Agri-tourism and innovation center to rise in Abra

March 9, 2020 | 7:58 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture, together with the Abra provincial government, broke ground for an agri-tourism and innovation center in Tayum town last Saturday. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar and Governor Maria Jocelyn-Valera Bernos led the ceremony for the facility that will serve as an educational hub on modern agricultural technologies and practices for farmers and students. It is also intended as a research and production facility to boost production of the region’s major commodities such as rice, corn, coffee, cacao, cassava, mango, lowland vegetables, organic products, beef cattle, and carabao. “This is such an important project of the Abra Provincial Government and we will see to it that the Department of Agriculture will do its share in turning this important facility into a showcase of modern and industrializing agriculture,” Mr. Dar said during the event that coincided with the Kawayan (Bamboo) Festival and Farmers’ Day celebration. The Agriculture secretary committed P31 million for the construction of a bamboo research and processing center and P7.5 million for a satellite Agricultural Research and Development Station in the province. Meanwhile, the DA has also given over P300 million in assistance funds to the province’s 27 municipalities, farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural extension workers. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

COVID-19 regional updates: Lingayen disinfects schools, assisting in contact tracing for Covid-19+ visitor from Australia

March 9, 2020 | 7:57 pm

WITH CLASSES suspended on Monday in Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan, schools were sanitized as authorities continue tracing those who came into contact with a homecoming Filipino who tested positive for the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) upon returning to Australia. “With reference to the recent news of a kababayan from Australia who attended a wedding in Manila, a high school reunion and other activities in Pangasinan in mid-Feb and reported positive of COVID-19 on her return to Australia last March 2, coordination is being done with appropriate agencies for proper contact tracing,” Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil said in a statement. He also assured residents that the local government “has been continuously conducting measures” since the virus was first reported earlier this year. “In the market, municipal hall and other gatherings, we instituted thermal monitoring, hand cleansing and use of face masks, among others,” he said. Meanwhile, Pangasinan Governor Amado I. Espino III said they have already asked for police assistance to speed up the contact tracing. “Kasi nga madami (Because there are a lot),” he told the media on Monday, live-streamed on the province’s social media page. “We’re taking all precautionary measures to test everyone,” he said. Mr. Espino also clarified that the Filipino migrant, who arrived in the Philippines on Feb 22, may not have acquired the virus in the country as the arrival date is less than 14 days from the positive test result on March 3. The Pangasinan provincial board issued a resolution last Feb. 10 directing all local government units to suspend all public gatherings. Mr. Espino also ordered a ban on all province-organized activities and the use of public social facilities.

Iloilo City mayor to meet barangay leaders after 46 villages fail road clearing assessment

March 9, 2020 | 7:57 pm

ILOILO CITY Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is meeting village leaders this week after 46 areas failed in the assessment for compliance to the national government’s road clearing policy. The city has 180 barangays, of which 136 have been evaluated by the validation team composed of representatives from the police, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection. “While I do not want to impose administrative sanctions, but if there will be a recommendation from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) then I don’t have a choice but to do so,” Mr. Treñas said in an interview last week. “I was told that 25% of the rating was for the approved road ordinances and most of them have no approved ordinance,” he added. The meeting will include how the city government can assist the barangay leaders, who have been given until April 30 to comply with the directive’s provisions. “That is more than sufficient enough, that will give them sufficient time to comply,” the mayor said. The series of road clearing orders issued by the DILG involves removing obstructions on streets, sidewalks and other public spaces as well as a ban on tricycles along national highways. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Davis, LeBron lead Lakers in showdown over Clippers

March 9, 2020 | 7:57 pm

LOS ANGELES — Anthony Davis had 30 points and eight rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped the host Los Angeles Clippers’ six-game winning streak with a 112-103 victory on Sunday.

LeBron James added 28 points, nine assists and seven boards for the Lakers, who won their fourth straight and 11^th in 12 games. Avery Bradley scored a season-high 24 points, connecting on six 3-pointers. Kyle Kuzma finished with a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with eight points.

Paul George led the Clippers with 31 points and Kawhi Leonard had 27. Montrezl Harrell added 20 points for the Clippers, who lost for the first time to the Lakers in three contests this season.

The Lakers went up by as much as 12 midway through the fourth quarter before the Clippers pulled to within 107-100 after a foul shot by Marcus Morris with 1:35 remaining. James converted a pair of free throws 22 seconds later for a nine-point Lakers’ cushion and added a three-point play with 40.8 seconds left to seal it.

The Lakers took a 64-58 edge after Bradley’s 3-pointer with 6:45 left in the third quarter, but the Clippers came back with a 10-1 surge for 66-65 lead after a 3-pointer by George at 5:31. However, the Lakers seized an 85-81 lead heading into the fourth quarter. They never trailed again.

The Lakers led 27-25 after one quarter before the Clippers went up by as much as nine in the second. They used a 12-3 run for a 45-36 advantage after two free throws by Ivica Zubac with 5:15 remaining in the second quarter. However, the Lakers rallied and sliced the margin to 53-49 at the break.

Defense dictated for much of the first half. The Clippers managed just 38.8 percent shooting from the field to 37.2 percent for the Lakers. Both clubs made only 2 of 14 3-pointers (14.3%).

GIANNIS-LESS BUCKS DROP SECOND STRAIGHT IN LOSS TO SUNS
Devin Booker scored 20 of his team-high 36 points in a 47-point first quarter for Phoenix on Sunday as the host Suns took advantage of the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo to thump the Milwaukee Bucks 140-131.

The Bucks announced before the game that an MRI taken on Antetokounmpo’s left knee, injured in Friday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, showed no significant damage, but that the Most Valuable Player candidate would be held out of at least two games.

The Bucks (53-11) have lost two in a row for the first time this season and three of their past four. Milwaukee, which had gone 9-0 after its previous nine losses — winning by an average of 17.0 points — completes a three-game trip with a visit to Denver on Monday.

The absence was Antetokounmpo’s seventh of the season. Milwaukee fell to 5-2 in those games after winning their first five without last year’s MVP.

Booker, Aron Baynes and Ricky Rubio made 3-pointers on Phoenix’s first three shots, giving the Suns, who had lost four of their previous five games, a 9-0 lead just 1:42 into the game.

Phoenix never trailed, leading by as many as 25 points in the second quarter and 21 in the third. — Reuters

Cycling team Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army riding and winning as one

March 9, 2020 | 7:56 pm

INDIVIDUAL honors is good, but to win, even lose, as a team is better for the Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army in the just-concluded LBC Ronda Pilipinas.

“We don’t race for ourselves, we race as a team. While we toast individual feats and are proud of lap honors won, it is the collective effort that truly defined the maturity and worth of the Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army,” said team manager Eric Buhain, a bemedalled swimmer during his national team days turned multi-sports patron and enthusiasts.

The Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army placed third overall this year, two years after shocking the field with a second-place finish on its debut in 2018.

“Third place, that’s not bad at all. This year’s field is tougher than before, I’ve seen some really well-prepared teams and truly talented riders. For Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army to still hold its ground against such tall order is already proof that we’re still on it, and soon get that big victory,” said Mr. Buhain.

Pfc. Marvin Tapic made it to the Top 10 in the individual classification while teammate Jester Mendoza is next at No.11.

Mark Bordeos placed No.14 while Pfc. Cris Joven is in No.15 and Dominic Perez placed No.16.

During the 10-stage, 11 days cycling marathon, Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army pulled off a shocker when 27-year old Bordeos claimed Stage 1 in Sorsogon and even wore the “red jersey” of the leader twice.

“Even then, when we took the lap 1 honors, our riders remained focus to ride as a team. We kept our eyes on the road of the team championship, brotherhood at its finest,” said Mr. Buhain.

The team manager also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the members and officers of the Philippine Army led by LTC Dexter A. Macasaet, QMS (GSC) PA — Director SSC, IMCOM (P), MGen. Tyne T. Bañas, AFP — Cmdr, IMCOM (P), PA at Lt. Gen Gilbert I. Gapay AFP — CG, PA.

“Yung suporta nila at tulong sa ating mga riders ay tunay namang nagbigay lakas sa kanila para magpursige sa laban,” said Mr. Buhain.

He added that it’s back to the drawing board for Bicycology Shop-Philippine Army, assessment and preparation in order for a new assault in 2021.

“We will be better prepared than before, well-trained and more motivated. And our motto remains — we ride, or die trying, as one,” said Mr. Buhain.

Kaya plays PSM Makassar in Jakarta; match to be held behind closed doors

March 9, 2020 | 7:55 pm

JAKARTA, INDONESIA — A year after two fiery matches in the AFC Cup, the Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia’s PSM Makassar are set to meet again in back-to-back games in the Asian club competition. The teams will face off today, at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta, before meeting again in Manila on April 15. With only a point separating the two sides in Group H, and the memory of last year’s contests still fresh, both contests are expected to bring plenty of exciting action.

“PSM is one of the tough opponents in the group. We just played last year, and over two matches we didn’t win against them. We’re happy that we’re grouped together again, and this time we’ll try to get a win,” said Kaya head coach Oliver Colina.

After missing out on the majority of matches in 2019, Simone Rota has played the full 90 minutes in the last two outings and is expected to partner with Carlyle Mitchell in the heart of Kaya’s defense once again.

“It’s been two weeks that we’ve been preparing. We know they’re a strong team, and we know that every point is important for us to reach the next stage,” he said. “We played them last year, but this time we are a new side — new signings, new coaching staff, so I think we will do better this time.”

While the domestic league in the Philippines has yet to begin, PSM Makassar hse had a few more matches to get acquainted with its new Croatian coach Bojan Hodak. Including the qualifying round for the AFC Cup, the Indonesian side has managed four wins, one draw, and one defeat in 2020 so far. Although presumably sharper in terms of fitness, its busy schedule has not been without some setbacks.

“Maybe it’s not an advantage for them that their league hasn’t started, but they are fresh. For us, it’s our fourth match in 12 days,” said Mr. Hodak “We have a few players that can’t play. Our captain, Wiljan Pluim had a red card and is still suspended for this match. We have two or three players who are either injured or sick after our last match as well.”

“They’ve played two games and they have played really well. They had a draw away to Shan [United], and had a draw against Tampines [Rovers], so at the moment they are leading the table (Group H). It will be a tough match,” he added. “They don’t have many stars on their team, but they are a very hard-working team. We must give respect to them also.”

Among those fit to play for PSM is in-form Indonesian striker Ferdinand Sinaga, who boasts a tally of six goals in the 2020 AFC Cup so far.

“We watched a lot of their games, but it’s not just about individuals in football. We need to deal with the whole team. We’ve studied how the team plays, and we’ve studied the individuals as well,” said Mr. Colina. “We just found out today that he (Pluim) will not play. He’s a very good player and one that carries the team. We are very happy he’s out, but again this team has a lot of good players,” said Mr. Colina.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Tuesday’s match will be played behind closed doors, denying PSM’s passionate supporters the opportunity to act as the team’s 12th man.

“We know we are playing behind closed doors. Normally there is a big crowd, so right now we are just focusing on ourselves and we’re not really thinking of anything [outside of that],” said Mr. Rota. “In the past two weeks, we’ve really focused on our team. We’ve looked at some of their games, but really we’re focused on us, and what we need to do.”

Tuesday’s match will kick off at 4:30 p.m. (Philippine time), and will be aired live on FOX Sports 2, and One Sports PH’s TV Channel, Facebook Page, and YouTube.

DepEd revives, expands suspension on events, field trips

March 9, 2020 | 7:54 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has reactivated the ban on national and regional activities following the confirmation of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country. In a memorandum released Monday, the 5^th in a series of COVID-19-related directives, DepEd expanded the suspension order to all inter-school events in cities and towns with “at least one local transmission as confirmed by the DoH (Department of Health).” As of March 9, the cities of Taguig, San Juan, Marikina, and Quezon City in Metro Manila are covered by this provision. San Juan and several other local governments in the capital have already ordered a suspension of classes in both public and private schools. “All division and district activities in all other cities and municipalities are highly discouraged,” states DepEd Memorandum No. 34, s. 202 signed by Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones on March 9. All off-campus activities such as field trips are included in the ban. However, the ongoing National Schools Press Conference and the National Festival of Talents have been exempted and will be carried out as scheduled. Activities within a school “may proceed, provided that all personnel and learners exhibiting respiratory infections must not attend,” states the order.

Taraka taps P100M DBP loan for irrigation, water supply projects

March 9, 2020 | 7:54 pm

THE MUNICIPALITY of Taraka will be the first to avail of a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) under the Mindanao Water Program, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Emmanuel F. Piñol announced Monday. The P100-million loan, scheduled for signing on March 21, is “for the construction of six solar-powered irrigation systems and a potable water supply system,” Mr. Piñol said on his social media page. He said at least five other local government units “are now in the process of enrolling in the program.” The Mindanao Water Program, launched Dec. 6 last year, is a joint project of MinDa, DBP and the Department of Interior and Local Government. It is intended to bring safe drinking water supply to households and irrigation system to farms. “The program is based on LGU (local government unit) self-reliance and is designed to be economically viable through an Economic Enterprise Concept where fees are collected from the beneficiaries to pay off the loans,” The MinDA chair said. The irrigation systems in Taraka are expected to increase rice production in currently rain-fed farms. “With the solar-irrigation systems, farmers hope to plant twice a year at least and increase their yield from 3 metric tons once a year to 6 metric tons per harvest per hectare or 12 metric tons in one year.” Taraka, considered an important Maranao historical and cultural preservation area, has been chosen as showcase site for a MinDA-initiated agriculture-based poverty reduction program.

Lady Spikers go for second win in a row

March 9, 2020 | 7:54 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

HAD it solid in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 women’s volleyball debut at the weekend, the De La Salle Lady Spikers look to sustain their form as they go for their second win in a row in league action today.

To take on the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the scheduled 3:30 p.m. match at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Lady Spikers (1-0) try to build on their impressive four-set victory over defending champions Ateneo Lady Eagles last Saturday and further get early traction in the tournament.

Despite being mostly composed of rookies, La Salle was the steadier team in its game against rival Ateneo on its way to the 25-17, 17-25, 25-17, 25-15 win.

Veteran Tin Tiamzon led the way for the Taft-based Lady Spikers, notching a triple-double of 17 points, 13 digs and 12 receptions.

La Salle got off to a strong start in the opening frame versus Ateneo, anchored on its stifling defense.

The Lady Eagles, led by rookie Faith Nisperos, would regain their footing in the second set to level the count at one set apiece.

The reigning champions continued to dictate the tempo in the early goings of the third stanza until La Salle flipped the switch.

Fueled by a combination of precise execution and Ateneo’s poor defense, the Lady Spikers snatched a 2-1 set lead before sprinting to a 17-7 spread in the fourth courtesy of a Jolina Dela Cruz hit.

Ateneo tried to recover from it but just could not get the job done, eventually slumping to the defeat.

Dela Cruz was also steady for La Salle in the win with 13 markers while freshmen Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz made a splashing debut with 10 and nine points, respectively.

Following their victory, La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus said the win was a good way to start the season and gauge where they are while also underlining the need to continue working on their game.

“This was a crucial game for us as we got to see where our players are at. As expected there were jitters on the part of the players, especially the young ones, but credit to them as they were able to rise above it as the game progressed,” said Mr. De Jesus in Filipino as he reflected on their performance.

As a team, La Salle, composed of eight rookies, committed 33 errors.

Turning their attention to the Fighting Maroons (1-1), Mr. De Jesus said they are looking to do better this season versus State U, after going winless against the latter in Season 81.

“We did not win against them last year but I think we have a better chance against them this season because we have the personnel to do it. Good thing we won today (Saturday) so that the players are more inspired and confident against UP on Tuesday,” said Mr. De Jesus.

UP (1-1), for its part, is also gunning for a second straight win in today’s match after swinging to the win column last Saturday against the University of the East, 25-23, 25-20, 18-25, 25-17.

It was a bounce-back win for the Maroons after being dominated in their season debut by Ateneo in three sets.

Also playing today are the men’s teams of La Salle and UP at 2 p.m.

Road to T’boli town weavers, other tourism sites completed

March 9, 2020 | 7:53 pm

SEVERAL ROAD projects have been completed in the town of T’boli, including the Lang Dulay Road that leads to the site of its T’nalak weavers. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported last week that its South Cotabato 2^nd District Engineering Office has delivered the 2019 Convergence Road Projects, which also cover the concreting of Bacdulong Road towards the Lake Sebu circumferential road and the Poblacion-Lake Sebu Road leading to T’daan Kini. The convergence projects are in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Tourism. “With the completion of these road projects amounting to P120.59 million, we expect a boost in the growing economy and promotion of South Cotabato’s culture and ecotourism,” District Engineer District Engineer Hadji Khalil D. Sultan said in a statement. Other projects within T’boli have also been finished such as access to El Kini Hot Spring, Lake Holon, and Mt. Melibingoy.

Sports events hit by the coronavirus epidemic

March 9, 2020 | 7:53 pm

HERE is a partial list of international sports events hit by the coronavirus outbreak:

OLYMPICS

* Crowds will be smaller and receptions have been scrapped at the Tokyo 2020 torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia, Greece next week. The dress rehearsal the day before will be held without spectators.

The International Olympic Committee gave further unequivocal backing to this year’s Games in July and August, urging athletes to prepare “full steam” despite the coronavirus threat.

ATHLETICS

* The World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled for Nanjing from March 13–15, were postponed until next year. World Athletics is working with organizers on a date to host the biennial event in 2021.

* The Paris marathon has been postponed from April 5 to Oct. 18 due to the virus outbreak in France.

* The Barcelona marathon scheduled for March 15 has been postponed until Oct. 25.

* The Marathon des Sables ultramarathon, scheduled for April 3–13, has been postponed to Sept. 18–28.

ICE HOCKEY

* The Women’s World Ice Hockey Championships, scheduled for Canada from March 31 to April 10, have been cancelled.

SOCCER

* Italy has ordered all major sporting events, including top-flight Serie A soccer games, to be played without fans for a month in a bid to curb Europe’s worst outbreak of the virus.

* Ten Serie A matches have been postponed as well as two Coppa Italia semi-final ties (Juventus vs. AC Milan and Napoli vs. Inter Milan).

* The President of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, has refused to rule out the suspension of Serie A soccer if a player tests positive for the coronavirus.

* The Serie A match between Parma and SPAL on March 8 was delayed before kick-off for 35 minutes after Italy’s Minister for Sport called for the league to be suspended during the outbreak.

* Players in England’s Premier League will forgo traditional pre-match handshakes between opponents as a measure to prevent the further spread of the virus, the league said.

* Players from Danish Super League clubs Brondby and Lyngby are in isolation after they met and hugged former Denmark international Thomas Kahlenberg, who has since tested positive for the virus.

* The Swiss soccer league has been put on hold until at least March 23 after the clubs rejected the possibility of playing matches without spectators attending.

* Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG were postponed.

The quarterfinals will be moved to September while the semifinals have been moved to Oct. 14–15 and 28–29. The final dates (Nov. 22 and Nov. 28) remain unchanged. — Reuters

Nationwide round-up

March 9, 2020 | 7:53 pm

Anti-graft court rules to proceed with Arroyo trial over helicopter deal

THE ANTI-GRAFT court denied for lack of merit the bid of former first gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo and his co-accused for a demurrer to evidence in connection with a helicopter purchase deal with the police in 2009. The prosecution alleges that the accused sold second-hand helicopters as brand new to the Philippine National Police (PNP). “Where there thus appears sufficiency of evidence preliminarily weighed at this instance, it is only for the accused to present their defense for a proper appreciation of the charges. The most cost-effective and expeditious way to do this is to proceed to trial, unabated by any other motions,” the Sandiganbayan said in its minutes of the proceedings held on January 30. A demurrer to evidence is filed by the accused for an outright dismissal of the case based on supposed insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution. “This Court has already ruled…that there is sufficient evidence to establish the crimes charged. The appreciation of evidence has to be done on a wholistic perspective in consideration of the facts and evidence presented,” Sandiganbayan said. Aside from Mr. Arroyo, the others accused are Jesus A. Versoza, Romeo C. Hilomen, Roman E. Loreto, Avensuel G. Dy, Claudio D.S. Caspar Jr., Ronald D. Roderos, Ruben S. Gongona, Ma. Linda A. Padojinog, Leocadio Salva C. Santiago Jr., Erminalndo O. Villafuerte, and Job Nilan D. Antionio. — Genshen L. Espedido