Edge Davao 7 Issue 265 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VDFS APP. TWIDL, Inc. chief executive officer Eric Su shows the mobile application he developed for this year’s Visit Davao Fun Sale named Visit Davao City Lifebit that will help tourists and shoppers who will participate in the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 and private sector’s joint summer activity. Su presented his newest mobile app project during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

LONG, MILD DROUGHT 7,057.15 hectares of agricultural land in Davao City affected

By CHENEEN R. CAPON and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

TOTAL of 7,057.15 hectares of agricultural land in Davao City have been adversely affected by the long mild drought in the country, affecting the livelihood of a total of 11,151 farmers. City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO) chief Celio Tabay confirmed in a press conference yesterday that the city’s agriculture has been adversely affected by El Niño, which is still in its first month.

Tabay said with more than one month of no rain, all crops in the city were affected. “Apektado na yung mga crops sa Davao City, especially yung mga tinanim last January (The crops in Davao City have been badly affected, especially those that were planted last January),” he said. Tabay said Tigatto watermelon farmers are among those badly affected, with the fruits starting to break.

Of the 7,057.15 hectares affected by El Niño, 2,718 are planted with fruits, mostly in the second and third congregational districts in the city. Tabay said an initial 2,449.55 hectares (has) of corn area; 481.67 has. of rainfed rice fields; 2,718.46 has. of fruits; 506.56 has. of industrial crops; 12.60 has. of legumes; 335.70 has. of root crops; and 317.42 has. of vegetables were affect-

INSIDE EDGE

ed.

Tabay said his office is currently validating the effects of El Nino and has already requested the Department of Agriculture (DA) for cloud seeding as a remedy to mitigate the effects of the long drought. ‘’The cloud seeding operations will be for the agri areas of Paquibato, Marilog, Toril, Tugbok, and Baguio Districts,’’

FLONG, 10

REIGN AND REDEMPTION Sports P15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT? Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is presented with gifts and a tarpaulin printed with a birthday greeting and message of support if ever he runs for president by members of Gemilang family at Grand Regal Hotel on Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

AdDU student lands 4th in 2014 Bar Exam By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

STUDENT from Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) ranked fourth in the 2014 Bar Exam. In the exam results released by the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday, Gil Garcia II of AdDU Law School landed fourth place with an average of 84.55 percent. In an interview yesterday, Garcia told Edge Davao he was “overwhelmed, happy, and grateful” at the result. “I’m overwhelmed be-

cause I did not expect the result. Happy because at last I passed the exam and I will not think of it anymore, and grateful to all, my family, friends and of course, to my school, my professors, and lastly to God,” he said. Garcia said he did not expect to land in the top 10, having hoped only to pass the very difficult exam. He said he never neglected to get enough sleep and credited prayer for his success.

Garcia said he is now working with Acra Law Firm as an associate lawyer. He plans to teach if given the chance and to offer public service. Garcia tied with Mark Leo Bejemino of the University of the Philippines and Reginald Laco of De La Salle University-Lipa in the same spot. Garcia became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2008 and graduated law from AdDU law school in 2014. For his part, AdDU Law

School Dean lawyer Manuel Quibod said Garcia was one of the most competitive students of batch 2014. He said the school is very happy because it has been a while since AdDU had been included in the top 10. “We are very lucky this year in the 2014 Bar Exam that we have one who landed in the top 10, placing fourth,” he said. Quibod said 23 of the 49 AdDU students who passed. Of

FADDU, 10 Gil Garcia II (from AdDU)

2009 Mutya ng Davao Resci Angelli Rizada (from her FB page)

Cor Jesu has 12 new lawyers NCIP welcomes Duterte’s decision to accept Sudagar By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

OR Jesu College Law School of Digos City in Davao del Sur has produced a dozen new lawyers who hurdled the tough 2014 Philippine Bar Examinations. Atty. Israel Torreon, CJC Law School dean, announced the new lawyers as Irish Silverio-Aclan, Jorniel Aguto, Katherine ALONZO, Julius Rizada, James Michael Cabading, Joseph Patrick Escovilla, Ken-

neth Retuya, Mark Quilaneta, Jonathan Tabugon, Aminah Balt, Josephus Cabugsa and Jettroy Sanchez. This year’s number of passers goes down as the biggest in the 41-year history of CJC. “It proves that no matter if you are in a far-flung area like Digos City, it is no hindrance to succeed and enter

FCOR JESU, 10

HE National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 11 welcomed the decision of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to accept the selection of Halila Sudagar of the Kagan tribe as the new Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the City Council. In an interview, NCIP 11 focal person on IPMR Emmanuel A. Cacal told Edge Davao that his office is “very glad’

about the development since there will be no more hitch in the issuance of the certificate of affirmation (COA) to Sudagar. “Kana nga development gikalipay pud namo na kay lisud na nga pag-gawas sa COA naay mga kakulian (We are very happy about that development because it would be difficult if there is conflict on the issuance of COA),” Cacal said. He said after the issuance

of COA to the new IPMR, Sudagar will report to the local government unit. He said the appointment of Sudagar is yet to be signed by NCIP 11 regional director Geroncio Aguio because the latter is still in Manila for a seminar. “Expected na ma issue namo ni, mapirmahan ni director next week kay naa naman siya sa Lunes (We expect to issue and sign the appointment

next since the director will report on Monday),” he said. Cacal said that he already evaluated the requirements submitted by NCIP Davao del Sur on the appointment of Sudagar. Mayor Duterte had initially opposed Sudagar’s appointment since the latter had already been a youth representative to the Council. He later changed his mind,

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Duterte reconstitutes Water Resource Mgt Task Force

AYOR Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) ordering the reconstitution of the Water Resource Management Task Force for the conservation of identified protected areas. EO No. 10 Series of 2015 states that the task force identified and declared certain area within the territorial boundaries of Davao City as water resource areas and there is a need to protect and conserve said areas against all forms of prohibited acts and activities. Under the EO, the task force will be composed of the mayor as chair and the city planning and development coordinator as vice chair. The members will be the City Health Officer, City Coun-

cil’s committee on environment and natural resources chairperson, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president, representative form Civic Organization and Davao City Water District (DCWD) General Manager. The objective of the task force is to promote the inter-institutional cooperation among various agencies both from local and national offices concerned with water conservation and protection. The task force will develop and monitor program implementation and collect data on the implementation, operation, and maintenance. The task force will also ensure that the development land in the water resource areas are strictly implemented.

36 rebels surrendered during first quarter By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

TOTAL of 36 New People’s Army (NPA) members surrendered to the government during the first quarter of 2015, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said. EastMinCom spokesperson Colonel Romeo Brawner said nine of the 36 who surrendered submitted their firearms to the military. The number also excludes the seven rebels apprehended by the military in the last three months. “For the first quarter of 2015, the Philippine government is winning

its campaign against the rebel group,” Brawner said. “However, we also attribute this success to the Philippine National Police and Local Government Units, among others,” he added. Brawner also reported 57 firearms recovered by the soldiers in different encounters with the NPA. The flipside, however, is that 19 soldiers were killed in action while 78 were wounded during some of the encounters. Brawner said most of the deaths were caused by landmines. “That’s why we are condemning their use,” he said.

KEYNOTE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte gestures while delivering his keynote speech during the 13th Provincial Congress of Liga ng mga Barangay-Tarlac chapter held at Grand Regal Hotel on Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

Settlers under Generoso Bridge may not be allowed to return By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

NFORMAL settlers under the Governor Generoso Bridge who had been temporarily moved out for the reconstruction of the Davao City Water District’s (DCWD) pipe bridge might never be allowed to move back in. In an interview, DCWD spokesperson Bernardo Delima told Edge Davao that the consortium of RD Policarpio & Co., Inc., Allado Construction Co., Inc., and TGV Builders, Inc. suggested that the informal

settlers not be allowed back because their presence will make it difficult for DCWD to maintain the new pipe. Delima also said the consortium had proposed that the area be fenced off to prevent informal settlers from returning. He said the contractors made the proposal for the protection of the new pipe bridge facility. Delima, however, said the proposal is still pending at the DCWD because

it is Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte who will decide if a fence would be built. Before they were moved, the informal settlers were told by Duterte that they could return as soon as the construction of the pipe bridge is done. The pipe bridge, which was broken in December 2012, had been scheduled for completion this week. However, the contractors asked for a 30-day extension due to the late arrival of materials.

GenSan opens satellite treatment facility for TB

DRAGNET. A group of young boys uses a mosquito net as strainer for coins, used plastic bottles, and other useable materials at the sea front near Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Delima said the DCWD will endorse the consortium’s proposal to the City Mayor’s Office through city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain. “Kung mo ingon sila’g dili i-fence wala ta’y mabuhat ana (If they say no to fencing, there is nothing we can do about it), he said. But if the city government says yes, DCWD will shoulder the expenses of fencing off the area, Delima added.

HE city government has opened a satellite treatment facility at the city hospital for persons with Tuberculosis (TB) to address the growing number of TB cases in the area. Dr. Marizel Flores, chief of clinics of the city hospital, said Wednesday they established the facility to ensure the proper treatment of new infections and drug-resistant cases of the disease among residents within the city’s 26 barangays and neighboring areas. She said the facility will offer the TB Directly-Observed Treatment, Short course (TBDOTS) and the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant

TB (PMDT). “We will cater to all patients who will be detected with TB, especially the drug-resistant cases. We’ll provide them with proper medicine and enlist them into the TB-DOTS or focused medication program,” she said. The city government established the facility, which was formally unveiled last Monday, through support from the Department of Health (DOH) and corporate-led social development group Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). PBSP is a principal recipient of a TB grant for the

FGENSAN, 10

EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH

Pesticide-laden vegetables

VEN during Biblical times, people were given instructions as to what kind of food to eat and what not to eat.

In the book of Leviticus, God was very specific: “Of all the animals that live on land, these are the one you may eat: animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud… Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat that have fins and scales… All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you.” In modern times, there are foods that are considered unhealthy – as they are the sources of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. “They’re the kind of foods that we can’t resist eating,” says Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist and author of several books. In his book, “Stay Younger, Live Healthier,” Dr. Ong lists 10 “not so healthy foods,” which Filipinos should avoid eating, if possible. Soft drinks: Each bottle of regular soft drink contains 8 teaspoonfuls of sugar. “It’s like eating pure sugar and taking in water,” points out Dr. Ong, an internist-cardiologist who serves as medical consultant at Manila Doctors Hospital and Makati Medical Center. Even diet soft drinks must be avoided as they more unhealthy artificial sweeteners. Unfortunately, soft drinks have become a staple in many people’s diets. “I could not eat my meal without a soft drink,” said a college student. In the United States, a study which appeared in the journal “Pediatrics,” found that 56 percent to 85 percent of children consume at least one soft drink a day, and 20 percent of adolescent males drink four or more sodas a day. “Parents and health officials need to recognize soft drinks for what they are – liquid candy – and do everything they can to return those beverages to their former role as an occasional treat,” says the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an American consumer group. A scientific study links the amount of soft drinks one gulp to the development of diabetes and heart disease. Kidney specialists claim that diet soft drinks contain phosphorus, a substance that is harmful to kidneys. Phosphorus can also make a person lose calcium in the urine and make the bones brittle. Who says diet soft drink can make you lose weight? A

VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

Unhealthy foods we love to eat Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

study by Sharon P. Fowler and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio found that for every diet soda you drink in a day, you increase your risk of gaining weight – by 41 percent! Potato chips and French fries: Because of the potato, Filipinos can now munch on delicious snacks like chips and French fries. Unknowingly, these popular snack foods contain acrylamide, a known carcinogen and neurotoxin that is formed when foods are baked or fried at high temperatures. When CSPI conducted tests on some popular brands of French fries and chips, they found that the acrylamide in a large order of fast food fries was at least 300 times the amount allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a glass of water. Scientists have proven that acrylamide, which is used to manufacture plastics, dyes, and chemical, causes cancer in laboratory rats and nerve damage in humans. Fatty sauces: These refer particularly to gravy, mayonnaise, and lemon tartar sauce. “For fast-food chicken, it’s the gravy that makes the chicken taste good,” says Dr. Ong. “But it’s high in calories and fats, too.” As for mayonnaise – a thick, creamy sauce or dressing that is made of oil, egg yolks, lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings – it’s also loaded with too much calories for so little amount. “Spread it thinly and it’s bland,” Dr. Ong says. “Dab a wadful and you’re bound to get fat.” Not too many know that fat is an acquired taste. “We are not born to like fatty foods,” says Dr. Liza Ong, a general practitioner who studied nutrition at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “If you abstain from fat for two weeks, you will lose your taste (and craving) for fatty meals.” Alcoholic drinks: Generally, alcoholic drinks are divided into three classes: beers, meads and ciders (generally up to about 15 percent alcohol), wines and sake (12-20 percent alcohol), and spirits (20 percent alcohol or more, distilled alcohol). A little red wine may theoretically be good for the heart, like a bottle of beer or a shot of wine. However, doctors still do not advise non-drinkers to start drinking for the health benefit. This is because of the real danger of alcohol abuse. “Alcohol abuse can lead to a score of medical problems such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, stomach ulcers, oral cancers, brain damage, dementia, nerve damage and vehicular accidents,” says Dr. Ong. Junk foods: A derisive slang term for food

that is of little nutritional value, junk foods typically contain high levels of calories from sugar or fat with little protein, vitamins or minerals. Foods commonly considered junk foods include salted snack foods, gum, candy, sweet desserts, fried fast food, and sugary carbonated beverages. A study by Paul Johnson and Paul Kenny at the Scripps Research Institute in 2008 suggested that junk food consumption alters brain activity in a manner similar to addictive drugs like cocaine or heroin. After many weeks with unlimited access to junk food, the pleasure centers of rat brains became desensitized, requiring more food for pleasure. After the junk food was taken away and replaced with a healthy diet, the rats starved for two weeks instead of eating nutritious fare. A 2007 “British Journal of Nutrition” study found that female rats eating junk foods during pregnancy increased the likelihood of unhealthy eating habits in their offspring. Half-cooked meat: How do you want to meat to be cooked: rare, medium-rare, or well-done? “Eating medium-rare meats can lead to various parasitic diseases,” says Dr. Ong. “If you don’t cook the pork well, you can get infected with icky pork tapeworms (called taenia solium). Steaks should be prepared well done to kill the beef tapeworms (called taenia saginata).” There are also fish tapeworms for those fond of eating “kinilaw.” As much as possible, avoid eating chicken still with bloods, because that’s how you get bird-flu. “The common sense approach is that if your food is still bloody, have it cooked again.” So next time, tell the waiter: “Well done.” Street foods: There are many types of foods sold in the street and here are certain favorites found in almost every place in the Philippines: “kwek-kwek” (made of quail eggs covered in orange dough and deep fried), “isaw” (chicken intestine put on a stick and grilled), fish balls (minced fish rolled into balls), “balut” (prehatched duck egg), betamax (a cubed, curdled blood of a chicken), adidas (the marinated grilled chicken’s feet), “atay” (marinated and barbequed liver of chicken), and helmet (the grilled head of a chicken). Other fillers of hungry stomachs are: “maruya” (a combination of bananas and flour, deep fried until golden brown), “kikiam” (made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets then deep-fried until golden), “calamares” (deep-fried battered squid rings), “mais” (corn on a cob, but it could also be salted boiled corn), and green mango

Street foods

with “bagoong” (unripe mango on a stick with a salty, fermented sauce or paste made from small shrimps or fish). For drinks, the following are common: “buko” juice (coconut juice that can be drunk directly from the “buko” itself), “iskrambol” (a simple shake with artificial flavors), and “sago” and “gulaman” (a refreshingly cold drink made out of tapioca and jelly). “Eating street food is a dangerous habit,” says Dr. Ong. “If food handlers don’t wash their hands, don’t wear gloves, or don’t use purified water, the parasites and bacteria can so quickly be passed on to you from the delectable and tasty street foods.” Organ innards: Filipinos love to eat liver, kidneys, lungs, stomach, intestines, hearts, and brain tissues. These are also the possible contents of the best-selling “sisig” cuisine. “If you think about it, it’s easy to suspect that they are unhealthy,” Dr. Ong says. “(They contain) high cholesterol, high fat and high uric acid. In addition, some experts suspect that these may cause bowel cancer. Since pork intestines are the organs

where the animal’s waste products are stored, then why should people eat it?” Pork chicharons and chicharong bulaklak: They’re so tasty and so fatty. “All these unhealthy oils can accumulate and block your arteries and put you on the road to a heart attack,” points out Dr. Ong. “I used to like chicharong bulaklak. But when I found that they are made up of the small intestine, the omentum and lymph nodes, I changed my mind. You don’t have to be a doctor to realize that you are better off avoid these.” Lechon, crispy pata and pata tim: The word “lechon” originated from the Spanish term that refers to a suckling pig that is roasted. “Crispy pata,” on the other hand, is a dish consisting of deep fried pig trotter or knuckles served with a soy-vinegar dip. “Pata tim,” meanwhile, is an adapted Filipino recipe made by slow boiling a front pork leg and serving it with a delicious, thick sauce. “These are the most favorite of Filipinos,” says Dr. Ong. “And they are the fattest that can cause colon cancer. They are also high in calorie and very yummy, too.”

Balut

Adobo

VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

Dry spell destroys P25.7M worth of crops in GenSan A

ROUND P25.7 million worth of agricultural crops here have been devastated due to the impact of the continuing dry spell triggered by the mild El Nino Phenomenon. Merlinda Donasco, City Agriculture Office (CAO) chief, said Thursday the intense dry weather has so far destroyed a total of 836.17 hectares of farmlands in parts of the city that were planted with corn, banana, coconut, vegetables and other high value crops . She said the affected areas covered 15 of the city’s 26 barangays and involved a total of 455 farmers. These are barangays Batomelong, Buayan, Conel, Katangawan, Ligaya, Olympog, Sinawal, Upper Labay, Tinagacan, San Jose, Mabuhay, San Isidro, Baluan, Bawing and Lagao. Donasco said the value of the crop damage or loss has increased as they included the high value crops in their assessment. “We’re continually monitoring the situation in some critical farm areas as the situation could worsen in the coming weeks,” she said. She said that based on an advisory issued to their office by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the El Nino currently affecting the city and the neighboring areas could extend until August. It said the dry spell being experienced in some parts of the country could prolong as a result of the El Nino. El Niño is a phenomenon caused by the abnormal warming of the central and eastern Pacific waters, generally manifests in a dry spell, or below normal rainfall, usually

following wet conditions. PAGASA officials had identified this city and other parts of Region 12 as among the most vulnerable areas in terms of the adverse impact of the El Niño. “When that (prolonged dry spell) happens, more farm areas will certainly be affected, especially those planted with high value crops,” Donasco said. As initial intervention, the official said City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has approved their recommendation to provide immediate livelihood assistance to the affected farmers. “We will distribute drought-tolerant seeds and other suitable planting materials,” she said. Donasco said the city government has allotted an initial P9 million under its supplemental budget for the livelihood assistance and the purchase of palay and corn seeds. The palay and corn seeds will be distributed to local farmers once the dry spell would ease so they could immediately plant again, she said. As to the conduct of cloud-seeding to induce rains, she said they are still assessing the appropriate time to do it. Cloud seeding is the process of manually spreading either dry ice or salt into the upper part of the clouds to help stimulate the precipitation process and form rain. The city government has a standing allotment of P1 million for the conduct of cloud-seeding operations. “It would be waste if we give it a go and there will be no seedable clouds available and there’s also chance that the rain will eventually drop in areas outside the city,” she added. (PNA)

VERYTHING is set for the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS), a seven week citywide shopping, dining and adventure festival that will run from April 3 to 17. “We’re on the last leg of our preparation,” Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 regional director Roberto P. Alabado III said yesterday. Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum, Alabado said the VDFS executive committee along with industry players from different sectors like hotels, restaurants, spa and wellness centers, malls,

tour operators, and tour associations were in a meeting for a “final briefing.” “We’re finalizing all the details of VDFS,” he said. Among the details for VDFS that is being finalized is the mobile application for the VDFS passport that will be downloadable online. The application will be launched next week before the opening of the citywide sale, which is an offshoot of the 2014 Big Davao Fun Sale. “The mobile application will be available both for Android phones and iPhones for

free,” Twidl, Inc. chief executive officer Eric Su said. The firm is DOT 11’s partner developer. Su said the tourists and Dabawenyos can get big savings on tours, hotel booking, shopping, dining, and relaxation by just presenting the Visit Davao Passport. “Download ‘Visit Davao City Lifebit’ for iOS and Android for easy digital access to discounts and freebies,” Su said. Prizes await downloaders who will avail themselves of the mobile application. Alabado, however, said tourists and Dabawenyos can

still avail themselves of the Visit Davao Passport booklet that will be available in designated booths in the airport, malls, and hotels. “The booklet will be available but there will be some discounted products that can be only available when you download the mobile application,” Alabado said. For instance, tourists have to present the mobile application before they can get the three days-two nights (3D2N) fun packages and fun tours. The rest of the special

gilinan, the trader and warehouse owner will face sanctions as the warehouse is not licensed with the NFA. Rice is a regulated commodity, and so also requires a license to be imported. “If smuggling is rampant, then prices of rice and palay will fall, harming local farmers,” Pangilinan said. According to initial information from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the rice was imported from Thailand, then brought in through

Zamboanga before being taken to Manila. The bags allegedly lacked proper markings -- the sacks were labeled regular or wellmilled rice, but contained glutinous fancy rice instead. “We will seize this, confiscate this, kasama na ang may-ari ng warehouse (We will seize this, confiscate this, including the owner of the warehouse),” Pangilinan said. “Ito ay warning sa ating mga negosyante. Hindi dahil nanggaling sa Zamboanga

ang shipment ng rice, hindi na ito mate-trace. Siguro iyon ang akala nila, kaya sa backdoor nila pinapadala (This is a warning to our entrepreneurs. Just because the shipment came from Zamboanga it will not be traced. Maybe that’s how they thought, so they sent it thru the backdoor).” “Maaaring makasama ito sa ating mga magsasaka. Kapag may murang smuggled rice, mababawasan ang perang papasok sa ating mga magsasaka (The entry of

cheap smuggled rice could harm our farmers, it will reduce their income),” he noted. NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay, meanwhile, said the agency will continue its efforts to curb smuggling in the country. “Dahil bago din ang management ng NFA, binabantayan natin ang importation of rice. Ito ay para din masanay ang ating mga nagpa-participate na maging compliant every step of the way (Because the NFA has a new manage-

ment, we monitor the importation of rice. It is also a way to train importers to be compliant every step of the way),” he said. “Magpapatuloy ang ating pagmamasid at pag-iinspect. Ito ang marching orders nina Secretary Francis Pangilinan at Pangulong Benigno Aquino III (We will continue our monitor and inspection. This is the marching orders of Secretary Francis Pangilinan and President Benigno Aquino III),” Dalisay noted. (PNA)

SUMMER’S HERE. A hawker peddles colorful kites in different designs and styles along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday, an indication that summer is finally here. Lean Daval Jr.

All set for Visit Davao Fun Sale By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

FALL SET, 10

Gov’t seizes smuggled rice worth P15 million T

HE Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) and the National Food Authority (NFA) on Wednesday seized P15 million worth of illegally imported rice. Authorities confiscated approximately 5,000 bags or close to 250,000 kilograms of smuggled imported rice stored in a warehouse owned by a certain Alvin Tiu Chua. According to OPAFSAM Secretary Francis “Kiko” Pan-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

FRESH VEGGIES. Sacks of newly harvested carrots are unloaded at the public market in Malaybalay City. The carrots came from Barangay Imbayao, a vegetable producing area in Malaybalay. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

Phl, Japan ink ¥19.5-B loan Insurance Commission issues license to PPSTA for road, flood projects T

HE Governments of the Republic of the Philippines and Japan yesterday signed the Loan Agreements to support the implementation of the Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project, Phase VI and Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima signed the Loan Agreements on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines while Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa signed on behalf of the Government of Japan. “This invaluable support addresses all the right needs as we seek to build an economy well-guarded against disasters and strongly invested in the mobility and connectivity of its people. We expect these projects to bring about a multiplier effect to our macroeconomic successes and to improve the quality of life in the Philippines,” Purisima said during the signing ceremony. He emphasized that infrastructure improvement and flood risk mitigation are critical components of development. “These projects strengthen our ability to adapt to emerging challenges: traffic congestion and flooding are pressing concerns in urban areas. These projects reflect the serious commitment we share with our allies to unlock the limits of our growth frontiers,” he noted. Under the loan agreements, the Government of Japan, through JICA, will provide Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans amounting to JPY7.929 billion to finance the construction four (4) grade-separated interchanges: (1) EDSA/ North Avenue/ West Avenue, (2) Mindanao Avenue, (3) C5/ Greenmeadows/ Calle Indu-

FPHL, 10

NSURANCE Commissioner Emmanuel F. Dooc has announced the issuance of a Certificate of Authority in favor of the Philippine Public School Teachers Associations, Inc., (PPSTA), a mutual benefit association of public school teachers placed under conservatorship by the Insurance Commission (IC). In what is considered historical in the insurance industry in the country, Dooc said PPSTA was issued a license to act as a mutual benefit association after it emerged from its nine years of financial distress. Dooc said the nature and successful rehabilitation of PPSTA should be heralded as a landmark achievement for the IC as it is the first company among those under the supervision and regulation by the IC to be successfully rehabilitated after experiencing financial distress, although the IC will continue to have effective control of management until competent and trustworthy Board and Management have been firmly established. Dooc said the IC decided to issue PPSTA’s license based on its strong financial performance which is indicative that PPSTA will soon be able to manage its business on its own. From a high negative of P1.8 billion in 2005, PPSTA is now at a positive P128.31 million in terms capital which means that the total assets of the association is higher than its total liabilities. It was during the end of the second quarter

of 2014 that PPSTA first posted a positive equity of P.601 million. In terms of assets, PPSTA posted a 8.4% increase in terms of assets from P4 billion in 2013 to P4.4 billion last year. Commissioner Dooc said “The successful rehabilitation of PPSTA can serve as a model for all other companies under the jurisdiction of the IC which are currently facing financial distress. What we did to PPSTA can be replicated to other companies for their eventual rehabilitation and for them to be able to continue their business as a going concern.” Commissioner Dooc said, “The IC decided to grant PPSTA its license to operate as a mutual benefit association which is vital in continuing the normal operation of its business and in sustaining its strong financial performance. “This success was due to IC’s close supervision and monitoring of PPSTA’s financial and business operations, enforcement of effective corporate strategy and the filing of appropriate court cases against erring former officials of the association” said Commissioner Dooc. This significant improvement in PPSTA’s financial condition was brought about by several factors including the implementation of programs and policies aimed at building up its reserves and towards the reduction of its administrative expenses. Commissioner Dooc commended the performance of

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VANTAGE

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EDITORIAL The BBL and the next President

OHAGHER Iqbal, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has impressed a Catholic Bishop who was surprised to find him not looking every inch like a combatant. After that, he delivered a coup d’ grace when he told a gathering of interfaith leaders in Cagayande Oro on Wednesday that the MILF will not disengage from the peace process no matter what will happen to that Bangsamoro Basic Law. According to the MILF leader, they will pursue the passage of the BBL beyond the term of President Benigno Aquino if it is not passed by the present Congress. He made the assurance that the MILF will continue to engage the Philippine government peacefully. This, even if Congress thumbs down the proposed BBL. Iqbal has revealed that the MILF is facing three scenarios in Congress after the January 25 Mamasapano tragedy. The first scenario would be for the Philippine Congress to pass the BBL

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as it is without cuts and revisions. He calls it the good BBL. The second scenario is for Congress to pass the BBL with so much cuts and revisions. He calls it a disaster to MILF. The third and last scenario, is that Congress will not pass the BBL at all. He likes this one than the second. The third scenario gives the MILF another chance to pursue the BBL under the next administration. Of the three, the third scenario is where the role of the next President will be crucial. Given that the fate of the BBL is likely doomed, it also follows that the next presidential elections will be crucial as to how candidates will woo the Mindanao votes and deal with the MILF. There’s the possibility of aspirants to Malacanang dealing with the MILF involving the BBL’s future. The stand on the BBL should play a very critical role in the making and unmaking of the next President. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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ER classmates were caught unaware. She passed them and went straight to the national highway – walking as if she were under the influence of drugs. Everyone screamed when a speeding vehicle came to her way. It was good that the driver was able to stop before he hit her. At the school principal’s office, she was interrogated. “I am three months pregnant,” said the 17-year-old high school student. The principal was further stunned when he found out that the father was much younger -- only 14 years old. In Western countries like the United States, teen pregnancy may not surprise anyone at all. But in a developing country like the Philippines, it may come as a shock -- particularly among priests and religious leaders. “From time to time, we always emphasized that pre-marital sex is morally wrong!” said a Catholic priest. The 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation confirmed the NDHS study. The study showed that 26 percent of Filipino youths around the country from ages 15 to 25 admitted to having a premarital sex experience. What was worse is that 38 percent of these youths were already in a live-in arrangement. Studies conducted by the World Bank from 2000 to 2003 ranked the Philippines as one of the top 10 countries with an increasing number of teenage mothers. Seven out of 10 Filipina mothers are adolescents; most of them are below 19 years old. Why do teenagers engage in pre-marital sex? To find out, the Health Action Information Network (HAIN) with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) conducted a survey in seven regions across the country.

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A mother too soon

The survey – THINK ON THESE! with 4,111 youth respondents -- found out that the average age at which first sexual intercourse is experience is 15.7 years old. Males experienced earlier sexual initia- Henrylito D. Tacio tion than females henrytacio@gmail.com (15.5 years vs. 16.7 years). On the average, sexually active adolescents have 3.5 sexual partners. The HAIN survey found that peer pressure is stronger among males. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable with my friends if I was still a virgin,” said 18-year-old Mark, who had his first sexual experience when he was 15. “I probably couldn’t say anything about sex if I had not experienced it myself.” The survey showed that most of these youngsters lost their virginity to the person they loved (boyfriend or girlfriend). When asked about the circumstances surrounding their first engagement in sex, more than half (54 percent) said they wanted it to happen at that time, while 38 percent claimed that their first sexual experience just happened. “My boyfriend asked me if I loved him and I said yes,” said 16-year-old Linda. “He said that if I really loved him, I had to prove it by giving myself to him completely. I didn’t want to lose him so I had to give in to his wishes.” Six months later after “the sex encounter” happened – and pregnant! – he dumped her for another girl. About 4 percent of the 143 female respon-

dents have been pregnant with the average age of first pregnancy being 17. Among males, 2 percent reported that they have gotten a woman pregnant. “This disparity could mean that women, being the first to know if they are pregnant, are more inclined to admit their condition than boys,” the HAIN report explained. “On the other hand, boys may not be aware that their sexual experiences had resulted in pregnancy.” Women’s groups are alarmed by the steady increase in teen pregnancies in recent years. “We need to stress that delaying the age of pregnancies are important for them,” Dr. Junice Melgar, Likhaan’s executive director, told Channel News Asia, “not just physically to save their lives because of the risks of early pregnancy, but also economically, because we know that young people who are able to have opportunities are the people who are able to delay sexual engagements, especially having pregnancies.” According to Guttmacher Institute, a USbased reproductive health think-tank, about 15% of teen pregnancy in the Philippines ends in abortion. Although abortion is illegal, the rate is higher (25 per 1,000 women) compared to the United States where abortion is legal (23 per 1,000 women). “For sure, there are more abortions that happen in our country that are not even reported,” wrote Dr. Rebecca S. Singson in an article which appeared in “Philippine Daily Inquirer.” “But how did abortion come into the picture?” one teenager asked. “How did abortion even become an option? Fear. Fear of being unaccepted, fear of the unknown, and lots and lots of fear. Will no one stand up and lend an ear to just listen to what these teens are experiencing? Just how many more girls are getting rid of their babies? How many girls die by trying to kill their unborn child? How many babies will have to lose

their life because no one listens?” Pregnancy is not the only consequence of sexual intimacy among teenagers. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are most likely to infect them. Most teenagers are not faithful to their partners. Should one relationship fails, there is always another one. Some girls even claim that they engage in casual sex with acquaintances. There is also a great risk of catching the dreaded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). During the UNICEF’s presentation of the State of the World’s Children, Dr. Eric Tayag reported that in 2010, one out of three HIV patients is from the 15-24 year-old bracket. In 2006, the Department of Education with support from UNFPA started a sex education program at the primary level but it was met with outrage from the Catholic Church. “We started the program at the Grade Four level because it is at that age that some girls start to menstruate. The curriculum was more focused on development strategies to cope with the changes their body is undergoing,” explained Jacqueline Kitong, reproductive health adviser in the Philippines for the UN Population Fund. Roman Catholic Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of the Diocese of Boac in Marinduque, however, blamed the mass media and the Internet – and their emphasis on sex – for the increased teen pregnancy in the country. “People from across the county are so exposed to television shows containing disturbing messages and images. And it really has a negative effect on our youth,” he wrote in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines website. The Internet, where regulation is almost nil, he said teens can easily find sex-related materials.

others made very slow pace of progress, implying that the desired condition is difficult to achieve. The availability of the latest data also varied in terms of time reference. Some are updated as of 2014 while many are as old as 2008. In Davao Region, the latest progress report was posted in 2013. The actual performance in 2015 may be captured in statistical tabulations that would only be available in the succeeding couple of years. But based on the latest data on hand, provinces and cities in Davao Region also posted an uneven scale of success or shortfall. This outcome is actually predictable in view of peculiar realities in every geographic location and population. For instance, in terms of proportion of population below the poverty threshold, Davao Oriental placed on top with more than half of its population living below the poverty incidence.

At the rate of progress being made, all Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, except Compostela Valley, exhibited low probability in reducing by half the poverty ratio gap and the proportion of population living below the subsistence incidence or food threshold, the minimum income needed by a person to satisfy her or his nutritional requirements that is 2,000 kilocalories per day. But all showed high probability in cutting by half the proportion of population without sustainable access to basic sanitation except for Davao del Sur where almost four in every ten households have no access to sanitary toilets. It is also the province where almost half of birth deliveries were not attended by skilled health personnel. Davao del Sur also ranked second to Davao Oriental in having the highest ratio of maternal mortality while Davao City posted the double-digit lowest rate. Yet, Davao City topped in terms of infant mortality ratio, in the death rate associated with tuberculosis and in the prevalence of illnesses associated with malaria. Almost half of the region’s inhabitants have no access to land tenure. No single LGU will likely make remarkable accomplishment under this indicator after the 2015 target year. But all the LGUs posted high probability in cutting by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water

and the proportion of households using solid fuels for cooking. All the LGUs also exhibited high probability in achieving universal primary education and in eliminating gender disparity in all levels of education not later than 2015. Although some of the time-bound and measurable indicators are beyond the control and influence of local governments, the rate of progress or shortfall in every LGU is also closely linked to how its respective local development policies, programs and approaches are systematically integrated and mainstreamed in every level of governance to achieve MDGs. As frontline institutions, LGUs have the primary responsibility of providing basic services for the improvement of quality of life particularly in the delivery of devolved social and economic services. With significant chunks of public expenditure decisions made at the local levels, the indispensable role of the LGUs in realizing the MDGs hinges upon the willingness and capacity of every local government for increased public spending in favor of programs that directly impact human development. Whether the LGUs in Davao Region fare well in playing its significant role to attain the MDGs will be best gauged in the succeeding years when all the statistical data are obtained and calculated after the 2015 target year of global commitments.

Tracking the local progress of MDGs

015 is the target year by which time governments around the globe are set to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the “passionate commitment” made by world leaders to address extreme poverty and human deprivation. Adopted by member states of the United Nations (UN) in 2000, specific targets and quantifiable indicators are set to accomplish in a 15-year period the eight MDGs: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development. The Philippines is among the leading countries in Asia and the Pacific in terms of data availability for tracking progress towards the attainment MDGs. As of March 12, 2015, the MDG Watch posted at the website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the progress made on every goal and target has varied levels of performance. Many indicators posted performance beyond the periodic requirement, suggesting very high probability of even surpassing the global targets. Some did behind the current level of performance, showing the need for extra effort to achieve the desired results while

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 265 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - 28, 2015

GenSan... FROM 3 country of The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The local government earlier forged a memorandum of agreement with the PBSP for the establishment and operationalization of the satellite TB treatment center here. Through the grant from the Global Fund, the PBSP will provide for the treatment and other medical needs of TB patients that will be served by the facility. “The expense per patient will run from P300,000 to P500,000 until they graduate from the treatment program,” Flores said. Christian Joy Salas, PBSP program officer for Mindanao, said the initiative aims to ensure that all TB patients in the area will get access to proper treatment and medication. In Region 12, he said the

group is also supporting the primary TB treatment centers of the Koronadal City health office and the DOH-run Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City. With the opening of the treatment facility here, Salas urged all TB patients in the area to come out and take part in the TB-DOTS and PMDT programs. “All you have to do is go to our treatment centers, get into the treatment programs and take the prescribed medicines that we will provide for free,” he said. The City Health Office has recorded around 600 suspected TB cases in the city in the last several years. Most of the cases involved residents from crowded communities in barangays Calumpang, Dadiangas West and Fatima. (MindaNews)

however, and said he accepted Sudagar’s appointment as City Council IP representative.

He said he had talked to some leaders of the tribe who were not present during the selection process in the

past three days and they expressed no objection to Sudagar’s appointment. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

discounts and freebies will be both available when a tourist either presents the booklet of the digital passport to the corresponding establishments. Alabado also said participants from the restaurant and dining sector for the 2015 VDFS have expanded. “White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine House will be joining the pack,” he announced. White House is just one of the restaurants that will give at least 20 percent discount on

food items on their respective menus per day. Restaurant Owners Association of Davao chief Benjie Lizada said earlier the association has listed an initial 106 restaurants from north to south of Davao City grouped into 12 clusters that will participate the eight week fun sale. The 12 clusters are Matina Town Square, Damosa Gateway, Phoenix Mega Station, The Peak of GMall of Davao, Lanang Business Park, Bricklane and Obrero, Victoria Pla-

za Carpark, Rizal Street, Torres Street, Roxas Street (with Aldevinco Souvenir Center), Eden Nature Park area, and Calinan area (Malagos Mountain Resort and Philippine Eagle Center). SM Lanang Premier’s Vikings will offer up to 25 percent discount to a group of four diners who will be able to present a VDFS passport. “Vikings is offering one passport holder free for every group of four, so effectively 25 percent yun,” Lizada said.

stria/ Eastwood, and (4) EDSA/ Roosevelt Avenue/ Congressional Avenue; and ii) JPY11.576 billion to finance implementation of structural measures (i.e., construction of new dike/retaining wall and retarding basin, installation of gate and drainage outlets and improvement of Kagayan Bridge, among others) and ii) non-structural measures (i.e., preparation/update of flood

hazard map, flood forecasting and warning system) in the areas around Cagayan de Oro River. The Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project, Phase VI aims to alleviate serious traffic congestion, as well as enhance transportation capacity and efficiency around Metro Manila. The said project is part of the JICA-supported and NEDA-approved trans-

port roadmap for Metro Manila and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River, aims to strengthen the resilience of the communities along the Cagayan de Oro River stretch, from the Macajalar Bay to the Pelaez Bridge, to climate change and other hydrometeorological hazards by mitigating flood risk in the area.

FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS. Performers dressed in Ati-atihan-inspired costumes join Malaybalay City’s Festival of Festivals on Saturday (March 21), a day before its 17th Charter Day celebration. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

Long... FROM 1

he said. The request for cloud seeding operations is still being assessed and validated in the regional office of the DA, he added. Tabay said as early as now, the CAO has already identified mitigation measures as the dry season is expected to last until June. “DA extended irrigation facilities to the city. These can be used in our agriculture areas that will be badly hit by the dry spell,’’ he said. He also said if something

worse happens, the city government can use the calamity fund for mitigation and assistance. Affected farmers can also ask assistance from CAO for facilitation of application for livelihood assistance for other government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and DA. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Davao Station Chief Gerry Pedrico had earlier said

a long drought was expected in the last quarter of 2014 or the first quarter of 2015. Pedrico said this was despite the 20 average typhoons that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Meanwhile, Tabay admitted there is limited assistance the government can offer to the affected farmers. The City Agriculturist’s Office, however, plans to help farmers in making project proposals that they can pass to big organizations to get their support.

this, 21 are first timers while two are repeaters. The other graduates of AdDU Law School batch 2014 who also passed the exam are 2009 Mutya ng Davao Resci Angelli Rizada, Cherry Marie Delfin, Claire Joy Enirquez, Philip Galagar, Marco Ray Gleyo, Louie Lynne Hao, Francis Mark

Layog, Verna Limbo-Cabuhat, Roseanne Lumaad, Normalah Madki, Carell Ryza Nartatez, Raymund Christian Ong Abrantes, Benedict Ontal, Hazel Beth Orcullo, Glaiza May Padlan, Ivyrose Paz, Delfin Suarez Jr., Angeli Kim Taguibao, Andrea Tan, Jonathan John Tay, Francis Earl Anthony Valdez,

and Darryl Ritchie Valles. In its Twitter account, the Supreme Court said 1,126 passed out of the 5,984 who completed the exam last year. The SC said that the oath taking of the Bar passers will be on April 24, 2015 and clearances may be secured starting April 6.

the legal profession. It all boils down to hard work and determination,” said Torreon. In Davao City, the University of Mindanao (UM) had two students who passed the Bar Exam. They are Genevieve Torres and Roger Nocom. The Ateneo de Davao University, meanwhile, had 23 passers (see related story). A total of 1,126 passed the 2014 bar exam, the Supreme

Court announced Thursday. That is equivalent to 18.82% of the exam takers. This year’s topnotcher is from San Beda College – Manila who outdid 5,984 examinees of the 2014 Bar Examinations. Irene Mae Alcobilla topped the said exam with a rating of 85.5 percent. The Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines released the list of successful exam-

inees in the 2014 Bar Examinations today, March 26. Christian Drilon of Ateneo de Manila University secured the second rank while Sandra Mae Magalang of the University of the Philippines landed third. According to the SC Public Information Office, the 2014 Bar passers will have their oath taking on April 24 at 3 p.m.

the IC appointed conservator for PPSTA Atty. Moises A. Balon and PPSTA’s Board of Trustees, headed by Dr. Kahar H. Macasayon, for their effective management of PPSTA’s business operations. He likewise commended PPSTA’s former conservators Mr. Daniel A. Gomez, Atty. Francis X. Perez, Mr. Francisco E. Josef, Atty. John A. Apatan and Mr. Carlos H. Yturzaeta.

Commissioner Dooc mentioned that IC’s commitment to instill good corporate governance in the organization, including the appointment of professional managers or conservators and of independent directors are key factors in the rehabilitation process. The rehabilitation of PPSTA started in 2005 when the IC placed PPSTA under conservatorship in order to address its

reserve deficiency and to preserve its assets. PPSTA’s members include administrators, supervisors, classroom teachers, non-teaching support personnel all over the Philippines and under the employ of the Department of Education. It serves as a financial security provider through its retirement, life insurance and loans programs.

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Iqbal: Peace no matter what happens to BBL “

THE MILF will not disengage from the peace process no matter what will happen to that Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said in an interfaith forum here Wednesday. Iqbal said the MILF will pursue the passage of the Bangsamoro Law beyond the term of President Benigno Aquino if it is not passed by the present Congress. He assured an audience led by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and leaders of interfaith NGOs that the MILF will continue to engage the Philippine government “peacefully even if Congress scuttles the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.” Iqbal arrived here Wednesday, a day earlier than his scheduled appearance at the Xavier University graduation where he and government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer will receive the Fr. William Masterson SJ award for their contribution to social development. He met with Ledesma and NGO leaders for three hours during the “Peace Conversations” organized by Tulay sa Kalinaw Mindanaw and Balay Mindanaw at the

Archbishop’s Residence in Cagayan de Oro. Iqbal said the MILF is facing three scenarios in Congress after the January 25 Mamasapano tragedy where 67 persons were killed – 44 from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), 17 from the MILF (18 in their initial reports but 17 in the report of the MILF’s Special Investigative Commission) and five civilians. He said the first scenario would be for the Philippine Congress to pass the BBL as it is without cuts and revisions. “That would be the good BBL and good for us,“ Iqbal said. A second scenario which would be a disaster for the MILF, Iqbal said is for Congress to pass the BBL with so much cuts and revisions that it would leave “nothing to imagine.” “This is the scenario that we fear most because a watered down BBL will not solve the Bangsamoro problem,” Iqbal said. The third and last scenario, Iqbal said is that Congress will not pass the BBL at all. “We would rather like this because we can engage the next administration for the passage of the BBL,” he said.

MEMORABLE. Using his phone camera, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma takes a photo of MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and other participants of the “Peace Conversations” held at the Archbishop’s Residence in Cagayan

de Oro on Wednesday (March 25). Behind the Archbishop is Reverend Ray Monsanto of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Iqbal’s meeting with Ledesma and NGO leaders came as a surprise for many especially since the alumni of Xavier University had vehemently opposed to the idea of awarding him and Ferrer. Prof. Rudy Rodil, a former government peace negotia-

tor said the problem was the deep mistrust between the Christian majority and the Muslim minority. Rodil said the roots of this animosity can be traced to history when the Spanish conquistadores and Americans played the different

tribes against each other in order to colonize the Philippines. “That’s why every time there’s a major incident, we see an uproar from the Christian majority, “ Rodil said. Iqbal also answered questions on indigenous peo-

ple’s rights within the Bangsamoro, landownership and other issues during the talk. “I was surprised that Mr. Iqbal does not look like a combatant. I am so excited to meet him,” Msgr. Rey Manual Monsanto said. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

day. Meriam Kawit, Maguindanao 1 schools division superintendent, said 42 schools in Maguindanao’s 12 education districts will have its

graduation rites starting Thursday, March 26. About 14,000 elementary and secondary pupils will graduate in Maguindanao’s conflict affected communities.

Kawit said arrangements with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who occupy school grounds have been made. They will reposition in the area temporarily to

allow the graduation ceremonies which will take place in school stages or nearby halls. “There will be no clustering of graduation rites. Each school will have each own graduation program,” she said. At least 125,000 persons from 14 of Maguindanao’s 36 towns fled their villages following the “all-out offensive” launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Bangsamoro Islamic Fireedom Fighters (BIFF). She said proper coordination with the military and the police has been done. “My request was for the police and military to keep a distance so the graduates, parents and relatives will not be apprehensive,” Kawit told reporters. Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Min-

danao (ARMM) will be the guest of honor of the graduation rites in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on March 30, the site of the January 25 bloody encounter between Police Special Action Force and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). “On Monday, I will come back here to tell the people during graduation rites the government’s program to improve the lives of our people,” Hataman told reporters during the ground breaking of a government project in Barangay Tukanalipao. “I will also announce an ARMM scholarship program for graduating Tukanalipao high school students,” he added. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

All set for graduation in conflict affected areas in Maguindanao

LL is set for the elementary and high school graduation ceremonies in conflict affected communities in Maguindanao, an education official said Wednes-

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AEON TOWERS INVESTORS NIGHT

A night of music, food and discounts

THE FTC GROUP OF COMPANIES will hold its regular AEON Towers Investors Night at the AEON Towers Showroom on Saturday (March 28) at JP Laurel Avenue. A by-invitation-only event, FTC will be throwing an intimate dinner for its clients complete with mood music and a lot of surprises including discounts on closed sales made on that day. Ian Cruz, president and CEO of FTC Group of Companies, will person-

ally lead the intimate party as the Marketing people of the local developer rolls out the red carpet to its valued clients. Last month, FTC also threw a party for its topselling agents and sellers at Vikings Restaurant at the SM Lanang Premier. The FTC Group of

Companies has diversified its portfolio by making its initial setup into residential real estate development. This initial project is aimed at uplifting the quality of life in Davao City, and its neighboring cities and municipalities

AEON P4

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UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Stockbridge holds Parent’s Forum Ara Min Reveals plans to build new modern campus in 2016

Macho Mucho opens at SM City Davao

By Kenneth Irving Ong STOCKBRIDGE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL recently held a Parent’s Forum last March 13 at Claude’s Café to welcome the parents of new as well as continuing students of the school as they started accepting students for this school year.

The first and only certified international school in Mindanao, Stockbridge American International School follows the USbased NACEL International Schools System, an international curriculum that correlates with the host country’s curriculum. Joli Ilagan Bian, chairperson of JIB Schools of which Stockbridge is a part of, says that she chose NACEL “because it’s the only international system” that has the capacity to handle schools standards across a number of countries.”No other system that has the most number of schools all over the world.” she added NACEL runs a network of 16 international schools from all over the world from countries across Europe, Canada, Turkey,and China. It also has its own campus at Clark in Pampanga. “The world is global now and the education we provide at Stockbridge answers the need for Globalisation,” beams Bian “Students of our school can take advantage of the schools curriculum that is at par and accepted by the

Careen Hao Bian, VP for operations Stockbridge American International School welcomed the parents and teachers present during the Parent’s Forum followed by a short talk by Graham Salzer, NACEL ambassador, and Kate Lavelle, kinder and grade school teacher, NACEL academics trainer.

Joli Ilagan Bian, chairperson of JIB Schools together with NACEL ambassador, Graham Salzer talk about the unique features and advantages of the NACEL system which Stockbridge American International School is using. rest of the world. Gradu- in a 3.7 hectare property ates can easily transfer in Ma-a. The campus will laterally to any schools be at par with all other that are either part of the schools run by Nacel and NACEL system or accept will have four four-storey the NACEL system.” buildings, a gymnasium, Bian also revealed a dormitory, and a soccer plans for the establish- field. Construction of the ment of Stockbridge In- campus will start in late ternational School’s new 2016 or 2017 and is set for campus which will rise completion on 2018.

MACHO MUCHO SALON FOR MEN, the pioneer hybrid barbershop and salon for men in SOX, has opened its doors at the Level 2 of SM City Davao. Macho Mucho provides hair grooming services for men and nail services. The new grooming hub at SM Davao is Macho Mucho’s second branch. First hub is located at SM City General Santos. The concept barbershop prides itself in providing men with the choice of their trim, with a barber style haircut by trained barbers or salon style haircut by the shop’s senior hairstylist. Macho Mucho was born with an idea that men should be pampered and treated for their grooming needs in an environment where they can be truly themselves. The hybrid concept barbershop offers an ambience fit for a male boss with a discriminating taste-- not old-styled barbershop that lacked innovations for the needs of today’s men nor a unisex salon absent with elements that affirm machismo. It is with this need that the owners innovated and paved the way to making Macho Mucho, a salon and a barbershop in one. Macho Mucho also offers its own line of hair products through its brother company, Crown & Glory. Crown and Glory offers hair tonics, shampoo and oils that are engineered to help bring out confidence in men. They also have long lasting fragrances for men under the “Get Luck” line. “Men know what they want. They’ve got needs, and they have intense loyalty in what works. We’re addressing that.” Check out Macho Mucho Salon For Men at the Level 2 of SM City Davao.

ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” tells an inspiring mother-daughter story about unconditional love, forgiveness, and motherhood. The upcoming family drama episode will star Ara Mina and Sofia Andres, who will play Bheng and Joy, respectively.

Mikael Da SOUGHT-AFTER TV host and actor Mikael Daez remains loyal with GMA as he signed an exclusive contract with the Kapuso Network today (March 25).

Marco Polo Davao joins International World Water Day celebration

World Water Day celebration by joining the “Adopt-an-Estero/ Water Body Program” of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) last March 20, 2015 at Isla Dila, Baranggay Buhangin, Davao City.

Marco Polo Davao’s General Manager, Dottie Wurgler-Cronin (right side) together with some hotel associates join the cleanup of the estero at Isla Dila, Barangay Buhangin

Sh he ab gu plo en na wh to

sin tha wil Bheng becomes a ord single mother to her pa daughter Joy when her ter boyfriend refuses to take mi responsibility for their child. When Joy grew sod older, Bheng is forced Be to work abroad to make les ends meet for her family. lian

For over four years of being part of the industry, Mikael expressed his gratitude on the challenging projects that the Network has been giving him. “It’s no secret that I’m very very happy with GMA. I’ve been here for four years and they have given me such amazing breaks. I remember, the first thing I promised nga when I did my first contract signing was that I will try to improve and keep on getTHE Marco Polo Davao employees headed by ting better and show them their General Manager, Dottie Wurgler-Cronin something new with each supported the celebration of the International project.”

The cleanup of the estero was participated by 38 employees from Marco Polo Davao together with Ms. Cronin and other Heads of Department as part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility. The International World Water Day aims to increase the awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

SUN LIFE MARKS 150TH BIRTHDAY. Sun Life Financial rang the opening bell at the Philippine Stock Exchange to mark the company’s 150th year of its founding in Canada. Present during the event were Sun Life’s board members and top executives, and PSE Management Committee members. There to grace the event were (L-R) Sun Life Director Rafael Alunan III, Sun Life Director Atty Aleli Quirino, Sun Life Director Atty Oscar Orbos, and Sun Life Director Melito Salazar, Jr.; Sun Life Financial Asia Chief Financial Officer Benedict Sison; Sun Life Philippines President & CEO Riza Mantaring; Sun Life Financial Asia Chief Operating Officer Fabien Jeudy; PSE President Hans Sicat; Sun Life Director Atty. Oscar Reyes; PSE Director Edgardo Lacson and PSE Chief Operating Officer Atty Roel Refran; and Sun Life Financial Asia’s Chief Risk Officer and Director Peter Walker. Sun Life Financial also rang the opening bells at the New York and Toronto stock exchanges on the same day to commemorate the said milestone.

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“ like kno gro to and do sitc ies tha the wo pro ful, run add P sig Vic tain abl for T. A den Ma

SM ma ON March 28, all SM Supermalls across the Philippines and China will unite with the global community in observance of Earth Hour, a yearly event that aims to raise awareness on climate change. In Mindanao, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City Davao, SM City General Santos and SM Lanang Premier, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, will be one with the Earth Hour movement, renewing their commitment to meaningful climate solutions. For 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, lights will go out in support of sustainable mall operations and energy consumption.

A slat day City Oro Ope at 8 City ing Gen Fou Vari ers lic a tors org resi nitie the yea mat A Hou

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ina and Sofia Andres play mother aughter this Saturday on MMK

he left Joy in the care of er grandparents. In the bsence of her mother’s uidance, Joy started exoring her sexuality and nded up getting pregant by her boyfriend, ho eventually left her raise their baby alone. How hurtful is it for a ngle mother to learn at her beloved child ll go through the same deal as she had in the ast? What will a daughr do to make up for her istakes? Also part of the epide are Liz Alindogan, ea Saw, Alyanna Anges, Pen Medina, and Jun Estrada. It is directed

by Garry Fernando and written by Jimuel Dela Cruz and Arah Jell Badayos. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos and creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

Capturing the hearts of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 23 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has legions of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the real-life narratives of the show’s letter-senders. Don’t miss the longest-running drama an-

thology in Asia, “MMK,” this Saturday (March 28), 7:15PM, after “Home Sweetie Home” on ABSCBN. For more updates, log on to MMK.abs-cbn. com, follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” Facebook.com/ MMKOfficial. Tweet your thoughts about this Saturday’s episode by using the hashtag #MMK MothersLove. Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “MMK” through ABSCBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile. com.

aez renews commitment with GMA

“I’m happy, I think I feel e I’ve done that and you ow, I’ve segued then own from just an actor hosting a food show d a travel show. I’ve also one comedy, gag show, com now, I’ve done movs. I would like to think at I was very happy with e work that we did and I ould like to think that the ojects were very success, a lot of them are still nning up to now,” Mikael ded. Present in the contract gning were GMA Senior ce President for Enternment Lilybeth G. Rasonle, GMA Vice President r Entertainment Marivin Arayata, GMA Vice Presint for Drama Redgie A. agno, GMA Senior Assis-

tant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi S. Lara, GMA Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President

and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun F. Ferrer, Program Manager Cecille de Guzman and Mikael’s co-manager Betchay Vidanes.

Mikael is currently hosting the five-minute segment of Saksi titled Midnight Express and is part of Bubble Gang and Ismol Family.

alls join Earth Hour 2015

A program is ted on Satury, 7:30 pm at SM y Cagayan de o Las Ramblas en Parking, and 8:00 pm at SM y Davao ParkC, and SM City neral Santos untain Court. ious stakeholdfrom the puband private secs, socio-civic ganizations and idents of nearby commues are expected to join e said celebration with this ar’s theme “Change Clite Change.” At SM City Davao, Earth ur will be highlighted

by the Habagat Earth Hour Night Ride, which aims to campaign for conscientious use of energy, while Youtube sensation Bogart the Explorer will join the ceremonial switch-off at 8:30 pm. Addi-

tionally, bike clinics, lectures on safe riding and other activities that encourage green lifestyles and low-carbon means will be held on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, General Santos City Councilor Richard Atendido, Vice - Chairman for Environment, will grace the Earth Hour celebration at SM City General Santos. Fire dancers, drum beaters and musicians will perform at the switch-off events of the said malls. Earth Hour, a lights-off

event that started in Australia in 2007, is recognized as the world’s largest voluntary action for the environment. It has grown to engage more than 162 countries and territories worldwide. In the Philippines, SM Supermalls actively participates in the Earth Hour. Through its corporate social responsibility arm – SM Cares, it has championed the need to mitigate climate change and embarked on projects that push for environmental protection and sustainability. Take action and use #YourPower to change climate change. Join the switch-off at any of the SM malls near you. For more information, check out www.org.ph/earthhour.

March 26-April 1, 2015

INSURGENT Shailene Woodley, Theo James PG

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

CINDERELLA Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden G

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

SONG ONE Anne Hathaway, Johnny Flynn PG

R-16

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

HOME Rihanna, Jim Parsons G

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

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STYLE AEON P1 by revolutionizing the existing real estate standards in the area. The 33-level AEON Towers project is beamed as the center of Davao’s evolution. A structure that embodies the spirit of Davaoeños, towering over the Davao City landscape. When completed in 2016, Aeon Towers will become the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao. Located right at the heart of central business district, the AEON Towers stands among major educational centers, public service and health facilities, plac-

es of worship, business districts, commercial hubs and entertainment complex. It is within city access from the city’s major tourist attractions. To live there is to live right at the center, where everything is just within

your reach. The AEON Towers exudes with the perfect balance between boldness and tradition, between a carefree lifestyle and a progressive mindset. Now, one can finally experience state of the art condominium living in Davao’s tallest residential building. Created, designed and conceptualized by Architect Dennis J. Litonjua, the mixed used revolutionary condominium tower offers a formidable designs that mirrors the architect’s uncompromisingly high standard of excellence and professional aggressiveness, creating a total experience of dynamic creativity and technical expertise. It will house a hotel, restaurants, fitness gym, shops, BPO and condominium units.

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NEWS 13

P25.7M in crops in GenSan damaged due to El Niño A

ROUND P25.7-million worth of agricultural crops here have been devastated due to the impact of the continuing dry spell triggered by the mild El Niño Phenomenon. Merlinda Donasco, City Agriculture Office chief,

said Thursday the intense dry weather has so far destroyed a total of 836.17 hectares of farmlands in parts of the city that were planted with corn, banana, coconut, vegetables and other high value crops . She said the affected areas covered 15 of the city’s

26 barangays and involved a total of 455 farmers. These are barangays Batomelong, Buayan, Conel, Katangawan, Ligaya, Olympog, Sinawal, Upper Labay, Tinagacan, San Jose, Mabuhay, San Isidro, Baluan, Bawing and Lagao.

Donasco said the value of the crop damage or loss has increased as they included the high value crops in their assessment. “We’re continually monitoring the situation in some critical farm areas as the situation could worsen in the

coming weeks,” she said. She said that based on an advisory issued to their office by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the El Niño currently affecting the city and the neighboring areas could extend until August. It said the dry spell being experienced in some parts of the country could prolong as a result of the El Niño. El Niño is a phenomenon caused by the abnormal warming of the central and eastern Pacific waters, generally manifests in a dry spell, or below normal rainfall, usually following wet conditions. PAGASA officials had identified this city and other parts of Region 12 as among the most vulnerable areas in terms of the adverse impact of the El Niño. “When that (prolonged dry spell) happens, more farm areas will certainly be affected, especially those planted with high value crops,” Donasco said. As initial intervention, the official said City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has approved their recommendation to provide immediate liveli-

hood assistance to the affected farmers. “We will distribute drought-tolerant seeds and other suitable planting materials,” she said. Donasco said the city government has allotted an initial P9 million under its supplemental budget for the livelihood assistance and the purchase of palay and corn seeds. The palay and corn seeds will be distributed to local farmers once the dry spell would ease so they could immediately plant again, she said. As to the conduct of cloud seeding to induce rains, she said they are still assessing the appropriate time to do it. Cloud seeding is the process of manually spreading either dry ice or salt into the upper part of the clouds to help stimulate the precipitation process and form rain. The city government has a standing allotment of P1 million for the conduct of cloud-seeding operations. “It would be a waste if we give it a go and there will be no seedable clouds available and there’s also chance that the rain will eventually drop in areas outside the city,” she added.

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Roach bares Manny’s woes with cramps O

NE of the few problems in Manny Pacquiao’s career that trainer Freddie Roach hasn’t been able to solve has been the Filipino superstar’s tendency to suffer leg cramps. Pacquiao has massive calves, the size of a large apple, and he relies on them to generate his punching power.

But in many of his fights, he’s been hindered by cramps. Roach told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday that cramps continue to be an issue for Pacquiao, though he’s taking steps to prevent them as the boxer continues his preparations for his May 2 bout in Las Vegas against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

One of those steps involved purchasing an anti-inflammatory cream for his calves that cost $1,800 for a small tube. The cost was so high because Pacquiao doesn’t have U.S. insurance and had to pay the inflated retail cost. Before applying it, Roach had it approved by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which

FACING MANNY’S ISSUES. Freddie Roach poses at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. (Getty Images)

DavNor gets ‘A’s from DepEd

HE cauldron for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa will be lit in 37 days yet but host Davao del Norte has reaped flying A marks from no less than the Department of Education (DepEd). DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro has declared Davao del Norte looks bound to set a benchmark for all future editions of the annual Palaro. “We were not harassed for this Palarong Pambansa 2015. ‘Way ahead of schedule, there’s been no rushing on the part of the hosts,” Luistro said in Thursday’s official launch of the May 3 to 9 Palaro at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan of the Davao del Norte provincial capitol. “We are looking at this year as the standard or benchmark for succeeding Palaro,” added Luistro, who was accompanied in the launch by top DepEd officials, including Palarong Pambansa secretary general Undersecratary Tony Umali. Also officially launched in the well-attended ceremony were the

DavNor Palaro website (www.davnorpalaro2015.com), the games official music video and a first-ever comprehensive 64-page guidebook that provides even the minutest details about the games— from specifics on billeting venues, transportation, medical assistance, communications, tourism, security, among others. The DavNor Palaro 2015 guidebook—which could stand heads and shoulders even with Olympic and Asian Games guidebooks—will be the bible for this summer’s games. “It is the privilege of our province to host the Palarong Pambansa 2015, an opportunity that we finally grasped after years of thorough planning and persistence,” Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said in his message in the launch. “This is our time to prove that we have the capacity to host a prestigious national event worthy of being called ‘The Best Palaro Ever.’”

WO-TIMES Miami Open winner Victoria Azarenka defeated Spain’s Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-1 6-3 on Wednesday to set up a second round meeting with Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic. Former world number one Azarenka made her name with victory in Miami in 2009 and followed that up with another triumph in 2011 but hampered by injuries, she has fallen down the world

is conducting drug testing for the fight. “There’s no magic cure for it,” Roach said of Pacquiao’s cramps. “We’re doing what we can do. I’ve got the doctors working on it. There are some Filipino guys here who are massaging it for him. The cream cost $1,800 for a single bottle. I wasn’t too happy about that.” Roach said in an effort to rid Pacquiao of shin splints, he and conditioning coach Justin Fortune no longer have him running hills. Pacquiao often ran up a concrete hill during his previous training camps with Roach in the Los Angeles area. “We did change his running schedule because I don’t like him running the hills six days a week,” Roach said. “I’ve got him on the track a lot more now doing fast sprint-type workouts instead of hill workouts. I think it’s better for the older fighters sometimes to stay away from the hills so much. “When he was young, it was OK, but he’s getting a little older and the wear and tear of going up that hill, which is all concrete, is really not good for his legs. On the days he spars, he goes [to run at] Pan Pacific Park, and on the other days, we go over to UCLA.” Roach said Pacquiao “is on fire” during his workouts and said he hadn’t seen him

as intense as he has been in this camp. Roach is confident Pacquiao will become the first in 48 bouts to defeat Mayweather and said he’s been spending his free time watching Mayweather’s old fights. He said he also sought out WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto, whom he trains and who lost to both Mayweather and Pacquiao, to ask his advice. Roach said he felt Zab Judah would have beaten Mayweather in 2006 if Judah hadn’t tired at the fight’s midpoint. He also said he asked Cotto why he felt he lost to Mayweather in 2012. “He told me him and his trainer [Pedro Diaz] weren’t getting along too well and he didn’t have much to say,” Roach said. “He doesn’t think much of Mayweather and told me he thinks Manny is going to kill him. I do, too, so that made me feel good. The things we’ve been working on have been going pretty well. I asked Miguel for some advice and what he thought Mayweather’s best moves are. “He said that Mayweather is very good at setting a trap and making people walk into it, but Manny is very familiar with that trap. That’s not going to surprise him. This is such a massive fight and Manny wants to

win it so bad, he’s been spot on with everything.” One thing Pacquiao may not have necessarily won was his negotiation with Roach over the trainer’s purse. Pacquiao, who is expected to earn more than $100 million for the fight, asked Roach one day before camp began how much he wanted to train him for the bout. Roach suggested that Pacquiao contact his agent to work out the deal. But Pacquiao insisted on the two men hammering it out man-to-man. “We were in the locker room and the subject [of my pay for the fight] came up,” Roach said. “He wanted to know what I wanted. I said, ‘What do you want to give me?’ He just kept saying, ‘Tell me what you want.’ So I told him to go work it out with [his agent]. And Manny said, ‘No. No. I want to do it with you. And so we spent 20 seconds in the locker room and he said, ‘What if I pay you this much?’ And I shook his hand and said, ‘Deal. Thank you.’ It’s more money than I’ve ever seen in my life and it was very, very fair. Way more than fair, honestly. “I am happy for it and I’m out here working my ass off for him. It’s not because of the money, but because he’s such a nice guy and a good and honorable man.”

rannkings in the past year to 36. The Belarusian, who has not been in Miami for three years, had to fight back from 3-1 down in the second set to ensure she advanced in straight sets. “I felt I played really good in the first set but in the second I dropped a little my aggressivity,” said Azarenka. “But it is nice to be back

somewhere where I had a lot of success. I’ve always loved this city and this tournament.” Azarenka will face a tough test in the next round with in form Jankovic coming off a run to the Indian Wells final before falling to Romanian Simona Halep. Third-seed Halep will face Czech Nicole Vaidisova, the former world number seven back on the tour after ending her retirement. The 25-year-old Vaidisova beat Hunga r i an

Gavrilova advanced past New Zealand’s, Marina Erakovic who had to retire with an ankle injury when down 5-1. Gavrilova will face compatriot and second seed Maria Sharapova in the second round. Top seed Serena Williams, who had to pull out of her semi-final in Indian Wells with a knee injury, says she will be ready to face Romanian Monica Niculescu on Friday. “It’s okay. I know I’m going to have to manage the pain. I think you just have to figure out the best way around it. I don’t want to put much pressure on it before (Friday) “ said

Azarenka rolls in Miami

Top young cagers in Davao to be picked

HO will be the next Jr. NBA All-Stars after Henry Asilum, Miguel Competente and Mahloney Tarranza? Davao City is raring to find out as Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA action shifts to the University of the Immaculate Concepcion in the Poblacion District of Davao City this weekend. There, the top players from Mindanao who hope to follow the footsteps of the three Jr. NBA All-Stars will be chosen after two days of camp with US Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA coaches, Alaska coaches and Perlas Pilipinas coaches. On March 28, boys and girls aged 10 to 14 will go through vitals tests, basketball drills, skills tests, aptitude and endurance challenges and learn the Jr. NBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive

Attitude and Respect. The Top 40 players with the highest cumulative scores in the various stations will return on March 29 for more intense basketball drills and exercises. Scrimmages in the afternoon will help select the camp participants who will move on to the National Training Camp n Manila in April. A basketball clinic open to young players of all ages will be conducted Friday, March 27, one day before the Regional Selection from 1-4 p.m. at the same venue. Participation in the Regional Selection Camp and Basketball Clinic is free. After Davao, only one more Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Regional Selection Camp remains. The Manila Regional Selection Camp will be held at the PICC Forum at the CCP Complex in Roxas Boulevard on April 11 and 12.

Timea Babos 6-1 7-6 in what was her first WTA-level match since Memphis in 2010. Russian wildcard Daria

FINE FORM. Viktoria Azarenka hits a forehand return.

Williams, who has won seven titles at Miami.

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D-DAY. Nonito Donaire (second from left) poses with Brazil’s William Prado (left) while Donnie Nietes (second from right) stands beside Mexican challenger Gilberto Parra. Behind them are ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer and WBO president Leon Panuncialman. Boy Lim

REIGN AND REDEMPTION Donnie viows KO, Donaire not taking foe lightly

By CHARLES RAYMOND MAXEY

WO Filipino boxing champions will fight together in the same night, one seeking to extend his reign as world champion and the oher trying to bounce back from a devastating defeat. Standing in their way are two equally strong rivials, ring protagonists out to break Filipino hearts. Brace ourselves for a

DGE Davao will be at ringside in two of the most important boxing cards--the Pinoy Pride 30: D-Day and the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight of the century. For D-Day, veteran sportswriter Charles Raymond Maxey returns to the craft he loves so much when he goes at ringside for the Donnie Nietes and Nonito Donaire fights. Charles takes over my spot as I have to attend to my daughter Jill’s graduation this Saturday. He

thrilling ring action come Saturday night when these fighters see action in Pinoy Pride 30. D-Day, as the card is called, will be at the historic Araneta Coliseum where Muhammad Ali beat Joe Frazier in 1975. Donnie Nietes will defend his WBO jr. flyweight crown against Gilberto Parra of Mexico, while Nonito Donaire will

meet William Prado of Brazil in a WBC North America Boxing Federation super bantamweight title. “When you put these two big names in one event, it’s huge,” ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer said during the press conference at Solaire Hotel in Pasay City. Nietes, who stakes his 34-1-4 record against Parra, eyes to extend his long reign

as FIlipiino world champion, but will have his hands full against Parra. He vowed to knockout the Mexican although he did not state what round. Parra has an impressive 19-2 record with 17 stoppages or a high 77 percent KO clip. Also in yesterday’s presscon, Nietes received his Ring Magazine championship belt from Anson Wainwright. He

and Donaire were earlier inducted to the Elorde Boxing Hall of Fame. Donaire, who suffered a devastating defeat in his last outing when he was knocked out, will try rise again in front of Filipino fight fans opposing Prado. “I hope people will come and watch a very, very special event,” Aldeguer said. Donaire said he is not tak-

brings us the coverage from the official pre-fight presscon yesterday to Friday’s weigh-in and Saturday’s fight night at the SMART Araneta Center. Charles gave us the presscon highlights which will come out on this issue. Donnie Nietes, the longest-reigning Pinoy world champion vowed to knockout Gilberto Parra although he did not state which round. Parra is no pushover with a very high 77 percent knockout clip.

LET’S GET IT ON

hope for this dream coverage after having told that it’s the Mayweather Promotions that’s in charge of media accreditation. The Mayweather outfit required all media personalities to be credentialed for the coverage from the day of the presscon. This means most of the credentialed media are from boxing publications, shows, and major news organizations. Edge Davao is lucky to have an ‘insider’ though with the Manny Pacquiao camp through our correspondent

Aquilles Zonio who has been dishing out stories from the day Manny pitched camp in GenSan to the time they flew to Los Angeles and train at the Wild Card Gym. With Aquilles in LA, we deliver you fresh updates right straight from the Pacquiao camp and that is like being right there with the team. No doubt, these two boxing events are the biggest this year from different sections of the world but involving the country’s finest

Getting to the edge of your seats

Neil Bravo For his part, Donaire said he will not take Brazilian William Prado lightly. For the ‘fight of the century’, I have already given up

ing his opponent lightly. “We do expect a very tough fight from Prado. I respect him as a fighter but we have prepared hard for this. We have prepared,” Donaire said. After the press conference, the main protagonists posed for photographers with the famous “Eye Of The Tiger” song blurting in the background.

names in boxing today. Aside from Donnie and Donaire, there’s also Prince Albert Pagara who will be in the PP30 card against dangerous Mexican Rodolfo Hernandez. With their rich background in sportswriting, Charles and Aquilles delivers to us a coverage like no other. Notes: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” at 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8 am to 10 am. You may write the author at bravoneil@rocketmail.com.

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