Touch of Wellness opens new clinic at Gaisano South

Touch of Wellness last week opened its third massage clinic at the Mezzanine ground floor of the Gaisano South Citimall Ilustre.

The massage clinic operates daily from 9 a.m to 11 p.m with at least 15 well-trained blind masseurs and masseuses.

It offers comforting services at the great pleasure of the clientele that includes scientific therapeutic refloxology, shiatsu and sweedish rubdown.

“The customers can avail a lot from our services as it could help proper blood circulation, disappear stress and slow down the aging process,” said Leonie Español, 41, one of the blind masseuses in the clinic.

Therapeutic massage is defined as the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body, done with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the structures, applied in a scientific, non sexual manner for therapeutic results, according to internet posting.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that uses thumb pressure and works along the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching while sweedish massage utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but not necessarily in the direction of the heart and it has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks.

A session of one hour whole body massage, a combination of all types, is only pegged at P180 while the 30-minute half body cost P90.

The 8-bed hygienic massage clinic is fully air-conditioned with relaxing instrumental music continuously playing.

At the present, the massage clinic has an average of eight clients, mostly Chinese, per day.

“We still need to promote and market by informing the people that we have already a massage clinic here in Gaisano South (Citimall), “said Touch of Wellness project director Riza Español.

Touch of Wellness is managed by United Blind Masseurs Associate Cooperative (UBMA), formed by 13 blind masseurs including Leonie and Riza with the help of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 2004.

Currently, UBMA has a total of 39 incorporators.

Few months later following the formation of UMBA, the Touch of Wellness was established with the “grant money” of P169, 000 from the Department of Labor (Dole).

In the same year, Touch of Wellness opened its first two massage clinics at NCCC Mall and KCCC Mall in General Santos City in that order.

SPORTS: Upset marks DC-PRISAA volley opener

DAVAO CITY (January 27, 2008) - University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) men’s spikers scored a resounding upset victory in the opening day of this year’s Davao City Private School Athletic Association (DC-PRISAA) men’s volleyball competition on Saturday at the Brokenshire College Gym.

UIC pulled off a stunning 23 – 25, 31 – 29, 27 – 25 upset win over defending champion University of Mindanao .

After dropping the heartbreaking first set, the Bonifacio Street.-based spikers played well enough and showed some spunk in the pressure-packed second and third frames to finally pull away with the win.

Last year’s runner-up Holy Cross of Davao College notched its first victory at the expense of Brokenshire College via default.

On the women’s contest, defending champion Holy Cross of Davao College lady spikers defeated University of Immaculate Conception , 25 – 15, 25 – 9 to open its title retention bid on a bright note.

Holy Cross displayed its awesome form to beat UIC and notch its first win in the tournament that serves as selection basis for the city's delegation to the Davao Region PRISAA Meet slated in second week of March.

The wards of Exequil Tomines came out blazing right from the outset hitting in all angles with its booming spikes courtesy of great set up by Elvie Mariquit who tallied an unusual eight ace serves.

Spikers Jasmine Burcelis, Aiza Armacion and Mykah Ramos combined for 29 kills with 12, 10 and 7 respectively.

UM volleybelles completed the opening day victors with a 25 – 9, 25 – 6 demolition of Brokenshire College .

In men’s basketball, University of Mindanao started its title defense on a right track beating DMMA-Davao College of Southern Philippines, 64 – 40.

Last year’s runner-up Holy Cross of Davao College bested San Pedro College , 82 – 27 while Rizal Memorial College shocked Ateneo De Davao University, 61 – 58. (Rico Biliran/MindaNews)

Tour of Mindanao: Davao City

Davao City is a sprawling metropolis of over a million people located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao. It is one of the largest cities in the world with a land area of 2,443.61 square kilometers.

It is a place blessed with natural advantages. The soil is very fertile and rich in minerals. The city has abundant source of potable water. Located in a typhoon-free zone, its tropical weather is characterized by even distribution of climatic elements all year round. Temperature ranges from 15 to 34˚C.

Photo taken during the 2007 Kadayawan sa Dabaw. Kadayawan is the Dabawenyos and Mindanaoans thanksgiving celebration of cultural heritage, bounty, creativity and unity.
Photo from (www.landofpromise.com)

Strategically located in the Asia-Pacific rim, the city serves as a gateway to the world. It is a key player in the flourishing trading hub called the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.

Davao City is in the southeastern part of Mindanao and is approximately 946 aerial kilometers from Manila.

On the west, the city’s boundary line cuts through the highest peak in the country, the inactive Mt. Apo at 3,142 meters above sea level. Cascading from the peak and going east down, one sees vast plains, unspoiled forests, fertile valleys, navigable rivers, the sprawling metropolis and world-class beaches facing the Davao gulf.

As 71 percent of the population resides in the urban area, its urban density is estimated roughly at 2,262 persons per square kilometer. Recent estimates place the population at around 1.4 million.

Photo from (www.kadayawan.com)

With predominantly migrant population, the city is a melting pot of cultures where diversities are appreciated and nurtured in a harmonious and peaceful environment. Major languages and dialects in the city are Filipino, Chinese, English and Cebuano.

The city has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia at 98.3%. Its labor force is cited as among the best in the region: educated, easily trainable, industrious, and English speaking.

As Mindanao’s center of commerce, trade, and services, the city’s modern infrastructures and world-class utilities provide viable support to economic activities.

Its urban center is home to quality residential and commercial units complete with modern facilities and amenities at very reasonable prices. Access is fast and easy to utilities such as power, water, landlines and mobile phones with IDD features, cable TV networks, and Internet service providers.

Considered by many as the de facto capital of Mindanao, the City’s strategic position provides accessibility and linkage to the 20 million market of Mindanao and the 51.4 million market of the East ASEAN Growth Area.

Davao is a place of perfect balance. It is fast-paced yet relaxed where the luxuries of cosmopolitan living complement the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors.

Davao City is an investment haven, a place of perfect balance... where business and pleasure blend so well. (www.davaocity.gov.ph)

Media Advisory: "Walk out"

Dear editors, writers, photojournalists:

Greetings

Attached is our media advisory for our press conference on January 28, 2008, 10.30am at the Conference Room-Fuchsia of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Davao City. We will be discussing issues currently haunting 'iskolars ng bayan' as state universities and colleges and being dragged into privatization... hence, a walkout on February 1. we are looking to seeing you cover this event. your presence of great help to our advocacy...

Thank you very much!

NUSP Secretariat

Statement: Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye on WEF

The Philippine economy benefits significantly from the active role our nation and our people play in the global economy.

In addition, our security interests are well-served by the engagement we have with governments in our region and around the world during the World Economic Forum sessions and in informal dialogues outside those meetings.

The investment made by the President's participation in the World Economic Forum will deliver benefits in terms of new trade and investment opportunities, increased development assistance and an increased role for our country in international economic and political affairs and that is also why she is in Dubai meeting with government and business leaders and our OFWs.

Global engagement is a fact of life for the Philippines and our goal is to make certain we maximize the benefits of that process. (www.gov.ph)

Notice to the public: From the 1987 RP Constitution

Article 3 "Bill of Rights" - SEC. 7.

The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Solon wants mandatory human rights training in gov’t agencies

A Mindanao lawmaker has filed a bill mandating all government agencies conducting training and seminars to include a regular course on human rights in their curricula.

In filing House Bill 2974, Rep. Datu Pax Mangudadatu (1st District, Sultan Kudarat), said it is necessary to strengthen the institutionalization of human rights not just in the context of law enforcement, but as a fundamental reason for serving the country, most especially for those working in all branches of government, from the rank and file up to the officials.

Mangudadatu sought the immediate approval of the bill as he noted reports tagging law enforcers as top violators of human rights.

Same reports placed government officials and employees as fifth in the list of perpetrators of human rights abuses, which include harassment, torture, forced disappearance, illegal arrest and detention and other gross disrespect for human rights and non observance of due process.

Mangudadatu said the bill will provide government officials and workers in the executive, legislative and the judicial branches a working knowledge of due process of law and human rights to significantly contribute to the efficient delivery of services.

HB 2974 mandates all branches of government including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units to include mandatory study of human rights as an integral part of the education and training of all their officers and employees, giving priority to those units involved in the administration of justice, intelligence work and maintenance of peace and order.

To implement this act, the Civil Service Commission shall coordinate with the Human Rights Commission, advocacy groups, non-government organization and people's organization to formulate and design the course on human rights and provide resource persons and materials. (House of Representative press release written by Salvacion Beleo of Public Relations and Information Department)

SPORTS: Aussie sports envoys pursue Mindanao visit despite travel ban

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Friday, 25 January 2008 07:33

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/24 Jan) -- Despite the Australian embassy’s travel warning, the Aussie sports ambassadors still traveled to Mindanao as part of their Philippine tour to "play friendship games, share the good news of the Lord, spread goodwill and make friends." "We still proceed here despite the travel warning given by the embassy in Manila to pursue our plans to share the good news of the Lord," said Greg Beacham, the team captain of the 10-member Australian sports ambassadors team. The embassy, according to Beacham, has a travel advisory cautioning its citizens to travel in some parts of Mindanao. It was Beacham's "great experience" in the island that dramatically convinced the other players to come and play friendship games and share the gospel. "It's important we do come. It's safe to come over," said Beacham on his third visit in the island. Australian Sports Ambassadors team captain Greg Beacham (center) explains the purpose of their visit to Davao City on Thursday's DSA Forum at the Tower Inn.Also shown are playing coach Jeff Long (left) and their Davao coordinator Pastor Gary Visitacion.DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION The Aussie sports ambassadors from Perth, Western Australia have played a series of friendship games in several towns in Bukidnon. In every game they played, the sports ambassadors held Bible studies at half-time, an interval between the two halves of the match that usually feature dance or song numbers or other side events, "to give time to know God, read the Bible and study God's words that would change our lives". "We have a wonderful stay in Bukidnon. We have experienced the Filipino hospitality in Bukidnon and here in Davao City," said Jeff Long, the team's playing coach, whose son, Kirk, is presently suiting up for Ateneo de Manila University’s seniors basketball team. In an unconditional gesture of generosity, the Aussie sports ambassadors visited hospitals and helped build a home for the orphans in Malaybalay City, the province’s capital. "We had a busy stay there. We played two games everyday and we mixed concretes for the orphans’ home," said Long, who was joined by Beacham, Hedley Taylor, Mike Valenti, Brad Potts, Giles Creelman, Danny Cook and Joshua Manthe in the team. The Aussies swept all 14 games in Bukidnon, including the 79-58 win against Northern Mindanao champion Bukidnon State University. "These basketball games make a difference in our lives," said Long. The Australian sports ambassadors will also play a series of friendship games in this city against collegiate teams, barangay squads and commercial teams that include the City Mayor's Office squad, according to Pastor Gary Visitacion of Ventures for Victory. "This is going to be tough but we look forward for the ministry side of our trip," said Visitacion. Visitacion said the objective of this visit "is to conduct some friendship games against local teams, learn the local culture of the Dabawenyos, establish camaraderie, and share the love of Jesus Christ to the people they meet during the games." "The last time this Aussie team was in the Philippines was three years ago. I will have the chance to work with 10 Aussies and play two games per day," he added. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

SPORTS: Davao region's best darters in 1st Fundador Cup

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Friday, 25 January 2008 07:31

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/24 Jan) -- The Davao Region's top class darters will slug it out for crown when the 1st Fundador Brandy Corporate Cup gets going on Saturday (Jan. 26) at the Red Pam Diner's Dart Station and Retro Village here. Games proper will start following the short opening ceremonies set at 4 p.m. A total of 16 teams will dispute for top honors and some P50,000 cash prizes in the tournament, which is expected to attract teams from nearby cities and provinces. With the entry of powerhouse teams from Tagum City, Panabo City and Digos City, Jecle Rosales, member of the working committee, sees a stiff competition for all the participating teams. "This is a big tournament and surely, this would be a tough battle for all the teams," said Rosales during the Davao Sportswriters Association Forum. The champion team will bring home P15,000 while the next three finishers will pocket P8,000, P5,000 and P3,000, respectively. The fifth to eighth placers will also get P1,000 each, according to Rosales. The tournament is jointly organized by Karaan Davao Darters Association, Inc., Madayaw na Agila Darts Club, Inc. and Dabawenyo Darts Club, Inc. and sponsored by Fundador Brandy. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

SPORTS: NBTC: more than just improving basketball skills

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Thursday, 24 January 2008 00:59

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/23 Jan) -- “They can be winners in life, not just in court.” Thus, Eric “Coach E” Altamirano, Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) program director, forecast the upshot of the 40 young players who made it to the NBTC-Mindanao after their stint in the multimillion three-year program that aimed to develop and prepare talents for future international competitions. Under the program, Altamirano said, the young players would develop values, leadership and integrity. “But the most important of all, this program would help them develop love of country,” said Altamirano, a former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) chief mentor. He added “aside from improving their skills, we are also preparing them for the life after basketball.” He pointed out that “basketball is not forever”. “This program doesn't just make you better players or win back the country’s pride in basketball. The values you get out of this program is more important,” Altamirano told the players and their parents during the launching of NBTC-Mindanao on Sunday at the Bistro Rosario. Patrick Gregorio, BAP-SBP executive director, said this program would not just develop good players but also good Filipino citizens. “The best has yet to come,” said Gregorio of the multimillion program that is bankrolled by Tao Corporation and backed by Nokia. Tao Corporation president Jun Sy recently pledged P80 million as support for the three-year program of SBP's NBTC and the RP national youth team. On Sunday, NBTC Davao territory head Manny Nitorreda presented the 40 young players who qualified to the 14-15 and 16-17 years old age groups after the tryout conducted last January 12 at the Ateneo de Davao University high school gym. Of the 40 qualifiers -- 22 in 14-15 years old division and 18 in 16-17 years old class -- only four are not from Davao City. Gregorio and Altamirano have appealed to the parents of the young players to support the enrollment of their child in the program. They said the support of the parents would be a “big help” to the success of the program. And, they obtained a positive response. “We will give our full support to our child and to NBTC because this is a good program,” said Nonoy Bonleon, the father of six-foot-one Mario Emmanuel Bonleon, 13, who was identified by Altamirano as “one of the bright prospects.” His wife, Gerlie, added: “It’s very important. Being an athlete, he needs our support.” The SBP's NBTC program aims to identify, prepare and develop outstanding young boys and girls aged 14 to 17 in the countryside and serve as training ground for the national youth teams that would compete in all tournaments sanctioned by FIBA, the international governing body of basketball. “We want to give opportunities for the young players with national aspirations to train in the areas close to their homes by some of the country's topnotch coaches,” said Altamirano. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

Notice to the public: From the 1987 RP Constitution

Article 2 'Declaration of Principles and State Policies' - SEC. 3.
"Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory".

Article 3 'Bill of Rights' - SEC. 1.
"No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws".

Lumads up against HEDCOR’s hydropower plant

Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur—Bagobo-Tagabawa lumads are opposing the ongoing construction of the Tudaya hydro power plant, the biggest investment of the Hydro Electric Development Corporation (HEDCOR) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

“HEDCOR is in clear violation of our rights as indigenous peoples who have the inherent rights to our ancestral lands. There was no genuine consultation nor was there any genuine consent from the Tagabawa lumads as claimed by HEDCOR. If they claim to hold any proof, it was deceptively taken,” said Roger Limukon, chairperson of the Sinubadan Lumad Bagobo Mekatanod (SILUBAME).

SILUBAME, a local lumad organization that was formally convened on January 3, 2008, is a united effort of the Tagabawa lumads in Tudaya, Brgy. Sibulan Sta. Cruz who strongly oppose the HEDCOR hydropower plant which started their full-blown implementation this year. It represents their united stand on the defense of their ancestral domain, including the sacred Tudaya falls where they launched their rituals and now where hydropower plant is currently being built. (Press release by PASAKA, Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao)

Fr. Paul Cunanan, 68

Fr. Russell A. Bantiles/Davao Catholic Herald Editor in Chief

Tuesday, 22 January 2008 11:01

DAVAO CITY (Davao Catholic Herald/21 January) -- “Death comes as a new birth to Eternity. Live and love, then – Heaven is now,” runs the last line of the poem that Fr. Paul DC Cunanan composed last New Year’s eve. On Saturday, January 19, at around 3 p.m., he faced what he called “a new birth to Eternity”, as he succumbed to massive cardiac arrest at the Mindanao Heart Center. He was 68. Until his death, Father Cunanan was the director-curator of the Archdiocesan Church Cultural Heritage Commission (ACCHC) and held the said agency located at San Pedro Cathedral Parish compound since 2004. Born on June 3, 1939 to Ildefonsa Donayre and Blas Cunanan, Fr. Paul, as he is fondly called by brother priests and friends, is the fourth of nine siblings, and an older brother of Dr. Gerardo Cunanan, Davao Medical Center's Chief of Hospital who passed away last November 27, 2007, also of cardiac arrest at the same center. One of the two “most senior” Davao clergy – the other one is Msgr. Edgar Rodriguez, presently the chaplain of Sto. Niño Shrine – Fr. Paul was ordained priest on May 1, 1966 and would have celebrated his 42nd anniversary this year. In his more than 40 years in the priesthood, Fr. Paul has been assigned either as vicar or as parish priest in a total of 9 parishes of the archdiocese, including the parishes of Sto. Rosario (Malita, 1966-67) and Immaculate Conception (Bansalan, 1967-68). He was the former parish priest of St. Jude Parish (1974-76) and San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (1978-83), during which term his pet project was the Comprehensive Resettlement Program (CRD) in Talomo area. In 1969, he founded Operation Build-Up (OBU), a movement which aims to develop Christian leadership and citizenship in the young people. It was an off-shoot of his 7-year stint as the director of the Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC) of Davao from 1967-1974. He was also the founder of 4L (Love Life Live Love) Mission Foundation, Inc., an advocacy that promotes family and life, community services and scholarship programs. Since 1977, Fr. Paul was the chaplain of the Sta. Ana Multipurpose Cooperative and likewise a member of the Board of Directors. His love for cooperatives must be undoubtedly deep for he founded the San Lorenzo Development Cooperative of Talomo in 1985. A Datu Bago awardee in 1990, Fr. Paul was also a national recipient of the San Lorenzo for Peace and Unity Awards in 1991. In 1998, he became a delegate of the Church to the City Government’s Peace & Order Council. He was also involved in the Philippine National Red Cross as board member since 1989. He was also involved in farmers and workers apostolate from 1967 to 1974 and a member of the Association of Voluntary Arbitrators in the Philippines for 10 years (1989-1999). A master’s degree holder in Oriental Religion and a licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila, Fr. Paul showed his passion for interreligious dialogue and ecumenism when he was appointed director of the Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical & Interreligious Dialogue (ACEID) from 1996-2000. On Friday, January 19, Fr. Paul went to the doctor for a check-up. Confined to be scheduled for a heart operation, he gave in after struggling with a cardiac arrest at around 3:00 PM. His remains lie at the Chapel of the Saints of San Pedro Cathedral, San Pedro St., Davao City. Requiem masses are offered daily from January 21 to 28, at 5:30 p.m. Friends and relatives may also participate in the novena prayers during the wake from January 20 to 28 at 8 p.m. Necrological Services are set on January 28 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be on January 29 at 2 p.m. at the San Pedro Cathedral. Interment follows at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Father Selga St., Davao City. A week before his death, in an interview for the “Know your shepherd” column of the Davao Catholic Herald, Fr. Paul quipped, “My heart plans my way, but my Lord directs my steps.” Truly, the Lord has directed the plans of Fr. Paul’s heart “to live and love” until he comes to what he calls “a new birth to Eternity.” (Davao Catholic Herald)

SPORTS: 'Sports for Peace' revival in PSC's P50-M grassroots sports budget

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

DAVAOCITY (MindaNews/26 Dec) – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has allotted P50 million of its 2008 annual budget to fund grassroots development programs that includes the revival of Mindanao’s “Sports for Peace” program. “With that grassroots sports budget, we will revive Mindanao’s Sports for Peace through the Mindanao Friendship Games (MFG),” said PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez. The national sports agency will have an increased budget for 2008 after Ramirez, the former Ateneo de Davao professor, successfully defended it in both chambers of Congress. "We have a lot of genuine grassroots sports programs but we can’t implement them due to lack of funds. These are what we explained during the budget hearing at the House and the Senate," he said in previous interview. The MFG, which had sent a strong message of peace in the region subsequent to its three staging, was scrapped in the calendar of the national sports agency in 2004 due to funding shortage. The multi-sports competition among the island’s local government units in Mindanao was launched in Tubod, Lanao del Norte in 2001, a year after the “all-out war” staged against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that sparked in the municipality of Kauswagan in the same province. It was then held in Cagayan de Oro City in 2002 and finally in Mati, Davao Oriental the following year. Aside from Mindanao’s sports for peace, the PSC will also revive the Philippine National Games and boost up the Palarong Pambansa, a multi-sports competition for elementary and high school students nationwide. Ramirez said the PSC intends to strengthen its grassroots development program in search for new talents for the national team in the future. The grassroots sports allocation will be used also to boost the Philippine Sports Institute, rehabilitation of the boxing gym and of the velodrome, among others, he said. In related development, Ramirez said they have allocated P30 million for the country’s participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

20 percent discount on senior citizens' kerosene, LPG, petroleum products sought

A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to grant 20 percent discount on gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products availed by qualified senior citizens.

Rep. Diosdado "Dato" M. Arroyo (1st District, Camarines Sur, Kampi) said House Bill 3183 will provide the elderly with adequate social assistance.

In filing the bill, Arroyo said the prices of these commodities nowadays are very volatile and are heavily dependent on international economic conditions.

"A fixed discount of 20 percent for senior citizens will undoubtedly be a welcome reprieve for them," Arroyo said.

This bill amends Republic Act No. 7432 dubbed as "An Act to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes," to include within its coverage gasoline, kerosene and other petroleum products.

"It is part of the mandate of the Constitution to prioritize the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children," Arroyo said.

"Expanding the terms of RA 7432 to cover these essential goods will be a step towards attaining our State's commitment of ensuring the security of our senior citizens," Arroyo added.

Arroyo urged for the immediate passage of the bill stressing the projected benefits that will result from the amendments. (House of Representatives Press release written by Michelle Sapnu of Public Relations and Information Department)

Group commemorates Mendiola Massacre and Edsa II, pushes Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (HB 3059)

Davao City – Anakpawis along with other progressive groups commemorated Mendiola massacre and Edsa II here today with a protest rally at the office of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) saying “ the lessons of Mendiola massacre and Edsa II will continue to haunt Gloria Arroyo’s bogus presidency.”

Anakpawis southern mindanao spokesperson Editha ‘Inday’ Duterte said “Gloria Arroyo’s assumption of presidency through EDSA II was an affront of the people’s trust and the Filipino farmers’ legitimate struggles for genuine land reform.”

Duterte lambasted Arroyo regime’s proposal to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for another ten years considering the program’s inutility to liberate the Filipino farmers from ancient landlord exploitation.

“While the like of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac owned by the Cojuanco’s remains untouched, the fact remains that 7 out of 10 farmers remain landless while CARP beneficiaries are being threatened of land confiscation,” Duterte added.

Duterte added Sumilao farmers’ unresolved claim of their 144 hectares ancestral land which manifests CARP’s bias for corporate interests and dereliction of the Filipino farmers’ welfare.

Anakpawis through the initiative of Congressman Crispin Beltran will push for the passage of the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill or House Bill 3059 as an alternative to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and to finally realize for our farmers the genuine ownership of their lands.

“The Filipino farmers’ legitimate claim for land ownership is achievable only with the creation of a genuine land reform which will extend in giving subsidies for farm capitalization and sustenance,” Duterte said.

“Our advocacies in the House of Congress as the Filipino people’s representative will remain in liberating the oppressed especially the farmers who have suffered enough from the brunt of feudal bondages and state fascism,” Duterte ended. (Press release by Anakpawis Southern Mindanao)

Farmers crticical of jathropa planting, Biofuels Act

As the debate over the Biofuels Act gets hyped in the Senate, the militant farmers group, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – Southern Mindanao Region, pitches-in its piece on the issue.

“Foreign-funded Jathropa plantations are encroaching on agricultural lands and it only adds to the existing laws and policies that cause food deprivation among the poor Filipinos like the 70% farmers and farm workers in the country,” Celso Pojas, KMP-SMR spokesperson said.

He said KMP received reports from their members that 300,000 hectares of land in Compostela Valley alone are targeted for jathropa planting.

According to Pojas, “Jathropa investment is one of the agri-business investments so defined in the development framework of the Arroyo government which is causing the economy a great loss, and less food on the table for the poor and landless.”

Pojas lambasted the Arroyo government saying biofuel production would only make the foreign and big local capitalists richer.

Pojas recounted the statement of Noble Peace Prize winner Dr. Martmut Michel and UP professor Teodoro Mendoza who categorically said that biofuel production is counter-productive to food production.

“Production of biofuel over what the Filipino people primarily need reflects the unbalanced, unplanned, anti-people and pro-capitalist development scheme of the Arroyo government,” Pojas stressed.

“This shows clearly why the Macapagal-Arroyo government has no real intention to distribute lands for the poor farmers and indigenous peoples. It wants to maintain ownership of vast tracks of lands up for grabs by foreign multinational companies in cahoots with the local landed elites,” Pojas concluded. (KILUSANG MAGBUBUKID NG PILIPINAS (KMP)

SPORTS: BAP-SBP launches basketball training center in Mindanao

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Monday, 21 January 2008 23:12

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/21 Jan) -- The Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) embarked on its Mindanao National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) here on Sunday night with high hopes that the program could bring back the glory days of basketball in the country. The nationwide multimillion project was earlier launched in Luzon with the National Capital Region (NCR) training center while the Visayas training center will be inaugurated on Tuesday. "This is not a one shot deal. This is a three-year program that would provide world class training, " said Patrick Gregorio, BAP-SBP Executive director during the launching at the Bistro Rosario function hall. Gregorio, who had said he knows by heart the need for an honest to goodness countryside grassroots program for the sport, sees a bright future ahead for the country's basketball. "This is a good program, " Gregorio repeatedly said of the multimillion three-year SBP's NBTC program during the gathering that was also attended by NBTC program director Eric "Coach E" Altamirano and BAP-SBP Regional director Regino "Boy" Cua. The SBP's NBTC program, which is bankrolled by TAO Corporation, aims to identify, prepare and develop outstanding young boys and girls 14 - 17 years of age in the countryside and serve as training ground for the national youth teams that would compete in all FIBA, the international governing body of the sport, sanctioned tournaments. "We want to give opportunities for the young players with national aspiration to train in the areas close to their homes by some of the country's top notch coaches, " said Altamirano. During the gathering, NBTC Davao territory head Atty. Manny Nitorreda presented the 40 young players who qualified to the 14-15 and 16-17 years old age group's after the try out conducted last January 12 at the Ateneo De Davao University High School Gym. Of the 40 qualifiers -- 22 in 14-15 years old division and 18 in 16-17 years old class -- only four or 10% are not from Davao City. They are Mark Regalado and Chuck Orbase (14-15) and Paul James De Mesa and Jonathan Tonggal, the tallest of them who stands six-foot-two and one half (16-17). They are all from General Santos City's Holy Trinity College. This city's qualifiers mostly came from Holy Child School of Davao with 12 aspirants led by bright prospect Mario Emmanuel Bonleon, 13, who stands six-foot-one. The rest are from the Ateneo De Davao University (6), University of Mindanao (5), Stella Maris Academy (2), Jose Maria College (2), Holy Cross of Davao College (2), Southern Philippine Polytechnic College (1) and Davao Jones Academy (1). Bonleon, who won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum in the cadet category (14 years old and below) of the recently concluded Gaisano South Cup, is the youngest of all the qualifiers. Bonleon who took part in the 16-17 class during the try out can either play in the 14-15 or in 16-17 age groups, according to Altamirano. Nitorreda also named the NBTC Mindanao coaches as Pochollo Elegino, Miguel Solitaria and Caloy Salvador of Ateneo De Davao University, Roderick Conda and Augusto Banzali of University of Mindanao, Ferdinand Pastor of Jose Maria College, Ruel Josol of the Duterte Agilas, former Philippine Basketball League (PBL) standout Wynsjohn Te and Fil-am Ace Aspiras who is from Digos City. Basketball Buhay ng Pinoy , the SBP's official newsletter, which was distributed to the media, players and parents during the launching, reported that Tao Corporation president Jun Sy, an avid fan of basketball, recently pledged P80-million as support for the 3-year program of SBP's NBTC and the RP national youth team. "TAO Corporation is excited to be part of a dream to make Philippine Basketball a source of pride. We believe in the leadership of Manny Pangilinan (BAP-SBP president)", Jun Sy was quoted as saying in the newsletter. (Rico Biliran/MindaNews)

SPORTS: PRISAA in Davao City opens Feb. 22, judo & football back

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Tuesday, 15 January 2008 02:08

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/14 Jan) – This year's edition of the Davao City Private School Athletic Association (DC-PRISAA) Meet will be held starting Feb. 22 with a total of 14 sport events and ushering in the reentry of judo and football. But advance games for basketball and volleyball will begin on Jan. 26, according to DC-PRISAA athletic manager Joaquin Sarabia. "We have decided to have advance games for basketball and volleyball because a lot of teams are competing in the two events," said Sarabia of the University of Mindanao. These games, he added, will be held every Saturday and Sunday until Feb. 9 and 10, a weekend before the opening ceremonies. Twelve of the 13 participating member schools are entered in the men's basketball led by defending champs University of Mindanao Wildcats. Half of this number will vie for title in the women's basketball. In volleyball, 11 teams will see action in the men's class and eight in the distaff side led by reigning titlist Holy Cross of Davao College volleybelles. Sarabia said football is back in the calendar of PRISAA activities after five years. "Football is now part of the regular event of the National PRISAA, that's why we will be having an elimination this year," said Sarabia. A total of four teams will vie for top honors in the revival of football in the DC-PRISAA with multi-titled University of Mindanao touted as heavy favorites. Expected to provide stiff competition for UM are Ateneo de Davao University, Agro Industrial Foundation College and Brokenshire College. DC-PRISAA officials are now screening the requirements of the team entries, most especially on the eligibility of the players. "There are few problems but we are optimistic that all of those will be OK before the competition starts, " he said. Winners in the city meet will represent Davao City in the Davao Region PRISAA Meet slated in second week of March. The National PRISAA Championships will be on April 7-13 in Zamboanga City. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

SPORTS: PATAFA says fewer track & field athetes now

PATAFA says fewer track & field athetes now

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Tuesday, 15 January 2008 02:05

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/14 Jan) -- The number of track and field athletes in Southern Mindanao is declining, according to Belen Kempis-Taala, regional chief of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA). "We have athletes but only few. The number is reducing," Taala, who was alarmed by the current dilemma the sport is facing, told MindaNews on Monday. Taala blamed the lack of competition and slow promotion that slightly hampered the grassroots development of the sport in the region. "When I visit schools, it's sad to learn that there are only a few students who engage or has an interest in playing the sport," Taala lamented. "If this will continue, we will have a problem," she added. Addressing the debacle, Taala said she is planning to conduct monthly competitions to provide tournaments and encourage the young ones to play the sport. "This is one way of promoting the sport," said Taala. In this city, the Davao City Private School Athletic Association (DC-PRISAA) and its regional competition, the Southern Mindanao PRISAA, are the only tournaments for the tertiary athletes. In the case of elementary and high school athletes, only the Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) and the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) offer tournaments for track and field. Both school-based competitions are held annually. There is no track and field competition in the calendar of Davao Association of Colleges and Schools (DACS), one of the multi-sport inter-school competitions in the region. Track stars in Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental are also competing in the Southern Mindanao PRISAA and DAVRAA that serve as selection basis for the region's delegation to the annual National PRISAA championships and Palarong Pambansa. Taala also called for the development of the Davao City National High School track oval so that local athletes would have a venue for training and for future competitions. "It's beautiful. It's a standard oval," said Taala of the DCNH oval. Davao Oriental has its own track oval inside the Mati Centennial Sports Complex in the City of Mati while Davao del Norte has one at the Capitol Sports Complex in Tagum City, the capital. Despite the problems track and field is facing the past several years, the Southern Mindanao PRISAA men's team ruled last year's National PRISAA Championships Athletics competition in Iloilo City, according to Joaquin Sarabia, SM-PRISAA athletic manager. Also last year, Anthony Nevza, a native of Davao del Sur, won gold medal in the 400-meter run during the Palarong Pambansa that was held in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

SPORTS: Fitness center to organize cage fest for healthy living

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Friday, 18 January 2008 00:12

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 Jan) -- Holiday Gym and Spa (HGS), among the leading fitness centers in Mindanao, is organizing a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in line with its campaign for healthy living. Dubbed as Holiday Basketball League (HBL), the tournament will kick off Feb. 16-17 at the Holiday Gym and Spa newly-built two 3-on-3 basketball courts. Ivy Fernandez, HGS chief operations officer, said the tournament is categorized into "three age categories" that includes 16-21, 22- 27 and 28 years old and above. "This is open to all Davaoeños," said Fernandez during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum on Thursday. She added they will send invitations to schools and companies because "we are also looking for young professionals to engage in the sport," the country’s most popular. Mechanics of the tournament is now being finalized, according to Cocoy Malbog, gym supervisor and tournament director. "We are now finalizing the mechanics of the tournament and definitely, we will be using the usual format of a 3-on3 competition," said Malbog, who joined Fernandez in the weekly sports forum. HGS owns and operates a fully integrated sports, fitness and spa complex, offering quality facilities and services -- a world-class gym, boxing gym, covered jogging track, badminton courts, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath, group exercise classes, body, foot massage and now basketball court. It encourages everybody to integrate healthy and physical activity into their every day life -- at home, at school, at work, at play. Fernandez said HGS is planning to put up branches in the cities of Zamboanga and General Santos. "We have already a spa in GenSan but we are looking for a much bigger place to build the fitness center," said Fernandez, adding that everything is set for the construction of the fitness center in Zamboanga City. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

"Consequences of Mindanao war have been very painful - and costly"

"Consequences of Mindanao war have been very painful - and costly"

Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society

Wednesday, 09 January 2008 23:00

MARAWI CITY (Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society/09 January) — It was early as 6:00 a.m. and some 20,000 people from all walks of life started to troop from the different towns of Lanao del Sur to Tomas Cabili Plaza in Barangay Banggolo, here. A number of them were transported by vehicles of different sizes; some crossed the Lanao Lake onboard water vessels; the rest were on foot. At 8:00 a.m. the city turned red with red streamers, placards, t-shirts and flaglets. Written on them was “Allahu Akbar!”, Arabic term for “God is Great.” It was Jan. 9, 2008, and the people in Lanao del Sur were having a march-rally. It was the second leg of the series of Mindanao-wide peace rally led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of 164 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Mindanao. The organizer of the rally in the region is the Ranaw Regional Management Committee of CBCS, led by Amenodin Cali. “The failure of peace agreements in the past can be attributed mainly to the non-participation of the Bangsamoro people, because non-participation means they do not own a peace agreement,” said Abdullah Dalidig of the Islamic Movement for Electoral Reform and Good Governance (IMERGG) and Muslim Multi-sectoral Movement for Peace and Development (MMMPD). “As real stakeholders, their collective voice should be basis of authority and the last word in the solution of the problem.” “The consequences of war in Mindanao have been very painful and costly. More than 150,000 people died and 100,000 were estimated to be injured. Millions were displaced from their homes and several hundred thousands, including more than 200,000 Bangsamoro who sought refuge in the Malaysian State of Sabah have not returned home,” Dalidig added. Anwar Saluwang, deputy secretary-general of United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), an organization of Muslim youths based in Cotabato City called for the immediate return to the negotiating table of both the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels. “We the Bangsamoro in Central Mindanao feel exactly what is felt by people in Ranaw. The Government should not wait for the Bangsamoro to becomes Bangsamoro Armed Forces,” he cited. Saluwang was there with the Marawi-based members of UNYPAD. The first leg of the peace rally was held in Cotabato City and participated by more than 30,000 sectoral representatives. Still, the call is addressed to both the Government and the MILF to immediately resolve the present gaps in the peace talks. “The Bangsamoro does not belong to the MILF or the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) but the MILF and the MNLF belong to the Bangsamoro,” said Sammy Maulana, secretary-general of CBCS, as he called for the dismissal of early misconceptions that the rally was “pro-MILF” and anti-government. A number of questions have been raised by the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that participated in the second leg of the rally regarding the present status of the peace talks, as written in their united statements. “Is it due to the lack of sincerity of both parties? Or shall we blame the MNLF, MILF and ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) who seem disunited? Or is it due to inadequate international involvement of the paid spoilers (alleged terrorists)? Or is the review of the GRP-MNLF-FPA, an obstacle to the GRP-MILF Peace process? Can there be a creative and yet acceptable process without violating the Philippine Constitution? What will happen in the event of the collapse of the MILF-GRP Peace Talks?” “There is no doubt that the failure of peace agreement will lead to violence, chaos and war. But the people are tired of war. It is anti-people and violates the very core values of all religions and civil society: love, peace, nonviolence,” the CSOs stated. (Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society)

SPORTS: 2 Mindanawon RP standouts to train abroad

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Wednesday, 09 January 2008 20:43

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/09 January) – Two Mindanawon members of the national baseball team are set to attend training camp abroad. Davao City ’s Edmer Del Socorro and Jonas Fonce of Zamboanga City will be joining training camp’s in Japan and Taiwan respectively. Del Socorro and Fonce were part of the Team Philippines that won gold medal during the 2005 Southeast Asian Games held in Manila and took silver medal in the recent 24th Seag in Thailand last December. Fonce, a center fielder, might end up playing for a professional team. He has been invited to join the try out of the Lanyo Bears in Taiwan , according to his teammate Ruel Batuto who is also from Davao City. Del Socorro, a product of University of Mindanao, will leave for Japan later this month in time for the February 1 -17 training camp of a Japan College Team. His trip is bankrolled by a Japanese citizen. "This training would be a big help for my personal evaluation of the game, "said the former UM star pitcher Del Socorro who gave Southern Mindanao several championships in the National PRISAA Meet before joining the national team. Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) Southern Mindanao chief Joaquin Sarabia said he is elated to learn the opportunity given to Del Socorroto to train in Japan . "We all know the baseball in Japan . It would help him understand more the game and boost his knowledge of the sport, of course, improve his skills," said Sarabia, who is also the UM sports coordinator and baseball team head coach. Del Socorro said he needs to go back to Manila hopefully next week to prepare his travel documents.(Rico Biliran/MindaNews)

SPORTS: Perez off to China for Beijing Olympics qualifying preparation

Rico Biliran/MindaNews

Friday, 04 January 2008 02:36

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/3 Jan) -- Davao City diving sensation Shiela Mae Perez will leave for China today to join her fellow Dabawenyo teammates in the Philippine national diving team for a six-week training in time for the World Cup slated February 19. Perez, who won a gold and a silver in the 24th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Thailand, will join Dabawenyos Zandro Domenios, Ryan Fabriga, Nino Carog and Jaime Asok who arrived in China two days ago. The China World Cup is a qualifying tournament for the August 2008 Beijing Olympics, with the top 36 making it to Olympics. The 22-year-old lass is optimistic that she would qualify to the summer games. But she was quick to add, with a laugh: “If I won't qualify, I will take a vacation here in Davao.” Perez had already showed her worth in the international scene. She made it to the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and winning three gold medals during the 2005 SEAG in Manila. Last month in Thailand, Perez, touted as Davao's wonder girl for her remarkable showing in the sport, won one gold medal. But she believes she won two. A native of Barangay Sasa, she convincingly won the gold in the 3-m springboard and settled for silver in the controversial 1-m springboard. “Wala tayong magagawa, e. Pero alam ng lahat na hindi ako natalo sa dive (referring to the 1-m springboard). Sa totoo lang, akin pa rin ang gold, sa judges ang silver,” she told sports journalist during the Davao Sportswriters Association Forum on Thursday. She ruled the two events in the 2005 SEAG that was held in Trace College Aquatics Center in Los Baños, Laguna. Perez has set her sight now on the upcoming qualifying rounds for the Beijing Olympics. Winning an Olympic gold is her long time dream. "It's historic when you get the Olympic gold, especially if it's for your country. I want to have the honor of giving it to the Philippines," she said in http://firstfilipina.blogspot.com. She appeared in the prestigious blog for being the First Filipina to win three gold medals in the 2005 SEAG. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)

SPORTS: Mindanawons banners RP in Thailand Seag

Mindanawons banners RP in Thailand Seag

Rico Jhone Biliran / MindaNews

Monday, 03 December 2007 10:16

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/02 December) -- After showing their worth in the previous Southeast Asian Games, Mindanawons will be at the forefront of Team Philippines’ bid to retain overall championship when the 24th edition of the biennial meet unfolds on December 6 – 16 in Thailand. Mindanawons led by Davao City’s diving sensation Shiela Mae Perez and South Cotabato’s Henry Dagmil contributed numerous gold medals when the Filipinos reigned supreme in the SEAG which the country hosted two years ago. Perez won three gold medals while Dagmil pocketed two, one coming from the hotly-contested long jump event which he ruled in record-breaking fashion. Perez and Dagmil will banner their respective events in the Bangkok SEAG where the Philippines will be sending more than 400 athletes for its title-retention bid. Though Perez and Dagmil are both recuperating from injuries, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez was optimistic they could still deliver the goods for the country. "She (Perez) has an injury, but she is set for Seag," said Ramirez who proudly told sports journalists here that the RP diving team is mostly composed of Dabawenyos. Joining Perez in the Dabawenyo-dominated diving team are Jaime Asok, Niño Carog and Zandro Domenios who also won gold medals during the 2005 RP Seag. Dagmil, who is still recuperating from a left hamstring injury he sustained in May during his training in Temekula, Southern California , will also be joined by several Mindanawons in the track squad, including Seag first-timer Jho-anne Banayag of Davao City. Cue artist Lee Van Corteza of Davao City is also expected to win a gold medal in the Thailand Seag. Batters Edmer Del Socorro and Ruel Batuto who played vital roles when the Philippines beat Thailand in the finals are still in the official roster of the RP baseball squad. The other Dabawenyos who will see action in Bangkok are Mary Anne Basas of billiards, Anna Celina Gonzales of swimming, Ruth Dugaduga of judo, Frazier and Norton Alamara and Mansueto Pelenio of water polo and Merlo Albano and Rachelle Delos Reyes of football and golfers Jhonnel Ababa and Jay Bayron. Ramirez acknowledged it would not be easy to defend the title in Thailand , although he remained confident the Filipino athletes are capable of doing it. “We will go there to win and defend the overall crown not by finishing second, “he said. Ramirez said the government is spending P100 million for the country's title-retention bid. "We will not spend P100 million to be second. As a leader, you don't want to fight to be second. You fight to win,” he added.