Edge Davao 9 Issue 288 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

The British have landed! A total of 50 British companies set to explore Davao By ANTONIO FIGUEROA

HE news that 50 British companies are coming to Davao to explore possible business expansion plans had added another feather to the glowing international reviews the city has received as an attractive investment destination.

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EDGEDAVAO

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Serving a seamless society

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES. British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad and Damosa Land, Inc. vice president Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo listen to the Investment Climate and Business Opportunities in Davao City presentation during the sector briefing and business networking lunch for the British company executives held at SGV seminar room, Topaz Tower in Lanang, Davao City on Thrusday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

Among those that have shown interest in the region’s favorable business climate are British companies with branches in Manila, such as Unilever, Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), Standard Chartered, PruLife, De La Rue, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Diageo, G4S, Arup, JCB, Atkins, Lloyd’s and Intertek, to name a few. In business, Davao trade links with the United Kingdom was braced in 2014 when the Board of Investments approved the location of Cybercity Teleservices (Phils.), Inc., a 99% British company, a ‘new export services provider’, in the city. The new business process outsourcing (BPO) investment cost PhP119 million and opened over 2,000 job placements. According to Ahsif Ahmad, the British envoy to the Philippines, bilateral relations between the two countries have achieved positive growth in 2015, citing the total exports of goods and services to the country hitting £628 million, a 28 percent rise from the previous year, mostly in electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery and equipment, road vehicles,

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NO FALLOUT UK envoy to RP: Brexit will not affect RP-UK economic relations

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

RITISH Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad assured on Thursday the economic relations of Britain and Philippines will not be affected despite the firming up of the document that officially signified his country’s withdrawal from European Union.

As part of its two-day trade and investment mission in Davao City, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines headed a sector briefing and

business networking lunch at SGV Seminar Hall, Topaz Tower, Damosa District Davao City, gathering more than 50 delegates across industries.

Gracing the event, Ahmad said that with ‘Brexit’ (British exit), the country will be a lot easier to be accessed by po-

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INSIDE SPORTS

NO MORE LEMONS

Roach says Manny should fight Lomachenko P16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

BIRTHDAY CAKE. A day after celebrating his 72nd birthday, President Duterte receives a cake from Socorro Municipal Mayor Ma. Fe Brondial during his attendance to the People’s Day celebration of the town of Socorro, Oriental Mindoro at Barangay Batong Dalig on Wednesday afternoon. TOTO LOZANO/Presidential Photo

Additional raps vs Duterte dismissed as publicity ploy

RESIDENTIAL Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Thursday dismissed the supplemental impeachment complaint filed against President Rodrigo Duterte as a mere propaganda ploy by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano. Alejano earlier in the day filed the additional complaint over allegations that the President secretly allowed China to explore territorial waters. In the complaint, the mutineer-turned-lawmaker alleged that Duterte “failed and/or refused to assert the country’s exclusive sovereign rights and maritime rights and territorial rights over Benham Rise and Panatag Shoal and the rest of the West Philippine Sea.” Alejano claimed that Presi-

dent Duterte’s actions amounted to betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of Constitution and dereliction of duty. But Panelo said this was all nonsense. “It is nonsense geared for propaganda and publicity for himself,” the Presidential lawyer said in a statement. In fact, the additional complaint may even be invalid under the law, he added. “It may even be deemed to be a second impeachment complaint which is a prohibited complaint under the one year prohibition limiting the filing to only one complaint in a year,” Panelo said. Last year, an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines over its claims in

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More than tractors, Bangsa Moro want self-determination--Jaafar

HE Philippine government must deliver a “political solution” to end the Bangsamoro armed struggle by fully implementing the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) through the passage of an acceptable enabling law, said Ghazali Jaafar, the new chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission who is also first vice chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “This is a political problem and it can only satisfy the Bangsamoro people pag na-deliver ang political solution (once the political solution is delivered),” Jaafar said Wednesday at the Waterfront

Insular Hotel Davao during the celebration of the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the CAB on March 27, 2014. He said he appreciates the efforts of the government in trying to solve the issues through economic means in order to trigger development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. But he stressed that what the Bangsamoro people wanted more are self-determination and their own Bangsamoro government. “Yung tulong, maraming salamat (For your help, thanks.) But believe me, ako hindi ko pa nakita ang nabig-

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Dengue cases dip 67.9 % in Caraga D

ENGUE fever, the dreaded mosquito-borne disease, has dipped in the region to almost 70 percent according to the recent data released by the Department of Health Regional Office 13. The Department of Health Regional Office 13 Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit , based on its Disease Surveillance Report during the 10th Morbidity Week from the first week to the middle part of this month, gave its dengue fever update trend that a total of 674 cases were admitted to the different disease report-

ing units region wide from the first week of January to the mid-part of this month. Accordingly, this is 67.9 percent lower than the 2,097 cases in the same period last year. From the first week to the middle part of March of this year, according to the regional health office, 38 cases came from the different disease reporting units in Caraga Region. Reported cases were mostly coming from Surigao del Sur (16 cases), Agusan del Sur (9 cases), Tandag City (7 cases) and Surigao City (2 cases). There was no barangay

identified as hotspot (Morbidity Week 6-7). Clustering of cases was noted in Brgy. Washington (Poblacion), Surigao City and Mabua, Tandag City. Surigao del Sur recorded the highest with (164 cases) from the first week of January to mid-part of March this year; followed by Butuan City (109), Agusan del Sur (80), Surigao del Norte (78), Agusan del Norte (61), Surigao City (61), Tandag City (44), Bayugan City (25), Bislig City (19), Cabadbaran City (18) and Dinagat Islands (15) with a total of 674.

Ages of cases ranged from less than one month old to 85 years old. Majority of cases were males (57.1 percent ). Most of them belong to “0” to “10” years age group (55.2 percent). There were four deaths reported from the different disease reporting units region-wide during the period. Ages of deaths ranged from 4 years old to 85 years old, with a mean of 32. Majority of these deaths were male (75 percent). This is 60 percent lower compared to the same period of 2016. (PNA)

fication was sent to concerned agencies and officials, only then they would conduct the necessary inspections of the building,” Zozobrado said. He stressed this was unacceptable considering that these buildings have been used as cockpits for years now. “It is presumed that every year they renew their business permits, the buildings have undergone inspection,” he said. “There seems to be negligence both on the operator and officials concerned,” he added. Upon learning that the buildings being used as cock-

pits are only inspected once when they apply for a building permit, Zozobrado said the agency concerned should inspect all existing cockpits every year. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said the cockpits highlighted during Tuesday’s regular session were Cabantian, Buhangin and Mintal because these were the ones that requested approval from the Council for the conduct of a derby. Dayanghirang said they received reports that these cockpits were not safe so they called

on various agencies, including the Bureau of Fire, to testify on the safety of these cockpits. “The Bureau of Fire said the cockpits need adjustment in the size of their doors,” he said. However, it was reported that the Mintal cockpit in the third district is already infested with termites, thus no longer safe for people as it could collapse anytime. Now that the City Engineer’s know that the Mintal cockpit is no longer safe for large gatherings, they should now issue a cancellation of its building permit, he said. (PNA)

Davao dads backs probe to ensure safe cockpits

EMBERS of the city council have called for the investigation of all cockpits in the city to ensure they are safe for their patrons. “Something must be done to ensure that these cockpits are compliant with the safety requirements for buildings,” Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado said Tuesday. Zozobrado’s call came after the City Council received reports that some cockpits in the city are not compliant with the basic building and sanitary standards requirements. “I noticed that after a noti-

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DOH: Make Mighty pay to prevent heart attacks, strokes of 70,000 poor patients

HE Department of Health on Wednesday disclosed that P1 billion from unpaid taxes due the government could pay for a year’s worth of maintenance medicines, laboratory tests and medical care of around 70,000 of the poorest Filipinos who are at risk for heart attack or stroke due to tobacco use and second hand smoke exposure. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial made this statement following the P9.564 billion tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against Mighty Corporation for the alleged use of fake tax stamps. “There are more still more than 15 million smokers in the country, who smoke at home or in public places and more than half of all women and children are regularly exposed to deadly second hand smoke. Our initial calculations show that P1 billion can be used to pay for daily maintenance medicines, laboratory work and medical care for deadly diseases that are caused by tobacco use. One out of four Filipinos has high blood pressure and half of them do not know it. We need to invest on prevention, early detection of hypertension, maintenance medications and enabling

patients to live healthier. The money we get from tobacco taxes can be put to good use to prevent conditions caused by tobacco among the poorest 70,000 adult Filipinos who are at risk.” said Secretary Ubial. “We know that the poorest Filipinos at risk for heart attack and stroke cannot afford to pay for their daily maintenance medications. Through early detection and provision of maintenance medications -- heart attacks and strokes can be prevented. We are currently designing a program of care for patients at risk for heart attacks and strokes using electronic medical records for the poorest 20 million Filipinos who are the priority of the Duterte administration. We intend to provide more for those who have the less in life.” “The DOH congratulates the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Philippine National Police for catching delinquent taxpayers such as big tobacco companies who not only kill people by their products, but also by their tax evasion. The excise taxes they owe the government are meant to pay for medicines, commodities and services that can be used to prevent and con-

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AFP says no let up in efforts to recover all ASG hostages

ILITARY efforts to rescue all the remaining 26 foreign and local hostages of the Abu Sayyaf Group will continue until all these individuals are safely recovered and reunited with their families. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla made this pledge following the successful rescue of two Indonesians, three Malaysian seafarers and a Filipino tugboat captain from the clutches of the bandits in the past few days.

“Pursuit operations against the bandits will continue until all ASG captives are safely recovered,” he said in Filipino. With the recent successes, the number of kidnapped victims of the ASG went down to 26 from 32. Padilla said there are some indications that some lawless groups are helping the ASG in their piracy attacks against barges and tugboats plying the waters near Basilan and Sulu. Appropriate measures will be instituted to stop these attacks, he added. (PNA)

ALEX WELCOMES ASIF. Anflocor Group of Companies chief executive officer Alexander Valoria welcomes the British delegates led by British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad during the sector briefing and business networking lunch for the British company executives held at SGV seminar room, Topaz Tower in Lanang, Davao City on Thrusday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

GSC fisherman back home after 58-day ordeal at sea A

YOUNG fisherman flew home to the Philippines on Wednesday after being given up for dead at sea, battling hunger, thirst and despair for nearly two months on a tiny boat that drifted all the way to Papua New Guinea. Rolando Omongos, 21, recounted an astonishing tale of survival as he arrived from his first-ever plane ride at Manila airport, three weeks after his rescue by a Japanese fishing vessel. “I cried non-stop when I was finally rescued. I was too weak to stand up and they had to carry me,” the diminutive fisherman told reporters. He said he survived on rainwater and moss growing at the hull of his 2.5-metre (8-foot)long boat, finding

respite from the heat of the tropical sun by diving into the water frequently. His 31-year-old uncle Reniel Omongos, who was on a second small boat, died after a month. The nephew believes hunger and exposure killed the older man. The nephew lashed the body onto his boat for a few days but later let it sink into the water when it began to smell. “God, please take care of my uncle. I have to stay alive so somebody would bring the news (to our kin),” he said he prayed. The men had set off on December 21 with other fishermen aboard a purse seiner from General Santos, a southern Philippine port facing the Celebes Sea.

The port lies more than 3,200 kilometres (nearly 2,000 miles) northwest of the PNG island of New Britain, where the rescuers later dropped the survivor off. A storm separated Omongos and his uncle from their mother boat on January 10, and they ran out of fuel five days later. They later tossed their small boat engines overboard so they would float higher and avoid being swamped by huge waves. “No fewer than four vessels would pass us by each day. I would wave at them but they would not stop for us,” the nephew said. He said the ships and fishing boats apparently failed to see their tiny vessels bobbing about 3-5 kilome-

Alvarez-Floirendo fallout stemmed from girls’spat

C VOTERS ACT. Voters fill up transfer and reactivitation forms outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Thursday. Comelec stated that Congress should pass a corresponding law if it is pushing through a postponement of barangay elections scheduled on October 23. Lean Daval Jr.

tres away. “I never lost hope. I was always praying,” he added. “I told myself, at least one of us had to get back home.” When the Japanese fishing vessel Wakaba Maru found him, Omongos said he was very weak and emaciated, having been reduced to eating moss once every few days. He was down to just over 20 kilogrammes (more than 44 pounds), from his original weight of 61 kilogrammes. The fisherman, who quit school after sixth grade, said he planned to rest after flying home to General Santos on Thursday, but vowed never to set foot on a boat again. “Maybe I will go back to school instead,” he added. (AFP)

ATHY Binag, live-in partner of Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr., on Thursday confirmed being engaged in a verbal tussle with the girlfriend of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez last year. In a statement, Binag also said the sour fallout between erstwhile bosom buddies, Alvarez and Floirendo, started “with me and the Speaker’s girlfriend, Jennifer Maliwanag Vicencio.” Binag said she “had an altercation” with Vicencio during the opening of the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City last October 2016. “From then on, things spiraled out of control and one thing led to another,” said Binag. Binag said that it would be

“petty” if Alvarez’ filing of graft charges against Floirendo is tangled with a “girls’ spat”. “I find it petty for some matured men to be burning bridges of friendship over a girls’ spat,” Binag said.The rift between the Duterte allies came to a head when Alvarez filed a graft complaint against Floirendo before the Office of the Ombudsman for his alleged unconstitutional “business interest” with his family’s banana firm Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO). Alvarez also filed House Resolution (HR) No. 867 calling for a congressional inquiry into the grossly disadvantageous 25-year lease contract signed by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and TADE-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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DOLE assures stranded OFWs in Saudi Arabia of fund grants

ly environment, unify and strengthen the export sector. To date the organization has a total of 226 members that engage in the export of fresh and processed foods, resource-based commodities, mineral and chemical preparation, houseware/furniture, logistics and service, marine-aqua culture products. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and its office is being managed by a profes-

sional management team. The occasion also includes the blessing of its new office site located at the Penta Point Commercial Building, atop Mercury Drug, San Pedro Village Extension, Buhangin, Davao City. On March 10, 2017, the organization also conducted its General Membership Meeting (GMM) with Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon as keynote speaker.

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the latest positive outlook of Fitch Ratings on the Philippines is proof enough that the political noise has “failed to dent” the country’s growth story resulting from its strong macroeconomic performance and continued political stability. ‘Fitch Rating’s latest affirmation of its positive outlook on the Philippines only means that the political chatter emanating from certain quarters has failed to dent the country’s sustained-growth narrative resulting from its strong economic performance, continued

political stability and aggressive infrastructure and human capital investments under the Duterte presidency,” Dominguez said. The finance secretary issued this statement the day after Fitch — one of the world’s three major international credit-rating agencies — affirmed the Philippines’ investment grade sovereign credit rating at ‘BBB-’ along with a positive outlook on this rating. Recognizing the country’s sustained growth momentum, Fitch has projected the domestic economy to grow by 6.8 percent this year and 6.7 percent in 2018, or within the

government’s growth target range for the next two years, driven in part by an increased spending on infrastructure. Fitch noted that “macroeconomic performance has remained strong” and “domestic political stability has been maintained” even as the Duterte administration has pursued its campaign against the illegal drug trade. Dominguez said that, ‘To maintain broad policy continuity, the Duterte administration will continue to pursue its 10-point socioeconomic agenda on high—and inclusive—growth, with a focus on closing the infrastructure gap,

improving the ease of doing business to attract more investments, and attacking poverty by spending big on human capital formation,” “Given the positive outlook of Fitch Ratings and other institutions,” he added, “the government has more reason to highlight on the country’s growth story by moving ahead on such policy reforms as its Comprehensive Tax Reform Program to ensure the financial sustainability of its ambitious program to eradicate poverty and transform the Philippines into a high-income economy in one generation.” (PNA)

It is a good idea to know what the other countries are doing and how the other countries are faring in terms of their harvest so that we can predict the global market because we are affected by global prices,” he said in an interview with Philippines News Agency. PRISM aims to deliver actionable information on rice crop seasonality, area, yield, pest injuries, crop management and damages during extreme weather events using data from remote sensing, crop models, smartphone-based surveys of

farmers’ fields and farmer interviews, and other sources. Under the PRISM project, Tolentino said the government appropriately targets and allocates the resources necessary for farmers to be able to increase their yields, and protect them from impacts of calamities and adapt to diseases, typhoon damages or natural floods. “That means the rice sector will be much more effective and much more resilient,” he noted. Tolentino said the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Rice Research

Institute (PhilRice) would work to ensure that PRISM serves an area that has been underserved, particularly the Muslim Mindanao. He stressed there are growing large rice areas in Davao Norte, Davao Sur and Cotabato. Most of the country’s rice products currently come from Central Luzon. “A lot of support should also be directed to those areas, they were really neglected in the past,” he added. “IRRI is recommending to the DA that they

VEGGIE PORTER. A market porter maneuvers through the heavy traffic to make his delivery of bananas from Bankerohan Public Market to the vegetable ‘bagsakan’ area in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Philexport Davao kicks off anniv celebration activities A

N outreach program to the Southern Philippines Medical Center Orthopedic adult patients, cancer patients and to the abandoned children of the Reception and Study Center for Children kicked off on March 30, 2017, initiated by the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Region XI Davao Chapter), Inc. Marizon S. Loreto, Executive Director of the Philexport

Davao bared that the event was a way of expressing gratitude for the collaborative success of all projects and activities undertaken by the said organization over the years. Philexport Davao was established in Davao on March 23, 1993. It is committed to be the leading and dominant export organization in Mindanao and aims to enhance exporters’ competitiveness by facilitating an export-friend-

sila dito. Kami na lang ang kukuha ng kanilang receivables,” he said. At the same time, he is optimistic that the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte which is scheduled on the second week of April, will be a fruitful one for the benefit of the workers. “Just to take advantage of the 90 days amnesty na binigay ng Saudi Arabia. And then we are also looking at certain bilateral agreements na puwede pa nating makuha and other matter na puwede hingiin ni Presidente sa King ng Saudi Arabia like pardon ng mga nakakulong and many matters,” Say added. Asked on how much is the budget for the mission, he said, “Hindi ko lang alam ang ball park figure but we are looking at 5,000 then multiply that by the amount of the plane fare para makarating lang sila dito. Dahil hindi inassume ng Saudi Arabia ang pamasahe.” “Kasi it is really should be the employers ang magbabayad, but we understand they are under distress. Huwag na natin patagalin sa pagturo kung sino ang magbabayad. the Philippine government na siguro,” he added. The DOLE official noted that once the OFWs are back in the Philippines, the government will provide them due assistance. “There are a lot of assistance na puwedeng ibigay sa kanila. may mga emergency livelihood naman na ibibigay. May pondo naman na ipapahiram kung may negosyo sila na maiisip. Natingnan na iyan jointly ng Bureau of Local Employment at saka Overseas Workers Welfare Administration,” Say added. (PNA)

HE government will be providing assistance for the immediate repatriation of some 5,000 overseas Filipino workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This moves comes after the country’s implementation of an amnesty program for stranded migrant workers. “Ang Saudi government nagbigay ng amnesty para sa ating mga stranded employees doon, sa mga OFWs... So ang gagawin namin doon is to facilitate the repatriation of the remaining mga stranded OFWs,” said Labor and Employment Undersecretary Dominador Say in an interview. “So we will be setting up mga centers kung saan kami magpoprocess ng kanilang papers. We are looking at mga 5,000 ang mapauwi,” he added. Say urged Filipino workers who are illegally staying in the said country to avail of the 90day amnesty program by the Saudi government. “Sa loob ng tatlong buwan kailangan mapauwi na. Dahil kapag nawala na yung amnesty, magbabayad na sila ng kanilang exit papers, mga Iquama, certificate of no objection from employer. Sa loob ng 90 days kailangan na namin maprocess at mapaalis na,” he explained. The DOLE official noted that they are looking to ask the employers to give separation pay to the OFWs. “We will ensure na may makukuha nga para kapag dating nila dito iaadvance na ng Philippine government, ng OWWA funds or pondo ng department of labor para habang naghahantay sila may pera na

Fast-tracking of Clark Dominguez: Political noise fails to dent sustained growth airport projects pushed F

AMPANGA First District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin II on Thursday called for the speedy implementation of all development projects concerning the Clark International Airport. This is in support of Executive Order No. 14, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed last Feb. 28, “reverting the Clark International Airport Corp. as a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and maintaining the policy supervision and operational control of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) over the CRK”. “Considering the strong support of our President for the vision to convert Clark into an international civil aviation complex, which we are very thankful for, we should facilitate all the development efforts at CRK, including other tourism-related plans, for the benefit of our constituents,” Lazatin said. He said all concerned government agencies must work together and rally around President Duterte’s objective to advance CRK’s growth, now that big-ticket projects are

scheduled for completion. Quoting BCDA president Vince Dizon, Lazatin disclosed that the PHP2.9-billion CRK terminal expansion project is in its pre-construction phase and targeted to break ground by the fourth quarter of this year. He said the DOTr has already released the first tranche of PHP6.6 million intended for the crafting of a detailed engineering design to be used in building the ambitious undertaking that would increase the airport’s passenger transaction capacity to 8 million yearly. He also noted the government’s long-term plan to construct Phases II and III of the aviation expansion terminal as soon as Phase I is finished by the end of 2019 or first quarter of 2020. “The Duterte administration has a grand vision for Clark, so we have to constantly remind our fellow government workers to speed up the process and start the projects the soonest,” Lazatin said. He vowed to monitor periodically the status of all devel-

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RP pioneers state-of-the-art rice monitoring technology

HE Philippines is pioneering in Southeast Asia and even the world a state-of-the-art technology that provides timely and accurate information on rice crucial to achieving food self-sufficiency. Dr. V. Bruce Tolentino, Deputy Director General of International Rice Research Institute expressed hope that other countries would follow the Philippine example and utilize the Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM). “Because the rice market is global, it’s not only Philippines.

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

MINDA PRESENTATION. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) deputy executive director Romeo Montenegro makes his presentation on the business opportunities in Mindanao and sector-specific opportunities before the local and British company executives at SGV seminar room, Topaz Tower in Lanang, Davao City on Thrusday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

Business Development guy is new TIEZA chief

HILIPPINE tourism is expected to grow and to attain its goal to be globally competitive and innovative with President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent appointment of Pocholo Joselito D. Paragas as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Paragas’ administration and management skills culled from 20 years of experience forging private enterprises and doing consultancy work in banking and finance, land development, and the tourism service industry fits into the role as GM/COO of TIEZA , considering the agency’s vast responsibilities of building the country’s much-needed tourism infrastructures. Born on December 24, 1977, Mr. Paragas carved a niche for himself in business development after graduating with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University

of the Philippines in Diliman and pursuing further units for Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School. The TIEZA is the country’s principal builder of tourism infrastructures. Administratively under the Department of Tourism, TIEZA is responsible for implementing policies and programs of the department pertaining to the development, promotion, and supervision of tourism projects in the Philippines. Republic Act No. 9593 or “The Tourism Act of 2009” declares it a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development, and strengthening the DOT and its attached agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy, and appropriating funds therefor. The Tourism Act of 2009, principally authored by Sen.

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JICA, NEDA team up boost energy supply in Mindanao conflict areas

HE Japan International Cooperation Agency and the National Economic and Development Authority signed this week a 771 million yen (about P340 million) grant aid project to support the energy sector in Mindanao’s conflict-affected areas. According to a news release issued Thursday, the project will be implemented by the National Electrification Administration of the Department of Energy and is part of JICA’s continuing support for peace and development in Mindanao. The project will upgrade the power distribution equipment of the six electric cooperatives (ECs) operating in the area. Data from the ECs show an average of 26 percent in energy losses due to the aging equipment used for energy transmission that have been built in the ‘70s. Meanwhile, according to government data, the 36 percent electrification rate in the

area is also lower than the average rate of 74 percent in Mindanao. “This project is part of our continuing commitment to support peace and development in Mindanao,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito. “By helping resolve the power supply issues in conflict-affected areas, we aim to help the Philippines create more economic activities in the region.” Government poverty statistics data in 2015 showed that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao remains mired in poverty with a 53.4 percent poverty rate, higher than the national average of 21.1 percent. Forty years of conflict have deprived this region of opportunities to access social services and quality investments and jobs. The JICA grant aid will help reduce energy distribution losses to about 7 percent and assure reliable, resilient

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Strong showing affirmed Fitch’s affirmation of PHL’s credit rating confirms economy’s strength: Tetangco

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said Fitch Ratings decision on Wednesday to affirm its ratings on the country attests to the strength and resiliency of the domestic economy. Fitch Ratings has affirmed its investment grade ‘BBB-‘ rating, with Positive outlook, on the Philippines after citing the “continued strong and consistent growth performance, a robust net external creditor position and government debt levels that are lower than median peers in the ‘BBB’ rating category.” It explained that the domestic output’s performance is “a rating strength” after noting the 6.8 percent expansion in 2016, higher than the previous year’s 5.9 percent. This output, it said, is “supported by continued strong growth in private consumption spending and investment.” Fitch also noted the strong external payments position

of the country, boosted by the current account surpluses that were achieved since 2003. In recent years, the country’s current account surplus, although still driven by remittances from overseas Filipinos, tourism receipts and the business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors, has declined in line with the rise in imports, which in turn is needed by the expanding economy. As of end-2016, the country’s current account surplus amounted to USD6601 million, or about 0.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The country’s gross international reserves (GIR), meanwhile reached a record-high of USD81.4 billion as of last February. The current level of foreign reserves of the Philippines is enough to cover nine months’ worth of imports. Fiscal position of the country is another plus, the credit rater said, noting that the Duterte administration’s 10-point agenda ensures continued and higher spending on

necessary infrastructure and basic services, among others. Fitch Ratings said combination of these factors are seen to further cement the economy’s strong growth, with the expansion forecast for 2017 at 6.8 percent while it is 6.7 percent for 2018. Its forecast for the country this year is within the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent target while the 2018 GDP target is seven to eight percent. In 2016, the economy grew by 6.8 percent. The debt rater also said monetary and exchange rate policies in the country “are effective” and the central bank “has been able to maintain inflation at modest levels.” ”The foreign exchange managed-float regime allows the peso to act as a cushion against external shocks, as evidenced by the downward adjustment in the currency following portfolio outflows in 2016,” it said. Fitch said the upcoming change in the BSP’s leader-

ship “will be important in the context of policy stability and credibility.” Tetangco will end his two six-year terms on July 2. Tetangco said all these positive developments “did not happen by chance.” ”The country’s economic gains have been built from deeply rooted structural and sound policy reforms implemented over the years,” he said. ”Economic gains are the results of years of disciplined macroeconomic policy making,” he added. Investors Relations Office (IRO) Executive Director Editha Martin, in a statement, said the country “has made significant strides since it clinched the investment grade rating from Fitch in March 2013.” ”Its macroeconomic performance and public finances have significantly improved, and vital governance reforms have been entrenched,” she said. (PNA)

and industrial zone development were also submitted as candidates for Japan ODA financing. Based on the discussion, the Japanese side will review the projects for bilateral cooperation. The first meeting of the Joint Committee took place at Kantei, the Prime Minister’s Office. The Philippine side was headed by the Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, while the Japanese side was led by Dr. Hiroto Izumi, the special advisor to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This joint panel’s formation was announced during Prime Minister Abe’s visit last January to the Philippines, where he announced the Japanese government’s commitment of one trillion yen in development assistance and investments to the Philippines within the next five years.

The Joint Committee is set to meet next in the Philippines within the year at a date to be agreed upon by both parties. In the meeting, the Philippine and Japanese delegations consulted with each other on how to enhance cooperation such as improving approval processes and project design and implementation, including provision of support for feasibility study upon request of the Philippine side. Top officials of both countries also discussed the formulation of action plans to speed up the implementation of Philippine projects in cooperation with Japan. The Japanese Government representatives took the opportunity to promote quality infrastructure based on their country’s experience, technologies and knowhow. On the same occasion, the Philippine delegation expressed its appreciation to Ja-

pan for presenting the Power Sector Action Plan, which was prepared with Japanese Government’s assistance. The Philippine delegation also presented to Japanese officials the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022 and provided updates on the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals. Following the recent signing of the Exchange of Notes between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in Manila on March 23, “The Japanese side expressed its intention to continue providing public and private assistance to the Philippines particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, counter-terrorism and public safety, anti-illegal drug measures and energy development, as well as in support of the Philippine Government’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and develop-

RP, Japan officials meet on proposed devt projects

OKYO—Philippine and Japanese officials have pledged here to work closely on possible projects for cooperation on infrastructure development. In the first meeting of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation held here this week, the Philippine side presented its priority projects for possible implementation with Japan Official Development Assistance financing and support, and the Japanese side acknowledged the list based on the Prime Minister’s commitment to provide JPY1 Trillion (about US$9 Billion) financing package to the Philippines. The priority list covers projects in railway; irrigation; and public works projects covering road and flood management. Additional projects in the areas of public works, energy,

F RP, 12

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

Tagum toughens anti-smoking drive T

HE Local Government of Tagum, through its Anti-Smoking Task Force, intensified its campaign against smoking and vending of tobacco products in public and critical areas in the city, apprehending 129 violators in the last three months. Pursuant to the City Ordinance No. 703 passed in 2015, which regulates the use and sale of cigarettes and other related products here in accordance with the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the Anti-Smoking Task Force conducted surprise inspections to stores and establishments, and series of patrolling to major areas and thoroughfares of the city along with massive information dissemination to ensure full-compliance of the local smoking ban. From January to March 29, 2017, eight (8) stores and 121 individuals, of whom 24 are

non-residents of Tagum City, were caught violating the ordinance by either using or selling cigarettes in prohibited places. Said violators were given citation tickets and a 3-day period to pay the penalties charged depending on the degree of offense committed. First-time offenders will be given the penalty of P 1,000; second offense is fined with P 2,500 and third or subsequent violations are charged with the penalty of P 5,000. Violators who will fail to pay the monetary charges will be subjected to imprisonment from one to four months at the discretion of the court. Included in the prohibited areas are schools and public buildings, terminals, restaurant and food chains, internet cafes, parks, cemeteries, gasoline and LPG stations, hospitals and clinics, sidewalks and city streets,

among others. In 2016, the City Government of Tagum received the Department of Health’s Red Orchid Award for its massive and comprehensive efforts to implement a 100% Tobacco-Free Environment and for complying the MPOWER Initiatives of the World Health Organization in enforcing its smoking ordinance. Meanwhile, the Anti-Smoking Task Force, as composed by the City Health Office, Security Management Office, City Information Office, and the Tagum City Police, among others, continuously reminds the people of Tagum to end the use of tobacco products since it bring adverse effects especially to their health. The Task Force also guaranteed the enforcement of the ordinance at all times, everywhere in Tagum. Roy Banias/CIO Tagum

(1) A motorist received a citation ticket from Tagum’s Anti-Smoking Task Force after being caught smoking cigarette in front of a Sari-Sari Store. The Sari-sari store owner also received the same ticket for vending the banned tobacco product. (2) Few of the busy men of Tagum’s local market were also among the violators apprehended by the city’s Anti-Smoking Task Force during their citywide inspection, one of which is a fish vendor who caught smoking while vending his catch of the day. (3) A resident of Tagum City was caught smoking while driving his motorcycle and was charged with 1,000-peso penalty by the Anti-Smoking Task Force. Tagum’s sidewalks and city streets were among the prohibited areas included in the Anti-Smoking Ordinance. (4) The Anti-Smoking Task Force also inspected the city’s restaurants and eateries to ensure full-compliance of the City Ordinance No. 703. In this picture, a man was caught smoking cigarette in one of the eateries in the public terminal. Photos by CIO Tagum

SoCot allots P1.15M for Mawab kicks off illegal drug intervention program 2017 Palaro delegation S

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has allocated around P1.15 million for the members of the province’s athletic delegation that will be competing in the 2017 Palarong Pambansa. South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the funding will cover for the expenses of the delegation as proposed by the Department of Education-South Cotabato division. She said it would be sourced from the P42 million Special Education Fund of the local government for 2017. A report released by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office showed that a total of P750,000 was allotted for the cash allowances of the delegation members.

Some P350,000 was set aside for the cash incentives of the winning athletes, including their coaches and chaperones. The local government has approved a financial assistance of P100,000 to North Cotabato, which will head the Region 12 delegation in the upcoming Palaro. The 2017 Palarong Pambansa is slated on April 23 to 29 in San Jose, Antique. The Soccksargen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA), also called the “Soccsksargen Warriors” placed seventh overall in the 2016 Palaro held in Legazpi City, Albay. The provincial government had allotted around P14 million for its sports development program this year.

F SOCOT, 12

OME 50 illegal drug personalities took oath of undertaking yesterday, March 28, at the municipal gymnasium as the local government of Mawab in Compostela Valley province started its activities for the Oplan Liwanag program. According to the program’s coordinator Mario Angelo Sotto, Oplan Liwanag is a province-wide community-based transformative

intervention program for the voluntary surrenderees for reformation (VSRs). Sotto said that under the Oplan Liwanag, the VSRs will undergo two months of rehabilitation and reformation activities for the VSRs, which includes a three-day spiritual encounter and session with the surrendered families. One of the highlights of the program is the testimony of Nabunturan town Council-

or Mark Tristan Humol, who was nabbed September last year by the authorities in a raid in a drug den. Humol appreciated the efforts and the courage of the VSRs to undergo the said program for their family and the community as a whole. He urged them to throw away their illegal drug apparatus to prevent them from being tempted again to be victims of the illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Mawab mayor Ruperto Gonzaga III guarantees the VSRs that they will land a job if they will graduate in the program. He said that those who have skills in driving and proficient in computers will have jobs in the municipal government, while others can improve their skills and get NCII certificates through the program. (PIA-11/Michael Uy)

AMILIES and kin of the four policemen killed in the ambush in Bansalan received assistance from the Employees Compensation Commission on Wednesday, March 29 in a ceremony held at Seda Hotel in Davao City. The surviving kin of each slain policeman got funeral

benefit of P20,000 and survivorship pension. Stella Zipagan-Banawis executive director of ECC said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also gave each family of the policemen starter kits for their livelihood. The four policemen were killed in an ambush perpe-

trated by the New Peoples’ Army in Bansalan, last March 8. The cops were in the area to investigate a reported killing. Among those killed were Police Officers I Rolly Benelayo, Joe Narvaza and Saro Mangutara belonging to the Bansalan Police Station and Jayden Mae Rabor of the Scene of the

Crime Operatives. Banawis said the ECC program benefits covers all workers of the private and public sector, she says the ECC program is not a well-known program unlike other popular insurance programs of the government.

Families of slain cops in Bansalan ambush get assistance from ECC

PNP seizes various high-powered firearms, 1 suspect slain in Sulu

T PEACE COUNCIL. Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy shares his insights during the consultative forum on the proposed creation of Eastern Mindanao Peace and Development Council at the Ritz Hotel, Davao City last March 28, 2017. Gov. Uy currently chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council in Davao region. (Maryel Lasaca/IDS ComVal)

F FAMILIES, 13

HE Philippine National Police in Sulu province has successfully conducted an anti-drug operation against high value targets (HVTs) and in the servicing of arrest warrants. This was after a drug suspect was killed and various high-powered firearms were seized during the operation on Wednesday. The slain suspect was identified as Ardin Akar Paling, 32; and his injured accomplice was identified as Nong Haliludin. In the report of Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, regional director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Min-

danao Regional Police Office, the operation was conducted in the barangays of Capual and Lahing-Lahing, in Omar, Sulu. The targets of the law enforcement operation are the suspects identified as Saudi Kahil Hamja, Adzmar Omar, Juli Sahirol and Ayub Mangcabong for the cases of murder, arson and illegal drug trade. The suspect Paling fought it out with authorities using his AK47, hence, he was killed in the process. Seized from the suspects were 3 sachets of shabu and several firearms, including 7 units of M16 rifles; 2 units of

F PNP, 13

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA-XI) through Regional Agri-Fisheries Information Section Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA-XI) through Regional Agri-Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) donates 10 sacks of brown (RAFIS) donates 25 sacks of brown rice to House of Hope home of children with cancer in Southern rice to Co Su Gian Home for the Aged in Davao City. Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

DA donates brown rice to charities L

AST year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has embarked on #BROWN4good Brown Rice Social Media campaign to promote the consumption of brown rice (unpolished rice) in the country. Each region was expected to generate at least 50,000 hashtags to secure at least 5,000 kgs of brown rice (1 hashtag=100g of brown rice) to be donated to various charities

that would benefit most from its consumption. Based on the PhilRice’s official tally, Region 11 ranked first all over the Philippines and generated a total of 39,000 hashtags from its launching in August 30 up to December 5, 2016. One hundred sacks of brown rice were divided and distributed to the following charities in Davao City name-

DENR-12 to develop 13,096 hectares of bamboo plantations under NGP

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 12 is targeting to develop around 13,096 hectares of bamboo plantations this year in parts of the region under the enhanced National Greening Program (NGP). Mangayao Macapudi, DENR-12’s protected area management and conservation section chief, said Wednesday the assessment is currently ongoing in identified sites that are considered suitable for the growing of bamboos. He said these sites are situated in critical watersheds and riparian buffer zones or areas near rivers and other tributaries within the region’s four provinces and five cities. Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. “The results of the assessment will determine the number of seedlings that will be planted in the identified sites,” he said. Macapudi said the program will be implemented in partnership with people’s organizations and local government units. To ensure its sustainability, he said they have set a series of trainings on bamboo propagation for farmers and other implementers. The DENR identified bamboo as among the focal crops of the enhanced NGP, which had been extended

until 2022 to set off the rehabilitation of the remaining 7.1 million hectares of denuded areas in the country. It said bamboo is considered as the best conservation material due to its low maintenance compared to trees and has potentially higher return on investment. Under the program, the agency is targeting to plant bamboo on one million hectares of land across the country. By the end of 2017, DENR-12 is expecting to cover a total of 103,630 hectares of land in the entire region under the NGP. Since the start of the program’s implementation in 2011, the agency has facilitated the planting of 93,344,768 tree seedlings within the region. Some 2,666,500 seedlings were planted in 2011, 6,094,638 in 2012, 10,870,655 in 2013, 9,342,950 in 2014, 10,714, 171 in 2015 and 53,655,854 in 2016. DENR-12 planted some 83,171,001 tree seedlings under its regular target and an additional 9,916,377 seedlings through “central office-based funds.” The trees planted through “central office-based funds” included those under the Bottom-Up Budgeting or BUB scheme, DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Barangay Forest StraTreegic Program, Sajahatra Bangsamoro and the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or PAMANA Program. (PNA)

ly House of Hope, ChildHope Mindanao, Inc., Missionaries of Charity, Co Su Gian Home for the Aged, Padre Pio Home for Children and Golden Haven Retirement Homes.

Co Su Gian Home for the Aged supervising houseparent Joy Legaspino, said the brown rice will be of great help to the health of the senior citizens under their care.

It is fully supported by the local government’s social services and development office. It started as a meeting place for the Davao City Senior Citizens Federation in the 1980s. It was converted into a temporary shelter in 1993 after some senior citizens found themselves homeless. Meanwhile, Leah Genson, executive director of ChildHope Mindanao, Inc. whose charity

extend interventions to Indigenous People (IP), persons with disabilities (PWDs) and Lumads thanked DA for the brown rice given to their charity. Looking back at the challenges of the #BROWN4good social media campaign, Noel Provido, chief of Regional Agri-Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) recounted the efforts of the local government

units (LGUs), media, schools and other supporters who helped in promoting the goodness of brown rice. “The campaign may have not gone viral but it has paved the way for a more vibrant brown rice advocacy leading to better income for farmers, healthy diet among consumers and most especially extending help to these chosen charities,” Provido said.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

EDITORIAL

Of friendship and clean government

HE sooner the feud between friends House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Rep. Antonio Floirendo is fixed, the better for these two allies of President Rodrigo Duterte. The two bigwigs of Davao del Norte political landscape are at odds after Speaker Alvarez filed a graft case against Rep. Floirendo over a contract entered into between the government and the latter’s family business. Rep. Floirendo wants to salvage that badly damaged friendship and political alliance and has asked his friend for a meeting so that they could settle their feud “like gentlemen.” Floirendo has insisted he had no hand in the joint venture agreement between his family’s Tagum Agricultural Development Company (Tadeco) Inc. and the Bureau of Corrections, which Alvarez had described as disadvantageous to the government in the graft complaint he filed against his erstwhile friend. The simmering feud was fanned by recent rumors of quarrel among girlfriends and on alleged ouster plot in the House. But that is another story. The point is that these two lawmakers are

EDGEDAVAO

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at loggerheads over the graft case. Looking at the issue at hand tells everyone that in this administration, there are no friends or allies when it comes to cleansing the government of graft. The filing of the case should work better for both Alvarez and Floirendo, and ultimately, the better for the government. The case refers to a transaction 14 years ago regarding the 2003 renewal of the Tadeco-Bureau of Corrections deal when Floirendo was sitting as Davao del Norte congressman. Floirendo has given assurances that he was “not in any way involved” in the renewal agreement between Tadeco and the BuCor in 2003 and said he will face the case with clean hands. One can always dispute the legality of government transactions and as would be in this case, the best way to to know if it is above board is when you throw the dispute to court for adjudication. The case is now with the Ombudsman where it rightfully should to clear any cloud of doubt to the legality of the transaction.

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EDGEDAVAO

OBODY, except perhaps his relatives, may have a less than vivid recollection of Edward Mayer Gross, an American film scenarist who produced the first fulllength silent movies on the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. A doctor in Philosophy, Gross was actually married to Suzima Loma, a resident of Toril, Davao City, with whom he had three children, namely Mary, Perla, and only son Victor. He used to be a first lieutenant in the US Army but resigned from the service on July 25, 1898, at age 32, based on records found at the Adjutant General’s Office (AGO). Gross’ contribution to Philippine cinema is quite significant. Along with producer Harry Brown and cinematographer Charles Martin, they organized the Rizalina Photoplay Company, which produced in 1912 La Vida de Jose Rizal (The Life of Jose Rizal), which was shot with 22 scenes and had a length of 5,000 feet in film. The silent movie, based on the stage play Gross himself produced in 1905, traced Rizal’s birth, his career in Europe, the exile in Dapitan, the imprisonment at Fort Santiaigo, and the martyrdom at Bagumbayan. It was actually Brown, a Rizal admirer and owner of the Gaiety Theater in Manila, who broached the idea

AST Wednesday, I was in my office writing (as usual) when suddenly I felt my chair was shaking. The books in my shelf seemed to be falling, too. I freaked out since below me was full of water (yes, my room was built above a “tank” of rainwater (which we use for our comfort room). I immediately ran out of my room. The earthquake that happened in Surigao City was just fresh from my mind. The quake was so quick – so swift that no one seemed to notice it. Or so I thought. When I posted it in my Facebook wall, some people commented that they felt it too. So, I wasn’t just dreaming at all! Perhaps no other natural disaster can cause so much damage so suddenly and in so little time as earthquakes. It is surprising that nobody wants to talk about earthquakes in quake-prone Philippines. Earthquakes send shock waves through the earth. The amplitude of these seismic waves indicates the force of an earthquake and is measured on a scale devised by Charles Franci Ritcher known as the Richter scale. However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) has been using since 1996 a different intensity scale which “based on relative effect to

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

A filmmaker’s love affair with Davao of producing a profitable movie that would glorify the hero, given at the time that Rizal “was almost considered a god to the Filipinos.” Together, they shelled out the capital. The film was slated for showing at the Zorilla Theater on August 24, 1912 but someone else shared the recognition as the first to show a silent movie. Albert Yearsley, manager of Oriental Films, Co. and owner of two theaters, on learning of the Brown-Gross film, promptly enlisted the zarzuela actors of the Gran Compania de Severino Reyes, to do a similar movie on Rizal using a script written by Austin Craig, a Rizal biographer. He titled his film El Fusilamiento de Dr. Jose Rizal (The Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal), shot inside the Manila North Cemetery. This was shown at the Manila Grand Opera House on the same day the Gross film was exhibited. The partnership of Brown and Gross eventually produced more movies than Yearsley. That same year, the triumvirate of Gross, Brown and Martin shot Los Tres Martires (The Three Martyrs), in honor of the three Filipino martyr-priests Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora, with the execution scene excised so as not to supposedly create unrest in the Spanish community. This was followed by La Conquispeople, structure, and objects in the surroundings.” Let’s take a closer look at them: I. Scarcely perceptible: It is perceptible to people under favorable circumstances. Delicately-balanced objects are disturbed slightly. Still water in containers oscillates slightly. II. Slight felt: It is felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Still water in containers oscillates slightly. III. Weak: It is felt by people indoors especially in the upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like the passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately. IV. Moderately strong: It is felt generally by people indoors and some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like the passing of a heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of woodframed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. V. Strong: Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people awakened. Some are frightened; some run outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking are felt throughout the building. Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink; some are

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa ta de Filipinas de Legazpi (The Conquest of the Philippines by Legazpi, 1913), Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not, 1915), El Filibusterismo (Subversion, 1916), La Fiesta de Obando (The Obando Feast), Los Milagros de Virgen de Antipolo (The Miracles of the Virgin of Antipolo), Medikong Laway (Saliva Doctor), and Nena Bozcadora. After his film years, Gross worked as the sole agent of William H. Anderson Company in Manila before becoming the technical adviser of the Furukawa Plantation, then the largest Japanese holding firm at Daliaon, in Davao, from 1935 up to time World

Quick quake

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

broken. Small, light and unstable objects may fall or overturn. Liquids spill from filled open containers. Standing vehicles rock noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees is noticeable. VI. Very strong: Many people are frightened, many run outdoors. Some people lose their balance. Motorists feel like driving with flat tires. Heavy objects and furniture move or many be shifted. Small church bells may ring. Wall plaster may crack. Very old or poorly built houses and man-made structures are slightly damaged, though well-built structures are not affected. Limited rockfalls and rolling boulders occur in hilly to mountainous areas and escarpments.

War II broke out. In his notes, written on a wornout cash book. Gross narrated the experiences he had when the Davao was under attack following the incessant drop of aerial bombs in population centers. On December 8, 1941, the day the Japanese invaded Davao, he took note of an incident that obviously elicited anger from those in the know. He sarcastically wrote: “I looked up the vast sky to find some sanity over the madness that was raging on in the world. It was clear and blue and serene. But at eight 0’clock in the morning, 15 Japanese plane fighters appeared threateningly in the air. Then they flew over our heads, flying very low. Before long we heard that the airfield in Davao City was bombed and the radio stations [were] also hit. But the planes did not hit us in Daliaon. “In the afternoon, one of the planes flew over Malalag. Encountering a shortage of gas, pilot maneuvered to a force landing. When the plane was already on the ground, the pilot did all he can to airborne his plane. But a Filipino soldier sprayed him with a machinegun. Having less fatal wounds, the Japanese pilot survived. When he was brought to the Davao General Hospital, he refused to talk.

“However, his identification tag revealed that he was born in Davao of a Bagobo mother and Japanese father. In fact, he was a graduate of Davao City High School. After graduation, as expected of a Japanese father living in Davao, the boy was sent to Japan to finish his education. But he came back to repay the favor of giving him free education in Davao with bombs to inflict deaths and widespread destruction.” As an American gentleman well loved both by the Japanese and the local residents who worked with him in the hemp plantation, Gross was made “a prisoner of war on parole” in Daliaon by the Japanese Imperial Army, though he was forbidden from communicating with anybody. Not only did he save the Japanese from Filipino vendetta, he also extended help to Filipinos in danger of being persecuted and executed by the enemies. As fate would have it, Gross was later sent to Manila where he was interned at the University of Santo Tomas until liberation, suffering starvation and maltreatment under his Japanese captors. After the war, he returned to Davao City, weak and frail, to rejoin his Filipino wife and children. He died in 1947 in Davao City at age 81; his remains are interred at the public cemetery in Lubogan, Toril.

Trees are noticeably shaken. VII. Destructive: Most people are frightened and run outdoors. People find it difficult to stand in upper floors. Heavy objects and furniture overturn or topple. Big church bells may ring. Old or poorly built structures suffer considerable damage. Some well-built structures are slightly damaged. Some cracks may appear on dikes, fish ponds, road surfaces or concrete hollow block walls. Limited liquefaction, lateral spreading and landslides are observed. Trees are shaken strongly. VIII. Very destructive: People are panicky. People find it difficult to stand even outdoors. May well-built buildings are considerably damaged. Concrete dikes and foundations of bridges are destroyed by ground settling or toppling. Railway tracks are bent or broken. Tombstones may be displaced, twisted or overturned. Utility posts, towers, and monuments may tilt or topple. Water and sewer pipes may be bent, twisted or broken. Liquefaction and lateral spreading cause man-made structures to sink, tilt or topple. Numerous landslides and rockfalls occur in mountainous and hilly areas. Boulders are thrown out from their positions particularly near the epicenter. Fissures and fault rupture may be observed. Trees are violently shaken. Water splashes or slops over dikes or banks of rivers. IX. Devastating: People are

forcibly thrown to the ground. Many cry and shake with fear. Most buildings are totally damaged. Bridges and elevated concrete structures are toppled or destroyed. Numerous utility posts, towers and monuments are tilted, toppled or broken. Water and sewer pipes are bent, twisted or broken. Landslides and liquefaction with lateral spreading and sandboils are widespread. The ground is distorted into undulations. Trees are shaken very violently with some toppled or broken. Boulders are commonly thrown out. River water splashes violently or slops over dikes and banks. X. Completely devastating: Practically all man-made structures are destroyed. Massive landslides and liquefaction, large scale subsidence and uplifting of landforms, and many ground fissures are observed. Changes in river courses and destructive seiches in lake occur. Many trees are toppled, broken or uprooted. “We believe that the key to saving lives and properties in times of natural calamities like typhoons, floods or earthquakes is preparedness,” Mario G. Montejo, the former secretary of of the Department of Science and Technology, was quoted as saying. “So, we must take a proactive role in making our communities safer and more resilient.”

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tential investors as their withdrawal from EU also means freedom from the “strict” rules being implemented by the organization. “UK has always been a proponent of free trade,” said Ambassador Ahmad. In an interview, BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson said that part of the UK government and private sector’s efforts to renew their focus on trade and investments with other countries is BCCP’s trade mission in Davao City which brought in 48 delegates from 30 Britain-based companies and businesses with commercial interests in Davao City and Mindanao and gathering local business players, trade associations and business groups. The high priority investment sectors in Mindanao such as agribusiness, information communications technology, infrastructure and property development and energy will be highlighted in the forum. Nelson also bared UK exports to the Philippines grew by 38% in 2015, the second highest worldwide. “The UK is the largest European investor in the Philippines worth in excess of £1 B (US $1.2 B) as of 2015,” he said. The executive director also reported that bilateral trade

between the two countries is worth around $1.8 billion annually. Meanwhile, on tourism, Ambassador Ahmad said over 110,000 UK nationals visited the Philippines in 2016, comparatively lower than Thailand which he previously served as British ambassador with 1.5 million annual tourist arrival. Despite the figures, Ahmad said the daily expenditure of one British tourist in the Philippines can be compared to that of four or five British tourists in China. On June 23, 2016, citizens of Britain voted for a British exit, or Brexit, from the EU in a historic referendum which prompted jubilant celebrations among EU critics and sent shockwaves through the global economy. After the declaration of the result, the pound fell to its lowest level since 1985 and David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister. As Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday signed Article 50 - the step that triggered the timer on two years of Brexit talks, she quoted on a news report “This is a historic moment from which there can be no turning back.” Britain is scheduled to finally leave the EU by the end of March 2019.

the West Philippine Sea, particularly Panatag Shoal, which China has claimed to be its own. President Duterte has repeatedly said that he would not discuss the ruling with China at present as he sought to build warmer ties with the superpower. He however stressed that he is not ceding the territory to Beijing and assured that he will bring it to the table at the proper time. Meanwhile, Chinese ships have reportedly sailed in Benham Rise for three months from December last year. Benham Rise, a 24-million-hectare undersea plateau off the coast of Aurora province touted to have vast natu-

ral gas deposits and mineral resources, has been awarded to the Philippines by the United Nations in 2012. Duterte has said that Chinese ships can sail through the area based on freedom of navigation “but cannot build any structures” there. Earlier this month, Alejano filed the first impeachment complaint against Duterte. The impeachment complaint is based on alleged killings and corruption supposedly committed by Duterte both as President and as then mayor of Davao City. Malacañang dismissed the complaint as part of a larger and well-orchestrated destabilization plot against President Duterte. (PNA)

CO.

For her part, Paola Alvarez, the Speaker’s daughter, expressed shock over the spin of issues that turned “crass and juvenile”. “It is incredible how personal relationships are exploited by Rep. Tonyboy Floirendo’s live-in partner, Ms. Cathy Binag, to twist an otherwise simple question of facts. It’s completely appalling!” Ms. Alvarez said. Ms. Alvarez said she and

her family intend to keep “their personal lives private”, even as she and her father are in public service. “We hope Ms. Binag will respect that and stop dragging us into her personal issues,” Ms. Alvarez said. “We expect the parties concerned to address the factual issues head-on. After all, in public service, public interest is paramount and goes beyond the deepest bonds of friendship,” she added. (PNA)

trol the diseases they cause,” Secretary Ubial added. The DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) have repeatedly warned the public of how tobacco is the leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes,

chronic respiratory disease, and various types of cancer. Data provided by the DOH revealed that 68,325 Filipinos died because of “diseases of the vascular system” in 2013. The figure does not yet include those who died because of heart attacks and diabetes. (PNA)

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POOR BUT WELL-INFORMED. A homeless man starts his day reading the latest issue of a newspaper along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Thursday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

The British... FROM 1 transport equipment, power generating machinery and equipment, and professional services. In 2016, around 10,000 Britons were residing in the islands, mostly expatriates and retirees. In Davao, the Englishmen have organized themselves into a clique. Prior to this, during American rule, British ships called port at Davao mainly for trading purposes. In 1931 alone, sixteen vessels flying British flags docked at Santa Ana pier. When war broke out, British role was limited to submarine refueling and transport of supplies. On July 4, 1946, the day the United States granted the Philippines her independence, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, jointly known as the UK, opened its diplomatic office in Manila.

British links Philippine connection with Britain as a country dates back to as far as the second half of the 18th century when Manila, for three years, was occupied by the Englishmen. On November 2, 1762, as a result of Spain’s defeat, Dawsonne Drake of the British East India Company assumed office as the British Governor of Manila, assisted in part by a council of four. When he realized that his expectations fell short

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consider increasing support to those areas.” IRRI on Wednesday turned over PRISM technology for full operation by the DA through the PhilRice and the regional field offices (RFOs). PRISM, which has been running for the past two years, is now ready to be fully operational based on its current status and capability to produce data. The DA-RFOs oversee all activities in over 1,000 rice fields monitored by PRISM since its inception in 2014. They are responsible for validating and managing all data collected from their regions. DA Undersecretary for Op-

in terms of acquiring assets, he organized a War Council he named Chottry Court, imbued with power to imprison anybody. In 1877, an unnamed British company, with large capital, was organized in the Philippines with the intent to buy cane juice to be used in extracting highly refined sugar. There was also the Mather & Platt, formed in 1852, which exported to the country dyeing machinery for use in the Davao hemp industry. But the largest contributions of the British come in other forms. For instance, in 1878, the British North Borneo Company leased North Borneo from the sultanate of Sulu. The ownership dispute arising from this deal has continued to become a sensitive issue between the government of Malaysia and the Philippines until today. On June 1, 1887, British firm Manila Railway Company, Ltd. acquired the interests of Ferrocarril de Manila–Dagupan, which was given the concession to build the railway from Manila to Dagupan. Later, the Americans, after taking over the archipelago from Spain, bought the British interest and renamed it simply as Manila Railway Company, forerunner of the Philippine National Railway Corporation

erations Ariel Cayanan said the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other major project components already agreed that they will coordinate to come up with data and information needed by the farmers. Cayanan noted these agencies will “not compete, not to contrast or look which would be more appropriate” data and information. Engr. Christopher Morales, DA Field Operations Planning Division Chief, estimated that Php25 million to Php30-million budget is needed to sustain the operations of PRISM every year. (PNA)

(PNRC). In banking, HSBC, the country’s oldest foreign bank, opened in 1896 (the year Dr. Jose P. Rizal was executed) its first Philippine branch at 90 Rosario Street (now Quintin Paredes) in Binondo, Manila. It established its Davao office, the first in Mindanao, only in 2006. Even in golf history, the British and their Scottish friends are credited for establishing the Santa Barbara Gold course, now officially known as the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, in 1907. The first in the Philippines, the club later became an affiliate of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andres in Scotland.

Early visits Prior to the arrival of the British in the country, there were adventurous Englishmen who crossed the raging seas as part of their agenda to discover new lands in the East and reach the Spice Islands. A few of them reached Davao region and left some historical impressions. On October 22, 1579, Francis Drake (1540-1596), the English vice admiral, privateer, navigator, and politician knighted by Queen Elizabeth of England, first sighted the islands of Sarangani and Balut on board the vessel Golden

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Hind, while sailing towards the Spice Islands. Thomas Forrest (1729 –1802), another English navigator who once worked for the British East India Company, wrote in his 1775 travelogue about the population centers found around the gulf of Davao, mentioning areas such Eu (Iho), Sumoolog (Lupon), Tukka, and Baloe, now part of Davao Oriental, in his accounts. On the other hand, Arnold Henry Savage Landor (1865– 1924), an English painter, explorer, writer, and anthropologist, reached Mati, Davao Oriental in 1902. He described Mati as “a well-protected bay affording good anchorage, islands screening the entrance of the harbour; but the place is at present too isolated to be of any substantial use.” Another British who reached Davao was William Dampier (1651–1715) who, on board the privateer ship Cygnet, reached Sarangani Bay, which he christened ‘Bay of Deer,’ in 1686, during his first circumnavigation of the world. On December 4, 1861, HMS Sphinx, a steamer under Lt. Ralph Brown, sailed from Hong Kong through Lei Yue Mun (Lye Moon Passage), arrived in Davao on December 24, 1861, on the way to Caroline Islands to rescue the crew of the 460ton British sailing ship ‘Norna’.

opment endeavors at CRK, citing the strategic significance of the former bastion of US military base in Asia-Pacific as the propeller of economic growth in Central Luzon. “We can’t afford to lose the momentum generated

from President Duterte’s vision for Clark. Let’s support all the programs and policies by actively prodding our government functionaries to accelerate collective efforts for their realization,” Lazatin said. (PNA)

Dick Gordon, himself a former tourism secretary, also supports the establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) to be the centers of tourism development in the country. TIEZA is mandated to designate, regulate and supervise the TEZs established under this Act, as well as develop,

manage and supervise tourism infrastructure projects in the country. As the infrastructure arm of DOT, TIEZA has to merge public and private initiatives and investments in tourism, pursuant to the policies set by its Board which is chaired by the Secretary of Tourism. (PNA)

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Matina Enclaves Project Director Gerald Kent Garces led the ceremonial toast.

Top performing sellers

A ROARING 20’S NIGHT Matina Enclaves fetes top sellers in Great Gatsby-inspired Semi-Annual Awards Night

By NEIL BRAVO YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN THE CINEMAS TO LIVE THE GREAT GATSBY PARTY. You “only” need to be a Top Seller. “Only” seems to be an ordinary word to say though, but for sellers and realty firms of the Matina Enclaves, it’s all hardwork and dedication. Of course, what makes the job easy is when you have a great product. As the sales period has been roaring by far, these roaring sellers deserve a roaring Gatsby-themed party themselves. With that, the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) gave their Matina Enclaves agents and agencies the rare evenning to live the extravagant style of Gatsby in real life during the Semi-Annual Awards Night on March 24 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Inspired by the roaring twenties, Esdevco recreated an evening of fascinating style, sparkling drinks, jazz music and opulence complete with themed music, entertainment and classic cocktails. Guests got into the groove for the evening and dressed up as a fun flapper or wore a debonair vintage suit. Brandishing their sales flair and aggressiveness, the sellers left their inhi-

bitions at the door and gave in to the extravagance of the Gatsby era. Esdevco President and CEO Glenn Y. Escandor led the award-giving rites along with Matina Enclaves Project Director Gerald Kent Garces while Irra Zarina Escandor gave the closing message. The complete list of awardees and winners of the special events and awards for the evening are: Top Realtors 1st Place - Anthony Leuterio (Leuterio Realty) 2nd Place - Charity Furog (Furog Realty) 3rd Place - Letecia Ablas (Ablas Realty) 4th Place - Rebecca De Leon (Polinar Realty) 5th Place - Samuel Lao (Property Depot-ROI) 6th Place - Gil Chua (Mega Pacific) 7th Place - Dhina Laruga (Patrimonio Realty) 8th Place - Eric John Villasor (Villasor Realty) 9th Place - Jocelyn Bernal ( Davao Dragon Vibe) 10th Place - Maria Teresa Ortiz (Ortiz Realty) 11th Place - Aimee Maturan(Property Pro-

Top brokers.

The Grand raffle prize winner. Hong Li (Ortiz Realty) 13th Place - Marjorie Osorio (Leuterio Realty) Top 3 Winners for Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Matina Enclaves Winners Winner - Solomon Bañez - Bañez Realty 1st Runner-up - Vilma Garay - Ablas Realty 2nd Realty - Salome Uy Villasor Realty

Young Brokers Club of Matina Enclaves. viders) 12th Place - Ricky Hayana (Hayana Realty) 13th Place - Bonifacio Alia (Fullworth Realty) Top Brokers 1st Place - Julie Mclynn Piñol (JM Realty) 2nd Place - Solomon Bañez (Bañez Realty) 3rd Place - Jetro Carlo Pinili (JC Pinili Realty) 4th Place - Veljean V. Villaraiz (Three V Realty)

Top Performing Sellers (Sales Manager & Agents) 1st Place - Gilbert Monecillo (Leuterio Realty) 2nd Place - Ryan Sayson (Leuterio Realty) 3rd Place - Reynold Barber (Polinar Realty) 4rd Place - Joel Reyes (Patrimonio Realty) 5th Place - Mr & Mrs. Raul Escovilla (Escovillo

Realty) 6th Place - Evelyn Acol (Furog Realty) 7th Place - Luzvisminda Dio (Mega Pacific) 8th Place - Joseph Arthur Avila (Leuterio Realty) 9th Place - Shiena Mae Furog (Furog Realty) 10th Place - Jocelyn Santos (Leuterio Realty) 11th Place - Prudencio Melacio (Ablas Realty) 12th Place - Hedelyn

Lady and Man of the Night Female - Joren Namocot - Fullworth Realty Male - Japhet Diones Grand Raffle Winner Dorothy De Leon - Villasor Realty Early Bird Awardees Mr and Mrs Raul Escovilla - Escovilla Realty Gilbert Monecillo - Leuterio Realty

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Acoustic soul artist, Kaye Cal, launches breakthrough album FROM JOINING PILIPINAS GOT TALENT TO WE LOVE OPM, Kaye Cal has come a long way and is now ready to unleash her acoustic soul as she launches her first solo album under Star Music. Kaye initially went mainstream as the lead vocalist of Ezra Band, a Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1 grand finalist. She has eventually emerged as a solo performer, doing covers in her Youtube channel, recording sin-

gles for Star Music’s OPM Fresh and Himig Handog, and being part of Nyoy Volante’s team in We Love OPM. Kaye’s self-titled album has nine tracks with two originals, three covers and four bonus hits. She composed the two original songs, “Rosas” and “Mahal Ba Ako ng Mahal Ko.” This album also includes some of her popular covers like all-time OPM favorites “Why Can’t It Be”, “Ikaw Lang”, and a song

collaboration with Maya and Michael Pangilinan, “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana”. It features bonus tracks such as her greatest hits “Walang Iba”, a song originally sung by Ezra Band, and “Isang Araw”, her single under Star Music’s OPM Fresh album compilation. Kaye’s song “Nyebe”, part of Himig Handog’s P-Pop Love Songs for 2016, is also part of the album alongside “Give Me a Chance”, a single

included in the successful soundtrack of the TV series, Til I Met You. Her songs in this album will surely become romantic hits as what the singerguitarist has achieved in her previous acoustic covers. Kaye, who hailed from Davao del Sur, is a proud lesbian and member of the LGBT community. She has been making waves in the music industry with her soulful and uniquely ‘masculine’ singing voice.

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Abreeza Mall brings The Mind Museum’s Dino Play to Davao SATISFY YOUR AND YOUR KIDS’ CURIOSITY about dinosaurs by visiting The Mind Museum’s latest traveling exhibition, Dino Play: Explore the Mind-blowing World of Dinosaurs, set to run at Abreeza Mall from April 1 to 16, 2017! At an entrance fee of only P100 per head, Dino Play provides an excellent and affordable opportunity for kids and kids-atheart to learn about some of the most intriguing creatures that have ever lived in the Earth’s history. Launched on June 29, 2016 at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Dino Play invites young dinosaur fans to come and explore the world of dinosaurs. A vintage original Sarao Motors jeep will immediately welcome you to the exhibit, lending a local color to the adventure that awaits you and the kids! A T. rex sculpture also waits for you at the entrance with giant dinosaur eggs that you can wriggle into to take a shot of your first exhibit photo. The adventure begins by introducing guests to what dinosaurs actually are, and how they are related to the more familiar, modern reptiles. Then follow the massive dino footprints representing the impressions left when dinosaurs used to roam the earth. Here, you can leave your own footprints

and compare them to the dinosaurs’ such as the Tyrannosaurus rex and the Velociraptor. Dino Play is divided into four nests, beginning with Dino Dig. Try your hand at being a paleontologist—scientists who study dinosaurs and ancient biology through fossils and who regularly go to the field and dust off rocks to look for fossils and what their surroundings imply about the dead creature and its previous life. Here, guests use their Paleontologist Field Kits to reveal fossils hidden in the excavation sites. Investigating fossils will lead you further into the Dino Lab where you can examine

actual fossil remains. Take a look at dinosaur bones, petrified wood, ancient shelled creatures called ammonites, and even dinosaur poop that has since turned to stone. In the Dino Fun area, you can go hands-on with a variety of activities: You can make your own fossils, play with the Dino Family Tree, and learn about a day in the life of a dinosaur. Then climb the Dino Lookout Tower and spot any rogue dinosaurs that may be hiding in the vicinity! Once you’ve fully im-

mersed yourself in the world of dinosaurs, why not become one yourself in the Dino Den? In this activity area recommended for kids 2-8 years old, they can play pretend, stomp around, and leave dino footprints in a forest land with their friends and classmates. Each nest not only provides you and your family with fun activities, but also with ample information on how dinosaurs lived and are studied. Copies of Adult Guides are also provided for parents and teachers; these are manu-

als that can be found in each nest, highlighting the activities and supplementary information they can use to engage their students and enhance their learning experience. Even the outside areas provide interactive learning: you can measure your height and compare this to those of the dinosaurs. Dino Play is an exhibition supported by Datem Inc., Sarao Motors, and Uratex Foam, with spe-

cial thanks to Thompson Hardware and Lighting Center and Family of Larry and Pat Gotuaco. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 11 Group wants PhilHealth to expand coverage for PWDs, children and pregnant women

in South Africa. Kock expressed her gratitude, being “incredibly honored to announce the strategic partnership with AGS.” Through their innovative technology pipeline, SpesNet “is positively influencing various healthcare landscape through a global footprint in Singapore, Indonesia, Europe and America”. “We are humbled with the privilege to partner with AGS, and have the opportunity of two great organizations to contribute to the sustainability of the healthcare ecosystem in the Philippines, and very importantly, the quality of care for patients.” Evolve Hospital of SpesNet is available exclusively through AGS. (PR)

OMEN and children who belong to the persons with disabilities (PWDs) sector have lesser access to PhilHealth, according to a study of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). In a forum organized by PIDS, Senior Research Fellow Celia Reyes disclosed that “less than 20 percent of households with PWD women and 25 percent of families with PWD children” have access to PhilHealth. She said that while the government is trying to provide universal coverage especially for the poor and the marginalized group like children and PWDs, “only 63% of families have at least one member enrolled at PhilHealth.” Reyes added that PhilHealth’s Z-More package, which was introduced in 2013 and expanded in 2016 to include those with mobility impairment, is still not enough to meet the needs of PWDs. In her presentation, Reyes specified the need to include newborn-screening (NBS) in the expanded PhilHealth package to “facilitate early detection and intervention”, emphasizing that “undetected and untreated disorders at an early age can lead to serious illnesses or even death.” “The expanded NBS test can detect 28 disorders from birth to six months. It is available in all hospitals, lying-in clinics, rural health units (RHUs), and private clinics. But the issue is affordability. With the expanded cost that amounts to PHP 1,500.00, PhilHealth will only cover up to PHP 550. This means that the excess of PHP 950 will be shouldered by the PhilHealth member which is quite costly for many poor mothers,” Reyes explained. She emphasized that the Department of Health (DOH)

can assist RHUs in procuring necessary equipment and testing materials for hearing and mental facilities. “One reason why babies and children don’t get tested for hearing impairments is because the machine is expensive. It costs about PHP 300,000.00. The Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH could probably cover this,” she stated. The PIDS social sector expert also underscored the importance of increasing the accessibility of PWDs to health workers and facilities. “Right now, the DOH is deploying doctors, nurses, and midwives to local health facilities, but perhaps we can also encourage the agency to deploy physical therapists and EENTs, among others, to local health units,” she remarked. Reyes likewise noted the necessity to establish and strengthen the partnership between local health units and medical schools. Citing the results of their studies in Central Visayas, “interns can actually complement the regular health personnel of LGUs. One of the best practices we’ve seen in San Remigio and Mandaue in Cebu is that they partnered with medical schools nearby and these medical schools were actually able to provide interns who can man the health centers.” She also urged the government to extend PhilHealth coverage to all poor PWDs and expand its benefits. “Right now, there are still some poor PWDs who are unaware that they actually have access to PhilHealth. LGUs need to be proactive in enrolling them,” Dr. Reyes claimed. Toward the end of her presentation, Reyes raised the importance of training families on long-term care for PWDs and in sensitizing communities.

cal-vocational course from the UCPB-CIIF Scholarship Program since its launch in 2003. Coconut farmers are among the poorest in the country. Most could not afford to send their children to college or even trade school. The UCPB-CIIF Scholarship Program, which is being implemented by the UCPB-CIIF Foundation, pays for the scholars’ tuition and other school fees and provides them with a monthly living allowance.

“We have been supporting the program from the start and will continue to do so because it is helping to uplift the living condition of coconut farmers, which is the bank’s common social mandate with the CIIF companies,” UCPB president and CEO Higinio Macadaeg, Jr. said. The CIIF companies supporting the scholarship program are Cocolife, UCPB General Insurance, Cocochem and the CIIF Oil Mills Group.

Macadaeg cited the results of the annual survey conducted last year which showed that 80% of the scholar-graduates are earning incomes with 86% percent of them earning enough to be able to regularly send money home for their families’ daily expenses and their siblings’ education. The UCPB-CIIF Scholarship Program has so far produced 1,467 graduates, 756 of whom earned technical-voca-

PARTNERSHIP. Photo taken on recent Evolve Hospital contract signing held at the ePLDT in Makati with the staff of AGS, SpesNet, and members SAP Philippines team. (PR Photo)

AGS and SpesNet forge partnership hospital info management system E PLDT subsidiary ABM Global Solutions, Inc. (AGS), one of the leading and trusted enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business solution providers in the Philippines, and SpesNet Philtrade, provider of globally recognized innovative healthcare technology solutions, recently joined forces to offer Evolve Hospital to the Philippine market. Evolve Hospital is a Hospital Information and Management System (HIMS) running on SAP Business One. The cutting-edge technology solution delivers insightful information to healthcare providers, helping them make data-driven decisions that impact not only the busi-

ness, but more importantly, patient care. Developed on t he SAP ERP solution targeted at small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Evolve Hospital integrates various processes like patient administration, bed management, billing, and claims to provide patients with a streamlined experience and minimize waiting time. AGS General Manager Dave De Leon expressed his excitement for this new solution for the health care industry. “Our collaboration with SpesNet and SAP is a partnership we truly honor as we set the pace for every local hospital, to pave the way for modern and effective healthcare that is at par with

international standards.” “One of the top challenges faced by healthcare providers in Asia is coping with the growing demand of patient care while being able to manage resources effectively. With SAP Business One, public and private healthcare providers are empowered to automate key processes within their organizations, and therefore enabling them to deliver better services to patients,” said Roy Wakim, Head of SAP Business One, SAP Southeast Asia. One of the SpesNet founding partners Daniel Van Niekerk and International President and CEO Sanet Kock graced the occasion, flying in from their head office

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DBM creates 887 new positions for UCPB group to take in 194 coco farmer children scholars in‘17 BI’s new Port Operations Division

RUE to his word, Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) facilitated and approved the request of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the creation of a new office with 887 new positions needed in the discharge of the BI’s mandate to monitor and regulate the arrivals and departures of locals and foreigners. The creation of 887 new positions is a big step towards the goal of providing a sufficient personnel complement to support the BI’s operations in the ports. Previously operating as a mere ad hoc unit in the existing BI Immigration Division, the new Port Operations Divisions (POD) will be in charge of all immigration functions, including the supervision and manning of 420 immigration counters at various international ports and/or sub-ports. The POD will have an additional plantilla of 887 positions for immigration officers and immigration assistants on top of the existing 1,203 positions. The creation of new positions will increase the immi-

gration officer and immigration assistant positions in the BI by 74 percent, and will require an estimated Personnel Services cost of Php 365 million to be charged against the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund under the FY 2017 General Appropriations Act. Early this year, the DBM committed to assist the BI in addressing the effects of the direct veto by the President, which prohibited the use of Express Lane Funds for the salaries of the BI’s Job Orders (JOs) and Confidential Agents (CAs), and the benefits of the BI’s personnel. Acknowledging the important role performed by the immigration officers in ensuring public security and safety, Diokno vowed to extend every assistance that the DBM can in organizing the BI’s organizational units and personnel complement to address its operational requirements. The BI represented that it needed additional positions to man the ports and sub-ports nationwide, but due to fiscal constraints, only 1,000 new positions can be created in FY 2017. (PNA)

CPB and its affiliate Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) companies are funding the college study and technical-vocational training of 194 more coconut farmer children starting this coming school year 20172018. The new scholars will bring to 2,894 the total number of children of coconut farmers who have received grants for a four- to five-year college course or a 12- to 16-month techni-

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Senate pushes for creation of Benham Rise Dev’t Authority

ANILA, Philippines — Aside from its rich marine resources, Benham Rise is seen to provide the Philippines with rich deposits of natural gas. Thus, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has once again urged his colleagues to act on the proposed creation of the Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA). Senate Committee on Economic Affairs Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian said, “The truth of the matter is, at this point, the data needed to make definitive conclusions about the development po-

tentials of the region, simply does not exist, yet. This glaring weakness is the most immediate issue that must be addressed by any legislation which seeks to develop the Benham Rise.” Senate Bill no. 312 or the Benham Rise Development Authority Act seeks the creation of BRDA, authored by Senator Sonny Angara. The proposed government body, together with the National Economic Development Authority or NEDA, will lead the research and exploration of Benham Rise. University of the Phil-

ippines Professor Gabriel Pamintuan Jr. says the government has to explore the mineral deposits in Benham Rise. Pamintuan believes the said area contains natural gas. “The gas is trapped in ice. How do you know that there’s gas in that ice? Drill it out. It’s like a snow or ice that when you lit will explode,”said Prof. Pamintuan of UP Mining, Metallurgical Engineering Department. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said they have not monitored any threat of rec-

lamation from any country as far as Benham Rise is concern. Esperon added that anyone is free to navigate or fish in the area as long as they have the permission from the Philippine government. “We don’t see [any threat]. There could be; but we don’t see any right now. We are also aware of the pronouncements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China saying that they recognize our sovereign rights over the Benham Rise,” NSA Esperon said. — Aga Caacbay | UNTV News & Rescue

energy supply to nearly 44,000 households in the area. “We will do what we can to support the people in Mindanao’s conflict-affected areas realize the dividends of peace in their lives and ensure a better future for the next generation,” added Ito. JICA’s support for the energy infrastructure in Bangsamoro is also part of the

agency’s development cooperation with the Philippines. The project was identified under the JICA-assisted Bangsamoro Development Plan 2 meant to jump-start economic activities in Mindanao’s conflict areas and draw up a medium- to long-term development plan (2016-2022) for the region’s inclusive and sustainable development. (PNA)

For the training of athletes, it set aside P1.7 million for those participating in the provincial individual and group events, and P1.6 million for those who qualified in the regional individual events eliminations. Some P1.18 million was earlier released for the concluded regional individual events eliminations, P2.7 mil-

lion for the 20-day SRAA training and P2.28 million for the five-day SRAA meet proper. Included in the budget is the province’s hosting of the 2018 SRAA meet training amounting to P2.75 million; P372,000 for the five-day 2018 SRAA meet proper; and, P245,000 for incidental expenses during the hosting of the event. (PNA)

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“San Remigio became famous after Yolanda because it

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ly-ill persons who were caged or chained. This is because the families and the community did not really know how to deal with them. It is necessary to

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capacitate families in terms of long-term care for PWDs as well as train communities on how to be more sensitive to the needs of PWDs”, said Reyes. (PR)

RP... FROM 5

ment in Mindanao,” the DOF said. “Both sides will strive to immediately facilitate the implementation of programs that aim to combat illegal drug abuse [in the Philippines], help improve power distribution in the Bangsamoro area, deliver humanitarian assistance for children in Mindanao, and provide equipment [to the Philippine government] for safety and counter-terrorism,” the DOF said in a statement. The inaugural meeting of the Joint Committee follows the successful official visit of President Duterte to Japan last year and the reciprocal visit made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Philippines in January. Besides Dominguez, the Philippine delegation also included Senator Alan Peter Cayetano; Secretaries Ernesto Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Benjamin Diokno of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Alfonso Cusi of the Department of Energy (DOE); Vivencio Dizon, president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Reuben Lista, president of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC); Undersecretary Cesar Chavez of the Department of Transportation (DOTr); and Charge d’Affaires Eduardo Martin Meñez of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

MILF implementing panel chair Mohagher Iqbal tells a press conference in Davao City on March 29, 2017 that “the real issue is how to give self-governance to the Moro people within the context of Philippine sovereignty.” MINDANEWS PHOTO

More... FROM 2

yan ng gobyerno ng tractor. (I haven’t seen the tractors given by the government). I did not bother to see. Pero sabi ko, hindi naman kailangan ng MILF and Moro people ang seedlings (But I said, the MILF and the Moro people do not need the seedlings),” he said, adding their ancestors have been surviving on their own with their agricultural produce. “Sapagkat kung ma-implement ang BBL, may goberyno ang mga Muslim (Because if the BBL will be passed, the Muslim will have their own government.) I can assure you we can take care of ourselves,” he said. The 21-member BTC are targeting the submission of the draft BBL before May 18 for President Rodrigo Duterte to study first before submitting it to Congress. He is expected to certify the bill as urgent during his Second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24. Jaafar urged lawmakers to pass the enabling law for the full implementation of the CAB. “What is important meron tayong batas (we have a law) for, unless a BBL is passed into law by the Congress of the Philippines, we cannot implement the CAB and therefore, no solution …. And therefore, status in the Bangsamoro remains as it is now,” he said. MILF peace implementing panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said “the real issue is how to give self-governance to the Moro people within the context of Philippine sovereignty.” He said the 2014 CAB is more attuned to the experience of the Moro people compared with the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between GPH and the Moro National

Liberation Front (MNLF) under founding chair Nur Misuari, as the former will pave the way for a “ministerial government” replacing the ARMM which is “unitary in character.” He said they are hoping the Congress will pass into law the BTC’s proposed draft of the enabling law to implement CAB, which is a negotiated settlement between GPH and MILF to put an end to four decades of armed conflict. “On top of that, we are confident under the leadership of our friend (President Duterte). We have to bring back peace in our homeland because we believe that there is still hope for a better tomorrow. Let’s unite and together we will make it in order to realize a better tomorrow,” he said. “I would say that there is frustration in every man, but hope is also being rekindled in the face of still so many things waiting to be realized, waiting for implementation. Hope is one thing we cannot afford to lose,” he said.

Ambitious Iqbal said that the deadline proposed by government on May 18 for the BTC to complete the draft is “too ambitious a timeline” but if they can finish it “sooner, much better.” “But May 18 is too ambitious a timeline, I don’t know if we can do that, but best effort, best effort,” he said Irene Santiago, GPH implementing peace panel chair said they are optimistic the BTC will meet the deadline because they are not starting from scratch because they will look into the previous BBL that was not passed in the previous Congress under the Aquino administration. (MINDANEWS)

BIGGER PICTURE... FROM 14 only fitting that outstanding agricultural journalists are given recognition and tribute as they continue to be the agriculture sector’s partners for change.” Also during the awarding ceremony, four respected personalities were honored for writing columns in various newspapers: Dr. Emil R. Javier, Dr. Cielito F. Habito, Dr. Rolando T. Dy and Dr. Ernesto Ordonez. A posthumous award was given to Emmanuel “Emmet” Penson.

Aside from the recent three Binhi Awards, I also won two more. The first time was in 1994 when I was named Countryside-Based Agricultural Journalist. Two years later, I was given the Countryside Agricultural and Environmental Journalist of the Year recognition. To end this feature, allow me to quote the words of Chigozie Obioma, author of The Fishermen: “That story, as all good stories, planted a seed in my soul and never left me.”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

PNP... FROM 6

M2O3; five units of M14 rifles; 1 cal. 22; 3 carbine rifles; 1 M79; 1 AK47; 1 FAL-IN; 150 cal, HMG; and 1 60MM mortar. In the follow-up operation in Sitio Buhangin Mahaba in the said barangays, the targets

were caught surprised which prompted them to flee and to abndon their firearms. Recovered were 2 M14 rifles; 1 M1 garand rifle; 4 M16 rifles and 1 grenade launcher. (PNA)

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Families... FROM 6 The ECC are going all over the regions to disseminate the information about the ECC. An ECC seminar is scheduled in Mati City, Davao Oriental on March 30. Meanwhile Police Regional Office-XI (PRO-XI) regional director Police Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan said

the Philippine National Police has extended the necessary assistance to the kin of the policemen. The National Police Commission has also given scholarship to the children plus the Office of the President has also extended assistance to the fallen police officers. (PIA11/RG Alama)

tional skill certifications from six Don Bosco Training Centers and 711, college degrees from 71 state colleges and universities. Another 269 scholars are graduating this school year. The UCPB-CIIF scholars come from 63 coconut provinces from as far North as Quirino

and Aurora Province to as deep South as Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. Nearly a fifth of the program’s college graduates have completed their courses with honors with two graduating summa cum laude, eight magna cum laude, and 94 cum laude. (PR)

UCPB... FROM 11

First Miss PNP has ‘beauty and brains’

HE registered nurseturned-police officer who won as “Ms. Ganda Pulis 2017” is an academic achiever. PO1 Arla Ray Paciencia, 24, completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing as cum laude and a scholar at Colegio de Sta. Lourdes Foundation, Inc. in Tabon-Tabon, Leyte in 2012 and passed the Nursing Licensure Exam on the same year. She bested 26 candidates from different regions, support and administrative units across the country to win the title “Ganda Pulis: Miss PNP 2017” during the coronation night Tuesday at Camp Crame. A native of San Jose district this city, she represented the Philippine National Police Eastern Visayas regional office in the first Miss PNP pageant. Paciencia, who is now taking up law studies in this city, is currently assigned to the PNP regional headquarters in Palo, Leyte. She was first assigned at the Samar provincial police office and was later transferred to the Eastern Visayas police regional office. This is not the first time she joined a beauty pageant. Before joining the police force, she sashayed on stage and won firstrunner-up in the Miss Pintados 2012 pageant. She was awarded with a

plaque and a gift check worth PHP300,000. “I still could not believe that I won. I just enjoyed the pageant and make sure that I represented our region with pride and honor. Despite challenging circumstances that we encountered before, during, and after the pageant, still we worked under pressure,” she added. She suffered vitiligo, a disease of the skin that losses the skin color in blotches. But this did not stop her in pursuing her dreams to have a better life for her and her loved ones. “In life, it’s not how many times you fall, but how you rise up to fight again another day,” she said in a mobile phone interview Wednesday afternoon. Completing her court were PO1 Nova Em Lago from Davao Regional Police Office, PO1 Leizel Abejero from Zamboanga Police Regional Office, PO1 Bernie Jane Dela Cruz from Central Luzon Police Regional Office and PO1 Janice Etang from the Caraga Police Regional Office. The week-long search for confidently beautiful policewomen is in support of the Women’s Month celebration, through the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG). The winner will continue to advocate the PNP programs and serve as ambassadress of goodwill of the police force. (PNA)

14 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

Golden harvest Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

N the Holy Bible, it was written that God told Adam and Eve – the first inhabitants of this planet: “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed…” The keyword is seed. From it, comes a new form of the same kind. Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer Robert Louis Stevenson (the man behind “Treasure Island”) said it plainly: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Israelmore Ayivor, an inspirational writer who authored several books including “Become a Better You,” believes so, too and equate success with seeds. “Success doesn’t come with ease,” he pointed out. “As a matter of fact, the darkest lie you may have been told is that you will reap in abundance when you have sowed nothing. It is a big lie!” At the recent awarding ceremony, sponsored by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists (PAJ), Inc. and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), I received not just one award but two. “You harvest awards,” Dr. Dante Comedido, a close friend, told me upon knowing it. Coincidentally, the award is called binhi (a Pilipino word for seed). The trophy has two distinct colors: green (which signifies leaves and anything environment-friendly) and yellow (meaning “ready for harvest” or something gold). When contest chairman Noel Reyes sent me a private message congratulating me and asked me to attend the awarding ceremony – which was to be held at Makati Diamond Residences – I had no idea which category I won. About 15 awards were at stake, including the newest category – “Climate Change Story,” an offshoot after conducting a series of workshop in various areas of the country. I was tempted to ask but didn’t pursue it for ethical reasons.

The three major categories were Agricultural Journalist, Agri Beat Reporter, and Environmental Journalist. Each has three winners. Aside from the trophy, each winner received cash prizes: P50,00 for first, P25,00 for second and P15 for third. The two awards I received were for Agricultural Journalist and Environmental Journalist; both were for third prize. All the articles and features cited were for those that were published in EDGE Davao. Last year, I won a Binhi Award for my feature – “Topsoil: Going, going, gone?” It was adjudged Environment Story of the Year. In the recent ceremony, Cherry Ann Lim and her co-author, won this award. The story was published in Sun.Star Cebu, which

made both as the only recipients from Visayas. Mindanao, particularly Davao, got five recognitions. Ruben Gonzaga, the host of ABS-CBN’s “Agri Tayo Dito,” received the trophy for Agri Regional Television Program. The TV show also won the same distinction the previous year. Noel T. Provido, communication officer of the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) came with three of his staff. Their publication, Uhay, was named Agricultural Newsletter – the same honor it won in 2003. Provido also got a trophy for himself. He became the first recipient of the Climate Change Story. Aside from me, there were two others who won two awards each: James Konstan-

tin Galvez of The Manila Times and Jonathan Mayuga of Business Mirror. The distinguished board of judges were composed of Dr. William Dar (as chairperson), Mary Jane Oconer Llanes, Prof. Alfredo G. Gabot, Temina Lalani-Shariff, and Angelo B. Palmones. “Having been in the field of agriculture, both here and overseas, I continue to appreciate the dedication and efforts of the members of the PAJ and other media persons, covering the agriculture, environment and agrarian sector beats,” said Dr. Dar, who transformed the International Crops Research Institute for

the Semi-Arid Tropics as one of the world’s performing research centers.

The PAJ is perhaps one of the oldest and longest surviving media organization. It was established on September 10, 1976. In 1978, Binhi Awards came into existence and started giving awards “in recognition of excellent works in agricultural journalism.” The PAJ officers (20162018) is composed of Roman Floresca, president; Noel O. Reyes, vice-president for internal affairs; Imelda V. Abaño, vice-president for external affairs; Ma. Ruby G. Lumongsod, secretary; Charisma Love B. Gado, assistant secretary; Inez G. Magbual, treasurer; Thelma M. Tolentino, auditor; Michael M. Alunan, PRO for print media; and Isagani Hallig Oro, PRO for broadcast/social media. The board of directors are Dr. Rex Navarro, Maria Melba B. Wee, Corazon L. Abio, Rolly B. Gonzalo, Johnny F. Goloyugo, and Fermin Diaz. In his message, Floresca said that PAJ has continued to reap what it has been sowing in the past years. “We continue to

conduct fora, seminar-workshops and discussions,” the business editor ofPhilippine Star said. “We continue to reach out to agricultural journalists not just regionally but nationally. We continue to stay true to what we stand for.” Although he failed to attend the awarding ceremony, Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol sent his heartfelt congratulations. “The mass media have a vital role to play not only in disseminating agricultural information and technologies among our farming communities, but also in instigating healthy discussions and search for the most appropriate policy reforms, strategies and vision for pushing the agriculture sector and the national economy forward,” he said in his message. During the awarding ceremony, the Honorable Cynthia A. Villar was invited to be the guest speaker. “Agricultural journalists play a major role in promoting agricultural developments as well as progress in the countryside,” she said. “News about current events provides valuable insights and information to industry players. Meanwhile, features, especially about success stories, provide inspiration. It is thus

F BIGGER PICTURE, 12

VOL. 9 ISSUE 288 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2017

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

Nietes wants to unify flyweight W

HISTORY. Donnie Nietes goes for third division title.

ITH another domination attempt at a third division, longest – reigning Filipino world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes takes a step closer to fulfilling another achievement for his boxing career and the whole of Philippine Boxing. As he puts his record on the line when he confronts Thailander and IBF world rated #4 flyweight Komgrich Nantapech in Pinoy Pride 40 for the IBF world flyweight crown on April 29 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Donnie Nietes closes in on becoming the third Filipino boxer who’s won world titles in three different divisions or more, alongside eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and five-division champion Nonito Donaire. Nietes surpassed the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s record of 7 years and 3 months and became the

Belo sidelined with knee injury M

INJURED. Mac Belo of Blackwater Elite will be out on injury.

AC Belo, star rookie of the Blackwater Elite and a vital cog of the Philippine national men’s basketball team, will have to spend some time on the sidelines due to a knee injury. The development was relayed by Blackwater team manager Johnson Martines. “The truth is, Mac Belo is hurting,” Martines said in a telephone interview. “He has an MRI to check his knee because he’s been complaining about it. “Definitely ipapahinga muna siya.” Martines didn’t give a timetable on how long will Belo will sit out. Belo’s loss was a huge blow to Blackwater’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign where the Elite remain winless in three games. His frontcourt partner, Art Dela Cruz,

is also out for at least three months with an Achilles tendon injury which he sustained during Gilas Pilipinas practice. In order to address their frontline issues, the Elite on Wednesday struck a deal for KG Canaleta from GlobalPort in exchange for reserves Dylan Ababou and James Forrester. “Kailangan namin ng malaki at kailangan rin namin ng scorer,” Martines said. But Belo’s injury also has a huge impact to the national team. Following his impressive performance for the Gilas cadets last year, the 24-yearold forward has been expected to suit up for the country in the upcoming SEABA Championship to be played in Manila. Gilas Pilipinas is about to start its daily practice sessions on April 10, and should Belo not recover quickly, it is highly likely that he would be left out from the final 12-man roster.

new longest-reigning Filipino world champion in 2015. Winning his first world title in 2007, he successfully held his world champion status for the Minimumweight and Jr. Flyweight divisions for a total of 8 years and 11 months. Nietes officially moved up to the flyweight division August of last year, and disproved every piece of doubt the Boxing community had over his career decision when he delivered an impressive win over former flyweight world champion and veteran, Edgar Sosa. His trainer, Edmund Villamor, disclosed Nietes is the perfect role model for athletes. “He is the most disciplined fighter I know. With or without a scheduled fight, he keeps in shape and he always listens to us, just so he could improve his skills. He heeds all the pointers I give, even when he probably has better sug-

gestions of his own, seeing how far he’s come as a fighter. He’s at a level where I was too far from when I was still a fighter myself, but that has never gotten into his head, and that’s where I think his strength as a successful fighter truly lies.” Albeit questions about his readiness in the flyweight division, Nietes maintains he is more comfortable at feels stronger at 112lbs., adding he still “has a long way to go” before even considering retirement. “Although I know this won’t be an easy challenge, I am determined to win so I will have the chance to unify flyweight titles,” said Nietes during an earlier interview. He added he still wants to go after whom he considers a boxing elite - Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez - who, like Donnie, also moved up in weight, but to the superfly division last year.

Arum gives Pacquiao deadline to decide on Horn fight

USTRALIAN boxer Jeff Horn will find out this week if his dream fight with Manny Pacquiao in July is finally to become a reality. Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum has placed a Wednesday deadline on the Filipino legend’s camp to decide if he’ll fight the Brisbane welterweight. “They have to make a decision by Wednesday (Thursday Manila time),” Top Rank boss Arum said.

Arum is keen on a Horn-Pacquiao bout that is back on the cards after an agreement for the pair to face off in April was torn up as Pacquiao unsuccessfully chased a lucrative deal against Amir Khan in the United Arab Emirates. They were slated to fight at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Arum said if Pacquiao decides against meeting Horn in July, his next fight would likely be in November.

Blackwater acquires Canaleta

HE Blackwater Elite shored up their frontline by landing KG Canaleta from the GlobalPort Batang Pier in exchange for James Forrester and Dylan Ababou in a trade approved on Wednesday. Blackwater made the move after losing Art Dela Cruz who will be out for at least three months following

an Achilles tendon injury he sustained during Gilas Pilipinas practice. With Canaleta on board, Blackwater acquired a proven sharpshooter who can provide additional offensive firepower as they search for their first win in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup after losing their first three games.

PBA beat, knows the dominance of San Miguel Corp.owned squads in our only professional league. But that’s the reality of the game. If you can remember, Tanduay’s Bong Tan left the PBA and our prolific pointguard Joemer Rubi was left with no team and decided to come home to Davao City. We just hope that coach Louis will have a good run in the PBA, stay there for many, many years, survive the PBA politics, pile up a lot of savings and someday retire comfortably in Davao City. Well, if Ginebra does not

like him anymore, I’m confident that Davao-based Phoenix Petroleum of boss Dondon Uy will be quick to “steal” him. Right my dear friend Beethoven “Ben” Sur? Anyway, we wish coach Louis all the best as coach of the country’s most popular professional ball club. You made your Papa Bong Go very happy in Heaven. I can see his tears, happy tears, flowing again. Oh yeah, I saw coach Bong Go cry with happiness, for he is an emotional and honest coach that I’ve worked with, many moons ago.

Congratulations coach Louis and coach Bong Go (up in Heaven)

T is but normal for any parent-coach to introduce their kids to the sport they love and if they get lucky, their children become so good and usually the peak of their achievement is when they see their kids become members of the national team. Some I know have kids who were offered scholarships to play golf, like of former Councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo whose children Ella, 12 and and Daniel, 10, are now in Australia on a golf scholarship. Someday, I may see the day they will be playing for the Philippine

golf team in the SEA Games, Asian Games or in the Olympics. Why not Neil Bravo eh? News of Louis Adrian Go signing up as coach of the Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA warms my heart and makes me very happy. Coach Louis is the son of our dear friend, Adriano “Bong” Go, coach of the multi-titled Sarmiento team in the 1970’s, Ateneo de Davao, De La Salle’s College of St.Benilde, Montana Pawnshop and Davao Eagles. PSC commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey and his dad, our late editorial

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA consultant Ram are actually die-hard Ginebra San Miguel fans. With coach Louis mentoring their favorite team, the more they will be rooting

for this squad. Commissioner Charles on a VIP seat, of course and daddy Ram on a very special seat up in Heaven. What worries me though is the politics in the PBA. You see, the late coach Bong Go is one hell of an honest coach who does not compromise. No wonder he easily got along with the late basketball godfather in Davao, Regino “Boy” Cua who in his time has implemented the needed reforms in amateur basketball development in Southern Mindanao region. Everybody knows in the

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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NO MORE LEMONS Roach says Manny should fight Lomachenko By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

THAT ONE BIG FIGHT. Freddie Roach thinks a match with Vasyl Lomachenko is the best fight for Manny Pacquiao.

ANNY Paccquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach believes that the Filipinoboxing legend should fight no more lesser-known boxers and instead go for the big ones in the business. Roach said that at this point of Manny Pacquiao’s career, it would be unwise to settle in fighting so-called upstarts. Boxers like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez seemed to be unavailable and Pacquiao’s supposed superfight with Amir Khan has fallen through, so Roach said he would be better off going after a pound-forpound fighter like Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko. “I’d like Manny (versus) Lomachenko at maybe catch weight,” said Roach in an interview with Fight Hub. Lomachenko is the reigning WBO super featherweight champion, who has racked an astounding record of 396-1 as an amateur. He currently ranks number 6 in Ring Mag-

azine’s pound-for-pound list. Pacquiao is now out of the mythical list, but is the world’s only eight-division boxing champion with a professional record of 59 wins and 6 losses. He is also the reigning WBO welterweight king. Lomachenko, on the other hand, only has 7 wins and 1 defeat as a professional. “That will be a great fight, (Lomachenko) might be the better pound-for-pound fighter today but I think Manny can still compete at that level,” said Roach. Although he didn’t mention Jeff Horn, the Aussie fighter being pressed by Bob Arum as Pacquiao’s next foe, Roach said he doesn’t want to see his prized pupil fighting “non-elite fighters.” “Manny is toward the end of his career, yes, but he’s got a lot of good fight left in him,” he said. “If we want to continue to fight, we want to continue to fight top level, we want the best guys out there.”