Edge Davao 8 Issue 117

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

NOTHING IS FINAL

Duterte: ‘Masama ang magsalita nang tapos’

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SPIDER FIGHT. Young boys watch as their spiders fight it out on a stick outside their school along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Spider fighting, which some believe introduces young children to the world of gambling, is rampant near elementary schools around the city and is usually organized by adults. Lean Daval Jr.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

D

avao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte once again raised the hopes of his supporters when he said in a live television interview yesterday that nothing is final.

“Masama ang magsalita nang tapos sa mundong ito (It is bad to say anything with finality in this world),” Duterte said as he guested in the News Room 5 Happy

Hour yesterday afternoon aired over Aksyon TV. He was reacting to reports that he had met with Senator Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday and that he had told the senator he was not withdrawing from the presidential race because there was nothing to withdraw as he has not yet filed his candidacy.

Last Monday, Duterte

held a press conference in which he officially said he was not running for the presidency in 2016.

In the same television interview, Duterte said he is not interested in running for Vice President or being appointed as Interior and Local Government Secretary because he does not want to work under a superior.

“Itatapon ko sa Mala-

cañang ang ibang mga patay diyan. Magagalit talaga ang president niyan (I will throw dead bodies in Malacañang.

The President would really get mad at me),” he said.

As this developed, Duterte’s spokesperson former councilor Peter Laviña said the mayor “loves to confuse the enemy” and will not let possible opponents read his

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

ENDORSEMENT. President Aquino endorses resigned Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas as standard bearer of the Liberal Party to LP members last Wednesday afternoon during the ‘Gathering with Friends’ at the SMX Convention Center. Aquino said Roxas is the only candidate who can continue his ‘Tuwid na Daan’ legacy. Seen

Soldier in hot water after firing gun inside hospital

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soldier is in hot water after allegedly illegally firing his service gun inside the Isaac Robillo Hospital in Calinan on Tuesday morning.

The Calinan Police Station identified the suspect as Private First Class (PFC) Richard Dalion, 28, member of 84th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Malagos, Baguio district. Charges are now being readied against him.

According to a police report, Dalion was confined at the hospital due to hearing failure around 2 a.m. of September 8.

At around 9:45 a.m., the soldier had an altercation with his wife inside room 212 and fired his caliber .45 handgun after reportedly failing to hold his temper.

The bullet broke the window of the room.

Dalion was detained for several hours at the Calinan Police Station but was sent to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) later after his blood sugar went up.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said the management of the hospital is willing to file charges against Dalion.

Driz, however, said Dalion was temporarily being released since the management was not able to file the charges.

She said the hospital will sue Dalion through regular filling because the period to file a case through inquest procedure has already

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seated near the president are Davao City Rep. Mylene G. Albano and Compostela Valley Gov. Arthur T Uy. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Rody didn’t snub Pres. Aquino: aide

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

M

AYOR Rodrigo R. Duterte did not intend to avoid President Benigno Aquino when the latter visited Davao City on Wednesday for a series of events.

Duterte’s spokesperson Peter T. Laviña made this clarification yesterday in answer to reports that the mayor was trying to avoid the President when he did not join the welcoming party at the Davao International

Airport.

“He was in Manila scheduled to fly to Tuguegarao.

The mayor was already in Manila as early as the evening of September 7,” Laviña said.

Duterte had always made it a point to welcome Mr. Aquino – and all Presidents, for that matter – at the airport during Presidential visits.

This time, the mayor flew to Manila on Monday

night for a series of activities in Luzon. Before leaving the city, Duterte held a press conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel where he announced that he was not seeking the presidency in 2016.

His non-appearance at the airport on Wednesday to welcome Aquino was interpreted as a snub by some observers since the President has endorsed former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas for the

presidency. “(The word) ‘snub’ is harsh. The mayor is not like that,” Laviña said.

Part of Mr. Aquino’s visit in Davao City was to boost the candidacy of Roxas in the “Gathering of Friends” at the SMX Convention Center.

Duterte, meanwhile, is a popular choice for President – even inching out Roxas in recent surveys – even though he has already declared he is not running for the position.

“Right now we have to encourage the Muslims to learn more about Islam,” Lidasan said.

Lidasan said there are many Madrassah schools in the city, but students who graduate usually proceed to college courses that are not related to Islamic culture.

“We do not have Islamic

universities in the Philippines right now. Hopefully the Philippine government will send more Muslim scholars to the Islamic universities in Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said.

Lidasan said if Mindanao will offer Sharia concepts of governance and finances,

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

Gov’t urged to provide scholarships for Muslim students to study abroad

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 is targeting to train 50 more Bantay Gubat (forest guards) for the 7,000-hectare protected area of the Mt. Hamiguitan UNESCO Heritage Site in Davao Oriental this year.

“We (local government units and Department of Environment and Local Gov-

T

50 more forest guards eyed for Hamiguitan

T

ernment) have agreed to create a security group or task force for Mt. Hamiguitan,” DENR 11 regional director Joselin Fragada said in an interview last Wednesday.

This was one of the results of the death of the three-year old female Pamana, a Philippine Eagle released last June 12 in an area

FDENR, 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. HE Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has urged the national government to provide more scholarships to Muslim students to study Islamic studies abroad to enrich Islamic culture in the country, espe-

cially in Mindanao.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall, Al Qalam Institute executive director Mussolini S. Lidasan said it is important for Mindanao to have Muslims who are educated with the Sharia principle because there are many followers of Islam in the island.

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

Roxas vows to continue Mindanao development

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

R

ESIGNED Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas vowed to continue the development in Mindanao that President Benigno Aquino started during the latter’s term.

In his speech during the “Gathering with Friends” of the Liberal Party at the SMX Convention Center on Wednesday night, Roxas said Mindanao received P260 billion in capital outlay in the five years of the Aquino administration.

He said this is twice the combined capital outlay of the past two presidents, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Roxas said the three-year administration of Estrada earmarked only P25 billion for Mindanao, while under the nineyear Arroyo administration the amount was only P105 billion.

Roxas said this is concrete proof that Mindanao is important to the Aquino administration.

“The call now for everyone is to expand the legacy and make it permanent to the people,” he said.

In an interview with Davao City reporters, Roxas said, “Itutuloy natin ang daang matuwid.

Ito’y kabahagi ng program ng Pangulo na ang serbisyo at imprastraktura ay maparating (We will continue the straight path.

This is included in the President’s program, that the services and infrastructure will reach the people).”

Roxas said if he becomes President, he will give Mindanao all the needed services and infrastructure with no regard for politics.

“Ibibigay ng gobyerno, walang pulitika, walang ibang konsiderasyon kundi ang pangangailangan ng boss (The government will give it with no politics and no other consideration but the needs of our boss),” he said.

Aquino, in his speech during the gathering, boasted of Roxas’ qualities as a good leader.

The President said Roxas knows how to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of the majority, as he did in 2010 when he gave way to Aquino for the presidential candidacy.

NPA medic surrenders

A

medical platoon leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the military in Mabini, Compostela Valley Province on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said the NPA member, identified as Alias George, revealed that he was the vice team leader of the medical platoon of Guerrilla Front 72 of the NPA-Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The EastMinCom said George went to the soldiers of the 71st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pangibiran at around 2 p.m. on September 8, 2015.

The NPA member was

brought by the soldiers to the Mabini Police Station for documentation and then to the Municipal Health Office for medical check-up.

The EastMinCom said George was responsible for the medical concerns of his platoon and the disposal of medical supplies.

EastMinCom said George wants to start a new life with his family and to avail himself of the comprehensive local integration program (CLIP) of the government through the local government unit of Compostela Valley province.

The EastMinCom said a total of 214 NPA members have have surrendered to its units this year.

LUMAD PROTEST. Nagkahiusang Mag-uumasa Barangay White Kulaman (NAMABAW) chair Claro Gawilan airs his grievances against the alleged mil-

itarization in their communities and the killing of Lumads during a protest rally along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Phl Cacao Board creation eyed during Kakao Konek

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

O

RGANIZERS of the Kakao Konek 2015 National Cacao Congress are eying the creation of the Philippine Cacao Board as the twoday event opens today (Friday) at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

“The board is an institutionalized government agency to oversee the growing cacao industry in the country,” said Valente Turtur, chair of the Cacao Industry Council and executive director of the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (Cidami), Turtur said the board

will be composed of cacao industry players and officials from different government agencies like Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

During the event, which will close on Saturday, the organizers aim to come up with a common development agenda and roadmap for the fast emerging cacao industry of the country.

“There is a need for all

the cacao players and cacao-concerned agencies to sit down and discuss ways of boosting the industry so we will have a common vision for cacao’s sustainable production,” Turtur said.

“We have to create a common protocol to maintain the good quality of cacao beans produce in the country,” he added.

Turtur said the creation of a common protocol will be led by a national technical working group of the proposed National Cacao Council.

Currently, each national agency and industry players involved in

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House, Senate to probe death of 4-year-old Lumad bakwit

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SEARCHING. An elderly registrant browses through the list of voters who still do not have biometrics outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

cacao production implement their respective protocols that lead to the loss of important traders and export market in the industry.

Turtur said the Davao Region has a total of 23,000 hectares planted to cacao. The biggest production area is located in Davao City with a total of 6,000 with some 16,000 farmers, followed by the province of Davao del Norte with 5,900 hectares.

Among the other issues that will be discussed during the congress are the source of

HE House of Representatives and the Senate have filed separate resolutions to investigate the recent killing of Lumads (Indigenous Peoples), the displacement of hundreds of residents in some towns in Surigao del Sur that led to the death of a four-year old evacuee.

“A four year old child has died in the evacuation center yet no action is being taken by the national government to facilitate the Lumads’ return,” Gabriela partylist Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan said in a statement released Wednesday.

Eliza Pangilinan, secretary-general of Karapatan-Caraga told MindaNews Wednedsay night that fouryear old Merabel Enriquez,

a Lumad from Magkahunaw, Barangay Buhisan in San Agustin town suffered a severe asthma attack at the evacuation center in the sports center in Tandag on Tuesday, was rushed to the hospital but expired there.

Pangilinan said the Enriquez family arrived at the sports center in Tandag City on September 2.

At the Senate, Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, filed Senate Resolution 1575 urging the Senate to conduct an investigation into this “possible case of extrajudicial killings, and on the continued existence of paramilitary groups which I believe must be immediately reviewed and dis-

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

5 ECONOMY Dusit reveals plans for tourism market L

LOADED. A trader squeezes himself into a tricycle he commissioned to deliver coconuts to the Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Jap consultants conduct study on Samal bridge

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

TOTAL of 12 Japanese consultants representing different companies arrived last week to conduct a pre-feasibility study on the best possible route of the proposed bridge linking Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).

“The group is studying on eight possible routes,” Department of Public Works and Highways 11 regional director Mariano Alquino said at the sidelines of the briefing convergence tourism road project of the DPWH and the Department

of Tourism (DOT) at Barangay Camudmud in Babak District, Igacos last Wednesday.

The Japanese companies were contracted by the Japanese International Cooperative Agency (JICA). One of group studying on the bridge was Katahira Engineers International.

Alquiza said the Japanese consultants are eyeing on two possible routes because of its short proximity to the island city. These routes are both located in Davao City and not in Panabo City, as earlier proposed.

Alquiza said one of the two routes will be from the Km. 9 in Sasa going to Babak District. The director failed to identify the specific area but he said it will be the most possible because the proposed bridge will be shorter if constructed in this area.

“The bridge will be more than a kilometer, shorter that the proposal to build the bridge in Panabo City which may reach 2 kilometers,” Alquiza said.

The funding for the preFS came from the JICA, he added.

Alquiza said the study

has already started and the group targets to have an exit conference with the DPWH on September 14.

Prior to the conference there will be also a public consultation on stakeholders from Davao City and Igacos.

However, the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 approved the conduct of a full blown feasibility study for the construction of the bridge which has an estimated cost of P10 billion earlier this year.

In a statement, the Na-

among their clients.

In a study entitled “Assessing the Islamic Lending Practices in General Santos City: The Case of Katiyakap, Inc. which was undertaken by undergraduate students from the University of the Philippines Mindanao Nor-Aiza R. Unasl and Jon Marx P. Sarmiento of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Islamic financing started by Katiyakap has also been practiced by small entrepreneurs in General Santos City.

With Katiyakap clients, some of the Islamic micro-finance practices undertaken by their partners include the Murabaha which is “cost plus or markup “ trading; the Musharaka, which is more on partnership or profit and loss sharing; and then the Ijara which is lease/rental.

Run by women who

have, for decades, immersed themselves into development work that has helped many other women and their families, Katiyakap have made a landmark in Shariah-compliant micro-financing in General Santos City such that it has already made a niche for itself in the world of micro financing.

Bai Yolanda M. Nawal who is the sister of Bai Wahida was also instrumental in making their efforts a success. Admitting that the movers among them of this Islamic micro-financing had little, if none at all, background of Shariah compliant micro-financing, Bai Wahida said they had to be trained in the beginning, and learn from scratch, regarding this project. Nevertheless, with the assistance coming from the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) that has been working on

peace initiatives in Mindanao for over a decade, Katiyakap could not have found a more willing ally.

Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2009, Katiyakap started its peace advocacies, gender and development, networking and linkaging, and later microfinance. Among its partners in the past include the ACT for Peace Program with its early recovery programs in Mindanao, birthing home, health and sanitation, promotion of traditional products and rehabilitation of water system. With Mindanaw Commission on Women (Mothers for Peace) they have worked with Al Nisa-UlHaq on Gender in Islam and with FUMBMW on Interfaith Dialogue and Islamic Microfinance with Peace and Equity Founda-

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Islamic financing: A reality O

VER a couple of years ago, Bai Wahida M. Abtahi, the soft-spoken lady who was also the president of Katiyakap, was wondering if a Shariah compliant micro-financing is possible as a project that the organization can take up.

“Saumpisa, walakamingalam kung papaanogagawin, pero may mgataongtumulongsaamin” (We have no idea at all how we were going to do it, but some people helped us in making this dream a reality), she recalled.

“It wasn’t easy but it was challenging,” said Bai Wahida who was very spontaneous in her sharing of how her organization has gone through the pains of pursuing Islamic micro-financing.

But with sheer determination and will, Katiyakap embraced the way of life that has changed not a few

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EADING international hotel brand Dusit International has disclosed its intent to increase its presence in the Philippines, beginning with reaching out to the upscale, long-staying travel sector.

The hotelier has further expressed plans to tap the strong MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) market in Asia.

“We are looking to grow in the other cities and destinations within the Philippines as we are positive about the country’s tourism outlook and potential. These new projects can leverage from our experience and established networks in the Philippines and in the region,” said Ryan Chen, Dusit International Director for Development Asia Pacific.

Currently, construction is underway for Dusit Thani Residences Davao. The first Dusit Thani Residences in Asia-Pacific, the 168-key full-service residences is scheduled for turnover in 2018.

According to Chen, Davao was chosen because of the positive economic growth in the region, which

bodes well for the international hospitality industry.

He further commended the company’s timely partnership with Filipino real estate developer Torre Lorenzo.

“We have found a quality partner in Torre Lorenzo as this company is both experienced with the local real estate market and is aligned with our vision for the Dusit brand in the Philippines,” Chen elaborated.

Other projects in Davao also in the works are the dusitD2 Hotel and Lubi Plantation Resort. dusitD2 Hotel is a 120-key hotel that will feature high-tech and modern conveniences coupled with a chic and playful design that matches Davao city’s youthful vibe.

Located adjacent to Dusit Thani Residences, this will be the first dusitD2 Hotel in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Lubi Plantation Resort is a 37-hectare master planned resort community situated in a private island off the coast of Davao. Developers intend to position the resort as the country’s first internationally branded club membership.

Manufacturing sector contracts slightly in July

T

HE Philippine manufacturing sector contracted slightly in July 2015 due to the continuing weakness in global demand, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for July 2015, the manufacturing sector’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI) contracted by 0.5 percent, much slower than the 3.0 and 1.6 percent declines in May and June 2015 respectively.

However, production volume remains a contrast from its 7.6 percent growth last year on the same month with its three-month moving average posting a drop of 1.0 percent.

“We must diversify and ensure the quality of our export-oriented products, which is the key to surviving the continuing weak global demand and stiffer competition in the global market,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

On the other hand, the Value of Production (VaPI) also contracted by 6.9 percent along with its three-month moving average which posted a 7.5 percent drop.

“Providing adequate and efficient infrastructure is a must to be able to provide

reliable and cost-effective logistics and transport requirements for manufactured goods and other related services,” the Cabinet official said.

For consumer goods, the volume and value of net sales for beverages began to recover from its double-digit drop last May 2015 posting an increase of 7.9 and 17.4 percent respectively. Also, tobacco continued its double-digit growth in volume and value of net sales with 14.7 and 15.8 percent, respectively.

However, the food sub-sector continues to fall, posting a 20.4- and 20.1-percent drop in volume and value of production while its net sales volume and value dropped by 16.0 and 17.4 percent respectively.

The 32.1-percent drop in production values of milled and refined sugar, together with the declining global demand and prices for dairy products, weighed down the sub-sector.

For intermediate goods, non-metallic mineral products sustained double-digit year-on-year growth in production and net sales by 19.8 and 20.2 percent in volume and 13.0 and 13.3 percent in value, respectively. The continuing growth in this subsector is backed by the steady demand from the private and public sectors for construction-related materials.

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EDGEDAVAOVOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

Detailed study on P8.7-B bypass road

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

HE proposed P8.7-billion Davao bypass road is now undergoing a detailed engineering study, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 11

said.

This, after the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed last month an Official Development

ISLAMIC BANKING. Mussoloni Lidasan, executive director of AdDU’s Al Qalam Institute of Islamic Identities and Dialogue, explains the workings of Islamic banking and finance in the Philippine setting while Katiyakap,

Assistance (ODA) loan agreement amounting JPY33.689 billion or P13 billion for the construction of two infrastructure project, one of which is the the Davao City bypass

road.

The bypass road will be constructed parallel with the Davao-Agusan Road and the Carlos P. Garcia Highway.

“The study will be at

Inc. Shariah training officer Ustadz Akman Abtahi listens during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

least one year up to two years,” DPWH 11 regional director Mariano Alquiza said during President Aquino’s visit Wednesday.

Mr. Aquino was in Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal for a briefing of the road project of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and DPWH) at the Hoilday Oceanview Resort Village at Barangay Camudmud, Babak.

The construction of the three-year project is expected to start by 2018.

It is set to be completed by 2021.

DPWH information officer Dean Ortiz said in an earlier report that the project will be implemented in two packages.

The first package will be the south section road of 28.8 kilometer and a center section tunnel of 2.28 km while the second package has a north section road of 15.78 km.

Based on the earlier report, the “Package one’s south section road starts along the Davao-Digos section of the Philippine Highway in Barangay Sirawan, Toril and will end at the Barangay Tugbok proper where the cen-

ter section tunnel begins crossing the Matina River before it proceeds in Barangay Magtuod.

It will continue north-westerly direction towards Barangay Waan and ends Malagamot Road of Barangay Indangan, where the package two north section will start. The north section will end until it intersects the Davao-Agusan National Highway in Brgy. JP. Laurel, Panabo City.”

The project, which will be 28.8 kilometers long, includes a 2.28 kilometer-tunnel along the Magtuod Ridge between the barangays of Waan and Tacunan, which is claimed to be the first long road tunnel in the Philippines, to be built with Japanese technology.

Alquiza said the road project will provide alternative route to transport vehicles like trucks that do not have any business in the main roads of the city.

It is also expected improve transport logistic and ease the traffic congestion brought by the city’s economic growth, he added. CRC

INdulge!

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EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH

Alternative wellness at

Thai Raksa Healing Spa

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto Photos from Thai RaksaDavao Facebook page WELLNESS is no longer available only as a luxury.

Nowadays, it is a way of life – a lifestyle, even. With our consciousness awakened by the need to keep abreast with our overall health and wellbeing, it’s no wonder many businesses are offering more than just strokes of the hand but of enhancing the life that we already have.

It’s more than just a place of serenity; it’s a place where you reconnect with your mind, body and soul. Thai Raksa offers a wide range of holistic healing services – the likes of massage, Reiki, and Acupuncture to name a few. However, such is not what sets them apart from the rest. Basically, its their passion and dedication to make you live with essence, purpose, and balance.

With them, you do not just remain as just another paying client; they treat you with utmost care and enable you to live the life that you have always wanted – a life free from pains, aches, and uneasiness. Now, saying goodbye to stress is easy with the help of Thai Raksa Healing Spa. For the skeptic in us, we might not be too keen on trying their affordable sevices. Acupuncture,

Alternative A1

It’s more than just a place of serenity; it’s a place where you reconnect with your mind, body and soul.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

STYLE Smart and simple. High-top sneakers are best worn with a simple outfit – think Kanye West – with sneakers not competing with the rest of the look.

high style with high-top

Aim high on style with Pony’s Shooter High.

Converse Chuck Taylor’s All Star Tri-Panel Hi has a durable canvas upper with suede accents in a high-top silhouette. Signature Chuck Taylor All Star rubber toe box, textured gum rubber toe bumper, medial-side air-vent portholes and Converse All Star heel patch complete the look.

Supra Vaider has a stylishly designed high top upper on a vulcanized sole that supplies excellent traction and board feel. A padded collar and tongue lining provide superior comfort.

Cool and comfy classic high-top sneakers can be the modern guy’s best buddy.

Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Back Zip has a functional back zipper with a cool vibe.

sneakers HI-TOP SNEAKERS have gone from the hard court into smart street style. And at the SM Store, global brands like Converse, Pony, Supra, and Vans are showing us how sneakers have transformed into what is now a fundamental piece of the modern men’s urban wear.

• Getting Textural!

Make a bold statement with woven styles and exotic fabrications. Leather and canvas lead the way in Converse’s Pro Field Hi; while Converse Chuck Taylor’s All Star Tri Panel Incorporating function out of practicality, gum Hi has a canvas upper with style in a series of soles were initially de- with suede accents. classic, or revised hybrid veloped for hard court • The Great White silhouettes, hi-tops have sports. Their rubber con- Way! As he epitome of now crossed over into struction is designed to minimalist style, white cool territory with fun give better grip that plas- sneakers have been an on-trend designs. Here tic soled footwear, while off-duty wardrobe staple are some new designs that ensuring no marks were since the days of Newman, make hi-tops hip today: left on playing surfaces.

Dean, and McQueen.

• Show stopping Prints Today, this five-a-side In today’s reboot of the and Washes! Chuck Tay- staple has moved has iconic silhouette, white lor’s All Star has an Aztec moved off the courtside sneakers have found their Black high-tops pattern design; while its bench into many of a way into the wardrobes of sneakers worn Washed Canvas Hi has a sneaker head’s wardrobe. a whole new generation of with mute colors stonewashed upper that Converse Chuck Taylor’s cool men. keep you on track gives it a distressed look. All-Star Tri-Panel Hi has High–top sneakers are with style Who says hi-tops weren’t a textured gum rubber toe available at the Men’s hip? accent that really makes it Shoes Department of all • Going for Gum! Born cool.

SM Stores

UP AND ABOUT

World’s best brands at up to 80% off at ‘The Off Price Show’ OFFERING huge discount sales of the world’s best brands at up to 80% off, the Off Price Show is back in Davao City. Now on its 3rd year, the large-scale 3-day expo of premium lifestyle brands will be having its stop in the city, and will set shop on September 11 - 13, 2015 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center.

Established in 2012, the Off Price Show is the first roving sale concept in the country that fea-

tures top lifestyle brands from around the globe. These top brands include Tommy Hilfiger, Vonzipper, Pacsafe, Sugarfree Shoes, Eleven Paris, Playboy Fragrances, Polaroid Sunglasses, Trim, Dupe, Mel, Lander, Bicycle, Fresh Brand, Chocolate Clothing, Bershka, Parker, Adidas Bodycare, Tokyo Laundry, Palladium, Hellolulu, Renuzit, Melissa, Pull & Bear, VNC, Victorinox, Jockey and a whole lot more.

In this event holding the world’s most premium lifestyle naems, there will also be a

banchetto comprised of Davao City’s well-known restaurants and fast eats, to be located in the outdoor area of the convention center.

The Off Price Show Davao 2015 will be open from 10:00 AM up until 11:00 PM. All major credit cards will be accepted for purchases made during the 3-day expo sale.

The Off Price Show will move to the World Trade Center on October 2 to 4 and to the Megatent, Metrowalk on November 27 to 29.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

AlDub fever reaches new heights program Sunday PinaSaya, is grateful for his fans’ overwhelming support.

Just recently, the actor’s Twitter account reached an impressive 1 million followers, which Alden immediately acknowledged with a tweet saying, “1Million followers!!!

Maraming maraming salamat po!!!”

For AlDub fans around the country who are wondering if Lola Nidora will ever let the two meet and be happy, stay

EAT BULAGA’S Kalyeserye sets record on Twitter for 5M tweets with #ALDUBBAT TLEForACause

AlDubNation was in a frenzy during Saturday’s episode of Eat Bulaga as Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub from the show’s much-anticipated KalyeSerye segment, finally met after their showdown during the “Bulaga Pa More” wildcard edition last September 5.

Fans had been anticipating the pair’s eventual meet up for weeks and suspense had been building as the day of their showdown neared.

Both the couple and the fans’ hopes were quelled, however, with the intervention of Wally Bayola’s character, Lola Nidora, who prevented the two from actually meeting each other up

close.

Attesting to AlDub’s immense popularity, the couple were a hot topic on Twitter, with over 1 million tweets for the episode’s hashtag #ALDUBBATTLEForACause even before the show began to air.

The number of tweets rose to 2 million during

the Eat Bulaga’s broadcast and reached over 5 million by the end of the day, setting a new record for the highest number of tweets recorded in the Philippines.

Last Saturday’s record significantly surpassed that of another AlDub hashtag the previous

tuned to Eat Bulaga’s KalyeSerye only on GMA airing over its regional stations in Ilocos, Bicol, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, GenSan, and Cagayan de Oro. To know more about the Network’s regional events, follow GMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gmanetwork and GMA Regional TV at www.facebook.com/ GMARegionalTV and on Twitter and Instagram via @GMARegionalTV.

Saturday, #AlDubMaiDenHeaven, which in turn, had exceeded the 3.34 million tweets garnered by the hashtag #PapalVisit during Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in January 2015.

GMA Artist Center star Alden Richards, who is also seen on GMA’s comedy-musical variety

Nathaniel to air exciting finale on September 25 KAPAMILYA STARS Gerald Anderson, Shaina Magdayao, and Marco Masa will show TV viewers how good triumphs over evil as ABS-CBN’s top-rating primetime drama series “Nathaniel” airs its intense finale episode on September 25.

Since it aired last April, “Nathaniel” consistently won the ratings game every night after charming the hearts of Filipino families and reminding everyone of the innate goodness of humanity.

Meanwhile, primetime TV viewers will surely not miss the last three weeks of the series as the guardian angel Nathaniel (Marco) duels with the evil and the wicked in the world.

Will Nathaniel succeed in his mission to restore the faith of humanity in God? Can he stop the evil plans of the Tagasundo (Baron Geisler) against Paul (Gerald) and AVL (Coney Reyes)? In the end, how will Nathaniel face Paul and Rachel (Shaina) when they find out that he is their first-born son?

Don’t miss the last three weeks of “Nathaniel,” weeknights on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For more information about the program, visit the official social networking site of Dreamscape Entertainment Television at Facebook. com/DreamscapePH, Twitter.com/ DreamscapePH, and Instagram.com/ DreamscapePH. Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Nathaniel” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile.com.

September 9-15, 2015

HENERAL LUNA/ *THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED John Arcilla, Epy Quizon/ Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright R13/*R13

11:25 | 1:40 | 3:55 LFS/* 6:10 |8:05 | 10:00 LFS

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS Dylan O'Brien, Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Brodie-Sangster R13

11:20 | 2:00 |4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

PIXELS/ *SINISTER 2 Adam Sandler, Kevin James/ Shannyn Sossamon

R-16

PG/*R16

11:25 | 1:40 | 3:55 LFS/* 6:10 |8:05 | 10:00 LFS

EX WITH BENEFITS Derek Ramsay, Coleen Garcia, Carmi Martin R13

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

A4 INdulge!

HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO Alternative A4 though already a staple star in wellness, is not something anyone would gladly do. For most of us, spas only use strokes and are not in any way connected with needles. With them, you’ll learn of the many ways to be healthy.

You’ll be educated and given a new perspective on how you are to live your life to the fullest.

For first timers, do let go of the fear and give it

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

a try. Be open and learn to relax with the needles in your body. The senation is abrupt and is rather tingly to the feel. It does not hurt in any way. It feels relaxing and calming. The best way to relax? Do close your eyes and drift away.

The moment you let go, you’ll feel the tremendous effect on your body and face. What’s more, there is a guaranteed glowing effect that will be prevalent after each session.

Thai Raksa Healing

Spa – Davao is located at 76-A Ecowest Drive, Genesis 88 Building, Davao City. For a scheduled appointment, you can call them at 0906 418 0339 or 0917 875 3108.

When in Manila, fret not, Thai Raksa Healing Spa is conveniently located at Unit 10, G/F City Center Bldg., Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills San Juan You can call them at (02)668-9780 or 0917 875 3108.

NO GENERATION GAP. These four gentlemen may be decades apart age-wise but it seems they enjoy each other’s company because of common interests. From left: Leoncio “Nonoy” P. Villa-Abrille, businessman-civic leader in his 70s; Jose “Joe” B. Custodio, realtor-golfer just turned 80; Uy Ching “Mr. Siong” Siong, billionaire industrialist-philanthropist in his mid 90s; and Antonio “Tony” M. Ajero in his 60s. Their common interests include the Rotary International, Ambassador Club International, Jayceesm, Young Men’s Christian Association, and Ys Men’s International. Contributed

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

CULTURE & ARTS

7

Photo credit: National Library

HISTORY OF DAVAO (4 of a Series) TH

The railway of Dapecol

By ANTONIO FIGUEROA

“A narrow gauge railroad ran from the [Davao Penal Colony] compound to approximately the center of the rice fields. The railroad equipment consisted of an old and poorly maintained diesel-powered locomotive. The rolling stock consisted of approximately thirty to forty flatbed cars. The men were loaded on this train and taken to and from the rice fields, about a forty-five minutes ride each way.”

D

uring the American Occupation, the railway system in Mindanao was primarily used in military camps, penal farms, and logging. At Port Lamon, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, locomotives ordered from the United States transported timber from nearby forests to the pier. Inside Camp Keithley in Marawi City, the flatcars hauled war materiel using the rails.

At Davao Penal Colony, a diesel-operated locomotive pulled flatbeds that transported prisoners to work at Mactan, the penal farm’s rice fields. Raymond C. Heimbuch, in ‘5 Brothers in Arms’, (2008) described this scenario of inmates, under tight security, being delivered to their assignments using the corroded rails with rusty ties: “A narrow gauge railroad ran from the [Davao Penal Colony] compound to approximately the center of the rice fields.

The railroad equipment consisted of an old and poorly maintained diesel-powered locomotive.

The rolling stock consisted of approximately

thirty to forty flatbed cars. The men were loaded on this train and taken to and from the rice fields, about a forty-five minutes ride each way.”

Similarly, John D. Lukacs, in ‘Escape from Davao’ (2010), wrote that the flatcars were not only used for hauling farm manpower and harvested rice padded in sacks, these were used also in hauling logs to the nearest hauling station: “Just beyond Mactan [rice fields], POWs hauled wet gravel in five-gallon cans from a creek bed onto flatcars.

Seven miles down the rail line, others grunted and pulled in two-man teams felling mahogany behemoths with long bucksaws. The trunks of these ironlike hardwoods were so wide that when lying on their sides some were taller than the lumberjacks.

The giant logs were shipped by train to the Japanese outposts at Anibongan and then floated downstream on the Tuganay River to the same sawmill whose pier the Erie Maru [ship] had tied up to.”

(Erie Maru was a steam-propelled cargo-passenger ship built in 1920, with 5493 gross tonnage. Built by the Asano Shipbuilding Co., in Tsurumi, Japan, for Ishihara Gomei-Kaisha, Fuchu, with a speed of 10.5 knots, it has the capacity to carry 2,500 passengers. It was sunk by the USS Sturgeon on Jan. 11, 1944, at Bungo Straits, 20 miles east of Saeki, Kyushu, Japan.)

American war survivor Hayes R. Bolitho, in his war account (‘The Hayes Bolitho Japanese Story’) at Dapecol, also mentioned the locomotive as an indispensable means of transport the Japanese used while they were moved from their field assignments to the incarceration camp: “The return [of the prisoners] to the [Dapecol] compound was a gradual uphill grade and because of the rain the wheels on the locomotive were slipping.

Progress was practically nil so the guards began kicking us off the car to push. They were shouting and swearing at us…

Walking barefooted on

slippery wood railroad ties or alongside in the weeds and brush was miserable… The train was moving slowly, but with practically no help from us. By the time we were probably a mile from camp, men in their barracks could hear singing.”

Preserving the artifacts of rails and locomotives has been a struggle for industrial archaeologists and historians. While in Negros and Dagupan two separate trains have found their appropriate places of posterity through local government help, many of the old locomotives that used to line the Tutuban train station compound in Manila have landed in junkyards.

The rails of Dapecol also met the same fate in the hands of second-hand dealers. At a time when prices of metal in the Chinese market were going through the roof, even the long-buried rails in mountainous logging hubs were dug in exchange for money.

Fast forward, today’s railway infrastructures and their uses

have been redefined, especially in tourism destinations where monorails link the main entrance to the central hub. But the most significant clamor is the installation of a light railway transit (LRT) in response to the burgeoning traffic that keeps urban centers almost at a standstill by daytime.

In 2014, Davao City, confronted by a growing traffic gridlock, tapped a Korean firm to conduct a project study for a light rail transport system in the city. This long-term project is viable in addressing traffic congestion influenced in large part by the rise in vehicular population.

The proposed monorail type of LRT, with a capacity of 5,000 to 20,000 in an hour, will run at 70 kilometers per hour but also has a huge impact on the livelihood of 8,500 jeepney drivers and 14,000 tricycle drivers operating with the metropolitan streets. With Davao City projected to host around ten million people by 2040, it can become “one of the terribly trafficked cities.”

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

I

Make it final

N a forgettable video he made with a group of young “vine” (short video) makers, an obviously coached Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte mouths the words, “Nothing is forever” in answer to a question on — of all things — the boy band One Direction. It was a popular phrase at the time and the video was apparently aimed at making the mayor more accessible to younger people who would conceivable vote for him for whatever position he intended to run for. “Nothing is forever,” as most other products of pop culture go, is now passé, but the message is still relevant today especially in light of recent events.

Last Monday, Duterte called a press conference in which he said his final decision was not to run for President in 2016.

That announcement was met with disbelief and sadness by his supporters, and many people have expressed disappointment that the popular local chief executive — dubbed by many as the country’s last hope — is no longer in the running as far as the country’s top position is concerned. To be sure Duterte

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had said the same thing consistently over the past year and few believed him, but his press conference announcement had an air of finality that his supporters found difficult to accept.

Yesterday, however, the mayor managed to stir things up again when he essentially said in a live television interview that, to paraphrase, nothing is forever — not even his announcement that he is not running. “Masama ang magsalita nang tapos sa mundong ito (It is bad to say anything with finality in this world),” Duterte said in response to a question on his withdrawal from the presidential race. Indeed, as pointed out by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, there is nothing for Duterte to withdraw since he has not even entered the contest yet.

This, of course, could go both ways. On the one hand it obviously elates his supporters; on the other hand, those in the fringes could lose interest because of the mayor’s constant vagueness on the matter. Nothing may be final in this world, but Duterte must make his intention clear now or risk losing his popularity.

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EDGEDAVAO

H

E places a puck-sized lump of cyanide in the bottom of a squeeze bottle. He fills it with water, then sprays the contents on a coral reef. Then he scoops up the gasping fish as they come rushing out of their holes.

This is how most tropical fish commence the journey to home aquariums throughout the world. For years, sodium cyanide has played a major role in supplying the multibillion-dollar global market for fish.

“Cyanide fishing may not be as rampant as in the 1970s and 1980s, it is being done in the Philippines,” says Dr. Alan White, senior scientist of the Asia-Pacific Program of the Nature Conservancy.

But still about 150,000 kilograms of sodium cyanide are sold every year, according to Dennis Calvan, executive director of NGOs (non-government organizations) for Fisheries Reform, quoting data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

In recent years, cyanide fishing is no longer confined to gathering aquarium fish. The demand for live fish in restaurants in Hong Kong and other parts of the world has made the practice prevalent in Indonesia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the Maldives, the Solomon Islands, and other coastal states in the Western Pacific.

“Some 20,000 tons of live fish are eaten annually in the restaurants of Hong Kong, where rich sophisticates will pay big bucks to select a huge grouper fish in a tank and have it cooked for their table,” reports Fred Pearce in an article which was carried by the website of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Yes, money is the reason for cyanide’s pop-

O

N March 27, 2014, we, the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), respectively represented here by myself and Prof. Abhoud Lingga, signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The Community of San E’digio was a living witness to this event and the many rounds of negotiations before the signing. The Community sits as a member of the International Contact Group (ICG). It was ably represented by none other than Señors Alberto Quartucci and Roberto Pietrolucci. I note with honor and pleasure that also a member of the ICG is the Indonesia-based Muhammadiyah, which Prof. Din Samsyuddin who is also here with us in this panel, until recently chaired.

The International Contact Group is our own version of the third-party “Friends of the Process” who accompanied the peace negotiators and the Malaysian facilitator as observers, facilitators, advisers, and partners in the journey to peace. You can see all of us in this photo as we celebrated the signing of the last annex to the agreement.

It took 17 years of negotiations to get us that peace agreement. Many mini-wars before and even during the talks had erupted in the southern part of the Philippines, where the minority Muslims or Moros, lived.

More than 120,000 people have died since the 1970s up to the 1990s. Millions have been displaced from time to time. Children missed school, properties were destroyed, and sickness haunted the evacuation centers.

What made the peace agreement that we are now implementing, possible? How did we get this far in our peace process despite the huge gap that divided us?

Social scientists talk about concepts like the “balance of power,” “a hurting stalemate,” war fatigue, and so on as elements that affect the environment for peaceful solutions.

All these do come to play. But there were defi-

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Deadly fishing ularity among THINK ON THESE! fishermen.

“Fishermen can sell live fish to exporters for many times the price of dead fish,” explains the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) based in Berkeley, Cal- Henrylito D. Tacio ifornia.

“The henrytacio@gmail.com exporters then turn around and demand five times the price they paid for the fish by selling them to foreign luxury live fish markets in Asia.”

Fish coming from the Philippines are preferred by many Hong Kong gourmands because “Philippines fish have the best taste,” they claim.

Because of the huge demand, many fishermen have no choice but to use cyanide. It takes a fisherman one whole day to catch two decent-sized fish using a hook and line. But with cyanide, he can catch more than a dozen.

While cyanide fishing is economically feasible, it is environmentally destructive. It kills coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea.”

The late Jacques-Yves Cousteau commented after visiting a coastal island in the northern Philippines to examine reefs destroyed by cyanide fishing: “These practices are criminal. They attack the natural productive environment which allows the renewal of marine resources.”

Coral reefs are considered one of the planet’s

essential life-support systems. Only 0.17% of the ocean floor is reportedly occupied by coral reefs and the warm shallow seas of Southeast Asia are home to some of these.

The Philippines has about 27,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Of the almost 700 coral species known in the world, 500 of these can be found in the country, according to the Center for Environmental Concern.

Science tells us that coral reefs are constructed by millions of minute animals called coral polyps, each of which lives inside a protective limestone skeleton. A single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life.

As fishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea. They provide 12% of the global marine fish catch and many account for up to 25% of fish caught by developing countries.

Today, coral reefs are on the verge of extinction. An estimated 10% of the world’s 600,00 square kilometers of reefs has been destroyed during the past 50 years by myriad causes, including industrial pollution. In recent years, cyanide fishing has contributed to the fast dwindling of reefs. This is particularly true in the Philippines, where thousands of kilograms of sodium cyanide are sprayed into its waters every year.

A study commissioned by the Philippine fishery bureau showed that two applications of cyanide on coral heads four month apart caused high coral polyp mortality. “Unlike blast fishing which reduces corals into rubble, cyanide keeps coral structure intact -- but dead,” Dr. Vaughan Pratt of the International Marinelife Alliance.

Contrary to common belief, cyanide fishing

is not a product of Filipino ingenuity but of the Americans. A certain Bridges first used sodium cyanide to stun and capture tropical fish in 1958 in Illinois. A Filipino aquarium fish collector named Gonzales picked up the practice.

By 1962, American fish exporter from the Philippines Earl Kennedy was surprised by a sudden increase in aquarium fish supply from Lubang Island off Batangas. He found out later that this was due to cyanide use. The practice spread throughout the country in no time.

When caught by using cyanide, many reef fish die on the spot -- about 50% -- since the dose of cyanide cannot be regulated. “Only 10% of the fish that get poisoned is of commercial value to exporters,” said Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

Even after the fishermen leave an area, the cyanide stays behind in the ocean current. According to marine biologists, it takes only a small amount to kill the sensitive coral. But corals are not the only ones affected: fishermen themselves are not spared.

Although the chemical cannot kill them, frequent exposure to cyanide can result in skin lesions, fatigue, reddened hair, and damage to internal organs.

Although cyanide fishing is illegal not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of Asia and the Pacific region, enforcement is relatively poor. “Bribery and corruption of government officials are commonplace in the live fish trade,” CORAL complains. “Although it is illegal to export fish caught with cyanide in many countries, these laws are frequently circumvented.”

PEACETALK

to doubt the process, or any process for that matter, as all complexities cannot be solve by one process alone.

For its part, the MILF took pains to show that it was worthy of the trust. It pledged that it would indeed demobilize, and participate in democratic politics through civic and party organizations.

For example, despite uncertainties, MILF cadres have proceeded with building their political party called United Bangsamoro Justice Party. Many trainings have been conducted to prepare them for their future roles.

Last January, MILF forces mistakenly engaged police forces, resulting in the death of 44 policemen, 18 MILF combatants, members of other armed groups in the community, and several civilians. The public uproar almost brought down the peace process.

As a measure of goodwill, the MILF agreed to return the weapons seized from the government police. Last June, we began the process of decommissioning MILF weapons and combatants. These weapons have been stored in a site that is jointly guarded by the Independent Decommissioning Body, and the government and MILF’s Joint Peace and Security Team.

The many joint activities have kept this trust strong and worthy. Among such undertakings are: maintaining the ceasefire, cooperatively dealing with ceasefire violations, launching socio-economic programs like the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, repairing schoolbuildings and providing free medical service and haircuts in remote schools, and taking steps to decommission the weapons and combatants, among others.

But trust alone was not enough to sustain our process. We needed to have faith because that trust is challenged by every difficulty phase of the process and unwanted incidents. It can be challenged especially by those others who do not trust – politicians, other leaders, or ordinary folk who do not believe in giving this peace a chance.

To give peace its best shot, we also needed to have faith to see us through.

This faith can be secular – the belief in social justice, in the humanity of all, in the capacity of the other to deliver their part of the agreement.

It can be religious faith – belief in the sanctity of creation, that God shall help those who help themselves, that the just shall be rewarded, that His will shall be done.

That in the bigger domain of the universe, there shall be order in chaos.

Without the trust in each other and the faith that our good intentions will see us through, our process would not have withstood all the challenges. We would have doubted and wavered.

Without trust in the other we become stingy – for instance in the kind of law that we will pass to institute the Bangsamoro autonomous government. Or even begrudge our patience, openness and understanding, and our financial resources.

Only with trust and faith can we have the generosity of spirit and the compassionate understanding that are essential to make peace in Mindanao, peace on earth possible.

Therefore, we continue our efforts to build the trust and the faith in our peace process on the Bangsamoro, in Mindanao, before the greater Filipino public and the bigger community of nations.

Thank you for this opportunity to share with your wonderful community of the faithful, our little story from our part of the world.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews.

PeaceTalk is open to anyone who wishes to share his/her piece on peace in Mindanao. Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer is chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. She delivered this speech at the “Peace is Possible, Religions and Cultures in Dialogue” on 7 September 2015 at Tirana, Albania.)

With trust and faith, peace is possible

BY MIRIAM CORONEL- FERRER nitely two things that made the comprehensive peace agreement between us possible. Without these two, we would not have gone this far.

These two elements are none other than trust and faith.

There were good reasons for the two parties to hesitate to trust each other. Historical distrust due to legacy of Christianization under 500 years of Spanish colonial rule and 50 years of the American colonial regime bred this distrust. The Islamic sultanates resisted.

Over the centuries, the Moros thus evolved a different collective narrative and identity, different from the Filipino majority.

Outbreaks of hostilities, break ups of the 1997 ceasefire, in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, made wounds fresh. On and off peace talks did not build confidence in both parties and among the general public.

When President Benigno Aquino III came to power in 2010, his administration took extra steps to rebuild the trust.

In August 2011, the first face-to-face meeting happened between the President and the head of the MILF, Ebrahim Murad. This extraordinary step opened doors and allowed fresh air in.

Government has steadfastly defended the process before its many critics. To the cry, “All-Out War!,” it responded with “All-Out Justice.”

Government leadership stayed the course amid all the unfortunate violent in these areas.

This is after all not a simple problem. There are many other armed groups and different stakeholders such as the migrants who have settled here, and the non-Moro indigenous peoples. Many see the complexity as reason

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

Nothing... FROM 1 political moves.

“He holds his cards close to his heart. He doesn’t want anyone to read them. It’s just a strategy to confuse the enemy,” Laviña said in an interview yesterday.

He said the residents of Davao City are already aware of the mayor’s strategy, adding that Duterte has never declared his candidacy in any election that he participated in.

Laviña also said whatever the real intention of Duterte was behind his proclamation last Monday that he will not run for President, he wants to send the message that the presidency is not about personalities but about the change that the country needs.

“Inaalis niya ang sarili niya sa equation. Kung hindi parin mag bago ang isip ng mga tao nothing will happen to our country. Yun ang ibig nyang sabihin (He is just removing himself from the equation. If the people’s minds to not change, nothing will happen to our country.

That’s what he means),” he said.

Laviña also said based on experience, the clamor from people for Duterte to run for President grows stronger each time he says he will not run.

Laviña advised the people to wait until the last day of filing of candidacy on October 16 before they withdraw their support from the mayor.

lapsed.

“Gihikay ang iyang kaso, apan kaganihang buntag, sa pagpaabot sa atong police sa Calinan Police Station, wala pa man nibalik ang taga Robillo Hospital tapos mo lampas na ta sa period, maong gi-release ang maong sundalo (The charges have been prepared. The police waited, but the management of Robillo Hospital

did not show up that is why they released Dalion),” Driz said.

She said the suspect will face cases of alarm and scandal and illegal discharge of firearms.

The firearm has already been confiscated by the investigators of Calinan Police Station and Dalion was already submitted for paraffin test. (ABFJ)

banded.

“This situation of Lumads being harassed, killed and displaced will turn into a humanitarian crisis, if the national government does not intervene,” she warned in a press statement issued Wednesday.

“I seek justice for the death of our Lumad leaders.

Harassment of indigenous communities in Mindanao must stop,” she said.

At the House of Representatives, House Resolution 2358, introduced last Monday, directed the Committee on Human Rights to “conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the extrajudicial killings” of the executive director of an alternative learning center and two others in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on September 1, “allegedly perpetrated by members of the Philippine Army and a paramilitary group.”

Killed were Emerito Samarca, 54, Executive Director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture

and Livelihood Development (Alcadev); Dionel Campos, chair of the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), and Campos’ cousin, Aurelio Sinzo.

According to the report of Karapatan-Caraga, Samarca was found dead with a stab wound and a slit open throat inside one of the classrooms of Alcadev in Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon in Lianga, while Campos and Sinzo were reported killed in front of residents rounded up by the perpetrators.

Witnesses pointed to members of the Magahat-Bagani Force, a paramilitary group composed of Lumads and believed to be organized and supported by the military, as the culprits.

The paramilitary group was also implicated in the October 2014 killing of Henry Alameda and Aldren Damaguit. (Carolyn O. Arguillas with a report from Erwin Mascarinas / MindaNews)

tional Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 said the proposal “stems from the results of a pre-feasibility study funded by the JICA which was a component of the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) Master Plan formulated in 1999 with an estimated project cost of P6.48 billion for a two-lane suspension bridge with a length of 1,200 meters.”

In a separate study done

by consultants from Katahira and Engineers International in 2005, alternative start-end points were recommended which increased the proposed bridge length to 1,350 meters, upping the project cost to P 15.93 billion, the statement added.

RDC 11 approved a recommendation by the consultants for the conduct of a full-blown feasibility study on the project in 2015. The feasibility study will be

Soldier... FROM 2

House... FROM 3

JAP... FROM 5

IN CONFIDENCE. Resigned Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas whispers to President Benigno Aquino during the ‘Gathering with Friends’ held yesterday at the SMX Convention Center. To the President’s left

is Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, while to Secretary Roxas’ right is Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

in Mt. Hamiguitan.

“The forest guards will not be only in charge of ensuring the safety of wildlife but also in protecting the heritage site,” Fragada told reporters in a tree planting activity last Wednesday.

He said a list of personnel will be submitted by local government units surrounding the heritage site, including the municipality of Governor Generoso and San Isidro in the province of

Davao Oriental.

“These trained personnel will be deputized so that they could enforce the law and arrest violators,” Fragada said.

Fragada also said the new guards will be added to the 14 existing DENR forest guards in Mt. Hamiguitan. He said the DENR does not have enough manpower to guard and protect the 7,000-hectare heritage site.

Fragada also said the

DENR will be intensifying its information education and communication (IEC) for wildlife protection and site protection in order to avoid the occurrence of the same incident.

Meanwhile, Fragada said the DENR 11 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao Oriental have passed a resolution for the creation of an investigating team to look into the death of Pamana.

He said result of the in-

vestigation will be submitted to Task Force Pamana.

Fragada said the team is eyeing to involve the nearby community in the investigation. “We cannot say that the community is suspect, but maybe they are witnesses,” he said.

Fragada said a reward amounting to P150,000 is being offered for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of those who shot dead Pamana.

quality planting materials on cacao and encouraging farmers to value add their beans by fermenting them.

He said farmers have a bigger chance of entering the export market if they start fermenting their beans instead of selling

them either wet or dry in the local market.

“Only 30 percent of cacao farmers here ferment their beans in the region,” he said, adding unfermented cacao beans are sold at lower price both in the local and international mar-

ket.

“The local buying price for dried cacao beans is P125 per kilogram (kg), higher that the P110 price for dried beans,” he said. In the international market, fermented beans are sold at P140/kg.

Turtur said the twoday event will be participated in by 600 to 700 participants from different parts of the country.

He said chocolate producers and cacao traders from US, Japan, and Europe will also attend the event today.

tion (PEF).

Currently, the project on Profit Sharing Microfinance for Women Entrepreneurs of SOCSARGEN (Shariah Compliant) has occupied Katiyakap. Starting its implementation in 2010, this project has stressed on microfinance support for Shariah compliant investments run by Moro women that has “no-interest, is just and fair, and transparent”.

As one of the prime movers of the current project being undertaken by

Katiyakap with PEF, Bai Yolanda M. Nawal work hands-on with every partners the organization has with its Islamic microfinance. She explains that at the outset, the Katiyakap leaders, staff members and some of its partners all had to undergo an orientation on Islamic Finance and the Islamic principles that goes with it, conducted by a Muslim scholar who studied in Madina, Saudi Arabia and Libya.

Bai Yolanda further

elaborated that most of all, among the important things to be considered by the clients are the guidelines on Islamic Finance and the regulations by the rules derived from the Holy Qur-an, Hadith, Sunnah (prophetic practices), Fatwa and Fiqh or Islamic Jurisprudence or Shariah that focus on transactions (that) must be halal, authorized, clear and transparent, and that it is based on trust and honesty, just and fair, interest-free, asset based, and contractual cer-

tainty.

As mentioned in the UP study, with Katiyakap Inc.’s micro – lending, the organization has, for the most part, empowered the women as it was through the women’s efforts that their families have been able to avail of the financing and other material assistance for the Muslim families.

Hence, three years since it has started with this laudable effort, Katiyakap, Inc. continues to serve its clientele.

DENR... FROM 2

PHL... FROM 3

Islamic... FROM 5

funded by the NEDA Feasibility Study Fund and is targeted to be completed by 2016 before Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario steps down from his post next year.

Del Rosario said in the same briefing event on Wednesday that the construction of the bridge will boost the local tourism as well as the number of investments in the island.

“Ito din ay magiging daan

upang maging mas maitaas pa ang katayuan ng syudad bilang isang investment at tourism hub (This bidge will serve as a mechanism to uplift the standing of the island as an investment and tourism hub),” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario, who is also the chair of the RDC, also appealed to the President to continue supporting the development of the island through projects in the future.

Gov’t... FROM 5

more investors will come to the island.

He one of the reasons investors from Islamic countries do not pour in money to Mindanao is that the banking transactions are not suitable to Islamic principles.

Lidasan also said he hope the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be passed because the Bangsamoro

Parliament will immediately formulate the Sharia law in the Bangsamoro areas.

The Al Qalam Institute in partnership with the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) conducted research on Islamic financing in the past three years to build the social capital of setting up Islamic Finance in Mindanao.

AGRITRENDS 11

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

Biotechnology: Boon or Bane in farming?

TEXT AND PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E

VERY second, three people are born, the United Nations Population Fund reports. Every 7.67 seconds, one hectare of productive land is lost, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“Unless we are ready to accept starvation, or place parks and the Amazon basin under the plow, there really is only one good alternative: Discover ways to increase food production from existing resources,” points out Martina Newell-McGloughlin, director of the Biotechnology Research and Education Program of the University of California Systemwide.

Dr. Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1970, shared the same view.

“Global food security will not disappear without the effective application of new technology,” he said. “To ignore this reality will make future solutions to food security all the more difficult to achieve.”

Biotechnology -- which is a combination of “biology” which is the science of life and “technology” which refers to the tools and techniques used to achieve a particular purpose -- has been promoted as the new scheme.

As defined, biotechnology is the manipulation of biological organisms to make products that benefit human beings. Its definition evolved through times and so its context and scope. With the advances in cell and molecular biology, biotechnology emerged from classical or traditional (examples: brewing, wine making, cheese making, etc.) to modern or advanced biotechnology.

Modern biotechnology is closely associated with recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering, a high-end science seen as having tremendous potential to increase agricultural

Vegetables

productivity.

“Biotechnology is by default our best and, maybe, only way to increase production to meet future food needs,” says Dr. McGloughlin.

Biotechnology, when used among crops, allows a scientist to choose and move the single characteristic he wants -- it’s streamlined, efficient, and produces superior results. “The techniques used in modern plant biotechnology provide plant breeders with precise tools that permit them to introduce desirable characteristics into a plant,” explains a fact sheet published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

“They do so without having unwanted or extra traits that occur with traditional plant breeding,” the ISAAA fact sheet adds. “Because of the control that’s afforded with plant biotechnology, scientists can examine introduced traits in great detail.”

In 1994, Calgene’s delayed-ripening tomato became the first genetically modified (GM) food crop to be produced and consumed in an industrialized country.

Since then, several GM food crops are introduced or currently being studied.

In the near future, the following crops will be available: rice enriched with iron, vitamin A and E, and lysine; potatoes with higher starch content and inulin; edible vaccines in corn, banana, and potatoes; corn varieties with low phytic acid and increased essential amino acids; healthier oils from soybean and canola; and allergen-free nuts.

But all is not rosy, however. “I believe that this kind of genetic modification takes mankind into realms that belong to God, and to God alone,” commented Philip Arthur George Charles -more popularly known as

Fruits Prince Charles -- in 1998.

“By transferring genes across species barriers which have existed for eons,” said Dr. Peter Wills, a theoretical biologist at Auckland University, “we risk breaching natural thresholds against unexpected biological processes.”

One potential risks of biotechnology is out-crossing, the unintentional breeding of domestic crop with a related plant. In 1999, it was also reported that pollen from biotech corn had a negative impact on Monarch butterfly larvae. Another concern is that biotech crops may lead to the development of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a common soil bacterium.

Then, there’s that question about allergen (a protein that causes an allergic reaction) from GM foods which could be accidentally introduced into a food product.

Carrot and potato Some GM crops contain genes for a trait called antibiotic resistance. Scientists use this trait as a market to identify cells into which the desired gene has been successfully introduced. Concerns have been raised that these marker genes could

move from GM crops to microorganisms that normally reside in a person’s gut and lead to an increase in antibiotic resistance.

On the potential risks of biotech crops on the environment, ISAAA has this answer: “The environmental and ecological concerns potentially associated with GM crops are evaluated prior to their release. In addition, post-approval monitoring and good agricultural systems need to be in place to detect and minimize potential risks, as well as to ensure GM crops continue to be safe after their release.”

As to the health issues, the Geneva-based World Health Organization gives this assurance: “The po-

Spices

tential direct health effects of GM foods are generally comparable to the known risks associated with conventional foods, and include, for example, the potential of allergenicity and toxicity of components present, and the nutritional quality and microbiological safety of the food.”

“Despite the current uncertainty over GM crops, one thing remains clear,” the ISAAA fact sheet claims. “This technology, with its potential to create economically important crop varieties, is simply too valuable to ignore.

There are, however, some valid concerns. If these issues are to be resolved, decisions must be based on credible, science-based information.”

12 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

Tagum Coop wins Galing Pook award T

AGUM Cooperative welcomed the month of September with honor and pride as it bagged Galing Pook’s first Citizenship Award 2015 in recognition of its outstanding efforts in uplifting and empowering the people and the community.

Of the 33 institutions that vied for the award, Tagum Coop made it to Top 8 and survived the cut through the five finalists of the Citizenship Award.

Director Norma R. Pereyras, chairperson of Tagum Cooperative (TC) Board of Directors (BOD), delivered to the National Selection Committee TC’s history, best practices, and services on August 30, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Among the awardees, Tagum Cooperative made history in Galing Pook Award as the only cooperative winner of the newly-launched Citizenship Award intended for individuals, NGOs, civil society who/which have engaged local governments to produce results.

The Galing Pook Citizenship Award sought how citizenship had been exercised by an organization for com-

munity and nation-building, and guided by the criteria of positive results, promotion of people’s participation and empowerment, innovation, transferability and sustainability, good governance, and efficiency of program service delivery.

Pereyras emphasized the contribution of Tagum Cooperative to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly on the alleviation of poverty, on health, on environment, and on global partnerships through livelihood trainings, feeding programs, donations, medical outreach programs, tree planting and growing activities, and closer partnerships with LGUs and other organizations.

Asked about the sustainability of programs, Pereyras pointed out the annual 3 percent allocation for the Community Development Fund from TC’s Net Surplus which enables Tagum Coop to fund various community activities, giving back to the community God’s blessings.

The high-impact and sustainable programs, projects, and activities staged and funded by Tagum Coop every year for the margin-

PIDS, MinDA formalize development partnership

S

TATE think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and Davao-based Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) formalized their new development partnership during the 1st Mindanao Policy Research Forum held at the Waterfront Insular Davao on September 4, 2015.

On behalf of their respective institutions, PIDS President Dr. Gilberto Llanto and MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz agreed to join forces in promoting the conduct of policy research and knowledge-sharing activities in support of Mindanao’s develop-

ment needs.

The memorandum of understanding signed by Llanto and Lopoz also includes the establishment of the Mindanao Knowledge Center (MKC), a knowledge hub of socioeconomic studies conducted by higher education institutions in Mindanao.

The MKC is envisioned to serve as a knowledge resource for local policymakers in crafting policies and programs that will enhance Mindanao’s competitiveness under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community and help achieve inclusive and sustainable growth for Mindanaoans. (PIDS)

AGREEMENT. MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz (left) and PIDS President Dr. Gilberto Llanto formalize the agreement to join forces in promoting policy research and knowledge-sharing activities in support of Mindanao’s development needs.

STANDING PROUD. Tagum Cooperative chairperson Norma R. Pereyras (center) holds the highly-coveted trophy. alized sectors caught the attention and votes of the panelists.

The members of the panel were Edicio dela Torre (Trustee, Galing Pook), Marides Fernando (Former Mayor, Marikina), Prof. Edna A. Co (Executive Director, UP CIDS), Vincent Lazatin (Executive Director, TAN), and Veronica Villavicencio (Trustee, Galing Pook).

“We have leveled up and raised the bar of excellence as we become part of nation-building through our sustainable community development activities which address Millennium Development Goals.” Pereyras said in an interview.

She said the award is not for her and Tagum Cooperative but is shared to the whole cooperative movement.

Along with Pereyras in the “Mamamayan Mamamayani Galing Pook Governance Fair” were BOD members Miriam R. Baloyo, Fe J. Adlawan and Nenita R. Malbas, Treasurer Rosalina S. Argent, SCG Manager Vivelyn D. Fronteras, and Funecare Manager Kathryn Ann J. Salazar who all expressed their happiness as Tagum Cooperative was adjudged winner.

Tagum Cooperative’s victory follows the Galing Pook achievements (local government programs) of Davao del Norte with its awarded Trichogramma (1995), Sustainable Food Security Program (1996), and Blood Sufficiency Program (1997), as well as Tagum City’s Night Market Program (2014). (DQ Lumayno Jr./Tagum Cooperative)

cater many TB patients to avail free TB DOTS services,” said DOPMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Ariel dela Cruz.

DOH Region 11 coordinator for the National TB Program (NTP) Evelyn Gelito said based on the latest TB prevalence survey, more than 30 percent of the presumptive tuberculosis patients opt for hospital consultation rather than going to health centers, and most of these cases are not being reported to the program. Making matters worse is that other patients do not seek proper treatment, thus giving them no chance for a cure.

Gelito said building the TB DOTS Clinic is the right move for the provincial government in its bid to win its long-running fight against TB. “We are very optimistic

that more TB patients will be given more attention with this new clinic,” she said.

She lauded the provincial government’s commitment to help the people of Davao Oriental in fighting TB as well as the eagerness of the staff who will operate the facility.

Dr. Joy Sanico of the Provincial Public Health Technical Division emphasized said building the facility was very significant in treating this infectious disease, especially since multi-drug resistant (MDR) cases of tuberculosis can occur if the patient neglects to seek proper medical care.

“MDR cases do not respond to conventional treatment and are very hard to treat,” she said.

Sanico said the Public Health Office is incorporating

sputum collection in its regular medical consultation and outreach programs as part of the efforts in accounting for and treating TB patients in the communities.

She said they have already started in Barangay Malibago in Cateel as well as in the Provincial Jail as mandated by Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon.

Sanico said treating the communicable disease requires the concerted effort of all health care providers, both in the hospital as curative and public health as preventive.

“The work here will always be integration. We will work hand in hand,” she said.

“With this new facility we will be able to realize our goal of seeing more healthy people and put an end to the stigma of TB,” Sanico added. PIO

New clinic in DavOr boosts fight vs TB I

NTENSIFYING the fight against tuberculosis, a newly completed clinic for TB DOTS (Tuberculosis Directly-Observed Treatment Shortcourse) was recently launched at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) compound, bringing accessible treatment to tuberculosis patients here in the province.

Funded by the Department of Health (DOH) 11 in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the facility hopes to make a significant dent in the cases of tuberculosis in this province and ultimately materialize the provincial government’s vision of bringing free TB DOTS Program closer to the people of Davao Oriental.

“With this facility we can

NEW CLINIC. Funded by the Department of Health (DOH) 11 in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the new facility hopes to make a significant dent in the cases of tuberculosis in Davao Oriental.

NEWS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

13

17th Tuna Fest ‘most successful yet’ C

MindaNews photo by Keith Bacongco

ITY Mayor Ronnel Rivera declared the recently concluded 17th Tuna Festival as “the most successful” in the three years that he has been mayor.

At the closing ceremony of the festival last Sunday (September 6), Rivera expressed gratitude to the people and organizations – especially the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) – that made the celebration successful.

The PFDA, headed by Mario Malinao, was the co-organizer of the 17th Tuna Festival

along with the city government.

Rivera also acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine National Police, Joint Task Force Gensan, and other public safety units in maintaining peace and order during the celebration.

This year’s Tuna Festival focused on giving tribute to the industry and people who made Gensan the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

In a press conference held on August 12, Mayor Rivera and all of the organizers of the 17th Tuna Festival said they

would bring more significance and identity to the festivity.

They also said this year’s Tuna Fest would focus on addressing the challenges that the tuna industry is currently facing.

The 17th National Tuna Congress was held on September 3 and 4 at SM City of Gensan and aimed at addressing the issue of declining tuna catch on a global scale. Fishing stakeholders and concerned government agencies – both from here and abroad – were present in the congress.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARIANO TUMANG BARRIENTOS has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs per Doc. No.392; Page No.79; Book No. 107; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 9/4.11.18

During the congress, emphasis was placed on regional cooperation as the hope of the tuna industry. The congress was organized by the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SAFFAII).

In previous years, the Tuna Festival had only street-dancing competition and tuna float parade as its main highlights. Jane Gollon-Rivera, president of the Gensan Tourism Council (GTC), thought that those were not enough.

(IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

14 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 117• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2015

DID FLOYD CHEAT?

Floyd Mayweather Jr. lands a punch to the head of Manny Pacquiao during their fight dubbed “Fight of the Century” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mayweather used WADA-banned IV before Pacquaio fight Grueling semis matchups

O

N the eve of his record-breaking megafight with Manny Pacquiao on May 2, poundfor-pound king Floyd Mayweather took an intravenous injection of saline and vitamins that was banned under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, according to a report by SB Nation on Wednesday.

Three weeks after the fight, Mayweather received an exemption from the United States Anti-Doping Agency, the report said. However, Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett said USADA does not have authorization to grant an exemption. Bennett said only the commission, which was not notified of the exemption until after it was given, can give an ath-

lete an exemption.

Although the substances contained in the IV were not banned by WADA, whose standards USADA says it follows, the fact that they were given intravenously was not allowed.

According to the report, USADA, which had been contracted by Mayweather and Pacquiao to conduct random drug testing for their bout, sent collection agents to Mayweather’s house in Las Vegas the night before the fight to conduct an unannounced drug test.

The report was published on the day that Mayweather and Andre Berto held the final news conference for their welterweight championship fight Saturday night at the MGM Grand, which Mayweather has said

will be the final bout of his 19-year career.

SB Nation’s account said Mayweather’s medical team told the collection agents that the IV -- which reportedly included a 250-milliliter mixture of saline and multivitamins and a 500-milliliter mixture of saline and Vitamin C -- was being given to Mayweather for rehydration purposes following the weigh-in.

WADA rules do not allow intravenous infusions or injections of more than 50 milliliters per six hours “except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures, or clinical investigations.”

According to the report, WADA bans such injections and infusions because they

can be used to “dilute or mask the presence of another substance.”

SB Nation also reported that USADA did not inform the Nevada commission about the IV until May 21, when it sent correspondence to commission officials and Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter, notifying them that Mayweather had been given a retroactive therapeutic-use exemption, which was allowed in the contract the fighters signed to cover the drug-testing protocol for the bout. However, when the commission and Top Rank requested more information about it, they learned Mayweather had not applied for the exemption until May 19. It was granted May 20, the report said.

up in Shakey’s V-League

A

TENEO, National U, Far Eastern U and University of Santo Tomas brace for a back-breaking weekend as they slug it out in back-toback matches for berths in the finals in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Final Four kicks off tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 12) with the top seeded Lady Eagles taking on the No. 4 Tigresses at 12:45 p.m. and the No. 2 Lady Bulldogs facing off with the third ranked Lady Tams at 3 p.m. in matches tipped to go down-to-thewire.

They switch times on

Sunday with the decider, if necessary, set on Sept. 16.

The finals, also a best-ofthree affair, starts Sept. 20.

Ateneo and NU beat UST and FEU, respectively, in the group stages of the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera. But the top two seeded squads expect the Tigresses and the Lady Tams to be in their best form, ensuring a spirited battle for the coveted spots in the finals.

Premium will also be on stamina as the four teams try to endure the rigors of playing two straight games expected to go down-to-the-wire.

Federer faces Wawrinka in US Open semi-finals F

IVE-TIME champion Roger Federer put on a tennis masterclass, routing Richard Gasquet to reach his 10th US Open semi-final, where he will face close friend Stan Wawrinka.

The 34-year-old, bidding to become the oldest champion i n

Roger Federer returns the ball during his fourth round match against John Isner at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

New York in 45 years, took just 87 minutes to beat Gasquet for the 15th time in 17 meetings, his 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory only revealing half the story.

The Swiss fired 50 winners and 16 aces

and did not face a single break point.

Federer hasn’t dropped a set at the tournament in five rounds and has been broken just twice.

But he will be wary of the danger posed by Wawrinka despite holding a 16-3 career edge.

Wawrinka defeated him in their last meeting in straight sets in the quarter-finals on his way to the French Open title in June.

“I faced the big serves of John Isner in the last round so I felt tonight I had a little e x t r a time,” said

second seed Federer.

“I stayed aggressive and enjoyed myself.”

Also enjoying themselves watching the master at work on Arthur Ashe Stadium were Andre Agassi and Bjorn Borg as well as celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Bradley Cooper.

“Stan played wonderfully against me in Paris and I was happy for him that he won the title. He really deserved it,” added Federer, who was playing in his 46th Grand Slam quarer-final to Gasquet’s fourth.

“He has worked so hard and really improved. I am happy to play him here for the first time. It’s cool for us and

Switzerland.”

Wawrinka reached the semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 rout of South Africa’s Kevin Anderson.

Wawrinka, the 30-year-old fifth seed, booked a spot in his second US Open lastfour match, having also reached the same stage in 2013.

“I played my best match of the tournament so far,” said Wawrinka.

“Against Roger, I will need to play my best to win. It’s a big challenege but I am ready.”

Anderson, the 15th seed and playing in his first Grand Slam quarter-final, had knocked out third seed Andy Murray in the previous round.

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