That has to be a priority,” said McCullough. “We need to make it easier for potential investors to come in and see what we have to offer.”

“The government also needs to consider relaxing foreign ownership rules to give potential investors more of an incentive to choose the Philippines as an investment destination,” added McCullough.

“If the Philippines invests in connectivity throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and supports this with good governance, sound macroeconomic policies, and more liberal foreign ownership rules, then it stands a good chance of becoming an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia.”

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

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I

had always wondered what I would do if I owned my own tropical island, and last Saturday I was given a chance to experience a part of that dream thanks to a call from Brenda Ocampo, the Marketing Manager of Eden Nature Park and The Island Buenavista. I was invited to be part of a media group for an exclusive look at The Island Buenavista.

From our meeting point, we took the ferry boat to Babak, Samal, and after a 30-minute ride, we arrived at The Island Buenavista’s sister resort Anamarina located at Barangay Balet on Samal’s north eastern coast with a view of both Big and Small Ligid islands, Small Ligid island is the old name of The Island Buenavista.

The outrigger ride to The Island Buenavista took 15 minutes.

As the island drew closer, I had a growing sense of awe and excitement to finally set foot on another pearl of an island that are scattered around Samal Island in the Davao Gulf.

A warm welcome As the outrigger slowly slid onto the island’s beach, I was impressed by the beach’s size as well as how my foot sank into the natural powder-white sand as most white-sand beaches in Samal are normally not as long nor as wide.

A short walk along the white sand beach leads to the island’s Gazebo made of local and indigenous materials, area serves as the main assembly area of the resort. We were immediately greeted by the resort’s staff with a welcome drink of fresh young coconuts ready to quench our thirst from our journey.

After a short walk around the island’s lush gardens, a lunch featuring Filipino favourites such as Native Chicken Tinola, Grilled Stuffed Squid, Shrimp Kare-Kare, Grilled Pork Belly, and Grilled Tuna Belly.

“We bring over the chef and staff whenever we have guests on the island,” says Brenda, “our overnight package includes three buffet meals as well as two snacks while our day tour package includes buffet lunch and afternoon snacks. Guests may also opt to have their own chefs brought in upon request.”

ied choices of accommodations.

For families visiting The Island Buenavista, I would suggest a stay at the island’s Family Villa that has three air-conditioned bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room and a living room that opens directly to the beach giving guests a spectacular view of the sea. Brenda says that the villa is where the owners of the island would stay at whenever they visited.

Beside the Family Villa is the smaller but still posh Executive Villa that is perfect for couples spending their honeymoon.

This villa features an airconditioned living and dining area that can also open to the beach, a large air-conditioned bedroom with a king-sized bed and a luxurious bathroom equipped with a rainwater shower head. The openness of the design ensures one can actually turn off the air-conditioning and enjoy the cooling sea breeze that rolls into the area every afternoon instead. There are also the Island Suites which are smaller air-conditioned suites.

For those who would want to forego air-conditioning and truly embrace the island glamping lifestyle, The Island Buenavista has six beautiful Beach Huts which are located directly on the beach. Cooling is provided by nature with an overhead fan to aide it.

Aside from a king-sized bed, each beach hut also comes equipped with its own mosquito net, bamboo blinds, as well as its own luxurious bathroom.

Luxurious to glamping Since you do have the island to yourself and your guests, it is basically up to you to choose where to stay in the islands var-

Fun on land and sea Being on an island of your own does not mean one should get bored either as The Island Buenavista offers a host of

The Island Buenavista’s fabulous strech of white sand beach.

THE ISLAND BUENAVISTA Samal’s ultimate island getaway Drumbeaters welcomed us on our arrival.

Together with other Davao travel writers.

Pinoy lunch buffet. activities for guests.

Aside from frolicking on the island’s wide stretch of natural white sand beach, one can also use the resort’s own sea kayaks to explore the wa-

ters around the island. As the waters around the island are relatively shallow, one can try snorkelling to explore the island’s hidden underwater garden. More experienced divers can

Coconut water time.

The Family Villa sits right on the beach. arrange to hire dive in- Island Buenavista has its structors and diving gear own lagoon type pool to to go even deeper into The keep water babies happy Island Buenavista’s secret and satisfied. garden. For those who Aside from the beach would rather just relax away from the waves The

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ENTERTAINMENT

Kapuso stars’ top trave CELEBRITIES work hard making and promoting TV shows and movies.

They spend most of the year shooting, but just like many, they too, need time to rest. But where do they fly to take a break from the glaring lights?

With summer just around the corner, fans are surely more than curious to know what’s on their favorite artist’s travel itinerary.

Here’s looking back at some of the Kapuso stars’ most memorable escapes inside and outside of the country.

Ruru Madrid

Gwen Zamora

Enzo Pineda

that trip.”

per cool and chic. Pure love.”

SEF CADAYONA (Sabado-badoo) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Vigan—The vintage scenery in Vigan is so relaxing and it makes you have a glimpse on what the country looks like before.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Singapore—It’s all because of the food and a family vacation well spent.”

KRISTOFFER MARTIN (Healing Hearts) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Boracay—For the place answers my need for party and chill vibe.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Sadly, I have never travelled outside the country. But I look forward to it in the future.”

KIM RODRIGUEZ (Strawberry Lane) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Bicol—Kasi there are many places to visit in Bicol, pagbaba mo ng plane kita mo agad ‘yung Mayon volcano. Pwede rin mag-visit sa old churches doon and explore the caves. Kung gusto mo mag-beach, meron din sa Caramoan.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Never been outside the Philippines.”

ENZO PINEDA (More Than Words) KRIS BERNAL Favorite travel destination in the (Hiram na Alaala) Philippines: Favorite travel destination in the “Baguio—I love cold the weather.

Philippines: Running is also so refreshing in “Cebu—Because aside from being Baguio because of the fresh air.” the home of the tastiest lechon, it Most memorable travel destination is also the home of white beaches. outside the country: Not to mention the night market, “San Francisco—It was memorathe night life, secret caves, virgin ble for me because I left my favorite forests, and kayaking sites. There pillow at the hotel we stayed in. We are just so many random things to were about to fly to Philadelphia do in Cebu.” when I noticed it. So my Tita from Most memorable travel destination San Francisco had to ship my piloutside the country: low to Philadelphia. I was 7 years “Europe—I spent a month in Eu- old that time and I couldn’t sleep rope with my family. We travelled without it.” from one country to another. Everything, every moment, was like GWEN ZAMORA being in a fairytale. We went to (Bubble Gang) famous tourist spots that I had just Favorite travel destination in the seen in the movies.”

Philippines: “Coron, Palawan—Because of its ALJUR ABRENICA beauty and all the activities you (Sunday All Stars) can do there, from island hopping, Favorite travel destination in the hiking, rock-climbing, kayaking, Philippines: rafting, diving, spelunking, and “Davao—I love their lifestyle, the safari trip. Plus the view, it’s simply way they eat, and the things they breathtaking.” eat. I love durian. I am also a fan Most memorable travel destination of durian coffee. I feel closest to na- outside the country: ture when I’m there.”

“Amsterdam—One of the most Most memorable travel destination beautiful cities I’ve had the honor outside the country: to visit. The food is simply divine “Singapore and Malaysia—‘Yun and the shopping experience is ang pinuntahan namin ng entire insane. I had a blast going thriftfamily ko and we got to bond more shopping in all their vintage stores. and we got closer to each other in And the art galleries there are su-

RURU MADRID (Let The Love Begin) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Mt Pulag—I spent months in Pulag to shoot our film Above the Clouds. I love the feeling of being literally above the clouds.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Japan—I love the weather and the people. I was there for the Japan Filmfest and I have experienced their hospitality, their culture and I love their food!”

ANDRE PARAS (The Half Sisters) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “I love going to The Fort because it’s very peaceful there and you can eat a lot there too.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country:

“Most memorable will be because I was able to train basketball there and also of the weather.”

MIGUEL TANFELIX (Once Upon A Kiss) Favorite travel destinatio Philippines: “Palawan—There are ma to visit in Palawan and m tivities to enjoy like snork cliff diving.”

Most memorable travel de outside the country: “Los Angeles—It was my to go out of the country a the chance to meet our abroad.”

ALBERT “BETONG” SU (Sabado-badoo) Favorite travel destinatio Philippines: “Boracay—Nothing bea cay’s pristine white sand. ring pwedeng gawing aside sa pagpunta sa bea ang feeling kapag nand turistang-turista ka talaga Most memorable travel de outside the country: “Los Angeles—Last year part ako ng Kapusong Pin at ‘yun ang first time kon punta roon. First time ko yahe ng 14 hours straight, talaga ako sa lupa pagd min sa airport. First tim makakain sa “In & Ou sikat na burger chain sa time makarating ni A roon para makapag-per ang pinaka-memorable a ko ang relatives ko sa LA gal ko nang hindi nakasa

JUANCHO TRIVINO (InstaDad) Favorite travel destinatio Philippines: “I recently visited Coron, Napaka-peaceful doon. ing emotional ako sa Cor napakaganda ng beach.”

UP AND ABOUT

Agoda.com highlights the most exciting emerging MANY Filipinos consider a beach trip the ultimate getaway for having fun under the sun. Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu usually get most of the attention, but with over 7,000 islands to choose from, why not try something fresh and exciting? Allow us to suggest some alternative getaways to enjoy with your family, barkada, or special someone.

Whether you decide on some last-minute bookings this month or plan ahead for the upcoming long weekends, these properties are ready to book. Below, Agoda. com presents a list of some new and emerging properties in the Philippines that will be perfect for your escape to the beach.

Dona Choleng Camping Resort in Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon More and more people are talking about the pristine beach of Cagbelete in Mauban Quezon.

Drawn by the promise of solitude and peace, travelers love walking along its quiet beaches, which are known for their unique ripples left by undulating waves.

Dona Cholenge Camping Resort is the perfect place to stay as you discover the island’s exceptional beauty. Perfect for big groups or couples, the property offers comfortable rooms, nice nipa cottages and even tents for the brave ones! For the Balinese Hut, rates start at P 3,200+++ good for 8 people.

Ticao Island Resort in Masbate Known as one of the most underrated beaches in the country, Masbate has a lot to offer. Ticlao Island Resorts offers a number of activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, island tours, and even immersion in local village life. Their restaurant by the beach offers a superb menu for the most discerning palate. The rate for the Beachfront Cabana is only P 4,200+++ with full board meals every night!

beautiful white sand island. Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort is where luxury and adventure meet. Their cottages and lofts are well-equipped, ensuring a good night’s rest after touring the island. There’s a long list of attractions to visit as well – the Natural Flowing Spring, Salagdoong Man-made Forest, Camabugahay Falls, and over 40 natural caves.

On Agoda.com, their Bay view cottage loft is only P 4,800+++ for two while the ocean view loft starts at P8,000+++ for two.

Salamangka Beach and Dive Resorts in Siquijor Island Salamangka means “magic” in the local dialect and it’s the perfect word to describe the

Punta Bulata White Beach Resort & Spa in Sipilay City This resort south of Bacolod City is one of Negros Island’s best-kept secrets due to its 1km

stretch of white sand bea accessibility to Danjugan known for its colorful life. The resort takes pride

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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vel destinations

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James Wright

Aljur Abrenica Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Tumira ako sa States before for one year. It was memorable kasi siyempre, nakaapak na ako sa States.

Malamig at medyo nahasa ako sa pagi-English doon.”

ASH ORTEGA (InstaDad) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Bohol—First time kong pumunta doon three years ago noong nagshoot ako for an indie film. Nalibot ko ‘yung lugar at sobrang ganda talaga. Sobrang na-amaze ako sa Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers.

That’s why kahit magpabalik-balik ako doon, hindi ako magsasawa.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “When I represented the country for an ice skating competition in Malaysia, I won eight medals kaya ‘yun ang pinaka-memorable travel destination ko.”

JAMES WRIGHT (GMA Records)

Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Baguio—First time I performed out of Manila and first time I was shivering while singing on stage.”

Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Hong Kong—It’s my home.”

MATET DE LEON (InstaDad) Favorite travel destination in the Philippines: “Bukidnon—Na-in love ako sa lugar na ‘yun noong nagpunta ako last 2011. Talagang maganda sa Bukidnon, sobra! Nagustuhan ko rin ‘yung white water rafting sa Cagayan de Oro.” Most memorable travel destination outside the country: “Well, hindi pa ako ulit lumalabas ng bansa pero I’m happy nakapunta na ako sa Japan.”

To get the latest updates about various Kapuso personalities and programs, visit the Network’s official website via www.gmanetwork. com.

Andrei Paras

Kris Bernal

g beach resorts in the Philippines

ach and Island, marine e of the

full advantage of the fresh ocean breeze. Their deluxe king room with breakfast is only P 3,900 without taxes, but if you want a room with a view of the sea, it’s only P 4,300+++. Aside from diving, there are other leisure activities such as kayaking, trekking and bird watching to include in your itinerary.

design of each room that mixes Filipino and modern touches.

They have capiz-shell doors and garden bathrooms which take

Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat and Dive Resort in Camiguin Camiguin may be the secondsmallest province in the country, but makes up for its small size with its exquisite beauty.

Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat and Dive Resort has standard rooms for only P 1,600++

for two while their beach cottage is P 2,100+++. What makes this establishment interesting is their commitment to the environment. Construction materials are made without harmful chemicals, all rooms are built with energy conservation in mind, and meat and eggs are sourced from organic farms. Guests can opt to go diving, lounge at the famous white sandbar, have a massage, and even practice Yoga.

All these beach resorts and more can be booked online at Agoda. com. Connect with Agoda.com and learn about special deals and promotions on hotels worldwide, like us on Facebook or follow us on Google+, Instagram, or Pinterest.

March 19-24, 2015

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

TRAVEL Urbanissimo A1 and the sea, I loved exploring The Island Buenavisa and its many nooks and crannies. Thanks to it being roughly 4 hectares in area, it was small enough to explore on foot yet big enough to have gardens and secluded pathways to explore. The island’s gazebo was one of my favourite spots to relax, grab a cold beer, and watch the fiery red sunset.

An island experience like no other My experience at The Island Buenavista was definitely a unique one as I virtually had the island paradise all to myself (Imagine living Robinson Crusoe but with more comfortable accommodations.) Of course all this is not cheap as an overnight stay would cost you a whopping Php90,000

The Island Buenavista’s Pool while a day trip would cost a more modest Php35,000.

The rates include accommodation for you and nine of your friends for a total of ten persons. For every person over ten, there is a charge of Php4,000 per person for an overnight stay while the charge is Php1,500 per person in excess for a day tour.

Yes the price may sound out of this world but for the ultimate island getaway and an experience of a lifetime, I believe it is worth it. Just make sure you save up for it and maybe bring along a couple of your best friends to share the moment.

To learn more about The Island Buenavista, you may visit their book-

ing office at 3/F JFM Bldg.

848 Atis St. Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City or call ay +63.82.2992992 to 94.

Check out their website at www.buenavistaislandresort.com.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

Beach hut.

The Executive Suite.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

400 residents of GenSan, Sarangani to get scholarship grants from TESDA A

ROUND 400 residents in this city and nearby Sarangani Province are set to benefit from nearly P5 million in scholarship

grants allotted for the area this year by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Richard Amparo, act-

ing head of TESDA Sarangani-General Santos provincial office, said Monday the grants comprise the area’s allocation for 2015

under the agency’s flagship technical-vocational (techvoc) training scholarship and student assistance programs.

He said the allocation will cover for scholarship slots under the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and the Training for Work Scholarship (TWSP).

“Each scholarship grant is worth an average of P8,000 per capita,” he told MindaNews in an interview.

Under the PESFA component, Amparo said the grants may be availed by qualified and deserving college freshmen who are taking degree and non-degree courses.

The program was established through Section 8 of Republic Act 8545 or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. It aims to extend financial assistance to “poor but deserving students” in post-secondary courses, a TESDA briefer said.

It seeks to develop more competent and skilled workforce and assist private institutions in the area in their development efforts by assuring a steady supply of enrollees to their course offerings.

PESFA scholars are en-

titled to free training cost, student allowance, book allowance and assessment fee, it said.

Under the TWSP, Amparo said, the prospective scholars may include out-ofschool youths, students and employed individuals who want to upgrade their skills.

He said the program is directed towards “filling up the skills gaps and job requirements of priority industries and sectors with high employment demand.”

For this city and Sarangani Province, he said they are focused on addressing the critical skills shortages in priority sectors such as agriculture, fishery, tourism, services and construction.

Amparo said they have forged partnerships with local tech-voc institutions, training centers and local companies or industry players to jointly address the skills shortages.

“Our accredited tech-voc and trainings institutions agreed to offer courses and skills trainings that match with the needs of our industries as well as our existing economic activities,” he added. (MindaNews)

14 NEWS The... FROM 1

Catapang on February 25 and launched two days later with artillery and air strike support against the BIFF. The offensive came a month after the January 25 law enforcement operation undertaken solely by the Phil;;ine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) to get Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin hir alias Marwan. Marwan was killed but sow ere 44 SAF members, 18 MILF guerrillas and five civilians.

15 of 36 towns affected Datu Saudi Ampatuan hosts the most number of evacuees (“bakwits” or internally displaced persons) at 3,459 families or 17,295 persons followed by Shariff Aguak town’s 2,576 families (13,870 persons); Shariiff Saydona Mustapha’s 2,670 (13,350 persons); Mamasapano’s 2,637 (13,185 persons); Datu Salibo’s 2,576 (12,880 persons); Talayan’s 2,358 (11,790 persons); Talitay’s 2,218 (11,090 persons); Datu Unsay’s 1,808 (9,040 persons); Datu Anggal Midtimbang’s 1,791 (8,955); Guindulungan’s 1,160 (5,800 persons); Rajah Buayan’s 555 (2,775); Datu Piang’s 553 (2,765); Datu Abdullah Sangki’s 319 (1,595 persons); Datu Odin Sinsuat (host) with 110 (550 persons); and Datu Hoffer’s 79 (362 persons).

Maguindanao has 36 towns.

According to Issue 8 of the IDP Protection Assessment Report dated March 18, a total of 123,537 persons from 15 municipalities were displaced as a result of the military action against the BIFF. Of this number, 3,137 persons had returned home.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHRC) in the Philippines co-chairs the Protection Cluster Philippines with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Protection Cluster Philippines comes out with the IDP Protection Assessment Reports.

The recent report said this year’s mass evacuation is “the biggest displacement since the 2008 MOA-AD debacle.”

The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOAAD) of 2008 was initialed and set for signing on August 5, 2008 but the Supreme Court issued afternoon of August 4 a temporary restraining order barring the government peace panel from signing the MOAAD.

The MILF, which signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the government on March 27 last year, temporarily moved back its armed members from the areas where the military was operating, as coordinated by their respective Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities.

“According to reports, people are fleeing because of fear of being hit during AFP ground operations and air strikes. Some IDPs are having difficulty finding refuge in host barangays if they are perceived to have affilitation with the BIFF,” the IDP Protection Assessment Report noted.

It also said that three weeks into the offensives, “there is no clear and consistent information provided to IDPs as to what areas are safe to move to or return to collect belongings and food, including accessing their livelihood which is essential for their survival” particularly since the harvest season in Maguindanao is in March and April.

Suspension of military operations Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu told reporters after the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting in the Army’s 6th Infantry Division camp in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat on Thursday that the municipal POCs would meet before the PPOC meeting next week to discuss the proposal to suspend military operations for at least three days to allow schools hosting evacuees to hold graduation rites.

At the Dapiawan elementary school, the schedule for Kinder graduation is on March 26 while the Grade 6 graduation is on March 28.

Saria’s 18-year old granddaughter, Armia, is graduating from Grade 6. Her brothers Mohammedin 10, and Mohaleddin, 12, are finishing Grades 1 and 2, respectively.

The children’s mother, Aisa Abdul, one of Saria’s daughters, explains her children took long in starting or finishing Elementary because of the frequent evacuations from armed conflict.

The IDP Protection Assessment Report also pointed to the “growing concern over the duration and scope of the ongoing military offensives, causing anxiety, distress, exhaustion and confusion amongst the IDPs.” It said the military is present in “communities, in

“We could tap more manpower if only we have enough supply of anti-rabies vaccines,” she said.

Rayos said the city is expecting an augmentation from the Department of Health (DOH) after the health agency downloaded P69 million for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccine for national consumption.

“We still don’t know how many we will receive but we have already submitted our requirements to DOH,” she said.

However, she did not specify the exact timeline of the augmentation.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will also give anti-rabies vaccines this year, she said. But it is still under the

procurement process.

“We receive assistance from DA every year,” she said.

Rayos said while the city is experiencing shortage of vaccines, pet owners are encouraged to be responsible.

“Pet owners have to take good care of their dogs and cats. Let their pets be vaccinated and never allow their pets to stray on streets,” she said.

Rayos said the city recorded six cases for the first quarter of the year. This is higher than the four cases recorded on the same period last year.

There were also three positive cases recorded in other areas of the region, namely Compostella Valley, Tagum City, and Island Garden City of Samal.

Davao... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO houses, madrasahs and other government structures such as schools, and barangay halls including in some distribution sites even after the fighting has transferred to other areas.”

It added that there are now areas identified as “no go areas” for civilians.

“In Barangay Penditen, Datu Salibo, six men were held by military from morning until late afternoon. There are reports of strafing or indiscriminate firing in some areas where people try to return to their houses/farms and persons detained as suspected BIFF members, including a school teacher,” the report said.

Tambako arrested The BIFF, which broke away from the MILF in the aftermath of the botched MOA-AD signing, was founded around March 2010, three months after Ustadz Amiril Umra Kato tendered his resignation as commander of the 105th Base Command of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

In a MindaNews interview in April 2011, Kato said he would not stand in the way of the peace negotiations. “I am for peace negotiations but not peace negotiations forever.”

“In Maguindanaon, he said, “We do not need negotiations. We need results. Even if we do not negotiate, if we see this is also what we hope for, okay, automatic, we will agree.

We will agree).

Kato, however, suffered a stroke in November 2011 and has not been heard from since.

On Sunday, March 15, authorities arrested Ustadz Mohammad Ali Tambako, former BIFF vice chair, and four of his men, in General Santos City.

Tambako, who was tagged as the founder of a supposed BIFF splinter group, Justice for Islam Movement (JIM), and his four companions were nabbed aboard a tricycle along the national highway in Barangay Calumpang at past 9 p.m. Sunday following a tip-off from residents.

The four other suspects were identified as Mesharie Gayak, Datukan Sabiwang, Ali Ludisma and Abusama Guiamel.

On Monday, police operatives recovered several bomb-making materials in a raid on a house in Dona Soledad Subdivision in Barangay Labangal that was previously rented by Tambako

Col. Roland Villanueva, commander of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, thanked residents of General Santos “for providing the law enforcers — the security officers – this vital information.”

Tambako and his companions, who yielded three handguns and three hand grenades, were immediately flown to Manila before noon on Monday, March 16.

At least 140 BIFF killed?

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said that as of morning of March 22, “estimated number of dead BIFF is 140 plus with only five body counts, and about 40 wounded” while on the side of soldiers, the number of killed remained at six but the number of wounded has risen from 23 on March 11 to 33.

“Tuloy pa din all out-offensive. (The all-out offensive continues). Until June pa ito,” Petinglay said.

“However, the all-out offensive has three phases: first phase is clearing – flushing out the BIFF from their encampments and lairs and making them incapable of fighting; second is hold and consolidate – troops will be left to man areas in previous BIFF encampments so the BIFF cannot return there; and third is development phase – developmental projects will come into the areas for the residents there. As of now, we are still entering the hold and consolidate phase. It is within this phase when residents can return to their homes,” she said.

On March 16, civil society groups under the “All-Out Peace” advocacy issued a petition letter expressing their “urgent humanitarian appeal for the suspension of military operations” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the BIFF in Maguindanao.

“We categorically state that a ‘humanitarian crisis’ is already staring us in the face as an effect of the prolonged military action against lawless elements. We are urgently appealing to all peace-loving citizens to join this ‘humanitarian call’ and participate in mobilizing relief goods and encouraging solidarity with the IDPs by enabling their voices and stories to be heard,” the AllOut Peace” said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

tegrity.

The governor however said he would like to know where Sajid took the money for the bail.

The assets of the Ampatuan family are covered with a freeze order.

But Mangudadatu expressed confidence additional evidence to be presented by the prosecution will pin down the brains behind the worst political violence in recent history.

He also expressed confidence former Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, a close relative of prime suspect Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., will

continue to testify as state witness in the massacre.

Akmad was arrested in Makati City on Wednesday for another case.

Mangudadatu said the case involving Akmad Ampatuan happened in 1998 and that the case has been shelved after the private complainant filed an affidavit of desistance.

The governor said Akmad Ampatuan was already under the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice at the time of his arrest. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)

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health and safety in the city.

The event will also serve as a promotion for tourist destinations not only in Davao City but also the entire Davao Region.

“We have also partnered with the provinces of Davao del Norte, del Sur, Compostela Valley and Oriental. The provinces will be given a chance to showcase their respective provinces to the delegates,” he said.

Arellano said each province will put up a booth out-

side the convention hall to showcase their products, resorts, and investment policies.

The theme for the event is “Taga-usig magkapitbisig para sa kapayapaan at kalikasan.”

The Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP) will brief the prosecutors about the status of the peace process in Mindanao.

Several keynote speakers will also attend the convention to talk about nature and peace in the country.

of technology, we may have come to believe that our devices are too smart to burn the house down. We should not, however, forget that we control these devices. Old or new, they can cause accidents.

And the best safety measure to avoid them is to simply turn off, and unplug. Be educated and graduate from being complacent about fire hazards by simply keeping F.I.R.E. in mind.

ities and electric cooperatives have signed up to receive capacity from Therma South.

It said that the power plant capacity has been “sold out” since 2014. At its peak some 4,000 workers mostly from Davao City and Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur worked to complete the project, which was seen as one of the most critical long term solutions to the Mindanao power crisis.

Its customers include the DavaoLight and Power, Cagayan de Oro Electric Power Co. and Cotabato

Light franchise areas. It will also serve electric cooperatives serving the cities of Gen. Santos, Butuan, Tagum, Kidapawan, Mati, Koronadal, Surigao and Digos, among others, It will serve the Zamboanga provinces, Misamis, the whole of Agusan and Surigao provinces, the Davao region, North and South Cotabato and parts of Bukidnon and Misamis.

The company has earlier announced the expansion of the power plant to 645-MW.

market roads and facilities on health and education.

Tribal leader Datu Gideon Tolentino said, “Our simple living became exciting when Hedcor came. We were able to access health care, education, livelihood assistance and more through Hedcor’s endeavor.”

Hedcor, is a wholly-owned

subsidiary of AboitizPower owning and operating 21 runof-river hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Davao City and Davao del Sur with a total capacity of 170 MWs. Very soon, Hedcor will expand its portfolio in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. (PR/Hedcor)

“As the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, we are proud to present another round of promo seats to all of our guests. We have introduced many new routes across the group, recently abolished the fuel surcharge and with this new round of promo seats, we are keeping up to our brand promise to fly even more guest around Asia and beyond at affordable low fares. We hope that this promotion further stimulates travel and tourism across the region.” AirAsia Group chief commercial officer Siegtraund Teh said.

Guest can also make use of the optional Fly-Thru service to connect to flights via AirAsia’s multiple transit hubs with their baggage checkedthrough to the final destination without the hassle of

immigration clearance. With this optional service, guest can now travel seamlessly between all Asian and Australian cities, such as from Manila to Sydney through Kuala Lumpur, making the beautiful harbour city from down under just a stop away.

AirAsiaGo, the holiday division of the world’s best low cost airline, will also be offering special deals for AirAsia guests during this promo.

AirAsiaGo is presenting great savings up to 75% when Promo Seats are booked together with hotel accommodation and also up to 50% for hotel accommodation only. For more information and to book, visit its website at AirAsiGo. com. The same promo booking period and travel period applies.

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LeBron sparks Cavs past Bucks A

DUNK from LeBron James started a decisive run for the lethargic Cleveland Cavaliers.

From there, the Central Division leaders overpowered the young Milwaukee Bucks.

James scored 28 points, J.R. Smith had 23 and Cleveland began a three-game road trip with a 108-90 win on Sunday in Milwaukee.

The Cavaliers trailed by nine at halftime and 11 in the third quarter. The Bucks seemed rejuvenated on their home floor while looking to end a long losing streak.

James had the final say.

First, he called out his teammates at halftime. ‘’I was frustrated with our play,’’ James said. ‘’I know when to press the button when need be and tonight was one of those nights when I needed to press the button.’’

Smith made three consec-

utive 3s to cap the 26-5 run that started with James’ dunk, helping Cleveland to a 93-78 lead with 6:19 left. The final 3 came off a bad pass by John Henson that led to one of the Bucks’ 23 turnovers. ‘’For any team, not just LeBron, when you give those guys free opportunities like that ... they’re going to make you pay for it and they did,’’ Bucks coach Jason Kidd said.

James’ dunk off a blocked shot pulled the Cavs within 7369 with 1:19 left in the third quarter and started the big run. He stared down the Bucks after the bucket.

James outscored the Bucks on his own from that point, 1917. ‘’I think our communication ramped up. We were just flying around and helping one another,’’ said James, who was 10 of 17 from the field and grabbed 10 boards.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Tebow will pray for Pacman

T

IM Tebow, Heisman Trophy winner and two-time National Champion, smiled and refused to take the bait when asked about his thoughts on the May 2 super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. “I hope that both of them go out, and they fight well,” said Tebow, who played collegiate football for Florida before embarking on a tumultuous career in the NFL. “I think it will be a great fight, and I’m looking forward to watching it.”

Tebow made a much-publicized visit to the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles this weekend, where he watched the Filipino icon Pacquiao work out. He was welcomed by chief trainer Freddie Roach, and the three spent time chatting at ringside.

“Sino hindi pwedeng makakilala sa kanya?” Pacquiao said of Tebow. “He’s popular… He’s my favorite.”

Pacquiao said he admires Tebow because he “helps people,” especially in the Philippines. “In the Mindanao area, he helps a lot,” he added.

Tebow, 27, was born in Makati and has returned to

H

IS official boxing moniker is “The Hitman.”

At some point, he was called “The Hammer.”

In my book, Rey Loreto is “The Tamayong Terminator.”

The IBO light flyweight champion Loreto was born and raised in Tamayong, in Mintal, Davao City at the foothills of Mt. Apo. On Sunday, Davao’s very own world champion retained his title with a stunning 1st round knockout of former champion Nkosinathi Joyi in a rematch in East London, South Africa (see story on EDGE Davao Sports).

To those who know how it is to fight in South Africa,

the Philippines every year since he was 15. Last year, he opened a hospital in Davao City, and plans to go to General Santos City in a few weeks for another visit.

Yesterday, he spent time with GenSan’s most beloved son and could not help but express his admiration for the “Pacman” not just as an athlete but also as a person.

“I have seen his fights. I’ve seen a bunch of them, and they’re all impressive,” said Tebow. “I think what’s most impressive about watching him is his competitiveness and work ethic, and his focus on every little detail.”

“I think the most important thing that Manny has done is he’s been an inspiration to millions of people all over the world,” he also said.

“The amazing team about him is, so much of the time, we can make it about ourselves and become very selfish.”

“He’s been able to inspire millions of people for so long, and that’s more important than winning any fight. The ability to inspire and encourage and change so many people’s lives… I’m very proud of him for that.”

CMO defeats Everball Acer for 17 games in a row

C

HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go piloted the City Mayors Office to unprecedented winning streak – 17 games in a row.

Go scored 33 points with six baskets from behind the arc as the City Hall dribblers defeated Everball Acer, 83 – 75, for 17 straight times in their 2015 Basketball Friendly Series on Friday night at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Michael Peloton and JR De Guzman contributed 14 and 10 respectively for CMO that won last time in front of a packed

PBA crowd at the USEP Gym before Purefoods pulled off a triple OT win over talk N’ Text.

The sweet-shooting trusted aid of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte finished off the Everball with timely baskets in the final stretch that kept the CMO pushing up the gap.

Earl Angsinco scored 19 and three others tallied double digits for Everball that remained winless in the series.

Filbon Maligro put up 18 as Mending and Lucero had 12 and 10 for Everball team which never tasted a win against CMO since second week of Decem-

ber last year.

In total, Everball lost CMO for 20 games in a row including the last three games of the 2014 friendly series.

The game was a bit tougher than expected for the Everball which fell short again in the end like many games in the past in this series.

Everball had a pretty chance to pull away with the elusive win in the last outing before a PBA crowd but miscued in the dying seconds, failing to deliver at the foul line and missing two potential game winning shots.

Go came through with 43 with barrage of three pointers that prompted PBA organizers to pit him against the collegiate’s finest shooters in the Three Point Shootout contest that he eventually won. (Rico Biliran) Box scores: CMO 83 -- GO 33, PELOTON 14, DE GUZMAN 10, ABERILLA 7, CLORIBEL 7, APOSTOL 4, ROSAL 4, SUMAGANG 4 EVERBALL 75 -- ANGSINCO 19, MALIGRO 18, MENDING 12, LUCERO 10, BALISALISA 8, CABRERA 4, CHUIM 4, CABALLERO 1, AVINANTE 0

ed a Zulu war song to buoy the fighting spirit of Joyi, former Olympian and two-time world champion who was also knocked out by Loreto in their first meeting in Monte Carlo Feb. 12 last year in the third round.

Loreto is now 20-13 with 12 knockouts. The 24-year old Loreto came out smoking the moment South African referee Nyangiwe signaled the start of the fight.

Gov Manny narrated that at about one minute and 30 seconds into the fight, Loreto caught Joyi with a crunching right hook followed by a left uppercut which dropped the South Africa for a mandato-

ry count of 8. It was obvious though that Joyi was badly hurt and as Nyangiwe motioned the two fighters to resume the action, Loreto stepped forward, measured the distance between him and the South African fighter and unleashed a combination to the head and as Joyi slumped almost motionless in the neutral corner, Nyangiwe did not even bother to count and waved off the fight. “ It was a big win for Loreto who lost the title in the rematch to Joyi last year. He admitted praying fervently to give him strength and help him retain his title for the sake of his young son.

Loreto is building a house for his family and wanted to finish this badly, thus he never backed down from the fight despite undergoing a recent surgery.

With Loreto retaining his title, Davao now has a collection of two world champions, the other being John Vincent Moralde who just came from a rousing win over Brayden Smith in Brisbane, Australia—a fight that turned tragic after Smith collapsed and later passed away two days after the fight.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

The Tamayong Terminator

winning a bout there, much less a title fight, is almost like remotely possible. It’s like jumping to a lion’s den or to a fishpond full of piranhas left unfed for 30 days.

According to our good friend Manny Pinol, former North Coabato governor, the rematch had been canceled twice before, with the first plug being pulled last December before Loreto forced a postponement from February 28 when he underwent surgery for a swollen appendix two months ago which drastically cut down his sparring and his training regimen as he was recovering from the operation.

Gov Manny told us it was

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo a fight nobody expected Loreto to win but they hadn’t bargained with the Filipino southpaw’s courageous heart and a strong faith in God. The noisy hometown crowd continuously chant-

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 262 • TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

STILL THE CHAMP Davao’s Loreto retains IBO title with stunning 1st round win

In this October 11, 2014 file photo, IBO light flyweight champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto (right) punches Indonesian Heri Amol in the 8th round of a non-title fight at Almendras gym in Davao City. Loreto retained his title by knocking out former champion Nkosinathi Joyi in the first round of a rematch in East London, South Africa. Lean Daval Jr.

I

BO light flyweight champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto of Davao City retained his title with a stunning 1st round knockout of former champion Nkosinathi Joyi in a rematch in East London, South Africa.

The rematch had been canceled twice before, with the first plug being pulled last December before Loreto forced a postponement from February 28 when he underwent surgery for a swollen appendix two months ago which drastically cut down his sparring and his training regimen as he was recovering from the operation.

As broadcast journalist and former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol reported it was a fight nobody expected Loreto to win but they hadn’t bargained with the Filipino southpaw’s courageous heart and a strong faith in God. It was a brutal victory that silenced the noisy hometown crowd who chanted a Zulu

war song to buoy the fighting spirit of the former Olympian and two-time world champion who was also knocked out by Loreto in their first meeting in Monte Carlo Feb. 12 last year in the third round.

With the win Loreto improved to 20-13 with 12 knockouts while Joyi’s future appeared uncertain.

Pinol said the 24 year old Loreto came out smoking the moment South African referee Nyangiwe signaled the start of the fight.

In his report Pinol said “at about one minute and 30 seconds into the fight, Loreto caught Joyi with a crunching right hook followed by a left uppercut which dropped the South Africa for a mandatory count of 8. It was obvious though that Joyi was badly hurt and as Nyangiwe motioned the two fighters to resume the action, Loreto stepped forward, measured the distance

between him and the South African fighter and unleashed a combination to the head and as Joyi slumped almost motionless in the neutral corner, Nyangiwe did not even bother to count and waved off the fight. “ Loreto, who was later joined by his trainer Joven Jorda, cried and shouted “Thank you Lord” after the fight was stopped.

Loreto later admitted that he actually cried even before he climbed the ring for the first defense of the title he won in a shock 3rd round knockout of Joyi last year. He said “I was sorry for myself because I did not have enough preparation for the fight but I prayed to God to give me strength and help me retain my title for the sake of my young son.”

Jorda said he and Loreto’s manager, Brico Santig, actually advised the champion against taking the fight even before

AboitizPower First Vice President Manuel M. Orig and Sta. Cruz Municipal Mayor Joel Ray L. Lopez reaffirm their partnership for this year’s Mt. Apo Boulderface Challenge on April 25-26. Now on its 8th year, the 24-hour race to the Philippines’ highest peak, the Mt. Apo Boulderface Challenge is one of the biggest outdoor races in the country, drawing both local and foreign teams. With its subsidiaries Hedcor and Therma South located in Sta. Cruz, AboitizPower has been the event’s biggest sponsor for several years now.

he could fully recover from the surgery but he refused because he was building a small house in Davao City and wanted to finish it.

Loreto thanked God for helping him and for feeling sorry for him. With his smashing victory in the rematch Loreto who improved to 20-13 with.

With his second victory against Joyi, Loreto proved that his first win in Monte Carlo was not a fluke.

Boxing writer Mesuli Zifo earlier reported that “for one agonizing moment, Joyi’s rematch against Loreto appeared to have fallen off the radar again. But promoter Siphatho Handi pulled out all the stops to ensure that “Mabhere” gets his redemption fight which took place at the Mdantsane Indoor Centre on Sunday night Manila Time but there was to be no redemption.

The repeated cancellations

were evident at the premedical when Joyi appeared irritated even during the photo shoot.

Zifo said that wWhile the 31-year-old is always moody ahead of his fights, he was worse this week when he sulked and even tried to duck interviews.

“Mabhere does not like to talk before his fights and he is not very fond of training,” reasoned his trainer Boy Boy Mpulampula. But Joyi’s mood appeared to be caused by something more than training.

Having trained so hard twice before only for the fight to be canceled it obviously strained his patience.

The well-known South African boxing writer speculated on whether Joyi will take that attitude into the ring . He said it “remains to be seen but if he does not in turn become more positive he might see the repeat of his shocking knockout defeat by Loreto.”

In contrast to Joyi, Loreto was “ in surprisingly high spirits despite coming off a long flight from Manilla. He had no problem doing just about everything that was asked of him with a little bow of respect – often displayed by Asians.

Joyi’s traimner Mpulampula allayed fears that Joyi was not in the right frame of mind ahead of this make or break fight, stating “No, no, Nkosinathi is just being Nkosinathi, nothing to it.”

Once a seemingly invincible boxer who was at the pound for pound summit in the mini-flyweight division, Joyi has suddenly found himself not just fighting to remain a player on the world stage but to save his career.

Mpulampula still refuses to credit Loreto for the monstrous left hook he pole-axed Joyi with, choosing to blame unfitness as the reason for the shock defeat.

HE visiting Cycleline Riders of Butuan dominated the Araw ng Dabaw Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Criterium Cycling Challenge last Saturday at the Davao Crocodile Park in Maa. Tour ng Pilipinas veteran Cesar Lapaza Jr. led Cycleline by ruling the Open Elite category with a time of 33 minutes, 54.27 seconds.

He was followed by Davao’s Ronnie Urdaneta and Cycleline’s upcoming sensation Gilbert Enarciso in second and third, respectively.

Enarciso, however, topped the Junior category for 18

years old and below at 23 minutes and 29.99 seconds, beating his own two teammates Warren Sagarino and Robin Ray Derro, who finished second and third.

Another Cycleline rider Jade Lopez clocked 23 minutes. 54.92 to win the 23 under category. Davao’s Eric Dhave Apinar and Cycleline’s John Earl Sagarino finished second and third.

Former national champion Carlofer Salonga of the orgaizing Davao Pobre Bikers Association (Dapoba) shared top honors by ruling the Executive category at 23 minutes.

Triathlete Cristopher Eyao

finished second followed by Jay Ingente in third.

Philcycling deputy secretary general for Mindanao Salvador “Jun” Paholio Jr. and Dapoba president Charliemagne Dumanon awarded the cash prizes and medals sponsored by the City Sports Development Division represented by sports and games coordinator Lito delos Reyes.

Specially-designed mugs courtesy of Davao City Sports Consumer Cooperative (DCSCC) were also awarded to the winners of the event held as part of the 78th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival. SDDCMO

Butuan riders rule Araw bikefest T