Edge Davao 8 Issue 16

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CLEANERGY PARK. A caretaker collects the hawksbill turtle’s eggs before they are transferred to a nursery at newly-launched Cleanergy Park, a sustainably project of the Aboitiz, in Sitio Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DRUG REHAB PATIENTS DROP INSIDE EDGE

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

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HE Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation for Drug Dependents (DCTRDD) recorded a marked decrease on the number of drug patients admitted in the center.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, DCTRCDD chief Dr. Gene Gulanes said during the first quarter of this year, there are only 21 drug

dependents who had been admitted in the center compared to 30 last year during the same period.

Dr. Gulanes clarified, however that the lower number of admission is not conclusive that drug cases in the city have also decreased.

Gulanes said that with every patient admitted there are still many drug users in the

community who did not undergo rehabilitation.

“Even if we only have admitted 21 drug patients yet, we still consider it as alarming because there should be no patient that will be admitted in rehabilitation center if there are no people who are using illegal drugs,” he said.

Gulanes said that of the 21, 10 came from Buhangin

district, six are from Poblacion district and five are from Talomo district.

The number in the next months cannot be predicted because there could be influx of drug dependents that will be admitted in the rehabilitation facility, according to Gulanes.

“I am encouraging those drug users to submit them-

FDRUG, 10

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

The executives and officers of Aboitiz Group of Companies led by executive vice president and chief operating officer for distribution of Aboitiz Power Jim Aboitiz (9th from left) pose for a group photograph during the launching of the company’s Cleanergy Park in Sitio Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Estrada still owes gov’t P417.8M in stolen money

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ORMER president Joseph Ejercito Estrada, popularly known as “Erap”, still owes the Philippine government a whopping P417.86 million as a result of his conviction of plunder in 2007.

This was bared by Dr. Ronald Mendoza, executive director of the AIM (Asian Institute of Management) Policy Center, in a talk before some 400 business leaders and professionals in Davao City last Friday.

Mendoza tackled “Good Governance is Good Economics” during a “breakfast forum on confronting corruption” at the Lantaw Hall of the Royal Mandaya Hotel organized

by Brotherhood of Christian, Businessmen, and Professionals (BCBP). Former senator Joey D. Lina and Commissioner Heide L. Mendoza also

spoke in the forum.

Professor Mendoza cited Erap’s case as an example of corruption in high places where billions of pesos in people’s money are stolen.

A Rappler report indicated that based on the September 2013 compliance report submitted by Sandigan acting chief judicial officer Albert dela Cruz, there’s still a balance of P417.86 million (about $19.3 million at current exchange rates) to be collected from Estrada.

The Rappler story stated that “Gov’t records showed that the amount to be forfeited against Estrada totaled about P725 million (roughly $15 million in 2001). However, only about P317 million been recovered by government.”

Mendoza said that several

FESTRADA, 10

TF Palaro created

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ASK Force Palarong Pambansa was officially created to secure the athletes on the upcoming national games on May 3-9 in Davao del Norte.

The Task Force Palarong Pambansa will be headed by the Provincial Director of Davao del Norte, Police Senior Superintendent Samuel Gadingan.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año said on Wednesday that the Task Force is com-

posed of the 103rd Brigade and Police Regional Office.

Año said that the group the Task Force has enough personnel for the security of the event.

“We have created a Task Force to secure the entire event, it will be composed of the RPSB (Regional Public Safety Battalion), PRO 11 and 103rd Brigade under Col. (Harold) Cabreros,” he said.

The group will be divided into two, in which the Police

FTF PALARO, 10

EXPIRED INGREDIENTS

Bare names of milk tea shops, store owner urges

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

MILK tea store owner in Davao City said the refusal of the city Health Office (CHO) to reveal the establishments involved in the recent raid where sachets of expired milk tea powder were confiscated is affecting their business.

“Needless to say, the refusal of the City Health Office to divulge the identities of these perfidious milk tea stores is affecting our business. This is a form of injustice,” Cathy Binag, owner of Madhatter milk

tea store, said in a statement.

Binag said the action of CHO in not identifying the milk tea store that was raided last Wednesday created confusion to the public and adversely affect the milk tea sector here.

“Why Madhatter thinks the disclosure is important is because it, without question, paints a bad image of all milk tea stores in Davao,” Binag said.

“Unless the names of the erring milk tea shops are

made public, it will create confusion among the public and foments discrimination against those who are doing business with integrity and dedication to giving quality service and products to the public,” she said.

Madhatter, a mall-based establishment, and the other milk tea stores doing business religiously do not deserve to be punished for the mistakes and cunning activities of others, according to her.

Last Wednesday, CHO

raided some milk tea shops operating inside a mall and confiscated 22 packs of expired milk tea powder and boxes of fruit preserves with a March 2014 expiry date.

CHO Environment Sanitation Division chief Robert L. Oconer said the two milk tea stores are located inside two major malls.

He said the inspection started right after the incident in Manila where two died because of drinking milk teas.

Rivera said the government has established a strategies to prevent terrorism from occurring in the entire Region.

“Through deployment of mobile patrols in crime prone areas and uniform personnels patrolling on places where people converge during peak hours are the main reason of the lower crime volume this year,” Rivera said.

The Crime Solution Effi-

ciency (CSE) of the region also increased for the 1st quarter of 2015.

Last year, Police recorded 44.08 percent or 4,453 CSE rate, higher than the 60.97 percent or 5,501 for the 1st quarter of 2015.

Police also seized a total of P2.797 worth of illegal drugs from January to March this year that resulted to the apprehension of 148 individuals.

PRO 11 reports lower crime volume in Q1

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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OLICE Regional Office (PRO) 11 recorded lower crime volume from January to March this year compared to the same period last year.

PRO 11 recorded 13,735 crimes for the 1st quarter of 2015 which is lower than the 17,772 of the same quarter last year.

For the 1st quarter of 2015, from the 13,753 crimes

recorded, 49.28 percent of which are physical injury cases while 31.47 percent are theft cases.

According to PRO 11 Spokesperson Police Superintendent Antonio Rivera, the lower crime volume in the entire region is a result of the collaborative effort of the different Law Enforcement Agencies, Local Government Units and Stakeholders.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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Duterte calls for revival of ROTC D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte today called for the revival of the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) for male college students as part of building a credible self-defense force in the wake of China’s aggressive build-up in Kalayaan group of islands.

Duterte said relying on the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty is not enough to address the Chinese threat in the West Philippine Sea. “While we expect the US to come to our aid if attacked by a foreign force, the country must also be self reliant. And to build up a credible self-defense force, the country must restore the ROTC that was once part of the college curriculum,” Duterte pointed out.

Duterte said that if properly implemented in colleges and universities, ROTC can be used to teach values formation on discipline, nationalism and the patriotic duty to come to the

defense of the Republic in the event of an external aggression from a foreign country like China.

“Our young men are presently too preoccupied with texting, facebook and other social media diversions that they don’t even know how to handle a rifle like we used to during our time,” said Duterte, who took up his ROTC in the Lyceum of Manila where he earned his college degree before taking up law in San Beda College.

Duterte said an incoming administration after the 2016 presidential polls should already be rethinking its foreign policy vis-a vis China. While he would prefer a diplomatic solution and for Manila to bring back Beijing to the negotiating table, he would like to see the country establish a credible self-defense capability.

Duterte stressed self defense to dispel any perception he’s a war hawk.

“We have enough peace

City to penalize firms sans rain harvesting systems

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HE city government of Davao will exact ecological and sealing fees on establishments found without appropriate rainwater catchment system (RCS).

The penalty is included in a 22-page manual submitted by a technical working group to the Davao City Watershed Management Council (WMC) headed

by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The draft Simplified Technical Manual on Planning and Development of Rainwater Harvesting Systems was presented Wednesday by Ms Arjean Jumamoy, an engineer of the City Engineer’s Office during the WMC monthly meeting presided by lawyer Jhopee A. Agustin, assis-

tant city administrator, for the WMC’s approval.

The TWG is composed of engineers Jumamoy, Chona C. Aroja, Andrew C. Lepardo, and Jenny Ann S. Matuguinas, architect Clyde Eric C. Verga, Zaldy M. Lingas, and Mary Gel J. Babia of the city engineer’s office; engineer Anthony Roy B. Carino of the City Agriculturist Office, Curtis Lazarraga of the City Health Office, foresters Christopher Asibal and Rodrigo Bustillo of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and engineer Samuel F. Abrantes of the City Planning and Development Office.

The manual was crafted

STRICT INSPECTION. Dr. Evelyno Buenaventura of City Health Office (CHO) says the agency is conducting strict inspection of establishments selling food and beverages after two

outlets selling milk tea in one of the malls in Davao City were caught using expired ingredients. Buenaventura was a guest in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

RISING HIV CASES. Precy Senoc (left), Health Education and Population officer of the City Health Office (CHO), discloses that 15 to 20 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Davao City are being recorded every month which is caused

by risky sexual behavior. Senoc, together with Dr. Gene Gulanes, chief of the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD), graced yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

FCITY, 10

and order problems in Mindanao and we don’t need to add an external security threat by saber-rattling against China,” said Duterte.

The first presidential candidate to speak out on a major international issue, Duterte expressed alarm at China’s aggressive buildup to fortify its nine-dash claim that infringes on the economic exclusion zone of the West Philippine Sea. He called on China to exercise restraint and desist from reclaiming land to build military bases in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Duterte suggested the Philippines and China revert to the status quo before the Scarborough/Panatag incident.

Joint exploration of the potential oil, gas and minerals under the seabed can be undertaken with China and the other SCS claimants like Vietnam, Malaysia,Brunei and Taiwan, he said.

Duterte also expressed

concern for the plight of Filipino fisherfolk living in the coastal towns of Pangasinan and Zambales.who have been deprived of their livelihood .

Chinese gunboats recently hosed down Filipino fishermen

and drove them away from traditional fishing grounds. He said the South China Sea is vast enough for all the countries in the region to share in its marine life bounty.

On the Bangsamoro Basic

Law, Duterte said that as a Mindanaoan, he would like to see the BBL’s passage after flaws in the measure have been addressed by the lawmakers so that it conforms to the Constitution.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

School billets break borders, build ‘Palaro pathways’

by NOEL BAGUIO

E

LEMENTARY and high school sites tapped to billet delegates to the Palarong Pambansa 2015 literally typified the theme of the national games: “Breaking Borders, Building Peace”.

‘Palaro pathways’ now connect the adjoining elementary and high school campuses, which were previously separated by sturdy concrete walls and fences.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario was elated to see the schools broke down a portion of their fences to connect their campuses.

“Our billeting quarters exemplified our theme in the literal sense when bordering elementary and high schools opened their fences to connect their campuses,” he noted.

The governor made rounds in schools used as billeting areas for the delegates, in order to ensure first-rate hosting of the country’s biggest sporting event on May 3-9.

Most of the adjoining campuses were separated by sturdy concrete walls and fences that establish school territories and

promote student safety.

The fence make it easy for administrators to easily keep watch over the property and monitor the flow of individuals entering and coming out of the campus.

However, the barriers will give some inconvenience to the delegates trying to get to their fellows from the same region who were housed in the adjoining site.

The governor said the opening in the fences now makes it easier for the officials and delegates to breeze through the borders of the billeting quarters of the Palaro.

Davao del Norte is hosting the 2015 edition of the country’s largest school-based games supported by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. or TADECO, Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation (DPC), Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. (DICT) and Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Virginia Maningo, Principal of La Filipina National High School praised the building of the ‘Palaro pathway’ linking her

Mindanao peace advocates urge lawmakers: ‘Let us open our mind’

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HE Kalilintad Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) and concerned peace- loving residents of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces urged the country’s lawmakers on Thursday to give another chance for peace by passing the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

KDFI conducted a series of municipal peace assemblies in three provinces from April 9-13 and the participants unanimously urged Congress to act in favor of the legislation they believe could usher peace and development in Mindanao.

“Let us open our mind. Let us not be selfish. Let us give BBL a chance,” the peace advocates told senators and representatives in a statement.

Convince that development will come after peace is attained, participants expressed full support to the peace process between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government.

“We strongly appeal to the Congress to consider and bear in their collective wisdom possible implications should the hearing on the Bangsamoro

Basic Law be delayed, much more not signed into law,” it said, expressing concern over what would happen next.

“We could not imagine how many lives will be lost, how much properties will be ruined and how many dreams will fade,” the group added.

It also expressed opposition to the lawmakers’ proposal to postpone the hearing on the BBL following the Mamasapano incident and the issue of MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal’s pseudonym.

Congressional hearing by the House Ad Hoc committee on the BBL has been postponed after the Mamasapano incident on Jan. 25 that left 67 persons dead, including 44 police commandos and 17 MILF forces.

“No one ever wants to live in armed struggle because this is definitely an abnormal way of life. But because of injustices, the Bangsamoro people have to protect their lives against those who are ruining their beliefs, cultures and much more their lives. So, they have to stand forces in the manner of armed struggle,” the peace advocates said. (PNA)

NO SMOKING. The city’s tricycle drivers who were given with “No Smoking” stickers for their passenger vehicles, showed their support for the Anti-Smoking Government Campaign of the Local Government of Tagum City. The campaign, which was conducted last April 17, 2015 help

PALARO PATHWAY. Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, left, and party walk along the new ‘Palaro pathway’ linking the adjoining J. Tuason National High School and Madaum Elementary school that are used as billeting quarters for the delegates to the Palarong Pambansa 2015. noel baguio/davnor pio campus to the adjacent La Filipina Elementary School.

“The passageway now results to a better collaboration of issues of mutual interest among

the two schools,” she said.

Aside from easier access, she added, the new link nurtures human connection among the teachers and students from

the two schools, which, she said, is the essence of a sense of community among the two educational institutions.

However, she is quick to

add that they will impose some access control in the passageway when the school year opens in June to ensure safety of the students.

ROM several requests coming from both government and private entities, Compostela Valley Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy has once again shares the best practices of his province. This time, the invitation comes from the Ateneo de Manila University’s Office of the Vice President for Social Development together with the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC) on April 17 at the Escaler Hall, AdMU, Quezon City.

According to Atty. Jaime

Hofilena, AdMU’s Vice President for Social Development, they have been “undertaking a study on ‘What Works’ in a diverse selection of efforts to help people move out of poverty and understand ‘how to scale up’ what has worked so far.”

“We would like the conference to be a venue where participants learn from each other on how to find solutions to social problems…how individuals, groups, and organizations scale up by thinking in terms of insti-

tutions and in the long term will be a primary interest,” he said.

Sharing on social change initiative in Comval, Gov. Uy highlights the Filipino culture of “bayanihan” (loosely termed as volunteerism) as his way in government service.

“The spirit of volunteerism came at the darkest time when one of our barangays was swept away by series of landslides in 2008. Through the inspiration of the Gawad Kalinga, we made miracle of building

houses,” Gov Uy said.

To date, Comval LGU spearheaded 14 Bayani Challenge producing 1,000 houses scattered in various Uswag-GK Villages in the 11 towns of the province. Prioritizing the poorest of the poor, this was made possible through generous donors providing for the materials and by thousands of volunteers who build the houses, thereby, saving the labor cost component. (Fe Maestre/IDS Comval)

ITY Mayor Aniano P. Antalan administered the oath-taking of twenty (20) deputized fish wardens from Philippines National Police (PNP) Samal and Samal Task Group under the command of 1003rd Brigade Philippine Army.

The oath-taking was done after the two-day exclusive live-in training-workshop on fish warden deputization last April 13, 2015 at City Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall, Penaplata, Samal District.

In addition to the existing deputized fish wardens, the local government augmented twenty (20) more fish wardens (five (5)

personnel selected from PNP-Samal and fifteen (15) from Samal Task Group) giving them the capacity and authority to enforce fishery laws and arrest violators base on RA 8550. The RA 8550 is an Act providing for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources , integrating all laws pertinent thereto, and for other purposes. The law also stipulates the authority provided to the local government unit the authority to enforce all fishery laws, rules and regulations as well as the valid fishery ordinances enacted by the City Council.

The City Fisheries Office headed by Engr. Ana Lea A. Zapanta, City Agriculturist in coordination with BFAR XI provided the newly deputized fish warden were trained and equipped with technical skills in handling tactical tasks in apprehending marine violators.

The selected deputized personnel from PNP-Samal and Samal Task Group were assigned to strategic barangays identified as main fishing areas such as the Barangay San Remegio, Cogon and Talicud Island of Kaputian District; Barangays Balet and Pichon of Babak District and other coastal Barangays wherein a detachment

will also be established for them to speedily response to cases of marine violators.

“Illegal fishing awareness and prevention campaign were also given to fishing barangays and coastal barangays. We also asked and encouraged barangay officials and constituents to help the fish wardens to monitor, detect and report any illegal fishing or any unfamiliar sea vessels seen in their jurisdiction through texting or any means of communication for the immediate apprehension of the violators”, Mr. Timothy P. Dollano, City Fisheries Division, Acquaculturist said. (Samal Info.)

Comval Guv shares best practices

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IGACOS deputizes fish wardens C

at Tagum’s Freedom Park in accordance to the pertinent laws of the Philippines, including Municipal Order No. 34, s-1989 of Tagum, was carried out to stress the various negative effects of smoking to human’s health, including deaths. Photo by Kelvin Palermo of CIO Tagum

NEW ORDINANCE. The LocaL Government of Tagum led by Mayor Allan L. Rellon, DPA, addressed the large gathering of the city’s Tricycle and PUJ drivers during the Anti-Smoking Government Campaign.

The campaign, which was conducted in accordance

to the pertinent laws of the Philippines, including Municipal Order No. 34, s-1989 of Tagum, was carried out to stress the various negative effects of smoking to human’s health, including deaths. Photo by Kelvin Palermo of CIO Tagum

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

DGBT sea route awaiting permit

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

O

crc@edgedavao.net

PERATION of the private sector-led Davao-General Santos City-Tahuna-Bitung (DGBT) sea route will commence this year after the Indonesian Transport Ministry (IMT) will issue the necessary permit for its operation, an official of Mindnao Development Authority (MinDA) said.

“The different chamber of commerce and industry of Davao City, General Santos City and North Sulawesi, Indonesia are already on the last

stage of permitting. They are just waiting for the approval of the permit from the IMT,” MinDA investment promotions and public relations director Romeo Montenegro told reporters on Wednesday.

Montenegro earlier said Afesco Shipping Company, which is jointly formed by Filipino and Indonesian investors), is currently working on the necessary permits from Indonesian maritime offices so it could operate internationally.

Asean members told to achieve MDGs

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SEAN members need to go beyond commerce and financial assistance to address factors that impede the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as post-2015 development priorities, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, during his opening speech at the ASEAN Regional Assessment Workshop on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Achievement and Post-2015 Development Priorities, held on April 1415, 2015 in Pasig City, urged ASEAN members to look at important areas for collaboration.

“Given our respective resources and experiences, we are encouraged to make our discussions for strategic collaboration go beyond commerce and financial assis-

tance. The areas we may consider revisiting include regional disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), social protection, technology access and transfer, data generation and management, and capacity building of local institutions,” he said.

On DRRM, Balisacan emphasized that disasters significantly dampen the intended impact of development efforts. Thus, he proposed to review the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response and to strengthen the points of collaboration among ASEAN member states.

Balisacan also pushed for the integration of lessons learned from recent phenomena like Typhoon Haiyan into country and regional strategies for disaster resilience.

He said that the ASEAN Plan of Action for strengthening peace and social protection

He said there will be a new vessel that will be used once the operation of the sea route starts this year because the MV Beverly of PT Kanaka, an Indonesian shipper, backed out.

Other shipping players will invest in the route once the traffic is sustainable.

“A smaller roll-on roll off passenger (ROPA) vessel will be initially used because it is still in the testing stage,” Montenegro said. “It will have a carrying capacity of 20 TEUs

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HE government is gearing up to cushion impact of the prolonged dry season brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

With anticipated damage caused by the dry spell in Davao region, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in cooperation with Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 11 and the provincial government of Davao del Norte will be conducting a cloud seeding intervention to the affected areas immediately after the completion of the needed papers before its commencement.

Mike Nota, technical staff of BSWM informed DA-11 officials headed by regional director Remelyn Recoter that the province has a total of 37 percent damaged areas, comprised mostly of banana plantations.

Based on records from the regional High Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP), Davao del Norte has a total of 23,772 hectares of banana plantation, 8,425 hectares of which have been damaged by the dry spell.

“About P3 to P4 million was allocated for cloud seeding process, wherein 10 percent from the amount will be given to the El Niño affected local government unit,” Nota reported.

However, the Bureau will no longer conduct cloud seeding in Davao City because the extent of the damage is severe especially corn and mango.

“We will not conduct cloud seeding in Davao City anymore because the damage is already big and it can’t be recovered. The provinces

FINTERVENTIONS, 10

ice cream products, poultry, fresh fruits, synthetics; while imports, on the other hand, include: matured coconut, copra, corn, feeds, lumber, cement, cordage, high value crops (bell pepper, calamansi, potatoes, okra, ampalaya), meat (goat, pork, beef), peanuts, aqua products, charcoal, soya, coffee beans, sugar.

Montenegro said the sea route is necessary to facilitate the movement of goods and other cargoes within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Phil-

ippines- East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

He described the new sea transport as shorter, faster and direct route because there’s no need for goods to go to Manila before Davao.

The private sector is pushing for the sea route because it is a less expensive alternative at present, according to Montenegro.

The cost is U$ 550/tonnage which much cheaper than the RORO vessel at U$ 700/tonnage.

DVD HUNT. Prospective customers and their pet dog shih tzu browse knockoff DVDs on display in a makeshift stall along Jacinto Street in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Bigger PHILBEX Davao set May 14-17

Interventions readied W for long dry season FASEAN, 10

and can carry additional 200 passengers in its airconditioned facility.”

Montenegro said the vessel is owned and managed by the local government of Talaud Islands in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

“The private sector leading this project tapped the local government of Talaud Islands for the passenger cargo vessel,” he said.

The Philippines will be trading with Indonesia goods like feeds, cement, fertilizer,

ITH over two decades of unparalleled presence as the country’s leading exhibitions and events organizer, there appears to be nothing that could stop Worldbex Services International (WSI) from continuously breaking new grounds in pursuit of excellence.

Last year, WSI made history as it hosted the first-ever Philippine Building and Construction Exposition Davao or PHILBEX Davao 2014, which bannered the theme of “Connecting the World through Resilient Construction,” in support of raising awareness on the importance of resilient construction as well as the need to gear up for a more globally competitive economic landscape.

Gathering the region’s top companies and foreign companies alike, resulting in over 130 exhibitors and 240 booths, the Davao construction industry witnessed a first-of-its-kind high-grade exposition – thus attracting beyond 10,000 visitors in the span of the four-day trade show.

Patterned after WSI’s

iconic WORLDBEX, which is hailed as the largest and most comprehensive building and construction exposition in the entire country and PHILBEX Cebu, PHILBEX Davao aspires to bridge the glaring gap in the region’s construction industry and serve as a platform to showcase the world-class potential of Davao.

As such, WSI envisions to expand the industry’s economic landscape and ultimately, to forge relationships and build meaningful partnerships within itsvarious sectors to foster a unified and emboldened industry. The end goal, of course, is to catapult the Philippine economy by strengthening various industries of the nation.

Occupying a total of 4,480sqm of exhibition space, the exposition was an actualization of its vision as it presented a truly world-class trade show as evidenced by its extensive range of product presentations.

From building materials and equipment, interior design and renovation products, security and fire equipment,

to topnotch services offered by both industry institutions and associations including architecture and interior design firms, mechanical and electrical engineering offices, information technologies and telecommunications provider, and construction promotion companies, the first-ever PHILBEX Davao proved to be a great success, with a 96% rate of satisfaction and 88% rate of show success.

Presented in partnership with associations such as the European Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Association, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, and the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers PHILBEX Davao ran on a global scale, with foreign visitors from countries such as China and Singapore who likewise graced the trade show.

It isn’t a surprise that PHILBEX Davao’s roster of sponsors included some of the country’s top construction and building companies such as Boysen, Apo Roofs, Apo Floors,

and Firely among many others.

As Engr. Jose Froilan Rigor of C.E. Realtor and CREBA Chapter President exclaimed, “The event surely opened up more business opportunites in Davao City and Mindanao as local and international exhibitors from the construction and building industry converges…

Thereby further boosting the already vibrant economy of the [region].” Indeed, his remarks prove how PHILBEX Davao successfully managed to materialize its goals and aims.

Echoing Engr. Rigor’s enthusiasm about PHILBEX Davao, Mindanao Chapter PIID President, Idr. Hazel Garces-Resari describes the trade show as a “true trend setter in providing a unique opportunity for construction businesses both large and small sized,” thus scaling new heights in the industry. Sharing the same sentiment, President of the IIEE Davao Chapter, Joseph Darren Claire Solicar believes that the event opened the industry to a broader perspective towards better opportunity as it sets the platform for

FBIGGER, 10

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

Hydro power plants to rise in Bukidnon

A

CALL FOR SUPPORT. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz encourages the full support of the private sector in the implementation of JobStart Philippines in Davao Region during the MOU signing held recently in Davao City. (Roberto A. Gumba. Jr)

GROUNDBREAKING ceremony that will tap hydropower from Tagoloan River, the country’s 13th largest river system, to produce a total of 68.9 megawatts of electricity was held in Barangay Maluko, Manolo Fortich on Wednesday.

Hedcor president Rene Ronqillo said construction of the two cascading hydro plants—the 43.4 MW Manolo Fortich Hydro 1 and the 25.4 Manolo Fortich Hydro 2—will start right away.

Ronquillo said they expect to finish the construction with its total 68.8 MW rated capacity available to the Mindanao grid in 18 months.

He said the total cost of the project is P12.5 billion.

“The province of Bukidnon is the right place for this project and we commit that it will serve all the stakeholders,”

Ronquillo said during the brief groundbreaking ceremony.

Since 1996, Hedcor has been interested in harnessing the tributaries – Tanaon, Amusig and Guihean – of Tagoloan River for its hydropower project.

The government, however, shelved the project proposal in 1998.

After government gave Hedcor the go signal in 2012, Ronquillo said it took them another two years to complete government requirements and get the approval from the lumads who live beside the three tributary rivers located in the towns of Manolo Fortich and Impasug-ong.

The Bukidnon provincial board said seven lumad communities – Santiago Tribal Community Inc., Higaonon Tribal Communities, Maluko

VER 15,000 jobs are waiting for the jobseekers in this year’s Labor Day Celebration.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 11 have recorded to date 2,394 job vacancies for local private companies while 12,819 overseas jobs that are ready for grabs for 2015 Labor Day Job Fairs this May 1 and 2. These job vacancies are offered by a total of 105 participating companies including 75 local agenices and 30 overseas agencies.

The job fairs on May 1 will simultaneously be held in four locations: Gaisano Mall of Davao, SM City Davao Ecoland, Gaisano Mall of Tagum and Local Government Unit of Sta. Cruz specifically at Darong Gym in Brgy. Darong. Gaisano Mall of Davao will stretch its schedule until May 2.

A One-stop shop will also

be mounted during the job fair which will cater and serve necessary documents and pre-employment requirements for the convenience of the applicants.

Stationed in the One-stop shop are National Statistics Office (NSO), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

“This is one of the DOLE’s

jobs up for grabs RDC body on migration, 15K in Labor Day Job Fair development created O

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 approved the creation of a sub-committee on migration and development under its Social Development Committee (SDC) during its first quarter meeting on March 19 at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)- RDC 11 Center.

The committee on migration and development was created to “ensure coordination in promoting policies, programs, and projects related to migration and development, the primary institution that sets the direction of Davao Region’s economic and social development.”

In a statement, the govern-

ment agency said the establishment of a sub-committee “is in response to the call of the NEDA Board-Social Development Committee for the regional SDCs to adopt a structure that will address migration issues, mirrored from the Sub-Committees on International and Internal Migration which were established at the national level last year.”

“Migration has become a social phenomenon and a global concern, thus, the need for a well-coordinated approach,” NEDA said.

The sub-committee on Migration and Development or SCMD is intended to provide a mechanism to respond to the varied migration-related

Hyundai Phl sales decline

S

ALES of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, declined by 10 percent in first quarter of 2015.

HARI reported Thursday that it sold a total of 5,364 units in Q1 2015, down from last year’s volume of 5,983 units.

This was brought by 9.0 percent drop in passenger cars sales to 3,653 units this year from 4,004 units last year.

Likewise, sales light commercial vehicle segment of Hyundai declined by 14 percent to 1,711 units in Q1 2015 from

1,979 units in Q1 2014.

On the other hand, quarter-on-quarter sales of HARI went up a bit by 1.0 percent from Q4 2014’s sales of 5,326 units.

The double-digit drop in sales of HARI has dragged the total sales of Association of Vehicle Importers and Distribution (AVID), the umbrella organization of vehicle importers in the country, as HARI accounted for more than half of AVID’s total sales.

AVID sales in the same period declined by 7.0 percent to 8,448 units from 9,061 units last year.

(PNA)

issues in Davao Region, both on internal and international migration.

“This is to advance the Region’s pursuit of inclusive growth by further strengthening coordination efforts among the public and private sectors relative to migration, promote full, decent and productive employment regarding policies, programs, and projects related to migration and development,” it said.

The newly created SCMD will be composed of NEDA as chair, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as co-chair on International Migration, Population Communication (POPCOM) as cochair on Internal Migration,

with the following members: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Agency (OWWA), Department of Interior Local Government (DILG), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Department of Agriarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Youth Commission (NYC), Philipines

FRDC, 10

FHYDRO, 10

F15K JOBS, 10

A locksmith makes a key duplicate using an old key maker machine at his makeshift stall at the junction of C. Bangoy Street and Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

TAGUM COOPERATIVE 48TH AGA

A new twist

MOST attended, packed with innovations, filled with surprises.

That’s how you describe the recently held 48th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of Tagum Cooperative created such results witnessed and shared with more than 5,000 members in Davao City and some 18,000 in Tagum City.

As has been the practice, Tagum Cooperative this year held two general assemblies. The first was on March 22, 2015 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center located along F. Torres St., Davao City for its members in Bajada, Matina, Mintal and Digos (Davao del Sur) branches.

Another was held at Pedro B. San Jose Gym, University of Mindanao Campus in Tagum City on March 29, 2015 with members enlisted in Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Sto.Tomas, Nabuturan banches and those in San Franciso, Agusan.

Wearing red t-shirt with Tagum Cooperative printed at the back, members beat the first hour of vote-casting and joined the early morning queue to the

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

voting areas so they could then attend the program and the business proper.

First electronic voting Unlike before, the holding time for them to cast their votes was cut short because Tagum Cooperative launched the first-ever electronic voting during the 48th AGA. Voter’s numbers were predetermined during preregistration period and that the vote-casting was

made at fingertips. Members no longer wrote the names of the candidates of their choice. They just touched the photos of their chosen candidates shown on screen of ipads especially purchased to create innovations in cooperative elections and to promote transparency.

After casting their votes, they went inside the hall to attend the program proper during which they

witnessed the presentation of candidates, got to know about the guests and visitors joining the general assembly and learned about the operation highlights of Tagum Cooperative as presented by OIC General Manager Vivelyn Fronteras.

The awarding ceremony then followed. The BOD and the management

Event A4

NORMA R. PEREYRAS, Chairperson, MONICA L. SALIDO, vice chairperson, BOD Tagum Cooperative BOD Tagum Cooperative

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Park Inn by Radisson Davao offers bigger Supersize Meals RBG Bar and Grill, the all-day dining restaurant at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, gives you bigger reasons to celebrate the Supersize meals. If you’re dining out on a weekend with family and friends, head off to Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s RBG as they offer you generous set meals from appetizer to dessert.

“Supersize is now bigger in size and definitely bigger in fun,” says General Manager Pavan Kakar. “We added more variety to the set -- pasta choices, more entrées, and appetizer, in addition to soup, salad, starch, desserts and drinks, a family size pizza, plus a crepe bar with your choice of toppings. These are all bundled together for only Php1, 999 net good for a

group of 6 to 7 guests.”

“Aside from the casual, spacious and relaxed atmosphere that makes for a great family bonding, RBG also has the new Kids’ Zone, a fun play area where kids can enjoy board games and inflatable toys.” explains Mr. Kakar. “While groups of family or friends catch up with each other, they won’t have to worry for their kids’ entertain-

ment—we have the Kids’ Zone for them.”

Supersize is not just a satisfying meal with generous serving of food, it

also offers diners value for money. When the group divides the package price of Supersize by the number of diners,

each one is actually getting more value in that package instead of ordering per dish.

Supersize Meals are

available for lunch and dinner every Saturday and Sunday. For reservations and inquiries, please call 272 7600.

North Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival team A Spanish Tapas y Sangria feast to be held promises to wow Aliwan Fiesta audience at SM Lanang Premier

THE Kalivungan Festival is all set for a spectacular routine designed to wow everyone at the Aliwan Fiesta on Saturday in Pasay.

The team from North Cotabato promises a colorful and exquisite performance that will illustrate the beautiful culture the Manobo inhabitants of the province.

“We will bring the culture of the proud and beautiful Manobo people of the Province of North Cotabato not only on the streets, but right through the hearts of those who will be able to witness the performance,” said North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza.

According to Ralph Ryan Hambala Rafael, North Cotabato Provincial Government’s focal person for Tourism Affairs, this year’s participation will highlight the contribution of the Monobo to the growth of North Cotabato as one of its first settlers.

Mendoza, on the one hand, said the delegation is inspired by the flourishing development happening in the province and the peace experienced by the people.

All these, she said, were made

THE Visit Davao Fun Sale is in full swing at SM Lanang Premier as it holds exciting breakthrough events in support of the city-wide sale and events extravaganza. possible because of the help of the Manobo lumads .

“The Manobo people’s culture and tradition is a living story of a group of an indigenous people

that remains alive even today,” said Mendoza. “These are the people who deserve our adulation for being true to their promise of peace. They are also tireless in supporting all our efforts to bring more and more development and strengthen peace in our province.”

North Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival performers -- all 250 of them -- are highschool students of Dilangalen National Highschool of the town of Midsayap.

They were last year’s grand winner in the street dancing competition at the centennial celebration of the province.

Kalivungan is the annual festival of North Cotabato. Kalivungan is a Manobo term which means “gathering” or “festival.”

On April 24 to 26, 6pm onwards, the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination is having the Tapas y Sangria, a Spanish gustatory feast that aims to draw more and local travelers to come and discover the food culture of Davao City. Part of the Department of Tourism’s Flavors of the Philippines campaign, Tapas Y Sangria pays tribute to the one of the largest gastronomic festivals – the Madrid Fusion Manila, which will be held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on the same weekend.

SM Lanang Premier

takes inspiration from Madrid Fusión Manila, offering a venue where Spanish cuisine is highlighted and made accessible to Davaoeños and tourists alike.

Tapas Y Sangria is set to be launched on April 24 at 5 pm at the 2nd Level of The Fountain Court. Participating restaurants include Cellar de Boca, Bistro Selera and Archipelago 7107

by Barrio Fiesta.

For inquiries, call 285-0943 local 135-138.

Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates and exclusive promos.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Georgina and Solenn’s #bestiesbookclub gains popularity; book signing on May 1

IT GIRLS Georgina Wilson and Solenn Heussaff’s first book, “Besties” published under ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. is becoming a trend on social media with the hashtag #BESTIESBOOKCLUB, which was introduced to social media by the newly minted authors.

The hashtag has been actively used in hundreds of posts by netizens with the “Besties” selfie becoming a thing online.

Georgina and Solenn,

Martine Cajucom all used the hashtag on their social media accounts to show their support for “Besties,” while Isabelle Daza and Erwann Heusaff have also joined the bandwagon to encourage people to post and buy a copy of the book.

Georgina and Solenn’s “Besties” is now available in National Book Store. Their first book signing will be held at SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall on May 1 (Friday).

The “Besties” launch was also heavily attended by Georgina and Solenn’s friends and some

who both have a strong following online, are encouraging people to keep posting snapshots featuring “Besties,” their latest collaboration that promises to be an essential self-help book for the modern woman.

Georgina recently expressed on social media that checking the hashtag has become her and Solenn’s favorite pastime, fondly looking through creative photos uploaded by their fans.

Georgina and Solenn’s friends Raymond Gutierrez, Jasmine CurtisSmith, Jessica Wilson, Carla Humphries, and

members of the media, with the two It girls frequently spotted celebrating their new milestone by sharing photos of their book launch on social media and gamely answering questions about the book.

“Besties” is the newest offering of ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., the home of the country’s best selling books including “Stupid is Forever” by Sen. Miriam Santiago, “Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?!

Love, Catherine,” by Alex Gonzaga, and “Make Your Nanay Proud” by Boy Abunda among others.

Coco Martin and Angel Locsin team up for the first time in MMK AWARD-WINNING actors Coco Martin and Angel Locsin will join forces for the first time in the two-part special tribute of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” for the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in the Mamasapano clash. The first episode of Coco and Angel’s “MMK” will be aired this Saturday.

“TV viewers will be able to see in our ‘MMK’ episode the struggles and difficulties that our SAF commandos endure. They will see here the roles that our heroes play: son, brother, friend, a policeman, and a loved one. I hope we’ll be able to give justice to

all their sacrifices,” said Coco.

“This is a big salute to our fellow Filipinos who gave up their lives for us. This is a good way to make TV viewers appreciate and be reminded of all the efforts of our SAF commandos to protect our nation,” said An-

gel.

In the “MMK” special, Coco and Angel will portray the characters of Garry and Suzette, a young couple whose love for each other and dreams for the future will be tested by fate.

Coco and Angel are joined by Ejay Falcon,

Rita Avila, Alex Medina, Marx Topacio, Efren Reyes, Trina Legaspi, Denisse Aguilar, Jillian Aguila, Aenah Solano, and Johan Santos in this “MMK” special tribute.

Also joining the cast are Macki Billiones, Dale Baldilio, Dante Ponce, Mike Lloren, Michael Roy Jornales, Jed Montero, Dionne Monsanto, and Dang Cruz.

Capturing the hearts of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 24 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has legions of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the real-life narratives of the show’s letter-senders.

Julie Anne San Jose is GMA Reporter Lala Roque in Wagas this Saturday WITNESS the “You and me against the world” love story of GMA News reporter Lala Roque and husband Ronnie Galongca this Saturday, April 25, in Wagas. Playing the roles of the couple are Julie Anne San Jose and Jeric Gonzales.

Ronnie first saw Lala in high school and instantly fell for her. He pursued Lala even if she tried her hardest to steer

clear of Ronnie because her father strictly prohibits her from going

into a relationship.

As fate would have it, Lala’s heart eventually

gave in to Ronnie’s persistence. Lala fell in love with Ronnie, a love that tested their relationship and that led Lala to defy her father’s will.

Lala and Ronnie’s story testifies that no matter the odds, even if they be separated for whatever reason, true love will always finds its way back.

Do not miss this Saturday’s episode of Wagas, on its new time slot at 6:30PM on GMA News TV.

April 23-28, 2015

FURIOUS 7 Vin Diesel, Paul Walker PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3D Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth PG

12:00 | 3:05 | 6:10 | 9:15 LFS

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth PG

R-16

11:15 | 2:20 | 5:25 | 8:30 LFS

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth PG

12:45 | 3:50 | 6:55 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

EVENT Event A1 deemed it necessary for members to know about the exemplarily performing members, officers and employees to encourage them to get at par with the standards of the merits given to those who go beyond ordinary work and performance.

Awards given were Outstanding Member Patronizer of Tagum Cooperative Products and Services for officers and member categories, Pioneer Award, Blood Gallooners (blood donors), special recognitions given to branch managers and department heads and the Service Award.

The Business Proper At the bang of the gavel

by Tagum Cooperative Board of Director (BOD) Chairperson Madam Norma Pereyras, the business proper started. Members then raised questions which were answered by the BOD Chairperson and BOD members and others who were directly involved with the questions. The flurry of questions from the members at the floor manifested the spirit of democracy embodied among the 7 Principles of Cooperative.

When discussions were closed, the raffling of prizes then followed. All eyes were on screen as lucky

winners were picked electronically. Staged first time during the 48th AGA, the electronic process made the raffle draw fast, transparent, less chaotic and no longer a taxing job for officers and members of the Raffle Committee. Gone were the days when names were picked from a massive tambiolo filled with voluminous number of coupons.

The AGA program in Davao City hit its end at 11:30 a.m. Members were adjourned with some carrying either cash or item raffle prizes. Others might have none but at least they kept in their hearts the expectation to receive a bigger share of patronage refund and interest on share capital as Tagum Cooperative accumulated a total of P238.93 million net surplus as of end of December 31, 2014.

AGA new twist On the other hand, the 48th AGA programme in TAgum City took a new twist as the business proper which was usually done in the afternoon, was made in the morning to give way for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Durterte who was invited as the keynote speaker.

After all the agenda were taken up in the morning, the electronic raf-

fling of prizes began with the first batch of winners picked at about lunchtime.

The electronic raffling tied up the Business Assembly Proper in the morning and the Programme in the afternoon. There was no break of excitement and surprises for the members who took turns coming in and going out of the assembly hall. They hoped to hear their names called.

It only ended when Mayor Duterte came at about 2:00 p.m.

The reserved excitement during the raffling of prizes turned into an uproar of cheers and applause when the Duterte came inside the hall. As he walked down the aisle flanked with Tagum Cooperative officers, the hall reverberated with the singing of Happy Birthday.

Tagum Cooperative got the perfect date to invite him: March 29 was his birthday. Officials and key management officers led

by Director Pereyras lighted a candle over a birthday cake for Duterte to blow.

The cheering, singing and applause went on, when he was called to deliver his keynote address.

The crowd of Tagum Cooperative officials and some members trailed him even as he went out of the

hall to take a ride back to where he left his helicopter bound for Davao City.

It was the first time that a keynote speaker of Tagum Cooperative was wellcheered with an uproar of applause.

The excitement continues After he left, the awarding ceremony was conducted. It didn’t end the excitement and surprises because an unexpected moment happened. It was sparked by a dance beat, firing off the stamina of the officials and officers to lead the mass dancing of the members. To some, it was a release of mixed euphoria and stress kept within as everyone, especially the officers, went through gruelling experiences: exciting or annoying.

Capping off the day’s event, the electronic raffling went on till about 8:00 in the evening. Members waited that long, hoping their names be called.

Most lucky members received cash prizes.

Chairperson Pereyras viewed the two AGAs as blessed by God with His graces clearly manifesting, filling everyone’s heart with gladness of the day’s successful event, of the electronic innovations and of the fun and surprises.

(Tagum Cooperative)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

7 ENVIRONMENT

Ocean wealth is sinking fast

T

HE value of the ocean’s riches rivals the size of the world’s leading economies, but its resources are rapidly eroding, according to a report released by WWF today.

The report, Reviving the Ocean Economy: The case for action - 2015, analyses the ocean’s role as an economic powerhouse and outlines the threats that are moving it toward collapse.

The value of key ocean assets is conservatively estimated in the report to be at least US$24 trillion. If compared to the world’s top 10 economies, the ocean would rank seventh with an annual value of goods and services of US$2.5 trillion.

The report, produced in association with The Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), is the most focused review yet of the ocean’s asset base. Reviving the Ocean Economy reveals the sea’s enormous wealth through assessments of goods and services ranging from fisheries to coastal storm protection, but the report also describes an unrelenting assault on ocean resources through over-exploitation, misuse and climate change.

“The ocean rivals the wealth of the world’s richest countries, but it is being allowed to sink to the depths of

a failed economy,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “As responsible shareholders, we cannot seriously expect to keep recklessly extracting the ocean’s valuable assets without investing in its future.”

According to the report, more than two-thirds of the annual value of the ocean relies on healthy conditions to maintain its annual economic output. Collapsing fisheries, mangrove deforestation as well as disappearing corals and seagrass are threatening the marine economic engine that secures lives and livelihoods around the world.

“Being able to quantify both the annual and asset value of the world’s oceans shows us what’s at stake in hard numbers; economically and environmentally. We hope this serves as a call for business leaders and policymakers to make wiser, more calculated decisions when it comes to shaping the future of our collective ocean economy,” said Douglas Beal, Partner and Managing Director at The Boston Consulting Group.

Research presented in the report demonstrates that the ocean is changing more rapidly than at any other point in millions of years. At the same time, growth in human population and reliance on the sea makes restoring the ocean economy and its core assets a matter of global urgency.

“The ocean is at greater risk now than at any other

time in recorded history. We are pulling out too many fish, dumping in too many pollutants, and warming and acidifying the ocean to a point that essential natural systems will simply stop functioning,” said Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, the report’s lead author and Director of the Global Change Institute in Australia’s University of Queensland.

Climate change is a leading cause of the ocean’s failing health. Research included in the report shows that at the current rate of warming, coral reefs that provide food, jobs and storm protection to several hundred million people will disappear completely by 2050. More than just warming waters, climate change is inducing increased ocean acidity that will take hundreds of human generations for the ocean to repair.

Over-exploitation is another major cause for the ocean’s decline, with 90 per cent of global fish stocks either over-exploited or fully exploited. The Pacific bluefin tuna population alone has dropped by 96 per cent from unfished levels.

It is not too late to reverse the troubling trends and ensure a healthy ocean that benefits people, business and nature. Reviving the Ocean Economy presents an eightpoint action plan that would restore ocean resources to their full potential.

Among the most time-critical solutions pre-

sented in the report are embedding ocean recovery throughout the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, taking global action on climate change and making good on strong commitments to protect coastal and marine areas.

“The ocean feeds us, employs us, and supports our health and well-being, yet we are allowing it to collapse

before our eyes. If everyday stories of the ocean’s failing health don’t inspire our leaders, perhaps a hard economic analysis will. We have serious work to do to protect the ocean starting with real global commitments on climate and sustainable development,” said Lambertini.

WWF’s global ocean campaign, Sustain Our Seas,

builds on decades of work by the organization and its partners on marine conservation. WWF is working with governments, businesses and communities to encourage leaders to take urgent measures to revive the ocean economy and protect the lives and livelihoods of billions of people around the world.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

EDITORIAL Spilling the milk tea

T

WO milk tea establishments were recently found by the City health Office (CHO) selling the drink with expired ingredients. The discovery came just days after the milk tea deaths in Manila.

For that, the CHO confiscated the milk tea powder used by the said establishments after a raid was conducted. The confiscation was based purely on the fact that the ingredients were reportedly found to be expired. No further examinations were conducted whether or not the expired ingredients are toxic but needless to say, expired ingredients are definitely unfit for human consumption.

For that too, the alarm sounded off to the public and all of a sudden all milk tea establishments in Davao City are affected. It’s the natural consequence of the incident’s domino effect. However, the

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CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Economic ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUAAnalysts: • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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other milk tea shops cried foul because the CHO did not name the establishments raided. With that, the public assumed it is not safe to drink milk tea from any shop for their own good.

Should the CHO reveal the names of the establishments?

The effect of a disclosure is ultimately a possible closure of the affected business due to the negative impact--an eventuality that may be too difficult to reverse. On the other hand, non-disclosure would also cause a sweeping effect on all businesses serving milk tea--an eventuality that may as well be as difficult to reverse.

The best thing to do at the moment is for the CHO to make the rounds on all milk tea stores and issue a certification that the said establishment is using safe or unexpired ingredients. That way, people who wish to drink milk tea will be fairly informed of the safety of the drink they buy from stores.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND P. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 Tel: (088) 852-4894 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

W

HEN in our previous khutbah (discourse) we praised Nelson Mandela and the rather unique “lightning rod” that defined his leadership as critical in ending Apartheid in South Africa, we say, it is not wholly a rarity that singular person like him has absolute monopoly of “great man” quality. In truth, any “lightning” produces varying sparks animating peoples and nations with their unique struggles and circumstances.

Lee Kwan Yew Similarly, when Lee Kwan Yew passed away on March 23, 2015 the world grieved the passing of another highly respected Asian leader. He was remembered as a rare leader who walked his talk.

The quality of leadership and values that guided him and his governance is revealed more glaringly with the fact that Lee Kwan Yew is the longest serving Prime Minister elected seventh time by the people of Singapore. He is also known as the voice of reason in world affairs.

As former US Secretary of State, Henry A. Kissinger, wrote: “[Lee Kwan Yew] developed into a world statesman who acted as a kind of conscience to leaders around the globe.”

For sure, Lee Kwan Yew’s differs substantially with the “lightning rod” – to use Thomas Carlyle’s term – with that of Nelson Mandela and his global charisma or Imam Khomenei with his revolutionary-spiritual mystique, and few other exceptional Asian and Muslim leaders.

But for a leader who was forced to take the cudgel of leadership when Singapore was kicked out from the Federation of Malaya in 1964 and yet had transformed from Third World grade to First World status within simply a generation must be more than a feat in modern nation-state history.

Moreover, it is even more exceptional for a leader like Lee Kwan Yew who could weigh power, its value and limits and who could just relinquish it when time is up and allow other more able leaders to do the job.

This rare quality of a leader is worth contemplating especially as today’s Muslim/Arab leaders, including a number of them in the Third World, are falling one by one with their countries devastated and bleeding profusely. Sadly, those leaders have to be deposed to relinquish power.

There are certainly immense lessons that could be learned from Lee Kwan Yew’s life and his leadership and value formation he developed which are responsible in defining his politics and

T

HE MILF Panel Chairman, Mohagher Iqbal, has been asking—as does PNoy as well as the government negotiating panel—that we “fast-track” the acceptance or approval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). This may not be such a great idea.

A piece of legislation like this calls for broader consideration than just sound-bites, headlines, disjointed commentaries, an occasional public forum, or even congressional hearings.

Let’s be honest: Most Mindanaons, like the rest of the Filipino people, were not in on the peace process except as spectators. It was not even taken up in our barangay assembly or in those of the barangays of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

So what are the chances that a sense of ownership, easy familiarity, or intimacy will develop around the novel idea of Bangsamoro in a large segment of society so soon? ***** It is not good that the BBL is viewed by most people as primarily an affair between the Central Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

It is bad enough that many are skeptical about the MILF’s claim to represent all Muslims, let alone the Lumads.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Leadership and asian values VIEWS

BY JULKIPLI WADI

Part 1 of 2 governance of Singapore.

Asian values To begin with, the rise of leaders in any community or country is a universal phenomenon that is well recognized in Islam. That some people are better endowed with qualities including leadership traits while having the ability to command and exact obedience from their fellows in order to accomplish some tasks is well recognized too. For instance, the Qur’an says: “And We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others (Az-zukhruf: 32).”

I hope you would understand why I have to create an angle of Lee Kwan Yew’s feat particularly the issue of leadership as we relate to current crisis in the Muslim world.

Obviously, it is not difficult to make some valid points. Starting practically from scratch in 1965, Singapore after merely four decades, became one of East Asian countries dubbed in 1990 by Megatrends guru, John Naisbitt, as a tiger economy like South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. This happened, as we said, first and foremost, when Malaysia, a Muslim country, ousted Singapore from the Federation.

Second, just across the Indian Ocean is West Asia, particularly the Middle East, with many Arab countries suffering with leadership crisis with generally uneven social and economic development. Except for GCC countries that leapfrogged from being simply a swatch of oasis to economic power house, both regions – West and East Asia – are two phalanxes of continents in Asia; yet why are they so different in molding leaders and shaping national values?

There has been buzz of so-called Asian values in the 1990s as a factor in the rise of Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia.

Why do such values so unevenly appropriated in political and economic development among Asian countries? How much is the role of culture and religion as factors of development? What about colonial experience given that Singapore and

Malaysia, for instance, were previously ruled or heavily influenced by the British, like that of Iraq and Syria?

Let us return to Naisbitt where he explains the unevenness of Asian values among Asian countries: “The collection of countries and cultures that make up Asia did not undergo any systematic integration until recently, when free-market mechanisms began to be embraced. The cultural, religious and linguistic diversities of the region made harmonization otherwise impossible.

Historically, there has been no movement to blend Asia together, except the activities of traders and political conquests. In pre-colonial and colonial days, strong imperial powers dominated separate states, which remained isolated. Since the rise of nationalism, Asian states have been pre-occupied with the struggle to gain sovereignty, and after independence, to build and strengthen their own states. These national preoccupations have until now prevented solidarity with neighbors and the forging common systems (“Megatrends in Asia,” p.

59).”

Arabism is not Islam There is no doubt that varying history of peoples reveals distinct values among leaders in different regions in Asia. If we may add some points into Naisbitt’s thesis lack of systematic integration in Asia, it could also be advanced that traditional society has been defined by varying Asiatic values honed by different, albeit intersecting civilizations characterized by cultural pluralism than integrative socio-economic system.

The multiple religions in Asia, for instance, became identity markers of people prodding them to cave in inside their own shells. The stronger the hold of certain religion on certain peoples or regions, the harder is their resistance against colonialism and modernization.

This is generally the case of the Arabs where they have to practically wade through the demand of sustaining their tradition even as they have to adopt with the requirement of modernity and nation-state system.

Whereas other regions in Asia are quite pliant to adapt and crop up foreign influences to meet their needs as in the case of Sinic (e.g., China, Japan, Korea) and to some extent Indic (e.g., India, Sri Lanka) civilizations enriching thus their culture and tradition, Arabs, on the contrary, suffer generally with difficulty in adapting new

influences while they are too encased in their own patriarchal and nomadic culture as they remain attached to their desert lifestyle and Bedouin tradition.

Despite Islam’s imperative for cultural and territorial pluralism as shown in Qur’an’s popular injunction of lita’arafuu “for you to understanding each other,” Arab society continues to hide in their own tribal, Bedouin world. Moreover, despite Islam’s democratic tradition with such Qur’anic imperative of “wa amruhum shura baynahum” (and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation), many Arab leaders remain autocratic and dictatorial. They generally view power not as trust (amanah) that carries with it immense responsibility and accountability.

Rather, they take and love power as if it is their own endowment and their own property. As we frequently allude, many of them succumbed to Adamic pitfalls of “shajaratu l-khuld wa l-mulk” (tree of immortality and power).

This is the backdrop in the fossilization of patriarchal, dynastic and monarchical culture in the Arab world.

There is no doubt that Islamic tradition is rich with concept and principles of leadership.

For instance, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Behold! Each of you is a guardian, and each of you will be asked about his subjects.”

The Prophet also said: “When three are on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their commander.”

We could innumerate more leadership principles in Islam. They are very important to remind us about the universality of leadership as espoused by other Asian civilizations, including Islam’s.

But the problem in the Arab world, including the rest of the Muslim world, is as much as the problem in appropriating leadership values as much as imperative in reconstructing structural and social conditions that paved the way in the constriction of Islamic values of leadership while subverting them into personalistic, tribal, and dynastic milieu of the days of old.

Despite the promise of modernity and nationstate system, Arab leaders hide behind the veneer of patrimonial tradition while merely engaged in superficial projection or, at the very least, promoting catch-up policy with the rest of world, as they are afraid of being dislodged from power while too protective of their privileges.

the process. What sort of background or input went into the preparations for that event? Even universal human rights are not so self-evident and cannot be apprehended without proper background or information.

Too, one must keep in mind that what brought matters to where they are today involved years of struggle on both sides and the use of deadly weapons, violence, and secessionist posturing.

So the fear factor is also a real thing here. There are restraining and driving forces in people’s minds that aren’t being addressed and it’s normal to be wary of being easily taken in. Plus there is a lingering apprehension about any hidden agenda the MILF might have. ***** Is it true, for example, that the MILF has an arms factory in their camp? Is there a continuing weapons acquisition and build-up activity? To build trust, the BBL proponents must answer such questions.

Is the government on to the presence and identity of gunrunners, smugglers, and other saboteurs like drug suppliers and mules that feed on insurgency? These are nagging questions that tug at the insecurity of many people and communities. They’re entitled to honest answers.

Otherwise, how overcome such valid

apprehensions? How build confidence in a paper agreement with such a high price tag? How lay the foundation for lasting peace?

The challenge to both the government and the MILF is to show earnest that the peace offered by the BBL is something that flows from the heart and mind rather than the barrel of a gun. ***** Let’s concede that no negotiations are ever perfect, no peace agreement perfectly crafted, and no perfect peace ever will reign. But going along with the BBL has got to be more than a leap of faith.

Is it reasonable to expect that there be a modicum of understanding, goodwill, and mutual trust on both sides? So we can set aside our reservations and give peace a chance, there should be a tangible token of good. Has anyone been to their munitions factory?

If there’s one thing we can be sure of, this BBL won’t work if we can’t suppress our grudges, water down our prejudices, and banish our fears. We are called upon to set aside skepticism and unbelief, then to make room for the dream of peace and prosperity that has eluded conflicted members of Mindanao society for so long.

As the song goes: “How are we gonna make everybody’s dream come true?”

Taking a leap of faith on the BBL

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA The term “Bangsamoro” has yet to gain resonance or general acceptance. It still needs to be internalized by those it purports to benefit. It remains a vague concept to many.

And there has been no real effort to inform or enlighten people or communities about the issues, leaving the task to the devices of commercial media and to commentators with dubious credibility or credential.

No information sheets have been circulated except in privileged circles like academe. No background materials are available to help people understand the situation of the Moros and Lumads. Not even a situationer. How cavalier can the proponents get! ***** Late last year, there was an imbroglio in Zamboanga City in which a public assembly attended by the city’s officials expressed opposition to the agreement and disaffection for the MILF itself in no uncertain terms.

Such occurrence cautions us against undue expectations and even impatience at the pace of

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

Drug... FROM 1 selves for rehabilitation,” he said.

Gulanes said that as of this time, the DCTRDD has 81 patients mostly from the districts of Poblacion, Buhangin and Talomo.

Every patient has a minimum six months treatment but it will depend on the behavior of the patient.

Gulanes said after the patient completed the treatment

in the center, he or she will be referred to the community social worker for monitoring and evaluation.

“At the same time, we refer them to the Department of Health (DOH) for the follow-up assessment of the patients,” he said.

He said that every 10 patients who will go out of DCTRDD there are other 10 who will be admitted.

primarily to guide readers in designing rainwater harvesting systems (RHS) or rainwater catchment systems (RCS).

The document is aimed at a wide audience, including homeowners, engineers, architects, contractors, and developers.

The manual covers the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of RHS. It states that for establishments without appropriate RCS, ecological fee shall be collected from owners considering the volume of water withdraws from the water utility that are used from non-potable purposes and the volume of unfiltered water discharged to manmade and natural waterways.

Also, “sealing fee” shall be collected for the areas sealed or to be sealed due to the development of a site such as roads, open air parking areas, sports and recreational facilities, considering the volume of the surface runoff and the infected water discharged to manmade and natural waterways.

The manual includes mandatory designs of rainwater and harvesting and flood control systems.

Assistant City Administrator Agustin instructed Jumamoy to give all WMC members each a copy of the manual and asked them to study and comment on the document during the next meeting. Antonio M. Ajero

industry professionals and exhibitors to engage in meaningful discussions apart from the impressive array of products and services which made everything accessible for the visitors.

Undoubtedly, PHILBEX Davao left an indelible mark in the region as it served as a gateway for both the local and international community to discover the potential of the Philippines through Davao.

Seen as merely the beginning of something big to come in the region, WSI is more than excited to announce its comeback as it hosts the 2nd PHILBEX Davao on May 14 to 17, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

Headlining the theme of “Building Visions in the Realm of ASEAN Integration,” PHILBEX Davao will now channel its focus on shaping up the

industry. The aim is to elevate standards to uncharted territories so as to raise the region’s economic prowess in light of the increasingly global economic landscape. Once more, the entire industry can expect an even bigger and bolder exhibition that will serve as the primary source of the latest industry innovations and topnotch services. Moreover, PHILBEX Davao 2015 will serve as a means to gain industry reports, a platform to witness live demonstrations, as well as a venue to network among local and international trade players.

On May 14 to 17, 2015, take part in WSI and the Davao construction industry’s plight for economic progress and global distinction. Be there as PHILBEX Davao 2015 builds vision out of the limitless potential of the region.

of Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur have minimal damages and it does not require cloud seeding intervention,” Nota explained.

He added, “If in case there will be continuous rain in the next days, we can halt the application of cloud seeding.”

DA 11 has prepared necessary interventions needed by affected provinces According to Dr. Rafael Mercado, assistant regional director for research and regulatory, “even before the threat of dry spell, the agri agency has started to monitor and evaluate different areas in the region which will be directly affected.”

He bared that the Corn

Program has already prepared 6,923 bags corn seeds as buffer stock while the Rice Program has prepared 4, 200 bags certified rice seeds, 1,130 bags registered rice seeds, and 125 units Pump Irrigation System and 5 units Pump Irrigation System (Open Source for rehabilitation).

Under the HVCDP, 575 drums, 66 bags of mungbean, one unit spring development and one unit farm reservoir have been prepared.

Director Recoter urged farmers to report their crop losses to their municipal agriculturists, “so we will know your concern and immediately act up on it.” (DA)

City... FROM 3

ADVANCE PARTY. Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, 3rd left, chats with the advance delegates of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, led by Dir. Taya Aplal Alhaja, who were housed at the J. Tuazon National High School in Madaum, Tagum City. noel baguio/davnor pio

Estrada... FROM 2

studies by the AIM and other groups showed that corruption in almost all levels of society weaken the economy and undermines its competitiveness as a whole.

He said corruption is defined as the abuse of entrusted power.

Based on this definition, he said corruption may not only be in the public sector, “If you entrusted a manager in the company that you own, and the manager abuses procurement, abuses gasoline, abuses use of supplies, abuses paper, that is corruption,” Mendoza said, adding that corruption can be seen in all aspects of life.

He said corruption is influenced by three main variables –monopoly, discretion and accountability.

A study of some 2,000

companies in over 25 cities in the Philippines, shows how rampant is corruption in all levels.

“What we have basically is a very noisy economy where we don’t know who is the best, where we don’t know who is the most competitive, were firms, and businesses, and industries, think they are competitive but actually that is based on an advantage that they unfairly got,” he said. “No country in the world industrialized based on such a system, a system which is unfair to the most competitive and tot the most fair and to the innovators who are trying really to advance their business.”

He said that businesses which thrive on political connections will loss when we have ASEAN economic integration. Antonio M. Ajero

also needs to be finalized and implemented. In the ensuing discussions, ASEAN members pointed out the need for ASEAN to respond to disasters as one community.

“Aside from being an instrument that helps our citizens in managing shocks from disasters, this initiative is also crucial given the increasing interaction of our communities through in-migration and the changes our citizens have to go through during the early stages of the ASEAN integration,” he said.

Balisacan also underscored the need to for support and regional collaborations to address data limitations, which hamper strategic development planning and programming.

“It is important to invest in good quality and up-todate data and improve our knowledge management technologies and capacities so we can prepare sound, evidence-based plans and policies post-2015,” he said.

Furthermore, he said that development initiatives

must also be in tune with the nuances of localities to ensure responsiveness to local needs.

“There is no one-sizefits-all approach to getting inclusive development across population growth and geographic areas. To this end, we must work together in enhancing the capacities of our local institutions for crafting and implementing effective development plans,” said Balisacan.

The Assessment Workshop was conducted to review ASEAN Member States’ MDG achievements, and identify the remaining and emerging development and poverty-related challenges post-2015. Following the identification of challenges, areas and modes of potential regional support and collaboration within and among ASEAN sectoral bodies were identified. It was also held to review the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to post-2015 development priorities in the ASEAN region.

Asean... FROM 5

TF Palaro... FROM 2 are assigned for the inner security while the Military will take control of the Outer Security.

Año said that over 2,000 soldiers will be deployed during the entire event.

PRO 11 Deputy Regional Director for Operation Sr. Supt.

Aaron Aquino said that around 1,500 Police officers and force multipliers will secure the Palarong Pambansa.

Meanwhile, the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) submitted a request to the Regional Office to have a localized gun ban during the entire duration of the Palarong Pambansa.

According to PRO 11 Spokesperson Police Supt.

Antonio Rivera, the request of

the Provincial Police Office was referred to the legal service of the agency and is yet to be approved.

“As of now wala pay gun ban nga gina patuman sa Davao del Norte, ang security measure nga gi-implement karon mao ang RA 10591, our comprehensive law on firearm and ammunitions,” Rivera said.

The gun ban will start on May 1, if it will be granted by the regional office.

On the other hand, Task Force Davao is tasked to secure the boundaries of Davao City and Davao del Norte, along with the security of the contingents who will be arriving at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Funny Pearl A. Gajunera

Statistics Authority (PSA) and other agencies and organizations which may be invited to be part of the Sub-Committee.

The United Nation’s Commission on Population and Development has urged its member states to consider efforts towards addressing the

effects of internal migratory flows.

The Aquino Administration has likewise committed, through its Social Contract with the Filipino People, to prioritize the welfare and protection of its citizens. (CRC with PR)

efforts to make it easy and fast for jobseekers to find jobs that will fit their qualifications, interests and career inclinations,” said DOLE Davao regional director Joffrey M. Suyao.

He also encouraged all jobseekers particularly fresh

graduates to take this opportunity to be employed easily and conveniently.

The theme of this year’s Labor Day Celebration is “Disenteng Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan”.

(Roberto A. Gumba, Jr/DOLE GIP)

Tribal Council, Bukidnon Tribal Community, Amosignon-Higaonon Tribal Organization, Nalandangan Tribal Datu Association Inc., and Apo DatuNamikunan Association Inc. – will be affected.

Ronquillo said Hedcor has already complied with all government requirements and the lumads have already given

their consent to the project.

A lumad delegation led by DatuHonorioSumohoy witnessed the groundbreaking ceremonies and helped bury a time capsule containing the written notes of Higaonon children.

Ronquillo said more than 800 local workers will be hired in the construction phase.

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15K jobs... FROM 6

Hydro... FROM 6

Bigger... FROM 5

Interventions... FROM 5

ICT HUB 11

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Smart app brings sports to masses

F

ILIPINOS no longer have to miss a dunk, a dribble, or a knockout punch with the launch of Viewstream, the mobile live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) service of the undisputed leader in mobile, Smart Communications (Smart), bringing exciting sports action closer to the masses.

The service was recently recognized with an Anvil Award in the Mobile Apps Category for bringing mobile live streaming of the Gilas Pilipinas matches during the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea to millions of Smart, Sun Cellular, and Talk ‘N Text users nationwide.

Organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil Awards is considered the Oscars of Philippine public relations.

“With Viewstream, there is no more reason to miss highly anticipated sporting events, the way users had enjoyed live and uninterrupted coverage of the FIBA World Cup last year,” said Mellissa Limcaoco, Innovation and Product Development Group Head at Smart.

“Since launching Viewstream, we’ve found that sporting events are best-suited for the mobile live stream

format. When you don’t have access to a pay-per-view screening, you’d have to watch through delayed telecast and sit through many commercial breaks. Meanwhile, the results are already out on social media. Our subscribers simply don’t want to miss out on the action,” she added.

One with the nation A relatively new technology in the country, mobile live streaming via Viewstream has allowed users to cheer for the Philippine team as they watched and supported the Gilas Pilipinas team in their championship bid for the FIBA Basketball World Cup last year.

Limcaoco said Viewstream has enabled Filipinos to tune in and be one with the nation in catching important sporting events that shouldn’t be missed, such as the Gilas Pilipinas FIBA bid, especially if they don’t have easy access to cable television or a live satellite broadcast.

“This is why we are once again proud to be the exclusive mobile live stream provider of yet another important sporting event, the Pacquiao-Mayweather ‘Fight of the Century’, which Filipinos can watch on their mobile phones wherever they may be in the country via Viewstream,” Limcaoco added.

Front-seat access

The Smart-Viewstream team receiving their Silver Anvil Award during the 50th Anvil Awards organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

Filipinos can witness history unfold before their very eyes when they subscribe to the Pacquiao-Mayweather live stream package via Viewstream for a limited-time price of only P499 until April 26, the most affordable pay-per-view offer for the highly anticipated fight to date. After April 26 and until May 2, users can subscribe to the live stream package for P999. Smart, Sun Cellular, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers can pay to view the live stream using their prepaid

loads or charge the fee to their postpaid accounts.

To make sure users are ready before the fight, they only have to download the Viewstream app on their Android phone or tablet and register using your Smart, Sun, or TNT number. Once done, they can subscribe to the Pacquiao-Mayweather livestream package and get a LIVE and adfree stream of the world’s most anticipated boxing fight on May 3 via the Front Seat channel in the Viewstream app.

Sports aficionados can rest assured that they can get their regular fix of games and matches, as Front Seat on Viewstream will be bringing more livestream and video-on-demand content of the biggest sporting events in the near future.

Standard data charges may apply when using Viewstream on a mobile Internet connection to view the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. In areas without a nearby WiFi connection, ViewStream can be enjoyed on a 3G or 4G-LTE connection,

as the app is optimized for individual mobile viewing powered by the latest in content delivery technology. Because you’re on the country’s biggest and strongest network, the app will load the games with minimal buffer, giving you a seamless, enjoyable live streaming experience.

To know more about Viewstream and how you can subscribe to the Pacquiao-Mayweather livestream package, simply visit smart.com.ph/ viewstream.

NDIAN firm Tech Mahindra Ltd. has launched its second business process outsourcing (BPO) facility in Cebu, increasing its total number of centers in the country to four.

Tech Mahindra has been operating in the Philippines since 2008, with two of its centers located in Manila.

“With the addition in Cebu, around 14 percent of our global workforce is now concentrated in the region. We

have grown over 400 percent taskforce since 2008,” said Sujit Baksi, chief executive of Tech Mahindra Business Services Group (BSG).

The company said it will use its new facility in Cebu to service global enterprise and telecommunications clients.

Anand Achuthan, Philippines delivery head at Tech Mahindra BSG, said the firm’s operations in Cebu are focused on supporting both global clients and businesses originat-

ing from the Philippines.

“This allows us to utilize locally skilled resource and create jobs across a wider socio-economic spectrum. We’re particular about upskilling and developing local talent by providing employees an opportunity to work across global locations,” said Achuthan.

Tech Mahinra is a firm engaged in digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering solutions with operations in 51 countries.

amounts for the 32-GB versions of the Galaxy S4 and S5 as Apple’s 16-GB models for the iPhone 5 and 5S, according to IHS. In the case of the new S6 edge, the 64-GB version sells for $799.99 in the United States (without a carrier subsidy), less than the retail price of $849.99 for the iPhone 6 Plus with the same storage capacity.

The chief reason behind this gap is that Apple’s iOS operating system and robust software and services ecosystem

command a much larger premium among consumers. Lacking those differentiators, Samsung has to offer higher quality hardware to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace but can’t fully reflect those costs with higher retail prices.

Should this trend persist, margins for Samsung’s mobile business could be compressed further, and the only way to offset that is to rev up sales volume.

Another factor in Apple’s favor, analysts say, is the economy of scale

Tech Mahindra launches 4th BPO center in PH

I

Cost of Galaxy’s battle vs iPhone on the rise

S

AMSUNG Electronics has pulled out all the stops on its new Galaxy smartphones, but their modest prices compared to the latest iPhones throw an uneasy spotlight on the longterm cost of fighting Apple’s premium branding.

The 64-gigabyte model of the Galaxy S6 edge costs $290.45 to make,

according to IHS Technology. That’s more expensive than any Galaxy S model and iPhone analysed by the U.S. research company. For the price of producing 100 sets of this S6 edge model, Apple can make 121 sets of 64GB iPhone 6 Plus, calculations by Reuters show.

In 2010, when Samsung launched the Galaxy se-

ries and Apple unveiled the iPhone 4, their production costs were almost on par.

Samsung’s flagship devices since the Galaxy S II in 2011 have consistently cost more to build but sold at similar prices of comparable iPhones - sometimes those with even smaller storage.

Consumers paid similar

it enjoys by sticking with just one or two new models each year. Samsung, on the other hand, has a far larger portfolio of phones that retail for as little as $100 or as much as the S6 edge. “There is such a thing as a volume discount: even if you buy the same parts, the price for a customer ordering components for 200 million phones will be different from the price for a customer ordering for 50 million phones,” Daewoo Securities analyst Jonathan Hwang said.

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CAMPUS JOURNALISM WORKSHOP. Edge Davao managing Editor Neilwin Bravo (left photo with mic) lectures on campus journalism to students of the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) high school department at the UIC AV Room at the UIC High Bajada Campus. The workshop is part of the community project of Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Inc.

DSWD, Smart strategic partnership for disaster management bared I N an effort to provide communications support to communities affected by disasters and emergencies, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) will forge a partnership today (April 21) that will extend free calls, internet use, and charging of mobile phones in the agency’s operations centers, as well as in designated evacuation centers.

“In times of disasters, the need for communication is as important as the need for food. People in disaster-stricken areas need to immediately communicate with their loved ones to assure them that they are safe or to ask for help,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

“Through this partnership with Smart, the Department’s visibility and capability to respond to the most urgent needs of the affected population will be enhanced,” Sec. Soliman added.

Sec. Soliman cited the important role played by information and communications technology in the aftermath

of Typhoon Yolanda.

For his part, Smart Public Affairs Head Mon Isberto said, “Communications has become an important component of disaster response.

We have committed to support the relief operations of the DSWD by providing the agency our host of communications solutions so that they are able to effectively deploy resources on the ground, and other services that will provide psychosocial relief to disaster-stricken communities.”

“Our libreng tawag services will help families in affected areas reconnect with their loved ones and reunite with other family members who may have been displaced by disasters. These services have become part of our post-disaster relief and response as we recognize the need of people to communicate with loved ones and family in difficult times,” added Isberto.

Both the DSWD and Smart will work closely in formulating the guidelines for the implementation of this partnership anchored on the country’s National Disaster

Response Plan.

“This partnership with the DSWD will further boost our response efforts. With DSWD as the lead agency tasked with the national government’s disaster response, this tie-up will allow us to serve more people and ensure that our resources are deployed to areas where they are most needed,” said Isberto.

Smart, through its yearround disaster preparedness and response umbrella program #SafePH, has strengthened its internal capabilities to prepare for disasters and help in post-disaster response, including the recalibration of its network infrastructure, and training of its on-ground personnel on surviving adverse conditions. It promotes the culture of preparedness to partner-communities, including religious organizations, schools, local government units, and even households in high-risk areas to build their capacities to prepare for, deal with the impact of, and bounce back from, disasters.

Smart also supports the

GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, a landmark global telecommunications industry commitment to assist customers and responders before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies. It is one of the four founding signatories to the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, along with Axiata, Etisalat, and Ooredoo that collectively represent over one billion subscribers in 35 countries. The Charter was signed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Through the Charter, mobile network operators (MNOs) will commit to a common set of principles and work towards the adoption of initiatives focused on humanitarian connectivity to create a more coordinated and predictable response to disasters.DSWD is a member of the Disaster Response Pillar under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and is the lead agency for the Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Protection, and Food and Non-Food Clusters.

Partners on disaster management. Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has forged a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend communications support during disasters. Signing the Memorandum of Agreement are DSWD Assistant Secretary Vilma B. Cabrera, and Smart Public Affairs head Ramon R. Isberto.

DCWD’s 15th eco camp gathers youth, green advocates

C

LOSE to 400 Davao City youth participated in the 15th eco camp and artlympics held April 9 to 11 at Malagos Park that was sponsored by the Davao City Water District in coordination with the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) and the Watershed and Environmental Protection Coalition in Davao.

Themed “Nurture nature for the future”, the eco camp served as a learning venue for the youth participants through the discussions on current issues concerning the environment, Davao City watersheds and sustainable development.

Representatives from Interface Development Interventions, Inc., Watershed Management Council of Davao City, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environment Management Bureau, Department of Agriculture and Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office discussed various topics on environmentalism.

Among the special guests was third district councilor Bong U. Advincula representing Davao City mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. DCWD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and official spokesperson and officer-in-charge of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. were also in attendance and gave inspirational messages to the participants.

The event also featured “Youth on Leading Others” or YOLO talks organized by the WMYC Alumni Association wherein young leaders shared leadership testimonies and experiences. Among the speakers was

National Youth Commission commissioner for Luzon Percival Vilar Cendaña.

Another event highlight was the artlympics composed of photo contest with watershed as subject matter, on-the-spot poster making and e-pop song competition that both revolved around the theme and baroto contest with entries made out of five kinds of recyclable materials.

Winners were as follows: photo contest champion Trisha Mae Loquino with Rommil Sucaya and Neizha Gonzales in tow; poster contest champion Gregory Nacionales, 1st runner up Dianna Kyle Tagalog and 2nd runner up Anable Caparida; baroto contest champion UGO Freedom Fighters and 2nd and 3rd placers Matinabangon Achievers and Aphrodite group; and E-pop song competition champion F. Bangoy National High School. With the good turnout of participants, the artlympics met its objective to promote the importance of ridge to reef protection among Davao’s youth.

DCWD expresses gratitude to cosponsors Nanay Bebeng Restaurant, Vitarich Corporation, Goldilocks, Illuminada Farms, Inc., RDL Pharmaceutical Lab, Inc., Naty’s Lechon House, Alternative Catering Services, Orient Glass and Aluminum, Globe Telecom and councilors Antoinette Principe and Leonardo R. Avila III. Lending support to YOLO talks were the NYC, Bez Events Specialist Team Corporation, MGCP Steel Works and Allied Services, Empire Production, Krispy Kreme and Hardware Maxx. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

CHO urges people to avail of free HIV test

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Health Office (CHO) urged residents to avail of the free Human Immunodeficiency Virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIVAIDS) testing as the city government intensified its campaign to prevent the spread of the virus.

In yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, CHO’s health education and population officer Precy Senoc told reporters the free testing is for the early diagnostics and treatment since the Davao region which

includes the city is always in the top five of having most number of HIV-AIDS positive cases in the country.

“Collectively, we need to respond to this epidemic on HIV,” Senoc said.

Senoc said she assured the patients who will undergo the test that the result and identity of the patients will be kept confidential as mandated by the Republic Act No. 8504 or the “Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.”

“Once the person will take

the test, remember it is only the medical technician, the peer counselor and the doctor will know the result and that is very confidential,”she said.

She said that in the city, there are an average of 15 to 20 patients a month who will be found positive in the HIV screening test conducted by CHO’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (CHORHWC).

Senoc said to set as an example to eradicate the stigma of the disease, there are eight department heads from the

VM Security Technologies Inc., Wholesaler and Retailer of Security Equipments (e.g.cctv, biometrics, fire and burglar alarm, access control) and System Integrator (Structured Cabling/Auxiliary System), is currently hiring for the ff. positions:

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**Interested applicants may email their resume at sales@vmtech.com.ph or call our office at (0917)3293471(CEBU) or (0917)7952469 (DAVAO) for interview schedule

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city government who will undergo the testing on May 11 as part of National Coverage for HIV Testing.

She did not divulge the names of the officials yet, but she assured that they will participate on the information and education campaign next month.

Senoc said she understands that many people will hesitate to take the test due to the stigma causes by the discrimination of the community.

She negated the common

notion that HIV can be acquired by a simple communication just like the other airborne viruses.

Senoc said the HIV can be only get through blood transfusion, semen, cervical-vaginal fluid and breast milk that will go inside the body.

She said that most of the HIV positive people are the ones who are afraid to mingle with other people since their health will be at risk due to its weak immune system due to the virus.

She said to avoid being

infected with the disease, people should practice sex abstinence and faithfulness to their partner.

In the 2014 data from Department of Health - National Epidemiology Center (DOH-NEC), the city recorded 54 AIDS positive and 267 asymptomatic to the disease.

The period of the data is from January up to December of 2014.

In medicine, a disease is considered asymptomatic if a patient found positive but experiences no symptoms.

all-powerful Dept. of Finance (DoF)Secretary Cesar Purisima.

BoC is an agency under supervision of DoF. Sevilla filed his resignation before the President on Wednesday, adding he hoped Aquino will accept his resignation.

Meanwhile, DoF Sec. Purisima immediately issued a statement on Sevilla’s resignation.

What is strange is the immediate posting of Purisima’s statement on Sevilla’s resignation on Malacanang’s official website, www.gov.ph.

In his statement, Purisima hailed Sevilla for his “dedicated service and relentless pursuit of good governance.”

Purisima said Sevilla has set the bar high and his successor

will have big shoes to fill.

A website politics.com.ph said the President is expected to appoint former Customs commissioner Bert Lina as the next head of the customs bureau.

On the other hand, Sevilla’s resignation has triggered speculations about its domino topdown effects to the BOC Port of Davao even as Purisima mentioned in his statement alert orders that have most hounded the Davao Port since early this year.

A BOC Davao insider said that BOC Davao District Collector Ricardo Butalid along with other officials manning top divisions might soon “be pulled out to be re-assigned to other ports and other posts.” Cha Monforte,

BoC chief Sevilla resigns, will Davao collector follow suit?

B

UREAU of Customs (BoC) chief John Philip “Sunny” Sevilla in media briefing Thursday morning announced his resignation, thus confirming what has been all strongly rumored since last Friday when President Aquino made a “presidential snub” to the uninvited presence of Sevilla during the inauguration of a public-private school project in Malolos City, Bulacan. boc davao collector butalid In a media briefing Thursday morning, Sevilla bared of a political environment being pushed by higher ups to wrap over the BOC. Suspicions from various quarters close to BoC said Sevilla was finally eased out by the

Correspondent

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

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

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 16 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 24 -25, 2015

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Spurs tie series with Cliippers

POSTERIZED. Los Angeles Clippers’ center DeAndre Jordan soars over San Antonio forward Tim Duncan for a dunk.

Spurs tie series with Clippers

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IM Duncan scored 28 points, Kawhi Leonard added 23 and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Clippers 111-107 in overtime Wednesday night, tying their Western Conference playoff series at 1-1.

The Spurs blew 10-point leads in the third and fourth quarters, and got into overtime on a pair of free throws by Patty Mills with 8 seconds left in regulation. Duncan scored four straight points in the extra session while playing with five fouls.

His jumper snapped a 101all tie, Mills followed with a fastbreak layup off Leonard’s long pass, and Leonard scored on a layup for a 107-101 lead with 56 seconds left.

Mills finished with 18 points off the bench after starting point guard Tony Parker departed early with an injury. Boris Diaw had 12.

The series, the only one of the eight in the first round that is tied after two games, moves to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday night.

Blake Griffin had his first career playoff triple-double of 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, but a costly turnover late in regulation.

DeAndre Jordan had 20 points and 15 rebounds for the Clippers.

Chris Paul’s two free throws gave the Clippers a 94-92 lead with 50 seconds left in regulation, but Griffin lost the ball while dribbling with a chance to put it away and Mills tied it with two free throws.

Deal paves way for Pacquiao vs Mayweather tickets to go on sale

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‘Don’t hurt my dad’

By Aquiles Z. Zonio

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ANNY Pacquiao’s eight-year old, yet precocious, little Princess has made an appeal to undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. “I love my daddy so much.

Please don’t hurt him especially his face,” Princess said.

It was Princess who kept egging on his dad to fight Mayweather, Jr. Just like his dad, the little girl dislikes Mayweather for his arrogance and flashy character.

Mayweather was charged with a host of felony offenses ranging from beating his former wife to threatening his children. He pleaded guilty and was meted out a 90-day jail sentence in December 2011.

“Our dad has been so loving and good to us. He loves

our mom so much. We thank them both for showing good example to us,” Princess said.

Pacquiao claimed that among his five children, Princess, the third in a brood of five, is the sweetest.

“They are all close to me but Princess is the closest.

She’s so sweet,” Pacquiao bared.

Princess said she shudders at the mere thought of seeing her daddy getting hurt.

“That’s why we are not allowed to watch him fight.

We’re still young and it’s not good for us to watch a brutal sport like boxing,” Princess revealed.

Aside from her gift of gab, Princess has manifested unusual mental prowess despite her young age.

She wants to be like her mom when she grows up.

According to her, it’s good that their family prays a lot – about three to four times in a day.

“Praying makes us stronger and brings us closer to one another,” she said.

She admitted being teased often by her elder brothers, Jimuel Emmanuel and Michael Stephen.

“Sometimes I cried because my brothers are teasing me. But I love them so much no matter what,” she said.

She’s praying hard that God will protect his dad and crown him with victory come May 2 during the historic fight.

“I rejoiced when my dad won and I cried a lot when he lost. He’s fighting for our country and the Filipino people. He will do his best to win the fight to make us all happy,” she said.

ICKETS for the richest fight in boxing history, between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, can finally go on sale this week after the two sides reached a deal.

Promoter Bob Arum told American sports broadcaster ESPN that a bitter dispute between Pacquiao’s camp, Mayweather Promotions and the MGM Grand Hotel venue had finally been settled.

“I want to apologize for this dragging out for the length of time it has,” Arum told ESPN. “At least we were able to sort it out.”

The dispute had been preventing the release of tickets for inside the Grand Garden arena and to watch the fight on closed-circuit television.

Last month, Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, said

tickets would be priced between $1,500 and $7,500. Very few tickets are expected to be available to the public with the majority of seats in the Grand Garden arena being reserved for organizers, sponsors and friends and family of the two camps.

Tickets are supposed to go to Pacquiao and Mayweather’s camps, HBO, MGM Grand and Showtime.

The ticket fiasco is just that latest issue of contention in the build up to the fight which is expected to generate a record $400 million in revenue.

The sides also argued over drug testing, who would come out last to the ring for the fight, who would sponsor the fight and how much to charge for the pay-per-view which is expected to be offered around $100.

Floyd: Ali? I’m the greatest

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EVER one to talk himself down, Floyd Mayweather declared Wednesday that he isn’t just good, he’s better than Muhammad Ali, the man many call “The Greatest.”

With just over a week to go before his super fight in Las Vegas against Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather said his career and flawless record - he has never been beaten - speak for itself.

“I feel like I have done just as much in the sport as Ali,” Mayweather said.

“It is hard for a guy to be like me, still sharp at 38. No disrespect to Ali, but I feel like I am the best.”

Mayweather pointed out that while Ali lost to the unheralded Leon Spinks in 1978, among others, he has a perfect 47-0 record.

“Ali lost in his career to Leon Spinks. He lost some other fights

and is still known as the greatest.

That is what it is.” Mayweather spoke to reporters Wednesday in a teleconference call for his May 2 welterweight showdown with Filipino superstar Pacquiao which is expected to generate a record $400 million in revenue.

In addition to being the greatest, Mayweather added that even boxing fans from Pacquiao’s home country - where Pacquiao is an icon - will be cheering him on at the MGM Grand.

“I am pretty sure I got Filipino fans that like me,” said the American boxer, who is arguably the current number one pound-forpound fighter in the world.

Pacquiao is a hero and celebrity in the Philippines, where he worked on the streets before his success in the ring helped launch careers in politics, music and film.

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