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Mayor RDI – Sole representative for the Philippines joins UNESCO’s SeaBRnet Meeting in Thailand

admin — Tue, 22 May 2018 02:51:33 +0000

Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan is participating the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (SeaBRnet) meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand this May 22 till May 26 as the sole representative of the Philippines. Just at the end of 2016, Puerto Galera, the oldest, and one out of only three UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves (MAB) in the Country, was about to be de-listed as such. Puerto Galera would have not only made history as the very first MAB in the Philippines, but also as the very first MAB ever in the History of the UNESCO MAB program who would have been de-listed. The mission was set, safe Puerto Galera’s status as MAB. A technical working group (TWG) was build to prevent this, potential devastating lost of reputation within the international community. The head of the Municipal Environmental and Resources Office (MENRO), Madam Jhoane Yap had a, almost unsolvable problem on hand as one of her first tasks leading the MENRO office. Working relentlessly with her team and the TWG to get Puerto Galera back on UNESCO’s Map was mandatory. How important the MAB listing really is, isn’t really understood by most folks in our town. It seamed that a small french private club (Most Beautiful Bay Club) had a higher standing in our town then a UNESCO listing for the former administration of Puerto Galera. Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. MAB combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 669 sites in 120 countries all over the world, including 20 trans-boundary sites. Puerto Galera became the first MAB in the Philippines in 1976 and still the only MAB Reserve who is only a town. Usually, MAB’s are bigger, whole islands, provinces at least, but Puerto Galera is very unique. Former administrations of Galera missed to comply with any of UNESCO’s requirements, missed even to submit their yearly MAB management reports. In fact, reports have never been filed since the very beginning in the seventies, even worse – there was never a MAB Management board founded in Puerto Galera to begin with. The UNESCO had no other chance but to inform the new administration under the young Mayor of Puerto Galera, that PG would be de-listed and no longer recognized as part of the MAB program. Having had less than 6 months till the next annual UNESCO – MAB conference, it seamed all but impossible to avoid it. After countless hours of hard work, a two day seminar with the UNESCO people, the administration, the technical working group in PG and the effort of MENRO and the Mayors Office, the de-listing could not only be avoided, but Puerto Galeras status as the only Town Man and Biosphere Reserve in the world could be even renewed. Lucky Puerto Galera, having such leaders who actually really mean to preserve the environment. Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan promised during his campaigning to focus on basic needs of the people of Puerto Galera, to preserve and keep our beautiful Municipality and their nature wonders safe, even rehabilitate formerly done mistakes. Something to celebrate!

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Mayor RDI is fulfilling his Campaign promise for Balatero

admin — Thu, 10 May 2018 04:17:59 +0000

For decades, the people of 65 Households in sitio Kalayaan, Barangay Balatero, needed to walk daily a muddy rough-road. Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan promised during his campaign to make sure that there will be a proper road built. On May 7, 2018 – this promise will be fulfilled. RDI was able to find the funds. Ten Mio Peso, given to him by the Department of Budget and Management will be used to build the, little over 2 kilometer and five meter wide, Kalayaan road. The Construction is on full force and, unlike the miserable managed road to Sabang project, under the supervision of the Municipal Government. Mayor Ilagan told the Puerto Galera Fortnightly Journal: “I gave the people there the promise to build them a proper road, and i am very happy that we can start now to fulfill that promise”. Barangay Chairman Willy Candava told us on the Phone that 65 households are directed affected by the road project and that people there are very happy. Mayor RDI will personally make sure that there will be no delays during the construction and that the road will be finished on time. “the Money has been downloaded to the Municipal Account, and there will be no delay. The Kalayaan road is only one of many ongoing projects from us, we are still confident that we can hold up our target to drastically improve the basic need situation of the people of Puerto Galera. The infrastructure is a mess, one can only wonder what the former administrations actually have done”. Kalayaan is also within the flood prone areas in Puerto Galera. There are massive flood control projects upcoming in the future, several hundreds of millions of peso will be needed to get the town secured during massive rains.

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DENR Demolition Orders In PG – New Developments

admin — Mon, 07 May 2018 11:02:42 +0000

Business People in Puerto Galera are very concerned with the recent wave of Demolition Orders, served by DENR recently for violation of building structures within the easement zone, which is 3 meter in rural areas like Sabang, and 20 meter in not rural sites like Barangay Sto. Nino. Thirteen establishments has been served with such orders in Barangay Sabang 2 weeks ago, giving them 30 days time to comply. Luckily, Puerto Galera is not threatened with full closure like Boracay Island as the new Administration of PG under the leadership of Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan started immediately after the last election to address the environmental issues of his town. Being born and raised in Sabang Beach, he knew all too good about the intolerable environmental situation there. Two decades ago, Mayor Teo Atienza had already plans on his table to build a Sewerage Water Treatment system, so had his successor Mayor Hubbert A. Dolor, unfortunately, non of the former Mayor was able to make it happen. The environmental abuse continued without any considerable action from the LGU. That all changed under Mayor RDI, one of the first things the new administration has done was to identify the problems and to find solutions. One of the most pressing issues where the coli-form infestation within the waters of Puerto Galera. “What we need is a solution, and the only way we can resolve it is a proper SWT” so RDI. Money, Know How and the political will was needed, and it was needed fast. Not knowing, that the – back then also new – administration under President Duterte would be so rigorous and strict with implementing rules and regulations to assure the environmental sustainability of our tourism spots within the country, the Municipal Mayors Office ordered to call in a technical working group and, to start immediately to resolve that problem. Plans have been made, experts have been called in and countless working hours later, the solution was on the table. Mayor RDI went out -like so many times for so many problems- to get the necessary funding’s from the national government, with success. The plans for the SWT for Sabang Beach impressed, the Mayor got his 100 Mio peso to make it happen. What has that all got to do with the above mentioned demolition orders? Quite a lot! The only way to get the SWT done is to build it close to the pier in Sabang, and to hide the pipes underneath a new to build Boardwalk along the shore in Sabang. In order to do so, the LGU need to reclaim about 5 meter into the Ocean. This 5 additional meters might just save the affected Businesses, and it just might be the solution to prevent the demolition from happening. Mayor Ilagan went to Manila today, May 7, 2018 to discuss that possible scenario with the Regional Director DENR-EMB MIMAROPA Engr. Maria Socorro A. Abu and Assistant Regional Director DENR MIMAROPA Tuddao. Both are seeing the Mayors point, but ask RDI to hand in a request letter so the DENR and the multi agency task team can reconsider. “We will discuss that possibility with the affected stakeholder as soon as i am back in Puerto Galera. It makes no sense to measure the distances for the easement zone, when the easement zone will actually move further away from the buildings because of the SWT and boardwalk construction in Sabang. They (DENR) see our point, and i have a very good feeling that we might get the demolition orders lifted. Fingers crossed.” so Mayor Ilagan to Fortnightly earlier today. You are a Rockstar RDI.

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Mayor RDI – “Puerto Galera’s Power Problems Will End By May 15!”

admin — Mon, 07 May 2018 04:48:30 +0000

After months of struggling with their Power Situation, the Municipality of Puerto Galera will be back on the Grid. Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan visited the Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Fuentebella on Monday, May 7, 2018 at the National Electrical Administration (NEA). Undersecretary Fuentebella and Mayor RDI discussed the power situation of Puerto Galera with NPC and the Mindoro Grid Corporation. “I am very pleased to let the good People of Puerto Galera know that our town will definitively be back on the Grid by May 15, 2018. The bad Power situation and the fluctuation of the electricity will have an end. NAPACOR will turn over the 69kv distribution line to ORMECO on D-Day; May 15, whether the Rehabilitation is complete or not. The Line can be electrified even NAPACOR still struggle with some landlords over right of way issues” so Mayor RDI to the Fortnightly Journal this morning. Puerto Galeras Power Crisis started in 2017. The national government made a 338 million peso budget available to renew the 69kv transmission line from NAPACOR with the help of Congressman Ray Umali. The following total shot down caused from the first minute already problems. Hundreds of appliances of the People and businesses in Puerto Galera broke, causing millions of pesos in damages. The company Mindoro Grid Corporation, founded to provide electricity for PG stated more than one time that the fluctuations are not caused by their 6MW Generator station, who was set up by AGGEKO. The blaming game started. Nobody wanted to be responsible. The Local Government Unit under the leadership of Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan invited all parties several times to give updates to the people of PG, nothing changed. During the last public consultation on May 3, 2018 at the Gymnasium of the Municipal, no news could be provided on how to solve the massive power fluctuations other than to reconnect the town back to the grid of ORMECO/NAPACOR. They attending parties even refused to give a clear yes or no on whether or not the Town will be reconnected to the 69kv transmission line in time. Mayor RDI had enough and went to Manila to discuss the problem with the National Power Authorities. He will arrive at his town with good news, the struggle is finally over.

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Finally – Puerto Galera Builds the Muelle Heritage Project

admin — Sat, 05 May 2018 03:04:19 +0000

The Administration under Mayor RDI launched the massive Muelle Heritage Rehabilitation Project. The Notice to Proceed has been issued to the Contractor two weeks ago. A big day for our town, a sad day for the residing vendors as they where given the Notice to Vacate on April 17, giving them one month to pack up their belongings. A new Muelle Pier Area was planned already many years ago but never materialized. The plan reportedly was to build a mixed commercial/residential building at the Pier. The proposed development of the area created since the very early stage anger and fear among the Vendors residing at Muelle Pier, running restaurants, convenient store’s and souvenir stalls, fearing for their livelihood, the resistance was and is high. The Honorable Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan had a complete different approach. Learning, that Puerto Galera was about to be delisted as Man And Biosphere Reserve of the United Nation (MAB), the Mayor and his Team pledged to focus on basics and the environmental protection/rehabilitation during his first term. With that in mind, he founded a Technical Working Group, to come up with ideas and concrete plans to rehabilitate Muelle Pier. The Group came up with the Idea to transform Muelle Pier into a cultural Heritage Site, including the rich history of Puerto Galera in their design, and honor our Man and Biosphere Reserve Membership. Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Program that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. MAB combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently counts 669 sites in 120 countries all over the world, including 20 transboundary sites. Puerto Galera was the first MAB reserve in the Philippines and is still the only Town worldwide who is listed as such. Now-days, the Philippines have still only three MAB listings. As the new plans now comply with the rules of TIEZA, the national Government was able to fund the first stage of the project. 60 Mio Pesos was granted to the People of Puerto Galera to rehabilitate their historic bay area, and make it a prime tourism spot in Town. Parks, paddle boat stations, a Museum, a 1:1 Copy of an old Spaniard Galleon – serving as conference center and extension of the Historic Museum – will be build, together with a Grand Stand, who will be able to give around 500 people space for events, offering bars and restaurants in the basement and, finally, got public comfort-rooms. A boardwalk, with proper lights and places to sit will roundup the picture. “It will take approximately one year to complete phase one” so Mayor RDI to the Fortnightly Journal, “after almost two years of hard work and preparations we moving on and finally doing it now. Phase one will include the reclaiming, boardwalks, the Galleon, Grand Stand, the Terminal and the Landscaping. The Museum, the Lighthouses and the boardwalk at the Badlaz site will be realized in Phase two. We are preparing the plans and details for funding as we speak.” The overwhelming Majority of the People in Puerto Galera is looking forward to see the project finally on his way. The Technical Working Group included: -Principal Architect Mc Niel A. Ceniza -MENRO Joan Margarette A. Yap -Arch. Maan Shane Pausanos -Arch. Jenny Cepillo -Engr. Geraldin Bacay -Kees Koornstra -Dr.Mario Lutz The associated people from TIEZA’s Architectural & Engineering Department where: -Engr. Amelita Caganda -Arch. Arthur Anonueva SITE PLAN A SITE PLAN B SITE PLAN C SITE PLAN D

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Water shortage in Puerto Galera

admin — Tue, 01 May 2018 08:15:08 +0000

Starting on May 1, 2018 – the Municipality of Puerto Galera is starting to rationate the water in two Barangays so the Mayor’s Office in an Public Advisory posting on their Facebook Page today. The water reservoir contain only a 30% level today and therefore the water need to be carful distributed. Affected will be Barangay Sinandigan, who will have scheduled water from 6pm to 6am, and Sitiu Aguada, Barangay Poblacion who is scheduled water on from 6am to 6pm.

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Jonvic D. Velasquez – the Young Pride of Puerto Galera

admin — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 09:04:45 +0000

Jonvic, student of the Puerto Galera’s National Highschool’s Grade 9 – started sailing 4 years ago at the PG Yachtclub. A Program, initiated by Peter Stevens and others in our Town’s very own Yachtclub as one of their social responsibility programs, and to motivate a big number of children, starting at the age of 9 years. At this time, 40 young children found a place to be on their weekends and are taught in how to sail small Dinghies. Peter Stevens of the Puerto Galera Yachtclub told the Fortnightly in an interview, the program was started to give somethings back to the people of Puerto Galera, and to give kids from our town a chance to learn somethings, who might lead into a carrier and get them of the streets. Ever since Jonvic was a child, he followed the call of the oceans, wanted to become a sailor one day. To enter the PGYC’s very own “small boat program” was the beginning of, what has become more than a hobby. It leaded Jonvic straight into the Philippine National Team for Sailing and made this little man already a celebrity among sailors, and not only in the Philippines that is. His success came through talent & hard work. The little sailor trained every Saturday and Sunday under the supervision of his coach Jayson Bagot, from Barangay Poblacion – who teaches the children voluntarily and free of charge and became a champion. His Parents, Jeanelyn & Leopold Velasquez supported little John all the way, the shy parents are sure very proud of their son. Jonvic won the Singapore national Sailing championship, a competition open to international participants. He swept the board in Singapore, with Gold in the Optimist Dinghy Silver Fleet. Jonvic scored an amazing 15 points from 11 races, with seven 1sts. two 2nds and one 3rd. The opposition was miles behind with 60 and 103 points respectively in 2nd and 3rd. The first 10 races were in a fleet of 89 boats. The final ‘Medal’ race was for the top 15 competitors. Jonvic won that too and qualified himself for the Macao Championships where he came in as the Silver-medal Winner. The Macau International Dinghy Regatta is considered the little world-championship among sailors. The Expenses for Jonvic’s travels to Singapore and to Macao was sponsored by the PSA (Philippine Sailing Association) – Jonvic has a scholarship from Flemig & Ann Remmer, the employer of his parent. Puerto Galera is proud of you – little Jon!

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Water problem solved in 6 months, says Mayor RDI

admin — Tue, 16 May 2017 03:02:26 +0000

Finally, finally, at long last, the long-awaited, much-anticipated water rehabilitation project is underway. This following the approval of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mayor Rockey Ilagan’s water system rehabilitation and improvement projects estimated to cost more than 70 million pesos in total. The Mayor promised that the water crisis now running nearly one decade will be over and done with once the water project has been completed. “I promised them that I will solve this and that is what I am doing. Give me 4 to 6 months and they will see a much better water services”, says the Mayor who is now on his 10 th month in office. The project will greatly improve the water supply of Sabang, Sinandigan, Palangan, San Antonio, Poblacion, Sto.Nino, Balatero, San Isidro and some parts of Tabinay. Municipal Engineer designate, Engr. Rodel Rubio confirmed that the rehabilitation and construction of the new water system covering 9 barangays is underway and that the target date of completion is within 6 months or less. Two new 6-inch diameter pipes will be laid out from the spring source to the main intake tank in Baclayan. From the Baclayan reservoir, a new pipeline costing 10.3 million pesos will be laid out to fill up the new Sinandigan tank which will service the Sabang-Sinandigan area. Residents of White Beach, Aninuan and Minolo is now experiencing greatly improved water services after the completion of a more than 4 million pesos rehabilitation project. More funds are expected to be infused to finish the San Isidro-Aninuan area. To improve the water distribution lines in the barangays, funds were allocated as follows: San Antonio, 1 million pesos; Poblacion, Sabang, San Isidro, Sto. Nino, Balatero and Sinandigan got 2 million pesos each. Another 3.9 million pesos will be spent for the improvement of water services in Balatero and Sto. Nino. Phesi, the proponent of the ongoing multi-billion peso wind farm project, will be donating more than 23 million pesos for the purchasing and relocation of pipes and a brand new modern water filtration system to be installed at the source. This is part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program. Phesi said that once completed the water coming out of the taps will be clean and potable unlike what is existing now, which many observe, might not be safe for drinking. Meanwhile, Judge Antonio Leynes granted the petition of the municipal government for the repair and relocation of pipes within the property of Mulawin Investment, which filed a civil case against the former administration. This following a motion from Mulawin interposing no objection and consenting to the water project of Mayor Ilagan. A reliable source said that the 180 degrees change in attitude of Mulawin is because of the “friendly” relationship of Mayor Ilagan with Mr. Augusto “Kiddo” Kalaw. Mr. Kalaw, representing Mulawin Investement vociferously opposed the agreement entered into by former Mayor Hubbert Dolor with the so-called Consortium, a private corporation, which were supposed to take a leading role in the water system rehabilitation and construction project for the entire municipality. “Finding the Urgent Motion (To Allow the Repair and Relocation of Water Pipes) filed by the defendant (municipal government), through counsel, to be well-taken and without objection on the part of the plaintiff (Mulawin Investment), same is hereby granted”, stated Judge Leynes in his decision.

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Why We Need Lifeguards In Galera

admin — Sun, 07 May 2017 03:10:34 +0000

PUERTO GALERA — Do you think public beaches along our town should have lifeguards? In Puerto Galera, saving lives needs to become a community effort following a rash of drownings at White Beach and Bulabud in 2017. One of the teens, drowned after being caught in a rip current in 2016, another one nearly drowned after a accident caused by an Jetski. In Bulabud, a 5 year old girl drowned last long holy-week end. One elderly man drowned the same weekend after suffering a heart attack while swimming. Following those peoples death, the Administration need to be pushed to make Puerto Galera’s beaches, safer for its residents and visitors. Each summer, and each long weekend, the White Beach swells with visitors, local and foreign. How many more bodies do we need to see before someone is doing somethings about it? Why are there no signs, warning about dangerous rip currents? Why are there no towers with lifeguard’s watching over swimmers, snorkelers and water-sport enthusiasts? When asked if lifeguards would help prevent drownings at our beaches, one can only reply: An evolution of our beaches that we’ve seen over the last 10 years is something of a denial that rip currents even exist around here. … Tradition is not wisdom. There is a tradition in our town of not providing lifeguards, but that doesn’t mean it’s the smart thing to do. What Does a Lifeguard Do? A lifeguard, whether it’s on the ocean, inland, or at a swimming pool, is the person in charge of the safety of everyone near or nearby. This can mean a lot of things: save drowning victims, provide first aid, protect the environment, enforce all laws, or just provide directions. To accomplish this, lifeguards need to have a lot of skills at their disposal. They, of course, need to be very accomplished swimmers. This means being physically fit, regularly exercise, and comfortable in the water. They often need to face difficult swimming environments such as the ocean, which has cold temperatures, strong currents, waves, and animal life. They also need a lot of education in medical and practical matters. As they are often the first responders, they need a good amount of EMS training. This can mean the very well known CPR, but it also means other skills such as tending to a wound or burn. Whatever the emergency, a dashing lifeguard will often be the first one to face it. For other emergencies such as a fire or a disabled boat, they have to know how to address and respond to the situation. Assistance in these areas not only saves lives, but also protects the environment. This can also mean specialized knowledge depending upon the area where they work, such as areas of high surfing activity versus boating activity. Once they have all of these internal skills, they need equipment to help them best serve the public. The most basic and one of the most useful pieces of equipment is a watchtower. This can be a large structure with large binoculars or it can be as a simple as a very tall chair. Whatever the form, a watchtower is there to help survey the waters and quickly observe any accidents. Once an accident does occur they need specialized equipment to help them take action. For small pools, this is often a large buoy to help drowning victims stay afloat and stay calm. These are great pieces of equipment since they are easy to carry, light, and save lives. Boats for the ocean, may be a part of the equipment necessary to keep lives safe. Depending upon their area, there may also be specialized equipment for boaters or surfers. Regardless of the form, there will always be some equipment available as a rescue attempt will only be performed as a last resort with no equipment. Finally, to maintain the shore of the ocean, a lifeguard will use an assortment of flags and other communication equipment to keep swimmers and boaters aware of potential dangers. I think it is time, that we make sure our peeps and visitors are safe, while enjoying the beauty of Galera. Our town need to focus more on safety for our own sake.

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Marco Heft – The Interview after Rambulan

admin — Fri, 05 May 2017 05:31:48 +0000

The Underground Battle MMA “Rambulan sa Galera” on April 28 & 29, 2017 was a big success. We had two local fighters joining the, from UGB MMA Philippines and the Municipal of Puerto Galera organized Event. Dale Cataquiz from Balatero, and Marco Heft, a german, living and working in Sabang. Dale lost his first MMA fight, Marco could not start. In the evening before the fight-night, Marco’s Coach Matt Sornberger, aka “Shark” posted some strange, some would say rude post’s on his FB wall about Marco. The posts gave the public, who followed both, the fighter and the coach the impressions that Matt was angry at Marco. Calling him a looser, among others, lead many people to assumptions that Marco Heft bailed on his coach and everyone who supported him. We, at Fortnightly also believed that Marco was greatly affected by coach sharks Social Media Attacks – and backed out. The very next morning, after the incident , Matt Sornberger stated on his social network wall that he was sorry, he also said in a online chat with me that he is in the clear with his fighter. He apologized to Marco and supported Marcos choice to have a different corner. No bad feelings – so “Shark”. But Marco was not fighting, the organizers told the crowd he can’t start during back spasm problems and had to withdraw. So what really happened then? Marco reached out to PG Fortnightly after he found out about the rumors about him and wrote a message to PG Fortnightly, saying that he was in bad luck, also stating that he is at the hospital in Manila for treatment and further check ups. He like to apologize to everyone and offered an online interview to set things strait. “I did not bailed out because of my Coach. I had been in pain for 4 weeks, following an back injury. I tried everything to be able to fight! It was and is my dream to fight. I trained so hard for this event, gave everything I have to make it happen. But the morning of the Fight Day, the pain was unbearable, I even passed out twice, so I got no choice other than withdraw from the fight. I am really sorry. Doc Arroyo in Sabang, and Jeff Spapperi, the chiropractor in Sabang took care of my injury. I had two cortisone injections and was on Ibuprofen the whole time to be able to train and fight. At the morning of the fight-night, around 5 – 5.30am, everything came together. I can neither sit, nor lay down – I am in so much pain right now.” Heft stated in his message. PBFortnightly: Where are you right now? Heft: “I am in Manila, running tests and for treatment.” PBFortnightly: Are you having treatment right now? Heft: “Yes, the Doctors need to make a MRI to see how bad the damage of my disc in my back really is. Worst case scenario would be a surgery.” PBFortnightly: How long will it take and how serious is your injury? Heft: “ We dont know yet. We need to discuss that with the medical team after they done the MRI. I hope I can continue fighting. It’s my life, I don’t know what to do if thats the end of it.” PBFortnightly: Was your Coach’s comments part of the problem? Heft: “ I dont want to comment on this matter at all. I could not fight because of my injury, nothing to do with the coach. Everyone who knows me know how hard I have trained for this fight, I would never bail out just because of some comments someone would make. I am professional enough to have that not affecting me.” PBFortnightly: is there somethings you want your fans and supporters to know? Heft: “ Yes. I am very thankful for everyone who supported me. That is very important to me. I am very sad at this moment, it feels like I let everyone down. I understand if they are disappointed but I could not fight. There was no way.” PBFortnightly: when did you first heard that you have a shot at Rambulan sa Galera? Heft: “i have been informed about 8 weeks before the event that I can fight. Immediately, I started train for this very event, trained very hard and with discipline.” PBFortnightly: will you be treated here in the Philippines or do you plan to have that done in Germany? Heft: “ My flight to Germany is already scheduled for end of May. I will be seeing specialist there in Germany and have it dealt with there. I am every year 2 to 3 months in Germany anyways.” PBFortnightly: how you feeling at the moment? Heft: “At this time, I feel really bad, I am in more pain than before.” PBFortnightly: What do you say about all the rumors and the bashing on FB? Heft: “ I am really disappointed. I would never bail on a fight, all people around me know that. That some people even thought that hurts me badly. Thats not me, I would never bail on a opportunity.” PBFortnightly: did anyone pushed you to fight? I mean, you knew you had an injury, you had already pain while train for the fight? Heft: “No one pushed me to anything. It was my own decision, I needed and wanted that fight badly, maybe to badly. My team was supporting me all the way. I really thought I can make it happen.” PBFortnightly: thank you for the interview Marco, and we all hope you will be back in the ring soon. Regards from the people of your choice home Puerto Galera and a speedy recovery! Marco Heft authorized us to publish his medical examination and his x-rays. We all hope we can see Marco fighting in one of the next events here in Puerto de Galera.

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