Edge Davao 7 Issue 28

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GOOD LUCK. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, accompanied by Japanese Consul Koichi Ibara, strikes the gong at the entrance of the “Japan Big Day, Discover and Explore Japan” exhibit hosted by the Japanese Consular Office in Davao City at the atrium of SM Lanang Premier Tuesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

SMUGGLED GOODS DESTROYED Confiscated items shipped from China

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

hE Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday destroyed boxes of smuggled goods inside the office of the district collector of Port of Davao.

Around 782 boxes of shoes and sandals were totally destroyed by deliberately using a circular saw blade to ensure that the smuggled items can no longer be recycled.

“Pursuant to the decision rendered by the District Collector, this port, dated March 20 ,2014, the subject articles were forfeited in favor of the government and considering that the goods are counterfeiting goods, the same were disposed off through destruction, ” said the BOC statement.

The goods arrived at the Port of Davao on May 11, 2011

from China on board M/V Stadt Gotcha and consigned to Aya Day Trading.

It was declared that the shipment has contained 282 cartons of children’s slipper and 500 cartons of adult slipper. But upon examining, the BOC found out that the shipment contained 282 cartons of children’s leather shoes, 271 cartons of ladies’ rubber sandals, 129 cartons men’s shoes and 100 cartons of ladies shoes.

Both the 129 shoes for men and 100 shoes for women are in “Toms Brand” imita-

FSMUGGLED, 10

POW RELEASED. Released Prisoner of War (POW) Sgt. Jeric Curay is escorted

by Maj. Jake Obligado upon his arrival at Camp Panacan in Panacan, Davao City yesterday. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte initiate the released of Curay. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

KNOCK-OFF SHOES. Workers of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroy 782 boxes of knock-off shoes from China with an estimated value of P6 million yesterday at the office of the district collector of Port of Davao in time for the first visit of new Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

Bankerohan ‘bridge settlers’ Gun-running ring busted told to vacate immediately A

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has asked the informal settlers occupying under Governor Generoso (Bankerohan) Bridge 1 to vacate the area so that the Davao City Water District (DCWD) can proceed with its long-delayed construction of bridge crossing pipe which supposed to start last February.

In a dialogue last Monday, Duterte allowed the settlers to completely va-

T

cate the area by the end of April.

“End of the month kailangan malinis na,” he said.

The mayor emphasized the need for immediate construction of the bridge crossing pipe as many residents in the northern part of the city are already complaining about low water supply on their areas.

Duterte also explained that the quality of Generoso Bridge 1, where the temporary bypass pipe is

attached, would be compromised and eventually collapse if the huge pipe is not immediately removed from the structure.

“Kasi hindi kasali sa kwenta (bypass pipe) yan, ang bigat nito. Ang kwentada nito (Bridge) ang mga sasakyan lang,” Duterte said.

“Pag ito bumgasak tapos yun bumagsak mapipilitan talaga akong mag demolish na, wala na akong magagawa, eh,” Duterte

stressed out.

Duterte reiterated his assurance that the residents can still return to the area they occupied as soon as the project is finished, adding that he will ask Barangay 5-A chairman Edgar Ibuyan Jr. to find a relocation area for the affected settlers.

Duterte also asked the DCWD to augment by P10,000 the cash assistance of the same amount pre-

FBANKEROHAN, 10

uThORITIES sued two respondents implicated in a gun-running ring in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur after their operation was busted in a raid conducted Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Joel Pernito, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection unit Eastern Mindanao identified the respondents as Walter Miano, alleged leader of the Miano Gun Manufacturing Selling and Gun-running Group and Jimmy Tondag. he said operatives ar-

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” she said in a statement.

The PDOS is a country-specific, mandatory education and information orientation session conducted by the government for all departing OFWs to ensure that they are ready for their life of work abroad.

With this, Baldoz also directed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Carmelita Dimzon to craft an advisory to all PDOS providers, including licensed recruitment agencies, in-house

PDOS centers, associations, and non-government organizations accredited by the OWWA to provide the orientation to all departing OFWs. “While the PDOS has already a health module that provides knowledge and information on such diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Acute Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and other infectious ailments, the MERS-CoV, being fairly new, is not included, so we better incorporate it in the PDOS,” the DOLE chief added.

Dimzon said they will disseminate the advisory incorporating the MERSCoV in the PDOS to the media, as well as by posting it in the OWWA website.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued an advisory to newly-hired or returning Filipino workers and OFWs on-site to take preventive measures against the MERS-CoV. “While there is no travel restriction or deployment ban to Middle East coun-

FOWWA, 10

FGUN, 10

Sand, gravel quarrying exempted in proposed mining ban ordinance

By ChENEEN R. CAPON

OWWA to incorporate MERS-CoV I information in PDOS for OFWs

hE government will include information on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to raise awareness on the deadly disease.

According to Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, the incorporation in the PDOS about the effects of the deadly virus would inform Filipino workers on how to protect themselves.

rested Miano by virtue of a search warrant issued by a court based in Davao City while Tondag who was cited in a separate search warrant evaded arrest.

Pernito said they recovered 17 homemade firearms, live bullets of assorted calibre and gunsmith paraphernalia like electric and manual metal press drills, heavy duty bench vice-grips and mechanical tools. he said firearms bought from these respondents

crc@edgedavao.net

T will not be total, after all.

The proposed ordinance implementing total ban of mining operation within the jurisdiction of Davao City will exempt the extraction of rocks, sand, gravel and other quarry resources.

“We recognized the importance of these construction materials and the operation of companies, like holcim, provides labor opportunities to our fellow Dabawenyos,” said city councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang who is the proponent of the draft ordinance.

Quarry resources, according to the proposed ordinance, refer to “any common rock or other mineral substances” that maybe declared as quarry resources by the Mines and Geosci-

ences Bureau (MGB).

Aside from quarrying, the proposed law will ban all mining activities involving the extraction of minerals like gold and other metals.

It defines mining as activities involving exploration, feasibility, development, utilization and processing.

The proposed penalty is imprisonment of not exceeding one year or a fine of not more that P5,000 or both in the discretion of the court.

The committee on environment chaired by Dayanghirang will conduct a series of committee hearings after the posed law was passed in the first reading during the city council regular session last Tuesday.

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

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First Davao dragon boat team to join contest in Hongkong

By ChENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

A

MBITIOuS hiraya Minokawa Dabaw, the only and first organized dragon boat team from Davao City is planning to join the annual dragon boat contest in hongkong this year.

Bul Jotham C. Cacho, captain of the team yesterday announced the group’s interest to join local and international competitions.

“As of now, Philippines is leading in dragon boat competitions because we have the stamina,” Cacho said during the Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao. his team is now preparing for the upcoming

first Davao City Dragon Boat Festival slated on May 1 to 4 at the beachfront of Queensland, Ecoland here.

“We have an intensive training from 5a.m. to 7a.m. every weekend but as the event approaches it will become a daily training,” he said.

The team will compete with other 21 teams composed of 22 members each who already registered for the four day racing event.

Most participants of the club crew challenge will come from national teams. The event is being supported by the City Government of Davao.

FIRST VISIT. New Bureau of Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla answers questions from local media practitioners during his first visit at the office of the district collector of Port of Davao in Sasa yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Additional assistance Climate change up in eyed for fire victims Minda media summit M D

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

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is mulling to give additional assistance to fire victims in Isla Verde to help them recover from the devastation.

“Ang initial nga P10,000 man gud was only to stabilize the situation. Nasunugan sila, eh.

So, kailangan makatindog sila,” Duterte told reporters during the Philippine – Japan Friendship activity last Tuesday afternoon at SM Lanang Premier.

“I’m trying to figure out how we can help financially. Basin wala na tay kwarta,” he added adding that he will first inquire from City Treasurer Rodrigo Ri-

ola over the availability of funds for allocation.

Duterte said that the initial P45-million calamity fund allocated for assistance to the fire victims is insufficient.

“We are still continually feeding the people,” he said.

The Task Force Isla Verde had already finalized the rehabilitation plan which will be implemented through short term, medium term and long term activities.

The short term, he said, involves the immediate transfer of identified groups like the Badjaos, numbering around 300,

FADDITIONAL, 10

EDIA executives and select reporters will gather in Davao City late this week for a two-day summit on climate change that aims to help journalists do better reporting on the environment particularly disasters.

Saying it is crucial for

journalists to understand the science of climate change to help communities prepare for its impact, organizers said they have chosen it as the theme for the 9th Mindanao Media Summit scheduled on April 25-26.

The summit, organized

by MindaNews, Philippine Press Institute and the Philippine Information Agency, will gather publishers, station managers, editors, news editors and columnists.

If journalists can report better on climate change, they can also help commu-

nities prepare for, if not prevent, massive devastation, the organizers said.

“Mindanao faces the threat of climate change that has the potential of affecting thousands of families across the island,” they said in a briefer.

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at Eden Nature Park and Resort.

The workshop aimed to review the regional project implementation for the past quarter and to plan thoroughly for the second quarter of 2014.

“It is our pleasure to

welcome all the participants in our beloved city and I do hope that you will enjoy the ambiance and the serenity of the venue that’s quite far from the noise and hassle of the city.

A place like this that is far from distraction and offers

tranquility would help us be focused on how we are going to make our plans for the next quarter,” Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon urged participants in her opening message.

As DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS

hE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warns senior citizens and their families of unscrupulous individuals asking for over a thousand pesos with a promise of enlisting them as social pensioners for life, receiving a P500 monthly subsidy.

This public advisory is being circulated after a certain Mr. Fernandez in Tagum City was reportedly deceived into paying P1,500 in exchange of a lifetime social pension being provided through DSWD. DSWD Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon reiterates that the Social Pension

Program for Indigent Senior Citizens targets senior citizens 77 years old and up, with no regular source of income or support from the family, and are not receiving other pension benefits from the government or private agencies.

Potential social pensioners are identified through the DSWD Listahanan, a national assessment that points out who and where the poor are, Director Razon said.

Only those identified and duly validated by Listahanan will be included in the roster of qualified social pension beneficiaries, she added.

FCLIMATE, 10

DSWD 11 hosts Kalahi-CIDSS review hE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office here recently hosted the 1st quarter Kalahi-CIDSS Project Review and Evaluation Workshop (PREW) for Visayas and Mindanao clusters held

UPDATE. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 director Emerson Rosales gives the latest updates of the unrecovered two bricks of high-grade cocaine during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

FDSWD, 10

Senior citizens warned of social pension scam T

FSENIOR, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014 Internet Photo

DavNor steps up fire prevention drive T

hE provincial government of Davao del Norte has intensified its fire prevention campaign in order to save lives and properties and mitigate the impact of destructive conflagration.

Through Oplan A.N.D.A.M. (Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) program, the province has been equipping communities, including school children, the invaluable knowledge of preventing fires, as well as, the proper techniques in controlling fire.

Fire drills and seminars were conducted during ANDAM’s visit to disaster-prone barangays, along with orientation on basic life-saving techniques, water sanitation and hygiene, bio-gas technology and botanical concoction, and earthquake drill.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the effort of the province complements this year’s observance of the Fire Prevention Month, with the theme “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan.”

COTABATO CITY

The governor stressed the importance of fire safety, which, he said, must be given equal attention along with the preparation and mitigation efforts against typhoon, earthquake and other calamities.

“Dapat maging mas handa tayo sa sunog dahil maaari itong mangyari sa araw-araw,” he said during the March Convocation program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. “The key is awareness and preparedness.”

Provincial Fire Marshall F/Supt. Sedney Besana asked the public to be always aware of the potential hazards in their homes and offices. he said the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn’t break out in the first place, by checking their electrical connections and proper handling and storage of hazardous materials and potential ignition sources. he also asked the constituents to be aware of using available fire protection equipment necessary to control fire.

The Bureau of Fire Pro-

Geo-tagging used to monitor agri-development projects

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hE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is utilizing geo-tagging technology and an online data base management to closely monitor the implementation of agriculture projects funded through the bottom-up budgeting scheme, ARMM officials on Wednesday said.

Spearheading the monitoring is the Department of Agriculture and Fishery (DAF-ARMM), according to the ARMM Bureau of Public Information (BPI), the region’s information office.

On Tuesday, DAFARMM distributed agri-development funds for the towns of upi and Pagalungan, both in Maguindanao. During the program, DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Macmod Mending Jr. said DAF-ARMM will soon be launching “e-farm, an online web based database management system to monitor geo-tagged farmto-market roads and other projects.”

DAF-ARMM has earmarked a budget of more than a billion to support projects intended to boost the agricultural productivity of the region.

Mending said projects

funded through the BuB scheme are based on the proposals submitted by local farming communities.

Mending also said a monitoring team in each province will use geo-tagging technology to ensure that projects are being implemented accordingly.

The agency is also hoping to promote organic farming and food sustainability in the region with the provision of farm equipment, implements and vegetable seeds to farmers in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. DAF-ARMM handed a total of P7.6 million to the municipalities of Pagalungan and upi in Maguindanao to support organic agriculture, the production of high-value crops and agricultural products such as rubber and the improvement of farm-to-market roads.

Several towns in other ARMM provinces also have similar BuB-funded projects.

ARMM Governor Mujiv hataman said the bottom-up budgeting scheme is meant to help boost the region’s economy and reduce poverty incidence. [PNA]

FIRE DRILL. PDRRM Operations Chief Redentor Cardinal coaches a school boy how to use fire extinguisher, during the Oplan ANDAM caravan in Florida, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Ondoy Laguitao/davnor pio tection (BFP)-XI reported a 46.4-percent increase in the number of fire incidents

in the Davao Region in January 2014 as compared to the same period last year.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

It said Davao del Norte ranked second, with Davao City leading the number of

incidence among the local government units in the region. [Noel Baguio]

OFW tests negative for MERS-CoV O

NE of the passengers from Region 12 of Etihad Airlines flight EY 0424 that arrived in Manila last April 15 with a person who had tested positive of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) has been found negative of the disease.

Dr. Alah Baby Vingno, chief of the Department of health (DOh) Region 12’s regional epidemiology and surveillance unit (RESu), said Wednesday a returning overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from this city has yielded negative of MERS-CoV based on test results released by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

She said the OFW was one of the two passengers of the Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi, united Arab Emirates who were earlier traced as residents of this city.

After arriving in Manila, the two proceeded to Davao City where they were “captured” by DOh Region 11 person-

nel and eventually sent to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for the mandatory quarantine and tests for MERS-CoV, she said.

A report released by RESu showed that 11 of the listed 415 passengers of Etihad flight EY 0424 were found to be either residents of the region or visiting the area.

Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

It said nine of the passengers were returning OFWs while the two others were a visiting foreigner and an OFW from Region 6 or Western Visayas.

Three cases, including a foreigner, were listed in Kidapawan City; two each in this city, South Cotabato and Sarangani; and, one

each in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Jenelyn Ellie Ventura, DOh-12’s health education officer, said eight of the passengers are being quarantined at various hospitals while the two others are “house-based.”

She said three are confined at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City; one at the Kiamba district hospital in Kiamba, Sarangani; one at the RITM in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; one at the SPMC in Davao City; and, two at a hospital in Kidapawan City.

Two patients, one of whom was an OFW from Polomolok town in South Cotabato, are undergoing quarantine in their homes, she said.

Ventura said all of them have been taken with throat swabs, which were immediately sent to the RITM for the MERS-CoV tests.

“They will remain under quarantine until the RITM releases their test results,” she told

PNA on the phone.

She said they were advised by RITM personnel that the tests and analysis of the samples for MERS-CoV could take “at least a week.”

MERS-CoV, which initially emerged in 2012, is a viral disease that is similar to the dreaded severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS. People afflicted with the virus developed severe acute respiratory illness, specifically high fever, cough and shortness of breath.

About half of the people afflicted with MERS-CoV died.

The DOh earlier said a male Filipino nurse who came aboard Etihad’s flight EY 0424 initially tested positive for the MERS-CoV when he was still in the united Arab Emirates. health Secretary Enrique Ona said the nurse was quarantined for four days and underwent two more tests that turned out to be negative.[PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

DTI 12 grants SSSF to GenSan entrepreneurs T

hE General Santos City Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Inc. (GSC SMEDCI) is a recipient of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 12. GSC SMEDCI-Business Resource Center (BRC) is assisting Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) in preparing Business Proposals, extend consultancy services, provide trainings and seminars, congresses, fora& conferences, trade fairs and exhibits, jobs’ fair and other related activities that promotes the developments of MSMEs in the City.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC)created theGSC SMEDCIas a Private Sector implementing arm for mSMEsDevelopment Projects.

The GSC SMEDCI is a non-stock, non-profit organization created in 2005 under SEC Registration No. CN 2005. It manages and implements the General Santos City Trade and Product

Development Project which has 3 components: YamanGenSan (or Small Business Month) ; OTOP and IPAS annually.

SMEDCI is a recipient of Php1.3 Million per year intended for mSME programs for the last 11 years (2003-2013) from the Local Government unit of General Santos.

GSC SMED Council Inc. Board is composed of the City Bankers Association of General Santos, Muslim Business Forum, General Santos City Chamber of Commerce Industry, Inc., Producers Association 12, Philexport Region 12, SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing Association and Allied Industries, Inc.(SFFAII), Notre Dame Business Resource Center Foundation, Inc. (NDBRCFI) and General Santos Foundation, Inc. (GFI).

It is manned by an Executive Director, (1) Finance and Admin Assistant; (1) Project Coordinator and (4) Admin Staff under Project

based.

Engr. Arnel V. Sayco, Caretaker, DTI-GensanrepresentingDTI 12Regional Director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel turned-over IT Equipments and machines consisting of 1 unit Printer,1 unit LCD Projector, 1 unit Photocophier Machine, 1 unit DSLR Camera, 2 units Desktop Computer, 2 units Laptop and 1 unit Document Scanner worth P314,364.00 to Engr. Maria Theresa S. Pacheco,Presidentof GSC SMEDCI. The turn-over ceremony was held on April 15, 2014 at GSC SMED Council, Inc.-Business ResourceCenter located at 2ndflr., R.A. Bldg., South Osmena Street, General Santos City.

Engr. Maria Theresa S. Pacheco has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to DTI and committed that the GSC SMED Council Incorporated’s-Business Resource Center’s Programs for Gensan’s MSMEs will be carried-out effectively through the Shared ServicesFacility Project of DTI.[Ken P. Wong Jr.]

Standing from left to right; GSC SMEDCI Executive Director Aileen Nolida J. Tolimao, DTI-Gensan OIC Engr. Arnel V. Sayco, GSC SMEDCI President Engr. Maria Theresa S. Pacheco, Regional Supply Officer Connie M. Barnachea and DTI-Gensan SME Counselor Christi L. de la Rosa

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite 13. Consumer Index Price Index

6,191.8 132.8 Sep 2013 Apr 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

2006=100

Apr 2013

14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.9 Oct3.12013

2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate

2.5

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Lazada firm sees rapid growth in first two years I

Now firmly established as number one e-commerce retailer in Southeast Asia

N just two years, Lazada has rapidly established itself as the number one e-commerce retailer in Southeast Asia. The Company has brought the convenience of internet shopping to customers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Lazada’s growth has been exponential, driven by its unique offering as an online shopping mall which understands the differing needs of consumers across a diverse region. The company has also tapped into the growing trend for consumers in Southeast Asia to shop online, particularly in rural areas where there are few physical retail stores.

The company now receives over a million visits to its website every day and has state-of-the-art distribution centres in every market it operates. At the time of launch, the company had only a few employees, the headcount has now grown significantly which is reflected in their strong teams across the 5 regions. Lazada has raised approximately uS $430 million dollars over the past two years from leading in-

CARPENTRY WORK. Badjaos do minor carpentry work and prepare dinner in their temporary shelter at the Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday, 22 April 2014. Some 200 Badjao families are still staying in tents at the park after they were displaced by a fire in Isla Verde along Quimpo Blvd. last April 4. [Mindanews Photo by Keith Bacongco] vestors including JP Morgan, Kinnevik and Tesco, which has helped further fuel its growth.

Lazada’s mobile application for the Android was launched in June 2013, with the applications for the iPhone and iPad launched in

January 2014. Mobile phone sales now deliver a significant share of Lazada’s overall sales.

Maximilian Bittner, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada said, “Lazada is a destination website which meets the demands of customers across

a complex region. We have successfully broken down the barriers to e-commerce in these markets through solutions such as owning our own fleet of delivery vehicles and offering cash on delivery.

The company has seen exponential growth over the past

two years and we are now the leading online e-commerce business in Southeast Asia. I am proud to be leading a team of people who strive for perfection every day and work relentlessly to deliver incredible services to our customers.”

varro acknowledged Governor Solon’s efforts during a presentation at the organization’s general membership meeting last March where the forum focused on the topic “Good Government Matters”. MAP is one of the leading business organizations tasked to conduct fora on ASEAN integration to discuss the risks and opportunities for member countries.

It agreed to adopt its advocacy for this year charting the future of inclusive growth with good governance.

Solon told MAP that investors and local businesses have already started to take interest in Sarangani. he said that San Miguel Corporation has signaled its interest in agro-industrial business in the province. he added that a group of investors from Bahrain is also looking at a 200-hectare expanse of land for banana

plantation and another group is exploring the possibilities of palm oil production.

The governor also cited his resolve for the province to acquire ISO certification as a testament of his commitment to good governance and sustainable development, a move backed by Congressman Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquaio and his wife Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao.

“The efficiency of Sarangani’s provincial government is among our top priorities and the expected outcome would be improving interest from the private sector on investment.”

Gov. Solon said during his report on “Governance Reforms and Best Practices at the National, Local and Agency Levels of Government.”

Solon added that a number of private investors have expressed interest in pouring

capital in the energy, agri-food business, sea-resources and tourism sector. he revealed that he is in talks with the other eco-tourism groups who have committed to advocate and promote adventure tourism in Sarangani.

Emphasizing the rich sea resources along the province’s coast, Solon said that aside from pilot whales, dolphins and dugongs, butandings (whale sharks) have been seen in Sarangani Bay. The bay is a protected seascape that helps the development of a robust tourism industry in the province.

The governor also said that one of their promotion campaigns for Mindanao and Sarangani is the Sarangani Bay Festival slated this May 16 to 17.

According to the Solon, the launching of his new pro-

gram against poverty dubbed as “Sulong Sarangani”, would implement projects that would do away with budget duplications. This would ensure that good governance is in place noting that the national budget agency led by Budget Secretary Abad has given support to the project through budget allocation.

Secretary Abad, who also attended the forum, said that the Aquino government would allocate a bigger budget for social protection noting that the debt servicing for 2014 dwindled down to 15.6 percent of the national budget.

Abad said this reduction in debt servicing would translate to bridging the “lingering gaps” in the provision of classrooms as well as teaching personnel.

The budget would also provide more social services for the “poor and near poor.”

Business leaders eye Sarangani for investment B

uSINESS leaders, led by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), are seeing the economic potential of the province of Sarangani following the assurance of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon that he is making efforts to address bottlenecks hindering growth prospects by marketing the investment and tourism potentials of Sarangani among others.

Sarangani is recognized as one of the growth areas in Mindanao positioned to lead in agricultural and marine resource development for ASEAN economic integration in 2015. Solon also reassured to the business community that he will take a pro-active role in good governance and pursue its poverty alleviation program to bring about economic progress in the region.

MAP President Greg Na-

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Philippine forests: going, going, gone?

TExT and PhOTO By GERRy T. EsTRERA

“h

uMAN beings could not exist without the abundance and diversity of nature; all our food, and many of our industrial materials and medicines are provided by plants, animals, and microorganisms.” – World Wildlife Fund A couple of years ago, the Philippine Congress released a study that said about 123,000 hectares of the country’s forest cover are lost every year. unless reforestation is started, the study further stated, there would be no forest left in the country by 2036 – that’s exactly 23 years from now.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his state of the nation address (SONA) in 2011, stated that most politicians use one possible solution – that of tree planting – as a photo opportunity. “They plant trees, but they do not ensure that the trees would remain standing after they leave,” he said.

When he was still the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Michael Defensor admitted that “only 30% of reforestation projects succeeded.”

In a Subic meeting of local executives, he told them: “People hardly recognize the economic benefits from protecting the environment. Most sabotaged the program.”

The bluntness seemed to echo an earlier study of the uN Food and Agriculture Organiza-

tion, entitled “Sustainable Forest Management,” which stated, “Most of the (Philippines’) once rich forest are gone. Forest recovery, through natural and artificial means, never coped with the destruction rate.”

When Ferdinand Magellan “rediscovered” the Philippines in 1521, forests blanketed 95% of the country. When the Ormoc City, Leyte tragedy happened – which left 8,000 people dead – timber cover was only 18%.

“Where have all our forests gone?” asked Roy C. Alimoane, the director of Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center.

American President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless.”

Why is the country heading towards oblivion? “I have seen fortunes made overnight from the forest and it makes my skin crawl to realize that there are many Filipinos who just don’t care about the future generations’ legacy in the way of forest resources,” said Ferdinand Marcos in 1978.

The said statement, according to veteran journalist Marites Dañguilan-Vitug, is a “doublespeak.” In an article she wrote for “World Paper,” a Boston-based magazine, she explained: “For, in reality, over 20 years (1965-1985) he used his power to grant and revoke licenses of logging concessions

to enrich himself, his family and his friends. The forests became his grand political tool.”

Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, the vice-chairman and chief executive officer of World Wildlife Fund-Philippines, agrees. In an article he penned for “Philippine Daily Inquirer,” he surmised that when Marcos came to power “serious deforestation began.” Before Marcos became president, there were only 58 companies issued with timber licenses; it swelled to 412 during his presidency.

“Forests were decimated at an astonishing rate of 300,000 hectares per year,” Tan deplored.

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Standard bidding procedure applies.

Toward the end of the Marcos regime, forest hectarage was down to 7.2 million hectares, “about half of what it was when he came to power.”

“Who had the privilege of cutting trees?” Vitug asked.

“The wealthy and well-connected. They lived in the big cities.

Some even sold their rights to the forest concessions and lived off the green of the land.

Moreover, money for logging supported candidates during election campaigns.”

In the past, forest resources helped fuel the country’s economy. In the 1970s, Philippines was touted the prima donna among world timber exporters. Today, it is considered “a wood-pauper,” to quote the words of multi-awarded journalist Juan Mercado.

Even the forests in the lowlands – mangroves, that is – are not spared from denudation.

“Approximately two-thirds of the country’s original mangroves have been lost,” noted Population Reference Bureau’s Kathleen Mogerlgaard.

Aside from logging (whether legal or illegal), other causes of deforestation in the Philippines are forest fires, “kaingin” farming (slash-and-burn agriculture), and mining operations.

Volcanic eruptions have also devastated some of the country’s tropical rainforests. Ditto for typhoons, which have devastated considerable hectares of forest areas.

Surging population has compounded the problem. There were only 19 million Filipinos, according to the 1940 census. By 2020, the population will surge to 111.7 million, National Statistical Coordination Board projects.

“Poverty, lack of jobs and wages, and absence of farm lots in the lowlands have forced some people to invade the forest,” commented former Senator heherson Alvarez, who served as environment secretary during the administration of Corazon Aquino.

Spreading cities have also contributed to decimation of forests. “Asphalt is often the last harvest for many forests,” the late National Scientist Dioscoro umali, a Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, once said.

The outcome: food crisis, devastation of lands and water resources, biodiversity facing extinction. “The productivity of the country’s agricultural lands and

fisheries is declining as these (forest) areas become increasingly degraded and pushed beyond their capacity to produce,” said Mogerlgaard.

The removal of forest cover has bolstered soil erosion in the uplands. “Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” reminded harold Ray Watson, the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for peace and international understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

As a result, food production is jeopardized. “The loss of nutrient rich soil reduces crop yields and contributes to the expanded use of chemical fertilizers – a practice that can, in turn, pollute water resources,” Alimoane said. “Rivers and streams also carry eroded soil to the coasts, where it interferes with fish nursery areas.”

But that’s not all. “Extensive soil erosion has resulted in the siltation of waterbeds, reservoirs and dams, and in the process shortening their productive life spans,” said Dr. Germelito Bautista, of the Ateneo de Manila university.

The Magat Dam reservoir has been reported to cut its probable life span of 100 years to 25 years. The Ambuklao Dam reservoir has had its life halved from 60 to 32 years as a result of siltation.

Water crisis is looming.

“There has been a drop of 30% to 50% in the country’s water resources in the past 20 years or so,” pointed out Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, former executive director of Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

“Rapid forest loss has eliminated habitat for unique and threatened plant and animal species,” Mogerlgaard observed.

“At the rate our forests are getting destroyed, many species many no longer be around when we need them,” Alimoane said.

More than 400 plant and animal species found in the country are currently threatened with extinction, including the Philippine eagle, waling-waling, and tamaraw, according to the World Conservation union.

According to studies, more than 60% of the world’s people depend on plants for medicine.

Relatively few of the 250,000

kinds of plants in the world have been fully examined, so it stands to reason that the remaining species contain many unknown compounds of probable therapeutic importance.

Dr. Gordon Cragg, chief of the National Products Branch of the uS National Cancer Institute, argues: “I still maintain that no chemists can ‘dream up’ the complex bioactive molecules produced by nature, but once the natural lead compounds have been discovered then the chemists can proceed with synthetic modifications to improve on the natural lead.” he cites taxol, the only drug that shows promise against breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as a case in point. “The drug was initially found in the western yew by an American government program randomly screening plants for anti-cancer activities,” he said. “Its molecule is structurally unique and there is no way it could have been visualized if it had not been discovered in nature.”

Trees are one nature’s most efficient weapons to tie down steep hillsides, check the growth of big gullies, stabilize unsteady stream banks and screen cultivated fields from harmful winds.

But the country’s mountains are bald in large patches almost everywhere.

With thin forests tying down the mountain soil, floods are inevitable. The “flooding problems,” said Aquino in his 2011 SONA, “are caused by the incessant and illegal cutting down of trees.”

“The illness of our forest is complicated – and cannot be cured – with one-stop prescription of a single medicine,” reminds Alvarez.

Filipinos are therefore urged to stop cutting trees now and preserve the remaining forests the country has. “We have laid to waste millions of hectares of forest land, as though heedless of the tragic examples of the countries of Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, where large areas have become barren, if not desertified,” Alvarez said. “If we have not, in fact, reached this state, we are almost at the point of irreversibility.”

Dr. Ernesto Guiang, a forestry consultant, echoed the same concern: “We are now at the eleventh hour. We have to pay attention to the handwriting on the wall with respect to our forests.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

EDITORIAL

Honor the honorable

G

IVING awards and honoring people are a tricky business. It’s because people, almost always, are not unanimous in judging or assessing the outstanding qualities of a person. This can be true even if the object of judging is one who is as outstanding as Manny Pacquaio, whose merits are measured in the hits of the punches that he throws against a boxing opponent. Yes, like the decision choosing Timothy Bradley to be the winner in his first bout with Manny. That one generated a lot of controversy as many fans and boxing experts questioned the decision.

Controversy could explode over a decision to bestow the Datu Bago Award on somebody whom many people believe are not deserving to be given the accolade. Another occasion is the naming of a street in honor of a departed government official or a philanthropist who had donated land on which a school, a bridge or a road was built.

Along this line, a light controversy attended the recent naming, or renaming, of the old Circumferential Road from Juan Sarenas St. to Gregorio Caneda St. Some people think that Sarenas should have been retained because he held more positions in government than Caneda. Sarenas was Davao mayor, governor, assemblyman (congressman) and judge, among other positions he had held, while Caneda, also a lawyer like Sarenas, was Davao governor for less than six months.

We don’t know how this can be explained by the Davao City Council which did the renaming. however, this to us, is not that important, since we are sure the lawmakers can find a win-win solution. Caneda, bytheway, was also very popular as a fearless newspaper editor and radio commentator.

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What we want to see is the honoring of many more people who have clearly made immense contributions to the progress and development of the city. It would be a disservice to Dabawenyos if these personalities and their laudable achievements are left forgotten. The long list includes Lorenzo S. Sarmiento, an engineer who was among those who built roads, bridges and buildings in the city, and later as congressman, wrote the law dividing Davao into three provinces. Brigido Valencia, another engineer and pioneering industrialist, who gave honor to Davao when appointed as secretary of the department of public works and highways in the early sixties. Gaudencio Antonino, another pioneering builder, who as senator of the republic, gave honor to fellow Dabawenyos, when he exposed abuses of his fellow lawmakers in the form of fat allowances. his wife Magnolia, who also became senator. unbeknownst to many Dabawwenyos, Magnolia sis the mother of former Gensan congressman and mayor Adelbert, Nueva Ecija congressman Rodolfo Antonino, mother-in-law of congresswoman and MinDA chair Lualhati Antonino and grandmonther of former congresswoman and mayor of Gensan Darlene A. Custodio. Conrado C. Alcantara, another industrialist, whose contributions to the development of Davao and nearby South Cotabato, Saranggani and General Santos City are well-known. We still have to see a road named after former mayor and congressman Elias B. Lopez, Luis T. Santos, another former mayor and congressman, and Alejandro D. Almendras, former senator and congressman. honoring them posthumously by naming a street, a building or a bridge after them will get a unanimous nod, not a smirk or heckle from the people.

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D

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

The vice mayor’s traffic strategy

AVAO CITY hAS ITS OWN ShARE OF ThE WORSENING TRAFFIC CONGESTION – Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is an unusually civil politician who preferred to deal with current issues related to his function rather in a reserve manner. But even then he could not hide his frustration over the worsening traffic congestion in the city.

The vice mayor was fuming at how public utility jeep (PuJ) drivers are allowed to conduct their job with impunity even right under the noses of traffic authorities. he seems never to have disguised his apathy for the drivers – notably jeepney drivers whom the riding and commuting public considered as the most abusive and habitual violators of traffic rules and regulations.

In a country where PuJs are the common mode of transportation especially in the urban communities, the traffic situation is virtually chaotic. Abusive and snooty PuJ drivers, as their wont, load and unload passengers even in non-designated areas. Not only that, many are speed maniacs and have the gall to jump on red lights posing danger to pedestrians.

Being one the country’s burgeoning metropolis, Davao City has its own share of the deteriorating traffic situation. The problem does not sit comfortably well in a fast-booming city where there are lots of opportunities aside from being known for is watchword “Life is here.” Indeed, vice mayor Duterte came up with a potential solution to the city’s lingering traffic woes.

To address the critical traffic condition, the vice mayor proposed to the city council an immediate review of the existing traffic ordinance and make further study on how to ease out the dilemma. Aside from that, he likewise sought the assistance of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other regulating trans-

port agencies to give preferential attention to the city’s waning traffic situation.

I n i t i a l l y, vice mayor “Pulong” proposed a scheme designating one lane intended only for PuJs to avoid traffic snarls. he clearly emphasized there is a need to make an effort to lessen the traffic woes. The changes need not be abrupt considering that such a plan cannot be done overnight. Different sectors conceded that the young Duterte’s course of action is upright and his statements were courageous.

Still, many PuJ drivers feel intimidated by the proposal and this early they are already showing a lukewarm attitude. They argue that instead of a solution, the scheme might probably worsen the situation not to mention the perceived negative effect to their daily income.

Of course, there are those who see it that way while other drivers feel otherwise.

Keen and thoughtful observers say the vice mayor is serious in his intent and wants to show that if something is good for the city and its people he will do it without foot-dragging. Even if there are objections, he still goes for it. Perhaps it may take some time, but the idea should be enunciated and make it a reality. With the plan in mind, members of the city council should better get down to their homework.

Vice Mayor Duterte seems determined to push through with his plan in the firm belief

that it is something people have nothing to fret about. The anxieties actually are understandable, but he has to take the lead in enacting laws and ordinances in gorgeous foundation.

It is only the application of common sense in the small details of government procedures to realize the goals and objective.

But it is not only the abusive and snobbish PuJ drivers that caught the ire of the vice mayor. he noted that many passengers want to take a ride or disembark wherever they want and as they please. Worse, a lot of people are habitual jaywalkers. Like the PuJ drivers who are violating even the simplest traffic rules and regulations, vice mayor Duterte issued a stern warning against jaywalkers and other violators that they would be meted corresponding fines and penalties sooner.

We could not say if a plan is applicable unless being enforce first and proven to be effective later on. This is not to say that the city government is putting on a lousy project. For one thing, there are plenty of new projects to marvel over. Who knows the vice mayor’s proposal might be the first of its kind in the country – in a city renowned for its many “first” such as the comprehensive non-smoking ordinance which has been emulated by many local government units (LGus), two-way radio and cash-card on taxi units, among others.

The way I see it, the vice mayor preferred to be right rather than popular. Others see in him a strict implementer who wants his leadership to be sincere, credible and relevant. Then there is the urban locale itself, providing the country with an alternative view of the city – a burgeoning metropolis free from vehicular and pedestrian traffic bottleneck and all the day to day hassles experienced by the people in Greater Manila and its suburban areas.

Finding unique ways to recover

F

IVE months after typhoon “Yolanda” ravaged Eastern Visayas last November, a family beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development remains determined to rise and recover from the downfall they experienced.

According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, the family of 43-year-old Vilma Tacastacas of Guiuan, Eastern Samar is among the “Yolanda” survivors that are proving to be enduring and resilient during hard times, finding ways, little by little, to make a new beginning, no matter how difficult it is.

“Every helping hand is already big enough reason for us to strive and start again after we were left homeless and jobless after Yolanda hit us last year,” Vilma narrated to DSWD’s personnel in Eastern Samar.

Learning from the experience, Vilma said she realized that there should be no time for self-pity and dwelling in the past would not help them to move forward and recover.

“The decision to step forward, rise and aim for recovery after the storm is the way to do it, especially when we feel and see the support of people and institutions that have joined forces in helping us,” she added.

She cited that at first, it did not sink into her mind that they would be receiving much help since she recalled that one or two days after “Yolanda,” she had no idea whether her family would have something to eat or a place to stay.

According to her, it feels good that they are among the beneficiaries of the 4Ps or anti-poverty CCT program of the government being implemented by DSWD.

SPECIAl FEATURE By leilani S. Junio “Through the program, we are able to receive about P1,300 cash assistance through the partnership of DSWD and the united Nations World Food Programme (uNWFP),” she said.

She said that she decided to put up a small sari-sari store as their source of livelihood upon receiving the cash assistance from uNWFP which she added to the cash grant that they also received from DSWD as a CCT grantee.

She said she was able to continue expanding the store little by little as cash and in-kind assistance from various groups continue to pour in.

“Since we have rice from the relief packs and there were donors of school supplies, I used the money from uNWFP to grow this small store,” she explained.

According to Vilma, the sari-sari store is a big help for her family, especially that “Yolanda” had also left her husband jobless since their small boat, which her husband was using to catch fish to earn for the family, was destroyed during the onslaught of the typhoon.

The store, which she described to be just having only few items at the beginning, became a bigger one now wherein they can derive an income enough to allow the family to buy most of their needs and even save a little.

She said she was inspired to take advantage of the opportunity to recover and prove that they can stand up again and do not depend on relief forever.

“We cannot always depend on relief. With our store, even if its income is not that big, it is better than doing nothing,” she explained.

Though the store is just made of scrap wood and sheets in the tent city where they currently reside, she believes that it will also be their way out of the situation.

The store is located in the tent city, set up within the compound of Eastern Samar State university that serves as temporary home to at least 112 families displaced by “Yolanda.”

Vilma said that rebuilding their previous home is no longer an option since their area has been declared “No Dwelling Zone,” being within 40 meters from the shoreline.

She admitted that they have no capacity yet to build a new home, much more find a place to construct one which they can really call their own, so they have no option right now but to temporarily stay at the tent city.

She is hopeful that her husband would soon be able to resume his previous job of catching fish which she can sell.

“I believe that we will eventually have better income which will bring us back to normalcy and enable us to fulfill our dream of finding a safer home for our family,” she added optimistically.

She said she never stopped deriving her strength from those who are helping and motivating her to believe that they can succeed in the fight to rise again.

“If they (those who help them) believe that we can rise from these difficulties, then, all the more that we should not lose our hope. They are the source of our strength,” a very optimistic Vilma shared. [PNA]

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The imperative of hands-on democracy now WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

(Conclusion)

T

hE MILF, along with its adherents and allies, need lots of practice in the ways of peace, especially in the non-violent art of gun-less persuasion.

Will all parties now move in the direction of good governance start with the 3,000 or so barangays of the contemplated Bangsamoro areas? Will the president get going now on what he means by MATuWID NA DAAN and what it means to the Bangsamoro and the rest of Mindanao? Or will he leave it to activist devices, letting everyone decide what problem-solving/peace-building template to choose?

As for the MILF and the ARMM, will they now go for full-throttle to democratize the region and construct the defenses of peace? Will there be an information-education-campaign on the role of citizens and their community; how they make government efficient and responsive; how they influence it through affirmative action; how they assert their sovereignty and ensure their supremacy over a government of the people, by the people, and for the people starting with their own community or barangay?

It is one thing to tell Filipinos to vote wisely, quite another to have them define and express what they want their government to do, to ensure that candidates they elect are true to their promises, to punish them if they betray their mandate, or to replace them through the power of recall.

People need hands-on experience through actual participation. They need to get used to speaking out, to undertake affirmative action, and actively ensure that their wishes are integrated into government programs.

Values or principles are worthless unless they are applied in the concrete.

“Example moves the world more than doctrine,” a famous author once said.

To prepare them for the new dispensation, there ought to be a stock-taking of the issues and citizen-based actions needed in the area. Do they attend and participate in sessions of their sanggunian or barangay assembly? Do they bother to follow up with their barangay chairman or the mayor on pending issues or projects? Do they attend or speak out in public hearings? Do they know how to write letters or petitions on public issues?

Rather than be lectured and seminared, they should be enabled to act out whatever principles or ideals they have about their own government through meetings of their Barangay Assembly.

And they should be motivated to do so in ways that actually influence the neighborhood, the barangay, the municipality or city and the larger society.

More on this later on.

[Manny among others is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at development academy of Philippines, member of the Philippine Mission to the UN, vice chair of Local Government Academy, member of the Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@gmail. com]

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Smuggled... FFROM 1 tion label which is in violation of Republic Act 8293 or the “Intellectual Property Law of the Philippines.”

The BOC said a hearing was conducted in accordance with the procedures laid down under Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) but, no representative

from the consignee appeared.

“Despite giving due notice thereto which gave rose to the assumption that claimant is no longer interested in the subject shipment, the instant case was deemed submitted for resolution based on the uncontroverted documents on record, ” it said.

were used by criminal elements in their illegal activities.

“This unlawful act has negatively affected the peace and security situation in the region and eventually hampers and undermines the region’s progress,” Pernito said. he said the busting of the gun-running ring is another victory for the Operation Plan Paglalansag Omega, a flag-ship of the Criminal Investigation and

Detection Group against the proliferation of loose firearms.

In the first quarter of 2014, the CIDu Eastern Mindanao neutralized a total of eight criminal gangs involved in gun-running, robbery hold-up, car napping and illegal drugs leading to the confiscation of 34 homemade guns, four commercial firearms, and 271 rounds of ammunitions. [PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

tries relative to the MERSCoV, we deem it proper and timely to issue an advisory on precautionary measures so that our OFWs can be guided on the proper steps they need to take to protect themselves,” said Baldoz.

In an advisory, POEA Administrator hans Leo Cacdac said newly-hired or returning OFWs and those on-site are advised to heed the following precautionary measures for their safety and protection: * Practice proper hand hygiene always, by washing your hands with soap or hand rubs with alcohol before and after eating; before and after handling, cooking and preparing food; after coughing, sneezing and using the toilets; and before and after touching animals. * Practice proper cough etiquette by covering your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing. use a facial tissue when coughing or sneezing and cover your mouth and nose with it. Dispose the tissue in a waste basket. * Avoid contact with farm and domesticated animals, including camels. * Avoid contact with sick or infected with MERSCoV. If you have respiratory illness, stay home and wear a surgical mask to protect your family members. * If you are a health worker, strictly follow in-

fection control protocols in your work. * Visit your doctor, a hospital or health facility immediately if symptoms of MERS-CoV manifest, including persistent coughing and other symptoms. * If you were in close contact with a confirmed MERS-CoV patient, comply with local health regulations and postpone any trip abroad until after test results are negative. * Practice healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced and nutritional diet, and adequate sleep of at least eight hours, as it would help strengthen the body’s immunity. * Do not panic and believe rumors regarding MERS-CoV. Make sure information comes from relevant government authority.

For returning OFWs, especially those from MERS-CoV affected country or countries, they were advised to monitor their health for at least 14 days. In case they develop signs and symptoms (fever, headache, sore throat, body weakness, cough, difficulty of breathing, unexplained bruising or bleeding, severe diarrhea), they should immediately go to a doctor for check up.

The OWWA and the POEA are attached agencies of the DOLE. [PNA]

viously provided to affected settlers. There are 126 house owners recorded but as of press time, only 56 of them availed of the original P10,000 cash assistance.

Earlier, DCWD spokesperson Imelda Magsuci said that the proposed 1000-millimeter pipe bridge can deliver water to more than 70,000 consumers.

Magsuci said the DCWD has received a lot of com-

plaints from residents in the northern part of the city because of poor water supply, owing to the limited capacity of the pipe now being attached to the bridge.

Magsusi emphasized the need for the immediate construction of bridge crossing pipe as the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) allows the water district to lay the existing pipe for two years, ending on December 2014.

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GUIDELINES. Chief Inspector Jed Clamor, Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson, explains the latest guidelines on firearms licensing law during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Senior...FFROM 3 Currently, Region 11 has 14,635 senior citizen-beneficiaries.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program addresses the

clamor for social protection to the most vulnerable older persons as well as backs the full implementation of RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act

of 2010.

The monthly stipend of P500 which took effect January 2011, augments the daily subsistence and other medical needs of in-

digent senior citizens.

Presently, DSWD is advocating to reduce the age requirement from 77 to 70 years old. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

embraces its new responsibility as it advances into NCDDP or the National Community-Driven Development Program, the participants were given an overview about the new

endeavor, significant dates and events for the national launch, and hiring of new staffs since the program now covers a bigger scope.

Also conducted were technical sessions wherein

issues and concerns of different regions were clarified.

Moreover, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) was discussed and participants were direct-

ed to really make it more participatory by eliciting genuine involvement of various sectors at the local government level. [DSWD/ Julie Ace Brandon F. Ramos]

from Magsaysay Park to temporary relocation site outside the Task Force Davao headquarters inside the Sta. Ana port.

The medium term, involves the relocation of fire victims who prefer to be resettled in the city government-owned relocation site in Los Amigos.

The relocation process include the review of the existing housing plans in the

relocation site, opening of initial road networks and allocation of lots and sectioning of the settlers.

The task force also tasked to secure funding support for the land development and other amenities and infrastructures including power lines, water connections and communal facilities.

The task force has yet to conduct an inventory

and validation of the victims who prefer to be relocated in Los Amigos.

As for the long-term activities, the task force will conduct an actual ground survey in the affected area with due consideration on the existing road network, foot bridges, take off points for references in planning and allocation of spaces.

It will also involve the integration of the drainage

plan as designed and implemented by the Department of Public Works and highways 11.

The task force will also submit a proposed integrated development plan of the area with funding requirements for road lines and footbridges. It will also allocate open spaces for the mosques, chapels and other common facilities.

Since super typhoon Sendong hit the northern part of Mindanao on December 16-17, 2011, reporting on natural and manmade disasters has been deemed a challenge for journalists, some of whom were not “very well-prepared to cover such incidents”.

The theme is a follow-up to the 7th Mindanao Media Summit in General Santos City, which focused on media’s role in relation to Mindanao’s critical environment. The earlier summit came just a week before Sendong struck.

Organizers said the experience with typhoon Pablo in December 2012 and the continuous flooding of the rivers in Cotabato further showed the need to train the media in reporting environmental disasters. “(This is) to avoid sensationalism or sow unnec-

essary panic to listeners or viewers,” they said, adding, “providing accurate and timely information has never been more important than it is today.”

There are many local journalists, they said, who could help educate their readers and listeners but who are themselves poorly informed, not having been trained to understand the language of science. “..Journalists need to have better skills in getting verifiable and credible information so that they can report accurately the facts regarding storms, typhoons or the rise in floodwaters to help communities ...,” they added.

Journalists have also failed to engage the general public in a discussion on the environment issue which is crucial in exposing specific concerns related to disasters such as health and economics, the

organizers noted. They cited the need to network with scientists, meteorologists, disaster management councils, local government units and build other sources of science journalism stories.

Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder will give the keynote speech of the summit. Around 10 resource persons from government, non-government, and media organizations from the Philippine Climate Change Commission will tackle the theme.

The Mindanao Media Forum started consultations in 2011 on the training needs of journalists who are covering disasters.

Initially, there were small group discussions with journalists based in Region 12 and Mguindanao.

In the 2011 summit, Mindanao Times publisher Jesus Dureza challenged the media to produce

more critical stories and go beyond the usual fare of reportage on the deteriorating environmental situation in Mindanao.

“Study very well and deliver the correct message,” he said, citing that resource conflict is emerging as a more serious source of conflict in Mindanao making environment watch the “call of the moment.”

In her rationale of the summit, MindaNews editor Carolyn Arguillas cited that floods in Mindanao have displaced more people than wars did.

Arguillas said roughly 100,000 people were displaced by war in Mindanao in 2011. But she pointed out that in January 2011 alone floods displaced about 855,480 persons, which is 43 percent of the total number (2 million) of people displaced by floods all over the country. [Walter I. Balane/MindaNews]

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BIGGER PICTURE

11

High tech piggy bank to improve saving habits among Filipinos T

hE grand champion of the 10th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards wants to transform the way Filipinos save and spend for products and services they aspire for.

The annual awards, an anchor program under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) of wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), aims to promote development of innovative wireless devices and mobile applications that can enable Filipinos to live more.

Now on its 10th year, SWEEP Awards counts graduating students from SWEEP-partner engineering and IT schools as participants.

“For the past 10 years, SWEEP has been promoting the culture of innovation among our partner schools.

We would like to sustain that tradition as we engage our youth in coming up with ground-breaking ideas that can be transformed into viable products and services that help improve people’s lives,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon R. Isberto.

Joining the roster of winners this year is Bataan Peninsula State university with CoinSaver: The New and Innovative Way to Save. CoinSaver is a kiosk-like device that allows the user to save for a product or service he wants or needs a coin or two at a time.

Piggybank kiosk The concept of saving is nothing new. Saving a coin or two every day in a piggy bank is something that even kids know and do. What’s novel about this is the kiosk-like device that the team developed in place of the traditional piggybank and linking it to the mobile phone.

By dropping coins on a regular basis for a month or so, depending on the service pro-

vider or product vendor, the user will have a chance to save for the full cost of the product/ service. he can then claim the product/service using an SMS voucher that the machine will send to his mobile phone once amount is saved in full.

“The aim of this device is to encourage people to save their extra coins for a specific purpose. We hope to change the way people value loose change and their saving habits,” said team leader Mark Anthony Colentava.

Inspired by the SSS AlkanSSSya project, which encourages people to save a few coins a day to complete their monthly contribution, the team came up with the concept of a wireless device in place of the alkansya or piggybank enabled by mobile technology.

Apart from Colentava, the other members of the team are Lorraine Bon, Ysrael Dizon, Arvin Bordios, Laurence Arguelles, Jayven Gozon, Armando Ching, Jr., Reden Aquino, Erwin Levy Aquino, and Anne Farrah Alejo. All are graduating Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) students, except for Gozon, Ching, Alejo who are on their 4th year, and Reden and Erwin Aquino, who are still 3rd year students.

Garage innovation The biggest companies started their journeys at their very own garage just like Apple and hP. CoinSaver is no different.

Since most of the tools and materials are huge and require a larger space, the group decided to move the production of the prototype to Colentava’s house.

“Our CoinSaver was developed in a garage. We do not have a car, we only have a tricycle, so it is a tricycle garage,” says Colentava.

The CoinSaver team joined the SWEEP Bootcamp held at the First Pacific Learning Academy in Antipolo City to help them work on their soft skills such as doing a presentation and building a much stronger business case for their

This team from Bataan Peninsula State University is grand champion at the 10th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards for its kiosk-like device, CoinSaver.

Members of the team work on the prototype.

From Bataan to Manila More than just developing a device that would be able to execute the group’s idea, the challenge also lies in getting the device to work.

Colentava recalls that one of the key components of the device was damaged during

the final construction process and one of the team had to travel for eight hours to buy a replacement part in Manila.

The stress of making sure the device works continued until a few minutes before the group presented the device for final judging.

proposed device. In photo are some of the members of the team along with their faculty mentor, Engr. Faye Baret.

The CoinSaver, a kiosk-like wireless device bested other innovations at the 10th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards.

“Bataan to Manila is a three-hour trip and it was a bumpy ride along NLEX and EDSA. During the trip, a few of the device’s parts kept falling off. As a result, we spent the last few minutes before the presentation of the device to the judges to fix everything making sure each part is in the right place, and that device works,” says Colentava. sWEEP veterans Colentava and teammate Arguelles are no strangers to SWEEP. They were both 3rd year students when they joined the team that won third place in the 8th SWEEP Awards with the entry ‘Aquaculture Solution to Salinity and Oxygen Level’.

They said that experience has inspired both of them to sustain the spirit of research and innovation.

“Since then, I never stopped believing that those little ideas that we have can be transformed into useful

and viable products. Now that I had my own team to lead and we won the 10th SWEEP Awards, I was transformed from being that little kid who dreamed, into a man that can turn his ideas into products that help people improve their lives,” says Colentava.

“Wining the SWEEP Awards has transformed the entire team. We are inspired.

Together we will change the world by offering one innovation at a time.”

As grand champion, the team won P500,000 in cash plus the equivalent amount for their school in the form of a grant. To further push the culture of technology entrepreneurship to the young innovators, Smart has included in the prizes a familiarization tour in Silicon Valley in California. Select members of the team and their faculty mentor will be leaving for the united States for a week-long tour in May this year.

12 ClASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

A new Korean hot spot Outside Jeon Gane.

It was supposed to be a normal evening just hanging out with Anavi while waiting for her daughter, Brianna’s party to wind down. Having already spent some time sipping coffee and people watching, we decided to have dinner at the Phoenix Lanang compound since it was on the way to the party venue.

Although we pass by the Lanang Phoenix gas station a lot, we could rarely find the opportunity to drop by and take a look at the restaurants that have popped up in the area. This time however we had a plan and we decided to try out Jeong Gane Korean Restaurant.

Located at the very end of the compound, Jeong Gane seems like any typical Korean restaurant with cheerful bright interiors and the chatter of Koreans mixing with the whiff of kimchi and grilled meat.

Wanting to quash our Korean food craving that evening, we decided to play it safe by ordering our favourite Korean dishes.

Ann ordered some Kimbap, vegetables and rice wrapped in seaweed, while I ordered a pot of Kimchi Jigae, ripe kimchi,pork and tofu stew. We also ordered some Sum Gyap Sal, fatty pork belly that is grilled on the spot and served with grilled garlic, onions and red bean paste, wrapped in lettuce leaves.

We also decided to be adventurous and asked the waiter for something Jeong Gane is known for and he quickly pointed out the Haemul Jia Jang, noodles with seafood served with black sauce, as one of the dishes their Korean customers look for.

All genuine Korean restaurants serve a kalei-

Jeon Gane’s Haemul Jia Jang.

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

Sum Gyap Sal.

Kimbap doscope of side dishes and Jeong Gane is no exception with more than eight side dishes served that evening we ate there.

Biting into the Kimbap was a treat as the restaurant was not stingy when it came to the vegetables, meat and egg stuffed into it. The Kimchi Jigae and the Sum Gyap Sal were right on the spot and did not deviate from our expectations of the dishes.

The star of the evening though was the Haemul Jia Jang which at first, I could honestly say, looked like a black inky mess. But once it was mixed up and entered my mouth, it was an explosion of sweet and savoury that immediately

paired well with the more spicier side dishes. What really won me over though was the texture of the noodles which snapped to the bite and was chewy in the mouth. The waiter later told us that the noodles are made fresh in-house.

A platter of fruits followed our delicious meal paired with choices of inhouse tea or coffee. For the more adventurous, I would suggest you try their Green Mango tea. tangy and sweet in the mouth, the Green Mango tea, which the owner of the restaurant makes herself by fermenting green tea for 100 days, is a refreshing way to end a good Korean meal.

A kaleidoscope of Korean side dishes.

EDGEDAVAO

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EVEnT

An electrifying evening to remember A deafening moment of silence fell upon an entire ballroom as two individuals stood side by side, both facing an excited crowd, waiting for the emcees to utter the winner’s name. A nerve racking thrill filled the air as the finalists’ friends and colleagues crossed their fingers dearly hoping that their favorite wins.

The announcers finally caught their breath and called out, “Congratulations to our new champion, Severino Bandilao, Elektrisyan ng Bayan 2014!”

Anyone would have thought that a beauty pageant has just concluded its coronation night when the top five finalists were each called on stage. The five placers were awarded with their checks and received the crowd’s warm accolade during the second annual Elektrisyan ng Bayan Awards held at the Grand Men Seng last February 28, 2014. Undeniably, these hardworking private electricians deserve nothing less than the sincere appreciation and a celebrated recognition for their efforts which are par excellence.

In its own distinguished manner, Davao Light and Power Company together with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. have come up with an award giving ceremony which honors the laudable consistent servitude performed by these individuals.

As mentioned by Communi-

TOP: The Top 5 winners of Davao Light and Power Company’s Elektrisyan ng Bayan Award for 2013 pose with the electric utility’s managers and executives.

From left: Engr. Mervin Dalian, Customer Retail Services Department Manager; Fermin Edillon, Community Relations Department Manager; Grand Winner Severino Bandilao; 1st Runner Up Jeffrey Solatorio; 2nd Runner Up Rogelio Pitogo; 3rd Runner Up Alex Montilla; 4th Runner Up Wennie Santander; Reynold Felix, Asst. Vice-Pres.(AVP) & Panabo Branch Manager; Arnold Arsolon, AVP for Retail Service Group and Ross Luga, AVP for Corporate Communications & Branding.

LEFT: 1st runner-up Jeffrey Solatorio congratulates Severino Bandilao, Grand Winner of the Elektrisyan ng Bayan Award for 2013. ty Relations (ComRel) Manager Fermin Edillion in his opening remarks, this award gives due recognition to private electricians who help Davao Light continually achieve its corporate goal of providing world class quality service to its customers.

This event initiated by the Customer Retail Services and ComRel departments, created under the Privilege for Electricians with Records of Kind Service (PERKS) project, selects winners according to their consistent records reflecting excellent

performance without incurring a single complaint or electric non-compliance to Davao Light and government set standards within the past year.

The 54 year old Bandilao of DASEA bagged top honors as he outscored highly competent

nominees namely Nicasio Oblianda of DAPREA, Narleo Binobo of UEMD, fellow winners, 4th runner up Wennie Santander of DAPREA, this year’s 3rd runner up, former Elektrisyan ng Bayan, Alex Montilla of UEMD, 2nd runner up Roger Pitogo of UEMD and 1st runner up Jeffrey Solatario of UEMD. The seven finalists were each given a Certificate of Recognition and electricians’ tools while placers received corresponding cash rewards.

“I will never forget this award and will always find ways to serve our customers better.” the new champion from Panabo proudly promised as he gave out his message of thanks to Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation. Winners took their places on stage, congratulated each other and smiled shyly as photographers took snapshots of their moment of glory.

Assistant Vice-President and Panabo Branch Manager Reynold Felix ended the celebration encouraging next year’s hopefuls that as they are the frontline of the Davao Light customer service, they should keep in mind that the challenge to be the next Elektrisyan ng Bayan doesn’t end that night, rather, “the challenge continues.”

Without a doubt, by valuing each and every meaningful contribution and admiration, Davao Light and these dedicated and humble electricians work hand in hand to give the world class quality service that the customers truly deserve.

Globe Business honors women leaders in Davao COming from a successful launch in Cebu in early march, globe Business continued its nationwide women empowerment program by gathering female business leaders in the Davao region. The second leg of their campaign themed “You are Wonderful” continued to uphold the role of female leaders as a driving force in local industries and the economy as a whole.

“As the country continues to be a great place for women in the corporate world having more Filipinas becoming leaders of enterprises, there is also a growing need to let them feel empowered so they can strike a balance between career and family life,” pointed out globe Business Vice President for Enterprise marketing Charmaine Bautista-Pamintuan.

She cited a recent study from the Asian Development Bank identifying a

number of fast-growing sectors where women should be encouraged to play a greater role, including the booming business process outsourcing sector, tourism, light industry, and entrepreneurship.

“Through our engagements such as ‘You are Wonderful,’ we at globe Business commend female leaders as

they continue to blaze trails in the work force.”

Being the third most populous area in the country, metropolitan Davao serves as the main trade, commerce and industry hub of mindanao, and one of the key cities championing women power in the country. The enterprise arm of globe Telecom exclu-

sively invited women executives from the region as they were treated to a day of self-reflection, good food and rejuvenation at Pearl Farm Beach Resort in The island garden City of Samal in Davao del norte.

The women executives first went through a lifedesign workshop, especially created for women who

want to anchor their lives and careers on their values and the principle of balance. it took participants through a fun and reflective learning journey where they were able to revisit their core values and strengths, create a personal brand that is consistent with their core values and strengths with particular focus on building

their career, take a snapshot of where they are today and craft an action plan to bring them closer to an ideal place in their lives and careers. globe Business Senior Vice President for Enterprise group nikko Acosta said that “we look forward for a wonderful new culture to emerge – one that evokes compassion and balance in the workplace as we see more fully-integrated female professionals in the corporate world. globe Business will continue to celebrate, inspire and empower female executives as we work closely with them in creating a wonderful iCT landscape and businesses in the country.

For more information on how globe Business can help empower your enterprise in creating a wonderful iCT landscape, visit www. business.globe.com.ph or talk to your globe Business Account manager.

EDGEDAVAO

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EnTERTAinmEnT

Sam and Gerald:

‘Career first, marriage later’ WhEn asked what they prioritize between career and love life, “Dyesebel” leading men Sam milby and gerald Anderson both said they give a high priority to their respective careers so they can save up for their future families even before getting married.

For 29-year-old Sam and 25-year-old gerald, the perfect marrying age is between early to mid-30s. “i would love to stay in showbiz longer so i work hard. i accept the fact that it is an unstable job so you have to strike when the iron is hot. You have to enjoy it while you can and invest your money the right way,” Sam shares in “Tapatan ni Tunying” airing this Thursday (April 24).

After nine years in the industry, the 2005 “Pinoy

Big Brother” (PBB) alumnus has built his bachelor’s pad. he has also invested in two businesses, a restaurant and a coffee shop. like Sam, gerald rose to fame after joining “PBB” in 2006. Following his stint in

“PBB,” gerald’s acting career instantly took off. “i fell in love with the craft of acting. i told myself, ‘This is what i really want,’” he says. he added that what he likes most about being an

actor is earning money by doing what he loves.

“We are blessed financially. The whole family has been financially stable since i entered showbiz,” he explains. gerald has put up his own house in manila and another one in general Santos City for his mother.

Aside from their colorful career journey, Sam and gerald will also talk about their families and controversial relationships in the episode.

Don’t miss “Tapatan ni Tunying” (TnT) this Thursday (April 24), on its new timeslot at 3:45 Pm on ABSCBn’s Kapamilya gold. For updates, follow @TnTunying on Twitter and instagram, or like its Facebook page www.facebook.com/ TnTunying.

Celebrity style Nicki Minaj is on a role with her new “toned-down” look. But don’t let the Superbass singer fool you, as her style is certainly not boring. Although she did tell E! News in an interview that her new look is not actually so new. “Before my first album, I used to have a natural look,” said Nicki. “Only my really underground followers knew that side of me.” Whatever the case, we are liking it!

Saturdate with Christian Bautista and Erwan Heussaff in ‘Taste Buddies’ ThiS Saturday, Taste Buddies’ Solenn heussaff and isabelle Daza together with their guest, Christian Bautista, will show viewers how to adjust from day to night and still be fabulous.

Taste Buddies will also meet up with Solenn’s brother, Erwan heussaff, to try out the all-day breakfast feasts at his latest business endeavor hATCh 22. Christian will learn to mix a refreshing drink as well.

Belle, meanwhile, will show viewers the customized swimsuits from YUminUm, which can be per-

sonally designed for one’s specific body type and preferred cuts and prints!

Christian will also strut his summer look and will reveal how he stays fresh under the sun while Solenn gives great ideas for creative swimsuit cover-ups.

The show gets even hotter as the girls grill Christian with their Quickie Quiz.

Want to know who he wants to be with on a deserted island?

Find out and enjoy a sizzling Saturdate with TASTE BUDDiES on April 26, 8:45Pm, on gmA news TV.

Angel Locsin gets goosebumps when shooting intense scenes in ‘The Legal Wife’ AngEl lOCSin admits that she gets goosebumps everytime they shoot the intense scenes in their toprating primetime series on ABS-CBn, “The legal Wife.”

“Our script is so beautifully written that even us, the cast members, get goosebumps after shooting our scenes,” shared Angel, who is better known by viewers as monica Santiago-De Villa, the wife of Adrian (Jericho Rosales), who happens to be the secret lover of monica’s bestfriend, nicole (maja Salvador). “married couples and even those who are still dat-

ing can relate with the characters in the show and can learn a lot from their journey. i myself learned a lot from the series like how to handle jealousy, among others,” the Kapamilya actress said.

Although Angel appreciates the strong reaction of

the viewers against the illicit relationship of the Adrian and nicole, Angel clarifies that their series wants nothing but to share life lessons to the audience.

“We’re not here to judge.

‘The legal Wife’ is here to inspire and give hope to

families that are facing challenges,” Angel said.

The much awaited confrontation among monica, Adrian and nicole will finally happen this Thursday so don’t miss the nation’s most followed ‘TV affair,’ “The legal Wife” after “ikaw lamang” on ABS-CBn Primetime Bida.

For more updates about the show, simply visit its website www.thelegalwife.abscbn.com and official social networking sites at Facebook. com/thelegalwife2013, Instagram.com/iam_thelegalwife, and Twitter.com/IAmTheLegalWife.

RIO 2 2D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP

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

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL 2D Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly GP

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

TRANSCENDENCE 2D Johnny Depp R13

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

R-16 DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heusaff PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

Going organic with Detox Station OF the many things in life, we take our health for granted. We slave ourselves to earn and forget to take a breather. Oh wait, we actually do not forget; we take it aside until we become frail and weak.

Indeed, today’s lifestyle could be summed up in 4 words --- click of the mouse! Everything is in fast paced mode that when we want to take a breather, we engulf stress even more. Although stress is said to be good for us, too much of it (or of anything) is what makes us lose control.

For an over thinker like me, my ultimate comfort resides inside a venti sized aromatic 2 shot espresso caramel machiato anytime of the day -- one sip and I’m in pure bliss.

Most days, I let stress pile up and release it at the end of the week. For me, nothing beats a weekend of nothingness and some good ol’ cooking shows on youtube. Nonetheless, the struggle to keep balanced during the week is a struggle that we need not be accustomed to.

Resorting to comfort is an escape goat that we have befriended for most of our daily lives. Yes, this is good but if we keep doing the cycle, will it still be beneficial in the long run?

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chicken and fish cubes with honey-lemon yoghurt sauce tacos.

Being healthy is not a goal; it is a choice of lifestyle. It is allowing the body to recalibrate and in the process, enable it to function like a well-oiled machine. to ward the body of toxin is the most effective of ways to get back in shape. For me, getting back in shape involves a change of lifestyle and outlook in life.

With the popularity of juices or detox juices, being healthy is now easy to achieve. Do not get me wrong, being healthy is one tough job to conquer. With these bottles of goodness, taking your daily dose of vegetables and fruits is now as easy

Sweet Potato Bruschetta.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Detox Station colors of change. as opening the lid and sipping it.

Detox Station is more than a business venture and a company; it serves to aid in the process of change to those who would want to take and embrace the change. With nothing but the freshest and organically grown produce, Detox Station makes every bottled drink of goodness a masterpiece to jump start any change in life.

More than their delicious juices, they too offer a meal plan with the most delicious, freshest and healthiest ingredients you could ever taste. From salads to pancakes to pasta dishes, Detox Station is a healthy option deserving of worthy accolades. One noteworthy to mention, they have some of the best tasting salad dressings out there. Paired with their crunchy greens, you could never go wrong with Detox Station.

Every bottle is a fun filled adventure of flavors.

Aside from that, I love Detox Statuon for making it their mission to help local farmers. Their ingredients are locally grown and thus is certified organic and of course, fresh. That is why their products are oh so yummy and healthy with every drop.

Personally, I really love their detox juices because of both its flavors and effects. From allowing me to sleep well at night, feel lighter and energized all day, these detox juices are slowly taking its shape in my weekly regimen. Not able to drink a bottle in a week makes me weak and

longing of its soothing and palateful flavors.

Before you start computing for every bottle, think of your health, family and future. Start the change and take the challenge to a healthier new you. Be not never be afraid of allowing change in your life; let change be

Protein Pancakes made with whole grain oats, bananas, non-fat milk and egg with honey-apple sauce. your inspiration.

-- Atty. Kristine Pague, Like and Follow Detox Atty. Mayette PuentespiStation on facebook and na, Atty. Bhing Doquilla, follow them on instagram Rothea ‘Patchur’ Simon, for the latest detox juice Diana Felices Elumba, flavors, meal plans and Mike timajo and Dr. detots for your chikitings. Sean Española. See you Thank You Detox Sta- soon! tion for taking this jourFollow me on instagram ney with me! Love lots (@herroyalheiress) for the tauMu batch 2005b best food finds in Davao.

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Six months on from mega Mini-chapel up soon typhoon: hope and resilience at Home for the Aged S

IX months on from one of the world’s worst typhoons and the people of Samar, who have also faced years of low-level conflict, are rebuilding their lives.

The insecurity caused by

the protracted violence has left Samar the poorest island in the Philippines. When people were then hit by the mega typhoon’s 300-km winds and 5-metre waves, the effect was devastating.

Edge Davao hiring 3 reporters

EDGE DAVAO is a need of three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program.

Before typhoon haiyan, Floro Elacion Junior was scratching out a living as a fisherman and managing to send his children to school.

“Although life was difficult, we learned to budget our money and food in order to survive,” explains Elacion.

Elacion, his mother, wife and three children were in the evacuation centre when the typhoon hit: “We would nev-

er have survived had we not moved to the evacuation centre. Soon after the typhoon, I went home to check what had happened to our house.

I was appalled to see the devastation.” The roofs and walls had been blown off and their possessions scattered. Elacion managed to put together a makeshift shelter and the family slept sitting upright when the rain was heavy.

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The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats.

Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. Experience is not needed although preferable.

Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 2213601.

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D

SWD Director Priscilla N. Razon and Davao Del Norte Vice Governor Victorio R. Suaybaguio cover the time capsule during the ground breaking ceremonies for the mini-chapel of the DSWD home for the Aged.

The chapel is a gift from the Association of Friends of the home for the Aged, Inc. (AFhAI) led by its president Pedro B. San Jose.

Witnessing the event is Annie L. Rosalinda, center head.

With the mini-chapel rising soon at the center, the elderly residents

and workers as well can readily go to a dedicated haven for meditation and prayer in relative peace without being hampered by distractions.

Presently, religious activities such as recitation of the daily Three-o’clock Prayer and Sunday Mass are held at the Social hall where other daily occupational and social activities are also conducted.

The mini-chapel project was recently approved

by AFhAI with an initial funding support of Php 100,000.00. [DSWD]

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Chelsea survives war of attrition

A

TLETICO Madrid and Chelsea were locked at 0-0 after their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday after the Spanish side failed to break down their ultra-cautious visitors at the Calderon.

Atletico, through to the last four of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 40 years, dominated the defence-minded 2012 winners but were unable to carve out an advantage ahead of next week’s return leg at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, returning to the Spanish capital after three years at Atletico’s city rivals Real, had clearly set out to frustrate the home team and the result means his side will be slight favourites to advance to next month’s final in Lisbon.

The Londoners lost goalkeeper Petr Cech when he fell heavily and hurt his right elbow in the 15th minute but neither his replacement Mark Schwarzer nor Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois were genuinely tested in a drab affair.

Chelsea manager Jose Maurinho confirmed Cech’s season was over due to the injury.

“Petr Cech was knocked over. I don’t remember which player it was but he has an injury that means his season is over,” Mourinho said. home captain Gabi, who was booked and will be suspended for the return leg, said he and his team mates were not happy with

the result.

“Atletico wanted to win the match at any cost but they defended very well,” Gabi told TVE. “We knew they wouldn’t want to concede a goal and I think Atletico played a much more attacking game.

“It leaves a bad taste in the mouth but the tie is still very open and we will go to Chelsea and try to win.”

There was another cracking atmosphere before kick-off at the 55,000-capacity stadium next to the Manzanares river where the fans have been flocking to enjoy what is easily the Madrid club’s best season in almost 20 years.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone deployed an attacking formation with Diego Costa leading the line supported by attacking midfielder Raul Garcia and Diego and Koke providing the creative impetus just behind.

Mourinho, by contrast, had containment in mind, with former Atletico captain Fernando Torres alone up front and defender David Luiz in a holding role in a five-man midfield.

The Portuguese coach had obviously instructed his players to sit back and try to catch Atletico on the break and they were happy to let the home side have the ball in a first half short on entertainment.

Chelsea were forced to make an early change when Cech was knocked to the ground by a tumbling Raul Garcia at a corner and he was helped off clutching his right arm.

Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, left, is challenged by Atletico’s Diego Godn during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain onTuesday. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Jawo in talks to coach Ginebra? TNT-SBP Under 18 ‘Tatluhan’ B Davao leg set on May 8 - 9 ASKETBALL legend Robert Jaworki is reportedly in talks to get back his coaching job in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Rumors of his possible return were resurrected after the Gin Kings were unceremoniously booted out of the race for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday.

A source cited by Spin. ph’s Snow Badua revealed that Jaworski, who was known for his “Never Say Die” spirit during his Ginebra days, has been keeping an open communication with San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang. “Confidential pa kasi ‘yung lahat. But there is an ongoing negotiation,” said the source. “Wala pang definite, but there are negotiations.”

Ginebra fans vented their frustrations through social media after an uncharacteristic Barangay Ginebra lost to Talk ‘N Text in the playoffs on Tuesday.

The Tropang Texters,

T

hE Talk N’ Text-SBP under-18 3x3 “Tatluhan” will hold Davao regional eliminations on May 8 and 9 at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. The tournament is open as far as competing teams are concerned that means teams may represent schools, barangays, clubs, civic organizations, non-government organizations or commercial entities.

Players born January

1, 1996 onward are eligible to play, according to Regino “Boy” Cua, SBP region XI director.

“Only four players will be allowed per team. Registration is pegged at P100 per player” he said.

The champion team in the Davao regional elimination, organized by Duterte Basketball League (DBL), will earn the right to represent Davao region to the national finals slated May 24 – 25 in Manila.

Registration is now on-

going at the City Sports Office inside the DCRC Almendras Gym compound while at the Gaisano Skygym starts on April 23. Deadline of submission is on May 6.

The two-day event is one of the sporting activities in this year’s Davao Summer Sports for Peace Festival.

Three other regional qualifying legs will also be held in Mindanao in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and Gen. Santos/ ARMM.

round playoff series.

George hill scored each of his 15 points in the second half, helping top-seeded Indiana earn a split of the first two postseason games at home. George also had four steals and blocked a shot while helping keep hawks point guard Jeff Teague in check. ‘’That’s why he was

in the MVP conversation early,’’ Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. ‘’he always does those types of things, guarding the best perimeter player, rebounding the ball, deflecting the ball. His hands were all over the place. It makes him one of the most complete players in the game when he plays like he did tonight.’’”

Pacers rout Hawks to even series

Basketball legend Robert Jaworki who were armed by a twice-to-beat edge, overwhelmed the Gin Kings,

97-84. The loss ended Barangay Ginebra’s run in the Commissioner’s Cup.

I

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) -When the Indiana Pacers needed a lift. Paul George stepped up. All over the court, over and over again.

George had 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and the Pacers used a big second-half run to rally for a 101-85 victory over the Atlanta hawks on Tuesday night in Game 2 of their first-

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls lands on top of Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards as they battle for a loose ball in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Wizards tame Bulls in OT C hICAGO (AP) -- This one looked like it was slipping away from the Washington Wizards.

Then, in a flash everything changed.

Bradley Beal came on strong late in regulation to finish with 26 points, Nene scored six of his 17 points in overtime and the Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls 101-99 Tuesday to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Game 3 is Friday at Washington. ‘’We’ve got to come out like we’re down 0-1 or 0-2,’’ said Beal, who scored 11 in the fourth quarter. ‘’We’ve got to have that sense of urgency and just that drive and that motivation like we

did early. We’ve got to be able to maintain that lead.

We’ve got to continue to stay poised.’’

The Wizards couldn’t maintain a 17-point first-quarter lead and had to rally from 10 down in the fourth.

Nene scored the first six points in overtime after being held in check by Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah in regulation, and the Wizards hung on after Kirk hinrich failed to convert at the foul line in the closing seconds of overtime.

Noah had just hit two free throws when Beal missed a jumper with 18 seconds left. Jimmy Butler

got the rebound and Chicago called time. hinrich, a 76 percent free throw shooter this season, had a chance to tie it after getting fouled by Nene on a drive with 2.4 seconds left. But his first attempt hit the rim. he deliberately missed the second, and Trevor Ariza grabbed the rebound to seal the win for Washington. ‘’I went up there thinking I was going to knock them down,’’ hinrich said. ‘’Tonight, I just couldn’t do it. however, I really felt that I should’ve made the layup.’’

D.J. Augustin led Chicago with 25 points but cooled off late in the game with Ariza guarding him.

Taj Gibson had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Noah added 20 points and 12 boards, but the Bulls find themselves in a huge hole after dropping two at home.

They blew a 13-point lead in Game 1 and couldn’t hang on after rallying in this one. Both times, they struggled in the fourth quarter, and coach Tom Thibodeau bristled when asked if he might switch up his late-game rotation. ‘’We look at everything,’’ he said. ‘’unreal.’’

John Wall had 16 points and seven assists for Washington.

The Bulls appeared to be in good shape when

Popovich wins NBA Coach of the Year

T

hE San Antonio Spurs, the model for stability and sustained success in the modern NBA, were still a shaken team when they showed up for training camp in October, less than four months after a devastating loss to Miami in the NBA Finals.

Some coaches would try to brush off the disappointment of letting a title slip through their fingers and refuse to acknowledge the elephant in the room.

Gregg Popovich took it head on, embraced the heartache, and in a career full of masterful coaching performances, delivered perhaps his finest effort in season No. 18. ‘’The way we lost in the finals wasn’t an ordinary loss, it was pretty

devastating,’’ Popovich said on Tuesday after being named NBA coach of the year. ‘’We decided that we needed to just face that right off the bat at the beginning of the season and get it out of the way. Don’t blame it on the basketball gods or bad fortune or anything like that, the Miami heat beat us and won the championship and that’s that.’’

Popovich joined Don Nelson and Pat Riley as the only coaches in league history to take home the Red Auerbach trophy three times in their career. ‘’They’re on the hood of my car,’’ Popovich cracked. ‘’One, two, three, right on the car, the way players do license plates. ... I’ve got three of those right on the hood.’’

he’s never liked the attention, never bought into the proclamations of his genius. When the accolades come his way, Popovich is quick to deflect them, giving the credit to his players, his assistant coaches, owner Peter holt and general manager R.C. Buford. The humility in his voice on Tuesday was genuine, the challenge of putting the pieces back together after last season’s finish as daunting as ever.

They showed up to training camp still stinging from that defeat, and Popovich had to get to know a new-look coaching staff after losing longtime assistants Brett Brown and Mike Budenholzer to head coaching jobs in Philadelphia and Atlanta.

they were leading 8777 five minutes into the fourth. They were still leading, 91-85, when Beal shot the Wizards back into the game. he nailed a 3-pointer that made it 91-88 and added a floater to make it a one-point game. Then, with a chance to put Washington ahead, he hit 1 of 2 free throws with 52.9 seconds left to tie it at 91.

Both teams had opportunities to win it in the closing seconds but couldn’t convert. ‘’I think we did a great job staying calm and composed,’’ Wall said. ‘’Early in the season, we would get rattled and guys would try

to make plays one on one on their own. Tonight, we trusted in our offense like we’ve been doing.’’

The Bulls were leading 87-77 after a driving layup by Noah and two free throws by Butler with 6:59 left regulation. But with Beal going off, the Wizards made a run. ‘’I can’t take a lot of credit for the fourth quarter,’’ said Beal, who scored 11 in the fourth after quiet second and third quarters. ‘’I think we got a lot of offensive rebounds and kickouts, and John hit me on a couple. I was fortunate to be able to knock down some, and I just stayed with it.

Gregg Popovich

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE28 28••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,APRIL APRIL24, 24,2014 2014

Sharapova survives scare S

TuTTGART, Germany (AP) -- Defending champion Maria Sharapova survived a firstround scare at the Porsche Grand Prix by defeating Lucie Safarova 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-6(2) on Tuesday.

The sixth-seeded Sharapova needed three hours, 24 minutes for her 100th clay victory, three days after her 27th birthday.

Sharapova, who is bidding to win the tournament for the third time in a row, next faces fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who defeated Latvian qualifier Diana Marcinkevica 6-3, 6-2.

Jelena Jankovic, the no.

5 seed, saved four match points to come back and claim a 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-3

win over German lucky loser Mona Barthel.

No. 8 seed Sara Errani recovered from a double break down in the second set to defeat Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-4 for the Italian’s first win in five visits to Stuttgart.

Also Tuesday, Svetlana Kuznetsova beat Italian qualifier Gioia Barbieri 6-2, 6-3 and another Russian, Alisa Kleybanova, defeated Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-4.

Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro defeated Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-4 and Roberta Vinci had a 6-3, 6-2 win over Annika Beck, ensuring the 20-year-old qualifier was the first German knocked out of the tournament.

Djokovic: Wrist better, will try to play in Madrid

Maria Sharapova returns to Lucie Safarova at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2014 at Porsche-Arena on Tuesday in Stuttgart, Germany. (AP Photo/ Alan Diaz)

Donaire: Making weight won’t be a problem N ONITO Donaire is confident that he will have no trouble making the 126-pound featherweight limit even though he admits that he has been eating quite a lot since he has returned to the Philippines.

“I love the Filipino food,” Donaire said in a press conference on Tuesday, where it was formally announced that he will challenge South African Simpiwe Vetyeka for the WBA featherweight belt in Macau on May 31.

“I’m gonna be hon- Nonito Donaire, left, lands a punch on Vic Darchinyan. est,” he added. “I’m about mga 140 (pounds) ako 140 (pounds) right now, extra pounds.

“Given that I’ve been ngayon but that’s a givwhich is okay.”

Donaire believes that eating like crazy, my fa- en, and right now pa lang with the heat and hu- ther and I got in shape kami mag-start ng rigorous (training),” he added. midity in the Philippines, really fast,” he said.

“Right now, I’ve just “Next week, six he will have no trouble shedding the excess been sparring for four rounds ako, the following weight, noting that his rounds, but maganda na week, eight rounds, and rigorous training camp ‘yung stamina ko in terms then 10, and then 12 in should take care of the of where I started. Siguro, the final week, and then

I’ll be ready.” his father, Nonito Sr., who will serve as his chief trainer for the fight, is similarly confident that weight will not be an issue.

“It’s only 14 pounds,” Nonito Sr. said. “That’s like baby fat.”

S

AYING his right wrist is not as badly hurt as he feared, Novak Djokovic plans to be back on the tennis tour in two weeks - and at the French Open later next month.

The right-handed Djokovic said in a statement Tuesday he’s been ‘’assured’’ by doctors that he will be ready for upcoming clay-court tournaments, starting with the Madrid Masters on May 5. he would head to Rome the following week, and then to Paris, where play in the year’s second Grand Slam tournament begins May 25. ‘’Fortunately, the situation with the injury is better than it first seemed,’’ said Djokovic, who is No. 2, behind Rafael Nadal, in the ATP rankings.

Djokovic has won six major singles championships and needs a French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam. he lost to eight-time champion Nadal at Roland Garros in the 2013 semifinals and the 2012 final.

Djokovic complained about pain in his right

Novak Djokovic

wrist last week while playing as the defending champion at the Monte Carlo Masters, and he wondered aloud whether he might have trained too hard on clay right after switching from hard courts, where he won Masters titles at Miami and Indian Wells. he wore a thick white bandage on his wrist while losing 7-5, 6-2 to Roger Federer on Saturday in the semifinals at Monte Carlo. After that match, Djokovic said he knew he did not need surgery but that he was going to have an MRI exam and get checked by doctors to see where things stood with the injury.

On Tuesday, Djokovic said he’ll ‘’need to continue with the recovery process and full medical treatments.’’ he also said he ‘’will have to take a short break in order to recover as soon as possible.’’

The European clay circuit has events in Spain and Romania this week, and in Portugal and Germany next week.