Edge Davao Vol 12 Issue 13 | Wednesday, March 27, 2019

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HARD LIFE

Frustrations, hardships forcing NPA rebels to yield: AFP

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ADAM B. MORRELL

espite the government’s decision to end of the peace negotiations with the New People’s Army (NPA), more Communist NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) members have decided to yield voluntarily to authorities, the military reported.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) spokesperson told Edge Davao on Monday, March 25, CNTG members surrendered over frustrations and hardships.

In two separate instances on Sunday, March 24, at 8:00am, two CNTG regulars surrendered to troops of the 67th Infantry Battalion, according to Balagtey.

“These CNTG members turned themselves in voluntarily because of frustrations and hardships,” he said.

Balagtey revealed that a certain "Dodong", a Team Leader of CNTG being monitored in the central boundary of Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental, voluntarily surrendered without �irearms at Sitio Guang-Guang, Brgy Dahican Mati City, Davao Oriental.

"He sought the help of Barangay Of�icials of Barangay Taocanga, Manay, Davao Oriental after he left the CNTG on March 21, 2019," he said.

An Allias "Kokoy" of the same group yielded to Tubaon, Patrol Base Brgy Tubaon, Taraggona, DOR on the same day with the assistance of an unnamed civilian.

"In his reavelation, he left the group after almost four months stint. He was recruited on December 8, 2018."

Recently, two CNTG Leaders (one Vice Commander and one Squad Leader) and a medic yielded to Ltc. Roy Anthony O. Derillo, Commander of 58th Infantry Battalion at its Headquarters in Barangay Migbantay, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The surrenderees who are only identi�ied through their aliases (Jun

HARD, P9

SLAUGHTERED. A man commissioned by a popular restaurant cleans newly slaughtered goats before burning off their fur at a roadside 'lechon' shop in Bangkal, Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

CONFERMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte confers the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan on one of the wounded soldiers he visited at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City over the weekend. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Drier days ahead A for Mindanao

Pinoys urged to elect pro-education candidates

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t least 17 areas in Mindanao including Davao City will experience dry spell while 11 provinces will be hit by drought by end of April 2019, according to a report of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In a March 22 report released on Monday, the dry spell will hit Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, North Cotabato, Saran-

gani, Agusan Del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Basilan and Lanao del Sur. A drought will occur in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Dina-

gat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Mindanao provinces will experience normal rainfall condition next month. Except for Misamis Occidental and Dinagat Island provinces, the island’s regions will receive near normal rainfall by May. In Luzon, dry spell will hit Ifugao, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Aurora, Batangas and Rizal; drought in Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, Apayao,

Mountain province, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.

In Visayas, dry spell will be experienced in Bohol, Cebu and Southern Leyte and drought in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bil-

DRIER, P10

n education advocacy group on Monday urged education stakeholders to choose leaders who will prioritize education in their legislative agenda.

“There is a need for stakeholders across various sectors of society to be deliberate and coordinated with our efforts to push for reforms in education. However, it is crucial that we choose leaders who are going to advocate for these policies aligned with the Philippine long-term development plan,” Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) executive director Lovelaine Basillote said in policy forum in Makati City.

Basillote said having such leaders would impact the government’s long-term vision for national develop-

ment, known as “AmBisyon Natin 2040.”

Under this platform, the education system must ensure that Filipino graduates acquire relevant competencies and develop values which would guarantee improved and quality life for all Filipinos.

Meanwhile, PBEd chair Ramon del Rosario noted that the Philippines has one of the highest unemployment rates in Asia, and Filipino graduates lack skills demanded by industries.

“Based on the latest data from the International Labor Organization, 21.7 percent of youth in the Philippines are not in education, employment or training as of 2017.

This goes back to the poor learning that happens in our

ed.

Group in Marawi City.

The House of Representatives, in a special joint session in July last year, granted the extension of martial law until December 31, 2017 at the President’s request.

The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted the Chief Executive’s request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018. (PNA)

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DOH heeds Comelec rule Martial Law in Mindanao favorable to IPs on poll campaign ads

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he Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it ‘strictly’ complies with the rules of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that prohibit posting of any campaign materials in all DOH-accredited hospitals.

The DOH issued the statement in response to Comelec’s request to take down “Malasakit Centers’ posters bearing the face of senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go outside the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

The health department

stressed it “did not issue any instructions for DOH hospitals to use, distribute or post materials which feature the name or face of any person running in position”.

It explained PGH is not under DOH jurisdiction and, therefore, Comelec’s request should be addressed to the University of the Philippines.

“We have reminded our medical center chiefs to immediately take down any visual displays of candidates that may be found in our facilities,” the statement read.

“We request the public

DOH, P9

S

ome members of Mindanao’s indigenous peoples (IPs) have expressed their continued support to the ongoing martial law in the island.

Datu Ramon Dayaan, in an interview with DWDD Radio on March 20, said the reports claiming that IP are being abused or having problems due to martial law are not true, adding that sources of these information are coming from Luzon, not from Mindanao.

“Do not believe those news, those reports are coming from Luzon, not

from IPs communities in Mindanao,” he said in Filipino.

In fact, Dayaan claimed martial law’s implementation has prevented the New People’s Army (NPA) from executing or killing many IP for not following rules set by the rebels which include none participation in rallies and refusal to join up with the communist terrorist movement.

This earned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and President Rodrigo R. Rodrigo the gratitude of IP communities, he add-

Congress, in joint session December 12, has 235 in favor, 28 against, and one abstention in the vote to approve the extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019.

The AFP recommended another year-long extension of martial law in the above-mentioned island in a bid to totally neutralize terror groups still operating in Mindanao.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

OSG asks SC to junk challenge vs. Mislatel

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FINAL SOPA. Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza of North Cotabato reports her administration’s performance and accomplishments as she delivers her final State of the Province Address (SOPA) held at the Provincial Gym in Amas, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

March fire incidents now over 50: BFP

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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arch, designated as Fire Prevention Month, saw over 50 �ire incidents in Davao City, the latest of which came on Monday that razed seven houses.

In a report by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), there were 50 �ire incidents in this month of March alone which, according to BFP 11 chief of intelligence and inspection Senior Fire Of�icer (SFO) 2 Ramil Gillado, is “alarming.”

Gillado said most �ire incidents are mainly caused by the people’s negligence.

“Wala na gampanan sa bawat isa ang responsibilty kay kaning �ire prevention and �ire safety kay individual’s

concern ug dili na ni siya responsibility sa BFP,” Gillado said.

Throughout the years, BFP has been conducting �ire safety awareness in the community that goes with information dissemination to the public, said Gillado.

“Pero despite sa information na atong gina disseminate kumbaga dili man gud nila gina take seriously ug dili nila gina buhat ug habit ang �ire prevention,” he said.

Gillado, however, dismissed the hearsays that

there are arsons behind this mass number of �ire incident in March 2019 alone.

Rather, he cited the fact that more electric appliances are being used this hot season which cause electrical short circuits.

Gillado said recent �ire incidents mostly involved residential houses.

“Wala nay authority ang BFP to conduct inspection sa ilaha (residentials) para ma determine nato unsa sila ka safe. Ang pinaka naay responsinbility na mag maintain sa ilahang safety kay sila jud mismo,” he said.

On Monday, March 25,

seven houses were totally gutted down nd six others partially damaged in Purok 1, Barangay 37-D in Mabini, Davao City.

The �ire in�licted more or less P700,000 worth of damage to property.

Gillado, meanwhile, said the biggest �ire incident reported this year was in February 20 in Purok 4, Barangay 23-C in Davao City. More than 200 houses and was declared a fourth alarm �ire.

Fire �ighters took more than four hours to declare �ire out.

Gillado urged everyone to be responsible and keep in mind the �ire prevention and �ire safety awareness.

those students have been invited to China to see for themselves to strengthen understanding and friendship," he said.

Since 2014, more than 200 students from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and the University of the Philippines have bene�ited from the embassy's education program, while some others have been sent to China and its provinces for learning tours.

PNU Bachelor in Mathematics and Science Elementary student Edralyn de Guzman, who was among the students sent to Beijing under the

youth program, hailed the embassy's initiative as an avenue that enabled them to understand the South Asian country more.

"For me, personally, my perspective quite changed with regards to China or with the people actually," she said in an interview.

During the launch of the Global Classroom at the Ateneo de Manila Junior and Senior High School on Monday, Tan proposed a similar partnership but more focused on language to Ateneo de Manila University president, Father Jose Ramon T. Villarin.

"Maybe we should have exchange programs in the future so that they (Chinese students) can learn Filipino and students here can learn Mandarin," he said.

In his speech, he said "good bilateral relations between nations can only be based on good understanding and friendship between the peoples".

At present, there are around 300 Chinese students studying in the Philippines, while the Chinese government is annually providing more than 50 scholarships to Filipino students in China. (PNA)

China eyes more tie-up with PH universities on student exchanges

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he Chinese Embassy in Manila is planning to forge more agreements with Philippine universities, as it cited the positive outcome of existing student exchanges aimed at strengthening the Manila-Beijing relations.

"We have two university partners but in the future we will consider expanding the program to other universities as well," Chargés d'Affaires Tan Qingsheng said on the sidelines of the recent Embassy Scholars' Reception in Makati City.

"Right now we are satis�ied with the results and

overnment lawyers asked the Supreme Court (SC) to turn down a suit questioning the awarding of the third telecommunications slot to Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co. (Mislatel).

In a 38-page comment, Solicitor General Jose Calida asked for the dismissal of the amended petition �iled last December 2018 by Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

(PT&T) challenging the selection process used by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in selecting the new major player (NMP).

The OSG belied the allegation of PT&T that the NTC committed grave abuse of discretion when it declared the consortium of Udenna Corp. of businessman Dennis Uy and China Telecom, as provisional NMP despite having no valid congressional franchise.

He cited the letter of the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchise dated Nov. 13, 2018, which stated that “the Committee has not received any notice of a judgment from any judicial or quasi-judicial body revoking or cancelling the franchise granted to Mislatel.”

“In this case, petitioner’s allegation that the NMP-SC (selection committee) may have possibly admitted defective documents sub-

mitted by the Mislatel Consortium on various grounds had already been addressed by the NMP-SC and its TWG (technical working group) during the detailed evaluation phase of the selection process. Based on the Document Veri�ication Report and the Supplemental Document Veri�ication Report submitted to the NMPSC, the submitted Selection Documents of Mislatel group is found to be complete, valid and duly executed,” the comment read.

Calida also justi�ied the disquali�ication of PT&T during the selection process, particularly due to the bidder’s failure to meet the technical requirement set by NTC and lack of certi�ication of technical capability.

“Petitioner, therefore, cannot be considered technically capable because it failed to meet the required scope and period of coverage. It does not provide nationwide operation and it has not been providing telecommunication services for the past 10 years,” he argued.

Calida further explained that even if PT&T has regional operations in Region 4-A (Calabarzon), it “still cannot be considered technically capable as it had admitted several times that it has already ceased its telecommunications services.”(PNA)

DOLE urges enterprises to give EML Law a chance

L

abor Secretary Silvestre Bello III urged enterprises to give the Extended Maternity Leave (EML) Law a chance to effectively uphold the welfare of women workers and employees.

The labor chief allayed fears that the effectivity of the EML will discourage the hiring of women employees, and limit their participation in productive work.

“We do not see this perceived fear as having any effect on the employment of women. Companies and enterprises hire workers based on their competencies and skills, and not on the basis of gender,” Bello, in a statement said.

The labor chief said the law is a milestone legislation that will enable women to be economically active by helping them manage a healthy worklife balance, which trans-

lates to higher productivity at work.

He said the EML will also address the issue of low participation rate of women in the labor force, now ranging between 45 to 50 percent, attributable to their multiple role at home.

“The law will boost the employment participation of women as they are given longer time to rest and attend to their maternal obligations during childbirth period. It also addresses health issues among women as they are given ample time to recuperate after giving birth before reporting back to work,” he said.

The EML, signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte last month, grants a 105-day or three months of paid maternity leave for female workers in both government and private sectors regardless of the

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Supermarkets to ensure availability of NFA rice

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he Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA) vowed that it will ensure that subsidized rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) will be made more available in supermarkets across the country.

This as PAGASA expressed con�idence that the rice tarif�ication policy of the government will lead to lower rice prices in the market.

“We assure that cheap rice will be available in the market. Rice tarif�ication will also help achieve this,” PAGASA President Steven Cua said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.

He urged the government to expedite the issuance of permits to supermarkets for them to sell the NFA rice to their customers.

“Some of our member supermarkets are not selling subsidized rice because they need a permit from the NFA,” according to Cua.

The PAGASA has signed a memorandum of agreement last September with the Department of Trade and Industry and NFA to allow the distribution and selling of subsidized rice in supermarkets nationwide.

Consumers may buy up to two bags or four kilograms of NFA rice in participating supermarkets for PHP 27 per kilogram.

Furthermore, Cua said rice tarif�ication will help ensure wider availability of affordable rice in the market for consumers.

“The rice prices will depend on the quality of supply that will be imported in the country,” he said.

The National Economic and Development Authority has earlier assured that subsidized NFA rice will still be available in the market until the end of this year while consumers also bene�it from cheaper imported rice with the passage of the rice tarif�ication law.(PNA)

Department of Labor and Employment and other concerned agencies.

The TESDA chief noted that through this law, funding availability is institutionalized. Thus, even those in private technical vocational institutions will have access to free TVET. How does this law differ from other TESDA programs? Lapeña said there are several expanded bene�its.

“There will be more bene�iciaries, sources of funds, among others,” he said.

Bene�iciaries, he said, would include persons at least 15 years old and are not employed.

Schools and training centers as well as industry boards can avail of the Tulong Trabaho fund by sub-

mitting list of possible bene�iciaries, he added, subject to quali�ication criteria.

Industry boards and institutions that need funding from the Tulong Trabaho Fund may submit their list of trainees who are applying for assistance to concerned TESDA regional directors who will then assess the recipients for �inal approval of the Secretary.

Expanded sources of fund would come from the GAA as well as funding donations from both public and private institutions, according to TESDA. Lapeña also noted that under this law, TESDA would cover not just the training fees but also laboratory and other administrative fees related to the completion of the course. (PNA)

bution hike for maternity bene�its.

“We will have to source the fund from other sources within the Social Security fund,” she said.

Under Republic Act (RA) 11199, otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 2018, the state-pension fund for workers in the private sector may increase contributions by one percentage point every other year from the current 11 percent to 15 percent by 2025 without the approval of the President.

This is targeted to increase the pension fund’s

actuarial life by 13 years from 2032 to 2045 or upon the full implementation of the law on 2025.

However, the Expanded Maternity Leave law, which SSS is mandated to implement, is seen to reduce this by a year without the additional contribution.

Under the law, pregnant workers will have 105 days of paid maternity leave, 7 days of which are transferable to fathers. It does not discriminate whether the pregnancy already exceeded four pregnancies.

It gives single mothers additional 15 days leave

PRICE HIKE. Scavengers sort out empty plastic bottles they collected from garbage bins inside Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Tuesday. Prices of bottled water drinks and fruit juices are expected to go up during the summer, according to the Philippine

Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc. (PAGASA) as demand will likely to increase. Lean Daval Jr

Bottled water, juices to get more expensive this summer

TESDA to create IRR on ‘Tulong Trabaho’law

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rices of bottled water drinks and fruit juices are expected to go up during the summer, according to the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc. (PAGASA).

PAGASA President Steven Cua explained that demand for liquid drinks is likely to increase as consumers buy these products to quench their thirst amid the hotter days.

“Bottled water and drinks as well as fruit juices are some of the items that will be in demand for this summer season,” Cua said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.

He also sees price increases for personal care products such as bath soaps and shampoo.

The group urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor the movement of the prices of these products.

“Pricing products is basically a management issue for supermarkets. They will do this if there is an increase in the demand of certain products in order to sustain their pro�itability,” according to Cua. The supermarket industry leader also projects that the volatility in petroleum prices in the world market might cause a

signi�icant impact on the transportation of products such as fruits and vegetables to the supermarkets.

“In�lation is a necessary evil. Ang mahalaga ay kailangan ito bantayan na di ito gaano makaapekto sa kinikita ng ating mga kababayan (What is important is that we must monitor and ensure that this will not substantially affect the incomes of our countrymen),” Cua said.

The Department of Energy has warned consumers to expect further oil price increases in the world due to geopolitical tensions in major oil producing countries.

Pump prices so far this year have had a net increase of PHP6.99 per liter for diesel; PHP8.99 per liter for gasoline; and PHP4.67 per liter for kerosene.

Meanwhile, the DTI has assured that the supplies and prices of bottled water will remain stable amid the current water shortage in parts of Metro Manila.

This comes as beverage makers assured that they will not increase the prices of bottled water until the water supply problem is resolved

by May. (PNA)

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he Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will soon create a technical working group to draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) in line with the recently signed Tulong Trabaho law.

“We target on or before May 27 to issue the IRR. Consultations with stakeholders will be done and this will be headed by a TESDA deputy director general,” Secretary Isidro Lapeña told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.

Republic Act 11230 or An Act Instituting a Philippine Labor Force Competencies Competitiveness Program and Free Access to Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Appropriating Funds Therefor, establishes the Tulong Trabaho

UPS e-Fulfillment program launched

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mart businesses know marketplaces are the heart of e-commerce, but they can be cumbersome: Sellers must juggle multiple logins, the labor and logistics of packing, shipping and tracking sales and managing inventory. Then comes updating all the marketplace listings, which can take hours.

Enter the rollout of UPS (NYSE: UPS) eFul�illmentoffering smalland medium-sized businessesworldwide streamlined ful�illment and shipping servicesto consumers in the U.S. and Canada. The solution

supports purchases and orders from 21 different marketplaces and web stores, including eBay, Wal-Mart, Etsy and Amazon, including Prime. The new platform augments UPS’s suite of custom e-commerce solutions designed to support small and medium-sized businesses.

“With small and medium enterprises comprising 99.6% of Philippine businesses, e-commerce has emerged as a gateway to access new markets and opportunities. Greater accessibility and demand often bring about opportunities; but

operations can also grow increasingly complex. UPS eFul�illment offers a streamlined platform for managing inventory, orders, and costs— simplifying how you do business, while still making sure you meet consumer expectations,” said Chris Buono, Managing Director of UPS Philippines.

Signing up is as easy as enrolling via a quick onboarding process and listing products. UPS, which is currently offering a risk free 60-day trial, handles storing the merchandise, packaging products once a sale is made

UPS, P10

Fund which provides free training fees and additional �inancial aid such as transportation allowances for quali�ied bene�iciaries enrolling in selected training programs.

According to TESDA, RA 11230 will take effect on March 28, or 15 days after its publication last March 13.

The law requires TESDA to issue the IRR within 60 days after its effectivity.

Lapeña said TESDA will invite stakeholders in the industry and the academe in drafting the IRR, and may also include the

Expanded maternity leave to cut SSS actuarial life by 1 year T

he Expanded Maternity Leave law is estimated to shorten the Social Security System’s (SSS) fund life by one year if a contribution hike is not imposed to correct this situation.

The law, which took effect this month, is projected to increase SSS’ maternity bene�it disbursements from about PHP6 billion in 2017 to about PHP13.5 billion this year.

SSS Acting President and Chief Executive Of�icer (CEO) Aurora Cruz-Ignacio, in a brie�ing Monday, said the amended SSS Charter does not include the contri-

EXPANDED, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

5

Coast Guard SouthMin collabs with EMC N SFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao will continue to strengthen the cooperation and interoperability of both organizations in �ields of Law Enforcement and Humanitarian Assistance in the Municipal waters of Southeastern Mindanao.

The two Commanders

Pag-IBIG Fund releases recordbreaking P75.3B in home loans in 2018, up by 16%

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ag-IBIG Fund released P75.31 billion in home loans in 2018, besting its previous record of releasing P65.13 billion in home loans in 2017.

This amount �inanced the acquisition and construction of 90,375 homes for PagIBIG members,12% higher than the 80,964 homes �inanced in 2017. Of these, 21,389 or 24% were for socialized housing units given to minimum-wage and low-income earners.

“Pag-IBIG Fund’s performance in 2018 stands out as the best year so far. When we achieve record-breaking disbursements in home loans, we are happy because these signify our members’ satisfaction with our programs as we help more members with their housing needs.

Pag-IBIG Fund remains as one of the key institutions in President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s drive to provide

social services to more Filipinos,” said Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, who heads both the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Home loan releases in 2018 breached for the �irst time the P70-billion mark and grew 16% over the previous year, marking the third consecutive year for Pag-IBIG Fund to achieve double-digit growth in its home loan releases.

“It took us 36 years for our home loan releases to reach the P50 billion level in 2016, and just one year to P60 billion in 2017. We replicated our success and worked harder than ever in 2018 to bring our home loans to P75.31 billion and help shelter more PagIBIG members,” said Pag- IBIG Fund Chief Executive Of�icer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti.

In total, Pag-IBIG

Fund home loans reached P95.02 billion in 2018 to �inance homes for 108,012 families. This includes the amount released and P19.71 billion pending for release for 17,637 homes. Those pending for release are approved home loan applications, the proceeds of which are ready for release upon submission by borrowers of post-approval requirements.

“We thank our members for continuously supporting Pag-IBIG Fund. Your support has led to our outstanding performance in 2018.

And because of the record-breaking feats and sustained growth of the Fund, we are very con�ident that the rates of our loans will remain low and we don’t foresee an increase in housing interest rates anytime soon so that more members can achieve their dream of homeownership,” CEO Moti added.

agreed to help each other after Acting Commander of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, Commodore Roy A. Echeverria PCG paid a courtesy call to Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastmincom at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan Davao City on March 26, 2019.

“The collaboration and interoperability of the two organizations is

so important so that we can complement each other in our respective missions in sustaining peace and order in Southeastern Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Santos Jr., said Commodore Echeverria was tendered with honors during his arrival at Headquarters Eastmincom and was received by Lt. Gen. Santos Jr. and other members of the Uni�ied Command Staff.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

EDITORIAL Sporting gains In the late 90’s, Davao City bid and lost for the Palarong Pambansa hosting represented by the late councilor Cornelio “Bing” Reta.

It was a no brainer then that the city could not be given the hosting rights. It has no sports complex to hold the event. The city only had the dilapidated Palaruang Lungsod or the PTA Grounds which is now where the People’s Park lies.

This year, Davao City will �inally host the biggest sports conclave in the country featuring the �inest athletes from the elementary and secondary schools backyard. It was a long time coming.

Last week up until the weekend, the city was in the sports radar with the staging of the Ironman 70.3 event with a slew of foreign participants joining a huge �ield of nearly 2,000 including the side events. Not to mention the families, friends and crew who came with the participants, the city was virtually �illed to the brim, the economic activity was brisk and the publicity mileage was massive. We need not look to the �igures. We only need to look at the goings-on around and the in�lux of people.

Next month, it’s the Palarong Pambansa and by the looks of it based on previous stagings, expect some 10,000 visitors comprising

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ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. JAN MIKKO CANARIAS CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

DR. MAURO L. PUYOD LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Cartoonist Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO• DENNIS “GICO” R. G.GORECHO DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ MUJAHID NAVARRA • HAROLD CAVITE

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

the regional contingents, of�icials, families and friends.

A month after the Palarong Pambansa, there’s another major sports event which is the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games. The PRISAA Nationals feature the country’s top collegiate athletes. The numbers here may not surpass the Palaro attendance but it will be just as staggering.

Davao City never had this sports juggernaut until lately when sports facilities were built by both public and private sectors. The Torres-owned University of Mindanao built its sports complex with an Olympic-standard track oval followed by the state-owned University of the Philippines-Mindanao sports complex.

These sporting gains translate to economic activities whose impact will be extensive. The image Davao City has built, from a sleeping sporting host to a sporting mecca of Mindanao, is proof that sports is a powerful tool to promote the territory in terms of sports tourism and economy.

Not to mention the intangibles—health consciousness, active lifestyle for the community, and keeping the children away from illegal drugs and criminality.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE WAITING GAME “So I waited. Then I got used to waiting. Eventually, waiting was more real than what we had.” – Andre Aciman, Enigma Variations *** Some of my friends do play chess; I don’t. So, I was surprised when I read the column of Edmund Lao in Business Mirror that chess is a waiting game.

“Chess is actually a game of wits, nerve and patience,” he wrote. “This is a game where one plans and strategizes where to place his pieces to minimize risk and loss while rooting for victory. A small miscalculation can spell the difference between victory and defeat.”

To drive his point, Lao shares this anecdote: “There was once a story about a chess game between two grandmasters.

The �irst played very cautious and boring moves.

“The other one, who was out to play for a win, was already getting impatient on the situation of the game. Knowing he was rated higher than the other, he played aggressively in haste in order to force a win. However, unknown to him, the other player was just waiting for him to be aggressive and make a blunder. The lower-rated grandmaster won the game.

“The loser, still unable to ac-

cept his loss, said to the winner, ‘You won only because you waited for me to commit a mistake.’ The winner replied, ‘If that is the way to win, then wait!’”

American Catholic Bishop Fulton J. Sheen said it right: “Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is ‘timing.’ It waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and in the right way.”

But just the loser Lao mentioned in his anecdote, I am a person who hates waiting. That’s why I hate people who appear before you during appointments 30 minutes late – or even one hour late.

This waiting game is too much to bear for people who are always in a hurry. When Makoto Shinkai wrote this statement in 5 Centimeters per Second, I could picture myself doing such thing also: “In the end, the train stood 2 hours motionless in the middle of nowhere. Every minute seemed like an eternity. Time felt crept by slowly, with clear malice towards me. All I could do was grip my teeth and try to hold back my tears…”

Waiting happens when one person is already at the meeting place while the other is still approaching. Don’t these people know that waiting is not only

boring but also makes the person waiting to become angry? “I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them,” said E.V. Lucas.

That’s understandable because they are not the one waiting! “Waiting’s exhaustible,” deplored Tota Beta, author of My Ancestor Was an Ancient Astronaut.

People who come late must do something about it. I know they have reasons why they are late but I am sure there are possible solutions to these reasons. For instance, if they complain about traf�ic, they could always leave their place of origin one hour in advance. It’s just like having a �light; you have to check in two hours before the scheduled �light.

Now, let me share you another story – this time from Brian Cavanaugh: A young man presented himself to the local expert on gems and said he wanted to become a gemologist. The expert brushed him off because he feared that the youth would not have the patience to learn. The young man pleaded for a chance. Finally, the expert consented and told the youth, “Be here tomorrow.”

The next morning, the expert put a jade stone in the boy’s hand

and told him to hold it. The expert then went about his work: cutting, weighing, and setting gems. The boy sat quietly and waited.

The following morning, the expert again placed the jade stone in the youth’s hand and told him to hold it. On the third, fourth, and �ifth day, the expert repeated the exercise and the instructions.

On the sixth day, the youth held the jade stone, but could no longer stand the silence. “Sir,” he asked, “when am I going to learn something?”

“You’ll learn,” the expert replied and went about his business.

Several more days went by and the youth’s frustration mounted. One morning as the expert approached and beckoned for him to hold out his hand, he was about to blurt out that he could go on no longer. But as the master placed the stone in the youth’s hand, the young man exclaimed without looking at his hand. “This is the not the same jade stone!”

“You have begun the learn,” the master said.

Lailah Giffy Akita, author of Think Great: Be Great!, has these words for the boy: “Don’t be in a hurry. Everything arise in the due time.”

There are so many things you can learn while waiting. In my case, I get a small notebook and

write some thoughts. But these days, people never seem to appreciate the value of waiting. After all, they can always send text messages or update their social media.

If you are the one who is being waited, be sure to come on time. “When the boat is waiting for you, when the rows are waiting for you, when the calm sea is waiting for you, when the sun is waiting for you, when everything is ready to help you to move forward, be there or those who wait will go away!” Those words come from the pen of Mehmet Murat Ildan.

Waiting is a matter of principle – even in love. “Wait. This was the �irst lesson I learned about love,” wrote Paulo Coehlo in By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept.

“The day drags along, you make thousands of plans, you imagine every possible conversation, you promise to change your behavior in certain ways – and you feel more and more anxious until your loved one arrives.”

A lot of people who are in love can relate to what happens next. “But by then, you don’t know what to say,” Coelho wrote. “The hours of waiting have been transformed into tension, the tension has become fear, and the fear makes you embarrassed about showing affection.”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE CZECH CONNECTION Long before Dr. Jose P. Rizal introduced Czechoslovakia (created as a democratic republic in 1918) to Filipino consciousness, its famous son, Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt of Litomerice (previously Leitmeritz), the secondary school principal turned ethnographer, had already cultivated a healthy, academic connexion with the national hero.

The exchange of research notes between the two scholars started after the Filipino, in one of his many European sorties, visited the Czech Republic, stayed there for a week, and forged life-long interest with Dr. Blumentritt about the culture and history of the Philippines.

As an af�irmation of the Czech’s interest in the archipelago, Dr. Blumentritt had already published a book about the country, three decades before American colonial rule, at a time when Dr. Rizal was just eighteen years old and had yet to make his �irst trip abroad.

Fast forward, one hundred thirty years since the Rizal-Blumentritt correspondence started, the Czech Republic opened its consular of�ice in Davao City in 2013, appointing Guilbert C.

Go, a prominent Filipino-Chinese businessman, as honorary consul. The opening of the consular of�ice, however, is predated by the arrival of the replica of the miraculous Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, named after the capital of Czech Republic, which reached the city in 1968 and now installed for veneration at the sprawling Matina Shrine owned by the Santos clan.

According to the Santos family tradition, the religious icon was spirited out of Prague

by Briccio G. Santos (head of the Film Development Center of the Philippines during the second Aquino administration), at the prodding of his mother, Catalina Garcia, the wife of former Davao City mayor and later interior and local government secretary Luis T. Santos. The narrative about the smuggling of the icon was later embellished with so many other details.

The Davao image of the Holy Infant of Prague (an exact replica of the icon in the Carmelite Monastery and Shrine of Our Lady of Victories in Prague), is described in a 2018 online article, ‘The Holy Infant of Prague of Davao - The Cher-

ished King of Davao’: “The image was done in a detallado style where the image was carved with his seamless robe and… vested with numerous vestments that were given by his devotees over the centuries from different Kings and Queens, noble families and his devotees from Prague and other parts of the world. The image presents a crowned Child Jesus standing upright, his right hand is in a gesture of blessing while the other was holding a globus cruciger - a symbol of his Kingship.”

According to church history, the piety to the icon started with Saint Teresa of Avila, whose devotion to Child Jesus inspired her to bring similar images to convents she founded throughout Spain; one of the icons was given to Doña Isabella Manrique, a Spanish noble woman, when her daughter, Duchess Maria Maximiliana Manrique de Lara wedded Vratislav of Pernstein, a Czech nobleman, in 1556.

To the duchess’ credit, she relived the family inheritance and used the icon as a wedding gift, which she brought to Prague. She later handed the

image as wedding present to Lady Polyxena of Lobkovice when she married in 1587.

And when Polyxena became a widow, she gave the icon to the Carmelites of Prague in 1623 for veneration.

True enough, through the centuries many miracles have been attributed to the icon.

Later, the image was spread through the help of Venerable F. Cyril, OCD, who helped restore the image after it was irreverently reinstated by Swedish soldiers who assaulted Prague.

It was the padre who received this promise of the Christ to people honoring Him through the devotion to his Divine Childhood: “The more you honor me, I will bless you.”

The local feast day of the Holy Infant of Prague falls on January 15, the date of the arrival of the icon in Davao City.

With amazing stories adding religious signi�icance to the image’s veneration, “devotees began offering him vestments and other ex votos as gifts to the Child Jesus.”

In 2018, as part of the warming ties between the Czech Republic and the Philippines, the European nation

expanded its connection by opening new opportunities to Filipinos. Philippine embassy charge d’affaires Juan E. Dayang, Jr. (son of Juan P. Dayang, president emeritus of Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc.) was informed by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, during a diplomatic event in Prague in February, the allocation of 1,000 job openings.

A month earlier, in a subliminal tribute to the Tausug roots of Datu Mama Bago, the hero of Davao who lost after a �ierce resistance against the superior Spanish naval force in 1848 during the conquest of Davao, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed lawyer Ombra Jainal, a Tausug from Siasi, Sulu, and a San Beda alumnus, as envoy of the Philippines to the Czech Republic.

Jainal, prior to his appointment, was a member of the Peace Implementing Panel of the Moro National Liberation Front (Nur Misuari faction), a former regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment, and erstwhile solicitor-general of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (1996-2000).

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

THE SPECTER of

EL NIÑO (First of Three Parts)

Text by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

J

ethro P. Adang is a little bit worried. The corns are already �lowering. The ampalaya seedlings had been transplanted in the �ield two weeks ago. The water in the tilapia ponds is receding. The grasses have turned from green to brown. Last year, although summer was just around the corner, there was still plenty of water.

Adang is the new director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. He assumed the post last December yet when Roy C. Alimoane retired as the head of the non-government organization based in barangay Kinuskusan of Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “We really don’t know what will happen to the crops we have planted,” he said. “Since I am still new here, I have told our staff to make some drastic changes with our cropping plans. After all, a dry spell is expected to hit the country as the weather bureau announced last year that a moderate El Niño will be felt all over the country.”

Every time El Niño strikes, food production suffers. During the climate-related phenomenon, intense heat dries up farmlands, reservoirs and waterways all over the country. Water is needed to grow crops and without it, the crops wither and ultimately die. Those who survived may not give the best optimum level, thus the production is very low.

In some parts of the country, the bad boy weather has whipped various crops of farmers. In Pagadian City, for instance, the council declared the city under a state of calamity as drought has affected more than a thousand farmers. In Cebu, the town of Carmen has also been de-

clared under the same situation as farmers and residents suffer scarcity of water.

Adang said he is just “little bit worried” because the center has an upland farming technology that can substantially defy the onslaught of El Niño. He is referring to the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), which has been observed to produce crops despite the long drought.

During the El Niño that happened in 1983, the cost and return analysis of the SALT demonstration plot still managed to give a monthly net income of P436.90.

“The income may not be that huge but just remember that the study happened thirty-six years ago,” he reminded. “And it’s already net income and not gross income.”

The previous recorded �igure, in 1982, was P597.85 per month. Reported studies showed that most upland farmers in the country during that time get a measly income of only P300 per month.

In 1990, when another drought hit Mindanao, the SALT system had a monthly net income of P1,277.31.

This was only 54.34 lower than the previous reported monthly net income of P1,331.74 in 1989.

SALT introduces a scheme whereby denuded uplands can be made productive for farmers using locally available materials. Planting leguminous trees and shrubs closely as “belts,” this technology conserves soil and water, making the uplands more favorable for the sustained production of many annual and perennial agricultural crops.

“I think the reason why our SALT farm still yields crops was due to the hedgerows planted along the con-

tours of the farm,” said Adang, who used to work with some upland farmers in other parts of Asia.

Among those that are used for hedgerows are locally-grown “ipil-ipil” (Leucaena leucocephala) and “kakawate” (Gliricidia sepium). Introduced species like Flemingia macrophylla, Indigofera anil, and Desmodium rensonii can also be used. “They all �ix nitrogen from the air,” Adang said. “As such, they help fertilize the soil with the droppings of their leaves.”

The hedgerows are cut down when they are one meter tall or when they begin to shade crops. “The cut branches with leaves are piled at the base of the crops to serve as fertilizer,” Adang said. “They also serve as mulching materials so that the moisture can be retained in the soil.”

That’s partly one of the main secrets of the SALT scheme.

A study, which started in 1991 and ended in 1994, was done at the center between traditional farming and SALT farming. It was aimed in measuring the moisture availability of soil at a six-inch depth.

“Our study showed that each of our SALT components tends to have more available moisture than the non-SALT farming system at the sixinch depth,” Adang claimed, adding that the trees within a cropping system do not necessarily compete for moisture. “In fact, they may bene�it one another in the long run,” he points out.

In the SALT system, various crops are planted. “Doing so means a farmer can have a harvest every now and then,” Adang said. “Planting several crops also minimize pest infestation and help control diseases among crops.”

Permanent crops – like

cacao, coffee, banana, and fruit trees – can be planted at the same time when nitrogen �ixing tree and shrub species (NFTSS) are planted. Permanent crops are planted on every third strip. On the �irst and second strips, short-term and medium-term crops are grown.

“The crops grown in �irst and second strips become the source of income for the farmers and in some instances foods for the family. It may take sometimes for the permanent crops to bear fruits. “Short crops should be planted away from tall ones to avoid shading,” reminded Adang.

Crop rotation is also practiced in the SALT farm. “A good way of crop rotation is to plant grains (corn, upland rice, and sorghum), tubers (sweet potato, cassava, and “gabi”), and other crops (veg-

etables, legumes, and peas) on strips where legumes were previously planted and vice versa,” Adang suggested.

“This practice will help maintain the fertility and good condition of the soil.”

The SALT scheme is also a good way of controlling soil erosion. Generally, after a long drought, a farm is barren and without cover. So, when a big rain comes, all the topsoil is washed out.

In a study done by MBRLC, it was found that SALT is very effective in controlling soil erosion because of the thickly planted NFTSS. “Where the non-SALT system yields a total of almost 1,200 tons of erosion over the sixyear study, the SALT farms only yields a total of 20 tons,” Adang said.

Computing the data, the study showed that the annual rate of soil loss for SALT sys-

tem is 3.4 tons per hectare per year. “This is much less than the non-SALT system, which is 194.3 tons per hectare per year,” said Adang.

Both the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are recommending the adoption of SALT as a way to cushion the impacts of the looming El Niño.

“SALT is an agroforestry technology which combines agricultural and forestry crops in a single land, at a percentage ratio of 75:25,” points out the book, El Niño Southern Oscillation: Mitigating Measures, published jointly by DOST and DA. “This technology can help reduce soil erosion four times, increase the yield crop �ive times, and improve income six times.”

(To be continued)

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Jacob Lagman and Carmien Rooibos tea.

AN AFTERNOON OF

Celebrity chef and mom Donita Rose for Stoneline cookware.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE OPTIONS AT CHIMES

WHEN it comes to finding fashion, Chimes is definitely the source of everything chic, but did you know that the fashionable superstore is also where one can find lifestyle brands for your home and lifestyle? Recently, Chimes together with Everstrong Industrial Sales hosted an afternoon featuring the newest line of teas and home products that are sure to change your life in a healthy way.

The event started with Everstrong’s Jacob Lagman introducing Carmien Tea. Known for its numerous health benefits, Carmien Rooibos tea has more antioxidants than green tea. “ Another health benefit of Rooibos tea is that it is naturally caffeine free” said Jacob who also shared his story of first tasting the fruity tea in one of his travels to South Africa.

Healthier water Our bodies consist of water

and we need to drink the right amount of water to stay fit and healthy, but the quality of the water also affects one’s health shared Jessica Lagman when she introduced Idrogen.

Founded in 2011, Idrogen is a brand of innovative hydrogen water generators. Hydrogen water acts as a powerful antioxidant that has anti-aging and disease prevention benefits that can affect the entire body.

Manufactured in Korea using Japanese technology, Idrogen has a range of products ranging from a portable version, tumbler type and a dispenser type as well.

“The hydrogen water pro-

duced by Idrogen products bond with the free radicals in our bodies which benefit our general health,” said Jessica.

Healthier meals The highlight of the afternoon was when celebrity chef and mom Donita Rose shared her way to cooking healthier

Donita putting the finishing touches on her Durian Curry Chicken.

Donita and the faculty and staff of iChef.

Jessica Lagman and fat-free cooking that is oven Idrogen’s tumblertype hydrogen water safe and is suitable for all types of stoves. The German-made generator. meals using Stoneline cookcookware uses a high quality ware. “I am not an endorser Stoneline coating which has of the product but I have been optimum non-stick properusing Stoneline cookware ties and a very durable, easy for the longest time,” shared to clean and scratch resistant Donita while preparing a dish surface. specially made for the event, a Good health is indeed fashDurian Curry Chicken. ionable and at Chimes, both The stone coating is PFOA fashion and healthy lifestyle free and allows for healthy, options go together.

EDGED

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SUN LIFE HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH & WELLNESS IN IRONMAN DAVAO

By KENNETH IRVING ONG IN A BID to highlight its health and wellness thrust and encourage more Filipinos to live healthier lives, Sun Life Financial Philippines took part in this year’s Ironman 70.3 in Davao with a string of activities for athletes and guests alike.

Actor and athlete Piolo Pascual lead the company’s efforts, where he raced as part of the Sun Life Tri-Team. A regular participant in Ironman’s Cebu

race, Piolo expressed excitement about racing in Davao for the first time at a press conference before the race. “It’s going to be a different scenery and a different crowd, and I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “As always, it’s my honor to wear Sun Life’s colors on race day.”

Piolo, who handled the bike leg for his relay team, was joined by athletes Jan Michael Chiu (swim) and Toniel Ty (run). Meanwhile, Sun Life Business Development Manager Herbert Juaneza and Sun

Life Training Manager Aslagan Cuyugan also raced in the individual category.

It was a week of fitness and fun as Sun Life held a GoRide Gowell Meet, where participants were not only briefed about the Ironman Davao bike

course, but were also treated to a free financial planning session. 400 participants were also given Sun Life jerseys, which they donned during the Sun Life Bike Out a week before the race.

Sun Life also held a free

workout for members of GoWell, its health and wellness community. GoWell has tapped certified Pound instructor Marge Camacho to lead a Pound workout, a full-body drumming workout session that combines cardio, condi-

UP AND ABOUT

Bass ‘n Bacon is not just your usual EDM Party A PARTY with free bacon and a whole lot of bass? How about an EDM party with heroes and villains? Sony recently partnered with Emoji Records as it continues to strengthen its presence in the local EDM scene with its Extra Bass product line. The EDM communities had the time of their lives and partied ‘til the break

of dawn at the Movie Stars Café last February 15, 2019. This is the fifth year that Emoji Records organized the Bass ‘n Bacon event.

Inspired by comic book characters, the EDM party attendees were dressed up as their favorite superheroes and villains. Spin performances from top local EDM artists in the two interactive stages powered up with Sony Extra

Bass speakers to pump up their sets. A touch and try booth was available in the entrance showcasing EXTRA BASS headphones and speakers, giving the attendees a chance to experience the deep and punchy bass music which is perfect for EDM lovers.

Plan your EDM parties or be your own DJ with Sony Extra Bass headphones and speakers.

Products are available in all Sony Centres nationwide.

tion with mov hote mod drum cally A visit also Life of gi Laza

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ning, and strength training h yoga and pilates-inspired vements at the Seda Abreeza el. It is performed to the beat dern music using Ripstix, msticks designed specifiy for the said workout.

Athletes and guests who ted the Ironman Expo were o encouraged to visit the Sun e booth at Azuela Cove avail iveaways. Online retailer, ada, also gave away vouch-

ENTERTAINMENT

JANELLA LAUNCHES COMEBACK SINGLE ‘TAKE IT EASY’ THIS WOMEN’S MONTH, multi-talented Janella Salvador makes her much-awaited comeback to recording with an empowering single entitled “Take It Easy” under Star Music.

ers for Life Armor, a digital Sun Life insurance product exclusively offered to registered Lazada members.

“We hope that through these initiatives, we can encourage more Filipinos to live healthier lives and understand how this can positively impact their finances as well,” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said. “Sun Life remains committed to this purpose and looks forward to being a lifetime partner of Filipinos in this journey.”

As part of SunLife’s thrust for Filipinos to live healthier lives, SunLife also announced their sponsorship of the Ironman 51.50 Triathlon to be held in Naga City, Cebu on April 28.

“With Sunrise and SunLife, we try to make people more aware of their health, whatever their age, whatever their ability and skill level, its all inclusive,” Sunrise Events General Manager Princes Garula “We wanted to make the triathlon sport bigger and so we decided to create a shorter course for the casual sportsman and we hope to see everyone there.”

For updates on the Sun Life Tri-Team’s Ironman race, follow @sunlifeph and @gowellph on Facebook Instagram, and check out the official hashtags #sunlifeironman2019 #livehealthierlives.

With chill vibes and good pop beats, “Take It Easy” reminds listeners—especially women—to remain true to their selves, and to never let comparison get in the way of growth.

“I fell in love with it (the song) instantly. It’s not your typical love song. I love love songs, but for something new, I want my first single to be inspirational; yet still modern, still something that you would listen to. I’m happy with the message of the song,” said Janella.

The single, composed by Anton Juarez, signifies Janella’s highly anticipated return to the recording scene and is just first of the loads of music projects coming her way this 2019.

The singer/actress first started her musical path as the Himig Handog 2014 interpreter for “Mahal Kita Pero” written by Bobbie Mabilog, which won 3rd Best Song. Her renditions of “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso” and “I Can” were also a hit; as was her self-

titled debut album also under Star Music, which reached Platinum record award.

After being another Himig Handog interpreter for Karlo Zabala’s “Wow Na Feelings,” which won 4th Best Song in 2017, Janella juggled international gigs. She was chosen to sing the Philippine version of Hong Kong Disneyland’s 10th Year Anniversary Celebration dubbed, “Happily Ever After” and Disney’s “Moana” theme song “How Far I’ll Go.”

“Take It Easy” was first released on iTunes and Apple Music. It also landed on Apple Flowcase across Southeast Asia including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines last March 15.

Stream Janella’s comeback single “Take It Easy” on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital stores starting March 22, and check out its music video premiere on MYX Philippines and Star Music’s YouTube channel.

JBK celebrates art and music in first major solo concert AS THEY CELEBRATE five years in the industry, GMA Artist Center’s millennial trio JBK will hold their first major solo concert entitled “Just Be Kind” on March 29 at the Music Museum.

The Kapuso all-male group, composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Ordonio, is the first Filipino boyband to compete in the international stage as the “Millennial Trio” at The X-Factor UK in 2017.

The GMAAC stars quipped on what fans should look forward to in their concert.

“Dapat nilang abangan yung mga hugot skits namin at kakaibang style

ng kantahan,” shared Joshua.

“Kami mismo yung gumawa ng line up namin.You’ll be hearing songs na never namin kinanta sa mga live gigs before such as songs from Queen,” added Bryan.

They also underwent various trainings in preparation for the concert, “We always review our songs before we end our day. We are currently doing vocal lessons and dance rehearsals para paghandaan yung transition ng bawat kanta,” said Kim. The concert promises a night of remarkable performances as special guests Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, Bradley Holmes, Kakai Bautista and the

cast of Rak of Aegis including Nina Espinosa join JBK on stage.

Just Be Kind is produced by Winstruck Events Production.

Ticket prices are available at P1,500 for VIP, P1,000 for Orchestra, and P500 for Balcony via www.

ticketworld.com.ph or contact 0917-862-1313 for inquiries and ticket purchases.

The concert proceeds will be donated to Mabuhay Desert Foundation, YesPinoy Foundation and HERO Foundation, Inc.

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HARD... FROM 1

Jun, Shooter, and Em-em), said Balagtey, are part of the CNTG that is being monitored in Misamis Oriental.

"They yielded after their former comrades together with the community members reached out and encouraged them to surrender," Balagtey said, adding that these surren-

derees are now undergoing debrie�ing before they will be subjected to the E-CLIP processing.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command welcomed this milestone of peace and security and encouraged other stakehold-

ers to join in ending the communist insurgency peacefully.

"Let us all be ambassadors of peace by letting those who were lost understand the effort of the government to bring change in the lives of every Filipino, particularly those in Con�lict-Affected Areas," Lt. Gen. Santos Jr. said.

eral other government agencies involved.

The SEA Games was held in the country in 1981, 1991 and 2005 and some of the standouts of those editions are also expected to grace the rally.

Top bands like Johnny Cross, Silver Box and This Band performed.

Some 500 events from 56 sports will be played in the SEA Games slated in several sports venues in Luzon including the New Clark City

Sports Complex in Tarlac which will host the swimming and track and �ield competitions.

The Philippines won its �irst and only overall title in 2005 Manila SEA Games.

(PR)

TEAM... FROM 11

Notice of Pending Application for Request for Reclassification Notice is hereby given that an application for a Request for Reclassification, per Article XII Section 1 of the Zoning Ordinance of Davao City No. 054613, series of 2013, for proposed mixed use development located at Brgy.

Marapangi and Catigan, Toril District, Davao City has been filed with the office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator by Accendo Commercial Corp.

The aforesaid application as well as the papers attached thereto is open for inspection during business hours by interested parties.

This publication is in compliance of Article IX Section 1.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Issued this 21st day of February 2019. (sgd) ROY RYAN II A. RIGOR

Asst. City Planning & Dev’t Coordinantor Acting Zoning Administrator

NBA... FROM 11

9

doing it for the people in Oakland.”

Let’s take a look at where things are: EASTERN CONFERENCE IN: No. 1 Milwaukee, No. 2 Toronto, No. 3 Philadelphia, No. 4 Indiana.

The Bucks are in total control of the race for the No. 1 overall seed and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. Really, the two interesting games left on their schedule are Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time) against Houston (Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. James Harden in the MVP battle will be the dominant narrative there, as if one game will change much) and April 4 (April 5, PHL time) at Philadelphia (two teams that just don’t like one another). Toronto’s remaining schedule is the easiest left in the NBA, but the Raptors may have run out of time in their quest to catch the Bucks.

ON THE VERGE: Boston.

It’s only a matter of time. The Celtics are going to get in.

WHAT’S LEFT: Technically, six teams — Detroit, Brooklyn, Miami, Orlando, Charlotte and Washington — for three spots. Washington’s odds are almost nonexistent.

The Miami-Orlando game on Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time) is enormous, especially for the Heat. Brooklyn’s remaining schedule looks incredibly tough, unless the Nets run into some teams who rest stars on those nights. And with two games against Milwaukee in April, that’s possible.

OUT: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, New York.

WESTERN CONFERENCE IN: No. 1 Golden State, No. 2 Denver, No. 3 Houston.

The race for No. 1 in the West is obviously important for home-court advantage through as many rounds as possible, but there’s something else for the Warriors and Nuggets to consider. If

Houston — playoff-bound for a franchise-record-tying seventh straight year — �inishes in the No. 3 spot (which is far from guaranteed), then the top-seeded team would avoid seeing James Harden until the West �inals. Golden State’s lead over Denver is only a half-game, but the Warriors’ remaining schedule is a ton easier than what Denver has left.

ON THE VERGE: Portland, the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City, Utah, San Antonio. The Spurs are eighth, but they have a very easy schedule left and shouldn’t have much trouble not only clinching, but possibly moving up a spot or two.

STILL WITH A TINY CHANCE: Sacramento, which probably can’t lose more than one or two games the rest of the way.

OUT: Minnesota, the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans, Memphis, Dallas and Phoenix.

schools as evidenced by the National Achievement Test,” he said.

Del Rosario urged gov-

ernment of�icials, industry leaders, civil society representatives and members of the academe who attended

the forum to work together and have synchronized efforts to promote education reforms. (PNA)

to report to the DOH any sightings of such visuals that may

be misconstrued as campaign materials favoring any candi-

date for the coming election,” it added. (PNA)

civil status or the legitimacy of her child.

The labor department

together with the Civil Service Commission and Social Security System are

working on the law’s implementing rules and regulation. (PIA)

PINOYS... FROM 2 DOH... FROM 2

DOLE... FROM 3

10 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Honda PH unleashes New BeAT

R

ide to your own BeAT with the New Honda BeAT, which now comes with three new stripes design in nine exciting colors making a perfect ride for the young, fun, and hip generation.

“A different color variants and now, a new stripe street type of The New Honda BeAT makes the dull and hassle city commute a fun and colorful experience,” said Mr. Hervic Villa, Department Manager for Motorcycle Planning. “We, at Honda, are pleased with the release of the new model that embodies our drive in setting the trend for new products that appeal to the changing taste of Filipinos, especially among the younger generation.”

The New Honda BeAT comes with Combi-Brake System (CBS) that helps balance the front and rear wheel braking optimally,

DRIER... FROM 2

iran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar and Samar (Western Samar).

According to PAGASA weather specialist Bema Tajones, dry spell means three consecutive months of below normal rainfall and 21% to 60% reduction from the average or two consecutive months of way below normal rainfall with more than 60% average reduction from the average rainfall.

She said drought happens when an area experiences three consecutive months of way below normal rainfall with greater than 60% reduction from the average rainfall or �ive consecutive months of below normal rainfall with

allowing ease of operation.

It also has an Idling Stop System (ISS), a technology that Honda originates which automatically turns off the engine after three seconds of being stationary and automatically turns on again once the throttle is twisted. This prevents fuel wastage and delivers the most enhanced, fuel-ef�iciency of up to 63 km/liter, so you can ride longer on the road.

Equipped with Programmed Fuel Injection or PGM-Fi, a fuel supply system which is capable of supplying the perfect amount of fuel and air, the New Honda BeAT gives ef�icient engine power with low emission. The hip scooter also has the following product features such as, ACG Starter System, CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission with V-Belt), secured Key Shutter, Enhanced Smart Power (eSP), Tubeless Tires, Park Brake Lock, and

Side Stand switch.

For a comfortable and easy ride, the New Honda BeAT is engineered with a wider step �loor, convenient 11-liter utility box, and Informative Semi-Digital Meter Panel with Eco-Indicator. In addition, its bigger headlight design is equipped with Automatic Headlight On (AHO) with multi-re�lector for wid-

er illumination, and an overall modern and stylish look.

With this, the New Honda BeAT makes a scooter fashionable and functional that is perfect for the young and hip generation.

For more information, visit their of�icial website – www.hondaph.com or follow them on Facebook – www. facebook.com/hondaph/.

Notice is hereby given that the Bank Accounts on BANK OF COMMERCE (BOC) with account nos. 078-20-002787-5 078-20-002787-5, 078-20-003278-0 and IMA # 050514 under the name of the late Jean Jacques P. Pellegrinelli who died intestate on August 20, 2017 left no other heirs, whether legitimate or illegitimate and did not leave any Last Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts or obligations, whatsoever.

The said Bank accounts has been the subject of an QUITCLAIM WITH UNDERTAKING executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.285; PageNo.58; Book No.683 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ARNOLD F. CABALLERO.

Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2019

21% to 60% reduction from the average rainfall.

By end of May, PAGASA said only the provinces of MisamisOccidental and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao will experience drought.

Conditions in all provinces of Mindanao are expected to normalize beginning end of June although other provinces in the island will continue to experience drought during that month, as the “weak or even moderate strength” El Niño is forecast to continue until October before it will weaken in the last quarter of this year, according to PAGASA. (Antonio L. ColinaIV/ MindaNews)

EXPANDED... FROM 4

while a 30-day extension can be made but this will no longer be paid.

Of the 11 percent combined contribution of both the members and their employers, only 0.4 percent is allocated for maternity bene�it to date.

An informal study conducted by the SSS in 2015 showed that share of contributions for maternity compensation should be increased to 0.5 percent, or

LEGAL NOTICE

even to 0.6 percent to offset contribution de�iciencies.

SSS Senior Vice President for Actuarial and Risk Management Group Edgar B. Cruz, during the same brie�ing, said the impact of the increase in maternity bene�its is smaller compared to pension hikes, since the latter is seen to lessen SSS’ actuarial life by 10 years.

He, however, noted that since the law does not men-

tion any increase in contribution to pay for maternity bene�its, a big question mark hangs over them.

Asked how long the agency’s funds can absorb the increase of maternity bene�it disbursements, Cruz cited that “as an actuary I’m not comfortable whenever we give out bene�its without source of

funding.”

He, however, pointed out that they are mandated by law to give out this particular bene�it, thus, they will do everything they can to fund it.

“We estimated that without additional funding it will set back our fund life by an additional year,” he added. (PNA)

and shipping from warehousesstrategically located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky and Bloomington, California.

Inventory stored in other locations, such as an existing warehouse, can be added to the platform to ensure dynamic updates as sales occur allowing for ful�illment ef�iciencies. Merchants select when the package needs to be delivered.

UPS eFul�illment can be used by merchants around the world who want to list on U.S. marketplaces and sell to customers in the U.S. and in Canada. However, their inventory for sale needs to be stored in warehouses located in the U.S According to the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper study, shopping on

marketplaces is almost universal. More than 96% percent of U.S. online shoppers report making a purchase at a marketplace. With this in mind, smart sellers try to sell on as many marketplaces as possible to access the widest swath of potential customers.

This eFul�illment service offers merchants the �lexibility and speed needed to meet customer needs at a good value. The pricing is bundled, giving sellers a clear picture of ful�illment costs. Tracking and billing are integrated, helping reduce the time and effort it takes a business owner to keep up with the status and cost of shipments. Finally, sellers can quickly and dynamically update listings on multiple sites.

UPS... FROM 4

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (HDMF) OR PAG-IBIG FUND EJF-REM CASE NO. 17, 147-19 Mortgagee, -versus -

NIÑA F. PALEJARO, Mortgagor/s.

X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund against the mortgagor/s NIÑA F. PALEJARO, with residence and postal address at LOT 28, BLOCK 76, DECA HOMES ESPERANZA, BRGY. TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of NOVEMBER 28, 2018 amounted to ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS & 93/100 (P1,163,650.93), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction APRIL 4, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/ or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit;

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 1462013009601

“A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 28 BLK. 76 OF THE CONSOLIDATIONSUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-11-005103 XXX XXX.), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF TIGATTO, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX XXX, CONTAINING AN AREA OF EIGHTY (80) SQUARE METERS MORE OR LESS.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on MAY 2, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 26, 2019.

FOR: ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – The OIC OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

Mar. 11, 18 & 25 2019

(sgd.) CHRISTIAN M. MADRAZO Sheriff IV

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

FINISHERS. Team Tapang at Malasakit with City Sports coordinator Mikey Aportadera, (bike),Atty. Mans Carpio(run) and Vasit Venturillo(swim).

Kiel Francis Cabral of Team Philippine Airlines in action during the Alveo Ironman 70.3 on Sunday.

NBA: Breaking down the Playoffs

T

he playoff �ield is largely set.

The positioning, that’s still anyone’s guess.

So even while some of what we could have had for drama over the �inal 2.5 weeks of the NBA regular season won’t materialize — LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are already out of the playoffs, robbing us of one potential storyline — the races for seedings and home-court edges are almost certain now to go down to the �inal days of the season.

Milwaukee has the edge over all other teams in the race for the No. 1 overall seed. Dwyane Wade’s career still isn’t guaranteed of going past Miami’s regular-season �inale in Brooklyn on April 10 (April 11, PHL time). Golden State, bidding for a third

straight NBA championship and fourth in �ive years, still has a �ight on its hands just to get the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

“We’re ready to take on any challenger,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said.

There have been nights where that’s looked like a very accurate statement.

Others, not so much.

The Warriors have lost twice by at least 33 points already this month, though in fairness they sat Klay Thompson in one of those games and Stephen Curry in the other.

At least they know they’re going to the postseason. Not everyone has had that ability to exhale yet.

San Antonio still hasn’t clinched a 22nd consecutive playoff spot, which would

Team PH pep rally staged

M

embers of the national team joined several sporting legends as well as coaches and sports of�icials on Tuesday as the GoPilipinasGo movement staged a pep rally and concert for Team Philippines in the coming Southeast Asian Games.

The program also served as grand launch of the GoPilipinasGo movement which was created to help drumbeat the SEA Games as well as the Philippines’ drive for overall championship.

The Philippines will host for the fourth time the 30th edition of the SEA Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year.

The pep rally will be held at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field which has a rich history being the site of many victories by the na-

tional baseball and softball teams through the years.

The venue stage was at the left �ield of the stadium which bore witness to the historic home runs of several baseball greats like Babe Ruth, Charlie Gehringer and Lou Gehrig who once played there.

Among the legends invited to the affair are Lydia de Vega, Elma Muros-Posadas, Bong Coo, Paeng Nepomuceno, Eric Buhain, Onyok Velasco, Roel Velasco, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, Renato Unso, Stephen Fernandez, and Bea Lucero.

The event was attended by top of�icials of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee and Philippine Sports Commission as well as sev-

TEAM, P9

tie Philadelphia (1950-71, some of that as the Syracuse Nationals) for the league record, though the Spurs are well on their way.

“That’s a good sign that they’re �iguring it out,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

Charlotte’s Tony Parker’s quest for an 18th straight playoff appearance is in trouble. James’ run of 13 straight is over. Minnesota’s Jeff Teague has been in the league for 10 years, and this is the �irst time he won’t be in the postseason.

Memphis’ Omri Casspi has now played in 588 career games for seven different franchises, zero of them in the playoffs, and that won’t change this year in what is now the fourth-longest playoff drought by any player in NBA history. And Golden State’s DeMarcus

Trevon Hughes scores 24 points for Saigon Heat's 81-80 win over Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.

Cousins — �inally — should play in a playoff game, barring injury between now and the second weekend of April.

The Warriors are in that place where they’re tuning up for the postseason, but they also want to ensure that they close their time at Oakland’s Oracle Arena the right way before moving into a brand-new Chase Center in San Francisco next season.

“Our players and our organization, we’re basically dedicating this season to Oracle and the East Bay and to Oakland,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We know we’re not moving that far, but we’re moving from this building and we’re moving from this city and that’s not an easy thing for anybody.

This season is all about �inishing it the right way and

NBA, P9

Experts predict a Playoffs showdown between Steph Curry and his Golden State Warriors and James Harden and his Houston Rockets in the West.

Alab continues to skid H

ÀNỘI -- Saigon Heat defeated defending champion San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, 81-80, in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) on Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Heat took the home court advantage, employing consistent offensive all throughout the game to upset the skidding Alab Pilipinas.

De Angelo Hamilton and Trevon Hughes combined for 15 points in the �irst quarter to post 22-17 lead while Hughes added 10 points in the

next period as Saigon kept the upper hand, 42-38, going into the halftime break.

Behind Renaldo Balkman and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., the Alab Pilipinas rallied in the third quarter to inch closer at 60-61.

Alab Pilipinas, however, failed to sustain the momentum in the fourth and absorbed another loss going into the three-game quarter�inals series against Hong Kong starting on March 29.

Hughes �inished with 24 points while Kyle Barone and Hamilton added 22 and 17 points for Saigon Heat.

Balkman and Parks led the scoring with 25 and 16 points for Alab Pilipinas.

(PNA)

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.12 ISSUE 13 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

SUPERFLY

Ancajas steps up training for title defense vs Funai P

anabo City pride Jerwin Ancajas is taking no chances in his seventh defense of the IBF super�lyweightt belt against No. 1 contender Ryuichi Funai of Japan at the 12,000-seat Stockton Arena in California on May 4.

With just six weeks to go before �ight night, Ancajas moved his training camp to the Marine base in Ternate, Cavite.

Trainer Joven Jimenez said he’s isolating Ancajas from distractions and keeping him focused with an army of �ive sparmates. Ancajas hasn’t sparred more than eight rounds since opening camp over a month ago but will slowly work to 10 then 12 rounds as the �ight draws closer. Jimenez said it’s all part of a schedule to put Ancajas in peak form on �ight night without burning out and dehydrating.

Nutritionist Jeaneth Aro said Ancajas is now walking around at 132-134 pounds.

The weight limit in the super�lyweight division is 115.

“We’re on track with our weight goals so far,” she said.

“Nutrition program design is patterned after training load and optimum weight loss rate.

As Jerwin’s nutrition coach, I’ve chosen to follow the track of their usual weight-cutting timelines rather than imposing on some ‘ideal’ rate of weight loss so that it’ll be more comfortable for Jerwin, both phys-

ically and mentally.”

Ancajas’ �ight against Funai will be the chief aperitif to the main event featuring IBF lightheavyweight titlist Artur Beterbiev of Russia against challenger Radivoje Kalajdzic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Beterviev, 34, is a former AIBA world champion and has a pro record of 13-0, with 13 KOs. Kalajdzic, 27, totes a record of 24-1, with 17 KOs. His only loss was to Marcus Browne on a disputed split decision.

Top Rank is producing the show which will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Tickets are priced at $175, $100, $65, $40 and $25. “Top Rank is really excited to bring big-time boxing to Stockton,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We welcome Jerwin back to the US in a great �ight against Funai.”

Ancajas’ last three �ights were in the US, moving from Corpus Christi to Fresno to Oakland.

Jimenez said Ancajas may jump to the bantamweight division after battling Funai. But at the moment, his focus is retaining the IBF crown, nothing else. Ancajas’ decision on his future will depend on how he performs against Funai who has won his last seven outings, 14 of his last 15 since 2012.

Jerwin Ancajas looks to defend his IBF superfly title against Jaanese challenger Ryuichi Funai on May 4 in California.