Edge Davao 8 Issue 220

VOL. 8 ISSUE 220 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

DAVAO CITY

BOOMS

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 220 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1, 2016

DAVAO CITY BOOMS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

D

AVAO City is not only peaceful, it is also booming: in population, investments, tourist attractions, and more.

In terms of people, Davao City is now home to almost 1.9 million people. The figure is based on the 2015 Census done by the Philippine Statistics Authority. That’s 300,000 more people added to the population reported in 2010.

And, according to Maria Leah Magracia, PSA senior statistical analyst, it may swell to 2 million as more people from nearby provinces and other parts of the country migrate to the country’s largest city (in terms of land area).

Urbanization – the demographic transition from rural to urban – is associated with shifts from agriculture-based economy to mass industry, technology, and services. With 1.6 million people moving into the cities globally every week, the 21st century will be known in history as the century of global urbanization.

“This urban expansion will be especially burdensome for developing countries, where 82 percent of the world’s population currently lives,” said Grant Potter, who conducted a research on the impact of urbanization for the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute.

The Philippines is one of those developing countries that will bear the brunt of urbanization. Today, about 63 percent of the country’s total population of 96.2 million live in urban areas, according to the world population data sheet released by the Washington-based Population Reference Bureau.

Most of the largest cities – Metro Manila in Luzon, Cebu in the Visayas, and Davao in Mindanao – are considered economic engines of the country. Davao City, for instance, is on the verge of turning into a bustling metropolis and with the influx of foreign and local

business investors, the numbers are on its side.

The de facto capital of Mindanao, Davao is one of the largest cities in the world with a total land area of 224,000 hectares. Its boundaries encompass commercial areas as well as beaches, mountains, and forests. Approximately, it is 7.8 times the size of Cebu and three times that of the entire Metro Manila.

A few years back, the City Mayors Foundation ranked Davao City the 87th fastest growing city in the world, and it has been listed by the United Kingdom-based Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Magazine as the 10th “Asian City of the Future” together with two other Philippine cities – Quezon City (ranked 7th) and Cebu City (8th place).

Davao City serves as the regional center for the Davao Region (which is composed of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Davao Occidental).

“The increase in population was the result of migration, among others, of people from other regions because Davao City offers many opportunities as a hub of government, business, and industries,” observed the National Statistics Office.

In 2006, Davao City hosted the tourism forum of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“Davao is slow compared to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, and Cebu,” wrote Ernie Abella, editor of Madayaw, a magazine that was released in conjunction with the event. “But you can get from sea to mountain by the time you finish the juice of a fresh coconut.”

Most recent visitors who come here describe Davao as a land of exotic beauty and rich culture. “Davao is probably the least exposed of the country’s urban areas, and the most appealing,” contends Joey Bridgewater, an American who stayed in the city for three

Davao City is one of the most livable cities in Asia. It has a very low percentage of crime. It is not only typhoon-free but so far has not been visited by a huge typhoon or any great disaster. months. “It’s a great holiday hideaway, what with its lush greenery and exotic wild flora and fauna that contribute to its picturesque view,” he adds.

There are several other reasons why Davao is now one of the tourist destinations in the country. In a website called toptens.com, people give some reasons on why the city is such a good place to visit: “With its unique emergency response system, you can call 911 in whatever situation you are in. The city is known for its tight security and strict implementation of the law,” wrote one visitor. “It is also

known to be the ‘fruit basket of the Philippines;’ from the exotic durian and mangosteen to one of the most exported product of the Philippines, banana, you will find all of them here.”

Another one commented: “Davao City is one of the most livable cities in Asia. It has a very low percentage of crime.

It is not only typhoon-free but so far has not been visited by a huge typhoon or any great disaster. But one this is sure: Davao City has very delicious and very cold clean water.”

Despite the proliferation of top companies operating in the city, Davao is pictured as one of

the best places in the country where oldies can retire. Zipporah Antonio, who works as a content writer of Housing Interactive, Inc., wrote: “Modern meets the old.

Indeed, this dynamic province is a perfect marriage of traditional culture and cosmopolitan living. It may have the usual hustle and bustle of city life, but it is able to retain that ‘small town’ feel. Signs of Davao’s progress and success are seen through the rise of developments throughout the area. This is mainly to accommodate the burgeoning number of expat and local communities.”

Antonio further wrote: “Its rich history, picturesque landscapes, breathtaking islands, exciting water-related activities, and remarkable tourist destinations are few of the main reasons that make the province an interesting place for retirement. Likewise, the cost of living is definitely more affordable than Metro Manila and Cebu.”

If there are good news, there are also bad news. Take the case of sea-level rise, a direct result of climate change, which may wreak havoc with-

in the city. The Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts,” published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said the most likely to be affected are the city’s seaports.

“Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment said.

Another problem the city needs to address is water. “Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source,” the WWF/BPI report said. “It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water. However, salt intrusion has already been reported in city districts to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea-level rise may aggravate this situation.”

From being tagged as a “Murder City” in the 1980s, Davao is now of the safest cities in the world. Indeed, it has come a long, long way.

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4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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HEAR US OUT. House committee on Indigenous People North Cotabato chair second district Rep. Nancy Catamco, Magdalo Party list representative Gary C. Alejano, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, and other government officials listen to the sentiments of a tribal leader in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on the situation of IPs during a Congressional inquiry in Talaingod on Friday. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Talaingod mayor wants Alamara dismantled

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ALAINGOD, Davao del Norte Mayor Basilio Libayao Jr. has asked the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the national government to dismantle the anti-communist armed group Alamara in his town.

In an interview at the sideline of last Friday’s congressional hearing conducted by the House Committee on Indigenous People (IP) in Talaingod, Libayao said he made the call to put a stop to the harassment allegedly done by Alamara members on tribe members.

Libayao said around 300 tribal residents evacuated last year to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines

(UCCP) Haran compound in Davao City because of Alamara harassment.

He said a few weeks ago another 172 members of the tribe left for Haran after the killing of a 15-year-old boy allegedly by the Alamara.

The SOS Network in Southern Mindanao had said in a press release that student Alibando Tingkas was killed in Sitio Laslasakan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod by a member of the Alamara whom community members identified as Joven Salangani.

Libayao said he had already prepared a budget from the Quick Response Fund to

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Philippine Eagle‘Matatag’ pushes to unfamiliar habitats

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HILIPPINE Eagle “Matatag,” a rehabilitated bird released over a year ago in Mt Apo has moved away from its birth place into forests he has never flown to before.

Currently 13 km north of his release area, Matatag is within unfamiliar grounds. He is also way beyond the territorial borders of the Obu Manuvu community in Barangay Carmen, Davao City who for over a year has watched over and kept the eagle safe.

Forty Indigenous forest guards, 26 males and 14 females, took turns tracking the bird as he explored the group’s ancient forests.

Through the elders’ consensus and a traditional ritual, Matatag was sanctified as the group’s Pusaka prior to his release. Pusaka is the Obu Manuvus practice of declaring inviolable those possessions, living or non-living, that are very valuable to the family. The word loosely translates to an “heirloom” or “heritage”.

As a Pusaka, protecting Matatag therefore became a village duty.

Thereafter, the Powasan (Forest Guards) roamed the forests daily to look after Matatag with the aid of radio-telemetry. The eagle has a radio transmitter on his back,

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Envi groups ask Duterte to veto CLUP amendment

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

E

abf@edgedavao.net

NVIRONMENT groups in Davao City have asked Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to veto the amendment of a provision of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the city.

In a telephone interview with EDGE Davao on Friday afternoon, Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Mary Ann Fuertes said various environment groups agreed during a meeting last Thursday to urge Duterte to veto the proposal

that had been approved by the City Council last week.

“We sent a letter to the mayor today (Friday) calling on him to veto the amendment,” she said Fuertes said the City Council had conducted a hearing on the CLUP amendment without convening the Local Zoning Review Committee, a multi-sectoral group that includes NGO representatives, to review and study proposal.

“Nagpatawag agad sila ng committee hearing na walang

public consultation. Asan yung fairness doon, yung due process? Wala, hindi siya nasunod (They called a committee without public consultation.

Where is the fairness there, the due process? None, it was not followed),” she said.

Fuertes said that the proposal was not even part of the agenda when it was passed on first reading in August 2015 because it was done through a privilege speech of councilor Diosdado Mahipus.

She said a committee hear-

ing by the committee on rules and privileges, laws and ordinances was then conducted the following week. “Wala siya sa agenda, siningit lang nila (It was not in the agenda, they just insert it),” she said.

The proposed ordinance amending article 9 of City Ordinance no. 0546 of 2013 or the City Land Use Plan 2013-2022 will remove the additional 10 percent green space allocation of the total land area of a subdivision development project.

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Locals vow support to big-ticket infra project

L

OCALS and barangay officials of three villages in Caraga town have vowed their support on the proposed construction of a P59 million PSCG Bridge here, saying this big-ticket project will surely create a huge impact over the lives of their constituents.

Officials of the three beneficiary villages, namely: Lamiawan, Pichon and San Antonio which will directly benefit from the project, strongly expressed their endorsement on the proposed project during the recently held Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting here.

They say this bridge will not only help in transporting their

FLOCALS, 10

The existing footbridge in Barangay Lamiawan, which is only passable on foot or by motorcycle, is the only means residents from the uplands cross the river to bring their

goods to market. Residents here say that the proposed construction of a big-ticket P59 million PSCG Bridge will surely create a huge impact over their lives.

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6 NEWS

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 220 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Former South Cot guv de Pedro passes away

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OUTH Cotabato province is mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of former governor Hilario de Pedro III. De Pedro died after reportedly suffering from a stroke between 3 and 4 p.m. on Friday at his home in Barangay Palkan in Polomolok town. He was 66.

His elder sister Evangeline said he was found unconscious by his wife Carmen inside their room at past 4 p.m.

She said they immediately rushed him to the Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital in Barangay Cannery Site in Polomolok but he was declared dead on arrival.

“It was unexpected. He SPRUCING UP. Workers repainting a portion of the Peace Archway along Sta. Ana Avenue in Davao City as part of the preparation for the forthcoming Chinese New Year celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE chair of the House committee on Indigenous People (IP) North Cotabato second district Rep. Nancy A. Catamco is pushing to institutionalize the Bagani (Tribal Soldiers) within ancestral domains.

In an interview on Friday during her Congressional inquiry in Talaingod, Davao del

Norte, Catamco said she will file a resolution in the House to come up with an Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) to formalize the Bagani as part of the political structure of the tribes.

“The Baganis will only work within ancestral domain.

Outside of that, that is the discussion we will make in Con-

gress,” she said.

Catamco said with the IRR, the Bagani will be armed with guns to guard their territory from armed groups.

She said the IRR aims to regulate the Bagani’s carrying of firearms because it might lead to abuse of their co-tribesmen.

“Para katong magdala og

armas, duna pud siya’y tulubagon. Para kung naa siya’y kalapasan manubag jud siya ana (This is to make the Bagani liable for their action. If there is a violation, the Bagani should held liable for it),” she said.

Catamco said the Bagani is already stipulated in Republic Act 8371 the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. was quoted by Journal online and Inquirer.net as saying that there is “no question that it (BBL) won’t become a law even if we pass our version, the Senate has not been acting on it.”

The House is still on the period of amendments and some members were still lining up for their turno en contra Wednesday night. The Senate, which is still on the period of interpellation, has not deliberated on the proposed law since Congress resumed sessions on January 18. It will adjourn on February 5.

“I think it is dead,” Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the BBL, told MindaNews Thursday night.

He said he already told Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa who “still has some remaining hopes (the law will be passed) in February.”

“I don’t see it anymore,” Iqbal said.

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the peace panels “will meet after February 5 to dis-

cuss.”

she had just arrived from Jeddah for the Tripartite Review meeting on the implementation of the GPH-Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

Bangsamoro law won’t pass under PNoy admin

T

HE Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives on Thursday announced they can no longer pass the law that would have paved the way for the creation of a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro, a day after Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Pangalian Balindong Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Pangalian Balindong declared in a privilege speech that with a “grieving heart,” he was going to “close the book of hope for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.” Congress has three more session days left – February 1, 2 and 3 – before it adjourns for the election campaign period.

“I am not optimistic that we will be able to pass the BBL in the Senate,” Senate President Franklin Drilon said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, and especially given the political environment that we’ve been operating in with the last few weeks, it is extremely difficult to get this through by Wednesday next week. As I’ve said, we will keep on pushing but I don’t think we can pass it,” Drilon said.

PNoy-Murad meeting Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process told MindaNews Thursday that

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FFORMER, 10

Maasim barangay chair nabbed for illegal drugs

Rep. Catamco wants A Bagani institutionalized

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

was quite healthy and active these past days,” she said.

Barangay Palkan chair Avelina Rencio, who rushed to the de Pedro household, said the former governor arrived home at past 2 p.m. after travelling from Kidapawan City.

She said de Pedro immediately proceeded to their master bedroom to rest and even locked the door.

She said at past 4 p.m., de Pedro’s wife knocked on the door to wake him up but did not get any response.

Rencio said family members later found him slumped and unconscious by the bedside, and with a blood pressure monitor still attached to

NTI-DRUG operatives arrested an incumbent village chair in Maasim town in Sarangani for possession of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu in a raid at his house on Friday.

Kath Abad, public information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12, identified the suspect as Bonie Jalil Sultan, 28, a second termer chair of Barangay Lumatil in Maasim.

Sultan who was arrested at around 4:40 a.m. in his house in Sitio Dampilan, Barangay Lumatil, is the third village official arrested by PDEA-12 since November for illegal drug-related offenses.

The operation, which was based on a search warrant issued by the Sarangani Regional Trial Court, was jointly launched by the PDEA-12, Sarangani police’s intelligence branch, Sarangani Provincial Police Safety Company and the Maasim municipal police station.

Abad said the operatives recovered during the raid about a gram of suspected shabu with estimated market value of P7,500, a caliber .45 magazine and shell, a caliber .38 shell, a pouch, and a black leather wallet containing P100 and P500 bills amounting to P90,000.

“He is considered a high value target due to his stature as an elected government official,” she said in a statement.

Abad said Sultan, who is currently detained at the PDEA-12 lockup here, will be charged for violation of Section 11 or possession of dangerous drugs under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

On November 20, PDEA12 agents nabbed Datu Pudin Ambalgan, chair of Barangay Upper Sepaka in Surallah, South Cotabato, following the recovery of suspected shabu in a raid of his house in Purok Bago, Barangay Ambalgan in Sto. Nino town.

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HARD WORK. Poverty forces children like these to work, collecting plastic and scrap items under the heat of the afternoon sun to sell for a few pesos. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 220 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1, 2016

7 ECONOMY

DTI to hold forum vs pyramiding

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

OLLOWING the closure of Jacama, a selfstyled Davao-originated multi-level marketing company, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 here plans to conduct an advocacy campaign forum against networking and pyramiding before the end of the first quarter.

“It will part of our activities under consumer protection,” DTI-Davao City provincial director Edwin o.

Banquerigo said.

Banquerigo said the forum will be a venue for increasing public awareness on the scam-prone pyramiding activities.

Despite earlier reports of scams, the public still tend to believe such activities.

Banquerigo said the business name registration certificates issued by the DTI 11 are commonly used by multi-level marketing companies to entice investors.

DA 11 eyes to establish climate-smart villages

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HE Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 is will establish climate-smart villages in the Davao Region starting this year in a bid to create communities that are resilient to reoccurring extreme weather disturbance like the El Niño.

“Part of our future proactive plan is to go to the community-level which is expected to start this year,” DA 11 disaster risk reduction and management officer Joedel Leliza said in last Friday’s Kapehan sa PIA at Abreeza Mall.

Leliza said intervention should be rooted to the community to ensure that farming villages here will be equipped and resilient to the effect of long drought season and long wet season that cause damages to their production areas.

“Farmers from the climate-smart villages will be given with package of technology like multi cropping and other

necessary techniques,” he said.

The ongoing El Niño, which is considered to be one of the strongest since 1900, caused hundred millions-worth of damages in rice and corn sectors.

In fact, damage to these two sector already reached already reached to a combined value of P248 million since January last year.

“A total of 11,963 hectares of corn and rice production areas were damaged by the long drought season that peaked during the last quarter of 2015,” Leliza said.

A total of 5,636 hectares of rice production areas were damaged by El Niño from January last year up to present.

Damage to volume of production reached to 9,317.30 MT with a value of P140 million.

“Majority or 80 percent (4,121 hectares) of the region’s total damaged rice production

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NorCot town’s campaign vs rodents gaining headway

M

ORE and more rats are being neutralized in a massive anti-rodents campaign spearheaded by the Kabacan disaster risk reduction management officials, Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman said Friday.

Guzman said he regularly joins farmers in early morning attacks against rodents which have destroyed more than Php15 million worth of crops in nine villages since early January.

The campaign includes giving of 50 kilos or one sack of rice for every 500 rat tails that the farmers could present to disaster officials, Guzman said.

“More and more farmers, fed up by the infestation, have joined the local government campaign,” Guzman told reporters Friday as he led the distribution of several sacks of rice to farmers who submit rat tails.

Guzman said the Kabacan LGU initiated this reward system to encourage farmers in the campaign to save the vast

rice fields, corn fields and other high value crops, already on its vegetative stage and due for harvest next month.

In nearby town of Matalam, even root vegetables growing in a marshy area were found wilting due to extreme drought.

North Cotabato has been placed under state of calamity due to the dry spell and rat infestation, damaging more than Php238 million worth of crops.

In his visit last month, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has assured of DA’s contingency plants and said funds will be available to drought affected farmers.

Among the mitigating measures conducted by DA is cloud seeding operation and dispersal of planting materials to affected farmers, majority of whom declared failure on its products.

North Cotabato agriculture officer Engr. Eliseo Mangliwan said the damages to crops could still increase as reports from other LGUs are yet to be submitted to his office. (PNA)

“DTI has no control over that,” he said, adding public awareness is still important to protect consumers.

The business name registration certificate by the recently padlocked Jacama Sales and Marketing Corporation enlisted itself in the DTI as a business more engaged in trading rather than investment, according to Banquerigo.

“Jacama has to secure registration from the Securi-

ties and Exchange Commission to have its operation legal,” Banquerigo said.

Jacama was closed this month after it failed to secure necessary permits or license from SEC for engaging in public offering and sales of securities in the form of investment of contracts, the SEC Advisory dated January 11, 2016 said.

Jacama became popular in the locality after some of its investors said their in-

vestment grew fast in just a couple of days while some say their investment made them millionaire overnight.

Also, the firm secured a mayor’s permit in 2015 for a different business line, the closure order from the Davao City Business bureau said in its issued closure order inked by bureau chief lawyer Lawrence Bantiding.

“Based on our record you have secured 2015 mayors permit and authorized

for the following business lines only: Retailer of general merchandise such as grocery items, food supplements and other dry goods and wholesaler of appliances (booking office),” the order read.

Meanwhile, the SEC 11 are now investigating three other companies engaged in multi-level marketing scheme who are also soliciting investments from their clients.

ALL HEART. It’s still two weeks before Valentine’s Day but mall goers already can’t resist having their photos taken at the heart-shaped decoration at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Anflo Industrial Estate breaks ground in Panabo

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HE Anflo Group formally breaks ground for the Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) today.

Situated next to the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT), AIE will be a worldclass industrial estate located adjacent to a world-class container terminal. This makes locator’s operations more efficient as they are able to save on time and logistics costs.

PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima graces the groundbreaking ceremony as the guest of honor, including other key local government and private organization officials.

Located in the dynamic and fast-growing Davao Region, which is considered as the food basket of the country, the 63-hectare property is designed to be a self-sustaining ecozone which can accommodate agro-industrial and light manufacturing companies.

Having been duly licensed and proclaimed as a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Special Economic Zone by the Office of the President, AIE is the Anflocor Group’s response to the lack of industrial estates in Mindanao.

“With AIE here in Panabo, we believe that it will help develop not only the city but the entire Davao region as a

premier business and investment destination,” said Ricardo “Cary” Floirendo Lagdameo, Vice President for Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) who is also the head of AIEC. The estate will offer land and ready built factory buildings/warehouses for sale and lease in various sizes to suit locators’ needs.

AIE will feature safety measures such as a suitable perimeter fence, CCTV, and 24/7 security. PEZA facilities and a central administration

building with meeting rooms will be constructed within the area to house its service team.

“The project can potentially create thousands of jobs, increase trade in the city, and thus boost the local economy,” added Lagdameo.

With the development of infrastructure and the continuing investment from the private sector, the entire Davao Region has certainly shown robust growth throughout the years. It is because of this unprecedented growth that

Aerial Shot of the first phase of development of Anflo Industrial Estate

the Anflo Group of Companies aims to establish itself in key industries in the region, namely real estate (industrial, residential, commercial) and services (port operations).

The Anflo Group, which pioneered the development of leading companies in the region such as Tagum Agricultural Development Co. (TADECO), one of the largest banana plantations in the world; Davao International Container Terminal (DICT), the most modern

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EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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Time to change

HE Philippines has again made it to the global stage, but this time for a not so flattering reason. A recent study jointly undertaken by the USbased McKinsey Center for Business and Environment and the nonprofit organization Ocean Conservancy has found that five countries in Asia account for about 60 percent of all the plastic found in global waters: China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The report says while these countries have recently benefited from significant increases in GDP, reduced poverty, and improved quality of life, “increasing economic power has also generated exploding demand for consumer products that has not yet been met with a commensurate waste-management infrastructure.”

The Philippines, for example, annually generates 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste, of which half a million metric tons leak into the ocean per year.

The five countries share a few characteristics that placed them on the top spot as global polluters. For one thing, none of the five has a formal recycling system, which means practically all waste plastics are thrown away. This is a problem in the Philippines where the waste collection rate is very low, with some areas registering at less than 10 percent. A lot of the waste plastics actually end up right on the streets from which they “leak” into the rivers, and from there to the sea. But the report says even the waste plastic materials that reach the landfills also leak into the waters for various

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reasons. Indeed, 75 percent of plastic leakage comes from waste that has been collected but end up in landfills where they are not treated. Because they just sit there, there is a great tendency for the trash to end up in the water systems, and from there to the sea. The situation is worsened by the fact that our country is an archipelago and waste materials do not need to travel far to reach the water.

There is a need for us Filipinos to take this report seriously and begin changing our behavior when it comes to plastic. As the report indicates, the economic growth in recent years has given rise to a more wasteful pattern as we purchase and later discard items made of or packaged in plastic. We need to be aware that these materials do not biodegrade and, given our dismal garbage collection and treatment facilities, end up where they do the most damage to the environment. Recycling is still a low priority, and even Davao City which is relatively clean does not promote recycling enough.

The government and the private sector must work harder together to address this problem and remove our country from the list of the top global ocean polluters. Private individuals must also do their part by lessening the amount of plastics they purchase and then throw away. Simple things like bringing a non-disposable water bottle that can be refilled will certainly go a long way in keeping the plastic leakage to a minimum. It’s all about changing our own bad behavior in order to save the planet.

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

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EDGEDAVAO

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5.8% GDP for 2015: Hurrahs and worries

HE recent announcement of the 2015 economic growth figures were less exciting than expected, given that the Aquino government has boasted a 6 percent clip throughout its administration. This remains laudable, given that we still surpass almost all other Asian economies, as only India, China, and Vietnam exceeded the Philippines’ economic performance among major developing Asian countries last year. Outgoing NEDA Secretary General Arsenio Balisacan pointed out that the average 6.2-percent GDP posted in the six years of Aquino was the highest since the late 1970s. Indeed, our economy has performed well given the global constraints and weaknesses in major developed economies, which ought to be markets for our products.

A closer look at how this 5.8 percent was achieved, however, leaves some of us a bit worried. In the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s article, National Statistician Lisa Grace S. Bersales reported that the services sector led the economy last year as it grew 6.7 percent, higher than the 5.9-percent expansion posted in 2014. This all sounds OK, assuming that other sectors that feed it also grow as well.

While growth in the services sector is a good thing, it matters to look at the slower

I

growth in the MY TWO CENTS’ agriculture which slowed to 1.6 percent and industry, slowing to 0.2 percent, down from 7.9 percent and 6 percent, respectively, in 2014.

John Tria Two vital ecisouth@gmail.com truths can be deduced from the figures and reports. For one, we are better able to internally purchase the goods we produce. While that may not be as apparent now, the trend is that we will be a stronger consumer of goods in the future. Think of Singapore today. It produces no food for itself, yet can afford to buy all the food it wants to eat from everywhere in the world. The bad news is that we are not Singapore, as a third of our population can barely eat three daily meals. Even more bad news is that if we start getting used to importing cheaper foreign food, the third unable to eat will remain unable to eat, and more importantly, will miss out on the income opportunity to

produce that food and enable the poor to earn income from it.

Secondly, and related to the above, agriculture and industry has to be bolstered to keep with the growth in the service economy. As the services sector is growing, so too must agriculture and industry to enable the service workers such as the booming BPO staff to buy the food and other agriculture-based goods, clothing, and even machines like laptops and cars – all outputs of industry. It would be useless to allow agricultural production to continue shrinking, as this may mean less food available, thereby raising prices, while demand will go up. When agriculture is weak, the demand for cheaper food will require food importations, which may sound good in the short term, but will be disastrous in the long term.

For the growth in services to be beneficial to assure inclusive growth and reduce poverty, we need to make sure that we are able to provide the goods and services that are produced locally, as this creates income and employment opportunities for our citizens. We produce what we consume, and the more we are able to consume and produce, the stronger our economy becomes. That makes the 5.8 percent real, and beneficial for all.

many to be one of the finest ac- THINK ON THESE! tors of his generation. At the age of 46, he died of drug overdose.

Hoffman, who got a Best Actor Oscar for his tour de force performance in Capote and received three Henrylito D. Tacio more Oscar henrytacio@gmail.com nominations for supporting role, was discovered in the bathroom of his Greenwich Village apartment with a syringe in his arm.

He was not the first – nor the last – to die of drugs. In fact, Hollywood has a long list of celebrities whose lives were cut short by drugs. Consider this array: Whitney Houston, 48: After a decade of drug abuse rumors, the American pop star finally confirmed in 2002: “My business is sex, drugs, rock and roll. You know? My friends, we have a good time. But as you get older and you get wiser – you stop a lot of the kid stuff. Trust me. I partied my tail off. You get to a point where… the party’s over.”

On February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in her guest room at The Beverly Hilton, in Beverly Hills, California. The official coroner’s report showed that she had accidentally drowned in the bathtub, with heart disease and cocaine use listed as contributing factors.

Jean Seberg, 41: The American-born actress, who starred in French cult new wave film “Breathless”, was found dead in her car in Paris in 1979. The probe concluded that she had killed herself with an overdose of barbiturates and alcohol.

The American-born actress, who starred in 37 films in Hollywood and in Europe, including the French cult new wave film Breathless, was found dead of a barbiturate overdose in her car in Paris in 1979. Her death was ruled a probable suicide.

Marilyn Monroe, 36: The iconic Hollywood sex siren was found dead in the bedroom of her Brentwood home by her psychiatrist

Ralph Greenson after he was called by Monroe’s housekeeper Eunice Murray on August 5, 1962.

Her death was ruled to be “acute barbiturate poisoning” by Dr. Thomas Noguchi of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office and listed as “probable suicide.”

Cory Monteith, 31: The Canadian actor who starred in the TV musical series “Glee” had a troubled adolescence involving substance abuse from age twelve. On July 13, 2013, he died of a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol in a Vancouver hotel room.

The preliminary autopsy report stated that the actor died from “a mixed drug toxicity” consisting of heroin and alcohol, and that his death appeared to have been accidental. The final report, released by the B.C. Coroners Service in October 2013, confirmed these findings. It noted that Monteith also had codeine and morphine in his system at the time of his death, and that he was found with drug paraphernalia that included a spoon with drug residue and a used hypodermic needle, as well as two empty bottles of champagne.

John Belushi, 33: The American comedian, actor, and musician died on March 5, 1982 at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont Hotel after overdosing on a mixture of cocaine and heroin (a “speedball”).

Heath Ledger, 28: The Australian-born star of Brokeback Mountain (for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor) was found dead in his Lower Manhattan apartment in 2008. He was reported to have died accidentally of a cocktail of six painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs. “Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed,” New York police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN. River Phoenix, 23: The American actor’s work encompassed 24 films and television appearances, including the science fiction adventure film Explorers, the coming-of-age film Stand by Me, the action sequel Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and the acclaimed Running On Empty (for which he got an Oscar nomination for a supporting role).

On October 31, 1993, Phoenix collapsed and died of drug-induced heart failure on the sidewalk outside the West Hollywood nightclub The Viper Room. At the time of his death, Phoenix had been in the middle of filming Dark Blood.

The dangers of illegal drugs

F the disorder brought by illegal drugs will not end, the country will become a narco state. Such was the warning of the tandem of presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

In fact, the country is already showing alarming signs of becoming a narco state, said Duterte in a press statement. “In the national capital region, where the country’s capital is situated, the government admitted that 92 percent of barangays are already infiltrated by illegal drugs,” he pointed out.

Now, if Manila, which is considered the country’s seat of power, is helpless to address this, “what more the other parts of the country where government presence is weak?” the tough-talking mayor asked.

A few years ago, a Manila-based doctor was quoted as saying: “There was a report I heard some years ago that Metro Manila crimes or 70% of these are associated with use of illicit drugs. I have not really seen this report and do not know who made this.”

According to Duterte, international drug syndicates have already penetrated the country. He cited the Sinaloa drug cartel as a case in point; it is “a Mexican-based group considered the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization in the west.”

“This is a clear national security threat,” he declared. “This is an invasion of a new kind.

Drug lords, domestic and foreign, have declared a war against our families and children, and the government is helpless about it.”

The Manila-based doctor has this to say: “Acknowledge that this is a national security issue.

What evidence do we have that the money generated from illicit trade does not fund a narcopolitical state or terrorist organizations? Another is for hospitals to automatically turn over cases to courts and confine abusers to a proper rehab center (because there are also improper ones).

I think taxpayers money should not be used to pay for medical treatment or rehab of abusers, we know we do not have enough resources for all the sick in the country, but should not be wasted.”

Why there is so much ado about illegal drugs? Remember stage and film thespian Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was considered by

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ASEAN bloc ready for integration

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NSPIRED EUROPE BIZ by the European Union (EU), ASEAN members set a goal to build a peaceful, integrated and stable communi- Henry J. Schumacher ty which can handle regional challenges, increase its bargaining power as a bloc and its role in the international community.

However, ASEAN insists the community structure and regulations are different from the EU since ASEAN will adhere to the principles of consensus and non-interference.

Let’s look at some of the consequences of the ASEAN Economic Integration (AEC): • Doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, surveying professionals, architects, accountants and tourism professionals can work in other ASEAN countries under certain conditions; • Most industrial products will enjoy zero tariffs, except sensitive goods; • ASEAN governments can adjust policies to ensure lasting peace and security as well as find ways to deal with both regional and global disputes; • ASEAN’s single market will bring about the free flow of goods, services and investments; • ASEAN will have stronger collective bargaining power with its trading partners; • Small-medium enterprises (SMEs) will become more competitive if they adjust to the challenges and opportunities the single market offers; • People will enjoy better access to basic needs including public health, social welfare and education; • ASEAN governments can work in harmony to cope with challenges – natural disasters, narcotics, human smuggling and transnational threats; and • Community members can collectively narrow the development gap.

It must be understood that greater public awareness of culture and history of the different ASEAN member states will be key to the success of integration. All stakeholders, including the weak and the powerful, the young and the elderly, the able-bodied and those with disabilities, civil society and the private sector, as well as the vulnerable and the marginalized, will have to recognize that they too have a stake and a voice in shaping the community.

Of course, a people-centered community must be reinforced by the mainstreaming of good governance, anti-corruption, human rights and fundamental freedoms in all of the community’s policies, activities and initiatives.

Additionally, the ASEAN community will have to be competitive and dynamic, while closing development gaps and pursuing sustainable policies. The AEC can truly become a single market and production base only when factors of production can flow freely among the member states and non-tariff barriers are identified and eliminated.

The ASEAN Single Window must come into effect soon with supporting legal infrastructure, and necessary legislation at the regional and national levels. The Community also should not forget the role of SMEs and farmers who are the lifeblood of the ASEAN economy and key to its long-term resilience.

A competitive and dynamic AEC will need to be connected. The ASEAN Community must therefore guard against various cross-border challenges. ASEAN’s strong cross-border facilitation regime needs to be complemented by an equally robust border management system.

Lastly, ASEAN must continue to work in close partnership with all its partners including its strategic partners. Only then can the ASEAN Community become an effective platform for major powers to come together to peacefully address challenges of our time.

10 NEWS Envi... FROM 4

The 10 percent in the existing ordinance is an addition to the existing requirement of allocating 30 percent open space for leisure and recreation area of a subdivision.

In the committee report of councilor Bernard Al-ag, land developers are requesting that the additional 10 percent open space requirement be removed because it is burdensome and expensive for them.

The developers instead proposed that the provision

for green space be implemented in the sidewalk strips or back areas of home lots and not a separate area.

This suggestion from the developers was adopted and is now part of the amendment which was approved in the January 26 City Council regular session.

Fuertes had earlier said the additional 10 percent open space can be utilized as green space to address climate change.

which can be detected by a receiving device (transceiver) even from a few kilometers away.

The guards also campaigned in villages and homes close to Matatag’s location so the eagle won’t get shot or killed. Along forest trails, they also remove native traps that might accidentally catch eagles on the ground hunting.

The eagle was also tagged with a miniature GPS satellite transmitter. This gave PEF Biologists means to follow its movements from the Philippine Eagle Center via the internet. Satellite-generated locations are then relayed to PEF field staff and forest guards to aid in pinpointing the bird’s exact location.

This two-way eagle monitoring system (radio and satellite-based tracking) coupled with personalized information campaigns by Indigenous foot patrollers, kept Matatag out of danger.

As of the latest batch of satellite GPS fixes, Matatag is slowly moving away from the forest core towards the riverine forests of Marilog. Farms and coconut plantations will meet him further downstream.

But if he diverts and pushes northwest, he would reach the forests of North Cotabato.

Called the “dispersal” stage, this point is when eagles independent of parental care fly away from their natal sites and wander. It begins at two years old, and ends when the already sexually mature bird pairs up and defends its own territory.

Researchers know very little about this particular episode in the eagle’s development. By monitoring and studying eagle Matatag, the PEF is learning more about how a dispersing eagle behaves and moves across the landscape.

Although studying this part of Matatag’s development is very exciting, it is also giving his guardians anxiety bouts.

With the bird far from its host community, it now becomes vulnerable.

Fortunately, the Unified Obu Manuvu Council of Davao City has a parallel conservation initiative that can also protect Matatag. Consisting of leaders and elders that represent the various villages of the tribe, the council is fast tracking ancestral domain-wide awareness so that many more Obu Manuvus north of Barangay Carmen embrace Matatag and all the resident Philippine Eagles as a protected kin.

At least 60 forest guards from various villages will be also trained, equipped and engaged, similar to how the Carmen guards were formed and deployed. Doing so does not only protect Matatag, but also the rest of territorial eagles and other wildlife in habitats where Matatag would temporarily settle.

Matatag is currently playing an important role being a local ambassador for his wild kind. As he pushes on to new terrains, it seems he would leave a trail (corridor) of eagle and biodiversity-friendly villagers who have embraced conservation as a viable way to save biodiversity while also improving community well being.

The monitoring of Philippine Eagle Matatag is possible through the generous support of Boysen Philippines while EGIP Foundation provides livelihood support to the Carmen Obu Manvu Forest Guards. The Peregrine Fund and the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund support the eagle satellite tracking project.

The USAID through the PhilAm Fund supports biodiversity conservation by the Unified Obu Manuvu Council of Davao City. The Research and Conservation of Philippine Eagles on Mindanao is through a Memorandum of Agreement with the DENR. Jayson C. Ibanez / Philippine Eagle Foundation/ MindaNews

ICT-related infrastructure is necessary to help the Philippines grow its Internet backbone so that local businesses will remain competitive amid rapid digitization of industries.

Specifically, such legislation would expedite the issuance of all the relevant permits for all telecommunications facilities at the local government level.

Telecommunication compa-

nies are required to secure a number of permits that could substantially delay deployment of ICT-related infrastructure.

Globe is also clamoring for the equitable distribution of the 700 MHz frequency spectrum to sufficiently provide for rapidly increasing data traffic amid growing smartphone use in the country.

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products to town but will facilitate the entry of more development in the area as well as ease access to social services.

Touted as a high-impact project to be implemented under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), the funding will be sourced out through loan proceeds from the World Bank and counterpart funds from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Provincial Government.

A project strongly pushed by the Provincial Government, the proposed bridge construction is anchored on the Provincial Government’s Development Agenda that aims to, among others, Defeat Poverty and Improve Infrastructure, Utilities and Services, said Freddie C. Bendulo, Head of the Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU).

Bendulo said that although the progression of the proposal took several years due to a series of ‘uncontrollable’ obstacles that hampered its implementation, which include the transition of the PRDP from its forerunner Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), the Provincial Government and all its stakeholders are positive that the project can now be pushed through.

“Following the new guidelines and policies of the PRDP, the proposal has undergone several revisions, redesigning and rigid review,” Bendulo said.

Among the revisions is the incorporation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRRCCA) concerns in the plan. Engr. Ruel Dumadag, PPMIU I-Build Unit Head, explained that instead of using the original RCDG Bridge design, the team modified it into PSCG type which is considered to be a more efficient design. “A more modern approach was applied in the new design. Among the modifications is the placement of sufficient freeboard to accommodate high levels of water in times of flooding,” he said.

This proposed 75-meter bridge will be erected over the river in Barangay Lamiawan and is expected to benefit a population of more than 7,500

residents including those in the nearby villages of Pichon and San Antonio.

Considered highly-agricultural lands, the locals in these villages say the bridge will create a huge effect in their livelihood as it would facilitate the ease of transport of their agriculture products, particularly ‘first-class’ abaca-fiber which is their mainstay crop.

While the villages of Lamiawan and Pichon which are being considered as areas having the highest production of abaca fiber in the municipality, officials say that the potential for increased production could only be maximized with better roads.

According to the villagers, the main problem in their area is the absence of a concrete bridge that will ease the transportation of goods and service from one barangay to the next.

The existing footbridge is only passable on foot or by motorcycles. Residents added that due to the difficult and often dangerous terrain, fares are far from being cheap.

“Better transportation infrastructure is really essential, especially in our farming communities. It is important to note that high agricultural productivity is complemented by farmers’ ability to quickly deliver their high value goods to market,” said Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon.

Meanwhile, in addition to agricultural and livelihood benefits, the construction of the bridge is also bent at boosting local tourism. Now being eyed for cultural tourism development is the famed Mandaya community in Sitio Sangab in the remote village of Pichon, known for their well-preserved and intact Mandaya culture and traditions.

The governor hopes the Provincial Government will be able to break ground on this project before her term as governor ends on July this year.

The construction of Lamiawan Bridge, among all other projects implemented under the PRDP, bids to enhance value-chain and competitiveness of agricultural commodities.

By Karen Lou Deloso/ Photo

by Eden Jhan Licayan

“I can’t make definitive statement till I’ve had serious sit down with principals and allies,” she said.

On January 12, a week before Congress resumed sessions, President Aquino met with MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Iqbal in Malacanang for nearly two hours, the President assuring them the BBL can still be passed.

Murad told MindaNews on January 26 that in that meeting, “there has been no change in the President’s com-

mitment” and his “persistent assurance na maipasa ang original BBL.” On January 14, the President met with congressional leaders to push for the passage of the law, even volunteering to personally call on representatives to attend the sessions to ensure a quorum.

At that time, Congress still had nine session days (Mondays to Wednesdays) between January 18 and February 5. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

On Jan. 22, barangay councilor Jupit Garcia of Lampitak in Tampakan, South Cotabato, was also arrested after al-

legedly selling a pack of dried marijuana leaves to a PDEA-12 agent during a buy-bust operation. (MindaNews)

Bangsamoro... FROM 6

Maasim... FROM 6

Talaingod... FROM 4 distribute to the community for the purchase of farm tools and seedlings, but this was derailed because of the killing and subsequent evacuation.

Libayao said he was able to convince other tribes not to go to Davao City but majority decided to seek refuge.

He also said he believes the evacuees were fetched by some groups that had provided trucks going to Haran. He did not identify the groups, however.

“Murag gisundo na kay asa man silag plete padulong Haran (They were probably fetched by someone. Where would they have gotten their fare going to Haran)?” he said.

Libayao said the Alamara was created some time in 2002 after his father was killed by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

He said the tribes formed the Alamara but did not kill civilians, only NPA members.

But in a separate interview, Eastmincom command-

er Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero denied that the Alamara group even exists.

“Probably, this Alamara is a lawless element group that is roaming around the barangays,” he said.

House committee on Indigenous People (IP) chair North Cotabato Rep. Nancy A. Catamco also said the Alamara does not exist, adding that the stories about such a group were circulated in Davao del Norte to scare the tribes.

Catamco said the word Alamara means “to cleanse,” and that it is a call made by the community in order to address problems.

She said she is hoping that an Alamara will not be formed because it would be “bloody.”

“Dili man na siya ginaplano, dili pud na siya gina-organize, depende lang na sa tawag sa panahon (The forming of the group is not planned, it is not also organized. It depends on the need),” she said. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

his arm.

A lawyer, de Pedro’s political career began in 1986 when he was appointed as acting municipal mayor of Koronadal

by President Corazon Aquino.

He served as representative of South Cotabato’s second congressional district from 1988 to 1992 and provincial governor from 1992 to 2001.

De Pedro was a principal co-author of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 and author of RA 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991.

After several unsuccessful political bids, de Pedro was appointed provincial administrator of South Cotabato in 2012 by then Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. In October last year, he

filed his candidacy for provincial board member under the slate of incumbent Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

Board member Vicente de Jesus, the NPC’s vice gubernatorial bet, described de Pedro’s passing as a big loss their slate.

“We lost a great leader. He was huge for us considering his previous experiences as governor and congressman,” he said in a radio interview.

De Jesus said the former governor’s passing was “very unexpected” as he even joined them in several sorties in the province earlier this week.

He said de Pedro appeared very lively during the culmination last Sunday of Tantangan town’s 6th Kulitangtang Festival. (MindaNews)

container terminal in Mindanao; and Damosa Land, Inc., one of the emerging property developers in the region, races to the forefront of Mindanao’s booming economy with AIE. This project will be handled

by DLI.

Apart from AIE, the Anflo Group is also working on the development of Anflo City, a mixed-use development project with residential, tourism and commercial components, which is also located in Panabo City.

areas were located in the province of Davao del Sur,” he said.

Meanwhile, the loss due damaged to the region’s corn sector reached P107 million.

“A total of 6,427 hectares of corn production areas were damaged by the long drought season,” he said adding most of majority of these production areas are located in Davao City and Davao del Sur. Leliza said the DA 11 shelled-out a total of P34 million from its regular budget and savings to fund its El Niño interventions and programs.

“We have already distributed 6,546 bags with 40 kilogram (kg) each certified rice seeds, 376 bags of green super rice, and 1,130 bags of registered seeds as well as

open surface pump under the Agri-Pinoy Rice Porgram,” he said.

Affected farmers also received certified white corn seeds and cassava seed pieces worth P9.2 million under the Agri-Pinoy Corn Porgram.

The DA 11 also distributed drought resistant seeds of mungbean to affected farmers worth P400,000 udner the Agri-Pinoy high Value Crops Development Program.

Farmers also received 863water plastic drum as part of the program.

Another intervention of the department to mitigate the effect of the dry season to the region’s agriculture sector is the ongoing activities of cloud seeding. CHENEEN R. CAPON

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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

A quick trip to

SAGADA

By Henrylito D. Tacio

WHEN I WAS INVITED TO GO TO BAGUIO RECENTLY, I was hesitant at first. I know that it is the country’s summer capital but there’s nothing more that fascinates me. Just when I was about to answer in the negative, I was told that there would be a side trip to Sagada.

It changed everything.

After all, I had just seen the monster hit, That Thing Called Tadhana, and some parts of the movie were shot in Sagada, touted to be “Mountain Province’s Pride.”

While watching the film, I said that I wanted to visit the place. Now, I had that chance!

Just a few days before our trip, I read with keen interest what travel writer Alvin Bulaong Cruz wrote about the place in an article which appeared in a national publication: “Whether on a walking tour along the narrow pathways through the pine trees, or a hiking trip to the hidden waterfalls and underground caves,

you’ll discover that Sagada is literally a walk in the clouds, and that wherever you are in Sagada, you’ll never lose its sweet lovin’ feeling.”

Enough said; I was going. The day finally came.

But the trip to Baguio was so tiring due to the long and winding roads. It was already late afternoon when we arrived. We immediately checked in and in just a matter of half an hour, we were already touring Baguio.

We slept late at night -- so tired but feeling accomplished. The following day, we woke up early as we had to travel to Sagada.

Sagada is two hundred seventy-five kilometers

away from Manila. The town -- with hundreds of limestone mountains -- is situated approximately 5,000 feet above sea level.

If you hate cold, don’t go there during the month of February as the average temperature reportedly drops to 12 degrees Celsius. In fact, it was last May when we visited the place and it was still cold. We had to wear our jackets while trekking the places we went to.

Arguably the best known attraction of Sagada is the Sumaguing Cave. There are other caves but this one is the most visited due to its big chambers and notable rock formations. Unfortunately, we were not able

Sagada’s famous Hanging coffins.

to go inside as it was already 5 in the afternoon when we arrived at the place. What we did was just our photos take at the mouth of the cave.

Although we failed to get inside the cave, a big

consolation was the scenic rice terraces you get to see on your way to the Sumaguing Cave. Since it was too far to go to the Banaue to see the real thing, we contented ourselves of taking photos of

Sagada’s rice terraces. the rice terraces in this place.

On our way back, we dropped by at the 2000-year-old Lumiang Cave, which has been the resting place for Igorot

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EVENT

THERE ARE TWO THINGS that I look forward to whenever I go to the cinema to watch a movie. First is the movie itself, and second are the snacks that I munch on while enjoying the flick. Movie snacks are an integral part of the movie-going experience.

Realising that one cannot be without the other, Ayala Malls Cinemas introduced The MovieSnackbar last year, and just last week they opened their seventh branch (the first in VisMin) at the third level of the Abreeza Mall.

Geared towards satisfying the discerning taste of its patrons, The MovieSnackbar offers a widerange selection of affordable, fun, quality-tasting snacks that can be enjoyed

MovieSnackbar:

Completing the Ayala Cinema movie experience

anytime especially during the movies. From the ultimate favorite snack at the cinemas, popcorn, it also has hotdogs, nachos, fries, mozzarella sticks, sandwiches, sodas, juices, chips, chocolates, candies

and more.

“This is in-line with Ayala Malls’ philosophy of giving our mall-goes a complete experience,” said Luigi Escano, Abreeza Mall’s operations manager. “The Moviesnackbar has snacks and drinks that are affordable and give good value.”

In February, branches in Ayala Center Cebu and Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro will be opened.

Expect The MovieSnackbar to be present in all Ayala Malls Cinemas as it rolls out to excite and entice more movie patrons.

Philippines AirAsia goes #GREEN24 AirAsia Group leads #Green24 climate change awareness movement AirAsia team in the Philippines collected over 1000 empty plastic bottles and planted them with air purifier plants and herbs that were placed around Philippines AirAsia’s office

AS PART OF AIRASIA’S Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the airline group today simultaneously conducted a 24-hour climate awareness movement to educate and promote climate action in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

To kick-off the #Green24 campaign, the AirAsia Group changed their iconic red logo in their social media pages for 24 hours from 29 to 39 January into a vibrant green. The airline also released a special invitation video by Group CEO, Tony Fernandes inviting the public to be proactive in protecting the environment and the earth.

In the video, which is available for viewing on AirAsia’s YouTube Channel and also posted in https:// www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines/, Tony Fernandes said, “On our side of the world, not many people know about the issues that climate change poses, and we feel that the best thing for us to do is to inform people. Many of us don’t really see the problems coming, but at AirAsia we have seen the effects

of climate change such as Typhoon Haiyan that struck Tacloban in the Philippines, the floods that happened around the region and massive climatic changes over the past two to three years.”

“We always look after our own mothers, and we always put our mothers first in many things. But now, it’s time we put Mother Earth first as well. It’s time we let the world know that we need to take better care of the planet we live in,” Tony Fernandes further emphasized.

Among the activities of #GREEN24 that will be carried out from 29th to 30th January 2016

throughout all the countries which the AirAsia Group serves are recycling drive, forest and beach cleanups and climate change awareness engagements in Malaysia and Thailand, reusable bags were distributed for free in leading malls and in select AirAsia flights in Indonesia to discourage the use of plastics, information awareness about climate change are conducted in different venues in Myanmar and Cambodia, AirAsia offices in Singapore, China, Hongkong, Korea and Macau also spent 24 hours sorting recyclable papers, segregating garbage and collecting old batteries and used clothes.

building in Pasay City to promote urban gardening.

For more information about #Green24, please visit: http://www.airasia.com/my/en/about-us/ what-is-green24.page

IT’S PYJAMA SALE AT THE SM STORE! Get as much as 50% off from vast selections of fun and comfortable pajamas at the Children’s and Infants’ Wear Departments from February 1 to 29, 2016. Your kids will surely love to go to bed with their new pair of PJs.

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EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Back-to-back excitement with Alden Richards in the Middle East KAPUSO FANS in the Middle East could not contain their delight as Alden Richards took the stage in two solo concerts in Dubai and Doha held recently.

Arriving in droves at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Garhoud, Dubai last January 7, AlDub Nation from all over the United Arab Emirates warmly welcomed the Pambansang Bae at his concert titled “Alden Live in Dubai,” presented by MJP Marketing and Events FZ LLE. The trip also proved to be an exciting one for the soughtafter actor as he was able to take time off to see the city’s popular attractions including Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, and the Desert Safari, a premier site for various activities such as dune bashing and desert skiing.

Likewise, Alden’s supporters in Qatar trooped to the Qatar National Convention Centre in Gharafat al Rayyan, Doha, where the Kapuso star headlined the concert “Yaya’s Bae Goes to Qatar,” produced by Multichannel Marketing Services last January 8.

Humble as ever, Alden remained grateful for his continued success as he profusely thanked the crowds in Dubai and Doha for their support. The

Alden Richards in “Alden live in Dubai” held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Alden takes a selfie with the huge turnout in Doha, Qatar. audiences, in turn, expressed international channels – GMA their love for their idol with loud Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA cheers, most especially during News TV International – served as his performance of the hit single, media sponsors of both concerts.

“Wish I May” from his similarlyGMA’s three international titled, certified double platinum channels are available in the album under GMA Records.

Middle East through the carriers Each concert also featured du (call-in number: 4 390 5555; local performers who warmed up website: www.du.ae), eLife (callthe crowd with entertaining song in number: 800-101; website: and dance numbers, as well as www.etisalat.ae), MyHD (callgames. Moreover, fans were able in number: +971 4 435 4844; to see Alden’s bedimpled smile website: www.my-hd.tv), and up close as he set out to meet Ooredoo (call-in number: 111; and greet his fellow Filipinos who website: www.ooredoo.qa). came to see his shows.

For more information on GMA Continuously keeping Filipinos shows, artists and international abroad connected to their events, visit the website, www. home country, GMA’s three gmapinoytv.com

Will love prevail over revenge in ‘Pasion De Amor’ finale?

PRIMETIME TELEVISION’S HOTTEST SERIES “Pasion De Amor” serves up its last four weeks packed with unpredictable twists, intense emotions, and passion-filled romance beginning next week.

It seems that Gabriela is on her way to getting redemption as she subtly and gradually admits to her sins. This prompts Elizondo sisters Norma (Arci Munoz), Sari (Ellen Adarna), and Jamie (Coleen Garcia) to convince their mother to surrender herself to authorities.

Will Gabriela agree to this? Will

January 29 – February 2, 2016

she finally let go of the anger she feels and choose to regain the trust and love of her daughters?

With everything that has happened, the Elizondos and the Samontes--- Juan (Jake Cuenca), Oscar (Ejay Falcon), and Franco (Joseph Marco)--- will not only strengthen their bonds, but will also let their hearts grow even closer and make them more certain of their feelings for each other.

Just as when things are falling

into place, however, Gabriel (Wendell Ramos) manages to escape jail, which will put their lives in danger once more. Will love prevail over revenge in the end?

Don’t miss the last few weeks of “Pasion De Amor” weeknights on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, like www.facebook.com/ pasiondeamor.tv on Facebook, follow @pasiondeamor_TV on Twitter or follow @pasiondeamor. abscbn on Instagram.

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ALADDIN / *FATHERS & DAUGHTERS Kev Adams, Jean-Paul Rouve / *Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried PG/ *R13

11:50 | 1:45 | 3:40 LFS / *5:40 | 7:50 | 10:00 LFS

EVERYTHING ABOUT HER Vilma Santos, Angel Locsin, Xian Lim PG

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

13 HOURS James Badge Dale, John Krasinski R13

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

THE BOY Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, James Russell R13

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

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TRAVEL

SAGADA A1

tribal leaders. The coffins are smaller than usual because, according to tradition, they had to be buried in the fetal position.

Although many locals are now burying their dead in a different cemetery, the coffins are still intact in the cave protected by today’s generation as a reminder of the tribe’s rich culture.

But what Sagada is famous for is its hanging coffins, made of hollowed logs, where dead bodies are placed inside, and left hanging in the cliffs. It may be a bizarre tradition to some but it is their way to put their loved ones closer to heaven.

To see those hanging coffins, you have to

Limestone mountains.

pass first Sagada’s iconic landmark, the St. Mary’s Church. It’s the first Anglican church established in the town and the church adds a Western touch to the otherwise exotic landscape. If you wonder why it has stone walls and stained-glass windows, it’s because the church was founded by American missionaries in 1904.

A walk further from the church is a cemetery, where the natives don’t light candles for the dead.

What they do, instead, is to set up small bonfires.

So much so that during All Saints’ Day, the cemetery looked like it’s on fire from a distance.

Once you get to the

Inside St Mary’s Church.

cemetery, you are only half-way. If you walk further, you get to the place which they call as Echo Valley.

Standing in the edge, you get a glimpse of the town and when you look down, it is easier for you to see the hanging coffins.

To get to see the coffins up close, you have to go down, following a steep trail.

Once you are down, be sure to follow your guide as you might get lost. It is a forested area and there are lots of pathways. Stay

as close as possible to your companions -- or you may wander through the woods.

The hanging coffins are made of hollowed logs. The dead bodies are placed inside, and left hanging in the cliffs. It may be a bizarre tradition to some but it is their way to put their loved ones closer to heaven.

We left Sagada at 10 in the morning the following day. We were all exhausted with all the walking, climbing, and catching our breaths. But

it was more fun than we thought. We bade goodbye and we were on our way to Baguio and then to Manila.

As we travelled, I looked back at the place we had just visited. The words of Alvin Bulaong Cruz came to mind: “To set foot on Sagada is like entering a sacred place, and every step is part of a silent ritual, a pilgrimage in which you have to make a sacred offering of yourself to experience it beyond the physical and the superficial.”

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

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Globe spending on network infra one of highest in Asia G

LOBE Telecom posted one of the highest capex-to-revenue ratio in the last two years, showing how aggressive the telecommunications provider has been in upgrading and enhancing its network infrastructure.

Globe has a capex-to-revenue ratio of 28 percent in 2015 and 27 percent in 2014 while the local telecommunications industry averaged 23 percent in both 2015 and 2014.

By comparison, only China’s capex-to-revenue ratio of 36 percent in 2015 and 33 percent in 2014 exceeded those of Globe Telecom based on

the published financial statements online of publicly-listed telcos in the region which were compiled and computed per country.

Other Asian economies registered lower ratios in 2015 and 2014 with Singapore at 26 percent and 22 percent, respectively; Indonesia with 24 percent and 26 percent, respectively; Thailand with 23 percent and 21 percent, respectively; India with 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively; Taiwan with 14 percent and 16 percent, respectively; Hong Kong with 13 percent and 14 percent, respectively and Malaysia with 13 percent

structure to enhance the teleand 12 percent respectively. provider’s “Over the past several communication years, we have invested in our data network capacities.

In November 2015, Globe network to enable our customers to enjoy their digital signed a five-year partnership lifestyle and empower busi- deal with Huawei Technolonesses with digital capabili- gies in a bid to further enhance ties, enhance their productivi- and expand the provider’s ty and make globally compet- mobile network. The partitive,” Globe President & CEO nership involves planning and Ernest Cu said. “We are moving design of a mobile broadband to enhance the internet experi- network utilizing latest state ence of the Filipino people and of the art technology trends. position ICT as a major de- The project also involves the velopment contributor in the creation of a “mobile innovation center” to yield innovative Philippines,” Cu added.

In 2011, Globe embarked products and solutions that on a $700 million network would ensure Globe maintains modernization program that its competitive edge and leadprovided among others the ership in the intensely competadoption of latest telecom- itive local telecommunications munication technologies for industry.

To effectively roll-out its seamless customer experience and increased data capacities. network capacity building proThe modernization initiative, gram, Globe is seeking Open completed in 2014, delivered Access legislation for the telethe most advanced network communications industry to infrastructure in the country, help mitigate bureaucratic red putting in a brand new access, tape and other political hurtransport, and core network dles that stand in the way in nationwide. As part of the ini- the deployment of telecommutiative, the company also com- nication and broadband infrapleted a nationwide rollout of structure.

Cu emphasized that ra4G network, using the HSPA+ technology. Since 2011, Globe tionalization of permitting has invested over $2.2 billion processes in deploying of VOL. 8 ISSUE 219 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016 in its network and IT infraFGLOBE, 10

Explore impact of aviation boom on Asia-Pacific tourism

R

OUTES Asia and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) are bringing together industry leaders from Boeing, Amadeus IT Pacific and Digital Jungle to discuss how Asia Pacific tourism will benefit from a thriving aviation industry over the next 20 years.

The annual Routes Asia meeting forum is for airlines, airports, tourism authorities and other travel-related organisations planning new air services. Over 60 airlines including Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines, Hainan Airlines and British Airways have already registered for the 2016 event, which takes place in Manila on 6-8 March.

The aviation industry

is crucial to the economic development of Asia Pacific. Currently worth around US$500 billion, it is set to expand rapidly over the next twenty years. International Air Transport Association (IATA) figures show that Asia Pacific will have overtaken North America and Europe in terms of passenger numbers by 2030 and that nearly half of all air travel (2.9 billion journeys) will touch the Asia Pacific region by 2034.

Routes Asia will explore how the tourist industry can benefit from Asia Pacific’s aviation growth through the ‘Global Insights Impacting Tourism and Aviation’ panel discussion. News presenter Rico Hizon from BBC World News will chair the debate which will feature high profile speakers from a mix of relevant backgrounds.

FROM 1 Boeing’s Managing Director Marketing Asia Pacific ao, Sulu anaoof that are experiencing and India,are John Schubert, will pected drought South Cotabato, talk about how the demand North Cotabato, Sultan KudaBy for travel in Asia quarte rat,increased Basilan, airMaguindanao, Pacific will be met, including Sulu,need andto Tawi-tawi. the build 13,460 new boanga The provinces aircraft by 2033. of Zambo- del Su angaAlbert del Norte, Zamboanga Villadolid, General Bukidn del Sur, Zamboanga Manager of AmadeusSibugay, Philip- Misam Bukidnon, Misamisthe Occidenpines, will imagine world del Su in travellers are Cotaba tal,2030 Davaowhen del Sur, and Sarandefined their behaviour gani arebyexperiencing dry Sarang rather than their demograph- Lanao spell this month. ic location, we can indana For theasking monthhow of Feburucreate bespoke ‘purchasing ary, the provinces of Zambo- will ex experiences’ that cater to an ang del Norte, Zamboanga del By individual’s needs.

Sur, Dr Bukidnon, Occi- Zambo MathewMisamis McDougall, dental,ofSouth Cotabato, CEO Digital Jungle North - an boanga Cotabato, agency in Sarangani, Beijing thatSultan mar- Sibuga Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindankets Western products and Lanao services to Chinese consumers - will explain how social media can be used to create data sets for marketing purposes Katie Bland, Director of Routes, said: “Aviation’s growth will create many opportunities for tourism and travel professionals seeking new air routes for their destinations. This event is part of our strategic aim to increase their involvement in our forums while sharing the benefits of being involved in the route development process.”

Mario Hardy, CEO of PATA, said: “We have already seen how low cost carriers have greatly impacted travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region and the continuing growth of aviation will only add to the rapid growth in the region. The insights provided from this session will be valuable for all stakeholders wishing to benefit from this growing trend.”

EDGEDAVAO

Education Development Center (EDC) a leading non-profit research and development firm is implementing the 5 year (2013-2018) Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev) Program funded by USAID. In partnership with TESDA, DepEd and civil society, MYDev will provide direct technical assistance to support LGUs to develop and lead civic engagement, youth education (through Alternative Learning Systems) and technical skills training programs (through TESDA and other service providers) in their respective communities for at least 19,000 out-of-school youth (OSY) in Mindanao.

REQUIREMENTS

Operations Manager based in Davao City.

The job holder will be responsible for managing the project’s administrative operation from its main office in Davao City and overseeing the field offices operation. The work shall cover facilities management, logistics, procurement of goods and services, contracts administration, human resources management and safety and security coordination.

The job holder shall also assist the Chief of Party in ensuring project staff’s compliance with EDC policies and procedures, and donor rules and regulations. He or she will work closely with the technical unit in anticipating and planning for required administrative support to technical programs, forecasting cash requirements and implementation. He or she will directly supervise the administrative officer in Davao Office and field offices, and coordinate the work of outsourced personnel.

At least 5 year experience in a similar position is required; as well as a university degree in management, psychology or related field. Advance studies and thorough familiarity with USAID rules and regulations under a Cooperative Agreement will be an advantage.

Administrative and Logistics Officer.

The job holder will be responsible for procurement of commodities, inventory, travel logistics, coordinate safety and security and front desk management. He or she will provide administrative support to the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party and coordinate logistics for USAID visits. Will also assist Finance Department and will supervise the office driver and utility person.

Candidate must hold a university degree in Management or administration, psychology, human resource management or equivalent background. He or she must have at least 4 years of relevant working experience in an international donor assisted project. Knowledge of USAID procurement regulations and practices will be an advantage.

Candidates for the above positions must be proactive, organized and able to multi-task.

They must be effective team members and be culturally sensitive. Must also possess strong oral and written English communications skills, sound judgement and a high degree of accountability.

Submission of job application. Interested and qualified candidate should send an updated CV to mydevhr@edc.org with a one page expression of interest . You can also browse this ad at www.facebook.com/usaidmydev

DROUGHT...

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EDGEDAVAO

Extortion behind foiled bus terminal bombing

E

XTORTION was behind the foiled bombing of a bus terminal in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao last Thursday.

A group identifying itself as ISM and headed by a certain Abu Sabbab demanded P2 million from Husky Bus Company, the lone bus company operating along the Cotabato-General Santos City highway, Carlo Manalo, head of the bus company’s terminal, said.

Manalo said he received a text message threatening to bomb one of their units two hours after a foiled bombing in the terminal in Shariff Aguak town.

Shariff Aguak is an hour’s drive from the main terminal here.

Manalo said the bomb carrier who left the bag in the terminal was a young passenger who decided to get off upon arrival at the terminal.

Concerned citizens alerted authorities about the abandoned bag, which, when checked by the Army’s Explovies Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, contained explosives.

The EOD team responded immediately to defuse the bomb.

Col. Lito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Brigade

said the EOD team found a 60mm mortar high explosives, one MK-2 type of hand grenade, 250 milligrams of gasoline, two blasting caps, a 9-volts battery and a cellphone.

“Our EOD experts were surprised to notice the cellphone connected to the explosives and blasting cap had several missed calls, which indicated there was indeed an attempt to explode it,” Sobejana said.

He said there may have been a failure in the connection or maybe it was assembled by amateurs.

He thanked those who alerted authorities about the bag, for averting a disaster.

Manalo said the bus company has been receiving extortion letters which they immediately report to the police for blotter.

He said the threats include planting bombs in their terminals.

According to Manalo, he will “just pray for those people who send intimidating messages.”

The bus company is now implementing stricter security measures and will soon install CCTV cameras in strategic areas of the newly-constructed terminal. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

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Advertise with Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 8 ISSUE 220 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Andy Murray qualified for his fifth Australian Open final with a five-set win over Milos Raonic. Getty Images/Quinn Rooney

Murray reaches Aussie Open final A

NDY Murray went through paroxysms of frustration but seized another opportunity to break his Australian Open jinx with a four-hour, five-set semi-final victory over Milos Raonic on Friday night.

Four times the British world number two has advanced to the final at Melbourne Park and four times he has been vanquished, three times at the hands of Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian will again stand in his path on Sunday as the Scot seeks to add another grand slam title to his 2012 U.S. Open and 2013 Wimbledon crowns.

“Five finals is a great achievement,” said Murray.

“You can’t take that away from me.

Five finals is a great achievement. You can’t take that away from me.

British tennis player Andy Murray

“I should be happy about that. There’s very few players that will have made five Australian Open finals, so I have to be proud of that achievement.”

Raonic, meanwhile, was left heartbroken after suffering a thigh injury that hampered him from the middle of the third set of the 4-6 ,7-5, 6-7 (7/4), 6-4, 6-2 defeat.

Winning tennis matches never looks like a walk in the park for Murray but for much of the contest against the Canadi-

an, he at least had some justification for the tortured grimaces and explosions of anger that followed every setback.

The 13th seed has been on fire this year and his big serve and huge forehands had one of the best returners in the game on the ropes, while his newfound net game helped him to a healthy 72 winners.

Murray said earlier this week that he would waste no more energy on the histrionics but the match was just minutes

old when he returned to his chair muttering curses having been broken to love in his first service game.

That was to be Raonic’s only break of the match but it was enough to win the first set and, after Murray had pounced to even up the contest, he ramped up his 230 kilometre-per-hour serve to clinch the third on tie-break.

“It was tough,” said Murray.

“It was frustrating ... he didn’t miss a first serve in the break-

er and I had played some good tennis in that set.”

The 25-year-old Raonic, hoping to become the first Canadian man to reach a grand slam final, was feeling the injury in the fourth set but Murray had also crucially got a better fix on his serve and broke for 4-3.

Raonic almost claimed it back in the next game but Murray saved two break points, falling to one knee and roaring “Yes! Yes!” as he pumped his fist at the ground.

ATIONAL team coach Tab Baldwin is relieved to see that June Mar Fajardo has returned to action for San Miguel in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Alaska.

He said that this means Fajardo is recovering well from the injury he sustained in the semifinals and is on track to full recovery before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) this July.

Baldwin even noted that the Beermen’s coaching staff is also taking precautions against possibly re-injuring Fajardo’s knee by limiting the player’s minutes.

“I don’t think June Mar is gonna be impeded by a knee injury, I think he will recover to a hundred percent. San Miguel is obviously taking a very cautious [approach] with his knee and that’s good for June Mar,” said Baldwin in Snow Badua’s report to Spin.ph.

Baldwin is counting on Fajardo to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming Olympic qualifier, where they will be facing France and New Zealand.

The nationals missed the Cebuano big man when they

competed in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, which guaranteed an Olympic seat to the winner. Fajardo wasn’t available then due to a plantar fasciitis injury in his feet.

Fajardo’s absence was one of the reasons the nationals bowed to China in the Finals.

Baldwin said Fajardo’s temporary rest from the PBA also allowed the player to rest his feet.

“I guess one of the offshoot positives will be that the plantar fascia issues in his feet will have time to rest now as well,” said the Gilas coach.

Baldwin said a healthy and more experienced Fajardo will be a big help to the country’s Olympic hopes.

“He’s been a great performer in the PBA for the last couple of years and we expect that to be a positive development to Gilas when that time comes.”

Mimosa getting ready Baldwin expects Fajardo to be 100% for Olympic QT for PAL Interclub N

M

IMOSA Golf and Country Club in Clark, Angeles, has promised to put its best foot forward when it plays host to the men’s regular and senior events of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub golf tournament beginning Feb. 25.

Following the last-minute pullout of Fontana Korea Golf Club, Mimosa has made it 36-hole course available for the more than 1,000 players competing in two events spread over 10 days.

“We’re currently sprucing up the course in time for the competition,” said Mimosa course consultant Jelly Palmes. “We’re expecting the greens to be faster than what they are now.”

The Mountainview is the harder of two 18-hole courses that will be used.

From the championship tee, it measures 7,303 yards.

It features narrow fairways, rolling terrains and an island green.

“It’s a ball striker’s course,” said Jobim Carlos, one of the top players of the returning Canlubang squad. “It has a challenging layout.”

The Acacia and Lakeview plays much shorter at 6,546 yards, although its opening hole -- a monstrous 445-yard, par-4 – will immediately test one’s readiness.

The seniors’ event will kick off action on Feb. 25 with Canlubang and Luisita expected to renew their storied rivalry.

After a two-day break, the 69th edition of the regular event begins on March 2.

Manila Southwoods is the men’s defending champion but is expected to encounter rough sailing with the return of multi-titled Canlubang and Luisita.

June Mar Fajardo

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