Edge Davao 9 Issue 28

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

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Jehza Huelar:

Bid for the crown

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

Jehza Huelar: Bid for the crown

By BAAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

B

EAUTIFUL. Confident.

With a Heart. She is definitely all that. But what sets her apart from the rest is her drive, dedication and passion to achieve her dreams.

Jehza Huelar. A name that personifies a modern millennial. Optimistic, intrepid and somebody who knows what she wants. She is, after all, the Jehza Huelar of Davao City, candidate for Binibining Pilipinas 2016.

Davao is a global forerunner in the field of growth and development. Known to be one of the safest cities to live in, no wonder it has won a plethora of accolades.

Nonetheless, Davao city is also home to a number of best looking and multi-talented individuals the world over. In any field, Davao has a certain somebody to match just about any body in the world. And that is a good thing. A very good thing, indeed.

Many have been written about Jehza. About her life, on how she got into the pageantry and how she is coping with the tremendous pressure that comes with it. Not to mention, of the drama that inspired her to keep moving forward. It’s no secret that her life is one with challenges and sacrifices that made her stand up and fight for her dreams.

That she lost her parents in the middle of pursuing her undergraduate studies thus (her) becoming a working-student to be able to make ends meet.

Of the struggles she had to go through, she learned how to balance her studies, school activities, family life, modelling and time for herself. She once fell, yes, but she stood up and faced the music with the help of the people around her.

Despite all that, what don’t we know about her?

From the many stories and coverage on her journey to the crown, Jehza has been generous to let us pry even beyond her personal boundaries. Known to accommodate questions after another, many appreciate that openness about her. Stories of her life has helped, not just us, but more so of her, celebrate every new day as

a new beginning. She is not afraid or shy to share her story and let everyone know who the real Jehza is behind the beautiful face and model-esque body.

On her graduation and birthday, the tall Dabawenya, together with her close family and friends, chose to celebrate in her hometown.

With an intimate dinner thrown for her at Zabadani Café Restaurant over at

every obstacle that has come and may come her way. She talks with conviction; with utmost courage. You can verily identify the hunger in her voice – hunger to win and make a difference. After all, she is Jehza Huelar of Davao City.

Nowadays, she appreciates her busy life. Although she is away from her family, she sees this opportunity as a blessing and something to

Marfori Heights, it already felt like a homecoming for a queen. Her entourage, led by one of Davao’s most loved fashion forward designer, Xioti Chiu, included some of the brightest people in Davao. Collectively, they have, since the beginning, helped her realize her quest for the crown.

True, her life is not a walk in the park. But as you talk to her, you’d know how she perseveres to surmount

cherish for the rest of her life. With the pageant night ticking in, no wonder she, together with her co-candidates, follow a rigorous schedule every single day.

Is she having fun? “Yes, I am having fun. I’m enjoying every bit of it.”, said Jehza with her sweetest smile. Curiously, we asked if she still has some ‘alone time’, she says, “Yes. What I do is I sleep to recharge for any upcoming schedule.” She also spends

“Yes, I am having fun. I’m enjoying every bit of it.”

time inside the kitchen to prepare her meals. “You have to find ways to enjoy your meals.” she says.

From one inspiring Dabawenya to another, the well-loved Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta has nothing

but high praises for Jehza.

“She got it all”, was what she said. When asked for a message for the Jehza on the upcoming pageant night, Councilor Mabel told her, “Prayers. In any endeavour that you do, always start with

a prayer.”

Claim it and it’ll be yours, Jehza. Good luck. We believe.

Catch our very own Jehza Hueler (Candidate # 37) and her 39 other co-candidates on the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 on April 17, 2016.

In any endeavour that you do, always start with a prayer.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

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4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

WAR VETERAN. A World War 2 veteran receives a plaque of appreciation and a medal from city administor Melchor Quitain during the granting of honors to the living war veterans in yesterday’s 74th Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration held at the Veterans Memorial Circle along the junction of Roxas Avenue and Ponciano Reyes St. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte: Binay is desperate

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RESIDENTIAL candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Vice President Jejomar Binay’s attacks on him are expected because the latter is desperate to win the presidency.

“If he doesn’t win the election, he and many members of his family will go to jail,” Duterte said in a statment.

He said most members of the Binay family will have to face the music in court if the Vice President loses his bid for the highest position.

Duterte, earlier, described the Binays as a ‘basketball team’ — apparently referring to the allegations of corruption hurled at his son former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and the

vice president’s wife, Dr. Elenita Binay, who also served as mayor of the city.

Binay’s son is facing charges in relation to the overpriced Makati parking building, while Elenita is facing charges for the alleged anomalous purchase of hospital beds amounting to P36 million.

Duterte had earlier taken swipes at Binay’s alleged ill-gotten wealth, saying the Vice President is the only candidate who does not have the moral ascendancy to talk about ending corruption.

“He cannot talk about fighting corruption because he has baggage,” Duterte has said.

Duterte said his candidacy

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Malacañan defends response to El Niño

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ALACAÑANG has defended its response to the drought in Mindanao, saying it did enough to address the effects of the dry spell in the region.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview on Friday that since August last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III, through different government agencies, has initiated a response to the drought that was expected to hit the country.

The Palace official was responding to Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s criticism of the President for not going to Mindanao to see for himself the impact of El Niño on the region and the people.

Some church leaders have also said that if the government listened to their suggestions, the Kidapawan protest

would not have turned bloody.

Coloma said the President has given the highest priority to the government action against the ill effects of El Niño.

He said the President organized an El Niño task force at the Cabinet level to respond to the drought, and this was coordinated by then director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Arnesio Balisacan.

President Aquino specifically directed government agencies to ensure enough supply of rice, as well as potable and irrigation water, and see to it that public health is protected as the dry spell could affect human health, Coloma said.

“Sa lahat ng pagkilos ng pamahalaan, nakatutok ang Pangulo. Mino-monitor niya

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Comelec seeks nod on use of malls as precincts

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Davao City is now waiting for the approval of its national office for the accreditation of malls in the city to be used as polling precincts this coming May 9 elections.

Comelec 11 assistant regional director and acting first district election officer Marlon Casquejo said the polling office had already talked with mall managers on the requirements needed for the use of mall areas.

“We are also waiting for the approval of the malls involved,”

he said.

Casquejo has initially named five malls that can be possibly utilized as voting areas in the city.

“Here in Davao City, I guess, the malls that can be used in the election are SM City Davao in Ecoland, SM Lanang Premiere, Abreeza Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall and Gaisano South Mall in Ilustre (Street),” he said.

He said in the first district, he already asked permission of the management of Abreeza Ayala Mall and SM City Davao in Ecoland for the use of their malls as voting precincts.

Casquejo said aside from Davao City, there will be also mall voting in other places in the region such as in the cities of Tagum and Panabo in Davao del Norte, and in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

He said a public hearing was conducted to hear their sentiments on the proposal.

He added that mall voting is supposed to be intended for persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens.

“Ang uban man gud na PWD og senior citizens wala sila nagpa-separate og precinto.

Dapat man gud naa sila’y intent

para iisa na lang sila sa isa ka presinto (The other PWDs and senior citizens asked not to be separated from other voters.

They need to express their intent to be separated so that they will be placed in one precinct),” he said.

“If they are grouped with the regular voters, they will be entertained first when they arrive at the precincts. That is why they did not exercise the separation,” he said.

Casquejo said if all requirements will be complied with, up to three clustered precincts will be transferred to malls.

clusive economic zone (EEZ) except for territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal; Filipino fishermen can exclusively fish within this EEZ; within territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishermen can also fish together with Chinese fishermen; In the southern sector, China/Taiwan can still claim that Itu Aba generates an EEZ that overlaps with Palawan’s EEZ; in the southern sector, the legal dispute continues in the maritime zone within 200 nautical mile around Itu Aba, which includes a small part of Reed Bank; Maritime space under legal dispute between the Philippines and China is drastically reduced from over 531,000 square kilometers to only about

23,000 square kilometers(excluding the territorial seas of the disputed islands); freedom of navigation and freedom of over-flight, outside the territorial sea and territorial airspace, in the South China Sea are reinforced.

But Carpio said China is not expected to comply with Tribunal’s ruling unless there is a strong world opinion that forces her to comply, and the Chinese people realize their historic claim has no basis.

To offset this, the magistrate said the Philippines can file a new arbitration case specifically raising as issue that Itu Aba does not generate an EEZ, and seeking confirmation of features identified as LTEs (low tide elevations);

Encourage Vietnam and Malaysia to join the arbitration; Make an educational/media campaign worldwide that the Nine-Dash Line cannot be the source of maritime claims per ruling of the Tribunal; Diplomatic campaign in the UN/ASEAN/EU/worldwide to demand that China comply with the Tribunal’s ruling and abandon the Nine-Dash Line as a claim to maritime zones; cite Taiwan’s position; Seek formal declaration with Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei that none of the islands/ high tide elevations in the Spratlys generate an EEZ; Delimit with Malaysia the EEZ/ECS boundary in the southern sector; delimitation

3 scenarios seen as PHL awaits of arbitration case vs China

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HREE possible scenarios were detailed by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio as the Philippines awaits the resolution of its case questioning China’s Nine-Dash Line.

The case is now being handled by the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration which is based in The Hague, Netherlands.

In the first scenario, the Tribunal declares the Nine-Dash Line void; Scarborough Shoal generates only a territorial sea which is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen and the Tribunal does not rule on all other issues.

Possible ramifications of this ruling means that in the northern sector, the Philippines has full 200 nautical mile ex-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

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Northpoint, Vistaland’s condo development in Davao, is awarded as the Best Residential Development in Davao by the Philippine Property Awards.

Manny Villar, Chairman of Vistaland and Lifescapes Corp., named as the Real Estate Personality Northpoint wins as the Best Housing Development in the Philippines. Northpoint was chosen by the of the Year in the Recent Philippine Property Awards held at the Fairmont Suites and Raffles Philippine Property Awards among the best developments in the cities in the entire Philippines.

Residences in Makati.

6 NEWS

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

Police lapses blamed in Kidapawan dispersal

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ART MARKET. Tabula Rasa Davao Art group president Dinky Munda (second from left), Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) executive committee chairman Benjie Lizada (second from right), Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre (leftmost) and SM Supermalls assistant vice president for Marketing (Mindanao)

Russel Alaba lead the cutting of the ribbon to mark the opening of Visit Davao ART Fun Sale’s Davao Art Market at the atrium of SM Lanang Premier yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has initially pinpointed violation of the rules of engagement when members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) brought firearms to the picket line during the rally of North Cotabato farmers to demand for rice that ended in the bloody dispersal on April 1.

During the hearing on the Kidapawan incident at the University of Southeaster Philippines on Thursday, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said that under the law, police are not allowed to bring firearms to disperse any rally except when there is an act of rebellion.

It is the reason why police authorities are only allowed to use the riot police and not the Special Action Force (SAF) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) because they are the armed units of the police, Cayetano said.

He noted that none of the police officials present at the hearing mentioned “rebellion” even at the time when they received intelligence information that militant groups will be holding a rally to demand for rice assistance, intervention for

their unproductive farms, seek help on the decreasing price of rubber, the presence of military in their communities, and the alleged arming of 40 lumads or Bagani by North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco.

Cayetano has pushed for a Senate hearing on the bloody dispersal in order to ferret out the truth in the wake of serious allegations that the police used firearms; that rights were violated when some of the protesters were beaten up; that some of the protesters were also armed; that police lack protective gears; and that among those arrested were three pregnant women and three senior citizens.

Region 12 PNP Provincial Director Alexander Tagum, for his part, confirmed there were members of the Tactical Security Group present for the dispersal and 30 of them underwent a paraffin test conducted by the Scene of the Crime Operative (SOCO) to determine if they fired their guns.

When asked why there were only 30 police officers who were subjected to paraffin test, SOCO officer Sr. Supt. Alejandro Gunao said they only acted upon

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed that lawless elements suspected to be of the Abu Sayyaf group, have released former priest Rolando Del Torchio Friday evening.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, citing reports coming from Police Regional Office-ARMM. “On April 8, 2016 around 1930H kidnap victim Rolando Del Torchio was recovered by the elements of Sulu PPO led

by PSSUPT Wilfredo Cayat, Coast Guard, PNP MARITIME, AKG (Anti-Kidnapping Group) and JTFS (Joint Task Force Sulu) at Jolo Port inside M/V KC Beatrice bound for Zamboanga City. Victim is now in the AFP Trauma Center for medical check up,” the military official, quoting police reports, said.

He, however, failed to give further details on the captive’s release.

Armed men seized Del Torchio at his pizza parlor, Ur Choice Bistro Cafe, in Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte, on October 7, 2015.

Some of the suspects posed as customers before taking Del Torchio, who had been targeted by kidnap-for-ransom groups several times when he was still an active priest.

Born in Angera, Italy, Del Torchio was ordained as a priest in 1984 and served as a missionary of the Vatican’s Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions.

The Italian was assigned in Muslim-dominated Sibuco, Zamboanga Del Norte, in 1988 and stayed there until 1996, before moving to Dipolog and opening his pizza parlor there.

Del Torchio’s abduction occurred barely three weeks after two Canadians, a Norwegian, and a Filipina were seized by gunmen in Samal Island, Davao Del Norte. (PNA)

No need to ‘unmask’ ASG frees Italian ex-priest Poe: Duterte camp T

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE camp of presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte denied allegations of “unmasking” his closest opponent Senator Grace Poe. In a statement, Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said there is no ‘plan to unmask’ Poe but their camp cannot prevent people from expressing their apprehensions over the cloud of doubt hanging over the adoptive daughter of the late action star and movie king Fernando Poe Jr. “Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has always treated Grace Poe with deference. But it is the people that are questioning her authenticity and sincerity,” he said.

Laviña made the statement after Poe complained of an alleged plot to ‘unmask’ the lady senator.

“Look, while the Supreme Court allowed her to run for president even if the Commission on Elections had disqualified her, legal luminaries are still questioning the ruling whether she has complied with the residency requirement and her status as natural-born citizen,” Laviña explained.

He said that the Supreme Court, in dismissing the disqualification cases against Poe, still left to the Senate Electoral Tribunal the onus of deciding any electoral protest that may arise from Poe’s candidacy on the subject of residency and citizenship.

Reports also came out that Poe was not forthright about the past employment of her Fil-American husband who turned out to be a former enlisted man in the US Air Force.

LTO specifies use of LED lights for motorbikes

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HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has allowed the use of light-emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge (HID) but only if it observes the office’s rules.

In a memorandum released on April 7, the LTO required motorcycles and scooters to be equipped with the required accessory lights such as headlight, tail light, signal light and brake light to use LED/HID lights.

“Use of LED or HID lights/ lamps is allowed as long as it adheres to the (office’s) parameters,” the memorandum read.

The memorandum noted that a motorcycle’s headlight/ headlamp should be white or yellowish in color and be

capable of being directed downward. It should not have blinker mode.

As for the taillight/tail lamp, the memorandum noted that it must be red in color only. Like the headlight/ headlamp, it should not have blinker mode. The direction-indicator lamp/signal lights should be yellow, amber or orange only.

Additional lights such as parking lamp, fog lamp, number plate lights, auxiliary headlamps can be added provided they conform with the memorandum’s requirements.

LTO has already sent the memorandum to all regional directors, enforcement officers and other employees involved. (PNA)

Also, her sons are likewise all US citizens.

Poe’s husband, Teodoro Llamanzares, holds dual citizen ship and is now employed as an executive of the Cojuangco-controlled San Miguel Corporation.

Poe earlier admitted that the airplanes she is using for her provincial sorties are owned by San Miguel Corporation.

“All these information, which only came out during the campaign, did not come from us. Neither did these come for Poe herself. So there is no modicum of truth to the claims of her spokesman,” Laviña said.

“The people are well aware what is truth and what is sugarcoated. You just have to follow the social media where people are free to express their

opinions and expose some incontrovertible facts,” he added.

Laviña also admitted that the question thrown at Poe

by Duterte during the second presidential debate in Cebu was a test of her readiness and sound judgment when confronted with a crisis.

“That was Mayor Duterte speaking and in his element.

The mayor is more than capable of carrying the issue on Poe himself. He does not really need that much help from us,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte “wished luck” for Poe after the Supreme Court issued its ruling but told the press later that a constitutional crisis may loom ahead.

“What if two years after, it is found out that Grace Poe is a US citizen? Naloko na! (We are going nuts),” Duterte said.

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MAKIN IT KNOWN. A rider flashes a clenched fist, a gesture popularized by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in his campaign rallies, during a political caravan that was joined by hundreds of motorcycle riders yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

7 ECONOMY Fitch Rating affirms PHL investment grade F ITCH Ratings on Friday affirmed anew it’s ‘BBB-’ ratings on the Philippines, seven months after changing the ratings outlook to positive, citing the country’s strong external finances and improvement in its fiscal situation among others.

In a statement, the debt rater said it is also affirming the country’s ‘BBB’ local currency issuer default rating, the ‘BBB’ senior unsecured foreign-currency bond rating, ‘BBB-’ local-currency bond rating, ‘BBB’ Country Ceiling rating, and the ‘F3’ Short-Term Foreign-Currency IDR rating.

This after the credit rater noted the sustained surplus of the country’s current account, which has been achieved since 2003, due in part to the resiliency of inflows from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), which in turn backed the country’s foreign reserves.

It said the current account surplus averaged at about three percent of domestic output from 2011-15.

“The country’s net external

creditor position at nearly 14 percent of GDP compares to the median net debtor position of 4.6 percent of GDP among peers in the ‘BBB’ rating category,” it said.

The debt rater also cited the drop in the country’s debt and deficit levels, with the proportion of general government debt to gross domestic product (GDP) estimated at 36 percent of domestic output as of end-2015 from 43 percent in 2010.

Government fiscal gap as of end-2015 accounted for 0.9 percent of GDP from 3.5 percent in 2010, it said.

“Fitch estimates that the fiscal deficit would remain under two percent of GDP over 20162017,” it said Fitch, on the other hand, said that it “continues to view low government revenues, which reduces the sovereign’s ability to contain fiscal balances in the event of a shock, as a weakness in the Philippines’ fiscal profile.”

It projects the general government revenue to account to

already totally damaged,” Recoter added.The director said the department also recorded damage due to the long dry season in the high value crop (HVC) sector.

“Most affected crops under the HVC were coffee, cacao, and banana,” she said, adding a total of 1,544 hectares of areas planted with HVC were affected by the El Niño. However, she said the data is still being validated by a team of agriculturists.

The local government units of Lupon, San Isidro, Kapalong, and Tagum City for Davao del Norte; Tarragona and Mati City for Davao Oriental; and Hagonoy declared state of calamity after attaining damage from the long drought season.

CCURATE, timely, and location-specific information on rice production is important in developing a national action plan to reduce the impact of El Niño and other events that can reduce rice productivity.

“The Philippines has been experiencing El Niño for the past year,” said Allan Umali, assistant secretary for administration of the Department of Agriculture (DA), on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. “But the agriculture sector is still expected to bring food to everyone’s table,” he said.

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns associated with droughts.

The current El Niño, which started in 2015, was predicted to be strongest since 1998 and much lower rainfall is expected until the first half of 2016 throughout Southeast Asia.

Although El Niño is predicted to wane, the United Nations expects harvests will continue to be affected not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the

world throughout the year.

Philippine policymakers have put together an action plan on helping affected farmers mitigate the impact of the recurring climatic events such as El Niño.

The recommended strategies in the plan include growing drought-tolerant crops, adopting water-efficient techniques, performing cloud seeding, among other climate-smart technologies.

The Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM), a project by the DA and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), can also support strategic decision making and planning of interventions to boost rice production, targeting of productivity-enhancing technologies and programs, disaster preparedness and rapid response to emergency situations, among others.

Through remote sensing, crop modeling, cloud computing, and smartphone-based surveys, PRISM can combine data from satellite and the ground to give crucial information about rice.

These include rice area, planting dates, yield estimates, areas af-

ness, Research, Certification, Branding, development and marketing of halal-certified Davao products and services.”

She said the order is already with the City Mayor’s Office. “We are hopeful that the order will be signed before the three-day Philippines Halal Tourism Expo on April 22 to 24.”

The council, to be chaired by the president of the Muslim Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), is also mandated to “align these activities to the halal programs and initiatives outlined by the national government agencies such as the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology

(DOST), Department of Toursim (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in order to maximize the potential and ensure the marketability of Davao City products in the global halal market.”

The council will be also tasked to “ensure the participation of Davao City in international events and trade exhibitions where halal-certified products and services can be promoted, like World Halal Tourism Summit, Gulfood, Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), Food and Hotel Asia, Madrid Fusion, Expo Halal Spain.”

Pagatpatan said the council will also “create active linkages and network with government and private organizations, international trade

offices and investment promotion agencies to help generate business, trade and investments in Davao City that will support the halal industry.”

The council will likewise be tasked to “initiate the establishment of important facilities such as the Halal Science Center, Modern Halal Abattoir and Halal Hub in Davao City; actively work with national and international halal certifying bodies for important updates on the halal certification standards, requirements and guidelines; provide assistance to businesses in meeting the halal certification standards set by certifying bodies; coordinate with global halal players and stakeholders who can also help the council organize

HUGE CATCH. A group of men loads a container full of freshly-caught fishes from the Davao Gulf onto a delivery vehicle in Sta. Ana wharf yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

DA 11 allots P2.6M for cloud seeding A

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Rice information system crucial to plan on El Niño

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Bureau of Soils and Water Management of the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region has allocated a total of P2.6 million for cloud seeding operations as the drought peaks up.

“There will be a total of 45 hours flying operation for the region,” DA 11 regional director Remelyn Recoter told reporters at the sidelines of the press conference for the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) at the Marco Polo Davao.

Recoter said two operations with one hour flying time were already conducted this week to ease the effects of El Nino which has vastly affected farm areas in the region.

“There were reported rain showers in Maco and Tagum City area,” she said, adding an operation was also implemented early this week to bring rain to Mt. Apo but the change in wind direction pulled the clouds away from the blazing mountain.

Recoter said cloud seeding operations are dependent on the presence of “seedable” clouds as well as the wind direction.

“We don’t want to waste the rain,” she said, adding the areas affected by the drought getting worse.

Damage due to El Nino, according to Ricoter, already reached a total of 2,503 combined hectares of rice and corn production areas and affected a total of 2, 564 farm-

WB satisfied with PRDP execution

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HE eight-member review team of the World Bank gave the thumbs up to local government units from Mindanao on the implementation of the P6-billion Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) in the island.

“We are very happy with what we are seeing,” World bank- PRDP Task team leader Frauke Jungbluth said in Friday’s press conference at the Marco Polo Davao.

The team conducted its second review mission for the implementation of the program in Mindanao last April 7 and 8 which looked into planned, proposed and on-going implementation of

various project components including infrastructure, enterprise development, planning and support to implementation.

The team, led by Jungbluth, visited project sites in Davao City and Davao del Norte in the two-day review mission.

With Jungbluth were Dough Forn, infrastructure consultant Raoul Asanza, economists Hanane Ahmed and Luningning Bondoc, finance specialist Tomas Sta. Maria, social and environment safeguards consultant Jonas Bautista, and monitoring and evaluation specialist Hanif Rehemtulla.

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ers in the region.

For rice, Recoter said a total of 1,183 hectares of rice production areas are already affected by the dry spell, of which 14 hectares are totally damaged.

Amount of damage to the rice sector in terms of volume reached 12 million. A total of 1,390 rice farmers were affected.

“Farmer’s yield drop from 180 sacks to only 80 sacks per hectare as a result of the El Niño,” she added Meanwhile, damage to region’s corn industry already reached to a total of 25 million, she said.

“A total of 1,320 hectares of corn production areas are already affected by El Niño, of which 977 hectares are

F RICE, 13

DCIPC pushes creation Halal multi-agency body

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HE Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) is pushing the creation of a multi-agency council focusing on halal development as the city position itself as a prime halal tourism destination in Mindanao.

“There is a need to speed up the signing of the executive order of Davao City to ensure the alignment of government projects with the direction being taken by the private sector,” Catherine Tzaris J. Pagatpatan, head for investment promotion center of DCIPC, said.

Pagatpatan referred to EO 23 which will lead to the creation of Davao City Halal Industry Development Council to focus on initiating plans, programs and activities that will promote “Halal Aware-

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EDITORIAL Manny’s last hurrah

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UNDAY’S fight with American rival Timothy Bradley will be the last fight on the boxing ring for Filipino global boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

At least on paper.

Manny’s fight as of this writing (by now we would have known the outcome), is the the third of a trilogy with the dangerous American who scored a split decision win over Manny in their first fight before losing on points in the rematch.

The third fight should settle the score between the two fighters but more than the outcome of the fight, the bottomline is Manny’s last hurrah in the ring people would not dare miss.

We never know what happens after the fight. Manny’s boxing promoter Bob Arum still looks like there are some fights left for his prized protege enough to squeeze him more money in promotions. Manny, given his passion for boxing, could yet make a comeback which is not uncommon among boxing stars.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. went out of retirement. So did Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, and Oscar dela Hoya.

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It’s not going to be surprising if Manny will be back in the ring sometime in the future. However, this one against Bradley must be assumed as his last.

Manny has other plans. He is running for a Senate seat and at the rate he is going, he has a fair chance of making it despite running into trouble with the LGBT remarks he made.

Manny could be the first ever active Senator-professional boxer in the world. He could come out of retirement and fight again.

There is extreme pressure though from the Filipino electorate if Manny desires to end his boxing career and focus on being a legislator. This time, he will be on the high objective lens of a microscope as a legislator.

This is going to be a different platform unless Manny thinks he can get away with being a Senator in the mold of a Senator Lito Lapid.

Manny cannot afford to absent himself for a long period while training for a fight. If he wins a Senate seat, it will be very difficult to serve two masters at the same time. He had to drop boxing for good.

In the final reckoning, it will be Manny’s ultimate decision if he seriously considers the Bradley fight as his last and concentrate on his new career as a full-time public servant.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Of forests and medicines (Part 1)

W

HY there is so much ado about trees?

Everyone knows trees are utilized in building houses, making bridges and furniture, and cooking foods. In some instances, the fruits provide food for the hungry.

But there’s more to trees than wood and food. Tropical forests, from which most of the useful trees grow, are what Professor Norman Myers considers as “the finest celebration of nature that has ever graced the face of the planet.”

“Their biotic diversity is legendary,” says Prof. Myers, a British environmentalist specializing in biodiversity who has been a consultant to several United Nation agencies, the World Bank, and other organizations. “A single bush in Peru, for instance, may feature as many ant species as there are in the British Isles.”

In the Philippines, the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve in Los Baños, Laguna is described as “an exceptional diversity of woody plant species, totaling more than the entire number of woody species found in the United States.”

Perhaps, doctors and other health professionals should take a closer look at the forests since they provide medicines for people who are sick. “Nearly 90% of human diseases known to medical science can be treated with prescription drugs derived from nature,” notes Dr. Paul Torrence, an Emeritus Profes-

sor of Chemistry THINK ON THESE! and Biochemistry at Northern Arizona University.

“The benefits to humanity of nature-derived medicines are incalculable in terms of longevity, relief of suffering and inHenrylito D. Tacio crease in the qualihenrytacio@gmail.com ty of life.”

According to the Environmental Magazine, some 120 prescription drugs sold worldwide today are derived directly from rainforest plants. The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) reported that more than two-thirds of all medicines found to have cancer-fighting properties come from rainforest plants.

Examples abound. “One of the biggest breakthroughs against cancer in recent decades has stemmed from the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), the source of two potent drugs used against leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease,” Prof. Myers writes.

It has been reported that the ingredients obtained and synthesized from a now-extinct periwinkle plant have increased the chances of

survival for children with leukemia from 20% to 80%. The NCI believes tropical rainforests may well contain “at least ten further plants with similar potential against cancer.”

There are also compounds derived from rainforest plants that are now used to treat malaria, heart disease, bronchitis, hypertension, rheumatism, diabetes, muscle tension, arthritis, glaucoma, dysentery and tuberculosis, among other health problems.

“We cannot imagine a world without antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, doxycycline, or erythromycin, without pain relievers, without muscle relaxants, without oral contraceptives, without cancer drugs like Taxol, without blood pressure lowering drugs like lisonopril, without digoxin for heart failure, without local anesthetics, and without anticoagulants like coumarins for thrombosis,” Dr. Torrence points out.

People should be thankful for the wealth of tropical forests next time they visit a pharmacy.

“There is one-in-four chance that our purchase will derive from tropical forest plants,” Prof. Myers says. “It may be an antibiotic, an analgesic, a diuretic, a laxative, a tranquilizer or even just cough drops, among many other products.”

Not too many know that the contraceptive pill was originally manufactured from a wild yam growing in Mexico’s forests. Among the lat-

FAST BACKWARD

est peak, burning close to 200 hectares of virgin forests and forcibly evacuating around 1,000 tourists who trekked to the mountain on a Lenten journey.

More than a week later, on April 3, Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon Province, became the victim of another forest fire, Days later, the bushfire spread to six other mountains within the range, threatening Mt. Mangantol, Mt. Matampay, Mt. Butoc, Mt. Nakalo, Mt. Undingan, and Mt. Kalatungan, the sixth highest mountain in the country.

est pills comes courtesy of a forest plant of West Africa. There is also some hope that a therapy to counter Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) lies with a plant in Queensland’s forests.

There has been a surge of interest in recent years in ethnobiology, ethnobotany and other interdisciplinary fields of research that take traditional knowledge and culture as starting points in the search for new medicines.

“Folk medicine is the standard source of medical treatment for at least three-quarters of the world’s people; some analysts set the figure as high as 90%,” says a publication published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In contrast, “Western” or technological medicine is readily available only to one person in four or five, worldwide.

Systems of folk -- or alternative -- medicine take many different forms but nearly all are based largely on plant extracts. India has more than 2,000 known medicinal plants, Malaysia around 1,000 while Brazil has at least 3,000.

Unfortunately, the tropical forests are fast

disappearing. In fact, almost half of the world’s tropical rainforests have already been destroyed. “It is insanity to let this destruction continue,” deplores Prof. Myers. “Yet an area of rainforest the size of six football pitches is still being destroyed every minute of every day.”

A fragmented history of fires (Part 2)

Significant fires While the M/V Doña Paz fire tragedy, which occurred in 1987, is recognized as the world’s largest post-war maritime disaster with over 4,000 lives lost, the worst fire in Philippine history was the March 17, 1996 Ozone Disco Club incident, which left 162 people dead and 95 others injured. It is also recognized as the world’s sixth deadliest nightclub fire.

On April 18, 2001, a total of 75 participants in a Christian crusade sponsored by the Texas-based Don Clowers Ministries were killed in a pre-dawn fire of Manor Hotel, Quezon City. Thirteen of the victims died in hospitals. The fire was traced to building safety violations and barred windows that made fire escape almost impossible; it was the country’s second worst fire.

A decade later, on April 19, 2011, around 2,500 families lost their homes in a big fire that razed down a depressed community near Epifanio delos Santos Highway, in the Laperal Compound at Guadalupe Viejo, Makati. The fire started in a house at Bernardino Street and spread quickly to the rest of the settlement.

Four years later, on May 13, 2015, a fire broke out at Kentex Manufacturing, a footwear factory in Valenzuela City, suffocating to death 74 laborers and employees, making the incident the third worst fire in the country. This led to the filing of anti-graft charges against city officials for alleged negligence of duty.

Two months earlier, on March 2, 2015, a terrible blaze severely damaged over 1,000 houses in Tondo, one of Manila’s poorest districts. More than 3,000 families lost their homes, which were chiefly constructed from flimsy materials. The fire damaged a five-hectare area.

Forest fires Wildfires are not new to the Philippines as a tropical country but they have become frequent only in recent years largely as result of

BY THE ARCHIVIST the weather phenomenon El Niño and Climate Change.

Except for Mountain Province which has a functional forest-fire protection, the concern about fire falls mainly on the shoulder of the illequipped Bureau of Fire Protection. In the prewar period, there was a similar outfit installed under American supervision but iwas enforced only to ensure that the regions where pine trees were planted were not gutted when summer heat usually incinerated dry grasses.

In recent years, due to the impact of abnormalities in climate, the occurrence of forests fires has become more frequent. On March 20, 2014, a fire of unknown origin engulfed around 50 hectares of Mt. Banahaw in Quezon Province, a region sacred to believers in talisman.

On Jan, 21, 2016, a forest fire broke out at the watershed area of Butig, Lanao del Sur, destroying centuries-old trees. Fortunately, the disaster was contained despite deficiency in fire-fighting tools. Natives, in part, used their ancestral knowledge in stopping this kind of calamity.

Two months later, on March 26, another wildfire erupted at Mt. Apo, the country’s high-

Mall fires In the past decade (2006-15), due to the sprouting of mixed-use shopping destinations, malls, or supermarkets around the country, another fire category may be added to the list—the mall fire. In fact, its victims is numerically growing.

Mall fire is also known as structure fire, which is “involving the structural components of various types of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Residential buildings range from single-family detached homes and townhouses to apartments and tower blocks, or various commercial buildings ranging from offices to shopping malls.”

A mall is not similar to what experts call as ‘room and contents’ fires and other similar incidents such as chimney fires, vehicle fires, wildfires or other outdoor fires.

To highlight this new deadly phenomenon, here’s a partial list of its victims, to wit: On Dec. 25, 2006, Christmas Day, a fire struck Unitop Department Store in Ormoc, Leyte, killing 24 people. The start of the fire was due to a recklessly lit firecracker. People were trapped as the firecracker stall was situated near the store entrance.

On March 17, 2012, Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall in Caloocan City burned down in a

devastating fire that raged for over 20 hours, the largest ever conflagration north of Manila. The mall, its structural integrity damaged, closed down after fire brought under control.

On May 9, 2012, a deadly fire gutted Novo Jeans, a department store in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. The incident resulted in the death of 17 stay-in laborers who were trapped inside the three-story building. Cause of the tragedy was traced to faulty electrical wiring.

On May 16, 2013, a fire almost completely destroyed the Divisoria Mall, leaving its three floors beyond repair. It was aggravated by an explosion created by liquefied petroleum gas tanks at the mall’s food court. Damage was at Php250 million, the largest in the country for such kind of conflagration.

On Oct. 29, 2013, a fire hit Robinsons Galleria, inside Ortigas Center, a financial and business district, in Quezon City; it reached third alarm. The blaze started at the toy store area on the mall’s third floor; its cause was not known.

On Oct. 10, 2014, a conflagration broke out at a portion of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, gutting the store’s entertainment plaza. The incident started at the generator of the Ferris wheel but it only reached first alarm, sparing the gondolas near it.

On Jan. 14, 2015, an early-morning fire hit SM Cebu City, burning down a pizza parlor; the incident resulted in Php20 million in damages to properties. No casualty was reported.

On May 4, 2015, a blaze struck Victory Central Mall in Caloocan City. It reached third alarm, which meant the chief fire marshal and municipal fire marshal were required to be present.

It started at the second floor of the multi-level shopping complex.

And on Oct. 8, 2015, the Tagum City branch of Unitop Department Store was burned, resulting in damages estimated at Php20 million. No casualty was reported.

10 NEWS 3 scenarios... FROM 4 will not affect the Sabah claim; Delimit with Vietnam the ECS boundary in the southern sector.

While the second scenario, which Carpio calls the best for the Philippines, the Tribunal declares the Nine-Dash-Line void; Itu Aba does not generate an EEZ; confirms the status of LTEs identified by the Philippines; Scarborough Shoal generates only a territorial sea which is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen.

Ramifications for these include in the northern sector, the Philippines has a full 200 nautical EEZ excluding the territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal; Filipino fishermen can exclusively fish within this EEZ; within the territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishermen can also fish together with Chinese fishermen; In the Southern sector, Palawan has a full 200 nautical mile EEZ, excluding the territorial seas around the islands/high tide elevations in the Spratlys; LTEs within the Philippines EEZ, like Mischief Reef, and LTEs within Philippines ECS (extended continental shelf), like Subi Reef, form part of the country’s submerged continental shelf; and only the nation can erect structures on such LTEs; Maritime space under dispute between the Philippines and China is reduced from over 531,000 square kilometers to just about 1,551 square kilometers of territorial sea around every Spratly island/high tide elevation and Scarborough Shoal; China is not expected to comply with the Tribunal’s ruling unless there is a strong world opinion that forces China to comply, and the Chinese people realize their historic claim has no basis.

To preserve the Philippine advantage, Carpio said the country should still conduct

educational/media campaign worldwide stressing that the Nine-Dash-Line cannot be a source of maritime claims per ruling of the Tribunal; Diplomatic campaign in the UN/ASEAN/EU/worldwide to demand that China comply with the Tribunal’s ruling and abandon the Nine-Dash Line as a claim to maritime zones; cite Taiwan’s position; Delimit with Malaysia the EEZ/ECS boundary in the Southern sector; the Sabah claim is not affected; Delimit with Vietnam the ECS boundary in the Southern sector.

While scenario three, which is the worse case for the Philippines, is that the Tribunal does not rule on the validity of the Nine-Dash-Line; declares that Itu Aba generates an EEZ; Scarborough Shoal generates only a territorial sea; does not rule on other issues.

Consequences of this ruling is that China will enforce the Nine-Dash Line as its national boundaries; and this will result in the possible blocking and harassing of Philippine, Vietnamese, Malaysian efforts to supply the islands they occupy in the Spratlys; the legal dispute over the waters enclosed by the Nine-Dash Line continues; Carpio said that the only defense coastal nations like the Philippines can offer against Chinese encroachment is to acquire warships, warplanes and missiles; naval arms race will accelerate; This will also prompt the US and its allies will regularly conduct FONOPS (freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea/Spratlys; However, this is will force China oppose FONOPS, creating more tension.

Maritime space under dispute will remain over 531,000 square kilometers. (PNA)

Jungbluth said the team visited the P26-million enterprise development project called the Cacao Production and Marketing of Dry-Fermented Beans of Davao City implemented by the Subasta Integrated Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (SIFMPC) as the lead proponent group through a cluster-type operations covering the Marilog, Baguio, Calinan and Tugbok districts.

The development project aims to improve cacao farmers’ productivity as well as their access to the market through provision of post-harvest facilities to the group which acts as the main consolidator of 15 cooperatives and will benefit around 495 cacao farmers.

Development projects like the assistance extended to Subasta can increase the income of farmers as well as address challenges in the value chain.

Meanwhile, Arnel V. de Mesa, deputy project director for PRDP, said Mindanao has the biggest allocation of P545.43 million for enterprise development project. Of the figure, a total of P124.38 million was reserved for eight approved subprojects as of March this year. Four subprojects worth P74.16 million were in Region 12.

De Mesa also said the Mindanao has a total of indicative portfolio of P12.33 billion under the infrastructure development component as of last month, which is 30 percent higher from the first WB mission in August last year when the island only registered P9.91 billion portfolio.

Of the infrastructure portfolio, he said, the approved subprojects cost a total of P6.26 billion for a total of 206 projects as of March 2016, which is 44 percent of the total PRDP portfolio.

Since the first review mission, the PRDP team reported that 26 provinces or 100 percent of the provincial LGUs, and other city LGUs had already entered into Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA). The PRDP completed the preparation and packaging all provincial commodity investment plans (PCIPs) approved by the Provincial Development Councils.

The PRDP is a six-year special program of DA focused on establishing a modern, value chain-oriented, and climate change resilient agriculture and fishery sector. It is funded by the WB, national government and the LGUs. CHENEEN R. CAPON

WB... FROM 7

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

HONORING THE BRAVE WARRIORS. Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero delivers his speech to the bravery of the World War 2 veterans in yesterday’s 74th Araw

Duterte... FROM 4 has placed fighting corruption at the center of his agenda along with criminality and proliferation of illegal drugs.

Earlier, Binay criticized Duterte on over his platform to eradicate crimes and drugs in just six months.

In a report from news. abs-cbn.com, Binay said Duterte’s program is impossible to happen because the problem

of peace and order is due to poverty.

The vice president said if the mayor will use “extra-judicial killing” to curb the crime it is unacceptable because it is against God’s laws.

Binay also said he is disappointed with Duterte for judging him and his family, despite being a lawyer. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

request.

Gunao also confirmed that an autopsy was conducted on one protester who was killed during the dispersal.

He also confirmed that 22year old Darwin Joel Sulang was found with a bullet wound on the head. But the autopsy report was questioned by the Senate committee because it was not

reflected. The report only stated that Tambug suffered from a punctured wound.

Tagum, who would not answer categorically why the police brought with them firearms during the dispersal, said he did not give orders to fire at the protesters but admitted he shouted ceasefire when he heard gunshots. (PNA)

and/or participate in international halal trainings and seminars” Pagatpatan underscored the importance of the council as the city targets to become a destination of foreign tourists from Islamic countries.

With 15 percent of the 1.5 million population of Davao City composed of people who have embodied Islam as reli-

gion, the city has a huge potential of becoming a major player in the fast growing global industry of halal, she said.

“The Dubai market is clamoring for more Halal products coming from Mindanao,” she said, adding that Middle East countries are just among the potential markets for Davao City’s Halal product.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

Police... FROM 6

DCIPC... FROM 7

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH RATIFICATION OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LEONARDO BUISAN has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH RATIFICATION OF SALE executed among his heirs per Doc. No. 239; Page No. 48; Book No. XXV; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC RICHARD D. TUMANDA 4/11,18,25

ng Kagitingan held at the Veterans Memorial Circle along the junction of Roxas Avenue and Ponciano Reyes St. Lean Daval Jr.

Malacañan... FROM 4 ang progreso nito. Naglaan ng sapat na pondo na ginamit naman ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sa mga aktibidad na kagaya ng cloud seeding, pagtatanim ng mga drought-resistant crops, at pagkakaroon ng mga small water impounding para matubigan ang mga pananim,” he said.

The President also directed agencies to ensure that there is enough buffer stock of rice through importation by the National Food Authority, he said, adding that until now, the President monitors the government’s response to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Coloma noted that it is necessary for the government to respond aggressively to the impact of the drought because the most affected are poor families in hard hit regions.

The President has not neglected his duty to give priority to communities needing help, he said, assuring that the government is ready to send support to areas that have not received government assistance.

“Kung mayroon mang mga

lugar na hindi pa sapat ang naihatid sa kanilang tulong, handang gawin ng pamahalaan ang nararapat para mapunan kung anuman ang naging pagkukulang,” Coloma said.

The Palace official further said that although the President did not personally go to Kidapawan, he made sure that government agencies responded to the needs of the people in North Cotabato.

Coloma also said that there is no need for the President to comment or issue statements on the crisis in Kidapawan because local government officials and heads of agencies have been explaining to the public the actions taken by the government.

“Lahat po ng kagawad ng pamahalaan na mayroong sangkot diyan sa usaping ‘yan ay nagbibigay po ng inputs sa ating mga mambabatas. Dumalo naman po sila sa public hearing kahapon at tinitiyak po ng ating pamahalaan na makararating ang tamang impormasyon sa ating mga kababayan sa lahat ng pagkakataon,” he said. (PNA)

20 percent of domestic output in 2015, which it noted is “lower than the ‘BBB’ median’s 28.6 percent and ‘A’ median’s 34.7 percent.

The country’s low average income and level of development

is a credit weakness, it said.

Domestic growth, meanwhile, “remains favorable”, it said citing the 5.9 average from 201115 which is far above the ‘BBB’ median of 3.3 percent and the ‘A’ median of 3.2 percent.” (PNA)

Fitch... FROM 7

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SOLE HEIR WITH DEED OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANNILYN N. ADLAON ESPINOSA has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SOLE HEIR WITH DEED OF SALE executed among her heirs per Doc. No. 284; Page No. 57; Book No. 115; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 4/4.11.18

11 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

The hunger games Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“W

HEN all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.” That was how the World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security.

Commonly, the concept of food security is defined as including both physical and economic access to food that meets people’s dietary needs as well as their food preferences. In many countries, including the Philippines, health problems related to dietary excess are an ever increasing threat. In fact, malnutrition and foodborne diarrhea are become double burden.

According to the Romebased UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security is built on three pillars: • Food availability: sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis.

• Food access: having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet.

• Food use: appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and sanitation.

“Food security is a complex sustainable development issue, linked to health through malnutrition, but also to sustainable econom-

ic development, environment, and trade,” FAO pointed out.

Unfortunately, today’s global food system has major weaknesses: nearly 800 million people are left hungry, one-third of the human race is malnourished, over half of some crops never make it to the table, and

the planet is ravaged from environmentally unfriendly agricultural practices.

“As the global population is expected to soar exponentially in the coming years, we must examine ways to feed more people efficiently and sustainably, while combatting climate change,” notes the newly-released 2016 Global Food Policy Report.

The report, published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), provides an in-depth look at major food policy developments and events in the past year, and examines key challenges and opportunities for the coming year.

It must be recalled that the Sustainable Development Goals challenge the international community to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in 15 years or less.

“This report shows that if we are to meet these goals, we have a lot of work ahead,” pointed out IFPRI Director General Shenggen Fan. “We must promote and support a new global food system that is efficient, inclusive, climate-smart, sustainable, nutrition- and health-driven, and business-friendly in order to ensure that no one goes to sleep hungry.”

The report took notice of climate change to continue to have its negative impacts on agriculture.

“Every year, 12 million

hectares of land is degraded due to drought and desertification,” the report said.

That’s almost half of the total land area of the Philippines, which is 30 million hectares.

Conversely, the global food system accounts for one-fifth of all greenhouse gases emitted into the at-

As the global population is expected to soar exponentially in the coming years, we must examine ways to feed more people efficiently and sustainably

mosphere, quoting data from FAO. “The development of climate-ready crops, which can lead to more efficient water use and improve yields, are key to feeding a growing population and adapting and mitigating against climate change,” the report said in a press state-

ment.

Shifting diets has also affected food distribution around the world. “Worldwide, the number of overweight people is two-anda-half times larger than the number of undernourished people,” the report said.

Urbanization, increasing incomes, and higher demand for animal protein is changing diets in developing countries. Beef consumption, for example, is growing, and is one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally impactful foods to produce, according to the report.

“Beef production requires four times more land (and four times as much greenhouse gas emissions) than dairy for every unit of protein consumed,” the report explained. “Additionally, beef is seven times more resource-intensive than pork and poultry, and 20 times more than pulses.”

Although measuring food loss and waste is difficult, most studies, however, estimate that between 27%-32% of food produced never makes it to the table.

This number is even higher for foods that are particularly susceptible to loss and waste such as fruits and vegetables.

Food loss and waste occur differently in developed and developing countries. In developing countries, most food is lost at the production level -- investments in infrastructure, transporta-

tion, and packing industries is key.

In developed countries, however, most food is wasted at the retail and consumer level. The report suggested that consumers in these countries “need to be educated about food availability and appearance to reduce food waste.”

When food is mentioned, water can’t be far behind. “About 85% of global water use goes to agricultural irrigation,” the report said.

Innovations such as climate-ready crops can great-

ly reduce this amount, the report noted. Rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s population, particularly those living in Asia.

The report cited C4 rice as an example. It said that a technology in producing C4 rice is adapted, water use efficiency can be doubled and the yields can be increased by almost 50%.

“Unless significant changes are made in global water consumption, most people will live under severe water shortage conditions by 2050,” the report said.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 28 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 10 - 11, 2016

EDGEDAVAO STYLE

Up-and-coming fashion designer Wilson Limon (2nd from right) with models wearing his striking creations.

Millennial designers in graphic design and fashion (from left, top): Shiriel Magalong, Bianca Sabellano, Denise Guirgen, Kethley Uy, Jude Suarez, Grand Ravacio, Joey Hambala, Frances Tendencia, Mandy Velasco, Andi Amora; (bottom) Ian Manglicmot, Jun Artajo, Wilson Limon and Jozel Ignes.

Rising designers and women’s fashion at SM Lanang Premier

Interior designer Ian Manglicmot (2nd from left) translates his interest in fashion in the playful, resort-inspired collection worn by the models.

DAVAO’S NEW CROP OF DESIGNERS recently set the pace for women’s fashion at a breakthrough runway show staged by SM Lanang Premier.

Philippine representative to the 2014 London International Fashion Showcase Jun Artajo (2nd from left) with models sporting his flowy dresses.

Model Maria Queenlyn Amora and her daughter in charming, whimsical outfits by Frances Te n d e n c i a ’s Haberdashery.

Fifteen designers – all millennials – presented their individual creations and brands at the said show. Namely, these were fashion designers Jun Artajo (Artajó), Wilson Limon (NiñoFranco), Bianca Sabellano (Be. young.ca), Ian Manglicmot (The Skip), Mandy Velasco (Amanda), Jozel Ignes (Zel), Andi Amora (Mûre/Amora Couturier), Frances Tendencia (Haberdashery), Joey Hambala (Inpart), and Grand Ravacio (Ravacio), and accessories designers Denise Guirgen and Kethley Uy (Artickles), who showcased their alluring womenswear collections on the ramp vis-à-vis the visual animated backdrop made by graphic designers Shiriel Magalong, Jude Suarez, and Matthew Jaravelo (Mo).

In a double celebration of Araw ng Davao and the International Women’s Month, the “Young Davao Design-

ers” runway show drew attention to the creativity and limitless potential of the city’s emerging designers while at the same time paying homage to the power and influence of women.

From chic dresses to resort wear, printed ensembles to minimalist clothing, summer color palettes to neutral tones, mallgoers had a glimpse of fresh, exciting and wearable pieces for various occasions, a breath of fresh air from those being sold commercially.

Whether it is for a free spirit, a woman-on-thego or a working mom, the said event offered a wide range of ensembles women of all ages and style personalities can choose from Stay up to date on fashion trends at the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more details.

Designer Mandy Velasco (2nd from left) with models donning her chic creations.

Kimonos of be.young.ca by Bianca Sabellano embody the bohemian spirit.

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EVENT

Waterfront Insular Hotel hosts welcome dinner for Malaysian tour operators TOUR OPERATORS FROM MALAYSIA GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT DAVAO CITY courtesy of the Department of Tourism and partner airline, Air Asia. In line with the Visit Davao Fun Sale program that intends to promote the city as a premiere destination to foreign tourists, DOT has selected accredited hotels to accommodate the said group during their familiarization tour.

On March 31, Thursday, the Malaysian travelers arrived at the lobby past 6pm accompanied by Chief Tourism Operations Officer Eden David and fellow tourism representatives.

Upon arrival, the guests were given complimentary welcome drinks and personally ushered to the dinner venue by Waterfront

Insular Hotel Davao’s Hotel Manager Bryan Lasala and Sales & Marketing staff. To familiarize them with the Dabawenyo heritage and culture, dinner was set at the gardens under coconut groves, by the beach fronting the Davao Gulf and Samal Island.

The buffet featured Filipino themed specialties:

a salad station featuring Guso with Green Mango and Radish with Danggit Salad; main courses like Sinigang na Ulo ng Maya-Maya and Ado-

bong Hito; assorted native delicacies and fruits. The guests were served with Buko juice in Buko shells and the banquet tables had grilled Senuelos for

centerpieces. All throughout dinner, the intimate banquet was entertained by famed Kalumon Performing Ensemble headed by artistic director Mario

Lim, a group of artists who are known for performing enchanting pieces rooted in the culture of the indigenous people across the Philippines and even in some cities outside of the country.

The five-day Davao and Samal Island tour organized by the City Tourism Operations Office of Davao City and Department of Tourism is co-hosted by Air Asia Philippines along with the private sectors of Davao and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) to promote our tour packages and corresponding attractions.

UP AND ABOUT

Colorful summer items now at the ABS-CBN Store SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING at the ABS-CBN Store as an assortment of program-themed and seasonal merchandise perfect for the season are now available.

Make your trips around the country more meaningful with Choose Philippines Slippers. Proudly made in the Philippines, the slippers also serve as a useful souvenir for tourists visiting the country as it is splashed in lively colors and patterns of the Choose Philippines logo. Pairs are available at The ABS-CBN Store, selected Robinsons Department Stores, and provincial malls and department stores nationwide.

Brighten up your travel experience with a Weekender Travel Set from the Lifestyle channel. Each set consists of a weekender purse, cosmetic pouch, jewelry keeper, and

brush case plus FREE 2 pieces cosmetic pouches. The travel sets are made of exportquality fabrics in bright colors

and are available at The ABSCBN Store and on oshopping. com.ph.

Dress up your children in

colorful summer play wear

by Little Hugs! The Little Hugs brand was developed

by ABS-CBN in partnership with Napoleon Wear for the recently-concluded teleserye, You’re My Home. The Little Hugs collection is available at The ABS-CBN Store and in SM Stores nationwide.

Making the summer extra special is the elections this coming May. To show solidarity with ABS-CBN’s

election coverage theme, “Ipanalo Ang Pamilyang Pilipino,” the ABS-CBN Store has campaign-themed shirts as seen worn by artists in the election-themed ABS-CBN Summer Station ID. The ABS-CBN Store is located at The Loop, ELJ Building and online at www. abs-cbnstore.com.

The site ships nationwide and worldwide, and offers a variety of payment options (credit card, DragonPay).

Cash on Delivery is also available through orders placed through The ABS-CBN Store on O Shopping. Just visitoshopping.com.ph to order.

Kapamilyas can also visit The ABS-CBN Store section in selected Robinsons Department Stores nationwide.

For the complete range of products, visit www.abscbnstore.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Free film screenings at home with ABS-CBN TVplus NON-STOP FUN AWAITS FAMILIES IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS as ABSCBN TVplus and ABS - CB N m o b il e showcase more free screenings of certified blockbuster films via Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) until April 17.

free to give families goosebumps and chills.

On the following weekend (April 16-17), the slew of entertaining movies that families will get to enjoy are “Don’t Give Up On Us” top-billed

by Piolo Pascual and Judy Ann Santos, “Relaks, It’s Just Pag-Ibig” the rom-com starring Inigo Pascual, Sofia Andres,

This weekend (April 9-10), KBO brings to television some of the well-loved films in Philippine cinema including hit ‘kilig’ movies “You Changed My Life,” “You Got Me” and “Status: It’s Complicated.” The horror film “Tragic Theater” will also be shown for

and Julian Estrada; the supernatural horror film “T2” starring Maricel Soriano, and “Agent X44” the action spy comedy film featuring Vhong Navarro and Mariel Rodriguez.

Aside from free movies at home, ABS-CBN TVplus is also treating families to a free catch-

up marathon of “Dolce Amore,” the number one ‘kilig serye’ in the Philippines starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. All ABS-CBN TVplus users who already own an ABS-CBN mobile prepaid SIM may avail of the Kapamilya Box Office free one month trial by texting KBO <TVplus box ID> to 2131 using an ABSCBNmobile prepaid SIM for free. Once registered, users simply need to press SCAN on the TVplus remote control to activate KBO on the ABSCBN TVplus’ 7th channel.

For users who do not have an ABS-CBNmobile prepaid SIM, the prepaid SIM is available in any SM store, 7-Eleven store,

and ABS-CBNmobile store. Users may also text 23661 to order a prepaid SIM for delivery.

All ABS-CBN TVplus boxes priced at P1,999 are bundled with an ABSCBNmobile prepaid SIM and are available in any accredited retail outlets, sales agents, and dealers.

The Kapamilya Box Office service is available in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

Subscribe now to the Kapamilya Box Office free trial until April 17.

For more information on the promo, text KBO INFO to 23661 and visit tvplus.abs-cbn.com.

Summer love with Lizquen, Jadine, and Kathniel on ‘ASAP’ this Sunday K APA M ILYA PREMIER LOVE TEAMS Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, Nadine Lustre and James Reid, and Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla heat up the summer with surprise performances this Sunday (Apr 10) on “ASAP”.

Adding to the excitement are teen love teams Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador, Andrea Brillantes and Juan Karlos Labajo, Kenzo Gutierrez and Julia Barretto, and Loisa

Andalio and Joshua Garcia.

Raising the temperature are teleserye favorites Kim Chui and Xian Lim of “The Story of Us,” Cristine Reyes and Zanjoe Marudo of “Tubig at Langis,” and Daniel

Matsunaga and Erich Gonzales of “Be My Lady.”

Taking the party to another level are Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga, and Sarah Geronimo with a hot concert treat.

Jay-R and Zsa-zsa Padilla, on the other

hand, team up to give viewers a soulful musical performance.

Sing along with your favorite “ASAP” stars on the latest session of “ASAP LSS” featuring Daryl Ong, Juris Fernandez, Darren Espanto, Janella Salvador, Nikki Valdez, and Jolina Magdangal.

Meanwhile, rocking the stage with the latest dance hits are Maja Salvador, Sarah Lahbati, and Enrique Gil. Don’t miss the fun as Kapamilya stars from the biggest shows of ABSCBN and the Star Magic family have a special AllStar reunion.

Janine Gutierrez wins Female Style Star for online retailer awards JANINE GUTIERREZ WAS AWARDED AS FEMALE STYLE STAR for her exquisite and iconic fashion choices by online retailer, Zalora.

In the Instagram account of GMA Artist Center, they captured the moment Janine received the award with top executives of Smart Communications, Zalora Philippines, and fellow awardee and creative director of Preview Magazine, Vince Uy. Janine didn’t disappoint the crowd as she wore a chic summer ensemble with slicked back hair when she arrived the Zalora Style Awards night at Valkyrie on April 7.

April 8 – 12, 2016

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG

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

THE JUNGLE BOOK Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray PG

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

ELEMENTO/ *10 CLOVERFIELD LANE Cristine Reyes, Albert Solis/ *John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead R13/*R13

12:20 | 2:00 | 3:40 LFS / *5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

MR. RIGHT/ *DEMOLITION Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell/ * Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts R16/*R13

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

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EVENT

MX3 IN THE USA Bringing the spirit of home to Pinoys in San Francisco A booth was set up so that the patrons and the general public can have a chance to purchase their favorite MX3 products namely MX3 Capsule, MX3 Plus, MX3 Coffee and Tea at promo prices.

In events like these, MX3 connects with our clients best. They are considered an integral part of the brand’s success not only in the Philippines but also the world. It is heart warming to hear their real life testimonies and Mxtraordinary stories on how the products helped them gain the benefits of ex-

AMERICA HAS BEEN THE HOME OF A LOT OF FILIPINOS and for many years now MX3 has been active in engaing in activities that bring the idea of “home” to thousands of Kababayans one country, once city at a time.

For two consecutive days MX3 brought the warmth of our country to our fellow Pinoys at Vacaville, California and the Alex Theater in Glandale, Los Angeles last March

19 and March 20.

Thousands packed the venue to witness the comedic antics of Pakwang and Chokoleit. What brought the house down was the tandem of Liza

Soberano and Enrique Gil. They are one of the Philippine’s trending love team and has a strong following among Filipinos overseas.

MX3 considers it users

and patrons family and it is always a joy to see them gather and celebreate life’s goodness. There were activiites sponsored by MX3 for the abovementioned events. The stage was filled with warm smiles as they participated in the MX3 Wave as well as the on site acting game “Sakit Mo I Arte Mo”.

cellent health. People from all walks of life have good things to say about MX3.

Indeed the long travel is worth it if in return MX3 will be able to touch the lives of the people living outside the country so that they too will be influenced to tread on the path of health through natural products. For it is written that we are a temple of God and we are to keep our bodies sacred. This is best exemplied by keeping our mind, body and spririt healthy at all times!

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13

Rice... FROM 7 We are now hiring for the ff. job vacancies:

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER (C.S.O.) Scope of Work: • Handling of customer services (e.g. inquiries, complaints, scheduling of services) • Preparation of quotation for clients • STARTING SALARY: P12, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 2. TECHNICAL ENGINEER (T.E.) Scope of Work: • Installation/Programming/Configuration for the ff. products *CCTV, PABX, PABGM, INTERCOM, BIOMETRICS, ACCESS CONTROL, FIRE ALARM • STARTING SALARY: P13, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 3.ACCOUNTS MANAGER (A.M.) Scope of Work: • Sales & Marketing for New Clients • STARTING SALARY: P15, 000 UP (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 4. STORE SUPERVISOR Scope of Work: • Responsible for daily store operation • Handling of manpower

Please email your resume to: sales@vmtech.com.ph or marcxtian@yahoo.com For walk in applicants, you may call the ff. branches: Cebu Office: (032) 2380912 Globe: 09173293471 • Sun: 09255014723 Davao Office: (082) 2212789 Globe: 09177952469 • Sun: 09322448030

fected by flood or drought, rice crop production situation, and extent of damages caused by pests.

“PRISM enables us to determine the crop growth stage when a typhoon or drought strikes,” explained Dr. Alice Laborte, GIS and market research specialist at IRRI. “We can also ascertain whether or not a particular area has been grown with rice during a specific season. And if not grown with rice, what specific problems may have contributed to this so that interventions can be made,” she added.

Laborte reported that she and her team had developed a proposal on early warning system for pests and diseases so that appropriate and timely interventions can be made when and where they are needed.

For his part, Dr. Calixto Protacio, executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, said PRISM is a decision-support tool that can pinpoint areas where development is needed.

“For example, we can see which communities have very low yields, map these out, and then target them or provide support to these communities. We have an average yield of 4.01 tons per hectare, but the others are just averaging maybe one ton. So it’s as bad as that. So if we know where these are, then we can better target these communities and give them the support needed,” said Protacio.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, recently proposed a bill requiring local government units (LGUs) to allocate a portion of their budget for information and communication technology (ICT). The bill seeks to help LGUs take full advantage of the information provided by PRISM. (PNA)

14 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

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DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

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SPORTS 15

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Palaro torch relay kicks off T

HE torch relay for the Palarong Pambansa 2016 reeled off from Barangay Agos, Polangui, Albay, at the Albay-Camarines Sur boundary, early Friday morning.

Philippine Army (PA) soldiers relayed the torch from Polangui at about 5 a.m. to Oas where they passed it on at 7:45 a.m. to Philippine Navy men who ran with it from Oas to Ligao City.

The torch was given by Navy team to Philippine Air Force elements who relayed it from the city to Guino-

batan town and passed it to the Bureau of Fire Protection officers who handed it to the Philippine National Police contingent at Camalig town.

In Daraga, the police officers passed the torch on to Philippine Coast Guard personnel who then turned it over to the Junior Chambers International (JCI) Legazpi runners who carried it to the Legazpi City Hall, reaching the area at about 12:15 p.m., much ahead of the scheduled arrival time of 2 p.m.

This happened as the passed-on torch bearers cov-

ered their respective town assignments much ahead of the scheduled time.

The torch will stay at Legazpi City Hall for the rest of the day and will be relayed again on Saturday morning.

The Saturday relay will be participated in by Mayon 360 Ultramarathoners who will run along the foot of Mayon Volcano.

The relay will be done from Sto. Domingo to Bacacay, then to Tabaco City and back to Legazpi City and stay in Albay Astrodome to be part of the Palarong

Pambansa 2016 Governor’s Night.

During the opening on Sunday afternoon, after the parade, the torch will be carried by a runner from Albay Astrodome to Albay Sports and Tourism Complex, which will be relayed by different personalities in the field of sports from Albay.

The torch will be given to a person with disability who will light the flame.

It symbolizes the fact that every Albayano is part of the Palarong Pambansa 2016. (PNA)

NTIL last year, every Manny Pacquiao fight is an event in his homeland, with his adoring countrymen either flocking to cinemas or free public screenings or staying at home, making sure not to miss the fight. Manila’s streets are consequently clear and the crime rate down.

Times appear to be changin’.

Days before Pacquiao’s third fight with Timothy Bradley, the buzz, obviously, isn’t the same. Bars and restaurants offering viewing parties for the bout have gone down and demand for tickets to live cinema screenings, which used to be cleaned up in hours, is lukewarm at best.

The difference is not lost on veteran boxing analyst and SPIN. ph columnist Ed Tolentino.

“When Pacman becomes just

another man, the atmosphere this time is subdued,” Tolentino said. “It’s like Elvis Presley making his final appearance sans the usual thunderous ovation.”

A check done by SPIN. ph on the availability of tickets for the fight in two of the country’s biggest cinema chains, SM Cinema and Robinsons Movieworld, showed not much movement on their respective online selling sites.

Prices, depending on the branch, have apparently gone down. Most theaters charge P500 while some tickets go for P400 like in SM North Edsa and in some Robinson cinemas. SM Cinema charges an additional P20 as a ‘convenience fee.’

As of Wednesday, a check on the SM Cinema website re -

vealed an average of 24 paid reservations online in 30 theaters nationwide. Even if you add house seats and reserved seating to the mix, the average only goes up to a measly 62 paying customers.

The largest numbers are in SM Manila (195), Megamall (194) and Southmall (172).

Robinsons Movieworld numbers aren’t any better for the Pambansang Kamao where an average of only 10 persons have made reservations in 22 theaters so far.

quiet in promoting or even showing Pacman’s latest bout.

Tolentino noted two major factors in the declining interest in what is being billed as Pacquiao’s farewell match: the controversy that followed the boxing icon’s comments on same sex marriage and the choice of Bradley as his opponent.

“Pacman’s popularity took a hit with his anti-gay slur and the choice of Bradley (as his next opponent),” said Tolentino. “(Bradley’s selection) left a sour taste in the mouth.

Bradley is good no doubt, but there are other more worthy foes. People think Bradley was specifically chosen as a safe foe since his punches can’t topple sand castles,” explained the longtime boxing observer.

As for the fight being Pacquiao’s swan song?

“Nobody is buying the retirement angle,” said Tolentino. “Gracious exits are very rare in boxing. In most cases, they fight too long, succumbing to the ‘one fight too many’ syndrome. Pacman is in a perfect position to break the trend. That is if he can keep the retirement vow.” █

Dwindling interest on Pacquiao fight noted U

FADING POPULARITY? Tickets for the Pay-Per-View and cinema showing of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight have been notably low compared to previous Pacquiao fights.

Four cinemas, notably in General Santos City where the Sarangani congressman is based, even have no reservations yet, but this is probably due to free PPVs in selected venues open to his constituents. The largest number of reservations are in Robinsons Ortigas with 62.

Meanwhile, restaurants that once bandied the much heralded Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight are equally qui-

et.

Several establishments that advertised viewing parties online and instore of past Pacquiao fights have also gone

Spieth hangs on to Masters lead J

ORDAN Spieth set a Masters record on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) by leading the tournament for the sixth straight round.

He sure didn’t seem to be in a mood to celebrate.

Spieth led by as many as five shots after a fast start, and then, just like everyone else on this wickedly windy day, he had to hang on for dear life. Spieth holed a 15-foot par putt on the 18th hole for a 2-over 74 that gave him a oneshot lead over Rory McIlroy.

“I’m still in the lead. I couldn’t ask for much better than leading,” Spieth said. “I’m a bit disappointed right now, fresh off the round. Two over

on the last three holes will leave you that way.”

McIlroy, who needs a green jacket to complete the Grand Slam, played the last six holes in 3 under for a 71 to match the low round of the day. Conditions were so brutal that it was the first time since the third round in 2007 that no one broke 70.

“I know I’m in a good position going into the weekend,” McIlroy said. “And I’m happy with that.”

The prospects of Spieth and McIlroy in the final group at any major, much less the Masters, is tantalizing. Both of them realize that this is far from the duel. With more

wind expected on Saturday, it feels more like everyone against Augusta National. And right now, the odds are with the golf course.

The way Spieth came back to the field, the Masters is wide open.

He was at 4-under 140, the highest 36-hole lead since that frigid, windy Masters in 2007.

Danny Lee bogeyed his last two holes for a 72 and was two shots behind, along with Scott Piercy (72). The only other players who remained under par were Hideki Matsuyama (72), Brandt Snedeker (72) and Soren Kjeldsen (74).

SLIM. Defending champion Jordan Spieth leads the US Masters in Augusta but barely.

SLAM. Kevin Pinckney of Phoenix Fuelmasters slams one against Globalport during their PBA Commissioner’s Cup duel on Friday night. Globalport won this one 125-118.

‘El Granada’joins loaded Beermen backcourt

G

ARY David started his stint with San Miguel Beer on Friday when he joined the Beermen in practice for the first time.

Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed the former PBA scoring champion’s presence in the team’s practice at Acropolis gym in Libis, a day after the Beermen acquired David from the free-agent

market.

“Yes, he did (practice),” Abanilla said in a text message.

David, who was relegated to the unrestricted free-agent list by Meralco, is now set to fight for minutes in a loaded SMB backcourt rotation led

by Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Ronald Tubid, and Ryan Arana.

The team is still mum on details of his contract.

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DISRESPECTED What pushed the Warriors to win no. 70 T

HE most disrespected great team in NBA history never had the chance to get satisfied.

The Golden State Warriors went from their Champagne showers in Cleveland to that championship parade along Lake Merritt, right into a cynical volcano that spewed molten Haterade over all they accomplished. At every turn, what the Warriors achieved got discredited and diminished: They got lucky.

The league was watered down. If so-and-so had been healthy ...

“Blah, blah, blah. We just kept having people put bulletin-board material out there for us,” Andrew Bogut told The Vertical. “What we heard in the offseason was we didn’t deserve to be champions – and it pissed guys off.

Every other week, someone made a comment. We heard all the naysayers. I think it was a good thing. I think it was a good thing.”

Bogut repeated himself and cracked a smile because he knows it was a good thing.

With Thursday’s 112-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors became the second NBA team in history win 70 games, and that’s largely because they never

had to search for motivation during their title defense.

Of course, the Warriors had the Spurs – also in the midst of their best season in franchise history – to push them so hard that 70 wins actually became a requirement to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

But more than anything, the Warriors had the hate. Of the 10 previous teams to win at least 67 games, the Warriors are the first to record more victories the following season. Their regular-season dominance has been the result of defiance – the kind that might finally be satiated by reaching some rarefied air.

Golden State (70-9) still needs to win its last three games to jump over Jumpman and break the 72-win record set in 1995-96 by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

But no matter the final win tally, the Warriors – at least, in their minds – have done enough to distinguish themselves as one of the best regular-season teams ever and prove that last season’s success didn’t come by accident.

“Should be enough. It’s only one [other] team who’s done it in NBA history, and it’s considered ‘the greatest team

ever,’ ” an air-quoting Klay Thompson told The Vertical.

“So I mean, we still got to take care of business in the playoffs. I think that will be the cap on everything. But this is a steppingstone for that.”

Coach Steve Kerr, the only link between those unforgettable Bulls and these immortality-seeking Warriors, likes to joke that he wins regardless of the outcome. But after clinching the No. 1 overall seed throughout the playoffs on Thursday, Kerr admitted to being “a little uneasy” about pushing his players to chase history. Kerr made a pact with his players to let them go for what he has deemed “a monumental task,” so long as they aren’t banged up, and plans to devise a plan on Friday before they head to play in Memphis.

One Warriors veteran expressed concern to The Vertical about the need for the team’s stars to rest in anticipation of a far more important championship chase. But most of the players – namely All-Stars Thompson, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green – want to seize 73 wins while the record remains within reach. The leave-no-doubt mentality has

permeated throughout the locker room.

“To get this far and kind of just tank it and say, ‘Aw, never mind,’ “ Green said.

“Let’s face it, we probably will never get to this point again.

That’s why it’s only been done one time. I think most guys in the locker room are all in, and we’ll figure that out this weekend.”

In the past few weeks, the Warriors got distracted by 73, succumbing to the scrutiny that led to a minislump in which they lost two of three games at home.

A troubling overtime loss to the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday forced the Warriors to recalibrate. “As Dean Wormer said in ‘Animal House,’ ‘Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.’ We were kind of fat, drunk and stupid the other night,” Kerr said before the Spurs game.

Aside from that momentary malaise, the Warriors have mostly avoided complacency this season. Perhaps more impressive than 70 wins is the fact the Warriors have yet to lose two games in a row. Harrison Barnes shared how a few teammates spent Thursday morning nitpicking their nine losses,

NO RESPECT. Despite their achievements, the Golden State Warriors led by consummate guard Steph Curry seem to have lacked what great teams deserve--respect. wondering what they could’ve done differently to change the outcome.

Only two years ago, Barnes said, the Wa r r i o r s doused each other with water after claiming 51 wins. “ W e thought that was the mountain top,” Barnes said.

“Then, last year, we won 67. Like, wow. I wonder what would’ve happened if we had tweaked a few games.

Could we have gotten to 70? Could we have gotten to 72? And here we are having an opportunity to do it. It’s been just a special journey, and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment. …

You look at how last year went, you get that feeling of just winning. It’s just addicting.” █