Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 106 | Thursday, August 13, 2020

EDGEDAVAO MORE FOR MOST

BIG DEMAND FOR SEA CUCUMBERS

Serving a seamless society

AGRITRENDS P5

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VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

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SPMC’s PhilHealth share: With great income, comes greater allocation

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), considered as the biggest hospital facility in the country and caters patients from entire Mindanao, is at the receiving end of controversial journalist Maria Ressa’s criticism when she posted on social media that a Davao hospital (SPMC) is getting the biggest amount of compensation under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Internal Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) for the treatment of Covid-19 patients. Edge Davao

By MAYA M. PADILLO n simple equation: the more income, the more allocation.

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That is how Health Undersecretary Leopoldo “Bong” Vega, who was at the helm of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) explained in a nutshell why the Davao City hospital got more allo-

cation from the embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth).

Reacting to the Rappler’s report that Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) received

the biggest amount of compensation under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Internal Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) for the treatment of coronavirus patients, Vega said SPMC has the highest PhilHealth income which breaches the billion peso mark.

Vega in a text mes-

WORLDWIDE COVID-19 NUMBERS BOARD

sage said SPMC generated an average of P1.2 billion for 2018 to 2019.

Rappler’s controversial top journalist Maria Ressa posted a tweet on why a Davao hospital receives more than Manila’s Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

“IRM is based on the monthly average or that track record of reim-

bursement for 2018 to 2019 with a yearly income from PhilHealth of P1.2 billion,” Vega said.

Vega emphasized that for 2019, SPMC has unpaid claims of P300 million from PhilHealth.

Considered the biggest public tertiary hospital in the Philippines in terms of bed capacity, SPMC caters patients not

only from Davao City but the entire Mindanao as well.

It is a 1,500-bed hospital with almost 3,600 personnel. It is considered the biggest hospital facility in the country as a government hospital.

It has a total admissions of 76,586 in 2019 and a total of 586, 278 for out-

FMORE, P10

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PHILIPPINES

WORLDWIDE

CONFIRMED: 20,522,191 • DEATHS: 745,927 • RECOVERED: 13,441,913

CONFIRMED: 139,538 • DEATHS: 2,312 • RECOVERED: 68,432

As of August 12, 2020, here’s the Top 5 list of countries with most number of COVID-19 cases 1. U.S.A CONFIRMED: 5,305,957 DEATHS: 167,749 RECOVERED: 2,755,348

2. BRAZIL CONFIRMED: 3,112,393 DEATHS: 103,099 RECOVERED: 2,243,124

3. INDIA CONFIRMED: 2,328,405 DEATHS: 46,188 RECOVERED: 1,638,101

4. RUSSIA CONFIRMED: 897,599 DEATHS: 15,131 RECOVERED: 703,175

5. SOUTH AFRICA CONFIRMED: 566,109 DEATHS: 10,751 RECOVERED: 426,125

SOURCE: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

PRRD won’t pressure Morales: Malacañang

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Malacañang says President Rodrigo Duterte would not pressure embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales into resigning. Presidential Photo

Partial operation of MRP expected on Q4 of 2021

By MAYA M. PADILLO he partial operation of the TagumDavao section phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is expected to commence on the fourth quarter of 2021 while the full operation of the Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) has a timeline set for the second quarter of 2022.

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The railway’s first phase runs between Tagum City in Davao del Norte and Digos City in Davao del Sur, passing through Davao City. The segment is estimated to cost about P35 billion and will be partly funded by official development assistance from China.

It is planned to have eight stations, with three in Davao del Norte (Tagum City, Carmen, Panabo), three in Davao City (Mudiang, Davao central, Toril), and two in Davao del Sur (Sta. Cruz, Digos). A 10-hectare depot will be built in Tagum Based on the docu-

ment of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) shared to Edge Davao, the construction stage of the MRP:TDD is targeted to start in the first quarter of 2021. Based on its project timeline the first, third and fourth quarters of 2020 and second quarter of 2021 are more on the Right-of-Way (ROW) and site acquisition stages.

Lawyer Clipton Solamo, project manager of MRP, said DoTr already has the shortlist of the project management consultants.

Solamo said DoTr will follow Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”,

he city government of Davao has threatened to dismiss any of its workers criticizing it on their personal social media accounts as it issued a memorandum order prescribing penalties for violations to the social media guidelines for city hall personnel.

The memorandum order was issued last month as the city was grappling with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

Memorandum Order No. 019-2020 on the “Social Media Guidelines for City Government Personnel” dated July 24 and signed by City Administrator Zuleika Lopez required employees to “exercise caution and mindfulness when posting and sharing information using personal social media accounts.”

According to the order, employees are directed to

refrain from posting demeaning and malicious comments on the city government’s policies, directives, and city-initiated projects and activities.

It added that they must avoid posting hate speech and disparaging comments about the office operations and co-employees, and advised them to follow the formal process of addressing issues if they feel mistreated or frustrated with any aspect at work; avoid sharing of agency information such as, but not limited to the following: policy guidelines, directives, resolutions, decisions, and opinions which are not yet officially approved; prevent excessive use of social media that interferes with official work duties and performance; refrain from making comments or contributions on behalf of the office without consent

or approval from the department head; and avoid disclosure of confidential information or matters concerning the City Government of Davao.

First-time offenders will be reprimanded, suspension of one to 30 days for second-time offenders, and dismissal from service for third-time offenders, according to the order.

But for the contract of service or job order personnel, the order provides that “it will be a valid ground for termination or cancellation of the contract as stipulated in its terms and conditions.”

Citing Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the order provides that public officials and employees are duty-bound to use social media responsibly and to follow strictly

which is for the purpose of prescribing the necessary rules and regulations for the modernization, standardization, and regulation of the procurement activities of the Government of the Philippines (GOP), for the procurement process of the consultants.

“It’s undergoing procurement process. It’s a long process. We will follow RA 9184,” he said in a text message.

The MRP, with an estimated cost of P82.9-billion for the 102-kilometer first segment, is among the first priority projects listed under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration. the provisions of the law.

It said that Section 2 states that “public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives and uphold public interest over personal interest.”

Also, it added that Section 4.b provides that “public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Davao City Hall workers criticizing city gov’t on social media face dismissal

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resident Rodrigo Duterte would not pressure embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales into resigning, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Duterte has no plan to put a heavy burden on Morales who has been diagnosed with cancer and advised to undergo six cycles of chemotherapy, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source.

“Si Presidente (The President), he’s really a very kind person, lalong-lalo na may sakit si Morales (especially because Morales is sick). He will not add pressure to Gen. Morales. And I think that’s a good trait of the President, not a bad one,” Roque said.

Calls for Morales’ resignation have mounted following his disclosure that he has been advised by his doctor to take a leave of absence to undergo treatment for lymphoma or cancer of the lymph nodes.

Roque said Duterte is not the one who will decide on Morales’ plan to go on leave.

“I have no information if he (Morales) has or whether or not he actually tendered his leave to the President because (PhilHealth is) a GOCC (government-owned or -controlled corporation). I think the procedure is for him to send it to the board (of directors of PhilHealth) because the board is the policy-making body of any corporation,” he said.

Morales filed a request for medical leave amid an investigation into the supposed irregularities and rampant corruption within PhilHealth.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, as well as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, said it would be best for a government official with a serious illness like Morales to relinquish

his post.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who has been tasked by Duterte to lead the task force investigating PhilHealth, also urged the officials of the state insurer to go on leave while the agency is under probe.

Roque said Duterte would let Morales decide on his own.

“It’s up to Morales what he wants to do. But the process of the investigation will continue,” he said.

Roque also reiterated that Duterte is still convinced that Morales, a retired military general, is a “man of principle” unless the probe results show that he was involved in anomalous transactions.

He added that Duterte is willing to let go of his allies, including Morales if they are engaged in corrupt activities.

“He (Duterte) wants to await the decision of the task force. That’s why he created it,” Roque said. “He has said, ‘I don’t care if you are my political supporter.

I don’t care if you’re close (to) me. If you’re corrupt, then you will have to go.’”

Duterte on August 7 ordered Guevarra to lead a task force to investigate the supposed widespread corruption and irregularities within PhilHealth.

The task force has been directed to audit PhilHealth’s finances and conduct lifestyle checks on the state insurance firm’s officials and employees.

Roque said the task force only has one month to conduct the investigation.

“So let’s allow the process to continue, given that the task force is given only a short period of time within which to conclude the investigation in 30 days,” he said.

In a public address delivered on Monday, Duterte vowed to go after corrupt PhilHealth officials but told “innocent” personnel to continue their work. (PNA)

n August 14, 2020, DOLE XI will launch its Internet-based Quality Management System (IQMS). The IQMS is housed in dole11portal. org.ph.

The IQMS is based on the Google Cloud System application, which means all transactions for public consumption can be accessed.

Since it is interactive, it allows regional personnel, clients, stakeholders, beneficiaries to input, update, edit and view data online in a computer mouse, or even hand-held mobile devices, such as phones and tablets.

The IQMS has a portal which houses various documents, such as the regional quality and operations manuals which outlines the organizational profile, scope, application and definitions, mandatory processes, core processes, support processes,

and review and improvement processes.

It also houses various cloud systems such as the Online Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), wherein all stages of processing are completely online, Registration of Workers Association (RWA) System, Issuance of Certificate of Health and Safety Program (CSHP), Human Resource Information System (HRIS). In its initial/ final development are the Government Internship Program (GIP System), Registration of DO 17 Contractors/Subcontractors, Single Entry Approach (SENA) System, Alien Employment Permit (AEP) System, etc. All systems have built-in feedback mechanisms.

Director Domingo stressed that “the systems established aims to enhance DOLE XI services,

DOLE XI to launch IQMS on Friday

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FDOLE XI, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DOST to lead clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccine from Russia

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he Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will lead the clinical trials for a coronavirus virus (Covid-19) vaccine developed and offered to the Philippines by the Russian Federation, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

In a message to reporters, the DOH said the DOST is the lead agency in the vaccine development portfolio and it will do the

clinical trials in accordance with the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration.

“No updates as to num-

ber of volunteers in the clinical trial,” it added.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has proposed to establish partnership with the Philippines to conduct clinical trials, supply doses of Covid-19 vaccine, and setup local manufacturing.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte accepted Russia’s offer and even volunteered to take the first shot of the vaccine from Russia in public.

The Russian Federation has completed the Phase 3 of clinical trials on the Covid-19 vaccine developed by the National Research Center for Epidemiology, according to the DOH. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the first coronavirus vaccine in the world has been registered in Russia.

According to Anadolu News report, Putin told a

meeting with members of the government in Moscow that the vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center, has an official registration with the Russian Health Ministry.

Putin added that the vaccine trials have yielded positive results, with all volunteers having built up immunity to the coronavirus.

The vaccine is based on adenovirus and contains dead Covid-19 particles

DOLE mulls mandatory wearing of face shields in workplaces

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MORNING CANVAS. Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, as photographed early morning Tuesday (11 August 2020), is a magnificent canvass for a stressed-out Pinoy who wants to take a break from the stress of COV-

ID-19 scare. This hinterland municipality remains coronavirus-free and has carefully opened its tour business following minimum health standards. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

that cannot multiply and are therefore safe, said Alexander Gintzburg, head of the center.

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned Russia that “it should not stray from the usual methods of testing a vaccine for safety and effectiveness”.

In the latest WHO’s list of vaccine trials globally, the Russian phase of the Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials is not included. (PNA)

he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has proposed requiring the wearing of face shields for employees in workplaces, Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Wednesday.

Bello said the measure will be confirmed in an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) meeting with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III later in the day.

“Ginagawa pa namin 'yung health protocol para sa workplaces. Siguro mako-confirm 'yan mamayang hapon sa meeting ng IATF,” Bello said.

According to Bello, the proposed measure aims to ensure the safe-

ty of workers while on duty. The Labor chief said the purchase of the face shields will be shouldered by employers.

Non-compliant companies will face administrative penalties, Bello warned.

Aside from practicing social distancing, Bello noted that workplaces should also observe other sanitary and health protocols such as regular hand washing and temperature check.

On Saturday, the mandatory wearing of face shields for all public transportation passengers will be in effect under the Department of Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 2020-014.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

Pre-orders of Covid-19 vaccine top five billion

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A pedestrian browses a collection of used bags and clothes at a sidewalk “ukay-ukay” stall along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. Edge Davao

PH develops, learns patterns to boost recovery: DOF chief

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epartment of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III remains hopeful for the recovery of the Philippine economy even as possible vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are still under clinical studies.

“I believe we will be able to develop and learn behavior patterns and appropriate technology that will allow us to operate effectively and efficiently…

And safely of course,” he told journalists in a Viber message Tuesday.

Authorities remain hopeful for the eventual production of vaccines against Covid-19 by the end of this year.

To date, at least three vaccines are now in final stages of studies abroad and these are expected to

be produced as early as December this year.

Economic managers now see a -5.5 percent output for the domestic economy this year because of the impact of the pandemic, weaker than the earlier revision of between 2 to 3.4 percent.

From a revised -0.7 percent growth in the first three months this year, second-quarter growth dipped by 16.5 percent, the biggest contraction since the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) started to use the 1981 series of data sets.

Authorities have said the slower domestic output in the second quarter this year is within expectations since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in mainland Luzon from middle of March until end of April, and was extended until end of May for the National Capital Region.

They expect growth in the next two years to recover and expand by around 6.5 to 7.5 percent with the help of increased spending on infrastructure, education and social services.

(PNA)

lthough none of the coronavirus vaccines under development has proved its efficacy yet in clinical trials, at least 5.7 billion doses have been pre-ordered around the world.

First shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine created

by Western laboratories have often been snapped up by the United States.

Five vaccines -- three Western and two Chinese -- are in Phase 3 efficacy trials involving thousands of people.

In a surprise announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Tuesday that a vaccine dubbed “Sputnik V” -- after the Soviet satellite -- conferred “sustainable immunity” against the novel coronavirus.

As research laboratories around the world race to develop a vaccine, manufacturers have received financing to help them prepare to have millions of doses ready to administer in 2021 or even before the end of the year.

Oxford University, working with the Swedish-British pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca, hopes to have results by September while the US biotech company Moderna, partnering with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), is aiming for the end of the year, possibly November.

US: 700 million doses President Donald Trump has launched “Operation Warp Speed” in a bid to develop, manufacture and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine to all Americans by January 2021.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been directed to vaccine developers including nearly $500 million to Johnson & Johnson at the end of March.

The United States has allocated funding to more companies than other nation in the hope that one of them will come up with the vaccine to counter the highly contagious virus.

So far, Washington has handed out at a total of least 9.4 billion dollars to seven vaccine developers and signed manufacturing contracts with five of them to provide 700 million doses.

The companies involved are: Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, O x f o r d / A z t ra Z e n e c a , Novavax, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sanofi/GSK, Merck Sharp and Dohme.

Europe: 700 million doses Two vaccine developers -- Oxford/AztraZeneca and Sanofi/GSK -- have signed or are in advanced negotiations with the European Commission to provide a combined 700 million vaccine doses.

Britain, Japan, Brazil Britain, because of Brexit, is negotiating a separate pre-order of 250 million doses from four developers.

Japan is counting on 490 million doses from three suppliers including 250 million from Novavax of the United States.

Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda bought the rights to a Novavax vaccine for Japan, which has funded the research.

It would be produced locally.

Brazil chose a simi-

he Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) saw a high double-digit drop in the issuance of tax stamps for cigarettes from March to June this year due to lockdown measures in place during the period, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the DOF said the BIR has released a total of 537.13 million cigarette tax stamps worth P18.88 billion during four months of community quarantine imposed by the government.

This was 59% lower than the 1.32 billion tax stamps valued at P59.46 billion it issued in the same period last year.

From March 1 to 15 this year, before the government's imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to arrest the spread of COVID-19, the BIR released 50.85 million cigarette tax stamps for domestic use worth P1.78 billion, according to the DOF. This was 176.03 million or 77.5% lower than the 226.88 million tax stamps worth P10.2 billion it released in the same period in 2019.

The number of tax

stamps released by the taxman then increased to 165.21 million worth P5.78 billion from March 16 to 31, which was the period when the Luzon-wide ECQ was first imposed.

The volume declined sharply to 47.89 million tax stamps worth P1.68 billion in April, when the ECQ was extended, the DOF said.

“The BIR reported a further decrease in May, with only 8.57 million cigarette tax stamps worth P299.89 million released during that month, as compared to the 385.04 million (worth P17.33 billion) issued in May 2019,” it said.

“This represents a 98% drop or 376.47 million tax stamps worth P17.03 billion,” it added.

When Metro Manila and several other areas in the country shifted to the more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) in June, the DOF said the BIR saw a drastic improvement with 264.61 million tax stamps worth P9.26 billion released.

Compared to the June 2019 volume, the DOF said the June 2020 volume is 24.88 million or 8.6% lower than 289.5 million yearon-year.

BIR saw 59% drop in cigarette tax stamps issuance due to lockdown

PH’s fiscal buffers eroded by Covid-19 T economic ‘shock’, says Fitch Ratings

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lobal debt watcher Fitch Ratings on Tuesday said the Philippines has lost some of its fiscal buffers due to the economic fallout resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Philippines entered the crisis with fiscal buffers, given its low general government debt ratio of 34.1% of GDP (gross domestic product) in 2019, against the ‘BBB’ peer median of 42.2%,” Fitch Ratings said in a statement.

“These buffers are being eroded by the pandemic-related economic shock, but there is still room to accommodate some deterioration in the fiscal outlook,” it said.

In May, the debt watcher affirmed the Philippines’ credit rating of “BBB,” reflecting the country’s fiscal and external buffers, including a lower government debt-to-GDP ratio compared with its peers.

However, it revised the

country’s outlook back to “stable” from “positive,” reflecting deterioration in the Philippines’ nearterm macroeconomic and fiscal outlook as a result of the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic and domestic lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

“Downside risks to our economic projections for the Philippines, noted in our last rating review in May 2020 – when we affirmed the country’s ratings at ‘BBB’ and revised the Outlook to Stable, from Positive – are materialising due to the country’s difficulty in containing the virus,” Fitch Ratings said.

In the second quarter of 2020, the Philippine economy as measured by GDP - the value of goods and services produced by a nation in a given period shrank 16.5% —the worst performance on record since 1981.

The negative GDP in the April to June period

has brought the country to a “technical recession,” the first time since 1991.

With the country’s entry to recession, Fitch Ratings said its forecast that the economy will contract by 4% in 2020 “now appears optimistic and is likely to be revised down.”

The Duterte administration’s economic managers have revised their GDP estimated for the entire 2020 to -5.5% from its earlier projection of -2.0% to -3.4%.

Nevertheless, Fitch Ratings said that despite a weakening in the country’s public finances amid the pandemic shock, “some fiscal headroom remains at the current rating level owing to its low public-debt position going into the crisis.”

The debt watcher said that the general government debt ratio will rise to around 48% of GDP in 2020, “which would still be below the projected peer median of 51.7%, although it is a substantial

rise from its level in 2019.”

Fitch Ratings also cited the return to stricter lockdown of Metro Manila and its nearby provinces.

“The continued spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines has necessitated renewed lockdown measures in and around the capital of Manila, which are likely to depress economic growth by much more than Fitch Ratings had anticipated,” it said.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan under MECQ from August 4 to 18 following pleas from the medical community for a “time out” amid rising COVID-19 cases being admitted to hospitals. “[I]f the economy continues to contract and fails to recover as fast as the authorities expect; indeed, if the recovery stalls, there may be pressure for even more fiscal stimulus,” Fitch Ratings said.

The debt watcher said

FPH’S FISCAL, P10

FPRE-ORDERS, P10

5 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

Big demand for sea cucumbers

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“Y

es, we used to have a lot of sea cucumbers in our coastal areas. They have been depleted because of over-harvesting.” – Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology Sea cucumbers – those marine invertebrates with the shape of the vegetable fruit that they are named after – may be weird marine creatures that look like they are from outer space but to some people, they are delectable.

Across Asia, sea cucumbers – which are echinoderms just like starfish and sea urchins – have long been a staple in peoples’ diets, mainly in soups, stews and stir-fries. They are highly nutritious; they are described as “an ideal tonic food” as they provide more protein and less fat than most foods. “Like tofu, it is flavorless but absorbs the flavors of its surrounding seasonings and foods,” wrote an epicurean.

Generally, sea cucumbers are sold as “trepang,” which is easier to store and handle than the fresh product. They are valued as an exotic delicacy and a flavorful condiment for soups, noodles and other dishes.

In some parts of Europe, whole bêche-de-mer can be stuffed with a filling of pork, corn starch, and chopped fried fish. Cooked fresh and quickly on a hot griddle, espardenyes are served with olive, sea salt and a squeeze of lemon in Spain. They can also be prepared as salads and eaten fresh minus the internal organs.

More than just food To some people, sea cucumbers are more than just food. In fact, there are people who believe

sea animals possess some aphrodisiac powers. The reason for this belief is the peculiar reaction of the creature on being kneaded or disturbed slightly with fingers. It swells and stiffens and a jet of water is released from one end. This behavior is similar to the erection and subsequent ejaculation of the male sexual organ.

By the way, people in Palau use the sea cucumber to protect their feet when walking in the reef. They squeeze the sea cucumber until it squirts out sticky threads, which they put on their feet. Even though this practice may sound harsh, the sea cucumber returns to the reef unharmed.

As an archipelago, the Philippines is blessed with a high diversity of sea cucumbers which inhabit its wide seagrass beds, soft bottom areas, and reefs. It is home to about 200 species of sea cucumbers, of which 40 species are commercially important.

Although they are distributed throughout the country, most of them can be found off the coastal waters of Zamboanga City; Zamboanga del Sur; Zamboanga del Norte; Basilan Province; Jolo, Sulu; South Cotabato; Surigao del Norte; Villareal and Catbalogan, Samar; Negros Occidental; Cebu; Calatagan, Bangas; Polilio Island, Quezon; Masinloc, Zambales; San Vicente, Cagayan; San Fernando, La Union; Bolinao, Bani and Alaminos,

Pangasinan.

“The country has been a major exporter of the processed trepang for the last several centuries and the trade has been responsible for the prosperity of the Sulu Sultanate in southern Philippines during the 18th and 19th centuries,” said a document published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In other parts of the country, the harvesting and processing of sea cucumbers has been a source of income for many Filipino families. As Naga, the publication of the Kuala Lumpur-based WorldFish Center, reported in 1987: “The steady demand for sea cucumbers from other countries has made sea cucumber harvesting an attractive source of income for many Filipinos. In many islands and coastal villages, the income derived from it constitutes a significant portion of a family’s livelihood.”

As stated earlier, sea cucumbers are well-known as food and are highly recognized for their ecological and medicinal values.

“They are considered to be of high value for their big demand in local and foreign markets as seafood items and source of pharmaceuticals,” wrote Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III in his monthly column, “Straight from the Farm.”

Aside from food, there’s also an emerging market for the use of sea cucumbers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Common medicinal uses of sea cucumber in China include treating: weakness, impotence, debility of the aged, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and frequent urination.

In jeopardy As demand contin-

ues to escalate, the supply dwindles – to the extent that their population is now in jeopardy. In fact, the Philippines has been dislodged as the top producer; it ranks now as the world’s eighth sea cucumber producer with an annual production of less than 900 tons.

The Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) traced the dismal production to unregulated harvesting and trade. “The bulk of Philippine sea cucumber products is undersized lower-value species, poorly processed and lowly priced,” it said.

“With overfishing, there has been a decline in the populations of sea cucumbers in our coastal waters where they dwell in the bottom of seagrass beds and coral reefs feeding on organic matter,” wrote Dr. Guerrero, who was former director of the defunct Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

The overharvesting of sea cucumber is due to its big demand and high price abroad. “A kilo of dried sea cucumbers can sell as much as P4,500 in the local market and P12,000 in the export market,” Dr. Guerrero said.

Banned So much so that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is banning the catching and trading of three species of sea cucumbers, namely: Holothuria fuscogilva, H. nobilis, and H. whitmaei.

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Yolanda Sotelo reported that the three species were included in the list of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The banning, according to BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona, the banning would include “fishing, taking, catching, gathering, selling, purchasing, processing, transporting, exporting, forwarding or shipping out.”

The banning is a good move and a good start.

All over the world, sea cucumber stocks are under intense fishing pressure, according to a recent FAO report. Most high value commercial species have been depleted.

In Asia and the Pacific region, the most sought-after species are largely depleted. The region generates some 20,000 to 40,000 tons per year, which are exported to China and other Asian markets.

“The fast pace of development of sea cucumber fisheries to supply growing international demand is placing most fisheries and many sea cucumber species at risk,” pointed out the FAO report, Sea Cucumbers: A Global Review of Fisheries and Trade.

Good news But there is good news.

The PCAARRD launched a program that would restore the viable economic activity. In 2016, it established a sustainable and globally competitive sea cucumber industry which provides equitable economic benefits to various stakeholders and maintains the productivity and biodiversity of the sea cucumber industry in the country.

Two approaches were developed to attain the goal. The first approach was to increase production of premium-grade size sea cucumbers through public-private partnership coupled with grow-out

production systems engaging commercial and local fishers with the support of the local government.

Through this approach, the country is now able to culture sandfish, Holothuria scabra (a species of sea cucumber) in the hatchery.

Low cost ocean nursery systems were developed to reduce the cost and diversity systems for juvenile production.

“The integration of sandfish culture technology to existing marine aquaculture facilities and the availability of low-cost nursery systems opened opportunities for its growout culture,” PCAARRD reports. “Sandfish culture may potentially reduce the harvesting pressure of the wild sandfish population and allow them to rest and recuperate.”

The second approach was to produce high quality trepang. In fact, the Philippines is now able to produce high-quality trepang. The technology package for postharvest processing was developed; it produces Class A premium grade trepang with reduced microbial content, improved shelf life and no foul odor.

“The postharvest processing line is composed of a degutting table, mechanical cleaner and hybrid dryer that is being tested in coastal communities,” the PCAARRD says. Initial profitability analysis has shown that using the hybrid dryer alone, gross income from dried sea cucumber could increase by 77% due to improvements in quality of the final product.

Given this recent development, there is a bright future for sea cucumbers in the Philippines. – ### (Photos taken from the net)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

On the Rappler’s report that Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) received the biggest amount of compensation under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Internal Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) for the treatment of coronavirus patients:

IRM is based on the monthly average or that track record of reimbursement for 2018 to 2019 with a yearly income from PhilHealth of P1.2 billion. SPMC has the highest PhilHealth income which breaks the billion peso mark.”

Health Undersecretary Leopoldo “Bong” Vega, Former chief, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

CINEMALAYA AND THE MEMOIRS OF VINYL RECORDS When my father was still alive, our house during weekends were normally filled with soothing sounds emanating from the phonographs playing LP vinyl records.

Vinyl records became the subject of the short film “Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert” which is one of the ten short films finalists of this year’s 16th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

The film featured a closeted gay man in his 60s (Dido de la Paz) who has been living with HIV for 10 years. His monotonous life takes a sudden turn when he receives an old vinyl record from his dead ex-lover and his fixation with the owner of a store selling old vinyl records (Soliman Cruz).

I have been watching Cinemalaya since it started in 2004, or 16 years ago, which is held annually during the month August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and various cinemas.

The festival aims to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers – works that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic

integrity. It also aims to invigorate the Philippine filmmaking by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers.

However, the event this year became online for ten short films only and without the usual ten full length films due to the pandemic. There are also some exhibition films.

The film Gasgas na Plaka focused on vinyl records, sometimes called LPs which stands for “long playing” or “long play”. It is an analog sound storage medium, a phonograph record format characterized by a speed ​in rpm and use of the “microgroove” groove specification.

Rpm stands for revolutions per minute, sometimes called rotational speed or how many times the record turns completely, in a period of one minute. Essentially, the higher the Rpm, the more length of vinyl that can be picked up by the needle. This results in better sound reproduction.

The groove is what gives a record its sound.

I remember the discipline and dedication of my father in cleaning the vinyl records using a microfiber towel or specific soft bristle brush per-

haps to ensure they last for several years to come.

My father explained that vinyl records should be religiously wiped off each time they are played because these are vulnerable to dust, heat warping, scuffs, and scratches.

Dust in the groove is usually heard as noise and may be ground into the vinyl by the passing stylus (needle) causing lasting damage.

A scratch will create an audible tick or pop once each revolution when the stylus encounters it.

This may result for the needle to skip over a series of grooves, or worse yet, to skip backwards, creating a “locked groove” that repeats over and over.

Thus, the monicker “broken record” or “sirang plaka” refers to a malfunction whereby the same sounds are repeatedly played.

The popularity of vinyl records dwindled starting in the 1980s due to its gradual replacement first by compact discs and then by streaming media.

As to a record’s value, collectors are looking for those in the best possible condition,

with little to no wear and tear, aside from its age, artist, rarity, and label.

People wonder why we have several stuff in our house which Papa did not want to dispose, including vinyl records and shoes, which were mostly bought from the thrift shops along Evangelista St, in Bangkal, Makati where we used to live.

Bangkal is Makati’s answer to Parisian flea markets where items usually come from affluent homeowners, who are either redecorating or moving houses.

Some of the pieces look like they belong in a “bahay na bato”. Collectors consider Bangkal as a haven for lifelong treasure hunt as they’re always on the lookout for rare additions to their collection.

Papa justified providing us with second hand shoes by saying that he never had the luxury of owning new ones while he was growing up since both he and mama came from a family with very modest means.

Long before ukay-ukay became famous, we were already wearing second-hand clothes and shoes, sleeping on

beds, sitting on chairs and sofas that Papa bought from the Bangkal thrift shops.

Seldom did we wear brand-new clothes, except maybe during Christmases when our Titas bought us clothing on an installment basis - one Tita would buy us pants while another took care of the shirts. We became the walking models for ukay-ukay.

The vinyl records served its purpose in preserving the works of the musicians of the past.

These records kept their music alive, spanning great distances and defying time, touching people’s lives regardless of religion, nationality, and culture with their works.

As my father’s vinyl records are still kept in a shelf, his memoirs will also linger. ( Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of UP Diliman.Atty.

Dennis Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

HELP! PHILHEALTH IS AILING If you were tasked to count P15 Billion in paper money wrapped in 100 thousand bundles, how long do you think will you finish the job?

You don’t know?

I don’t have an idea likewise.

Fifteen billion is so huge even the imagination may not hold enough space to accommodate the amount.

Anyway, according to the congressional probe – both in the Upper and Lower Chambers – some P15B of the members’ premium contribution are gone, lost in the maze of a systemic corruption scheme that has long been in practice within the public health care insurance agency.

A full-blown investigation has been ordered

by PRRD, designating SOJ Menardo Guevarra to come up with conclusive findings within thirty days.

A whistle-blower, Atty Keith, has testified that members of the ExeCom at PhilHealth that have the

power to decide on sensitive financial matters are behind the scandalous fund misuse.

One of the contentious issues focused on the Case Rate policy where a patient gets entitled to a standard P43K assistance whether or not the fees charged by the hospital reaches the aforesaid amount.

Meaning, if a patient was treated only for influenza or a not so major illness that required hospitalization, the amount of P43k will be claimed by the hospital and PhilHealth will pay, no questions asked.

Yes, no questions asked.

That was how I understood the proceedings in the Senate as I watched and listened to the guarded responses of PhilHealth officials summoned for the probe.

I don’t know why safety nets are lacking in here.

The practices at PhilHealth are too loose for comfort.

In fact, questions are now re-emerging as to

why the agency spent millions for a media campaign that featured now senator –then-PhilHealth director Riza Hontiveros as its poster girl on the run-up to the 2016 presidential elections. (Why should it be Risa Hontiveros in the first place? Angel Locsin or Bea Alonzo would have fared better, right?)

Many observers think the huge expenditure was totally unnecessary as PhilHealth did not need to promote itself nor the job and responsibilities it was doing because just about every Juan, Jose and Pedro already had a tab on it.

Now that the SOJ has formed a team to look into the controversy, I think the next step is for PRRD to order all concerned PhilHealth people to take a leave of absence while the investigation is going on.

Most people share a common belief that several people will be hailed to court, convicted and jailed.

Even the lowliest lay-

man will not need a microscope to decipher the hocus- pocus the monkeys at PhilHealth have been doing for years.

Former Health Sec. now back as Iloilo Rep. Janet Guarin expressed her indignation during the HOR hearings where she bared that during her stint as ex-officio PhilHealth chair, she noticed shenanigans way back in 2004 yet.

I think Gen. Morales, who has the trust and confidence of the Chief Executive, should without delay spill the beans to ferret out the truth.

This will unburden the President also as his election campaign to rid the government of corruption and corrupt officials will come into the fore anew.

He has already fired several of his own men for even just whispers of corruption in the early months of his office.

He continues to do so because PRRD hates the

demoralizing effects and the callousness of corruption in his desire to instill transparency and accountability in governance and the bureaucracy.

In fact, there are suggestions already in the air that PhilHealth deserved to be abolished and a new agency – rid of deadwoods, bootlickers and sycophants – could be introduced in its stead.

If Congress was able to resist very tempting allurements during the ABS CBN hearings and accomplished a rare but noble feat, they can also most possibly conjure up an effective way of minimizing – if not stopping - corruption in the Bureaus of Customs, Internal Revenue and Immigration.

These three are among the top most agencies that are considered temples of corruption.

In one fell swoop.

Why not? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO LIVING Enjoy the sunset view in Siargao Bleu’s romantic al fresco couch.

DEAR CORONA PART2 I’VE BEEN A REGULAR SUBSCRIBER of National Geographic newsletters since the global health crisis hit.

They’ve been saying that travel planning is good for mental health. I didn’t think about it two months ago. Still, now that it seems more and more of my travel plans are being scrapped, I’m slowly accepting that travel is postponed indefinitely.

Now I don’t know when I can travel again. I’m trying to stay sane by still planning, but it feels pretentious. I’m not sure I can afford my initial travel plans, let alone the destinations I’ve been looking forward to visiting this year.

Waiting to travel again Vietnam. Bali. Colombia or Costa Rica in South America.

These destinations would have occupied my calendar for the second and third quarter of 2020. The fourth quarter would have been devoted to my usual PSCT circuit if it pushes through, or I’d go on my annual surf trip for the end of the year.

There are just so many whatifs and would-haves that I tend to not want to think about it.

But I realized that the hope of being able to travel again is what keeps me going. It’s what keeps me working harder and longer hours. Without it, I don’t know what to look forward to.

I’ve never realized traveling, whether for surf or not, is such a massive part of my life. I feel

at a loss, knowing I won’t be able to do it indefinitely.

One thing the virus can’t take away A surge of lukewarm seawater engulfs my body as I dive headfirst into shallow water. A refreshing sensation welcomes me whenever I take a dip in the beach outside my current dwelling place. Even for a brief moment, I feel thankful that I still have this to wash my anxiety. I look towards the open sea, slabs of blue-green water crash into foamy white water, a good sign of surf. If there’s one thing that has been constant amid these changing times, I’ve been able to surf almost every day.

When almost half the world or even the country is banned from also enjoying an hour at the beach, I consider myself extremely blessed and never take a day for granted. It’s maybe a totally different scenario for others, like my sister, who’s been hunkered down in our urban home in Davao City.

However, I realized, there are still things the virus can’t take away from me: family, friendship, nature, and faith.

I feel incredibly privileged

The gift of surfing during an unlikely period in history.

This August, my sister and I would have been in Ninh Binh in Vietnam but like all things travel, this too can wait. Photo by Joaquín. to have access to the ocean, a mere 100-meter walk, or even less to be able to handle the sand upon my toes. As we approach the tail-end of the surf season in this part of the country, I can’t help but feel a looming sense of doom. I wonder how life would be when the waves are gone, albeit shortly.

In three months, it’ll be surf season again. It’s not much of a long wait compared to others I know can’t even visit the beach yet. I should count myself grateful, I tell this to myself

every day.

Faith has reminded me to count my blessings. It’s a surefire way to counter my bouts of sadness and hopelessness. I won’t lie, I thought I was okay.

I thought I wouldn’t be that affected by losing the biggest paying client in my roster. I thought wrong. Like a soul in need of salvation, I took my pain to church (online) and cried my heart out. The release of emotion helped calm me down. Sometimes, there’s really not much I can do but cry and

pray it out.

After surfing out the blues, I thought about how I would end this narrative. In a quest for authenticity, I am afraid I couldn’t finish this on a positive note. I don’t have the answers to today’s most asked question: when are things going back to normal? (whatever normal means for you).

What I do know is that I am grateful to be alive. I am thankful to still have my loved ones, and while I cannot bring back what was lost, perhaps the best way to move forward is to hold on to the hope that better days are coming. And that being better starts with me right now.

One day, we’ll all get to take the masks off.

One day, we’ll all be able to fly safely in the skies.

One day—it’ll come soon. I am hopeful.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

A.

No person, natural or juridical shall be allowed to:

1. Discriminate against, or hiring, engaging, influencing others to discriminate against frontliners, patients or close contacts or analogous circumstances:

PRESENT:

Sebastian Z. Duterte - Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT:

Councilor Nilo D. Abellera - Exempted pursuant to

Executive Order 23-B, Series of 2020 Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. - Exempted pursuant to

Executive Order 23-B, Series of 2020 Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic - On Sick Leave Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar - Exempted pursuant to

Executive Order 23-B, Series of 2020 ORDINANCE NO. 0255-20 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ANY FORM OF HARRASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE OR INFLICTING ANY SHAME OR HUMILIATION AGAINST FRONTLINE WORKERS, SUSPECTED, PROBABLE AND CONFIRMED COVID CASES AND CLOSE CONTACTS DURING AND AFTER THE STATE OF NATIONAL HEALTH EMERGENCY AND IMPOSING PENALTIES THEREIN Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “THE DAVAO CITY FRONTLINERS, PATIENTS AND CLOSE CONTACT PROTECTION ORDINANCE.” SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS – The following terms used in this Ordinance shall mean: 1. Frontline Workers or Frontliners – are defined as persons employed in, whether regular, casual, contractual, project based, job order, part-time, or other forms of employment, or exercising essential frontline functions, such as: a. Health workers, such as doctors, nurses, hospital or clinic aids, administrative staff, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and drug store employees; b. Employees of the national, local and barangay units tasked to work on the frontlines; c. Members of the AFP, PNP, PCG, BFP, and other law enforcement agencies; d. Employees of non-government organizations assisting in health, safety, disaster or emergency response such the Philippine Red Cross, World Health Organization, and the like; e. Employees of banks, bayad centers, money transfer services, cooperative and savings establishments, and the like; f. Employees of groceries, convenience stores, wet markets and the like; g. Employees of food preparation, manufacturing and delivery services; h. Those operating public utility vehicles such as taxis, jeepneys, and tricycles; i. Those working in essential private service sectors such as security guards, janitors, caretakers, funeral parlors, drivers of cargo vehicles and vehicles hired to transport other frontline workers, business process outsourcing or call centers, LPG and gas stations, water refilling stations, and the like; and j. Mass media personnel.

2.

(less than 1 meter) for more than 15 minutes with a confirmed COVID-19 case, provided that any change by DOH of this definition shall be adopted automatically under this Ordinance.

SECTION 3. PROHIBITED ACTS

19th City Council 14th Regular Session Series of 2019 Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

9

Patients – are defined as: a. Confirmed Case – any individual, irrespective of the presence or absence of clinical signs and symptoms, who was laboratory confirmed for COVID-19 in a test conducted at a DOH certified laboratory testing facility. b. Suspected Case – are those identified by DOH guidelines as falling under such classification; c. Probable Case– are those identified by DOH guidelines as falling under such classification.

Provided, that any change in classification of the DOH of cases shall fall under the category of “patients” under this Ordinance.

3. Close Contact – is a person without proper personal protective equipment who is providing direct care for a confirmed COVID-19 case, or a person which has direct physical contact, or lived, worked, transacted or travelled in close proximity

a. Dishonoring existing contractual obligations such as lease contracts, including the refusal to allow entry into such leased premises, solely by reason of being a frontliner, patient or a close contact; b. Performing any form of coercion or harassment to force or influence a person to leave a leased or shared premises, solely by reason of being a frontliner, patient or close contact; c. Removing or firing a person from employment, solely by reason of being a frontliner, patient or close contact; d. Refusal to follow set guidelines by the appropriate government agencies on hazard pay, special risk allowance, or other mandatory benefits, allowances or compensation; e. Refusal of entry into or expelling frontliners from groceries, convenience stores, markets, palengkes, banks, bayad centers or other financial services, and the like; f. Refusing to allow frontliners access to basic services such as food preparation and delivery, transportation, laundry, healthcare, medicine, and the like.

2. Commit any act intended to prejudice against, cause injury to, or harass or those which shall tend to cause shame or humiliation to frontliners, patients, or close contacts, or hiring, engaging, influencing others to do the same, such as: a. Any form of physical, mental or emotional violence or abuse; b. Any form of coercion or threat of physical, mental or emotional violence; c. Any form of financial or economic abuse such as, but not limited to, refusing loans or forfeiting those already granted, rejecting valid payments, failing to properly compensate, denying any support legally due, solely by reason of being a frontliner, patient or close contact; d. Disclosing the information of a person, including, but not limited to, his/ her name, known address, place of work or employment, known alias, medical details, or implying the identity of, or claiming that a person – whether verified or not by DOH – is a frontliner, patient or close contact, unless done so with the permission of such individual or DOH; e. Any form of cyber-bullying or the sharing of classified or private communication without the consent of all involved in the same, or any malicious acts done online, whether the information shared be true or made-up, against the name, dignity or honor of a frontliner, patient or close contact; 3. Any other act of discrimination or prejudice against which demeans, reduces or nullifies the enjoyment or exercise of a frontliner, patient, or close contact’s human and legal rights, or hiring, engaging, influencing others to do the same.

B. In addition to the above acts, it shall be unlawful for any public official, employee, health or medical service provider or law enforcement officer to refuse assistance, deny service to or block aid, or hiring, engaging, influencing others to do the same, to a frontliner, patient or close contact who wished to enforce his/ her rights, unless such person is in violation of the guidelines of the Department of Health and other existing laws.

SECTION 4. PENALTY CLAUSE - Any violation of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be punished by a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) and/or imprisonment of not more than 1 year for each offense committed, without prejudice to the prosecution of other administrative, criminal, or civil actions.

Provided, that if the offender is a juridical person, the employees, owners, partners, managers or board of directors who participated, contributed or tolerated the act shall be held individually liable.

SECTION 5. REPEALING CLAUSE - Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified, accordingly.

SECTION 6. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby, shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon approval, posting and publication in a newspaper of local circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, on the 16th day of April, 2020, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED: SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE Vice Mayor Presiding Officer mtar/kjtq

For in the absence of the Secretary: MA. THERESA A. REYES Acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Local Legislative Staff Officer IV)

05 MAY APPROVED : ________________, 2020

10 EDGEDAVAO MORE... FROM1

patient.

Vega stressed that SPMC has several integrated specialty buildings which are stand-alone like the Heart Institute, Institute for Women and Newborn Care, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute, Cancer Institute, Intensive Care Complex, main hospital for general medicine and surgery.

SPMC also has the biggest hemodialysis with 65 dialysis chairs.

The breakdown of compensation under PhilHealth’s IRM for the treatment of coronavirus patients are as follows: Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, P326 million; Philippine General Hospital in Manila, P263.3 million; Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, P209 million; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, P204 million; Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, P201 million; National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City, P179 million; Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, P165 million; Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro, P150.2 million; Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, P150 million; and Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City, P146.2 million.

PhilHealth’s IRM is a quick response to the calamity and in order to provide continuous health care

services from the affected Health Care Institutions (HCIs) brought about by the Taal eruption, PhilHealth shall release funds under the IRM to provide substantial aid to affected HCIs in the aftermath of the calamity. The IRM is pursuant to PhilHealth Circular 34 s-2013 on the provision of special privileges to those affected by a fortuitous event.

The said funds will enable hospitals, primary care facilities, ambulatory surgical clinics, freestanding dialysis centers, and maternity care package providers to continuously provide health care services to affected Filipinos, provided that they are accredited as of December 31, 2019 and have applied for renewal for CY 2020.

More than P1 billion will be made available to affected hospitals based on a facility’s average reimbursement per day. The said release will be deductible from the computed IRM fund of the facility which can later be increased depending on the need of facilities upon request.

In a post shared by Mon Cualoping, by allocation per region, the top five are: National Capital Region, 29.08 percent or P4.35 billion; Central Luzon, 13.07 percent or P1.96 billion; Calabarzon, 8.34 percent or P1.35 billion; Central Visayas, 7.36 percent or P1.13 billion; and Davao Region, 5.95 percent or P891 million.

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

DOLE XI... FROM2

promote transparency, simplify transactions, eliminate paper work requirement and increase

personnel productivity as well as service delivery.”

“The IQMS is an innovation which is respon-

sive to Republic Act 9792 known as the “Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, and Republic Act 1103 or

the ease of Doing Business of 2018.”, she further said.

(PR-DOLE XI/Eduardo P. Monreal)

lar model, ordering 100 million doses from AstraZeneca, and partnering with China’s Sinovac to produce 120 millions of “CoronaVac,” which is already undergoing testing with Brazilians.

China, Russia Clinical tests of two Chinese vaccine candidates -- Sinovac and Sinopharm -- are well underway but only a few international partnerships

have been announced, the one with Brazil and a possible one with Indonesia.

Russia said 20 nations have pre-ordered one billion doses of Sputnik V and that with foreign partners it would be able to produce 500 million doses a year in five countries.

Developing countries The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Inno-

vations (CEPI), launched in 2017 by Norway, India, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, seeks to ensure that there is “equitable access” to future vaccines.

It has pre-ordered 300 million doses from AstraZeneca for dozens of developing countries in a partnership with The Vaccine Alliance (Gavi).

Billions of doses would

be produced for Asia and elsewhere by the giant Serum Institute of India (SII), the largest vaccine producer in the world.

Novavax and AstraZeneca have separately signed agreements with SII to produce a billion doses each for India and low- and middle-income countries on the condition, of course, that they prove their efficacy in clinical trials.

it will continue to assess the authorities’ ability to adhere to the fiscal consolidation plans in their medium-term framework.

“Our baseline assumption that public debt will remain below the peer median level remains subject to risks, particularly

those associated with the pandemic,” it said.

“We will also assess the extent to which the crisis may affect the Phil-

ippines’ strong medium-term growth potential, which has supported the country’s rating,” it added.

offs, both as a player and a coach.”

Rice was selected 4th overall by the Miami Heat in the 1989 NBA Draft and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

As a member of the Charlotte Hornets, Rice was a three-time All-Star, 1997 NBA All-Star Game MVP and named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1997 and All-NBA Third Team in 1998. The 6-7 forward was teammates with

Shaw when the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship in 2000.

Over a 14-year career, Shaw played for seven different teams including the Lakers, where he won three consecutive titles from 2000-02. Following his retirement as a player, Shaw joined the Lakers as an assistant from 200411, winning two more championships in 2009 and 2010. Before joining the NBA G League, Shaw

also served as head coach of the Denver Nuggets for two seasons (2013-15) and associate head coach of the Indiana Pacers for two seasons (201113) and the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons (2016-19).

Fans can join the “MVP Shopping Spree” contest, which offers participants a chance to win one of 15 NBAStore.com.ph gift vouchers. Filipinos can also watch NBA Repub-

lika Huddle on the NBA Philippines Facebook page and catch local influencers and sports personalities discuss the latest news and events on the postseason.

For the broadcast schedule of the 2020 NBA Playoffs beginning Aug. 18, visit the official websites of TV5 and One Sports and Cignal TV on Facebook, and follow NBA Philippines on Facebook and Twitter.

PRE-ORDERS... FROM4

PH’S FISCAL... FROM4 NBA... FROM11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

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Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected from Milwaukee’s game against the Washington Wizards.

Giannis loses cool, gets ejected for headbutting

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected from Milwaukee’s game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) after the NBA MVP headbutted Moritz Wagner.

Wagner took a charge from Antetokounmpo, who didn’t like the call in what had become a physical game.

During a break in the action with Milwaukee challenging the call, Antetokounmpo approached Wagner and started jabbering at him before headbutting him and drawing the ejection in the second quarter.

He had 12 points and

nine rebounds in 10 minutes before exiting the floor.

The game itself is meaningless.

The Bucks have already clinched the top seed in the East, while the Wizards, who are winless in the bubble, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Antetokounmpo’s headbutt could draw a punishment from the

league and keep him out of the team’s final seeding game against the Grizzlies on Thursday.

Brook Lopez scored 24 points and Milwaukee beat the Washington Wizards, 126-113.

Wagner took a charge from Antetokounmpo, who didn’t like the call in what had become a physical game early on.

During a break in the action with Milwaukee challenging the call, Antetokounmpo approached Wagner on the way to the bench and started jabbering at him before headbutting him and drawing the ejection.

Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA MVP, finished with 12 points and nine re-

bounds.

Sterling Brown scored 23 points and Frank Mason had 19 for the Bucks, which played their reserves extensively.

Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 20 points, and Ish Smith added 19.

The game didn’t have any playoff implications.

The Bucks have already clinched the top seed in the East, while the Wizards, who fell to 0-7 in the NBA bubble, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Antetokounmpo’s headbutt could draw a punishment from the league and keep him out of the team’s final seeding game against the Grizzlies on Thursday.

NBA Republika Playoffs Party set for PH fans

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inoy NBA fans will be treated to a NBA Republika Playoffs Party on August 17.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced on Wedneday that NBA Champion Glen Rice, NBA G League Coach Brian Shaw and an NBA G League player will participate in the first NBA Republika Playoffs Party on Aug. 17.

The NBA Republika Playoffs Party will be livestreamed beginning 8:00 p.m. PHT on the NBA Philippines Facebook page. The virtual event will feature a combination of authentic NBA entertainment, interactive elements, and interviews with Rice, Shaw and Philippine basketball personalities.

Additionally, the virtual event will include select videos of NBA mascot performances

from Indiana’s Boomer the Panther, Milwaukee’s Bango the Buck and Orlando’s Stuff the Magic Dragon.

“As the postseason nears, it’s terrific to see the amount of work done by the NBA to continue the tradition of awarding an NBA champion,” said Rice.

“I’m looking forward to the excitement of the playoffs and sharing this experience with Filipino fans by participating in the first-ever NBA Republika Playoffs Party.”

“Being a part of this event is a testament to how the league continues to innovate and redefine the NBA experience for fans around the world,” said Shaw.

“I’m excited to enjoy this event virtually with Filipino fans and share some of my own personal experiences from competing in the play-

FNBA, P10

PSC locks down Rizal Memorial, Philsports

T From Philippine Sports Commision (PSC) facebook page

he Philippine Sports Commission has ordered a complete lockdown of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City on Wednesday.

This, after one of their staff members tested positive for the novel coronavirus following a RT-PCR testing.

"We humbly advise all concerned that the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City and

the PHILSPORTS Complex in Pasig City shall be on complete lockdown from 12 August 2020, until further notice," PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said in a memorandum posted on the agency's Facebook page.

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex recently hosted thousands of locally stranded individuals, while the PhilSports Complex serves as a COVID-19 facility aimed to decongest hospitals.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 106 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

MAD SCRAMBLE Western Finals heads to a mad scramble S

uddenly, it’s a neck-to-neck dash as we reach the homestretch of this abbreviated season!

With barely 4 playdates left in this NBA restart, 4 teams jostle

for position for a chance to take the last bus to the West-

ern Conference playoffs.

The gladiators from Memphis, Portland, Phoenix and San Antonio dig deep as they engage in mortal combat to gain the honor of dueling with the crown favorites, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the first round of the playoffs. Already booted out of contention are the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings.

The Grizzlies started the Season Restart on the wrong foot,

collecting 4 straight losses before eventually gaining its solitary win so far enroute to a 33-38 record. It presently leads the closely-bunched pack, making it a strong candidate for the 8th spot. Led by their exciting Rookie of the Year hopeful Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are the pleasant surprise of the season.

Without any bonafide stars, these young turks were able to keep pace with the heavyweights.

How far this Cinderella team will go will fall much on the shoulders of their prized rookie.

Just a nose behind are the dangerous Portland Trail Blazers at 33-39.

Injuries caused the surprising demotion of the Blazers from Conference Finalists last year to mere playoff hopefuls. But the suspension of games provided the team the needed recovery time for Jusuf Nurkic. With a healthy Nurkic aboard, plus Dame Lillard, CJ McCollum and Carmelo Anthony providing the scoring sock, the Blazers are suddenly the dark-horse favorites to clinch the cov-

eted 8th spot. Should this happen, the LA Lakers will be in for a dogfight. Among the four, it is the Blazers which have the experience and the manpower to pose the most serious threat to the Lakers.

Silently creeping forward with everyone’s eyes elsewhere are the elegantly-coached San Antonio Spurs at 31-38. Coach Gregg Popovich’s wards have shown great strides despite the lack of a superstar on the roster, ekking out 4 of six wins in this short run. However, while they have a mathematical chance of making it, they will need the Grizzlies or the Blazers to lose their last 2 games to squeeze through.

Finally, the Phoenix Suns (32-39) have been the brightest stars in this shortened sprint-of-a-series, collecting 6 straight wins as of presstime against the best teams in the league! Devin Booker leads the Suns in an improbable yet still very possible quest for that long-lost shot at the playoffs. Phoenix could still be the cinderella team that makes the last bus if it hurdles its last 2 assignments

against the injury-riddled 76ers and the Doncic-led Mavs, and the Grizzlies or the Blazers falter.

Whatever happens now, we are guaranteed to witness a play-in for the 8th seed. With the 4 teams bunched together with just 2 games left in each of their skeds, we know that the 8th and 9th spots will differ by less than 4 games.

Hence, as stipulated under the Restart bible, a short play-in between the 8th and 9th ranked teams will be needed to determine the playoff’s 8th seed.

This will be a thrilling ‘last 2 minutes’ for the 4 hopefuls. Each one striving to notch 2 Ws in 2 forays, each one hoping for the others to tumble. Each one bloodied and extremely exhausted, yet aware they must drag their bodies to the arena once again. Two more times. Two. More.

Gut-wrenching.

Muscle-aching. Mother-effing.

Times.

Who will the angels favor? Who will step forward for the chance to meet Lebron and the Lakers? Things are moving fast and furious, folks.

Come and watch the NBA Restart 2020!