Edge Davao 7 Issue 264

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

www.edgedavao.net

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Serving a seamless society

AFP SUING ‘BAKWITS’ Military officer says ‘Tactika Bakwit’new NPA strategy

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE military continues to gather evidence to back up the cases it plans to file against the leaders of the San Luis, Agusan del Sur Bakwits.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Romeo Brawner said the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are gathering evidence and assessing the statements of the evacuees

(bakwits) fore case t h e

bedeciding on what will be filed against leaders.

The alleged bakwit leaders were identified as Kalumbay chair Homorito Goaynon, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) representative Melisa Amado, Tagdumahan leader Bae Emil Togay, Kasalo coordinator and secretary general Julito Gomis, and Jonri Manlicay.

Brawner said the ‘TactiFLIP. A parkour practitioner performs routine movements to develop his movement and strength at Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ka Bakwit’ is the new strategy of the New People’s Army (NPA) to prevent the military development operations in the hinterlands.

“The NPA is just using the mass evacuation as a strategy to prevent the military from doing their development enhancement.

Hindi naman military operation yung ginagawa ng tropa natin sa San Luis, development program yun,” he said.

Brawner said it is not the AFP that will file case against the leaders but the local government unit of San Luis, Agusan del Sur. “This is a learning experience for the government. The LGU is the one who will file the case against the leaders so that it won’t happen again,” he said.

Brawner also said the Communist People of The Philippines (CPP) and the NPA are “just using” the evacuees in order to secure

funding from international organizations.

Last January 23, over 1,500 individuals evacuated from the far flung area of San Luis Agusan del Sur due to the alleged military operations in the area.

Evacuees were housed in Urios Elementary School in Barangay Balit.

Karapatan Caraga Region said militarization in the guise of Community Organizing for Peace and Development under Oplan Bayanihan of the Aquino administration was the main reason for the evacuation.

It added that mining operations caused conflict among the tribes.

On March 18, the LGUs and the evacuees conducted dialogues to settle the problem.

After the dialogue the evacuees returned to their places with the conditions that the military operations in their area be stopped.

INSIDE EDGE

BIGGEST MONEY IN BOXING HISTORY Sports P15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

DELAYED. Davao City Water District’s consumers in elevated parts of the city will have to wait for another month as the company announced a 30-day delay in the March 28 target completion date of the suspension-type of pipe bridge crossing Davao River which will hold its 1000 millimeter water pipe. Lean Daval Jr.

DCWD pipe bridge A suffers 30-day delay

150 dead in plane crash

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE completion of Davao City Water District’s (DCWD) suspension pipe bridge in Bankerohan will be delayed by a month due to the late arrival of some of the materials to be used.

In an interview, DCWD spokesperson Bernardo Delima told Edge Davao that the contractor of the bridge asked for a 30-day extension because of the delayed delivery of materials due to port congestion in Manila.

“Wala ko kabalo sa exact day kung kanus-a ang nagabot. Mga raw materials na... Sa Davao na nila i-fabricate... fabrication mao nang i-assemble ang pipe bridge (I do not know the exact date of delivery. These

are raw materials that they will then fabricate in Davao for assembly in the pipe bridge),” Delima said He said the materials such as the cement epoxy coated pipe can only be procured in Manila since there are no suppliers in Davao City.

Delima said the materials have to be transported by cargo ship, but the Port of Manila is taking a long time to schedule their shipping because of the bulk of cargo clogged the port.

He said the 30-day extension will start on March 29 since the original target completion of the bridge is on March 28.

Delima had earlier said the

project would be completed on March 28 “under normal conditions.”

He said “normal conditions” means no occurrence of floods and other calamities.

Delima said the replacement of the existing pipes with a 1,000 millimeter (mm) diameter one started in early December last year.

The mainline pipe that supplied water from the Dumoy pumps to the downtown area up to Sasa area was broken in December 2012. The pipe was replaced with two smaller ones with a diameter of .725 meter.

He said the DCWD will replace the two existing pipes which has a diameter of .725 meter with a bigger pipes that

has a diameter of 1.785 meters.

Delima said the new pipe has a higher water holding capacity of 8 percent, enabling the DCWD to reach more clients suffering from limited to no water supply.

He said the existing water pipe located in the Governor Generoso bridge is part of the Line 1 supplying water to 45,000 commercial or residential clients from Bangkal to Sasa.

The construction of the new pipe bridge has an estimated cost of more than P115 million.

It will be constructed by the consortiums of RD Policarpio & Co., Inc., Allado Construction Co., Inc., and TGV Builders, Inc.

the highways by deploying police officers together with personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned agencies.

Driz said that the police designation will be handled by the different police stations in the city.

“Sinimulan na natin yung Oplan Ligtas SumVac (Summer Vacation) natin, yung mga stations tasked sila na bantayan

yung mga area nila na may mga tourist attractions (We have already started our Oplan Ligtas SumVac. The police stations are tasked to secure the tourist attractions in their respective areas),” she said.

Oplan Ligtas SumVac will last until June.

Over a thousand visitors are expected to visit the city on April 7 to 10 for the national convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines.

DCPO to tourists: Follow city’s ordinances

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) yesterday advised tourists who are expected to arrive in the city during summer to abide by the rules and regulations here.

DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz said tourists will not be exempted from the ordinances implemented in Davao City.

“Yung mga organized tourist may mga briefing na yan sila provided by their tourist guide,

pero yung mga walang booking dapat mag research na lang sila sa mga batas dito sa atin (Organized tourists are briefed by their tourist guides, but those who come alone should research our laws here),” Driz said.

As this developed, the DCPO started its “Oplan Ligtas Summer Vacation” campaign to secure tourist spots all around the city.

Authorities will also secure

PLANE operated by the budget carrier of Germany’s Lufthansa crashed in a remote area of the French Alps, killing all 150 on board in the worst aviation disaster on French soil in decades.

The accident’s cause remains a mystery but authorities have recovered a black box from the Airbus A320 at the crash site, where rescue efforts were hampered by the mountainous terrain.

Victims included 16 German teenagers and their two teachers on a school trip, and the mayor of their hometown called it “the darkest day in the history of our city”.

Opera singers Oleg Bryjak, 54, and Maria Radner, 33, were also on board, flying to their home city of Duesseldorf

after starring in Richard Wagner’s opera “Siegfried” at Barcelona’s opera house.

French civil aviation authorities said they lost contact with the aircraft at 10:30 am (0930 GMT).

The plane descended for eight minutes with no radio communication from its cockpit before hitting the side of a mountain. There was no response to desperate attempts by air traffic controllers to hail the pilots.

Video images from a government helicopter showed a desolate snow-flecked moonscape, with steep ravines covered in scree. Debris was strewn across the mountainside, pieces of twisted metal smashed into tiny bits.

Local MP Christophe Cas-

Mayor Duterte in Tagbilaran

F150 DEAD, 10

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

A

WARM welcome from the people of Bohol awaits Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Dutete today when he visits Tagbilaran City where he is expected to intensify his campaign on federalism.

Duterte will hit this southwestern part of the Bohol province as commencement speaker of the Bohol institute of Technology (BIT), with local officials led by Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr. expected to give him a rousing welcome.

Evasco is a long-time political strategist of Duterte who also became successful in his political career when he was voted into office by the Boholanos for three terms now.

Peter T. Laviña, one of Duterte’s campaign volunteers who is assigned in the Mindanao operations, said the Bohol trip will allow the Boholanos to speak out their thoughts on federalism.

“But I would not be surprised if they would turn the table on him and ask him to hear their pleas instead,” Laviña said. “Surely, they would urge him to follow the footsteps of Carlos P. Garcia to Malacañang.”

Bohol’s Garcia, a teacher and a lawyer, was the Philippines eight President.

Duterte, in the course of his Listening Tour, had been time and again urged to run

FMAYOR DUTERTE, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Davao Norte lauds outstanding women

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DUCATOR. Girl Scout.

Rotarian. Senior Citizen.

Farmer.

Cooperative Leader. Police personnel.

These were the different faces of the outstanding women given honored last Tuesday during the provincial celebration of the 2015 National Women’s Month at the RDR Gym, Davao del Norte Sports Complex, Tagum City.

The outstanding women were Cristy Agudera (Educator), Carmen Apura (Educator), Maria Lina Baura (Rotarian), Geraldine Canlas (Girl Scout), Norma Cansanas (Senior Citizen), Cynthia Catungal (Rotarian), Michelle Dano (Girl Scout), Wenita Espartero (Rural Woman/Farmer), Josephine Fadul (Educator), Leah Joy Gonzaga (Girl Scout), Gabriela Logronio (Rotarian), Nenita Malbas (Cooperative Leader), Mary Jane Mejorada (Educator), Providencia Nunez (Girl Scout), Luz Pereyras (Educator), Norma Pereyras (Rotarian/Coopera-

tive Leader), Gerda Pepito (Girl Scout), Ana Redaniel (Educator), Angelina san Jose (Educator), and Corazon Vergara (Retired Policewomen).

Aside from the awardees, province’s first lady Milagros del Rosario was also conferred with an award for being an adviser and consultant of the Davao del Norte Council of Women.

Being the guest of honor, Karina Anna del Rosario, wife of province’s first district representative Anthony del Rosario, said that there were also women who have been a blessings to her and have influenced her decision in life.

“These are my mother, my ate (elder sister), my motherin-law, my lola (grandmother) and all the other women that I have crossed paths with. I treasure all the life’s lessons I have accumulated in all these years of having them,” the lady Del Rosario said. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

Water service interruptions in Cabantian, March 27-28

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WO sets of water cuts are scheduled in some Cabantian areas to give way for completion of service improvement projects.

First set is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM of March 27 and will affect a portion of Cabantian – Indangan Road (particularly from the junction of DECA Homes to the junction of Forestal Road), DECA Homes, Suraya Homes, Northcrest Subd. and Amakan Village.

This water cut is needed for the tapping of the newly installed 100mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline to the existing 450mm diameter Mortar Line Coated Steel Pipe for the mainline improvement at Mountain View in Cabantian.

Additional service connections can be accommodated once said project is completed.

Second set is from 8:00 PM of March 28 until 2:00 AM of March 29 to affect Emily Homes in Cabantian and immediate environs. Said water cut will give way for the installation of the 250mm diameter

pressure regulating valve at Emily Homes in Cabantian to help reduce non-revenue water.

DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado advises would-be affected customers to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions and asks for their understanding and cooperation.

Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

DISABILITY STAKEHOLDERS. National Committee on Disability Affairs (NCDA) acting executive director Carmen Zubiaga and deputy executive director Mateo Lee Jr. discuss the issues being tackled in yesterday’s NCDA

3

Host Conference for Mindanao Disability Stakeholders. Zubiaga and Lee graced yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Warden wants ordinance vs visitors bringing dope

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE warden of the Davao City Jail has asked the City Council to enact an ordinance penalizing visitors who sneak contraband and illegal drugs into the detention facility.

In an interview with Edge Davao, Jail Warden Superintendent Simeon S. Dolojo Jr. said his administration is proposing to penalize violators to preempt the activity.

“Nagapadayon sila nagasulod og mga contrabando, pag madakpan namo… ang mahatag lang gyud namo na penalty is i-ban namo sila pagdalaw for a certain period of time depende sa gravity of crime (They continue to sneak in contraband, but if we catch them the only penalty we can impose is to ban them from visiting for a certain

period of time depending on the gravity of the offense),” Dolojo said.

He clarified that these incidents seldom happen because security guards conduct inspection by frisking the visitors.

He said he is pushing for the ordinance because he wants zero incidents in Davao City Jail. He also said he wants to prevent the illegal drug trade inside the jail, which is rampant in other detention facilities in the country.

“Almost 80 percent of the detainees have drug related cases, that is why there are some who are still using it even inside the jail,” he said.

Dolojo said last year the jail guards arrested a woman who snuck in illegal drugs.

He said the proposed pen-

alty on the violators will also benefit the city because the jail will remit all fines that will be collected.

Under section 6 of the proposed ordinance, the violator will be fined P1,500 or render community service for 24 hours, with subsidiary imprisonment for non-compliance of the service, for first offense.

For the second offense, the violator will be fined P3,000 or render community service for 120 hours with subsidiary imprisonment for non-compliance of the service.

For third and subsequent offenses, the violator will be fined P5,000 or render community service of eight hours for a month with subsidiary imprisonment for non-compliance of the service.

FWARDEN, 10

Aquino names new COA chief

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BAD PRACTICE. A backhoe dredges out sand at the seafront near Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday afternoon. Dredging is said to have huge biodiversity impacts as it changes the original soil composition and pollutes the water because of the soil particles mixing with the water. Lean Daval Jr.

In last Tuesday’s regular session, the City Council passed the “proposed resolution to enact and Ordinance Prohibiting the Sneaking, Using and carrying any form of Contraband inside the jail and Detention Places in the City of Davao and Providing Penalties for Violation.”

The item was referred to the committee on peace and order and public safety headed by councilor Nilo Abellera Jr. for public hearing.

The proposal aims to strengthen the implementation of security measures in the jail and prevent the occurrence of deaths, riots, hostage taking, and escape of inmates.

The proposal also wants to prevent the inmates from

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has appointed Atty. Michael G. Aguinaldo as new chairman of the Commission on Audit (COA).

“We are pleased to announce that President Aquino has appointed Atty. Michael G. Aguinaldo as Chairman of the Commission on Audit,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement on Wednesday.

Valte said the appointment of Aguinaldo was made last Tuesday.

Aguinaldo replaced Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan whose four-year term ended last Feb-

ruary 2, 2015.

Prior to his appoint, Aguinaldo was deputy executive secretary of the legal affairs of the Office of the President since May 2011.

Aguinaldo was also a partner and member of the executive committee of the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles before he joined the government in 2011.

Aguinaldo will join COA commissioners Jose Fabia and Heide Mendoza who was appointed officer in charge when Pulido-Tan stepped down last February 2. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Cardinal asks Congress: Attune BBL with Charter

By ALEX LOPEZ

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DELAYED. Davao City Water District’s consumers in elevated parts of the city will have to wait for another month as the company announced a 30-day delay in the March 28 target completion date of the suspension-type of pipe bridge crossing Davao River which will hold its 1000 millimeter water pipe. Lean Daval Jr.

OTABATO Archbishop Orlando M. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI has issued a statement calling for Congress to refine and attune the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with the Philippine Constitution.

“I perceive the BBL as articulating three major principles: the preservation of national sovereignty, the safeguarding of national territorial integrity, and the realization of Bangsamoro self-determination within a limited territory,” Cardinal Quevedo said.

The cardinal also belied the wrong information and interpretation that the BBL is pushing for the dismemberment of the country and would claim all the portions of Mindanao and Palawan.

He also clarified that the proposed law “does not advocate the complete indepen-

dence of any of the entities of the proposed Bangsamoro government” such as the police, auditing, accounting and the civil courts.

Aside from deeply studying the proposed Bangsamoro, Cardinal Quevedo said that his notions on the BBL are anchored on his long years of service, as a religious leader, in Mindanao particularly in the province of Maguindanao and his comprehension of the on-going peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“As a Catholic religious leader in Maguindanao, I have closely followed the peace negotiations through the years, the drafting of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and the drafting of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic

FCARDINAL, 10

DTI ready to organize MILF: SAF was at fault for not coordinating women entrepreneurs T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 is targeting to organize all the women entrepreneurs in the Davao Region and tap them to participate in their programs for special sectors.

DTI 11 director Belinda Q. Ambi said organizing all the women in business will be done this year.

“We have a lot of women entrepreneurs right now but they are members of a bigger group like associations and cooperatives not specifically for women,” Ambi said during the stakeholders’ consultation at the Marco Polo Davao Wednesday.

She said there were already women organizations like the Tagum Women Council which has 15,000 women members, but not all provinces have their own council.

“I will be asking our provincial directors to assess their areas if there is an existing women organization which the agency can tap,” Ambi said.

Organizing women could empower them and at the same time provide them an avenue where DTI 11 can present its programs and activities, specifically women who form part of the marginalized sectors.

The trade and industry agency is allocating P6.5 million for special programs for the marginalized sector, with women as among the identi-

fied beneficiaries.

Other beneficiaries of special trainings, capability building and projects are people with disabilities (PWDs), youth and senior citizens.

Ambi said it will be easier to facilitate programs if there will be an organized women group in the region.

“As of now, we don’t have any mechanism to assess how many women entrepreneurs in the region but I assume there are a lot of them already,” she said.

Having an organized women group can also improve the facilitation of DTI’s program like the shared service facilities (SSFs) which aims to improve the production and make the output more value-added.

One of the applicants for SSF that raised their concern during the consultation is Tagum Women Council.

Rolda C. Labrador and Angelina Y. Maug of the women council are seeking approval from the agency for equipment that will help women members produce bamboo sticks.

“We have already identified our target market,” Labrador said, adding that MangInasal is planning to get its supply of barbeque sticks from the women council.

The DTI 11 regional office is still assessing the application of the group.

HE failure of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force to coordinate with the ceasefire mechanisms of government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front led to the Jan. 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 SAF troopers, 17 MILF guerrillas and at least three civilians dead, the rebel group said in its report on the incident.

The report sustained earlier claims by MILF fighters who engaged the police commandos that it was the latter who fired first.

Close to 400 SAF troopers went to Mamasapano last Jan. 25 to get bombing suspects Zulkipli bin Hir alias Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman. However, less than a hundred commandos carried out the actual operation while the rest stationed themselves along the town’s highway. Marwan was reportedly killed in the raid but Usman escaped.

The MILF report admitted it was the 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces that engaged the SAF. “The BIAF forces, mostly

from the 105BC, are residents of Mamasapano, mostly from Barangay Tukanalipao. The action of some of the men of 105BC in going to Sitio Amilil, as was their usual practice whenever there are clashes or impending clashes, was justified as the main purpose was to ensure that the clashes do not happen in the populated areas,” it said in explaining why the MILF fighters massed at the site of the encounter.

“As there was no coordination between the government and the MILF through the AHJAG (Ad Hoc Joint Action Group) and CCCH (Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities) mechanisms, the BIAF cannot be faulted for concluding that the PNP-SAF forces that they chanced upon in Sitio Amilil were enemies, especially after they were fired upon, and after two of their men were shot and killed by the PNP-SAF,” it continued.

It added the dark surrounding prevented the MILF forces from spotting the SAF commandos, in particular the 55 Special Action Company who acted as blocking force, who were already positioned in

the cornfield and “had the advantage of having night vision goggles”.

The report said the MILF CCCH “was the first to inform their counterparts in government of the unfortunate encounter in Mamasapano on the said date” and “the first to suggest…to immediately proceed to the encounter site to find ways to effect a ceasefire and disengage the fighting forces”.

The report also denied allegations the BIAF used excessive force and mutilated and desecrated the bodies of the slain SAF troopers.

It said that even though the SAF had the “initial advantage of surprise” [by firing first], the BIAF eventually got the upper hand owing to their familiarity with the terrain, favorable position, superior number and use of the “Barrett”.

It added the SAF commandos stayed in the cornfield while the BIAF members were concealed in the riverbanks and coconut trees. It noted too that at one point it became a close quarter battle with the men “shooting at each other with only 3-4 meters between them.”

The MILF maintained that despite their advantages their men “did not use unnecessary force or employ any method of warfare that violated International Humanitarian Law” but only used their advantages “to the fullest”.

It said the reports about beheading, mutilation and willful killing blamed on their men were unfounded.

“The viral video of an armed man shooting at close range a man apparently from the 55SAC while the latter was lying down on the ground and already wounded, does not clearly show that it was BIAF’s 105BC which is responsible for this,” the report argued.

It said the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other armed groups were also present in the area and could have entered the encounter site after the BIAF left.

“This is consistent with the narrative of the Crisis Team that when they entered the area at around 1530H, they sensed the presence of armed men therein,” it further noted.

(H. Marcos C. Mordeno/MindaNews)

TOTAL of 318 persons were infected with sexually transmitted diseases last year in the city, according to records at the City Health Office.

There were 302 recorded cases in 2013, Jessica Nepomuceno, social hygiene clinic nurse at the CHO said.

Topping the list for 2014 is bacterial vaginosis, which tallied 185 cases, slightly lower

than the 188 cases recorded in 2013.

Cases of gonorrhea reached 68 last year compared to only 55 in 2013.

Trichomoniasis infected 21 people in 2013 and 18 others in 2014.

Nepomuceno said 38 persons got non-gonococcal infection in 2013 while 47 person had it last year.

She warned that while the

use of condoms may prevent transmission of the disease it does not guarantee full protection.

She said the best defense against STDs is to remain faithful to one’s partner.

Meanwhile, at least 25 people have been found positive of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Surigao del Norte since 2007, according to Department of Health-Caraga.

Of the 25 persons, 11 of them are from Surigao City, three of whom have been confirmed to have progressed into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The rest of the HIV-infected individuals came from different towns of Surigao del Norte such as Dapa, Del Carmen, Pilar, Gigaquit, Sison, Burgos and Bacuag. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

318 persons infected with STDs in Surigao A

5 ECONOMY DTI told: Prioritize plans on consumer welfare EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

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LWUA gives Huwarang Lingkod Tubig award to DCWD

HE Local Water Utilities Administration conferred Davao City Water District with Huwarang Lingkod Tubig award last March 16, 2015 at the UP Bahay Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City.

DCWD received the award during the inter-agency Philippine Water Awarding, an event in line with the World Water Day celebration and participated in by different government agencies, organizations and individuals that are recognized champions in addressing water issues. It was hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Maynilad and LWUA. LWUA gave Huwarang Lingkod Tubig award to only

three water districts in the country, one each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao recognized for their consistent best efforts in implementing high impact World Water Day activities and programs in their respective communities and for their willingness to participate and cooperate with LWUA’s long term partnership in promoting safe and clean water and sustainable development.

After thorough review of more than 500 water districts, LWUA selected Palawan WD for Luzon, Metro Iloilo WD for Visayas and Davao City WD for Mindanao whose success stories are described as “inspiring and worth emulating by other water districts”. Public

Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje received the award on behalf of DCWD. Since 2008, various activities in the annual celebration of World Water Day like photo exhibit, water facts and trivia day, sticker brigade, water caravan, fun run and inter-agency photo contest have been spearheaded by said division in recognition of the major role DCWD plays in responding and bringing into public consciousness water related issues.

For this year’s World Water Day, an in-house photo contest dubbed Kalitrato was held among DCWD employees featuring photos that capture the theme “Water and Sustainable Development.” Twenty photo entries are now on display at the Sangguniang Panlungsod from March 23 until 27 so that more people will take heed of the global celebration.

General manager Edwin V. Regalado thanked LWUA for the recognition and committed to continue taking proactive role in water and environmental concerns.

World Water Day is celebrated around the world every March 22 Huwarang Lingkod Tubig Award. DCWD Public Information / Relations Division manager as declared by the Maria Editha C. Monje received the award on behalf of DCWD from (L) LWUA Administrator United Nations Andres Ibarra and Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator Ed Demayo on March 16, 2015 at General Assemthe UP Bahay Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City during the Philippine Water Awarding, an bly. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) event in line with the 2015 World Water Day celebration.

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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EMBERS of a Davao-based consumer group have asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 to increase its budget allocation for programs and activities that will promote public awareness on consumer rights and consumer protection.

Consumer Action for Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle (Cash-L) vice president Antonio L. Boquiren said DTI is not prioritizing plans and programs on empowering consumers.

“I’ve been part of the group for quite some time and I observed that the agency has budget for activities, but no more allocation for follow-through activities which is more vital,” Boquiren said during the open forum of the stakeholders’ consultation at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday.

This sentiment is shared by Vikki T. Horfilla, Cash-L head of the advo-

cacy committee for education, who said that the budget allocation of DTI for consumer welfare is an indicator on how serious the government is in protecting and empowering the consumer sector.

But, DTI 11 director Belinda Q. Ambi said activities planned with the consumer groups will be conducted this year.

“Our budget for consumer welfare has increased,” Ambi said. “From P1.5 million in 2014, it went up to P4 million this year.”

She, however, acknowledged that the budget is not enough to cover all expenses of activities that will empower and protect consumers in the region.

“We can tap other agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Health for consumer welfare awareness programs and activities,” Ambi said.

“The effort of empowering and protecting consumers is not just the sole mandate of DTI.” DTI will be promoting consumer rights and consumer responsibilities not only to end users, but also to businessmen, according to her.

Ambi said this is part of the advocacy promoting green economic development wherein, the business sector is not just focusing on increasing their profit, but also to people within the organization and the consumers and the environment.

DTI-Davao City director Engineer Edwin O. Banquerigo said promotion and integration of consumer rights and consumer protection among businessmen could be included during the issuance of permits and licenses, and during forums and information dissemination campaign on Free Trade Agreements (FTA) in the region.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

2 more Negosyo Centers in Davao

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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PLANS AND BUDGET. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 officer-in-charge Maria Belenda Q. Ambi presents the agency’s 2015 proposed plans and the 2016 bud-

get to various private and business groups during the Civil Society Organizations 9CSO) and Stakeholders’ Consultation at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City, Basud sign agreement to promote agri-business, tourism

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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AVAO City and the Municipality of Basud, Camarines Norte on Monday signed a Big Brother-Small Brother partnership agreement to promote agri-business, tourism, trade and investment between the two localities.

Davao Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Basud Municipal Mayor Dominador Davocol Jr. inked the partnership agreement in a

ceremony at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Davocol expressed his gratitude to Duterte and the City Government of Davao for making the partnership a reality.

“Sa araw pong ito nasaksihan natin ang pinaka importante at ipnagmamalaki na kasunduan o pag-sign ng memorandum of understanding (Today, we witnessed the most important signing of

Megaworld ’14 net income soars 139% to P21.6B

M

EGAWORLD, the Philippines’ leading integrated urban township developer and biggest office developer and landlord, posted a net income of P21.6-billion (inclusive of P12.1-billion non-recurring gain) in 2014, 139% higher than in 2013. Without non-recurring gain, net income went up by 14% to P9.4-billion last year – reflecting an 18% annual growth since 2009 when net income was P4-billion, or more than double in a span of only five years.

Consolidated revenues, excluding non-recurring gain, rose by 15% to P41-billion with real estate sales increasing by 16% year-on-year to P24.6-billion and rental income growing by 17% to P7-billion.

“Last year was a mile-

stone for us. With Megaworld celebrating its 25th anniversary, we raked in record earnings and managed to grow our land bank to over 4,000 hectares.

Our income growth last year was driven by both real estate sales and rental income. We have a more diversified real estate sales mix that is propelled by our integrated urban township developments in Metro Manila, Cebu and Iloilo as well as tourism-related projects in Tagaytay and Boracay,” said Dr. Andrew L. Tan, chairman and CEO, Megaworld.

“In the meantime, our rental income is growing in line with our expectations. Continued growth in our office and mall leasable space will provide the catalyst for exceeding

memorandum of understanding),” Davocol said.

“Napaka-suerte po naming dahil meron na kaming big brother (We are lucky enough that we now have a big brother),” he added.

Basud is a third class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte and its lands are mostly devoted to agriculture, with coconut, rice and pineapple as its three ma-

jor products.

Also joining Davocol in his trip here were Vice Mayor Ramir Barrameda and his councilors.

This was the third time in less than a month that Davao City inked an agreement with other localities.

Davao had lso signed a sisterhood agreements with Angeles, Pampanga and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS CONVENTION. Ronald Ramboanga (right), together with

FMEGAWORLD, 10 Ruf Vlummens, talks about the upcoming 1st Virtual Assistants Annual Regional Con-

crc@edgedavao.net

WO Negosyo Centers will be established in Davao City to assist the growing business establishments here, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

“We’re planning to establish two centers here because more than 50 percent of registered businesses in the region are operating in Davao City,” DTI 11 director Belinda Q. Ambi said during the stakeholders’ consultation at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday.

The first center will be set up in a space at the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) in Magsaysay Park, while the second center shall be established in a space at SM City Davao.

Ambi said the first center will be operation either by May or June, while the second one is still to be finalized because the trade and industry agency is dependent on the P4.7 million for the putting-up of centers region wide.

Ambi, however, said DTI 11 has already surveyed possible

area in the SM City mall where the center will be located.

The two centers will hopefully cater interested and existing business establishments operating in the northern and southern part of the city, according to Ambi.

“The center will provide assistance and information dissemination of DTI’s programs, trainings and workshops for start-ups and business owners,” she said.

Entrepreneurs can also avail services on registration of business name, among others, in the center.

“The center will be provided with forms necessary for business name registration,” Ambi said.

The same services will be offered in Negosyo Centers that will be soon established per province.

“The Negosyo Center for Davao del Norte will be in the DTI-Davao del Norte located in Tagum City, the same will go for Davao Oriental and Davao

F2 MORE, 10

Virtual assistants rising as BPO sector

V

ISUAL ASSISTANTS, a fairly new sector in the burgeoning information communication technology (ICT) industry, are increasing in number among business process outsourcing (BPO) players.

So many in fact that they are holding the first ever virtual assistants annual regional convention (VA ARC) at the TESDA Theater at Buhisan, Bunawan, Davao City on March 30-31.

Ronald “Piper” Ramboanga, head of the organizing Knights of Online Marketers (KOM), said the convention and career fair

is part of the continuing professional education advocacy of the KOM in partnership with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center (KPTVC), ICT Davao, Inc. and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Ramboanga said his group expects a large number of participants –of virtual assistants, online workers in different fields of online jobs, interested individuals from all walks of life, BPO companies within

FVIRTUAL, 10

vention set on March 30-31 at TESDA regional office KPVTC theater in Tibungco, Davao City, during Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BIGGER PICTURE 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Fruit of summer

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HINK back to when you were a child and when during the summer months, the pinnacle of cookouts and family gatherings was always the cold juicy watermelon that was for dessert. When you were young, eating watermelon was about taste. Now that you’re older, it’s more than just taste that should inspire you to eat lots of watermelon each year when the season arises. It’s because watermelons have tremendous health benefits that anyone who lives a healthy lifestyle should be determined to take advantage of every year.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these health benefits this fruit has to offer.

No matter how it is sliced, watermelon is packed with some of the most important antiox-

idants found in nature. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene.

Food experts recommend watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1 and magnesium. Because of its higher water content and calorie value it is ranked more valuable than other fruits.

Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist who is a staunch advocate of a healthy lifestyle, says every two cups of watermelon (280 grams) contain 80 calories, zero fat, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 10 milligrams of sodium, 80 micrograms of vitamin A, lots of vitamin B2, 80 milligrams of vitamin C, 18 milligrams of lycopene, and ample amounts of potassium, iron, and calcium.

Dr. Ong considers watermelon as a natural energy drink. So when the heat of summer tires us with thirst, eating watermelon is a safe alternative to taking energy drinks. Since it contains high water quantity it can

hydrates us whereas other drinks are caffeine filled energy drinks which can easily dehydrate us.

Compared to an apple, watermelon has only half as much sugar, and yet, “it tastes sweeter because of its high water content,” Dr. Ong points out.

Don’t throw away that watermelon pulp. It can be used to treat heat rash and burns. Hot rashes are pimple-like eruptions at the back and chest area due to excessive sweating and heat.

As a home remedy, Dr. Ong suggests this: “Place a watermelon rind

i n a ref r i g e ra t o r and let it cool. After a few hours, apply the inner part of the rind on the affected areas of the body.

The cooling effect of the watermelon rind relieves the heat rash.”

The water in the fruit is said to be made of 92 percent pure alkaline water.

“Compared to acidic juices of oranges and pineapple (which may irritate people with ulcer and gastritis), watermelon is safe for your stomach,” Dr. Ong says.

So, this summer keep the doctor away by eating watermelon. “During the hot and humid weather, nothing beats a cold, sweat and juicy slice of watermelon. It’s healthy and refreshing,” Dr. Ong says.

But there’s more to watermelon that just a good fruit to be eaten during summer.

Red watermelon with mango and pineapple.

For one, watermelon is good for the kidneys, bladder, and those having problems with gout. “Just like coconut water, watermelon is effective for cleansing the kidneys and bladder,” informs Dr. Ong. People with urinary tract infection or kidney stones may help treat their conditions by drinking lots ofwatermelon juice (and distilled water, too). As for those with gouts, Dr.

cause of arginine’s vessel-dilating effect and its potassium and magnesium content.

Believe it or not, watermelon is also good for sex.

Citrulline is the special nutrient in watermelon that gives rise to arginine. Studies show that the flesh of a watermelon con-

Watermelon Ong assures, “Watermelondoes not contain uric acid, and can help people with gout by reducing the amount of uric acid in the body.”

Watermelon is also good for the heart and blood vessels. In a report which appeared in “Journal of Nutrition” (March 2007 issue), the researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture said that eating watermelons increases our body’s arginine levels, an important amino acid.

Arginine is a component needed to produce nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes the blood vessels, improves blood flow and may save a person from a heart attack and stroke. In addition, watermelonmay help people with high blood pressure be-

Watermelon for sale

tains about 250 milligrams of citrulline per cup.

“When citrulline is converted to arginine, this can lead to the relaxation of blood vessels, which is the same basic effect of drugs for erectile dysfunction like Viagra and Andros,” Dr. Ong explains.

“Watermelon may not be as potent as these drugs, but it can still help the heart, brain and male sexual organ, too.

And watermelon comes without the drug’s side effects.”

Most importantly, watermelon may help prevent cancer and slow down aging as it has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable. “The deep-red watermelon variety contains the pigment lycopene, which may help prevent prostate cancer,” says Dr. Ong. “This antioxidant helps

counter the bad effects of free radicals circulating in the body. Once we reduce these free radicals, we can theoretically s l o w

down aging.”

Having some trouble reading? Eat watermelon.

“Watermelon’s vitamin A and vitamin C content are beneficial for the eyes. Yellow watermelon is a good source of lutein, which is important for preventing age-related macular degeneration. “So remember, red watermelon to prevent cancer and yellow watermelon for the eyes,” reminds Dr. Ong. Watermelons are generally believed to have originated in Africa several thousand years ago and to have

Watermelon for eating

travelled

over time from Africa to Asia to Europe to North Ameri c a .

Their arrival in Asia and t h e Midd l e East is believed to date back to approxi m a t e ly 9 0 0 – 1 , 0 0 0 A.D., and their arrival in Europe is estimated to have occurred in 1300–1400 A.D. Evidence of its cultivation in the Nile Valley was found from the second millennium BC. Watermelonseeds have been found at Twelfth Dynasty sites and in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen. Watermelon is also mentioned in the Bible as a food eaten by the ancient Israelites while they were in bondage in Egypt.

By the 10th century, watermelons were being cultivated in China, which is today the world’s single largest watermelon producer. By the 13th century, Moorish invaders had introduced the fruit to Europe. According to John Mariani’s Dictionary of American Food and Drink, the word “watermelon” made its first appearance in an English dictionary in 1615.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

EDITORIAL Supremely unfair

T

HE joke used to be that the Philippines could start a tourism marketing campaign boasting of its being the only country outside of the Vatican not to have divorce.

Couples, the joke went, could prove their genuine love for each other by offering to marry in the Philippines where the union would literally be forever. It’s the kind of humor that Filipinos are known for, but the reality that many couples find themselves in is really no joke. In a country where a vast majority are Catholics who are supposed to believe in the sanctity and permanence of marriage, many families lie in ruins because husband and wife cannot get along. There being no escape, most find themselves unable to move on; then they do move, society labels their relationships illegitimate.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) has found that 60 percent of Fil-

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ipinos favor the legalization of divorce. The reasons are numerous, but the most important one is that there really are separated married couples who are irreconcilable. This fact is painfully obvious: literally everyone in the country knows at least one couple who are irreconcilably separated. It is a sad reality that our laws do not seem to recognize. Currently, the only remedy is to get a church or civil annulment – a long and very expensive process.

The cost runs up to several hundred thousand pesos, and even then there is no guarantee that the church or the courts would grant it. In a very real sense, then, the country’s annulment process favors the rich and condemns the poorer ones to misery.

It remains to be seen if the SWS survey will result in anything.

For what it’s worth, though, we have learned that majority of the people actually want this, and it would be supremely unfair if they are deprived of divorce just because one group opposes it.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Progressive lenses, strong friends and family values

WRITER-FRIEND of mine recently posted on Facebook about celebrating her new progressive bifocal lenses. While this may sound mundane to some, bifocals are a milestone saying that, yes, you are getting old, and with it goes your market value as an individual if you were to listen to job counselors.

Bifocals, some say, make it more difficult for you to see clearly, and make you slower on the computer. Suddenly, employment opportunities are no longer as many, and so will increase the amount and type of worrying about the future. How you feel at work matters less than how work feels about you, leaving you trapped in jobs you don’t like, which can easily not like you. The worry over happy futures intensifies leading to the proverbial midlife crisis. Your status as an individual is threatened.

In a globalized world where the need to shore up individual worth has intensified, contemporary western society has amplified this by focusing even more on the individual. This creates a dichotomy that unfortunately alienates, rather than integrates and empowers us. Even neo-Marxist Critical theorists in the Frankfurt School of social thought have long agonized on the alienation of people from society, characterized as a world machine that treats us simply as high value inputs in ever increasing call for productive efficiency.

Thus, personal freedoms are held higher than communitarian principles. It’s easy to dismiss our communities like family, church, and [This takes off from previous pieces on the same topic, which dealt with steps in empowering a citizen (Step Nos. 1 to 4), as a way to prepare for the synchronized Barangay Assemblies scheduled on Saturday, March 28, 2015.]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews) -- It is good that the concept of “Bottom Up Budgeting” (BUB) is becoming the mantra of national and local agencies in planning for development. It’s as it should be.

But to be effective, the people must be involved, not just self-appointed representatives, delegates, or spokespersons that presume to speak for the community. It’s important for barangay citizens to ensure that this is so, enlisting knowledgeable neighbors to pitch in—e.g. financial professionals and the like. Thus, EMPOWERING STEP NO. 5: HELP PROFESSIONALIZE BUDGET PREPARATION, making sure the final version covers the top priority needs of the community.

The barangay’s common fund is at stake here. Not only the internal revenue allotment (IRA) is involved (the fund that officials use up like a spending allowance without thinking of a return on investment). There are revenues of all types like the barangay’s share of real property taxes collected by the municipality/city, other taxes and fees charged for various transactions, and even grants. They must all be factored; all expenditures carefully planned; not left to chance.

Budgets are supposed to be formulated in collaboration with the stakeholders, with due regard for revenue expectations and the community’s potential for growth. If there is no Development Plan, the common fund can only be misused, abused, and depleted.

friendships as MY TWO CENTS’ useless commitments and fetters to our personal freedoms.

The sociologist Peter Berger lists family as mediating structures that cushion John Tria the effects of ecisouth@gmail.com functional modernity that treats us like pawns in the world economy.

The Catholic Pope Francis calls the Church a field hospital for those struggling in the battle of life. Friends and family are what ought to make life worth it. It is only on the deathbeds of individualists that we see a lot of humanity, humility, and grace in the acceptance of family and friends, and the regret that more time and effort should have been spent in the family rather than the workplace. Must we wait that long to realize such things?

Family life is often dismissed as a cramping of the style of the individual, with unnecessary rules and relationships that prevent us from actualizing ourselves. Often we hear many netizens angry at their churches for encouraging them to look at life this way, rather than enjoying the pleasures of the moment. Of course,

that’s probably when you are young, popular, and sought after in the material world. But when we start getting sick, only the family is left to care for us. Therefore, family life and real friendships is where our value lies, and where we are valued over time, even when the world no longer values us.

Unfortunately, a lot has happened to deaden this value giving role of the family, and in a globalized economy the individual simply becomes an automaton, and when he or she ages, individual value shrinks. In many western countries, divorce rates are high and so are levels of abortion and other things that tend to value the individual over the family. Many western countries allocate taxpayer money to support children and care for elderly folks that families do not take in. State instruments like the courts have been turned into channels of further alienation and disintegration, rather then empowerment. Even here in the Philippines, go to any family court and three fourths of the dockets are petitions for marriage annulment.

Contrary to the spousal beating and oppressions I expected to hear from petitioners (reasons I consider respectable), I mostly heard the lamest reasons like the lack of communication, the “desire to be free,” “lazy husband” to end a marriage and a family. These are things that can be talked over, but some lawyers are more than happy to exploit family quarrels to earn legal and appearance fees. Often, the individuals left after the family break-up are not happier than

when they started, and secretly yearn for a time when things were better. Their worlds have become complicated, and the legal fix blind to his or her happiness. Dura Lex. Obviously, strong families mean less taxes to fill in the gaps of love, caring and support that families would have given. Family love means so much more than any state allowance or milk ration even from the best welfare states like Norway or Canada. Families are where love is first learned, and the selfless giving of self to others is nurtured. It is where self and mutual respect, mistakes are ultimately forgiven, and tolerance and service are practiced. Doubtless, families are human institutions and are not perfect, but neither are we, nor is the State, and much less the workplace. Can we ask for better laws and programs to strengthen families?

They are still the most effective way to build a humane, progressive society where people practice the respect and freedom in relative maturity.

Perhaps the bifocal lens means more than getting old. It brings a new, albeit more careful perspective in looking at the world. Suddenly, individualist pursuits like money, popularity and the nice car no longer appeal to you as much as the presence at the dinner table of your college-age children, the warmth of the bed beside your life partner, the blazoned sunsets and cool mornings. It sometimes takes bifocals to see these important things which actually lie in front of us.

For this reason, people who cannot make a living by themselves are unsuitable for public office and should be discouraged from seeking political office. It is bad enough that they possess neither the aptitude nor the skills for managing a government, a corporation, or an economy.

EMPOWERING STEP NO. 6: Promote Volunteerism as a way of saving on the costs of development while providing avenues of service for the able, the willing, and the well-off in the community.

There are citizens who would welcome the opportunity to help, to give, or to share what they can. Generous souls feel the need to express their ideas, art, craft, technique, or good fortune. They need an avenue of service.

Service to community or fellowman is the hallmark of responsible, caring citizens. It is why there are civic clubs and service organizations in every society—Jaycees and Rotarians, Lions and Kiwanis, Eagles and Scouts, Coast Guard Auxiliaries, CFC-Gawad Kalinga, and so on. They wish to serve, to show concern for others, and they like doing it for free, not for pay.

It is right and proper that they be provided an avenue for their altruism or philanthropy.

They shouldn’t have to go beyond their barangay to satisfy their communitarian ideals.

They are stakeholders in it; they should be accommodated. The community’s government should make room for their creativity, their enterprise, their vision, and their sense of mission. As volunteers, they entail little or no financial cost. In fact, they should be drafted to replace those who insist on getting paid for community service!

First—Take stock of the professionals,

retired persons, housewives, and youth with time or special skills to share, and make room for them in the barangay’s programs and projects. They are invaluable for promoting the arts and crafts, fitness and sports, hobbies and livelihood courses. They will enliven community life, expand the residents’ horizons, and enhance local pride. In turn, the experience will deepen the bonds between them (the volunteers) and the community. It will raise local citizen morale and boost their patriotism.

Second—Take stock of the cultural needs of the community. Does it need a Library and Reading Center—with books, journals, magazines, reference materials, and newspapers?

It shouldn’t be just commercial handouts and giveaways, complimentary stuff; an information and research center for both youth and adults is important for intellectual and cultural development. Why not literacy and numeracy courses, or agro-industrial seminars? Lectures and demonstrations on technology and industrial skills are always useful.

Make room also for activities that promote culture and refine manners such as driving habits and road courtesy for motorists and pedestrians. Why only physical sports or songand-dance concerts when there can also be intellectual and mentally challenging events?

There could be chess, scrabble or Sudoku games, sewing circles, or artists’ corners and piano concerts.

Too long has the preponderance of television and mass entertainment fare victimized and bastardized grassroots culture and the masses, making a mockery of formal education and Filipino values. The community should make up for the damage this has done in its neighborhoods.

Take charge!

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA First—Insist that it be reviewed by the Barangay Assembly. It should be based on the approved development and investment Plan.

Anyone serious about good governance and preventing corruption should not tolerate the long-time practice of giving the chairman and the sanggunian blanket authority in formulating it and a blank check to spend as they please. It encourages corruption and violates the principle of accountability.

Second—Examine the item for personal services. The law allows up to a maximum of fifty-five percent (55%) of annual income to be spent for personal services. But the officials habitually treat this maximum as the minimum. After subtracting mandatory allocations such as the 10% for the sangguniang kabataan, and the 5% as calamity fund, very little is left for basic services and development programs.

Few residents know that their barangay chairman and sanggunian members draw allowances and enjoy perks comparable to those of business executives, to the detriment of basic services. Not good. To view their allowance as a salary instead of just an allowance violates the spirit of the law.

To provide for themselves first is to provide for the community last. It is self-service instead of public service. Officials should not rely on the barangay’s limited funds. They should be earning a salary somewhere else; otherwise they are a burden instead of an asset to the community. Worse, they are susceptible to corruption.

10 NEWS 150 dead... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

taner, who flew over the site, said on Twitter: “Horrendous images in this mountain scenery. Nothing is left but debris and bodies.

“A horror -- the plane is totally destroyed.”

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who also made a pass over the crash site, described a “horrific sight”.

“We are all united in great sorrow,” said the minister.

At airports in Barcelona and Duesseldorf, the departure and destination, some relatives let out wails of grief as they struggled to come to terms with the loss.

- Working on assumption of ‘accident’ Budget airline Germanwings said the Airbus plunged for eight minutes but the crew made no distress call before crashing near the ski resort of Barcelonnette, according to French officials.

One of the plane’s black boxes has been found, but it was unclear whether it was the flight data recorder or the cockpit voice recorder.

Weather did not appear to be a factor in the crash, with conditions “calm” at the time.

“There was no cloud at the plane’s cruising altitude”, winds were “light to moderate” and there was no turbulence that could have contributed to the crash, French weather officials said.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls confirmed in parliament that no one had survived the disaster and Lufthansa said it was working on the assumption the crash was an “accident”.

“Anything else would be

speculation,” Lufthansa vice president Heike Birlenbach told reporters at Barcelona’s El Prat airport.

She said the 24-year-old Airbus A320 had undergone its last routine check on Monday.

Germanwings executive Thomas Winkelmann said the pilot had “more than 10 years of experience” and some 6,000 flying hours on an Airbus jet under his belt.

It was the first fatal accident in the history of Germanwings, and the deadliest on the French mainland since 1974 when a Turkish Airlines plane crashed, killing 346 people.

- ‘Ground access is horrible’ A crisis cell has been set up in the area between Barcelonnette and Digne-les-Bains along with an emergency flight control centre to coordinate chopper flights to the crash site.

Authorities commandeered a large meadow with dozens of helicopters taking off. Several days will be needed to recover the scattered remains of those killed, a police spokesman said.

Valls said one helicopter had been able to touch down at the site of the accident but locals described the difficult terrain that awaited rescue teams.

“Ground access is horrible ... it’s a very high mountainous area, very steep and it’s terrible to get there except from the air during winter,” local resident Francoise Pie said.

Another local official, Gilbert Sauvan, told AFP: “The only possible access was by helicopter and people had to

be winched down because the choppers couldn’t land.”

A separate mountain rescue team left on foot but they would take three hours to reach the site, he added.

Expressing their shock, French President Francois Hollande, his German counterpart Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said they would all go to the crash site on Wednesday.

The 144 passengers were mainly German and Spanish, and included two babies.

Germanwings said 67 Germans were believed to have been on board while Spain said 45 people with Spanish-sounding names were on the flight.

Two Colombians and two Australians were also confirmed to be among the dead, while Hollande said Turks may also have been aboard.

Belgium and Denmark said at least one of their nationals was on board, while Britain said its nationals were likely among the victims.

Japan also said it was checking whether two of the passengers were Japanese.

A Swedish third division football team booked on the fatal flight had changed flights at the last minute. “May they rest in peace,” Dalkurd FF goalkeeper Frank Pettersson wrote on Twitter.

The world’s worst air disasters remain the March 27, 1977, collision of two Boeing 747s on the runway at Tenerife in the Canary Islands, killing 583 people, and the August 12, 1985 crash into a mountainside of a Boeing 747 belonging to Japan Airlines, killing 520 people.

for President by almost all sectors of society, and even sneaked from down South to land No. 3 spot in the latest survey of Pulse Asia on preferred presidential prospects.

The survey result was remarkable for someone who hasn’t even declared his

intention to run in the 2016 presidential elections.

But, despite the snowballing clamor for him to seek the country’s highest position, Duterte remained adamant.

“The presidency is a distant star for me,” Duterte said

in a radio interview.

After the Bohol sojourn, Duterte, who will turn 70 days from now, will resume his federalism campaign after the Holy Week.

Laviña said Duterte will be in iligan on April 7 and Bukidnon on April 15.

del Sur,” she said, adding that DTI provincial offices will host the center, not the local government unit like Davao City.

The center for Compostela Valley will be located in a new building near the DTI 11-Compostela Valley provincial office.

The trade and industry agency, Ambi said, is also targeting to set Negosyo informa-

tion desk in all municipalities and cities in the region.

The establishment of the center is anchored to R. A. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act that seeks to strengthen the micro,small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create more job opportunities and promote inclusive growth The creation of the Nego-

syo Center will promote “ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs.” Under the law, Negosyo Centers will provide services on business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation of business processes for MSMEs.

P10-billion in rental income in 2016. Last year also saw the consolidation of Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. (ELI) and Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI) under Megaworld. This enabled us to strengthen our land bank nationwide,” he added.

“We expect to maintain similar growth momentum generated in the past, achieving a double-digit net income growth every year on the back of a stronger and bigger township portfolio,” he also noted.

Five townships that

were launched last year and another five townships to be launched this year will increase the company’s township developments to 20 by the end of 2015.

Last year, the company launched the following townships: Woodside City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Pinas City (62 hectares) and Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares).

Just last week, the company announced two of the five township developments lined up for this year: The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares), both in Negros Occidental.

Megaworld’s pioneering “LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN” concept for integrated mixeduse communities, or commonly known as townships in the Philippines, has enabled the company to complete 342 buildings with a total area of 6.4 million square meters over the past 25 years.

Mayor Duterte... FROM 2

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Warden... FROM 3 coercing, intimidating, and threatening complainants and witnesses, order retaliation, orchestrate crimes, and organize rescue plans.

The proposed ordinance will prevent the inmates from bribing jail officers or custodians since the possession of excessive amount of money will be prohibited.

“To safeguard public health

and well-being of the inmates by penalizing the possession and entry of illegal drugs, cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages,” the draft ordinance stated.

The proposal stated that the contraband refers to deadly and bladed weapons; metal cutting saw or blades and digging tools not permitted by the jail officers; cigarettes and

other tobacco products; liquor, beer, coconut wine, and other intoxicating beverages; prohibited drug drugs and paraphernalia; cash which is more than the prescribed allowable, to include checks; mobile phone and electronic communication devices; pornographic materials; gambling paraphernalia and other products prohibited by jail officials.

Law. I have thoroughly studied the BBL,” he pointed out The cardinal proposed to both houses of Philippine Congress to look deeply into the BBL especially on the following considerations: 1. Let legal and constitutional experts have a consensus on what is clearly illegal or unconstitutional in the BBL. Let their wise words guide the rewording of provisions.

2. Each provision of the BBL has been meticulously discussed by the peace panels through several years at first with mistrust and hostility and then finally in dialogue and trust. They know the whys and the wherefores of each provision. It would be to the interest

of the common good for them to explain the meaning and the rationale of provisions that are questioned and objected to.

3. Let not the BBL be so emasculated that the centuries-old aspiration of the Bangsamoro for self-determination be made again a meaningless word.

Such considerations, he said, are vital to bring genuine peace and development to Mindanao: “Yet both peace panels have been demonized. Judgments have been made about the BBL that the BBL itself does not advocate. These judgments have misinformed the public about the nature of the BBL and raised public opinion against a document that is the most sig-

nificant hope so far of a just and lasting peace in Southern Mindanao.”

He also prayed for the widows and the orphaned children of the Mamasapano incident by describing the same as “horrible human tragedy that could have been avoided.”

“I pray for all the fallen, the families, the widows and children they left behind. I pray that such terrible human tragedy will not happen again.”

Cardinal Quevedo ended his statement by saying that “a refined BBL is about doing the truth and justice, walking in kindness and love, mercy and compassion. This is the way of the heart, the way to a just and lasting peace.”

Davao Region and neighboring cities in Mindanao.

He said that there are at least more than 2,000 Vas in Davao City both working

at home and in BPO companies offering VA services.

He said the growth in the number of VA practitioners has been fueled

by bigger income of the virtual assistants ghan the call agents, ranging from P12,000 starting rates up to P45 to P50,000.

Cardinal... FROM 4

Virtual... FROM 6

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Oppo R5: Thin body, heavy features

By JON JOAQUIN

Y

OU’VE probably seen the ad for the Oppo R5 on YouTube. In it the phone is used as a knife to slice through some fruit to show how thin it is. It also gets the “Sierratone bed” treatment (the older ones will remember those TV ads) by getting run over by a car to show how durable it is. I didn’t try these with the review phone that was lent to me, but after using it for two weeks I have no doubt that it can take that kind of punishment. The R5’s body, after all, is made of stainless steel. Not aluminum, stainless steel. This means it can take a real beating and come out unscathed.

The stainless steel case is just part of the R5’s arsenal. Its specs are impressive: full HD 5.2 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen with 16 million colors, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen, 2GB RAM, an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC, 16GB of storage, and 13 MP camera. And all these are packed into a case that is a mere 4.85mm thick. It is this thickness — or lack of it — that most people first noticed as I whipped it out during the review period.

“Aren’t you afraid of getting cut?” some friends joked.

“How are you going to get that past airport security?” one of them asked a day before I was to travel to Baguio.

Beyond the thinness, however, is a phone that leaves a lot of others in the dust. Its speed is impres-

G

sive, with absolutely no lags within and between apps.

It’s like using a well-oiled machine, making use of its fast processor to the max.

Oppo also mixed in a lot of gestures to make the phone a lot easier to use, and with such a big screen these are a welcome feature. Want to turn it on? Just double tap on the locked screen. Want to adjust the volume? Drag two fingers up or down to increase or decrease the sound. From a locked screen you can also access some features: trace a circle and you open the camera; drag down with two fingers and you open the music player.

These may sound gimmicky, but in real world use they are very useful. Also, they save the physical buttons from use and abuse, ensuring a longer life for the phone.

If you are so inclined (which I was not), you can also activate the air gestures which make use of the camera to detect hand gestures so that you can do some functions without having to touch the screen. Just wave your hand in front of the camera and you can move through various window panes. Why you would want to do this I don’t actually know because it’s much easier just to touch the screen, but in case you want this feature it’s there.

One of the things that impressed me the most was the camera. Like I said, it is easily accessible from the locked screen with a simple

“O” gesture. The big screen makes it easy to compose pictures, and the shutter responds almost instantaneously. This makes it great for use in action shots, but

regular candid shots also benefit a lot from it. Missing that cute face your baby makes is no longer a problem with the R5. The colors are enhanced a little but

versity (BSU) identified this need and developed a mobile application that would allow hassle-free checking of test papers.

The Smart IMAGE (Instant Multiple-option Assessor for General Examinations) won 2nd place at the 11th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards organized by wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), a competition designed to encourage students to think outside of the box, and utilize web- and mobile technologies to address

existing pain points in their communities.

“For generations, teachers have always complained of the extra effort and time needed to check their students’ test papers.

This mobile app will make it much easier for them to do that task, giving them more time to interact with students or bond with their families,” says Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

“This is the type of market-driven innovation that we

encourage students to develop under the SWEEP Awards. The mobile phone has become an integral part of Filipino lives, and at Smart, we want to harness this device to help empower people to live more,” adds Isberto.

The Smart IMAGE, specifically designed for a multiple choice type of test, allows for fast checking of examination papers. Teachers just need to take a photo of the test paper using their smartphones and the app will determine the score of the student.

“We wanted to create an app that would address a seemingly small yet serious problem in the community, particularly within the academe,” says team member Rannie Salvador.

People often overlook the fact that teachers have to allot a substantial amount of their time going through test papers.

A teacher with a class of 40 students will need 400 minutes or a little less than seven hours to finish the task, assuming it will take him just 10 minutes to go through each test paper. Longer exams would require longer hours for checking.

Mobile app that helps teachers check test papers is SWEEP Awards runner-up

OING over students’ test papers and checking their answers are considered part of the workload of teachers.

What if educators were presented with an alternative that would provide relief from this often tedious task? Would freeing the time of teachers in going over examination papers lead to, among others, a more improved learning experience among students?

A team of Electronics and Communications Engineering students from Bulacan State Uni-

WINNERS. Team Smart IMAGE (Instant Multiple-option Assessor for General Examinations) from Bulacan State University won 2nd place at the recent 11th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The team is joined by Smart executives led by PLDT and Smart president and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, (3rd from right), and DOST Undersecretary Mon Ibrahim (3rd from left).

this is something that most users actually want. If not, adjustments can be made before and after a shot is made.

The 5MP front facing camera, however, misses the mark a little because of its rather aggressive noise reduction feature. It has to do this so that shots in low light can still be made, but the result is a washed out selfie (or groupie, as the case may be). There’s a benefit to it, however, because faces suddenly become blemish-free, and I suspect many users actually want this feature also. (Come to think of it, I see a lot of selfies on Facebook nowadays where the faces are a little too smooth. Perhaps this is a feature most phone makers are adopting).

So what’s not to like about the R5? Not a lot, actually. My biggest beef is the placement of the unlock button, which sits at the middle of the right side. From that position I kept on pressing it accidentally, so that it would lock when I was still using it. Maybe it was just me, but it happened often enough for me to think Oppo made a mistake in its placement.

Another problem I had was with the swipe down notification screen. For some reason it was a little unreliable, failing to drop down many times or, when it did,

it would quickly go back up.

It seemed to be a glitch that needed to be fixed.

Other than that the phone is a joy to use — and a sight to behold. Oppo obviously put a lot of thought in this little baby, dressing it up with its own ColorOS that makes the Android 4.4 operating system that much more fluid to use. The screen is drop-dead gorgeous and doesn’t hurt the eyes (a special concern for those of us who are moving on in age). The big screen also makes it easy to use (again it’s an age thing), but the phone’s overall size and weight doesn’t make it difficult to carry around. And it’s so thin you hardly notice you’re carrying it.

Oh, and one more thing: contrary to some online reviews, the R5 actually has a great battery life. After full day of use (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) I usually still had about 50 percent of battery life. That’s with heavy texting, some internet browsing (both wifi and using Globe data), and a lot of photo taking.

The Oppo R5 is a great overall phone that sells for P21,990. It’s available in every mall in Davao City through Oppo dealers. Oppo also has concept stores in Gaisano Mall of Davao, GMall Tagum, and soon at NCCC Mall.

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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

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EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Dinner at KL’s

Astana Bambu The Astana Bambu’s entryway.

MALAYSIA is a food lover’s paradise thanks to its location that is straddled in between the Orient and India with ancient trade connections that link the country to the Middle East and further west to Europe. It can be said therefore that Malaysia’s cuisine has been influenced by the various cultures that have called Malaysia home making it a complex fusion of tastes and flavours.

I was able to experience this on a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur where our guide took us out to dinner at the Astana Bambu.

Literally meaning ‘bamboo palace,’ the Astana Bambu is a restaurant located near the outskirts of KL which offers a unique padi-field setting where bamboo dining pavilions sit on top of water-filled paddies or ponds. From the floors to the walls to the ceiling and the furniture, everything inside the restaurant is made of bamboo and natural materials.

The menu of Astana Bambu is composed of various seafood dishes as well as some Thai and Indonesian influenced dishes. Given that Thailand and Indonesia are close neighbours to Malaysia,

Beef Rendang.

Astana Bambu’s main dining hall.

their flavours can also be found in Malaysian cuisine.

For starters we were served Fish Ball Tom Yum, the soup was sour with a kick of heat while the fish balls were just the way I remembered them when I tried them in Thailand. A beautiful Fried Fish with a Kerabu Mango Salad followed. The sweet tanginess of the mango salad which is similar to a Thai mango salad complimented the wok-fried fish.

I also loved the hearty Beef Rendang which was nice and savoury with just a hint of heat. The richness of the curry sauce made me reach for the rice a good many times as what is a meal with curry without rice right?

I really enjoyed my dinner at the Astana Bambu.

The experience made me realise just how complex and interesting dining out in Malaysia truly is thanks to its myriad of cultures and cuisines. As I write this article, I am already planning my next food excursion in Malaysia.

Many thanks to Tourism Malaysia who made this food trip possible.

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

Fish with Kerabu Mango.

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UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Davaoeños live all out with Smart Carla Prepaid for 78th Araw ng Dabaw WIRELESS leader Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) turned the 78th Araw ng Dabaw into one of the country’s grandest celebrations as Smart Prepaid’s “Live All Out” partnered with the local government in hosting gatherings aimed at giving Dabawenyos a richer and more exciting festival experience.

The highlight of Smart Prepaid’s “Live All Out” activities were the ‘Araw ng Dabaw Musicfest’ and the ‘Colors Street Party,’ both held on March 13 at the San Pedro Square, where thousands of locals and tourists gathered for an awesome night.

An electronic dance music party, the Araw ng Davao Musicfest gathered the top DJs from Davao’s finest bars to whip up eargasmic beats and electrifying tunes for a sea of youthful crowd from sunset until dawn.

As if that were not enough, Smart Prepaid also backed the ‘Colors Street Party,’ where thousands of partygoers moved to the latest beats as a spectrum of colored powder descend upon them in an outdoor rave.

Throughout the night, Davaoeños took to their favorite social networking sites to share their best moments with friends and loved ones, thanks to Smart’s reliable network and suite of mobile Internet promos that allow everyone to live all out in the digital world.

The next day, Smart backed the annual search for the ‘Mutya ng Dabaw,’in which 21-year old Marie Ernestine Torro garnered massive support from her fans to take home the Smart Texter’s Choice Award.

The 2015 Mutya ng Davao

crown eventually went to Kris Abegail Guanzon, 21. Following her prestige are Jenefe Simbahon, 21 (1st Runner Up), Nisreen Mohammad Khurshid, 20 (2nd Runner Up), Minette Macaraeg, 22 (3rd Runner Up), and Floriemer Soriano, 22, (4th Runner Up).

On March 16, Smart joined the Parada Dabawenyo, a community march joined by the city’s ardent supporters, civic groups and organizations.

Throughout the festival, Smart

subscribers had special access to the Smart Zone, a cozy hangout where they had the chance to enjoy activities, such as spending time at the Spinnr Corner to win special tracks, watching the live music visualizations of their ‘Live All Out’ moments while recharging their devices at the Chill All Out nook, and challenge their friends to exciting games for a chance to win prizes.

At select tourist destinations around the city, Smart Prepaid

Habagat Night Ride at SM City Davao Earth Hour SM CITY DAVAO once again joins the world in the observance of the Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28. At 8:30 PM, the mall will switch off a significant portion of their lights as message of commitment to energy conservation.

The mall has consistently practiced energy conservation measures earning it a distinction from the ASEAN Energy Awards in 2014 as well as the local Lunhaw Awards last March 13.

Campaigning for clean air, healthy lifestyle and reduced emissions, Habagat will be joining this year’s cel-

ebration. The Habagat Night Ride is open to all bikers with complete safety gears. Registration will be open 1PM at the Parking C of SM City Davao. The ride will start at the open parking and will cover approximately 10 kilometers.

“We encourage everyone to join us in this campaign. We will have bike clinics, bike maintenance services and lectures on road safety in the morning. At 6pm, we start the in-mall parade while the night ride kicks off at 7:30pm. Program proper will start at 8PM which will lead to the ceremonial switch off at 8:30PM. Our mall

tenants will continue to operate as we observe the Earth Hour. ” mall manager Lynette Lopez shares.

Various private and government organizations are expected to take part in the worldwide campaign against climate change at SM City Davao. Youtube sensation Bogart the Explorer will be hosting the event.

Parties interested to join the ride, parade and the activity may call 297.6998. Like SM City Davao on Facebook and follow @smcitydavao on Twitter and @ SMDavao on Instagram for event and promo updates.

A sea of Davaoeños flock to the San Pedro Square for Smart ‘Live All Out’ parties in celebration of Araw ng Dabaw.

Throughout the celebrations, Smart Prepaid subscribers enjoyed exclusive perks and freebies for a more exciting festival experience. subscribers also had access to ‘Live All Out’ Stations, where they enjoyed free WiFi and snapped and printed their own Araw ng Dabaw photo-souvenirs.

The Araw ng Dabaw is part of the series of regional celebrations that Smart has made more exciting through its “Live All Out” activities. Prior to Araw ng Dabaw, Smart Prepaid’s “Live All Out” has turned up the celebrations in Cebu’s Sinulog, Iloilo’s Dinagyang and Baguio’s Panagbenga.

Smart subscribers should watch out as Smart Prepaid is to set to reach out to more areas of the country to provide them with an incomparable festival experience.

For more information and updates, check out Smart.com.ph/ liveallout and follow @SMARTCares on Twitter and Instagram.

Bridges of L viewers’ int ABS-CBN’s newest toprating, Twitter-trending primetime drama series “Bridges of Love” starring Jericho Rosales, Paulo Avelino, and Maja Salvador has quickly caught the attention of TV viewers with its daring, fast-paced storytelling of the lives of two brothers Gael (Jericho) and Carlos (Paulo) who were unfortunately separated by a tragedy and now bridged by their growing fascination over one alluring club dancer named Mia (Maja).

Based on data from Kantar Media, “Bridges of Love” has kept the audience awake despite its late night time slot as proven by its nightly upswing in national TV ratings since it premiered last Monday

(Ma tion 24. fro (Ma Its GM

PRIDEFEST on March 28 at Acropolis Solenn and Iya d

By Athena Jillian Bravo Metro Davao Pride once again treats Davao’s partyphiles with PRIDEFEST on March 28, 2015 at the Acropolis Super Club.

PRIDEFEST is a gathering of the LGBT community which will be formally launched as an annual event. The same date would also be the commencement of Metro Davao Pride. Metro Davao Pride would like to build a LGBT community where its members can express themselves by being involved in social gatherings or in the society itself. It is also for the fellow Dabawenyos to be fully

aware of their existence in the community.

This fun party experience will be held at Acropolis Super Club, the famed king of parties in the city during the 90’s. PRIDEFEST will open its doors to guests at 8 in the evening.

Acropolis Super Club resident DJ’s Torch Gacuma and Brylle Aguirre will keep everyone up in their feet as they dance, meet new acquaintances and booze up all night at the dancefloor. The finale and the most awaited event booster of the night would be Romeo Cavalcante, a Brazilian DJ model.

AFTER enjoying the sun, sand, sea, and surf, Taste Buddies’ Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania explore the other side of Baler this Saturday as they visit the town’s museum and the church where they learn about Baler’s history.

They then take a side trip to the town of Maria Aurora for the Millenium Tree, said to be the biggest and oldest Balete tree in Asia. They also discover Dicasalarin Cove that offers a private beach, a light house, and an artist’s haven.

Iya’s hungry tummy

takes Luntia ble-lo Biboy ci t y surfer eatery his su Here, his ow tapsilo popu Solen Nanay famou nut b and c It’s urdate and I 28 in 8:45 News

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a Abellana still a Kapuso M U LT I -TA L E N T E D actress Carla Abellana remains a loyal Kapuso as she signed last March 23 another three-year exclusive contract with GMA Network.

Present during the contract signing were GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; GMA Vice President for Entertainment TV Marivin T. Arayata; GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno; GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Produc-

tions Gigi Santiago-Lara; GMA Assistant Vice President for Drama Productions Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Carla’s manager Arnold Vegafria.

Carla, who has been a loyal Kapuso for the last six years, shares that she is happy with how the Network helped her with her career, “I don’t see myself anywhere else. Ito yung home ko, dito ako talaga, I belong here. Same faces, mga nakangiti silang lahat. So sabi ko, ito pa rin yung mga makakatrabaho ko for the next three years.”

Atty. Gozon, on the other hand, is pleased that Carla continues to affirm her loyalty to the Kapuso Network, “Tayo

ang nag-offer kay Carla sa pag-renew. Kitangkita niyo naman, si Carla hindi lamang maganda at mahusay na artista, loyal pa sa atin. Tinitingnan natin lahat yan. So wala ka nang mahihingi pa kay Carla. And we consider ourselves lucky to have Carla again.”

Mr. Duavit also has nothing but praises for Carla and considers her as one of the most talented and versatile GMA stars, “Meron lang talagang mga bagay o sitwasyon kung saan alam mo na hindi kayo basta-bastang pwede mapaghiwalay. Pagkakataon na rin siguro na pasalamatan si Carla sa tiwala at sa karangalang

dinadala niya sa ating lahat. Isa siyang bukodtanging artista, very professional, very versatile.

And we do not see Carla anywhere but here.”

GMA Network has maintained a good relationship with Carla over the years, and the management expresses how easy it is to work with people who share a common ground. Ms. Rasonable attests, “Kapag masaya ang both camps sa isa’t isa, formality na lang yung pag-uusap.

Mabilis na lang nagkakaintindihan.”

Rasonable also shared the upcoming projects of Carla this year, “She’s going to do another major soap. She’ll

start working siguro in 2 months, towards the middle of the year. She also has another project with News and Public Affairs, and then tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang Ismol Family because it’s doing very well and then she has Sunday All Stars. ” Mr. Vegafria, in turn, admits that his loyalty is with GMA because of the continued support they get from the network. He says, “We’re very comfortable and happy with how Carla is treated. GMA gave her a break and up to now, continuous yung support. So there’s no way for her, even me, to entertain offers from other networks.

Love sizzles on primetime TV, grips terest with fierce, fast-paced narrative

arch 16). It scored naonal TV ratings of 21.9%, .4%, 24.4%, and 24.1% om Monday to Thursday arch 19), respectively. competing program on MA, “Second Chances,”

lagged behind with 13.6%, 12.3%, 14.1% and 14.8%.

Viewers are in for a steamier treat as the plot thickens with fate playing on Gael and Carlos’ hearts that beat for Mia.

How will the brothers fight for the only girl they love?

Will their love for Mia be the cure or the poison of their brotherhood badly wounded by the past?

“Bridges of Love” is di-

rected by Dado Lumibao, Will Fredo, and Richard Somes. It is under the Star Creatives production, the creator of recent TV hits including “Princess and I,” “Got to Believe,” “The Legal Wife,” and the ongoing “Forevermore.”

Catch the extraordinary fight for family, identity, and love in “Bridges of Love,” weeknights after “Forevermore” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For exclusive updates, log on to Twitter. com/StarCreativesTV and Instagram.com/StarCreatives_TV. Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Bridges of Love” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile.com.

discover another side of Baler

her to Kusina an, the humooking hut of y Cruz. This b oy - tur n e d r built the small y to sustain urfing lifestyle. he serves own version of og and the ular pako salad. nn also visits y Pacing who is us for her peabutter, atsara, coco jam. another Sate with Solenn Iya this March Taste Buddies, PM on GMA s TV.

March 26-April 1, 2015

COCO AND JULIA’S “WANSAPANATAYM” A HIT AMONG VIEWERS, NETIZENS. Primetime King Coco Martin and Kapamilya actress Julia Montes’ “Wansapanataym” summer special debuted strongly as it reigned as the most-watched TV program last March 22. The excitement of viewers also conquered social networking sites such as Twitter where the hashtag #YamishitasTreasures became a nationwide trending topic. Meanwhile, “Wansapanataym Presents Yamishita’s Treasures” will surely thrill more viewers in its continuation this Sunday now that the fairy Tanya (Julia) has entered the world of humans. How will the relationship of fairies and humans change now that Yami (Coco) and Tanya’s paths have crossed? What will they do once Tanya finds out that the other half of the map she’s looking for is in Yami’s hands? Completing the power house cast of Coco and Julia’s “Wansapanataym” special are Eddie Garcia, Bing Loyzaga, Angel Aquino, Noni Buencamino, Arron Villaflor, Ryan Bang, Marlan Flores, and Alonzo Muhlach. It is written

by Noreen Capili and Joel Mercado, and directed by Avel Sunpongco.

INSURGENT Shailene Woodley, Theo James PG

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

CINDERELLA Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden G

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

SONG ONE Anne Hathaway, Johnny Flynn PG

R-16

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

HOME Rihanna, Jim Parsons G

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

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FOOD

3 simple sweet graduation treats MARCH, portal to summer and many diplomas. However, before we celebrate and make a summer bucket list, here’s a simple way to transform boring graduation parties into a more memorable one.

• Keep it simple. Do not overdo your menu; do not serve too much food.

• Beverage station goes a long way. Have your cans, bottles or canisters on display! Just don’t forget the ice and disposable cups, too.

• Dessert is love. Instead of one big cake, have it in bite size pieces. From the common flans to single serving mousse, have an array on display to choose from.

To help you on your menu planning, whether for a family member, friend or significant other, here are 3 amazingly deli-

Make it more memorable with a delicious diploma.

cious and easy to prepare dishes from the internet.

Do not be limited, instead, explore on the many ingredients you have on your pantry and make your dishes more meaningful and personal.

Chocolatey graduation cups for the graduate.

To all the graduates, any one smile. good job! To the parents, • Unwrap chocolate pieces congratulations!

(Reese peanut butter cup or Curly Tops). Arrange Diploma Sandwiches on plate.

Celebrate with a mini di- • Place a small amount of ploma for everyone. Mix and match flavors to make it more interesting.

• With a rolling pin, flatten whole wheat bread (or white bread) slices. You can trim off the edges for a daintier look.

• Spread a teaspoon of cream cheese or mayonnaise. Add some cold cuts, greens and tomatoes for a healthier vibe. You can also make it bolder with your choice of filling – sweet or savory, it’s up to you.

• Roll, tie and serve.

Graduation Punch Have a bowl of your favorite drink on hand – you can mix and match flavors for a added flare.

• In a sauce pan, combine 1 ½ cup of confectioner’s sugar and 2 qts water.

Cook over medium heat until dissolved.

• Once cooled, stir in powdered juice of choice. TIP: mix and match the colors and flavors. Pour mixture in a bowl.

• Add ginger ale and some fruit slices for a more refreshing taste.

• You can also serve them in gelatin form – just add unflavored gelatin powder and pour in individual cups.

Graduation Caps This cute bite size chocolate goodness can make

Personalized graduation punch. melted chocolate on the Make #TheRoyalChef chocolate and top with your Thursday habit! Folchocolate biscuit. low and tag me on insta• With the melted choco- gram (herroyalheiress) for late, add an m&m for a your delicious pics and complete look. food finds!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

13

Continued fall in oil prices causes imports decline M

ERCHANDISE imports recorded a 14.2 percent decline in January 2015 as payments for mineral fuels and lubricants, capital and consumer goods contracted in the period, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“Lower oil prices primarily caused the imports bill to decline significantly in January 2015. Over the medium term,

payments for imported crude oil may remain lower, tempering the total value of Philippine merchandise imports in 2015,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

According to a report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the total import payments fell to US$5.1 billion in January 2015 from US$6.0 billion in the same period last year. This was a reversal from the 0.4-percent

year-on-year growth in December 2014 and 24.7 percent expansion in January last year.

The 4.3-percent increase in the purchase of raw materials and intermediate goods, which accounts for nearly half (48.4%) of the country’s total imports, was not able to pull up the reduced payments for mineral fuels and lubricants, capital goods and consumer goods in January 2015.

“With oil inventories remaining at high levels and with moderate global growth projections continuing to limit energy demand, it may take time for crude oil prices to fully recover to the more than US$100 per barrel annual average price in 2011-2013,” the Cabinet official added.

Nonetheless, the tradein-goods deficit narrowed to US$0.8 billion in January 2015

from US$1.6 billion in the comparable month last year due to the steeper decline in import payments compared to the decrease in exports at 0.5 percent.

In the coming months, the buoyant outlook on the domestic economy is seen to support higher imports of raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, and consumer items.

“Our prospects for the business sector, including export-oriented industries, remain largely positive, especially in the quarter ahead, as more businesses have expressed their interest to expand operations, especially

the manufacturing sector,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

“Consumer spending is also likely to remain upbeat, in line with increases in income opportunities as reflected in the January 2015 employment numbers,” he added.

Moreover, downside risks from port congestion in Metro Manila may have eased, with utilization rates gradually going back to normal levels.

Major port projects set by the Philippine Ports Authority this year are expected to further improve trade facilitation and eventually increase external trade.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Jewelry and other items pawned at Jaskin Pawnshop San Perdo Street, Davao City during the months of September 1 to October 31, 2014 if not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on April 16, 2015 at our pawnshop premises.

March 23,24,25

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

CLASS AND COMFORT. Condominium units of the 33-level Aeon Towers, a signature project of FTC Group of Companies, offer a classy comfortability with a breath-taking view of Davao’s metropolitan landscape as well as the pristine blue waters of Davao Gulf. Featuring state-of-the-art smart home amenities, the Aeon Towers make for

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

either a wise investment or a comfortable and affordable urban recluse. The Aeon Towers condominium rooms can be viewed at the Aeon Towers Showroom along JP Laurel Avenue. Display exhibits are also ongoing at the SM Lanang Premier Atrium and at the SM City Davao.

Smart backs global industry pact on humanitarian response W

IRELESS leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is supporting the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, a landmark global telecommunications industry commitment to assist customers and responders before, during and after humanitarian emergencies.

Smart is one of the four founding signatories to the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, along with Axiata, Etisalat, and Ooredoo that collectively represent over one billion subscribers in 35 countries. The Charter was signed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Through the Charter, mobile network operators (MNOs) will commit to a common set of principles and work towards the adoption of initiatives focused on humanitarian connectivity to create a more coordinated and predictable response to disasters.

“As one of the founding signatories to the Charter, Smart reiterates its commitment to support affected populations

and responding entities especially during extraordinary events for preparedness and resiliency,” said Orlando B. Vea, chief wireless advisor and founder of Smart who signed the document along with the other signatories at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Smart is a strong advocate for disaster preparedness and emergency response, one of its community partnership pillars. Under SafePH, its integrated disaster preparedness and response strategy, it is able to immediately deploy mobile satellite services; restore and reactivate the cellular network in record time; partner with the likes of Telecoms sans Frontieres, Vodafone Foundation, and Thuraya for interim network solutions; offer timely and relevant services; and roll out innovative mobile money solutions. Last year, SafePh was recognized with the award for “Best Use of Mobile in Emergency or Humanitarian Situations” at the Global Mobile Awards held at 2014 Mobile World Congress.”

“Mobile networks and the connectivity that they provide can be a lifeline for those affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies,” said Anne Bouverot, GSMA director general, in a statement. “To date, mobile operators, through services such as early warning systems and SMS information campaigns, have demonstrated their commitment to citizens during adverse events. The Humanitarian Connectivity Charter will strengthen preparedness and collaboration within the industry, ensuring that mobile operators are undertaking measures to prepare their own operations, support subscribers and equip responders to face the growing challenge presented by humanitarian emergencies around the world.” The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in a statement, said, “I congratulate the GSMA and its membership for developing this partnership with the humanitarian community, which will enable people affected by crises to gain access to vital communications.”

The GSMA has been actively consulting the industry on harnessing mobile for humanitarian response. Darwin Flores, head of community partnerships at Smart, was among three workshop facilitators that included representatives from Vodafone Foundation and Ericsson Response during the Industry Consultation Workshop held

CONNECTING PEOPLE DURING DISASTERS. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), along with Axiata, Etisalat, and Ooredoo, sign the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, as part of its commitment to provide communications support to its subscribers and responders during disasters. Joining Smart’s chief wireless advisor and founder Orlando B. Vea (rightmost) are, from left, Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, managing director/president and group chief executive officer, Axiata Group; Dr. Nasser Marafih, chief executive officer of the Ooredoo Group; and GSMA director general Anne Bouverot.

during the global conference.

The launch of the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter reflects the growing recognition within the mobile industry and among government and responding stakeholders of the crucial role that mobile plays during humanitarian crises.

“As a telco, we’re committed to be always organizationally prepared before disasters and to be able to respond rapidly during and after disasters. It is clear that communications as relief has become as nearly important to affected communities as food, water, and medicines during disasters,” said Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

The GSMA said challenges posed by disasters are too large for any single entity to address individually. The Charter will further push collaboration and partnership within the industry and with external partners.

The Charter is supported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), the UN Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It was created following two years of industry workshops and collaboration facilitated by the GSMA Disaster Response programme, in association with UN agencies,

mobile operators, vendors and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Bouverot continued, “The Humanitarian Connectivity Charter recognizes the unique and enabling role of mobile networks in many communities today and how they become a critical partner to those affected by crisis, by providing the fundamental tools needed for improved coordination and action during times of humanitarian disaster. The GSMA, together with the UN OCHA, is encouraging mobile operators to globally commit to the Charter in order to enable an even more unified and effective response during times of crisis.”

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

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‘Fight of the Century’ turning into profit punchout T

HE first ticket has yet to be sold, but the richest fight in boxing history is getting richer by the day.

New estimates show Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s payoff for fighting Manny Pacquiao could easily be $180 million, up substantially from earlier predictions of $120 million.

Pacquiao gets the short end of the purse, but even that is expected to be well over $100 million by the time everything is tallied up.

The money is staggering, though not exactly unexpected.

Five years of waiting seem to have only piqued the public’s demand for the one fight even casual fans of the sport want to see.

“For whatever it’s worth, the buildup over these years has certainly enhanced the fight,” promoter Bob Arum. “Everybody knows about it now, even people who don’t follow boxing. Plus we have a good economy, unlike in 2009 when people were out of work and didn’t have the money to spend.”

Fans will certainly have to pay a price to see the May 2 welterweight title bout, especially those lucky enough to score a ticket inside the MGM Grand arena itself.

Ticket prices there range from $1,500 in the upper deck to $7,500 at ringside - and only a small percentage of the tickets will actually be put on public sale.

Read more about the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on CBSSports.com Arum said Tuesday the gate at

the MGM alone will be more than $72 million, obliterating the previous live gate record of $20 million in Nevada set by Mayweather’s 2013 fight with Canelo Alvarez.

Though the MGM will provide some tickets for its biggest gamblers, Arum said even the celebrities who can normally get free tickets to sit ringside will have to pay full fare for the fight - if they can get their hands on tickets at all.

Promoters announced a deal Tuesday with Sky Sports to televise the fight on pay-per-view in England and parts of Europe, part of another $35 million expected to come in from foreign rights. Add in another $10 million in sponsorships - Tecate beer will be the main sponsor - and the fight will gross more than $100 million before a single home in North America buys the pay-per-view.

Less certain is how many people will spend what is expected to be $100 or so for the pay-per-view in the U.S., but that could easily break records, too. Mayweather’s 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya currently tops the charts with 2.44 million buys, but many think Mayweather-Pacquiao could do more than 3 million homes despite softness in the pay-per-view market in the last few years.

“That’s the one element that’s a mystery,” Arum told The Associated Press. “It seems like it will break the record, but who really knows? Anyone who predicts the total pay-per-view is whistling in the dark.”

TRAINING HARD. Boxing star Manny Pacquiao is hard in training for his fight against Floyd Mayweather. The fight of the century is said to be raking in huge revenues with ticket booths yet to open.

11 ITF Taekwondo Nat’l Invt’l tourney March 29 T th

HE 11th International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Philippines National and Invitational tournament is slated on March 29 at the Kadayawan Hall of NCCC Mall Davao in Matina.

“We expecting 60 to 70 players coming from Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and

TRAINING HARD. Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis proved that he can still be a very valuable part of the Dallas attack in a 101-94 victory over San Antonio that created a virtual tie with the Spurs for sixth place in the West standings (the Spurs are still ahead by percentage points).

T

HERE is reason to think there’s a purpose why Pope Francis has declared 2015 as The Year of the Poor and we have to reflect on this.

Now, why am I going spiritual? Because all things had to go down being rooted to one’s soul.

Even Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Manny’s spiritual side is unquestionable. I went to a Catholic school and studied a dozen years of religion but I believe Manny has read more pages in the bible than I did.

I appreciate Manny’s re-

Philippines,” said ITF Davao chairman Ryan Cordero at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.

ITF Philippines president Jose Antonio Sta. Ana and ITF Asian consultant Mariusz Steckiewicz are gracing the event.

“There will be pattern

and sparring competitions for kids, teens and adults both blackbelts and colored,” Cordero said.

The Davao Region will be represented by 40 players including Tagum.

Medals and trophies will up for grabs.

“ITF is different from the WTF since we have punch-

ing and we don’t use body armor,” Cordero said.

ITF is using the traditional Korean martial art “taekwondo” which has both kick (taek) and punch (won) similar to the Japanese martial art karatedo.

“ITF players, however, are using the hand and foot gloves,” said Cordero.

The other disciplines offered are basketball, football, volleyball, chess, badminton, table tennis, arnis, judo and taekwondo.

Registration fee for chess is only P1,500 while for athletics, arnis, judo, taekwondo, badminton and table tennis is P2,000.

Football, basketball and volleyball is P3,000 and swimming for P3,500.

“The P500 of swimming will be used for their mini competition with free food,” said Enerio.

All participants of the ball games will also receive balls plus a souvenir T-shirt. Free t-shirts will also be given to the other sports.

“This sports camp is not only open exclusively for Ateneans but also for non-Ateneans,”

Enerio said.

The first batch is set on April 6-17 while the second batch on April 27 to May 8. Clinics are conducted from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. except for football which starts earlier in the morning.

Registration is now going on at ADDU Athletics Office in Matina or at the Gate 3 of Matina campus.

he is about to buy for his family. I hate that to be honest. You don’t shop in the middle of training camp, let alone if you are Floyd.

Manny can think about mansions and cars after this fight. But first things first, he had to be as I said--poor, nobody and hungry.

If Manny is starting to count his money before the fight and see mansions and cars as very affordable commodities now, he is simply fighting for the money. Some people in his circle see money ahead in this fight and may start to miss the bigger pic-

ture—that is Manny beating The Money.

Greed could be his worse enemy.

If need be, Manny should start closing the eyes of the public and make himself scarce. Shut the doors of Wild Card and jog without the throng of minions who just wanted to be inside the video frame when the cameras roll.

It’s Rocky Balboa time again.

In seclusion. Only the face of Mayweather in his mind.

If you break this fight down, it will go simply this way--Manny is all about respect. Mayweather is all about

Ateneo Sports Camp opens April 6

T

HIS year’s Ateneo de Davao Summer Sports Camp kicks off April 6 at the ADDU Matina campus featuring 11 different sports and disciplines.

“We’re now offering athletics and synchronized swimming plus an orientation on touch rugby,” said program coordinator BJ Enerio at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Poor, nobody and hungry ligious side and I personally believe it will toll heavily on his preparations for this most important fight of his life.

Manny had to do something different than the 45 beaten opponents of Mayweather that gave him a perfect 47-0 record. He fought two challengers twice—Marcos Maidana and Jose Luis Castillo--in a career that is notably marked with just two rematches and no trilogies.

To get a different result, he should fight in a different way.

First, Manny had to go back to his roots—to be “poor” again, to be “nobody” again,

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo and to be “hungry” again.

Poor, nobody, and hungry.

That’s the way it should be.

The other day, he took a break from his training and toured a mansion in LA that

ego.

How hard Manny want to put that “O” in Floyd’s record will start from him being zero, zilch, zip.

Poor, nobody, and hungry.

Unleash the fire in your belly, Manny. Like you have never eaten steak.

Make Mayweather your dinner and our very own lunch on May 2. Medium rare.

The bloody the better.

Notes: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” at 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8 am to 10 am. You may write the author at bravoneil@rocketmail.com.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 264 • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

HOOPS CAMP. HB1 marketing officer Ronnel Na-ong promotes during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Mar- Tuburan Institute, Inc. school directress Maya Flaminda Vandenbroeck announces the staging of the 7-kilometer trail co Polo, Davao the upcoming Basketball Summer Camp 2015 slated on April 13 to 21 at PlaySite Recreation Center in run and 1.5-kilometer nature walk Earth Day Family Adventure Run set on April 19 in Tugbok District, Davao City. VanMa-a, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr. debroeck graced yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

MERCILESS AND RUTHLESS Trainer says Manny is a different guy at training camp

C

AN the boxing world see a merciless and ruthless Manny Pacquiao when he fights undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr in the historic, multi-million-dollar confrontation five weeks from now at the MGM Grand in Nevada’s sin city of Las Vegas?

“Chances are, they will,” was boyhood buddy and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez’s ready answer in an interview Sunday afternoon.

“Manny is very different from the guy I started training many years back.”

“This is the first time in the many years of my association with him that I saw him this merciless,” Fernandez assured. “In fact, merciless, to me, is an understatement.

Ruthless, that’s the right word.

Vicious. furious, whatever.“ “What I Can assure you is that Manny is ibang-iba na.

Sa attitude sa enssayo, determinasyon at dedikasyon. Napaka-seryoso niya ngayon at kita mo, feel mo na talagang gustong manalo,” he said.

“Ang ng bagsik ni Manny ngayon, ibang-iba, that’s the first time I’ve noticed from the time we pitched training camp in General Santos City five weeks ago,” the heavybuilt Fernandez told this writer when asked for an assessment on how training for the Mayweather encounter has so far gone.

“While before, they were saying masyadong maawain si Manny. Ayaw gulpihin ang kalaban. Mabait, Now, he’s no longer like that,” he said.

“Don’t be surprised If the fight ends in the first few rounds and I hope he does.”

“Sobra ang bagsik ni Boss Manny dito sa labang ito,” 1990 Beijing Asian Games gold medalist Roberto Jalnaiz, one of the “Coyote Boys” organized by Fernandez to help in many previous preparations Pacquiao have undergone at the Wild Card Gym here’ butted in.

“Matagal na akong nagseserve kay Boss Manny every time he trained in L.A. at

masasabi kong, ruthless siya ngayon,” Jalnaiz added in a statement concurred in by fellow Coyote Boys Reynante Jamili, Juanito Rubillar, Arnel Fontanilla, Gerry Dizon, Aaron Melgaryo and Marvin Mabait.

The eight-man Coyote Boys, made up of former Filipino boxers now based in Los Angeles, are currently working on Pacquiao’s routine morning roadwork along with, among others, Arjay “Mandirigma” Angeles and Kali Sopenaski, besides taking care of gym equipment being used in Wild Card activities.

“Hindi nagbago si Manny mula noong nakilala ko at nakalaban. Ang bilis pa rin ng paa, kamay, katawan at lakas ng suntok,” Jamili, the man the fighting Sarangani Congressman dethroned as the World Boxing Council International super-bantamweight champion via a second round technical knockout victory in 1999 said.

“Ang nakikita kong ipinagbago ni Manny ay ang lupit at

SIAN PARA Games veteran Billy Smith Cartera shone in the Wheelchair Table Tennis event of the 2015 Araw ng Dabaw PARA Games held Monday at the Rizal Park in Davao City.

Cartera scored a total of 8 points to pocket the gold.

Jun Martinez settled for the silver with 6 points while Domingo Lequin Jr. took the bronze with a better quotient over Anecito Plaza.

In the Table Tennis Standing/Crutches, Jobert Lumanta beat Philspada Davao president James Infiesto in the finals for the gold medal. Armando Amancio finished with 4 points for the bronze medal.

Lumanta also out-

classed Infiesto for the gold in the Orthopedic Chess with 5.0 points. Infiesto got 4.0 points to earn the silver followed by Edgardo Villasica (3.0) who edged out Chester Arriesgado in a tiebreak.

In the chess for visually impaired, Elmar Olivar stacked 4.0 points to pocket the gold medal. Aldrin Pana (3.0) got the silver with a better quotient over two others Danilo Partosa and Julius Ortega. Partosa, however, settled for the bronze.

In the goal ball, Team Quirino tallied 21 points to cop the gold. Quirino was played by Ebenizar Celerado, Billy Dojillo, Arso Decenilla, Nolivin Serra, Ebrahim Silang and Arnel Magbanua.

Ubma played by Jonathan Espanol, Jose Sabordo, Levi Operiano, Jubert Bernal and Cris Alfante scored 18 points for the silver medal.

Bronze went to Cagayan composed of Gijong Oniego, Domingo Sorila and Rufo Gonzaga followed by Lamdag played by John Nator, Jill Soriano and Jun Gonzales.

In the exciting basketball on wheelchair, Team Dayap posted two straights wins with no loss to win the gold over Adap (1-1 winloss) and winless Agdao.

Dayap beat Adap, 36-27 and crushed Agdao, 36-17 while Adap downed Agdao, 44-27.

Team B ruled the volleyball for hearing impaired over teams A and C.

Cartera tops Araw PARA Games A

bagsik niya. Nakikita mo sa mata niya, parang nagbabaga kapag nag-e-ensayo. Parang matindi ang galit,” Jamili observed.

“Siguro tama nga si coach Freddie (Roach). Maybe Manny really hates Mayweather.

Makikita mo sa suntok nya, maging sa mitts at sa sparring, talagang bigay todo,“ Rubillar, once a an Orient pacific

light-flyweight belt owner and top WBC contender in the same division, remarked.

Fernandez agreed. Saying, “yeah, that‘s true. Coach Freddie might have really felt the changes in Manny’s punches. I feel the unusual strength, too, of his punches.”

“When we’re doing the mitts, my entire body is shaking. Both my hands, after the

workout, are swollen and numbed. I cannot even hold anything for two days,” he attested.

“It’s good he’s doing the mitts alternately with coach Freddie and me. Kung ako lang or coach Freddie alone per mitts session, baka sinuman sa amin baldado na, five weeks pa before the right,” he said.