P 15.00 • 20 PAGESwww.edgedavao.netVOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

ALAN: MAR IS OVERACTING

Donaire-Juarez rematch in the offing P15

EDGEDAVAOSports

EDGE Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

TRADITIONS. A food vendor prepares puto bumbong, a sought after delicacy during the Christmas season, for a crowd of Catholic devotees who had just attended the traditional simbang gabi yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

VICE presidential candi-date Senator Alan Pe-ter Cayetano yesterday

slammed presidential bet Mar Roxas for “overacting” and ad-vised the latter to listen first to rival candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte be-fore saying anything.

“Unang-una yung ibang kritiko ni Mayor Duterte na kasama sa Liberal Party, ma-saydong OA, masyadong over acting. Pakinggan niyo muna ang speech ni mayor bago sila mag-react (First of, the critics of Mayor Duterte who are with Liberal Party are so overact-

ing. They should listen first to the whole speech of the mayor before they react),” Cayetano said in an interview yesterday.

Cayetano said Roxas did not understand the context in which Duterte made his state-ment about slapping Roxas.

“Ang sinabi na lang kay Secretary Roxas ay pag naki-ta ka sa kanto sasampalin ka. Andun ako nung sinabi ang speech at business community ang kausap ni Mayor Duterte. Ang konteksto ay pinapakita niya kung gaano kawawa ang mga tao at paano nangayari yung sa Yolanda. Kaya out of

frustarion, kaya sinabi niya na pag nakita ko yan sasampal-in ko yan (What Duterte said was if he sees Roxas he will slap him. I was there when the mayor delivered the speech before the business commu-nity. The context there is he was showing how wretched the condition of the victims was when they were hit by ty-phoon Yolanda. So out of frus-tration, Duterte said he would slap Roxas),” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said Duterte did not mean it literally but that he wanted to awaken Roxas to his shortcomings.

“The main point of Mayor Duterte there was do not op-press the people and let us fix the government,” he said.

Cayetano also urged re-porters who are not in Min-danao to analyze the context first before airing their re-ports.

“My appeal to those re-porters covering the mayor especially those who are not from Mindanao or from Davao is to study the context first be-cause reporters in Davao city already know the sarcasm, hy-perbole, and figures of speech

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.abf@edgedavao.net

F ALAN, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 20152 EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

THE Commission on Election (Comelec) Davao City yesterday

said it has not yet declared any nuisance candidate from those vying for local positions in the 2016 elec-tion

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps fo-rum, Comelec 11 assistant regional director Marlon Casquejo said no hearings have been held at the main office in Manila for the dec-

laration of possible nuisance candidates from among those who filed their candi-dacy last October.

Casquejo said no peti-tions have been filed against any candidate. “Sa Comelec walay moto-prorio hearing with regards to nuisance candidates (The Comelec does not hold moto-proprio hearings with regards to nui-sance candidates),” he said.

He also said the Comelec law department has not sent

a decision regarding the final list of candidates in the next year’s election.

Casquejo the Comelec En Banc is the one that will make the final decision.

Comelec Davao City has received three candidates for mayor: Alfredo L. Tocan-te, Teodoro P. Mantilla, and incumbent Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Duterte was later substi-tuted by his daughter, former Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Meanwhile, the Comelec also bared that the number of voters in the city has de-creased from 980,000 in the previous election to 873, 674 for the 2016 election.

Casquejo said around 87,000 voters were delisted because of failure to have their biometrics taken.

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday junked the peti-tion filed by Kabataan Party-list declaring the No Bio No Boto null and void.

A MAN with suspected drug connections was killed while two others

were wounded in three sep-arate shooting incidents in Davao City on Tuesday night.

The first incident hap-pened in Barangay Matina Pangi at around 6:45 p.m. and resulted in the death of Edwin N. Caduldulan, 28, a resident of kilometer 9, Purok 12-A.

Talomo Police Station said the victim was walking in Ma-tina Pangi Road with a friend toward his hoem when an

unidentified gunman came up from behind and shot him in the back repeatedly.

Caduldulan sustained six gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

His companion said the gunman told him to run after shooting the victim.

DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz told reporters in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps Forum that Caduldulan’s own sister has revealed that the victim was in-volved in illegal drug activities.

“Baka onsehan lang to sa kanilang grupo na drug-related (Maybe it was due to a conflict within their group which is en-gaged in drugs),” she said.

The second incident hap-pened in Bunawan area at around 8:30 p.m. and resulted in the wounding of Diohanna Rubie D. Saraza, 34.

Bunawan Police Station said the victim was resting in-side her home during a power blackout when a man kicked the door open and shot her twice before fleeing.

The victim sustaned a gun-shot wound in her right leg.

Police said the victim’s six-year-old son was also inside the house when the incident transpired.

The victim described the suspect as being medium built and standing around 5’3” height.

The victim was to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for treatment.

The last incident took place at Bacaca Road around

THE newly-minted com-mander of the Eastern Mindanao Command

(EastMinCom) on Tuesday said the military is willing to sit down with the lumads, progressive groups, and even members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to resolve the al-leged militarization and insur-gency in the Davao Region.

Maj. Gen. Rey Guerrero addressed members of the Davao media in a press con-ference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Tuesday where he appealed to NPA members to give up armed struggle and go to the peace table with the military to settle issues of mil-itarization.

“Open kami dun. Anything that would contribute to the settlement of the issues to this

conflict. Very willing kami to have this kind of dialogue,” he said.

He said there is no need for the warring factions to pick up guns and continue gun battles, as he claimed that, “Slowly yung develop-ment ay pumapasok sa ating mga kanayunan. Hindi natin kailangan mag-alsa, mag-ak-las laban sa gobyerno. Itong mga hinaing nila ay matutu-gunan na.”

Guerrero, who assumed his post last December 7, re-iterated the military’s stance that he cannot pull out the sol-diers in areas where problems of insurgencies are notable.

He said he cannot afford to derail the government op-erations, most especially in

THE New People’s Army (NPA) has declared a 12-day ceasefire starting

December 23 until January 3 “in solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional celebra-tions of Christmas and New Year holidays.”

Based on the recom-mendation of the negotiating panel of the National Demo-cratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Tuesday, the cease-fire applies to commands and units of the NPA and the peo-ple’s militias nationwide.

Reacting to NPA’s 12-day ceasefire, newly-appointed Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Maj. Gen. Rey Guerrero said it is a welcome development but

they are hoping that NPA will faithfully remain faithful by the declaration.

Aside from the holidays, the rebel group cited as rea-son for declaring a ceasefire with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the govern-ment of the Philippines to al-low the rebel group to execute “mass assemblies and public demonstrations to mark the 47th anniversary of the CPP and celebrate revolutionary victories of the past year.”

In a statement, the NPA said it has implemented a ceasefire to support the ef-

WARM WELCOME. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano receives a warm reception from Barangay health workers and Barangay nutrition scholars during his arrival to attend the group’s 15th congress and Christmas party at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

No nuisance betsdeclared in DC yetBy ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

Drug suspect shot deadTwo others wounded in separate incidents

AFP willing to sit with Lumad,NPA on militarization issue

NPA declares 12-day ceasefire

F DRUG, 10

F AFP, 10

F NPA, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 3NEWSEDGEDAVAO

LEADERS from the two factions of the Moro struggle gathered here

over the weekend to chart oth-er moves now that they see no chance for the proposed Bang-samoro Basic Law (BBL) to be passed by Congress.

Pioneering leaders from both the Moro National Lib-eration Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who once fought for independence together but eventually split up, came in an attempt at reconciliation and reunification.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, who hosted the meeting in his residence situated inside an oil palm plantation compound in Barangay Ladia here, said the “unification and reconcilia-

tion meeting of all fronts aim to strengthen back the Bang-samoro people by unifying its leaders.”

“We have to sacrifice, ev-eryone. This is part of the long struggle,” he reminded the par-ticipants, which include mem-bers of the MNLF’s “Top 90,” al-legedly the first batch of cadres trained in Malaysia in 1969.

The leaders of the two fac-tions of the MNLF – Nur Misu-ari and Muslimin Sema – did now show up and instead sent their emissaries and conveyed their messages of support.

Misuari allegedly could not come for security concerns because of a standing warrant for his arrest and the continu-ing military operations in Sulu hunting kidnappers. Sema, on

THE Supreme Court (SC) dismissed for lack of merit on Wednesday the

petition against the "No Bio, No Boto" policy of the Commis-sion on Elections (Comelec) for the May 9, 2016 national polls.

The petition was filed by Kabataan Party-List Rep. James Mark Terry L. Ridon and several others against the Comelec.

In a press conference, SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty. Theodore O. Te said the Court, speaking through Justice Es-tela M. Perlas Bernabe, ruled unanimously as follows:

"WHEREFORE, the peti-tion is DISMISSED due to lack of merit. The temporary re-straining order issued by this Court on December 1, 2015 is consequently DISSOLVED. SO ORDERED."

In disposing of the consti-tutional challenge to Republic Act No. 10367 and Comelec Resolution Nos. 9721, 9863, and 10013, the SC distin-guished between the concept

of "qualification" as far as suf-frage is concerned and the con-cept of "registration" where the latter is jurisprudentially regarded as only the means by which a person’s qualifications to vote is determined.

Registering is only one step towards voting, and it is not one of the elements that makes the citizen a qualified voter.

"Thus, unless it is shown that a registration require-ment rises to the level of a literacy, property or other substantive requirement as contemplated by the Framers of the Constitution — that is, one which propagates a socio-economic standard which is bereft of any rational basis to a person's ability to intelligently cast his vote and to further the public good — the same can-not be struck down as uncon-stitutional, as in this case," the SC said.

The SC also ruled that con-trary to petitioner's argument, the regulation passes the

A COUNSEL for Sen. Grace Poe on Wednesday asked the Commission

on Elections (COMELEC) to take a second look at the vo-luminous documents they have presented to prove that she has complied with the citizenship and residency re-quirements for presidential candidates.

In a 90-page motion for re-consideration, lawyer George Garcia asked the COMELEC en banc to reverse the resolution of the First Division ordering the cancellation of Poe’s cer-tificate of candidacy (COC) for president due to alleged false statements on her nationality and period of residence in the Philippines.

Garcia insisted that Poe is a natural-born Filipino citizen and has complied with the 10-year residency requirement in the Constitution, having been an actual resident of the Phil-ippines since May 24, 2005.

Contrary to the findings of the First Division, Garcia said Poe did not commit “material

misrepresentation” when she declared in her COC that she is a natural-born Filipino citizen as earlier determined by the nine-member Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).

“It was not false for [Poe] to state in her COC that she is a natural-born Filipino citizen,” Garcia stressed.

He said the Nov. 17 deci-sion of the SET upholding the natural-born status of Poe “ne-gates the falsity of [her] repre-sentation in the COC for presi-dent that she is a natural-born Filipino.”

“As a foundling, [Poe] was a citizen from birth who did not have to perform any act to ac-quire or perfect her Philippine citizenship,” Garcia argued.

Garcia said the First Divi-sion erred in saying that Poe is a naturalized citizen unless she can present evidence that either of her parents is a natu-ral-born Filipino.

“Certainly, burdening a defenseless child with proving the impossible – identifying the very persons who aban-

doned [her] – is not in [her] best interest. It is cruel, hu-mane and merciless,” he said.

Likewise, Garcia said Poe “did not intend to deceive any-one” when she stated in her COC that she will be a resident of the country for “10 years and 11 months” by the elec-tions of May 6, 2016.

Garcia said that although Poe used a different reckoning date in her COC for senator in 2013, she was “not barred from proving her actual period of residence as a question of fact,” citing previous Supreme Court rulings including that in the case of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“The fact that these deci-sions of the Supreme Court support [Poe’s] statement in her COC for president as to the actual period of her residence negates any claim that she act-ed with intent to mislead or misrepresent when she filed said COC with the COMELEC,” he explained.

Considering that Poe did not commit any materi-

al misrepresentation in her COC, Garcia said the disquali-fication cases pending before the COMELEC en banc “are relegated to nothing but pre-mature attempts to attack her eligibility for the presidency.”

“These petitions should be dismissed outright, and per-haps converted into petitions for quo warranto which may be filed with the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, but only if [Poe] is elected and proclaimed president,” Garcia said.

He said that if the peti-tioners insist on attacking Poe’s qualifications, “they would effectively be asking the COMELEC to deprive the Fili-pino people of their sovereign right to decide whom should she serve as the 16th Pres-ident of the Republic of the Philippines, which is obviously not a justiciable question, but a purely political one.”

“That decision is sole-ly within the province of the Filipino people to decide and not the COMELEC,” he added. (PNA)

THE Commission on Elec-tions (Comelec) lauded the decision of the Su-

preme Court (SC) on Wednes-day to dismiss the petition against the poll body's "No Bio, No Boto" policy.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said they are happy with the ruling, noting that the High Court considered their position in implementing provisions of Republic Act No. 10367 or the biometrics law.

"We are, of course, very pleased that the SC saw it our way. This will enable us to pro-ceed with the finalization of the list of voters and project of precincts," he said in a text message.

On Wednesday, the High Tribunal junked the petition of the Kabataan Party-list which sought to declare the poll body’s "No Bio, No Boto" policy as unconstitutional.

The SC ruling has lifted the temporary restraining or-der (TRO) issued against the

Comelec in deactivating the registration of over two million voters without biometrics.

Likewise, Comelec Com-missioner Rowena Guanzon welcomed the good news since the hurdle in their prepa-rations for the May 2016 elec-tions has been removed.

“It’s very good news for the Comelec because we don’t have to revise the Project of Precincts. It’s very hard to put back names of voters (without biometrics),” she said in an in-terview.

The poll body official noted that those without biometrics may reactivate their registra-tion after the May 2016 polls.

“Those who have not vali-dated their records using their biometrics, they can do so after the May elections so that they can still vote in the barangay elections,” said Guanzon.

A total of 2.5 million voters will not be allowed to partici-pate in next year’s polls for not having biometrics. (PNA)

TIMELY TIPS. Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 11 deputy director Superintendent Joy Andrade presents tips to avoid being a victim of carnapping, hijacking, and highway robbery which are rampant during Christmas season. Andrade

was joined by Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases. Lean Daval Jr.

DANCE TIME. Barangay health workers and Barangay nutrition scholars from Bunawan District perform a dance routine for the Christmas dance competition during the organization’s 15th Congress and Christmas party at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Poe’s camp asks Comelec to reconsider evidences

MILF, MNLF leadersmove to reconcile, unify

SC junks petition vs. ‘No Bio, No Boto’

Comelec lauds SC’s decisionF SC JUNKS, 13

F MILF, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 20154

2,000 indigent householdsin Kidapawan to get power

EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA

THE city government of Tagum has started its School Building Project

(SBP) to catch up with the June 2016 school opening with the allocation of some P80 million sourced through a term loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The SBP, according to the Tagum City Information Of-fice, is in accordance with the development priority thrust of

Tagum City Mayor Allan Rel-lon on Education through the EAGLE WINGS Program.

Rellon said more instruc-tional classrooms must be put up in every school in order to decongest the over populated public schools in the city.

“This serves as the city government’s counterpart in addressing the problem of the lack of classrooms in public schools,” he said.

Rellon said this will also ready the school by 2016 in support to the Department of Education in fully implement-ing the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

The Senior High School Program in particular will be implemented by next year in all private and public educa-tional institutions.

He said, “The ground preparation has started and

we target to ready the facilities by the opening of classes next year.”

According to DepEd Tagum Division OIC - Super-intendent Dr. Nelso Lopez, un-der the K to 12 program, there is a need for the building of laboratories, libraries, instruc-tional classrooms, equipment, facilities and classrooms for the proper implementation and delivery of the said pro-

gram.Among the public schools

that will benefit under the SBP are 16 elementary and secondary schools namely Li-boganon Elementary School, Busaon Elementary School, Pipisan Maug National High School, Tagum City National High School Ext - Canocotan, Visayan Village Central Ele-mentary School, Magugpo Pi-lot Central Elementary School,

Rizal Elementary School, Union Elementary School, Mankilam Elementary School, Tagum City National Compre-hensive High School, Tagum National Comprehensive High School Ext - Pandapan, La Fil-ipiniana National High School Ext - Magum, La Filipina El-ementary School, Mangga Elementary School, Apokon Elementary School and Tagum National Trade School. (PNA)

INDIGENOUS People learn-ers from Balay Paglaum re-ceived gifts during the “Pas-

kohan Sa Panabo: Pasko para sa mga Bata” spearheaded by the local government through the City Tourism Investment and Promotion Section(TIPS) on December 10, 2015 at the Panabo City Gym.

200 IP learners took spe-

cial presents such as toys and balloons and enjoyed playing in the inflatable castle. They also received burgers for snacks, met with Jollibee mas-cots, and got other surprises from Jollibee Panabo.

The event was also spon-sored by Gaisano Mall of Pana-bo, Panabo Multi-Purpose Co-operative (PMPC), Goldilocks

of Panabo, and UM Panabo College which prepared gifts for them.

The IP learners were from Barangay San Nicolas, Sitio Roxas, Barangay Lower Pana-ga, Barangay Sindaton, Baran-gay Tibungol, Barangay Dali-say, and Barangay Quezon.

Panabo City Vice Mayor Janrey “Biboy” Gavina with

Hon. Mawe Pamisaran, Hon. Renante Bangoy, UM AVP. Ev-elyn P. Saludes Ed.D and Arnel Montero representing the I.P. Mandatory representative Datu Rodrigo Ambahan, City Administrator Atty. Jamail Lu-nar G. Macla representing May-or James G. Gamao gave gifts to the IP learners. (Edjhaydie M. Lim / CIO Panabo)

SOME 2,000 poor families here will soon be connect-

ed to the electric grid. This after the De-

partment of Energy approved the P7.5 million electrification project of the Kidap-awan City local gov-ernment unit that intends to provide electricity to indigent households who have been wanting to have power supply.

DOE Undersecre-tary Zenaida Monsa-da recently handed the check for the fund from the National In-tensified Household Electrification Project (NIHE) to Mayor Jo-seph Evangelista.

With the local chief

executive at the turn over ceremony in Taguig, Metro Manila were City Budget Of-ficer Alex Pana, Exec-utive Assistant Engr. Francisco Tanaid Jr. ang Cotabao Electric Cooperative Represen-tative Aljay Marayan.

Mayor Evangelista said the households that will benefit from the projects are locat-ed in the city’s 40 ba-rangays.

Cotelco will imple-ment the project as well as the orientation of the beneficiaries.

The household electrification project will take effect in 2016. (Kidapawan City In-formation Office/DE-Doguiles-PIA12)

Tagum allocates P80M for school building

HOLIDAY SPIRIT. Holding bags filled with gifts, some of the IP learners pose with their benefactors.

Panabo City gives gifts to IP learnersCHRISTMAS JAMMING. Lantern vendors have a jamming session of Christmas songs while waiting for clients in Daang Maharlika in Kidapawan City). MindaNews photo by Geonarri Solmerano

THE United Nations Vol-unteers, with Davao Re-gion’s international and

local volunteer partners, cele-brated the International Vol-unteer Day (IVD) at the Ate-neo de Davao University High School Mini-Theatre, Davao City on December 5, 2015, attended by about a hundred participants from the various volunteer groups of students, government employees, busi-ness sector and other private sectors.

The IVD celebration is mandated by the United Na-tions General Assembly and viewed as a unique opportu-nity for volunteers and orga-nizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work amongst their communities. The event featured a special tribute to volunteers contrib-uting to peace and develop-ment worldwide, volunteer talks and youth forum of which they shared inspiring volunteer stories, and dia-logues about how vital vol-unteerism is to the success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with special fo-

cus on the role of the Youth in nation building through the spirit of volunteerism.

In recognition of their noble acts of volunteerism, the six (6) regional nominees to the Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2015 were hon-ored during the event name-ly, viz: Therma Marine, Inc. Mobile 1, for its significant contributions in various vol-unteer programs, particularly on education, environment, enterprise development, health and wellness, as well as disaster relief implemented in the Province of Compostela Valley; Davao Light and Power Company, for its significant volunteerism activities on restoring a clean and green environment by initiating sus-tainability-inspired activities such as tree planting, coastal cleanup and mangrove plant-ing; Davao Oriental Rescu-ers and Monitoring Stations (DREAMS), Inc. Rescue 166, for its significant volunteer-ism activities and sustained engagement in programs re-lated to rescue and communi-cation services; Mr. Athens N.

R11 nominees to Searchfor Outstanding Volunteers

F R11, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 5EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 20156 EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

THE seven big-ticket road projects in Davao Orien-tal are seen to boost the

robust economic growth in the province as the provincial gov-ernment is poised to intensify its investment promotion cam-paign especially on tourism af-ter the province’s crown jewel was declared a World Heritage Site, a unique distinction and a big come-on as the biodiver-sity-rich Davao Oriental is the only province in Mindanao to host a World Heritage Site.

Four of the seven govern-ment-funded “high-impact” road projects will be complet-ed in December this year while the rest are set for completion in January and February next year, according to Mariano Alquiza, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in South-ern Mindanao during a regular press conference held at the DPWH office in the City of Mati.

The upgrading projects

of the Mati-Maragusan Road which cost P165 million will be completed in January 2016, according to its contractor H2 Landmark/Three W Builders Inc.

The upgrading of Tiban-ban-Lavigan-Tagabebe-Surop road in the municipality of Governor Generoso which cost P156 million will be finished in January next year, according to its contractor Maverick Build-ers Inc. Another upgrading of Tibanban-Lavigan road in the same municipality which cost P145 million will be complet-ed in December this year, ac-cording to its contractor Allado Construction Co. Inc./Coast-land Const.

The upgrading of the Com-postela-Cateel road which cost P242 million will be complet-ed in February next year, ac-cording to its contractor Mav-erick Builders Inc. The PAMA-NA road project in Barangays San Miguel and PoblacionCan-

ingag in the town of Caraga which cost P100 million will be completed in December this year, according to its con-tractor Maverick Builders Inc. The road upgrading project in Pusan Point in the same town including the construction of seawall and improvement of Tourism Site cost the govern-ment P78.2 million. Its com-pletion is set on December this year. The construction of a bridge in Barangay San Pe-dro in Caraga town which cost P180 million was completed in October this year.

For her part, Davao Orien-tal Governor Corazon Malanya-on vows to pour more invest-ments in the construction of roads in the province. “We intend to continue to pour our support to include these con-flict-affected and vulnerable areas by providing funds for the rehabilitation, construc-tion, installation of potable water supply and sanitation

projects and for the installa-tion, maintenance of lighting system. And in addition, we have extended coverage of the rehabilitation, maintenance and improvement of local roads, bridges and other pub-lic facilities in order to sustain the benefits of improved acces-sibility to these areas,” says the governor.

The Internal Peace and Security Plan or Bayanihan program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was piloted in Davao Oriental to great suc-cess, with government and the military cooperating in bring-ing development projects to far-flung areas especially those called GIDAs or Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas which are far from vital government and private re-sources.

The government has de-fined GIDAs as communities with a marginalized popula-

High-impact road projects boost DavOr peace, dev’t

ROAD PROJECTS. THE seven big-ticket road projects in Davao Oriental are seen to boost the robust economic growth in the province.

NEW CHAIR. DA 11 regional director Remelyn Recoter accepts the emblem as the new chair of the Southern Mindanao and Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC)

from outgoing chairperson Director Anthony Sales of the Department of Science and Technology.  The simple turnover ceremony was held Monday in Davao City. Ronell Tangonan, DA-11

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) will open flights to Papua New Guinea

starting December 18, as part of its expansion in the Oceania region.

The thrice-weekly ser-vice to Port Moreseby, capital of Papua New Guinea, (every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday) utilizes the 156-seater Airbus 320.

PAL executives, together with officials of the Depart-ment of Tourism, will lead the celebration of the new service during an inaugural reception on December 19 at the Air-ways Hotel in Port Moresby. They will be joined by Papua New Guinea government offi-cials, travel agents, tour oper-ators, local media and repre-sentatives of the Filipino com-munity in Papua New Guinea.

“After its successful inau-gural in Cairns and Auckland, PAL continues its expansion in the Oceania Region by resum-ing flights in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. It allows PAL to be of service to the trav-el needs of tourists and busi-

nessmen both from Manila and Papua New Guinea,” said PAL President and COO Jaime J. Bautista.

The flight to Port Moresby will provide an easy route for Filipinos living and working in Papua New Guinea to their native home, while also allow-ing residents of Papua New Guinea to discover and con-nect to PAL’s 30 domestic and 39 international destinations. Records show that around 30,000 Filipino professionals are based in Papua New Guin-ea.

The Manila-Port Moresby route of PAL starts at a rate of USD720 for economy class and USD 2132 for business class, while the Port Moresby- Ma-nila route starts at PGK1,768 for economy class and PGK8, 678 for business class.

Port Moresby will become PAL’s 39th international desti-nation.

Papua New Guinea is the South Pacific island’s largest city. Jackson International Air-port is the largest and busiest airport in Papua New Guinea.

PAL to open Papua New Guinea service on Dec 18

crc@edgedavao.netBy CHENEEN R. CAPON

Globe myBusiness readies app to help SMEs track assets

GLOBE mybusiness, the small and medium en-terprises development

arm of telecom giant Globe, will launch an application that will allow business owners to track the movement of their assets like human resource and products next month.

“We will launch a vehicle and personnel tracker that will improve the logistic side of SME’s business operation,” Globe myBusiness vice Presi-dent for Digital and customer experience Debbie Obias said during the launch of myBusi-ness digital solution at the SMX Lanang Convention Cen-ter in Davao City.

Obias said the portable tracking digital solution for myBusiness users will be best for those in the trucking busi-ness, sales, and even in food delivery.

Obias also said Globe my-Business will continue to de-velop and partner with other digital solution providers to

give SMEs necessary solutions to make their operation better and more competitive.

Access to digital business solutions address SMEs chal-lenges, including capitaliza-tion, labor, advertising and promotion of products and businesses and competition, she added.

Globe myBusiness vice president for marketing Bar-bie Dapul said they have sealed partnership with glob-al brands and services names that would provide business solutions to SMEs. Among these products are Shopi-fy, Canvass, Google Apps for Work and WIFI hub.

Shopify, a cloud-based, multichannel e-Commerce platform present in about 150 countries. It is one of the solutions that will help SMEs to simplify and professional-ize their business operations through their own, personal-ized online business for as low as P429 per month.

Globe myBusiness also offers myShopkeeper, a cloud-based sales and inventory tracking solutions; Google Apps for Work which provides businesses with custom email address; Canvass for digital business forms and receipts; Globe Charge, a mobile card reader attached to smart-phones which allow entre-preneurs to accept credit pay-ments even when they are on-the-go; and Adblast and Text Connect which are marketing platforms that allow SMEs to execute targeted, branded SMS to their customers.

“These digital business solutions for small businesses could increase their market reach, customer awareness and even income,” Dapul said.

For instance, she said ad-vertising for SMEs is not lim-ited anymore to traditional medium but the rise of social media made promotion and advertising more accessible.

F GLOBE, 13

F HIGH-IMPACT, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 7THE ECONOMYEDGEDAVAO

MEMBER countries of the Brunei Darus-salam Indonesia

Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) will reconnect their ties with Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) by deepening cooperation among mutually agreed areas.

At the recently concluded BIMP-EAGA 19th Ministerial Meeting held at the Le Meri-dien Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, EAGA signing ministers together with Peter Styles, NT Minister for Asian Engage-ment and Trade agreed to re-connect and focus cooperation

on tourism, small and medium enterprises, socio-cultural, and education initiatives.

In a statement released during the meeting, the four BIMP-EAGA Signing Minis-ters and the NT Minister re-affirmed their “commitment to further deepen coopera-tion and ensure that concrete results are achieved within the year.” It further said that the ministers agree to devel-op the Plan of Action for the BIMP-EAGA and Northern Territory Cooperation for 2016 to 2020.

The EAGA Ministers that participated in the meeting

includedPehinDato Lim Jock Seng, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam; Dr. Rizal AffandiLukman, Dep-uty Minister for International Economic Cooperation, Coor-dinating Ministry for Econom-ic Affairs of Indonesia; Senator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Minister in the Prime Minis-ter’s Department of Malaysia; and Secretary LuwalhatiAn-tonino, Chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (Min-DA) of the Philippines.

Citing opportunities in ed-ucational exchange between

EAGA and NT, the ministers agreed to explore possible collaboration between and among the academe and re-search institutions of the two regions. The ministers also agreed to promote coopera-tion among universities and technical institutions in devel-oping academic and profes-sional human resource.

Programs and activities that involve students and the youth which promote edu-cational, social, sports, and cultural exchanges between EAGA and NT were also en-couraged by the ministers in

EAGA, Australia’s NT to reconnect trade, tourism and cultural ties

AUSTRALIAN LINKS Philippine Signing Minister of BIMP-EAGA and Chair of the Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Luwalhati Antonino (on screen) addresses the delegation of Australia’s Northern Territory (seated below) headed by its Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade Peter Styles (center) during the 19th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting held recently at

the Le Meridien Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The four BIMP-EAGA Signing Ministers together with Minister Styles agreed to deepen cooperation between EAGA member-countries and Australia’s Northern Territory in mutually agreed areas such as tourism, trade, socio-cultural, and education initiatives.

P&A Grant Thornton division head for tax services Atty. Lea Roque with panellists Peter Godber from Grant Thornton Singapore, Wilfred Chiu from Grant Thornton China, and Khoi Hoang from Grant Thornton Vietnam (From left) during the photo op after the panel discussion.

P&A Grant Thornton hosts Asia Pacific tax eventP&A Grant Thornton, one of

the country’s leading profes-sional services firms, hosted

the Asia Pacific Tax Conference cli-ent event at the New World Makati Hotel recently.

The event, with over 150 guests in attendance, aimed to confront the implications of investing in the Asia-Pacific for Filipino companies.

Speaker Francesca Lagerberg, Grant Thornton global leader for tax services, discussed perspectives in investing in Asia and the differ-ent global trends that has largely impacted region. These include vol-atility, uncertainty, complexity, and agility.

BIR Assistant Commissioner Marissa O. Cabreros, on the other hand, tackled updates on global development in the tax landscape that will affect Filipino companies and their foreign investments such as the Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) action plans and exchange of information rules.

Cabreros explained that the Philippines has made commit-ments on some BEPS action plans.

Moderator for the panel dis-cussion was P&A Grant Thornton division head for tax services Atty. Lea Roque.

During the panel discussion, panellists composed of tax leaders

Peter Godber of Grant Thornton Singapore, Wilfred Chiu of Grant Thornton China, and Khoi Hoang of Grant Thornton Vietnam discussed how Filipino companies may invest in their respective jurisdictions.

They also highlighted various tax incentives that may be available to Filipino investors and various compliance requirements that Fil-ipino investors must take into con-sideration.

All panel members expressed that the adoption of government re-forms, including tax administration reforms made in aid of the taxpayer would pave way for Filipino invest-ments to pour in.

PROSPECT for Mindan-ao’s agriculture sector remained “bullish” for

2016 despite the threat of the El Niño phenomenon.

Mindanao Business Coun-cil (MinBC) chairman Vicente T. Lao said the ASEAN integra-tion posed a huge opportunity to Mindanao’s agriculture sec-tor.

“The MinBCis bullish on

its prospect for Mindanso, es-pecially in the agriculture sec-tor because the food security in each ASEAN member nation is high,” Lao told EDGE Davao.

However, he said there’s a need for efficient logistic fa-cilities like ports to facilitate the exportation of Mindanao products.

“There’s a need to lower the cost of production and oth-

er expenses of processors and exporters for our products to be competitive in the global market,” Lao said.

At present, both the gov-ernment and the private sec-tor in Mindanao work on the improvement of the logistic sector through port develop-ment projects and construc-tion of more farm-to-market roads.

Lao also said the forecast-ed surplus situation in Min-danao power grid starting March next year due to the commissioning of different coal-fired power plants in the island-region will also further position Mindanao as invest-ment area.

“Aside from Davao, the council also projected growth in the province of Bukidnon

and in the city of Cagayan de Oro City,” he said.

The positive prospect of the MBC is also extended to the proposed Bangsamoro area which include provinces in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other contiguous areas.

“The moment that the Bangsamo Basic Law (BBL) is approved that will give s lot

of opportunity to our Muslim brothers in the Bangsamoro area to invest in their areas,” Lao said.

The agriculture sector of the proposed Bangsamoro area has a huge potential be-cause of its fertile and vast land.

The mining, petrochemi-cal and oil industries are also expected to take off next year.

Prospect for agri sector bullishcrc@edgedavao.net

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

LEADING businessmen in the Davao region have asked the Na-

tional Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the National Power Corporation and top power distribution utility Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. to put their act together to schedule rotating power interruptions and follow re-ligiously whatever schedule they announce.

“As businessmen, we are not interested in their explanations on the why’s and wherefore’s behind these power interruptions, we are just concerned that these rotating power black-out schedules are followed as announced,” according to Ferdinand Maranon, presi-dent and CEO of export-ori-ented Sagrex Corporation.

“We are losing millions of pesos in spoiled prod-ucts because the power blackout schedules are not followed,” Maranon said in the sidelines of the Power Stakeholders Forum on the Mindanao Electric Power Outlook jointly organized by the Mindanao Electric Pow-er Alliance with the support of the Mindanao Business Council and the NGCP.

During the forum, NGCP experts Rico M. Marave, Pe-dro B. Moran and Avelino Q. Dawis spoked on power forecast, projects in South Mindanao and threats to the Mindanao Power Grid,

the Mindanao Power Out-look and Power Investment One-Stop-Shop by Director Romeo M. Montenegro of the Mindanao Development Authority and status of on-going projects for addi-tional generating capacities of Conal Holdings, Therma South, Inc. and STEAG State Power, Inc.

“We can live with rotat-ing blackouts but we have to be assured that the sched-ules are strictly followed, no if, no buts, to avoid heavy losses,” Maranon com-plained.

In a text message, in-coming president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce Bonifacio T. Tan, he loses about P50,000 an hour “when operation cost of labor and product quality rejection in the production line.”

On the other hand, Do-mingo Ang, chairman and CEO of Marina Tuna, said that while some business-men like him have generat-ing sets, they have to employ additional staff and bear the brunt of additional expense in doing business.

“I’m sure some busi-nessmen having big opera-tions are losing millions due to the blackouts,” he said.

“It’s a pity so many people are suffering due to these blackouts with no solution in sight,” Ang lamented. AMA

Traders ask power playersto follow blackout skeds

F EAGA, 13

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 20158 EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCOGeneral Manager

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building,

Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, PhilippinesTel: (082) 301-6235

Telefax: (082) 221-3601www.edgedavao.net

editorial@edgedavao.netmarketing@edgedavao.net

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICELEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing ManagerUnit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Cagayan de Oro CityTel: (088) 852-4894

RICHARD C. EBONAAdvertising Specialist

SOLANI D. MARATASFinance

EDGEDAVAOProviding solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJEROEditor in Chief

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDA MIA S. VALVERDE • FRED C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. PhotographyARLENE D. PASAJE

Cartoons

KENNETH IRVING K. ONGBAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN

Lifestyle

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building,

Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, PhilippinesTel: (082) 224-1413

Telefax: (082) 221-3601www.edgedavao.net

editorial@edgedavao.netmarketing@edgedavao.net

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

EDMUND D. RENDONMarketing Specialist

General Santos CityMobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990

MANILA MARKETING OFFICEANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager

97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave.,Marikina Heights, Marikina City

Tel: (02) 654-3509

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVOManaging Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR.Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEYConsultant

FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERACHA MONFORTE

Correspondents

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.CHENEEN R. CAPON

Reporters

OLIVIA D. VELASCOGeneral Manager

RICHARD C. EBONAMarketing Supervisor

SOLANI D. MARATASFinance

JOCELYN S. PANESDirector of Sales

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JRCirculation

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTEthe national association of newspapers

Who are the losers?FIRST it was a slap fest. Then it turned into fisticuffs. Now it’s a

gun duel. How did the presidential campaign descend to this level so fast?

There is no doubt the entry of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte into the presidential race has added color to the race to Malacañang, and his supporters have always insisted this is not just because of his cursing and open threats to kill criminals and other undesirables. Pro-Duterte citizens point out that the mayor has a solid track record in peace and order and in pushing his city from the pits to where it is now, one one of the most peaceful and economically viable cities in the country. Indeed, the first few weeks of his candidacy have been marked by talk of radically changing the country’s political and social structure, and this has electrified the populace and turned Duterte into the surprise favorite among the five candidates.

These past few days, however, the narrative has gone down to gutter level, one that not even Duterte is known for engaging in, at least not for an extended such as this. Duterte and rival Mar Roxas are actually talking about slapping each other, punching each other, and now shooting each other over the simple matter of an academic degree (which, it should be pointed out, Roxas could easily address simply by

showing his diploma). There are actually times we would lap this all up and take it as simply part of the colorful world of Philippine politics. But this is an election period and a crucial one at that, a time when we the people are weighing our options and studying the candidates to see which one is fitting to be voted for as the highest official in the land. The candidates should be talking about platforms, issues, and programs; instead Duterte and Roxas are talking about killing each other.

Duterte’s supporters and apologists are saying the mayor is simply playing Roxas, adeptly throwing bait that the hapless Liberal Party standard bearer is biting. But really, is this the time for that? Surely there are more important issues the two can take up against each other in a civil manner. And besides, who are the real losers here? No one else but the people, we who should be shown good governance but are instead being treated to a circus side show. It must also be pointed out that both Duterte and Roxas could end up big losers as well because as they engage each other in a war of words, their opponents are waiting in the wings, strengthening their grassroots campaigns away from the limelight, away from the controversy, straight to the people where it all actually matters.

JEFFREY wakes up very early each day full of anticipation: he is going to school! He does not mind the cold. The sun is not yet

out and his father is still warmly bundled in his blanket. His mother is already up and prepar-ing boiled sweet potatoes (kasila) for break-fast. She is aided by a cheap solar lamp made in China, which had cost them two goats and a chicken.

Jeffrey washes himself with very cold wa-ter and dries himself with his father’s old dis-colored shirt that now serves as a towel. He quickly eats his breakfast and puts two pieces of kasila in a plastic bag that is his lunchbox. He bids his mother farewell and disappears into the thin fog. He excitedly begins his two-hour trek to school in the mountains of Malita, Davao Occidental.

Jeffrey is Tagakolu and dreams of becom-ing a teacher one day like his teachers at school whom he looks up to and considers his heroes. Ironically, he is now in fourth grade but is still barely able to read and write. When he was still too young to go to school, he and his playmates would often pretend to be at class under the shade of coffee trees and he always played the role of the teacher. Becoming a teacher is the only thing that occupies his young mind. He

does not mind the two-hour long trek to school passing through narrow passes, traversing the chilly waters of streams and rivers, plodding through mud, and sometimes tripping over rocks because he will be a teacher someday!

It is a Monday and Jeffrey is a little wor-ried that their teachers might not be at school yet. Since the government had taken over the literacy school of the Catholic mission in their hamlet a decade ago, there had been a number of drastic changes. Their teachers now are not Tagakolu and almost always arrive on a Mon-day and leave on a Friday because they still have to come from town down the mountain.

There are days when the teachers do not come at all and they do not know why; their teachers give no explanation and their par-ents are too timid to ask. They are discour-aged from speaking their Tagakolu language in school because their teachers are unable to understand and show no real interest to learn it. Many of his classmates would rather go to school on a Tuesday because that is when their

regular classes actually begin and goes on till Thursday afternoon. Jeffrey still comes on a Monday anyway because their teachers always tell them that school days are from Monday to Friday. He believes everything that their teach-ers tell them.

Jeffrey enjoys school most when they have guests from the Department of Education. Ev-erything is transformed: the school is clean, and their teachers are well dressed and do their utmost to feign love for teaching. They become bewilderingly extra kind to them, which they like, of course, but find rather odd. They also teach the children using pictures and Jeffrey finds it fun. It also makes it a lot easier for them to understand their lessons. How he wished that it could be always like that and not just an annual affair. In his young mind he makes plans to make learning fun each day of class when he becomes a teacher.

The school is quiet when he arrives. It is empty except for a handful of children. The sun is shining brightly now. The faded and tattered Philippine flag silently flutters up the pole, the wind its only companion. A skinny horse hungrily grazes in the school yard together with several rambunctious goats. He wonders which animal is responsible for the disappear-

ance of the daisies just in front of their class-room. His teacher would be furious. He peers into a classroom where he hears the clucking of a hen. He spots it by a half-empty run-down bookshelf where it has built a nest.

At mid-morning he eats a kasila to ap-pease his rumbling tummy. He and the other children play some games while they wait for their teachers who have not yet arrived. He eventually finds himself alone at noon. The other school children had gone home afraid to be caught in the afternoon rain.

The sun is by now blotted out by rain clouds that had seemed to appear from no-where. He eats the other kasila he brought to school. It begins to rain. He glances at the road leading to their school hoping in earnest to see their teachers arrive. He only sees an emaci-ated dog scramble across it with a dead chick between its jaws oblivious to the hard pouring rain.

Jeffrey turns and begins to walk in the di-rection of their home dejected. He gently plac-es the now empty plastic bag on his head to protect himself from the rain. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Fr. Joey Gá-nio Evangelista, MJ, heads the Malita Tagakaulo Mission of the Diocese of Digos in Davao del Sur)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 VANTAGE POINTS 9EDGEDAVAO

BY FR. JOEY GANIO EVANGELISTA, MJ

COMMENTARY

“Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.” -- Cree In-dian Prophecy

***

ASK anyone what an ecosystem is and you get a different answer. But what they may tell you is just part of the

whole system. After all, an ecosystem is “made up of communities of plants, animals, microor-ganisms and the non-living elements of their environment (soil, water, minerals, etc.).”

Ecosystem diversity, on the other hand, describes “the number of species and their relative abundance within a community.” So, if scientists are describing about low diversi-ty, they are actually referring to “few species or unequal abundances.” When they tell you about high diversity, it means there are “many species or balanced abundances.”

Altogether, they sum up to what experts call biological diversity (or biodiversity for short). “Human beings could not exist without the abundance and diversity of nature: all our food and many of our industrial materials and medicines are provided by plants, animals, and microorganisms,” points out the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

“Animals supply meat, leather, and insulin.

Plants give us rubber, timber, and cotton, and are used to man-ufacture such diverse items as glue, soaps, pho-tographic film, and plastics. Antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline are derived from m i c r o o r g a n -isms,” the WWF adds.

But despite such evidence of the value of biodiversity, we seem to be doing our utmost to eliminate it as quickly as possible. Asian phar-macists’ demand for rhino horn has led Suma-tran and Javan rhinos to be hunted to the verge of extinction.

Climate change is another factor. Coral reefs contain two-thirds of the world’s marine fish species and the warm temperatures of the oceans threaten to bleach and drown reefs. In addition, the ecologically-fragile ecosystem is exposed to higher levels of storm damage.

Clearing land to make way for large-scale agriculture is partly to blame for the acceler-ated disappearance of tropical forests, which are exceptionally rich in species and genetic diversity.

“Scientists estimate that between 5-10% of the species they contain could face extinction within the next 30 years,” the WWF cautions. “Most of these will have been wiped out before they have been identified, and before scientists have been able to study them and assess their value to the rest of the world.”

And this is already happening in the Philip-pines, described by a recent study as “one of 17 mega diverse countries, harboring more diver-sity of life per hectare than any other country in the world.”

A couple of years back, the Environmen-tal Science for Social Change (ESSC) reported: “Destroying their habitat means destroying the myriad of creatures and flora. Philippine wild-life is quickly disappearing from the lowland and upland ecosystems.”

According to ESSC, the destruction of var-ious ecosystems in the country has taken a heavy toll on biodiversity: 18 species of fauna are already rare and endangered, 43 species of birds declared threatened by extinction.

The Philippine eagle, the country’s bird icon, is one of the birds that has been declared as “critically endangered” by the Swiss-based International Union for the Conservation of Na-ture and Natural Resources.

The UN Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listed the Philippine tarsier under Ap-pendix II, which means trade of the species and

subspecies “is strictly regulated.”To save our endangered species and other

wildlife to vanish from this part of the world, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Biodiversity Management Bureau has launched recently the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP).

Cheneen R. Capon, EDGE Davao’s roving reporter, said that PBSAP is “the country’s road map in conserving biodiversity and critical ecosystem for the next 13 years.” And to imple-ment the strategy and plan, the country needs a budget of P334 billion (US$7.4 billion) for that span of years.

“(The money) may sound like a huge im-post on the budget but it really is not,” explained Titon Mitra, the country director of United Na-tions Development Program-Philippines. “It should be seen as an investment in conserva-tion and also as an economic investment with significant financial returns to the country.”

Is the future of our natural heritage still bleak? We need to work together or else they will be gone. And it should be remembered the words of the experts: “Extinction is forever!”

Perhaps the words of Dr. Angel C. Alcala, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee in 1992 for public service, should be heeded. “Overall, destruction of our natural resources is continuing, despite efforts of some of our concerned citizens to protect and manage them.”

Vanishing wildlife

When heroes become villains: The maleducation of Tagakolu children

Henrylito D. Taciohenrytacio@gmail.com

THINK ON THESE!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 201510NEWS

ALAN... FROM 1

NPA... FROM 2

Drug... FROM 2

AFP... FROM 2

High-impact... FROM 6

MILF... FROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

of the mayor,” he said.The word war between

Roxas and Duterte has quick-ly escalated from slapping to punching and now to a gun-fight.

Cayetano said he under-stands the emotions of the

two candidates because both of them are being hit with dif-ferent issues.

He said Duterte reacted strongly when Roxas said that Davao City’s claim as the saf-est city in the country is just a myth.

8:45 p.m. and resulted in the wounding of Jasper P. Monreal, 37, a driver residing in Alonzo Compound, Terrazas Village.

San Pedro Police Station reported that Monreal was on board his tricycle soliciting passengers when two uniden-tified persons riding a motor-cycle arrived.

Police said the back rider shot the victim, hitting him in the cheek. The bullet exited from the back of the victim’s neck.

The victim, however, was stil able to drive himself to the Davao Medical School Foun-dation Hospital where he was treated and declared out of danger by a doctor.

Driz said the shooting of

Monreal could be the result of a personal grudge. She said one of the suspects is believed to be female because she was observed to have long hair.

“The police are still digging deeper with the investigation,” she said.

Driz said the shooting of Diohanna Saraza could be also the result of a personal grudge because of debt.

“Naa mi nadawat na report na non-payment of debt daw ang motibo kay dako man gud daw ni siya og utang (We re-ceived a report that non-pay-ment of debt could be the motive because she allegedly owes someone a big amount),” she said. ARMANDO B. FENE-QUITO JR.

the far-flung barangays where government support for gov-ernment projects are needed.

“Ang perspective on mili-tarization depends on who’s talking. Kung ang sabi mo militarization ay presensya ng mga sundalo sa mga komuni-dad, pwede ba nating sabihin na dapat pigilan yun kung ang sundalo doon ay tumutulong sa paghatid ng serbisyo sa gobyerno, ine-escort ang mga agencies, mapipigilan ba nat-ing ang mga sundalo na tumu-long sa ahensya ng gobyerno, sabi nga depende ito sa dipin-isyon ng militarization,” Guer-rero said

He added that the mere military presence in the ba-rangay does not mean “mili-tarization” because they have a duty to carry out on the field, most especially in main-taining peace and order.

“Kami tinawagan upa-ng pumunta sa isang lugar para tingnan ang sitwasyon ng security dun, hindi namin pwedeng tanggihan ang am-ing mga kababayan. Pag may presensya ng armado sa isang barangay, tinawagan ang mil-itary, hindi namin pwedeng tanggihan,” he said.

Guerrero added that it is unfortunate if the IPs are caught in the crossfire be-tween the military and the NPA.

“Hindi namin ninanais na may madamay na mga inosenteng sibilyan sa tung-galian at labanang ito. Kaya kami nga ay nananawagan na kung pupwede pag-usa-pan, pag-usapan na lang na-tin yung mga issues na dapat resolbahin. Pwede namn nat-ing mapagusapan sa tulong ng ibang ahensya ng gobyer-no,” he added.

In an interview with MindaNews last September, lumad leader Datu Luman-sad Sibogan, a trustee of the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders Association Talaingod, said that IPs have been caught between the conflicts of the military and the NPA.

He urged to the progres-sive groups and the military to leave them and let the cus-

tomary laws currently being followed resolve internal con-flicts.

Some 200 lumads from Talaingod fled their homes last May, claiming they want-ed to escape militarization that has reportedly brought human rights abuses by the military and the paramilitary group “Alamara.”

Sheena Duazo, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Min-danao Region, in a text mes-sage, said there have been talks made between them and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but the mil-itary allegedly continuous-ly violated the agreements “even if these agreements were made with the Region-al Peace and Order Council (RPOC) between Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosa-rio and Davao City Mayor Ro-drigo Duterte.

“So before we engage in another dialogue, we call on the AFP/EastMinCom to first respect and adhere on the lumads’ demands raised during Manilakbayan 2015,” she said.

She demanded to “arrest and prosecute all AFP troops and paramilitary groups in-volved in human rights viola-tions.”

She urged the military to pull out its troops from schools and communities and disband and disarm the “AFP-backed indigenous paramili-tary groups.”

“Indemnify schools and communities that were de-stroyed and damaged in the course of military operations. Drop all trumped-up charges against progressive and com-munity leaders. Remove Rep. Nancy Catamco as IP com-mittee chair in Congress. Stop harassments and vilification of HR defenders, community schools, and progressive lead-ers.”

Duazo specifically cited the paramilitary group Ala-mara operating in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon to be dismantled. Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews

forts of peace advocates who want Philippine Government and the NDFP to return to the peace table on the basis of The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Safe-ty and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehen-sive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and Inter-national Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

“The revolutionary move-ment calls for the release of all political prisoners including 17 NDFP consultants in ac-cordance with the CARHRIHL and the JASIG,” the statement added.

While the ceasefire is in ef-fect, all NPA units and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military operations against its enemies.

“Personnel of the AFP and PNP who have no serious lia-bilities other than their mem-

bership in their armed units shall not be subjected to arrest or punitive actions. They may be allowed individually to en-ter the territory of the people’s democratic government to make personal visits to rela-tives and friends,” it stated.

All forces of the NPA will keep the guards up “at both the strategic and tactical lev-els” while maintaining “a high degree of militancy and vigi-lance” against possible actions of the opposing forces.

There is also no let up in being vigilant on offensive operations including so-called “peace and development”, “civil-military” or “peace and order” operations, it added.

“Active-defense opera-tions shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and immi-nent danger and actual armed attack by the enemy forces,” it stated. Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews

the other hand, sent his broth-er Romy. Sema’s group relayed that they are one in the effort to unify the Bangsamoro lead-ers.

Jaafar recalled that engag-ing war against the govern-ment was too expensive, not to mention the loss of lives of combatants from both camps and among the civilians. He said that soldiers could have spent time with their families during Christmas instead of engaging war and the rebels could have enjoyed happy mo-ments with their families, too, during the harvest season.

It was raised during the meeting that the government panel has difficulty in dealing with Bangsamoro issues be-cause the leaders are divided into different factions.

“Why don’t we ask our-selves, what went wrong?” said Aziz Malaguiok, who was in the MNLF’s “Top 90.”

“In fairness to the govern-ment, we gained the ARMM. Maybe we should ask our-selves what made us fail,” he added.

Malaguiok noted that during the BBL hearings they attended at the Senate, the senators pointed out that the hardest part to push the Bang-samoro was “because the lead-ers are not united. This one is the main setback and we have to look back on this.”

Jaafar shared his recent conversation with House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, wherein the latter told him that the there was no more chance to pass the BBL into law due to lack of quorum.

“Even though we say that BBL is that precious and important to us, we will not mourn for its loss. But we will be more saddened if the Moro leaders remain disunited. All we want is now is the leaders to unite again,” Jaafar stressed.

He said that their last op-tion is going to United Nations.

But MNLF leader Abul Khayr Alonto said they are open to other options like having a federal state, which he said has a better chance. Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/Min-daNews

tion and physically and so-cio-economically separated from the mainstream society. They are physically isolat-ed due to distance, adverse weather conditions, lack of transportation (island, upland, lowland, landlocked, hard to reach and unserved or under-served communities), with high poverty incidence, pres-ence of vulnerable sectors, and a community in or recovering from situations of crisis or armed conflict. These inacces-sible areas became perfect ref-uge for rebel groups operating in the province as they felt safe in these areas that eventually became their nerve centers from which all revolutionary movements in the region are directed.

The provincial govern-ment and the military are one in saying that when people’s basic needs are met, there will be no reason for the people to join rebel groups and rise against the government. The first item on the long priority list was to improve the road network to connect conflict areas with the rest of the com-munity. Without access, other basic services will not reach the natives who are among the poorest in the province. To provide the much needed roads, the provincial govern-ment acquired its own mate-rials and equipment for road building. Then along with per-sonnel from the military, they painstakingly built the access roads. Eventually new roads were carved out, though still rocky and not concreted. Even then, the people are happy be-cause it significantly shortened travel time from their remote villages to the commercial cen-ters where they market their agricultural produce.

FRUITS OF PEACEMore importantly, the vital

road projects in conflict areas in the province forged a good relationship between the pro-

vincial government, the mili-tary and the natives, and it had planted the seeds of trust that had long been missing in the communities. The new roads plus the healthy relationship paved the way for other as-pects of development to enter thesevulnerable areas.

The governor,a Mandaya native herself, have also suc-cessfully helped the indige-nous peoples in the province in their plea for ancestral do-main. As they now enjoy full ownership of their ancestral lands, the Mandayas are now assured of equity in their own rich and fertile land, bringing them closer to the support ser-vices bankrolled by the nation-al and local governments such as farmer training.

However, the province is now a new beehive of tourism activities. Tourists come in droves to see its most impres-sive coastal scenery, particu-larly its awesome and serene beaches and lovely islands. Banking on its magnificent eco-tourism destinations, the local government vows to give its visitors the transformative magic of travel.

The whole of Davao Ori-ental has just been declared a tourism development area by President Benigno Aquino. The local government funded the development of the province’s top tourism sites. Among them are the Subangan Museum, Mati Park and Baywalk and a sprawling resort in Dahican Beach. As the tourism business in the province is now flourish-ing, construction of new hotels and resorts is sprouting.

Among the new promis-ing tourism landmarks being constructed by the provincial government is the sprawling and unique Subangan Museum which features, among others, the largest skeletal remains of a Sperm Whale. Tourist arriv-als in Davao Oriental have sky-rocketed from 17,000 in 2011 to more than 300,000 in 2015.

DELISTING. Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 assistant director lawyer Marlon Casquejo says the number of voters in Davao City has decreased from 980,000 in the previous election to 873, 674 for the 2016 election as 87,000

voters were delisted due to failure to have their biometrics taken. Casquejo was a guest of AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Ritz Hotel by Garden Oases yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

delicious kid-friendly reci-pes and cute holiday sug-gestions that you can whip for your picky eaters.

Face Pancakes All year and all day treat, pancakes are the eas-iest to prepare and make any time of the day. Make this extra special by using wholemeal flour or adding some nuts, chocolate chips or fresh fruits to brighten up the yuletide morning. Don’t forget the maple syr-up and butter! Another TIP: Escalate your pancake and make it oozing with cheesy good-ness. Create a pattern or buy some cake or cookie molds with faces. Pour your favorite pancake bat-ter and see it cook right in front of your eyes. Don’t forget to add the cheese on your batter… or chocolate for that added flare in the

morning!

Smiley Sandwich All you need is some bread slices, mushrooms for the eyes, tomato for the nose and a line of scram-bled eggs for the mouth and you are all set! You can make this ahead of time or you can have the kids help you for a more joyous feel!

Funky ChunkyFruit Kebabs Healthy breakfast foods at their best using grapes, berries, little pieces of mel-on, pineapple chunks and other bite sized pieces on sticks. Best part? You get to dip them in any sweet sauce of your liking. Mine is a bowl of yoghurt and honey with some toasted chopped nuts. What’s yours?

Fruity Mess Wanna go healthy on Christmas morning? Grab a bowl, add some unfla-vored yoghurt, crushed cookies or biscuits, fresh fruits and some honey or maple syrup. Chill be-fore serving and you have yourself some healthy breakfast you can munch on all day long. You can also add some cereals and

nuts.

Sunshine Smoothie Nothing says “Merry Christmas” better than a glass of freshly made smoothie in the morning. Grab some fresh fruits, yogurt or milk or freshly squeezed orange juice and blend! The best thing about this? You can mix and match your favor-ites to create a signature smoothie.

Honey-CaramelPopcorn This is one of the easi-est treats to whip that’ll always put a smile on any-one’s face. All you need is popped corn (microwave or stove top), honey, caster sugar and butter. Once it’s popped, you can add whatever flavor and color you want. You can add bits and pieces of chocolates, nuts and even fruits.

Little Rocky Roads Make these little sweet treats perfect for a sit down session with your picky eaters or while on a mall spree. All you need is melted chocolate, hazel-nuts (or any nuts) and of course, mini marshmal-lows. Mix, drop in spoon-ful and bake! You can also add some dried fruit pieces and specks of col-ors. Wrap ‘em up in water cellophanes or foil and you have your perfect nibble and gift! Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! I am on instagram @theroyal-chefleebai

INDEED, Christmas is just around the corner. For most of us, this means a plethora of parties and time inside the kitchen. On the other hand, there is also stress on what to cook and prepare especially for your most picky eaters.

FOOD

EDGEDAVAOINdulge!

7easykid-friendly Christmas Nibbles

Do you want to prepare something special for your

little ones on Christmas morning? Here are some

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

CRAVING for sisig from 35,000 feet above? AirAsia guests flying to, from, and within the Philippines are in for a wonderful treat as Philippines AirAsia today officially started serving hot meals from its newest in-flight menu concept themed “Santan” which replaces AirAsia Café as part of the airline’s latest offerings to enhance cus-tomer experience while flying. Fresh new items include Ban-gus Sisig, a Filipino dish made of chunks of boneless milkfish sautéed in onions seasoned with salt, pepper and spices. Buffalo Chicken Strips and Barbeque Cola Beef are tasty versions of grilled meat with smoky sauce paired with tomato rice or roasted potatoes. Those who are watching their calories, mean-while, must try the new Veg-etarian Chickpea Curry or the

classic Maan’s Pasta Arabiata. New dishes are available for on-board and pre-book purchase in all Philippines AirAsia flights to/from Manila, Kalibo/Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea. Other delectable dishes also pay tribute to ASEAN flavours such as Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Beef Caldereta and Adobo hence the menu is titled: Santan, an essential ingredient in Ma-lay cooking which refers to the liquid obtained from pressing shredded coconut meat. Santan is thick, creamy and often use as a substitute for butter, cream or soup stock in Asean cooking. Apart from the new hot meals, guests will be able to choose from variety of sweets with choices such as Lemon Torte, Banoffee Cake, Sinful chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies from as low as P80 for on-board pur-chase and at discounted price for

pre-booked. All AirAsia guests are encour-aged to pre-book their meals to save up to 20% as compared to purchasing their meals on board, with a guarantee that their pre-ferred meals are available during their flights. Guests who have booked their flights without meals, meanwhile, can easily add them in via the ‘Manage My Booking’ option after logging in to www.airasia.com. Philippines AirAsia Commer-cial Head, Gerard Peñaflor said, “We value customer experience at all points of the journey – from the purchase of the ticket to leav-ing the airport, on board, and onto the destination. This latest enhancement in our in-flight menu makes flying with us also a delightful dining experience.” Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotions and activities via Twitter (twitter.com/AirA-siaPh) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines).

THE Christmas holiday season is the best time of the year for friends and family to get together and catch up ideally over a hearty meal. I could hon-estly say that I have had my fair share of reunions and parties. We Dabawe-nyos really love to eat especially if what we are dining on is good value for money. With the desire to give Da-bawenyos the best barkada-sized meals at an affordable price this holiday season, the Bistro Group’s restaurants in Durianburg, namely Italianni’s, TGI Fridays, and Bulgogi Broth-ers, introduced their group plat-ter menus just in time for the holidays.

Hearty and indulgent Lovers of classically cooked food will love Italianni’s In-

dulgent Plates, each dish large enough for a group of four. There are two options to choose from. Pork lovers will want to try Italianni’s French Pork Chop Medley which is composed of two 12-ounce pan-seared premium French pork chops cooked with a medley of garlic, tomatoes, and capers. For those who love chicken, there is Italianni’s Pollo Grande, a whole chicken oven-roasted the traditional way and served

on a bed of roared potatoes, bell peppers and spicy Italian sau-sage. I especially enjoyed this dish. The chicken was moist and juicy with the skin rendered crisp.

Sharing the season Known for its huge servings and fun vibe, TGI Fridays offers two belly-busting Shareable Plat-ters that are sure to be a hit with the rowdy bunch.

Recognizing that Dabawenyos have a love affair with the big fla-vors, TGI Fridays offers a Smoke-house Platter which comes with Smoke-fried Chicken that is first seared on the grill, then fried and then served with a spicy jamba-laya sauce; Taxas links, char-grilled sausages served with rice pilaff; and a plateful of Golden Chipotle Cheese Balls. My favourite platter though is TGIFridays’ Jack Daniel’s Platter

A2 INdulge! EDGEDAVAOFOOD

Philippines AirAsia launches restaurant in the sky

Go big for the

HOLIDAYSwhich features the restaurant’s signature fall-off-the-bone ribs that are smothered in sweet and tangy Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce. To add more meat to the equation, the Jack Daniel’s Plat-ter also comes with half a chicken that is also glazed in Jack Dan-iel’s barbecue sauce and topped off with sesame seeds and picked red onions. Side of rice, corn on the cob, and a platter of Golden Chipotle Cheese Balls complete the feast. Add a couple bottom-less glasses of TGIFriday’s moji-tos and you get a party.

A premium meaty feast Dabawenyos are in love with steaks and there is no other place that serves more premium beef than at Bulgogi Brothers and for the holiday season, they offer two platters of Korean Prime Cut beef for groups to enjoy. Meat lovers will love the Kore-an BBQ Platter, a combination of US Angus Choice ribeye, bone-less short ribs, brisket bulgogi, unyang bulgogi, and pork sau-sage. Less pricey is the Big Grill platter with comes with a choice of bone-in short ribs marinated in special bulgogi sauce or sea-soned with salt and pepper.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

INdulge! A3EDGEDAVAOEVENT

Globe Telecom brings country’s biggest Star Wars play hub to BGCGLOBE TELECOM is bringing surprises in galactic proportions as it sets up the country’s biggest Star Wars play hub at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, taking the Star Wars experience beyond the cinema as Filipinos gear up for the much-awaited international release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December 17, 2015. With its comprehensive and multiyear collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia whose brands include Star Wars, the leader in digital services and the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle is launching the Globe-Star Wars Galactic Celebration, which transforms the Bonifacio High Street Central amphitheater into a big Star Wars playground on December 12-13, 2015.Open to the public for free, the Globe-Star Wars Galactic Celebration will allow Star Wars fans and onlookers alike to spend the weekend playing at the game booths, taking photos of famous Star Wars icons and characters, purchasing retail collectibles from participating fashion brands, and enjoying the different treats and offers of Globe brands.“The Globe-Star Wars Galactic Celebration will be one of the biggest weekends for all Star Wars fanatics in the Philippines. This is our way of bringing the Star Wars experience outside the cinema to get all fans of the movie franchise excited about the release of the latest Star Wars movie. The Galactic Celebration will be a wonderful bonding activity not only for fans but for the entire family as well with all the games, interactive activities and booths, photo-worthy installations, exciting prizes and treats, and retail collectibles. We would like to invite everyone to spend their weekend with us as we experience a wonderful galactic celebration only from Globe,” shares Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan.The two-day galactic fair will highlight one of its major activities, the Galactic Challenge, a specially-designed obstacle course where one’s skill, insight and courage will be tested through a series of challenges. Anyone can join the Galactic Challenge with two categories to choose from – Light Side or Dark Side. Every hour, Globe will be awarding those with the best finish time. The participant

with the fastest time after the 2-day event will win the coveted Sphero BB8 droid which is offered by Globe in its GEN3 Stores as Sphero’s exclusive telco partner.The Star Wars Game Hub will also keep everyone on their toes as they enjoy various video games together with the exclusive Star Wars Battlepod arcade game. Kids will surely enjoy the Sphero Challenge where they can navigate the BB8 Droid through a maze for a chance to win prizes. Exclusive Star Wars merchandise is also on display from participating merchants and retail brands such as Havaianas, Folded & Hung, HP, FilBars, Toys ‘R Us and Hobbes and Landes.In keeping with its commitment to providing learning opportunities for the youth in the public school

sector, Globe, in partnership with The Mind Museum and Teach for the Philippines, is also implementing corporate social responsibility efforts during the Galactic Celebration weekend that lets more people enjoy the Star Wars activities while making a change in the lives of others.Alongside Teach for The Philippines, volunteers will be selected to be big brothers and sisters to 100 public school kids as they tour the museum and join the Read-Along activities.Horan adds, “Through these efforts, Globe is able to engage student beneficiaries and enable them to have an unforgettable Star Wars experience, while increasing their appreciation and understanding of science and technology, ensuring that

Riding the bus with the Stormtroopers of the 501st Legion on the way to the Star Wars Park are Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia’s General Manager for Studio Entertainment and International Distribution, Amit Maholtra

the entire Star Wars experience is enjoyed by the greater majority.” Special screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in different cities across the country will also give more

underprivileged kids the chance to watch the movie.Special giveaways are also up for grabs with a just a few taps with the Star Wars Everyday Promo. Customers get a chance to win major prizes including a Star Wars adventure in the U.S.A., exclusive movie invites, Star Wars items, and a whole lot more! All they have to do to subscribe is text FORCE <name/address> and send to 2363 for free. Customers can earn raffle entries by availing of any Globe or Tattoo promo or plan. Every P5 is equal to 1 raffle entry.

Star Wars projection mapping at The Globe Tower.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

PG

PG

PG 1:30 | 4:20 | 7:10 | 10:00 LFS

STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher

PG 12:40 | 3:35 | 6:30 | 9:25 LFS

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

12:00 | 2:50 | 5:40 | 8:30 LFS

STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher

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

Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy

STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS 3D

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher

December 17-23, 2015

WHERE did the time go?! In my mind, I was walking on the stage of the old PTA Sta-dium, now the world-class People’s Park, representing Davao City High School in the Mutya ng Dabaw pag-eant 25 years ago. The year was 1990. I knew that most of my batchmates were there at the venue. I believe I heard them cheering me on and yes, I was PROUD. (Very few high school girls get to compete in the annual pageant and fewer still reach the finals. Addie was second runner-up -- Edi-tor) When my two boys were little, I told them stories of my time in high school. I told them it was the happiest time of my life! Going into my teens, in spite of the onset of puberty, it was a thrill! I welcomed my newfound freedom with open arms…it was the first time I com-muted unaccompanied, scolded in class for not paying attention (nonstop chatting with a seatmate special mention Sharon Caharian!), having a crush who doesn’t know you exist, joining the CAT and be-ing scolded (again) by the Corps Commander (who will remain anonymous for now) for walking

across a field of mud and puddles like a ramp model! Mind you, she actually used the word “model”. Such fond and fun memories!!! How time flew! Days from now, on December 20, 2015 to be exact, our Batch 1990 of the Davao City High School shall be hosting our Silver Jubilee, at the Davao City Na-tional High School Oval grounds at 3pm!! We will honor members of Batch 1965 who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee. Ms Perla Pi-chon Kwan of the famous Precious International School of Davao and her batchmates are excited about it. As we were practicing for one of the dance numbers for this special event, practices were held at the Nograles Gym of Davao City High,

all those memories come rushing back. Flashback to 1986! After graduating in 1990, the Tapok-tapok started in the mid-90s. I remember being invited by my classmates, Romeo Maranon, Jason Magnaye of AboitizPower, our batch president, and Rey Faizal Ponce Millan, the lawyer who writes a column, etc. to MTS Kanto Bar and if only we can find a picture of that, I was the only female there. I guess that was the beginning of the Batch ‘90 Tapok. It started with less than ten people reminiscing then slowly more people joined, ponder-ing what we can give back to our Alma Mater, discussing projects to take on, raising funds…and here we are now. Twenty-five years have

passed! But I found out, it was not only about raising funds for the 25th year hosting, it was also about the friendships we’ve forged and strengthened, lessons learned from each other, camaraderie, supporting one another may it be in their per-sonal lives or means of livelihood. I have always believed that since we all have this network of friends, our high school batch, let this be our network where we can reach out to those in need and maybe even just people who need somebody to lis-ten. On one of our tapok, a batchmate stood next to me while we were lis-tening to our 80s music, he said, “Tomorrow, I’m going to miss this

group…” So true…isn’t that what life is all about? Relationships. But before we even start missing this Batch Tapok, we can first make sure that we, alum-ni of the Davao City High School, will be there on DEC. 20, 2015, 3pm at the Davao City High School Oval Grounds. Let’s reminisce, laugh and dance! (Like nobody’s watching!) A Mega Tent will be setup mostly used in Rave Parties! Tickets are available at Valuetrip Travel and Tours, Quibod Bldg. Rizal St. Look for Gemma or Rom-mel 0908-864-8299. Mana Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave.0933-326-4045 Look for May. Meling’s Quality Fruits, Madrazo Fruit Center, C. Bangoy St. 0933-549-7260 Look for Jenny.

By Addie Borbon

A4 INdulge!EVENT

Competing in Mutya and other memoriesDCHS Batch ’90 to honor Batch ‘65 in the Dec. 20 alumni homecoming

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 11

Saving topsoilfrom erosionText and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

EDGEDAVAO

SCIENCE

(First of Two Parts) “The multiple roles of soils

often go unnoticed. Soils don’t have a voice, and few people speak out for them. They are our silent ally in food produc-tion.” -- Jose Graziano da Silva, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization

***

SALES Batawan was a total stranger to the area, which is located

86 kilometers away from Davao City. He came to Pa-nanag, a small village in Ban-salan, Davao del Sur, when his wife’s father requested him to help him in his farm.

At first, farming was good. But as years went by, production was all-time low. His income from the farm was not enough to feed his family. “I never finished high school and I have six children to feed,” Sales pointed out.

To make both ends meet, he had to work as a sugar-cane laborer for his neigh-bors. In some instances, he had to travel far just to earn extra cash. “If I solely rely on my farm’s income, my family will starve,” he said.

He observed that the farm he is tilling is now teemed with small rocks. Un-like in the past, he had to put a lot of commercial fertilizer in order for him to harvest some of the crops he had planted.

Probing deeper, the problem is not production but the land he is farming. It is now devoid of topsoil,

whose nutrients are crucial to crop production as they are the “food” of plants and other organisms.

Topsoil is subject to con-tinuous removal through leaching, volatilization and erosion. What nature takes a very long time to form could be washed away in 20 minutes or less by just one heavy rainfall in areas where farmers don’t use the land carefully.

Under most conditions, soil is formed at a rate of one centimeter every 100 to 400 years, and it takes 3,000 to 12,000 years to build enough topsoil to form productive land.

“Topsoil is rich and fertile because of its organic matter content,” explains Roy C. Al-imoane, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-gov-ernment organization which has been promoting farming systems on saving the topsoil from erosion. “Plants and an-imals die, decay, disintegrate, and are incorporated in the soil, making soil fertile and capable of supporting the growth and development of food crops.”

Soil experts say there is nothing wrong with normal soil erosion. “Under normal conditions, each hectare of land losses somewhere be-tween 0.004 and 0.05 tons of soil to erosion each year – far less than what is replaced by natural soil building process-es,” one study reported.

But accelerated erosion, which is usually caused by man’s activities, is a different

story. Soil is lost much fast-er than it is created through normal geological processes. “No other soil phenomenon is more destructive world-wide than is soil erosion,” wrote Nyle C. Brady in his book, The Nature and Prop-erties of Soils. “It involves los-ing water and plant nutrients at rates far higher than those occurring through leaching. More tragically, however, it can result in the loss of the entire soil.”

In the Philippines, water plays a major role in causing massive soil erosion. Accord-ing to science writer Martin A. De Harte, there are four types of soil loss brought about by moving water: rill, sheet, gully, and streambank erosion.

Rill erosion is caused by water running down a slope which then creates small channels in the topsoil. When soil is removed in a uniformly thin layer, it is re-ferred to as sheet erosion.

“The farmer may not no-tice sheet erosion happening because only small amounts of soil are removed from the surface of his field at a time,” De Harte explained. “After several years, however, his crop production will decline seriously, especially if he doesn’t apply fertilizer.”

When a large volume of water flows through the same channel all the time, a gully is created. Gully erosion obliterates the topography of both lowland and upland areas. Wide and deep gullies have created large ugly cuts in the mountains and pla-

Aftermath of soil erosion

Gully erosion

teaus of Bukidnon, Masbate, Cebu, Ilocos Norte, and Abra.

Caused by heavy floods, streambank erosion occurs in almost all parts of the Philippines. Over the years, floods have eaten deep into the banks of Cagayan, Agno, Pampanga, Rio Grande, and Davao Rivers.

When soil is eroded, it is gone forever. “Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside en-emy coming into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” said Harold R. Wat-son, an American agricul-turist who received a Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985

for peace and international understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

In 1988, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) report-ed that 22 provinces in the country had “alarm ing” soil erosion rate. Batangas in Luzon and Cebu in Visayas had been reported to have lost 80-85% of their topsoil to ero sion. Marinduque had 75-80% soil erosion while Ilocos Sur and La Union had 60-70%. Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Lan-ao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, South Cota-bato, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Negros Oriental and Occi-dental, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, and Antique had more than 50% of their soil eroded.

“Soil erosion is a quiet crisis, an insidious, largely man-made disaster that is unfolding gradually,” Dr. Noel D. Vietmeyer wrote in the foreword of the book, Veti-ver Grass: A thin green line against erosion. “In many places it is barely recognized; the soil moves away in such small increments from day to day that its loss is hardly noticed. Often the practices that cause the greatest loss-es in the long term lead to bumper crops in the short term, thereby creating an il-lusion of progress.”Most of the uplands in the country are under cultivation.

Low productivity and high cost of production are the two most common ef-fects of soil erosion. Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf, explained in their book, Soil Erosion: Quiet Crisis in the World Economy: “The loss of topsoil affects the ability to grow food crops in two ways. It reduces the inherent productivity of land, both through the loss of nutri-ents and degradation of the physical structure. It also increases the costs of food production.

“When farmers lose top-soil,” the two authors contin-ued, “they may increase land productivity by substituting energy in the form of fertiliz-er. Hence, farmers losing top-soil may experience either a loss in land productivity or a rise in costs of agricultural inputs. And if productivity drops too low or agricultural costs rise too high, farmers are forced to abandon their land.”

Brown, in another book, believes the immediate ef-fects of soil erosion are eco-nomic, but in the long run its ultimate effects are social. “When soils are depleted and crops are poorly nourished, people are often undernour-ished as well. Failure to re-spond to the erosion threat will lead not only to the deg-radation of land, but to the degradation of life itself,” he stressed. (To be concluded)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 201512CLASSIFIEDS EDGEDAVAO

Advertise with

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 13EAGA... FROM 7support to EAGA’s newly ad-opted Socio-Cultural and Edu-cation pillar.

“We also agreed to explore the development of a student exchange program focusing on areas of commonality un-der the Australian Awards program,” said Secretary An-tonino who participated in this year’s Australia Awards fellowships with 12 other government officials and pri-vate sector representatives in Cairns and Brisbane.

The Awards program is part of Australia’s commit-ment to advancing priority foreign affairs and shared development goals. It is also designed to help strengthen

partnerships and develop capacities so that individual fellows can advance key devel-opment issues in their home country and region.

In expanding trade with NT, the Ministers urged the private sector to take active role in establishing networks and cooperation with counter-parts from Australia such as NT’s chambers of commerce. A joint study on the two re-gions’ trade complementarity and other future trade linkag-es that involve supply chains was discussed during the meeting.

The NT government has invited the BIMP-EAGA to par-ticipate in the Northern Terri-

tory Business Festival in April next year, with the possibility of holding the Darwin Dia-logue during the event.

To push for a more robust tourism exchange between EAGA and NT, the ministers jointly agreed to promote and market the two regions as eco-tourism destinations. A sharing of best practices on tourism development was also agreed during the meeting.

“In recognition to the rich heritage, cultures and tradi-tions of the BIMP-EAGA and NT, the signing ministers en-courage collaboration to de-velop socio cultural activities that can contribute to building strong foundation for great-

er understanding and good neighborliness,” added An-tonino.

She said the ministers also agreed to cooperate and col-laborate on arts, heritage, and culture to foster deeper un-derstanding, appreciation, and preservation of culture and history of EAGA and NT.

Australia’s NT offers vast opportunities for trade and business with BIMP-EAGA particularly in the oil and gas industry, agribusiness, and so-cio-cultural exchanges due to the two regions’ proximity. In 2004, NT became EAGA’s de-velopment partner, 10 years after the launch of the sub-re-gion.

Globe... FROM 6Meanwhile, myBusiness

showcased three zones during the take-off of the platform in Davao which would cater the requirements of SMEs, namely, the cost-cutting zone which featured services and products that help increase SMEs’ efficiency and cut cost;

Biz opportunity Zone which provides loan facility and busi-ness prospects for start-ups; and Operation Improvement Zone which offers services from local government units and the Department of Trade and Industry necessary to start a business.

SC junks... FROM 3"strict scrutiny" test.

Under this standard, the SC said, the government inter-est must be a compelling, not merely substantial, and there must be no other less restric-tive means to achieve the in-terest.

The SC sustained the

regulation challenged on the ground of strict scrutiny, ruling that the objective of cleansing the national voter registry so as to eliminate electoral fraud and ensure that election results are reflective of the will of the elec-torate constitute a compelling state interest. (PNA)

NEWSEDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 201514 EDGEDAVAOSports

Nonito Donaire wins war against Cesar Juarez to claim World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight.

ONE brilliant fight de-serves another and Nonito Donaire Jr., the

newly-crowned World Box-ing Organization (WBO) su-per-bantamweight champion, is not one to back out from a great challenge.

The 33-year-old Filipino said he’s willing to slug it out

once more with tough Mexican hombre Cesar Juarez following their action-packed 12-round title duel over the weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Donaire came away with a unanimous decision win against the tough-fighting Juarez, who refused to go away until the final bell despite be-

ing knocked down twice in the fourth round.

“I will definitely give him a rematch,” said Donaire in the aftermath of the Fight of the Year candidate. “I’m not taking anything away from him.”

Juarez, 24, believes Donaire won the match, but not in the way the three judges

scored it at 116-110, 116-110, and 117-109.

“The judges were not fair. It was much closer, like a one or two-point fight,” said the Mexican. “But I do think Donaire won.”

Juarez was inactive for the entire 2014 and didn’t fight until March of this year when

he scored a majority decision over Cesar Seda at Palms Casi-no Resort in Las Vegas.

He saw action once more in July against Juan Carlos Sanchez who he beat via unan-imous decision in Sinaloa, Mexico before taking the bout against Donaire.

Juarez (17-4, 13 KOs)

said if he prepared longer for Donaire, he could have beaten the ‘Filipino Flash.’

“If I had more time to train and more experience, I would have won,” said Juarez from Distrito Federal, Mexico.

Donaire improved his re-cord to 36-3, with 23 KOs and won his fifth world title.

DONAIRE VS JUAREZ 2?Nonito very much willing to give Mexican slugger Cesar Juarez a rematch

NEWLY crowned ONE heavyweight cham-pion Brandon Vera

has announced that he will be bringing The Alliance MMA Gym to the Philippines to develop Filipino MMA tal-ents.

Alliance has produced some of the top MMA fight-ers in the world including UFC’s light heavyweight contenders Ryan Bader and Alexander Gustafsson, former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Bellator lightweight title contender Dominick Cruz.

Vera opened the first Alliance Gym in Chula Vista, California in 2007.

“We have too much wast-ed talent here,” Vera said af-ter knocking out Paul Cheng in ONE: Spirit of Champions over the weekend.

“I think there’s a pleth-ora of talents here in the Philippines, and untapped potential we could probably produce many world cham-

pions here without really trying hard.”

Vera said he wants to show local fighters that MMA can be a sustainable career, especially if one be-comes a well-rounded pro-fessional fighter.

“Here in the Philippines, this is a whole new outlet, this is a whole new career path that you can choose,” he said. “Back in the day they say, ‘Ah lalaban ka. Wala namang pera doon.’ Now it’s a viable career path.”

Vera, whose father hails from Tagkawayan, Quezon, fought in the UFC before linking up with ONE Cham-pionship last year.

He is currently unbeaten in his two matches under the ONE Championship ban-ner, including last Friday’s heavyweight title victory.

Vera said he is already in talks to bring Alliance Gym to the Philippines.

“I’m talking to a few gov-ernors,” he said.

SERENA Williams says completing a Grand Slam is a goal she’d like

to accomplish. For now, her focus is on winning another major tournament, not four in a row.

Williams was two victo-ries away from sweeping all four in the same year when she was stunned by Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semi-finals in September. Her

dominant season earned her Sports Illustrated Sportsper-son of the Year honors, and she was feted Tuesday night at a banquet in Manhattan.

Asked if the Grand Slam is a goal in 2016, Williams said: ‘’It is, obviously; I’ve never done it.’’

“We’ll see,’’ she added. ‘’I’m not putting any pressure on it. I’d have to have a good year in the beginning, win

Australia, win French - I’ve only won the French three times, so that’s going to be a little difficult to do.’’

Williams hasn’t played competitively since that up-set in New York, resting el-bow and knee injuries. She says it was driving her nuts to watch the tour’s Asia swing on TV so she had to stop.

Her workouts are back to full throttle, and the 34-year-

old woke up at 6 a.m. Tues-day to train in Florida before catching a plane.

In her acceptance speech, Williams listed the many ob-stacles she’s overcome, men-tioning ‘’controversies’’ then adding, with a laugh, ‘’horses’’ - a sly reference to the debate about whether Triple Crown winner American Pharoah should have instead received the award.

For Serena Williams, Grand Slam is one feat to still chase Vera to open MMA gym in PH

Serena Williams

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 15EDGEDAVAO SPORTS

FORWARD Kobe Bryant scored 22 points in three quarters, allowing the

Los Angeles Lakers to snap a six-game losing streak by de-feating the Milwaukee Bucks 113-95 at Staples Center on Tuesday.

Rookie point guard D’An-gelo Russell came off the bench to score 19 points and record seven assists as seven Lakers reached double figures in scoring.

Guard Lou Williams scored 16 points, forward Ju-lius Randle finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds and center Roy Hibbert added 12 points and a season-high 11 rebounds for Los Angeles (4-21), which won for only the second time at home this sea-son.

Reserve guard Michael Carter-Williams had 19 points and guard Khris Middleton chipped in 16 to lead Mil-waukee (10-16), which has dropped three of its last four games.

Forward Giannis Ante-tokounmpo contributed 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.

The Bucks did not play anything close to their perfor-mance in Saturday’s 108-95 win over Golden State that ended the Warriors’ per-fect 24-0 start to the season. Against the Lakers, the Bucks

fell into an early hole and nev-er recovered.

Milwaukee also was hurt playing without center Greg Monroe, who was a late scratch with a sore left knee. Monroe apparently bumped knees with a team mate during the team’s shoot-around on Tuesday morning. He will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

The Lakers dictated the first half en route to a 55-46 lead at the break and contin-ued their dominance in the second half.

Los Angeles opened the third quarter with a 10-2 surge, including a crowd-pleasing dunk by for-ward Larry Nance Jr over Bucks center John Henson, for a 17-point advantage after a Bryant fadeaway at 8:47.

Another Lakers run that featured a four-point play by Bryant pushed the lead to 75-53 after a reverse layup by Russell on an assist from Bryant. Los Angeles led 86-66 heading into the final quarter.

With the victory, the Lak-ers also ended a run of 14 straight opponents scoring at least 100 points.

The Bucks outshot the Lakers 47.1 percent to 46.1 percent but Los Angeles had an edge in three-pointers, making 10-of-27 (37 percent) to only 4-of-13 (30.8 percent) for Milwaukee.

REVITALIZED KOBEBryant shows improved shooting as Lakers add to Bucks’ road woes

NO apologies.No retaliation.Just another Cleve-

land victory.LeBron James scored 24

points and Kevin Love returned to Boston to score 20 with eight rebounds on Tuesday night, help-ing the Cavaliers beat the Celtics 89-77 in an uneventful rematch of last season’s bruising - but one-sided - first-round playoff series.

It was Cleveland’s first trip back to the new Boston Garden since Love’s shoulder was yanked out of the socket by Boston’s Kelly Olynyk in the finale of the Cavaliers’ four-game sweep. Jae Crowder, who took a punch in the jaw from J.R. Smith in the series,

scored 14 for the Celtics.‘’Time heals all wounds,’’ said

Love, who had no exchange with Olynyk during the game. ‘’I’ll re-member my first playoff run and that fourth game being particular-ly tough. But as time goes on it’ll be another game against a really good team.’’

The midseason rematch was physical but without the rowdi-ness of the playoff series or even the emotion of Boston’s dou-ble-overtime loss to the then-un-beaten Golden State Warriors last week.

‘’We knew it was going to be that type of game tonight, just coming off the playoff series that we had with them,’’ James said. ‘’And, it’s our first time seeing

them. We were able to answer the call.’’

Timofey Mozgov had nine points and a season-high 10 re-bounds, scoring seven with five boards in the third quarter when Cleveland turned a five-point deficit into a 10-point lead. The Cavaliers have won three in a row since losing three straight to start the month.

Avery Bradley scored 17 points for Boston, which was back home for the first time since near-ly ending the Warriors’ unbeat-en start. While that Friday night crowd had a playoff atmosphere - it’s the NBA champion Warriors’ only trip to Boston of the season - the visit by James and the Cava-liers was more subdued. Kevin Love scores 20 points on 7 of 16 shooting in 34 minutes of action. AP

Kobe Bryant comes up with a rather efficient 7 of 15 shooting in a little over 27 minutes of play. AP

KINGS star DeMarcus Cousins had another strong game Tuesday

night. His manager wasn’t as fortunate.

Cousins amassed 26 points and 12 rebounds as Sacramento won its third straight by defeating the Houston Rockets 107-97.

His manager wasn’t around to see the victory. Andrew Rogers was ejected for slapping at Rockets guard Jason Terry, who was trailing the play on a dunk by Sacra-mento’s Ben McLemore in the third quarter.

Terry put his hand out to slow down as he neared fans sitting along the baseline, and Rogers slapped at Ter-ry’s arm. The Houston guard stopped, turned around and started to step toward Rogers, who was then ejected from

his seat.Another fan, believed to

be sitting with Rogers’ group, was ejected later in the game.

‘’I don’t know what hap-pened. I didn’t hear anything or see anything. That’s all there is,’’ said Terry, who clearly did not want to discuss the situation.

The Kings never trailed after the midway point of the second quarter in a sloppy game that included 49 turn-overs and three technical fouls, one on Cousins.

‘’I’m not sure I’ve ever won a game by 10 points where my team committed this many turnovers,’’ Sacra-mento coach George Karl said. ‘’I’ve got a crazy team and I’m kind of crazy. Some of our cra-zy decisions were amazing.’’

Starting for suspended guard Rajon Rondo, Darren

Collison had 14 points, a sea-son-high 13 assists and six re-bounds as the Kings won their third in a row.

Rondo was penalized one game by the NBA for directing a gay slur at official Bill Ken-nedy in a game Dec. 3 against Boston in Mexico City.

‘’We all know what kind of player Rondo is, but when somebody is down, we’ve still got to be able to win games,’’ said Rudy Gay, who had 17 points and 13 rebounds for Sacramento. ‘’Darren came out there and he made an ef-fort to keep his team in check and run the team like a point guard should. He did that.’’

Omri Casspi had 19 points for the Kings, who have won seven of their past nine home games.

James Harden scored 33 points for Houston. Terry and

Patrick Beverley both added 14.

Rockets star Dwight How-ard was in foul trouble and wasn’t much of a factor. He left the game early in the third quarter with his fourth foul and finished with four points and four rebounds in 28 min-utes.

‘’Whatever it was, we need to play harder and figure it out,’’ Harden said. ‘’That’s the type of messages that are sent. Our defense will get there, but we have to make it get there. We’re showing spurts on defense but we are not consistent.’’

The Kings led 82-74 en-tering the fourth quarter and three early 3-pointers by Marcus Belinelli helped them maintain control in snapping an eight-game losing streak against Houston.

Kings blast Rockets 107-97

Love, James power Cavs past Celtics

SACRAMENTO Kings guard Rajon Rondo apologized Tuesday for using a ho-

mophobic slur during a game earlier this month to NBA referee Bill Kennedy, who came out in the wake of the controversy.

Rondo was issued a one-game ban last week by the Na-tional Basketball Association for his remark during the December 3 game against the Boston Celtics in Mexico City.

“My words toward Bill Ken-nedy were unacceptable and did not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community,” Rondo said Tuesday.

“I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart, that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill. There is no place on or off the court for language that disre-

spects anyone’s sexual orienta-tion.

“That is not who I am or what I believe and I will strive every day to be a better person.”

Kennedy, in his 18th season as an NBA referee, was confront-ed by Rondo after calling two technical fouls and ejecting him from the game. Teammates had to restrain Rondo.

On Monday, Kennedy told Ya-hoo Sports: “I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man.”

Rondo was contrite.“My actions during the game

were out of frustration and emo-tion, period!” he tweeted. “They absolutely do not reflect my feel-ings toward the LGBT commu-nity. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone.”

Rondo apologizes for gay slur to ref

VOL. 8 ISSUE 189 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 201516 EDGEDAVAO