Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 109 | Sunday-Monday, August 16-17, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

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Strictly follow health protocols or we won’t finish this up to 2 or 3 years: Sara STORY ON PAGE 2

Pedestrians are seen wearing face shields while strolling in Davao City’s downtown area over the weekend.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said face shield is optional to the general public but is mandatory for employees whose job is receiving clients such as waitress, security guards and all others in the frontlines. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

Malacañang says President Rodrigo Duterte is reviewing the proposal to establish a virology research institute in the Philippines as the Covid-19 continues to grip the country. Presidential Photo

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Stay at Home, Magtanom program continuing- CAO

Strictly follow health protocols or we won’t finish this up to 2 or 3 years: Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO i gyud ta mahuman ani kung ang mga tao dili gyud sila mo-strictly comply with the basic health protocols.”

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio cannot hide her frustrations towards some Dabawenyos who disregard health protocols being implemented to contain the spread of Covid-19.

This is in line with Health Secretary Francisco Duque’s verbal guidance issued to the mayors and governors in Davao Region during the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) meeting last Tuesday.

“Isa ko didto nga naa sa meeting. During the meeting we received the verbal guidance from Duque his exact words were “crush the clusters now.” He ordered us to turnaround the situation here in Davao Region and buhatan ug pamaagi na mapakusgan pa ang mga gina-panghi-

mo and how do we crush the clusters now, now, now.

Mao to ang gibalik-balik na guidance,” Mayor Sara said.

The mayor has called on the Dabawenyos to unite and follow the health protocols to cut the transmission of Covid-19.

“Sa katong guidance ni Sec. Duque, niingon siya nga ‘crush the clusters [of Covid-19 cases] now’, and dili masabtan sa mga tao nga ang action sa isa ka tao nga dili mosunod sa health protocols will affect all of us.

And yet, daghan kaayo ang ga-violate sa basic health protocols, so dinha pa lang bagsak na ta. So, unsa nato pag crush the cluster ani?”

Mayor Sara said.

Mayor Sara added that she has seen many violators even from the government

and the private sector.

“Daghan kaayo makita ga-violate gikan sa gobyerno, government employees mismo. Private sector kinahanglan pa nimo kasaban, kinahanglan pa nimo i-inspect, adtuan because dili ga implement og basic health protocols. So, unsay ma expect nimo sa tao nga naa mismo diha sa dalan?” she said.

She added that people must understand that the only way to cut the transmission is to follow basic health protocols such as wearing of mask or face shield, social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

“So dapat kitang tanan pare-pareho ta’g ginabuhat, pareho ta naga mask, naga-palayo sa usa’t usa, pareho naga hand washing pirme para maputol nato ang transmission sa kagaw.

The only way to cut the transmission is kung mahimo nimo ang health protocol na giingon sa doctor.

Remember ang laway atong ipalayo sa atong kaugalingon,” she said.

She said the transmission will run two to three years if people don’t follow the health protocols.

“Example kanang face shield i-headband. Ang mask ibutang sa chin. Mao nay makapanghupaw ug mao na ang problema natong tanan. If di nato ma-comply ang basic health protocol di jud ta mahuman,” she said.

“Makahurot ug gasolina sa utok ang batasan sa tao.

Dapat kung mag-chismis mo mag-mask mo ug magface shield. Wa man mo ingna na bawal mo magchismis. Basta suoton lang ninyo ang mask ug face shield. Kung mu-attend mo ug party ayaw ninyo tanggala inyong mask. Mao nay timailhan na panahon na sa Covid. So unsaon nimo pagsulti sa imong apo na mao nay panahon sa Covid kung wala kay mask?” she added.

n official of the City Agriculture Office bared the Stay at Home, Magtanom still reels in the city, with free seedlings delivered to constituents every Thursday and Friday.

Leo Brian Leuterio, officer-in-charge of the City Agriculture Office said even with the threat of many restaurants and eateries closing, the city government still initiates to buy the products of farmers given that their harvests will never be sold because of the pandemic.

“As approved by City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the local government bought the harvests of farmers and repacked them as aid, together with the City Social Services and Development Office,” he said citing the low farm gate prices of vegetables in Davao City as low as P4.00 a kilo.

Leuterio said the Stay at Home Magtanom has evolved into an urban agricultural program, with the theme, “Bakanteng Lote atong Tamnan, Aron dili kita Magutman.”

There are now 17 subdivisions enrolled in this program, harnessing the open spaces in the respec-

tive areas.

“When we support them, there are many tangible results which we can account,” Leuterio said.

He said participating subdivisions have "magtanom cards" writing therein their activities, the harvest-time and would be beneficiaries.

The City Agriculture Office also launched this week, the CLEAR program, which stands for confirm, locate, engage, address, and resolve.

The program is based on the order of the City Mayor, to address the vegetable production in the upper areas of the city like Marilog, Paquibato and Upper Calinan where the farm-gate-prices are very low like P4.00 a kilo of the squash.

“We confirm and locate where these circumstances are happening, engage the farmer and address the issues on price and transport and resolve it by identifying recipients,” Leuterio said.

At the end of the day, the harvests of the farmers will not be thrown to waste.

Leuterio said 17,000 kilos of squash might be wasted after its supposed buyer backed out.

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Bicycle riders should know their responsibilities: CTTMO chief W

By MAYA M. PADILLO

ith some parts of Davao now rideable through bike lanes, keeping bikers on the dedicated lanes is still a challenge as not all bikers are using them.

Dionisio Abude Jr., chief of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office

(CTTMO) reminded cyclists to know their responsibilities while using the bike

lanes.

“Kulang pa ta kaayo paghatag ug information ug education mahitungod sa pag-gamit sa bike lane.

Kay kung na inform na sila (cyclists) tanan naa man ta mga brochure na gina-himo ma-inform na sila na dapat dili sila mu-counter, dapat bisan naay open na side

mu-stay sila sa ilang lane kay wala man ta kabalo kay naa man mga sakyanan.

Daghan pa kaayo ang wala nakabalo,” Abude said.

The city government of Davao has reminded bicycle riders to follow the safety standards provided in the Bicycle Ordinance and Traffic Code of Davao whenever

they use the bicycle lanes which includes the wearing of helmet, headgear, or protective head covering and use of reflectors, headlights, rear lights, or any warning device that must be attached to the bicycle or on the rider for their protection at night.

Abude also called on

motorists not to to drive or park on the bike lanes for the safety of bikers.

“Dili lang sa mga cyclist even the motorists dapat i-respeto nila ang bike lane ug ang cyclist. Bicycle is a vehicle dapat ang motorist mu-respeto ang bike lane ug dili nila himoong parking,” he said.

irtual classes of private schools which have already started prior to the postponement of school opening will have to continue, Malacañang said on Friday.

“For private schools which have started to conduct online classes, they shall proceed holding classes,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Roque said the resumption of private schools’ online classes will be subject to present health and quarantine protocols imposed in their respective areas amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He issued the statement

after President Rodrigo Duterte, upon the recommendation of the Department of Education (DepEd), decided to move the start of classes to October 5 from August 24.

Roque said the deferment of school opening is applicable to “both public and private schools”.

“The President’s decision is based on the recommendation of the DepEd, in response to the implications of the imposition of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal,” he said.

In a virtual presser

earlier Friday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said her office submitted on August 6 to President Duterte the recommendation to postpone the class opening after Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were placed under MECQ. Roque said DepEd would release the necessary guidelines for the new date of opening of classes in the country.

The classes for Academic Year 2020-2021 were initially scheduled to open on August 24 and end on April 30, 2021.

The rescheduling of the school calendar was made

avao Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct two 30-minute power interruptions on August 19, Wednesday, affecting customers in some parts of Davao City’s downtown area.

These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate line upgrading works near DBP Claveria.

To avoid longer duration of power interruptions, load from the affected lines will be transferred to nearby lines anytime between 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.. Normalization or return of load back to its normal set-up will be anytime

between 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m..

Specifically affected are customers in San Pedro Square and neighboring areas, including City Hall of Davao, Sangguniang Panlungsod Building, City Engineers Office, Registry of Deeds, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Bolton Extension, Davao City Museum, Bonifacio Monument, Rizal Park, Osmena Park, BIR Office San Pedro, Magallanes Elementary School, San Pedro Cathedral, DBP Claveria, PNB San Pedro, Land Bank San Pedro, Bolton Extension and Bolton Riverside.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience brought about by this scheduled power interruption. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our 24/7 Customer Contact Service at 229-3572, 0917-864-2793 (Globe) or 0920-970-1357 (Smart) for any power interruption that will fall outside the given schedule.

Ongoing virtual classes in private schools will resume, says Palace

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Two 30-minute power interruptions on August 19

D City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) chief Dionisio Abude Jr. reiterates that bicycle owners need to undergo orientation in or-

der for them to be educated with traffic rules and to remind them to always use the bike lanes. Edge Davao

PH imposes temporary ban on chicken imports from Brazil PRRD reviews proposed

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry meat from Brazil as a precautionary measure after the detection of SARSCOV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in chicken wings imported from the country.

The ban was contained in a memorandum order that was signed on Friday

by Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the DA said in a news release.

It cited Section 10 of Republic Act 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013, which states that in “specific circumstances when the available relevant information use for in risk

assessment is insufficient to show that a certain type of food or food product does not pose a risk to consumer health, precautionary measures shall be adopted."

Several online news agencies have reported that SARS-COV-2 was detected in chicken wings imported from Brazil during a screening conducted in Longgang District in Shenzhen, China.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 3,109,630 Covid-19 confirmed cases and 103,026 deaths in Brazil, with a significant number of cases among workers in meat establishments.

The DA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the

National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) have been monitoring Covid-19-related outbreaks in foreign meat establishments (FMEs).

One of the primary considerations by the DA in the accreditation of FMEs for the import of meat is the health status of workers, in compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).

The DA said with the recent reports from China and in compliance with the country’s Food Safety Act to regulate food business operators and safeguard Filipino consumers, the temporary ban on the import of chicken meat was imposed.

It assured the public

that chicken products currently in the Philippine market are safe to eat and strongly urged the public to verify sources of information with either BAI or the NMIS for proper guidance.

Since this is a Covid-19 issue related to public health, the DA said workers engaged in meat establishments, poultry dressing plants, slaughterhouses, and meat processing plants are required to report to the DOH any unusual sicknesses.

As part of national efforts to control Covid-19, the DA strongly recommended that poultry farms and slaughterhouse owners consult their respective

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virology research institute

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is reviewing the proposal to establish a virology research institute in the Philippines, Malacañang said Friday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the country.

The proposed Virology Science and Technology Institute is designed to "strengthen local vaccine development in the country," Duterte's spokesperson Harry Roque said.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address, Duterte sought the formation of a national body that would serve as the lead agency in handling outbreaks of diseases as the Philippines grapples with the coronavi-

rus pandemic.

While a coronavirus vaccine has yet to be distributed commercially in the Philippines, Roque said the government is already in talks with different countries on possible cooperations.

"We have been in touch with several institutions to collaborate on vaccine development and allow local manufacturing, if possible. Our country is part of the World Health Organization Solidarity Trials for COVID-19 treatments," Roque said.

The Philippines is set to begin human clinical trials of Russian-made corona-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

Monthly auto sales up 31.9% in July

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A student uses a personal computer as she attends a virtual class on Friday. Malacañang has announced that virtual classes of private schools which have already started prior to the postponement of school opening will have to continue. Edge Davao

BAP supports 30-day loan payment leeway

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he Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) has expressed support for the mandatory 30-day moratorium on loan payments in areas under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“We have to ensure the stability and robustness of the banking system in order to help our economy pave the way towards recovery,” BAP managing director Benjamin Castillo said in a statement Friday.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued several memoranda reminding covered financial institutions to extend payment leeway to clients for dues falling within the ECQ and MECQ.

The moratorium covers the principal amount and interest, as well as interest on interest, penalties, fees, and other charges.

This policy is in line with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. The BAP said it “shares the concern of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that longer moratorium will impact the liquidity of the financial system and may put certain banks at risk.”

On Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the one-year freeze on loan repayments under

the proposed Bayanihan 2 might negatively impact banks.

“While we recognize the noble intentions behind the 365-day moratorium on loan payments, the said policy may result in unintended consequences that will severely affect the banking industry, the financial system, and the economy,” he said.

Diokno said the proposed one-year moratorium would hamper banks’ cash flow, which may hurt the public’s trust in the sector. (PNA)

The conglomerate has varied interests spanning real estate developments through property giant Megaworld Corporation; leisure, entertainment and hospitality through Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc.; spirits manufacturing through Emperador Inc.; quick-service restaurants through Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC), popularly known as McDonald’s Philippines, which is a strategic partnership with the George Yang Group; and infrastructure developments through Infracorp Development Corporation.

In the first six months of the year, Megaworld posted a 33-percent decline in attributable net income to PHP5.4 billion from PHP8.1 billion a year before.

Consolidated revenues fell 25 percent year-onyear to PHP23.8 billion, as the strict community quarantine weighed on mall rentals, real estate sales,

and hotel revenues.

Office rentals, however, grew 10 percent to PHP5.6 billion, proving anew its dominance and stronghold in the country’s office sector as it catered mostly to the more resilient business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Emperador, the world’s biggest brandy producer and owner of the world’s fifth-largest Scotch whiskey manufacturer, recorded a 2-percent year-on-year improvement in attributable profit to PHP3.3 billion in the first half this year.

Meanwhile, the ongoing community quarantine, which put a temporary halt in casino gaming operations, has taken its toll on Travellers International.

The owner and operator of Resorts World Manila (RWM) recorded a net loss of PHP3.7 billion in the first half this year, a reversal from its PHP845-million net income the year before.

The community quar-

antine also significantly affected GADC’s operations which saw its bottom line post a loss of PHP709 million in the first half this year, reversing the profit of PHP751-million the year before.

At the start of the lockdown, only about 38 percent of the McDonald’s stores were operational, while activities were limited to take-out, drivethrough, and delivery services as dining-in was not allowed.

“This global health crisis has brought us new learnings. We have modified our product offerings and acquired new skills to adapt to the changes in consumer behavior. Likewise, our move to transform our operations under a digital strategy, an undertaking we have started only last year, has supported most of our businesses especially during the strictest period of the community quarantine,” Tan said. (PR)

Alliance Global Group profit hits P4.1B in H1

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ndrew Tan-led Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) on Friday reported its net profit reached PHP4.1 billion in the first half of 2020, down by 67 percent from PHP12.5 billion during the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues fell 26 percent to PHP61.4 billion from last year’s PHP82.8 billion, as the conglomerate faces the hurdles caused by the coronavirus pandemic that affected most of its businesses.

“The country’s strict two-month lockdown weighed heavily on most of our domestic operations.

We take comfort from the fact that we have managed to diversify our sources of income, either by type of products or by geographic contribution, and this has helped us mitigate the impact of this pandemic on our group performance,” AGI chief executive officer Kevin Tan said in a statement.

ombined vehicle sales of Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) sold 20,542 units of vehicles in July 2020.

CAMPI and TMA sales in July are higher by 31.9 percent from previous month’s sales of 15,578 units.

Vehicle sales has recorded growth in sales for three straight months after community quarantine measures due to Covid-19 eased in May. “It is understandable that achieving the industry’s average monthly preCovid-19 level remains elusive and a challenge at the same time amid this pandemic and the recent pronouncement of economic recession. But this month-on-month of nearly 32-percent growth is what the industry needs at this point to achieve its sales forecast of 240,000 units for this year,” CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez said in a statement Friday.

Gutierrez added the target sales for this year is 41.5 percent lower than the total industry sales volume in 2019.

For CAMPI and TMA alone, combined sales in 2019 reached 369,941 units.

The group of car importers, on the other hand,

sold 87,984 units last year.

“This volume reduction can have serious operational and financial impact on the automotive industry.

We have submitted some recommendations for industry support, which are now under study by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry),” the CAMPI chief added.

Moreover, sales of locally assembled vehicles from January to July 2020 decreased 48.7 percent with total sales of 105,583 units from 205,945 vehicles in the same period last year.

The decline in year-todate sales in July has eased compared to the 51.2-percent drop in sales in the January to June period.

By segment, passenger cars sold in the first seven months of 2020 decreased by 51.4 percent to 30,069 units from 61,815 units in the same period in 2019.

Commercial vehicle sales also recorded a decrease of 47.6 percent with 75,514 units sold in January to July 2020 from 144,130 units sold in the same months last year.

Light commercial vehicles sold 56,854 units and Asian utility vehicles sold 14,810 units.

Sales of light trucks in the said period reached 2,043 units, while trucks and buses category four at 1,360 units and category five at 447 units. (PNA)

PH receives ¥50-billion JICA loan for COVID-19 response

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he Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has released to the Philippine government a ¥50-billion loan under the COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan (CCRESL) to immediately help the country respond to the pandemic.

To recall, the loan agreement for the CCRESL was inked by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and JICA Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa on July 1, 2020.

JICA said it made the disbursement of the JP¥50-billion loan funding to the Philippine government on August 14, 2020, “following its request this week.”

The Japanese aid agency said the Philippines was the first recipient of its special facility “Emergency Support Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan for COVID-19” and is the first partner country to be disbursed the fund.

“The Philippines is now in the midst of the fight against the coronavirus,” JICA said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) National Transmission Assessment, there is an increasing trend in cases in the Philippines, with higher transmission found in the National Capital Region and Central Visayas.

Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) has also confirmed the health crisis’ impact to the economy with latest contraction of 16.5% during the second quarter of 2020, and unemployment of 7.3 million people as of April 2020 data.

The Department of Finance (DOF), for its part, announced that JICA’s assistance “underscores the deep friendship between Japan and the Philippines” and the support will form part of the Philippines’ economic recovery program.

“JICA stands with the Filipinos in this time of Bayanihan. We admire the tireless effort and the leadership shown by the Philippine Government to tackle the unprecedented challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19,” Azukizawa said.

“We will continue to explore new and innovative ways to deliver our development cooperation program in response to the Philippines’ immediate needs and consistent with our mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable growth and a better quality of life for all,” he said.

In addition to COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan, JICA said it continues to assist the Philippine government in its effort to boost the economy by providing jobs to many Filipinos

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ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Colorful motorcyle shirts are displayed at a roadside store along Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao

Covid-19 vaccine, quarantine easing to boost peso, stocks A

Shell to assist workers find jobs after refinery shutdown

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to trade between 48.60 to 49.00 against the greenback next week.

The local currency ended Friday at 48.765, its strongest since ending the trade at 48.66 on November 10, 2016.

On the other hand, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) posted a correction and shed

0.34 percent to 6,076.91 points, ending its fourday rally.

“Sentiment on the PSEi and peso also supported by the expected easing of the MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) on Metro Manila and nearby areas, even with the remote possibility of MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) as signaled by Malacanang, thereby may also help support economic recovery prospects and investment valuations,” Ricafort said.

The 15-day re-implementation of the modified enhanced communi-

ty quarantine (MECQ) in NCR, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan will end on August 18.

Ricafort said “progress on Bayanihan 2 Bill with increased support for excluding the proposed 1-year deferment in loan payments” is another plus for market sentiments.

Other factors seen to impact next week’s trading include the trend for new Covid-19 cases, the report on the country’s foreign reserves and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) rate decision. (PNA)

hospitals because when we can give the IRM, mabibigay kaagad ‘yong pera sa kanila,” PhilHealth Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Spokesperson Dr. Shirley Domingo said.

The IRM is a system where PhilHealth pays hospitals and healthcare facilities in advance for insurance claims, to ensure that they could function in crises.

“There were issues in the congressional inquiries so we thought it best to address these issues first aside from the controversy surrounding this IRM.

Lahat ‘yon aayusin muna before we release it again,” Domingo said.

However, according to the Philippine Hospital Association, the IRM suspension was a serious matter because many public and private hospitals were experiencing difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “‘Yong capability ng hospital ang maje-jeopardize. Sa capabilities especially sa PPE na medyo mahal nga ‘yong mga gamit ng mga personnel to protect themselves, so ayon then kailangan ‘yong iba

they are planning to buy ventilators, ‘yong mga iba nag-e-expand ng isolation rooms so may mga physical constructions sa ospital na kailangan gawin,” PHA President Dr. Jaime Almora explained.

Earlier, PhilHealth said the IRM suspension would make way for a review of the system and resolve issues moving forward.

Meanwhile, several senators welcomed PhilHealth’s decision to suspend the IRM implementation amid various issues arising from ongoing investigations in Congress.

ptimism on the possible easing of quarantine measures in the National Capital Region (NCR) and hopes for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines are expected to buoy the Philippine peso and the main stocks index next week.

In a reply to e-mailed questions from PNA, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said confidence on the possible Covid-19 vaccine lifted market sentiment since “”this supports better economic recovery prospects”.

He projects the peso

Suspended IRM may affect hospitals' financial liquidity, says PhilHealth

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ome hospitals might experience financial difficulties after the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) suspended its Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) amid issues hounding the payment system.

Despite the IRM’s suspension, PhilHealth members’ benefits would still continue, however, some hospitals might not have enough funds.

“It’s only the IRM— that means suspend muna ‘yong processing. So ang effect lang nito is immediate financial liquidity ng mga

n executive of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said the firm has pledged to help workers who would be affected by the shutdown of its oil refinery in Batangas.

Serge Bernal Jr., Pilipinas Shell vice president for external and government relations, said the firm would do its best to give the affected workers new jobs within the company.

“Since the facility will be transformed into an import terminal, jobs will be created. We also have different businesses in the Philippines. This includes our Shell Business Outsourcing and our operation here is expanding. We can also absorb them in other businesses of Shell in the country,” Bernal said in Filipino in a radio interview on Friday.

On Thursday, Shell disclosed it would permanently halt the operation of its

oil refinery in Tabangao as it is no longer economically viable for the company to run the refinery due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on global, regional, and local businesses, as well as uncertainties in the supply and demand of crude oil in the region.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier said he respects the decision of the management but expressed hope that displaced workers could still find jobs.

Bernal said the company does not have the exact figures yet on how many workers would be affected by the shutdown.

Moreover, he said all the production of the Batangas oil refinery has been released to the market.

“So since May 24, we (have been) importing the demands of our market,” Bernal added. (PNA)

he Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has flagged as detrimental to the banking system a provision in the House of Representatives’ version of Bayanihan 2, giving a 365-day moratorium on loans.

In a statement Friday, MAP president Francis Lim said it would be better to adopt the Senate version of the bill, which limits the loan moratorium to only one month.

“The 365-day loan moratorium under the House version of the Bayanihan 2, while ostensibly good for our citizens in the short run, may have unintended adverse consequences for the country that can potentially exacerbate the negative impact of the pandemic,” Lim said.

He added that a longer period of suspension of loan payments would “put to risks our banks’ ability

Limit loan moratorium to 1 month, MAP says

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

On her frustration towards some Dabawenyos who disregard health protocols being implemented to contain the spread of Covid-19:

Di gyud ta mahuman ani kung ang mga tao dili gyud sila mo-strictly comply with the basic health protocols. Daghan kaayo makita ga-violate gikan sa gobyerno, government employees mismo. Private sector kinahanglan pa nimo kasab-an, kinahanglan pa nimo i-inspect, adtuan because dili ga implement og basic health protocols. So, unsay ma expect nimo sa tao nga naa mismo diha sa dalan?”

MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDGEDAVAO

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MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER V. BACSAL OLIVIA D. VELASCO General ManagerPresident Advertising Specialist General Manager/Finance VP-Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

EDGEDAVAO LIVING

TIPS FOR GEN ZS, MILLENNIALS IN COPING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

THERE IS NO DOUBT that the year 2020 will go down in the history of mankind as one of the most, if not the most, damaging in terms of loss of lives or global economic and political upheaval due to COVID-19. Add to that is the most likely long-term impact on mental health as the world embraces this so-called “new normal” amid a pandemic that has completely changed how people live their lives.

Focusing on making sure that people feel heard and supported, Globe Telecom, through its Hope Bank online community, has launched the “#StartANewDay – Let’s talk about mental health” webinar series with “Insights for Millennials and Gen Zs” as the first topic, being the two age groups most affected by stress, anxiety, and depression during the community quarantine.

Among the notable speakers were mental health advocates led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, author and principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Law); adult psychiatrist Dr. Corazon Angela Cuadro, occupational medicine specialist Dr. Gia Sison, showbiz personality Kiana Valenciano and #MentalHealthPH coFounder Roy Dahildahil.

With four children at home, Sen. Hontiveros said the pandemic changed a lot in the way they live but it allowed them to be more open to each other. She added that the prolonged community quarantine may be used to form a stronger bond with each member of the family or address unresolved issues.

“This pandemic revealed how badly we need one another so I suggest we check up on each

other, drink 8 glasses of water daily, turn off the news once in a while, find time to do things and enjoy it if you can and take a rest. In the midst of a public health crisis every facet of our health matters. We must take care of ourselves and that amid all that is happening, remember that mental health, especially among the young generation, will always matter.”

Dr. Cuadro, on the other hand, said that the rise in mental health issues among millennials and Gen Z’s is not an isolated case. For this younger set who are used to going out and being free but are now limited to virtual contacts, it may be difficult for most to cope. “It’s good that they are now more open to express themselves and there’s a safe space now to talk about them and be allowed to express these emotions and experiences, especially possible anxieties and depressive symptoms.”

During the webinar, young singer-songwriter Valenciano

who struggles with depression and anxiety said the pandemic taught her to confront directly the issues she’s had in the past. “I had to change my whole thought process, the toxic thinking, I learned to appreciate things more. I also learned to flip things over, especially those seen on social media, to keep my feet grounded and focused on what I can do for myself and let go of things I have no control of.”

In light of millennials and Gen Z’s complicated relationship with social media which is also another source of anxiety and depression, mental health advocacy group leader Dahildahil offered a few tips like being aware of the kind of content they are consuming, the manner content is shared which can also affect other people, and understanding how they were affected by it.

“Emotions can be contagious, so is disinformation. Do some selfchecking, how were they affected by social media content and ask themselves why do they use so-

cial media. Is it about to connect, to express, to inspire people, and how does it help them? If using social media is not helpful anymore, best to take some time off it, more of a digital detox, to also protect themselves,” he said.

Dahildahil’s views were shared by Dr. Sison, who heads the Makati Medical Center’s Women’s Wellness Center who said that millennials and Gen Z’s can also avoid being overwhelmed by all the information and negativity by sticking to credible sources of information only. “Limit sources of information in the Philippines and gather the more credible facts and even limit social media sites being followed. Use the ‘block’ and ‘mute’ feature of the phone if need be to avoid being overwhelmed.”

All the speakers also expressed gladness that there is now a platform where mental health issues can be discussed freely and positively, where everyone can speak up and let

their voices and concerns about mental health are heard and create positive change. The more it is being talked about, the better opportunity there is to find solutions, they pointed out.

As the country’s leading telco, Globe supports the promotion of mental health through its various initiatives such as Hope Bank, a safe online space for everyone to openly express their feelings and thoughts about mental health. It seeks to empower those undergoing emotional and mental challenges caused by Covid-19 and to boost the morale of frontliners and patients including their families and friends. To contribute, members can just post messages using hashtag #SpreadHOPE both on their personal profiles and in the group. These can be through photos, artworks, quotes, song lyrics, poems, videos or anything that expresses hope and positivity.

Globe also partnered with organizations such as the UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ) and New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong’s HOPELINE for free counseling or psychotherapy services for frontliners, Covid-19 patients and relatives and people under monitoring or under investigation. Just call 2919 (Globe and TM subscribers) or 88044673 (landline) for HOPELINE or send a text or Viber message to PsycServ at 09063743466 or 09167573157 with name and concern or accomplish the form found at http://bit.ly/PsycServPH to receive a call from a PsycServ volunteer. PsycServ is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

For more about Globe Telecom, visit www.globe.com.ph.

‘IBILIB’ MAKES LEARNING AT HOME MORE FUN WITH FRESH EPISODES

BEGINNING AUGUST 16, join Kapuso TV personality and youth icon Chris Tiu as he tries fun experiments and unravels bizarre facts in the world of science with brand-new episodes of GMA Network’s award-winning infotainment show iBilib.

Following the suspension of television production amid the ongoing pandemic, Chris is beyond ecstatic to be working again with his comedic co-hosts James and Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy. He and the program convey their solidarity with frontliners by observing strict precautionary measures

upon returning on set.

“I am very excited to go back to work to see my colleagues. This is the longest time we’ve been apart.

The production team seems to be very vigilant and proactive in coming up with the new policies to prevent getting infected,” says Chris.

The Department of Science and Technology ambassador also believes that educational shows such as iBilib are much needed in times like these as great platforms for alternative learning and spreading awareness. “iBilib can certainly help during this COVID crisis

by creating awareness and using science to educate people about the virus and tips on prevention,” says Chris.

On this Sunday’s episode, Chris, James and Roadfill are joined by Shaira Diaz in trying out experiments from Street Genius, which

viewers can follow at home. Meanwhile, Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera unveils lifehacks on how to keep the kitchen clean.

In an exclusive interview, Chris discovers how dance teacher and Philippine pole dancing pioneer Ed Aniel climbs, twists, and twirls on a metal pole.

Make Sunday mornings more exciting and educational with the fresh episodes of ‘iBilib’ –under the helm of esteemed director Rico Gutierrez– beginning August 16, 9:35AM, and replays every Monday and Tuesday, 8:25AM, only on GMA Network.

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Hope in VCO

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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on’t look now but virgin coconut oil VCO) is reportedly showing promising result in managing COVID-19 cases.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said the use of VCO in the treatment of Covid-19 has shown positive results in patients with mild symptoms.

A company located at the Southern Philippine Province of Cotabato called TreeLife has high hopes for VCO as it not only help treat Covid-19 but will spur company’s growth and help coconut farmers as well.

“When we heard of the study of VCO having the potential in lessening the risk of Covid-19 we were hopeful, but as the study was still in its early trial, us as a company continued operations as per usual,” Rochella Marie Taray, marketing and export manager of TreeLife, answered to questions sent by this writer via email.

Taray said the company sees a large potential for growth with the increase in demands for VCO, however, due to restrictions and quarantine protocols it is currently difficult to hire people and expand.

“So as of the moment we continue as is in producing for our current clients who have been with us even since before Covid-19 started. Potentially, there is a large opportunity,” she said.

TreeLife has been producing organic VCO since 2016 and started exporting it to other countries in 2017 with Europe as main export market. In the middle of the pandemic, the company continue exporting to Europe for the past four to five years.

“We have an agreement with our buyers that we can’t reveal who they are, but our main export market is Europe,” she said.

TreeLife has just started marketing VCO domestically this year as it just received the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) last December 2019 permitting the company to sell locally.

Taray said VCO contributes 50 percent of the company’s sales.

She said with regards to the sales domestically, and comparing the sales when TreeLife started selling locally early this year, there has been an increase of 30 percent in sales. She added that the company’s main outlet of sales domestically is the online sales, social media marketing and resellers.

She added that they are looking at the potential of having distributors for specific regions.

As for export, Taray

said there has been a 20 percent increase compared to the first quarter.

“With this we hope to see this continue to rise for the final quarter,” she said.

VCO is among flagship products of TreeLife. The company uses an average of 20,000 to 40,000 coconuts per day to produce highly nutritious VCO. The company is poising its organic coconut oil as a great addition to everyone’s daily diet and believe to help stimulate the activity and proper functioning of the heart and provides energy.

TreeLife not just focus on health but empowering the local coco farmers as well by employing more than 800 farmers who help in harvesting coconuts and in processing their products.

The company’s employees are local residents of the surrounding area and providing them livelihood and additional income for their families.

With the goal of providing a sustainable and reliable source of organic products, at the same time helping to uplift the local community by offering the chance to work with a steady source of income.

TreeLife also provides standard training to each employee in production of world class organic produce, thereby uplifting the community and spirit of the farm.

“The farmers working with us have been with us for the last three years under our programs in organic and fairtrade,” Taray said.

Carrying the tagline “TreeLife, we are farmers, producers, and exporters”, the company started farming in 2004, tilling 50 hectares of land in Sitio Kilambay, Barangay Kibudtungang, Carmen, Cotabato Province under the Green Philippine Program.

It was established by the couple Jerry and Jocelyn Taray. It was in February of 2011, when the couple chanced to meet with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), which led them to be aware of the studies in regards to the importance of coconut sugar and other products derived from the coconut tree.

Apart from organic VCO, TreeLife’s main products are organic coconut sugar, banana chips, coconut flour, and coconut wine.

Taray said the company is also looking at venturing intercropping cardava banana between coconuts as additional income since the company is also in banana chips to help more farmers.

“We are a company who is proud to be a part of this generation in providing premium quality products, as well as, helping to promote a healthier lifestyle to consumers all over the world,” she said.

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Underutilized vegetables can fight malnutrition

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By HENRYLITO D. TACIO hen a person is not getting enough food or not getting the right sort of food, malnutrition is just around the corner. “Even if people get enough to eat, they will become malnourished if the food they eat does not provide the proper amounts of micronutrients - vitamins and minerals - to meet daily nutritional requirements,” the UN World Food Program points out.

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In the Philippines, malnutrition generally affects children. Most of them suffer from what experts called as chronic malnutrition, or stunting rate for children under 5 years old. Children who suffer from chronic malnutrition fail to grow to their full genetic potential, both mentally and physically.

Based on a survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and released in 2015, chronic malnutrition is at its worst in 10 years and this may get worse unless necessary steps are soon taken.

The data showed chronic malnutrition rate among children aged 0 to 2 was at 26.2%, the highest in 10 years. From 2013 to 2015, 10% of the stunting children increased to an average of 40%, and is expected to increase in the coming years.

In its 2013 report, entitled Cost of Hunger: Philippines, the Save the Children Philippines said the country lost almost ₱328 billion or 30% of that year’s gross domestic product due to malnutrition.

Nutrition is recognized as a basic human right, and vital to the survival, growth and development of children.

Although pork, beef, chicken and fish are available at all times, they are oftentimes beyond the budgets of most Filipinos, particularly those living in rural areas. Usually, legumes provide the chief – and sometimes the only – course of protein.

“Legumes seeds (also called beans, grain legumes, or pulses) are second only to cereals as a source of human and animal food,” notes Tropical Legumes: Resources for the Future, published by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). “Nutritionally, they are 2-3 times richer in protein than cereals grains.”

In the Philippines, the most common legumes planted are soybeans, peanuts, and string beans. But there are two more legumes that farmers should plant in their farms or gardens. Both deserve attention as they are good sources of protein. They are pigeon

pea (Cajanus cajan) and winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus).

Kadios Although pigeon pea, locally known as kadios, has been grown at least 3000 years ago, it is still underexploited. It is cultivated as a food crop (dried peas, flour, or green vegetable peas) and a forage crop. In some areas, pigeon peas are an important crop for green manure (they can provide up to 40 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare after incorporation).

As a food crop, the dried peas may be sprouted briefly and cooked for a flavor different from the green or dried peas.

Sprouting also enhances the digestability of dried pigeon peas via the reduction of indigestible sugars that would otherwise remain in the cooked dried peas.

Pigeon peas are nutritionally important, as they contain vitamin B and high levels of protein and the important amino acids methionine, lysine, and tryptophan.

In combination with cereals, pigeon peas make a well-balanced human food. In Puerto Rico, rice and green pigeon peas are together considered the main traditional food, served as a representative country cuisine in many food festivals around the world.

Sigarilyas Like pigeon pea, winged bean (sigarilyas) is not commercially cultivated in the Philippines.

It is mostly confined to home gardens and backyard cultivation. This legume is considered quite unique because of its multiple uses.

“It’s a veritable backyard supermarket,” points out Noel Vietmeyer, a staff director of the National Academy of Sciences.

“From top to bottom, it is all edible.” The plant yields protein-rich pods, and its succulent leaves, tender shoots resembling lacy asparagus, seeds, flowers and tuberous roots are also edible.

The tender pods, which are the most widely eaten part of the plant, can be harvested in two to three months of planting.

The long pods, which can reach up to 50 centimeters in length, are rich sources

of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamin A. The pods may be eaten raw or used in salads, soups, stews and curries.

The immature pods can also be used as peas.

The matured pods can be stewed, boiled, fried, roasted or made into milk.

The seeds mimic soybean in composition and nutritive value. The seeds contain 29-39 percent protein, 15-18 percent fat and 23-42 percent carbohydrate. The tender top three sets of leaflets can be eaten raw like spinach or cooked as greens. They are rich in vitamin A, protein and carbohydrates.

The vines produce starchy underground tubers. These tubers are eaten like potatoes, and are harvested 120 to 240 days after planting. In the Philippines, however, the tubers are relatively smaller and they are not eaten. The tubers contain 12-15 percent protein (2 to 4 times higher than that of potato and 8 times more than that of cassava), 0.5 to 1.1 percent fat and 27.2 to 30.5 percent carbohydrate. The tubers are peeled after boiling, fried or baked before use.

One good thing about winged beans is that it is one of the best nitrogen fixers with nodulation accomplished by the soil bacterium Rhizobium.

Because of its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, the plant requires very little or no fertilizers.

Kulitis Although not a legume, amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a versatile plant, with edible seeds and leaves. The word comes from the Greek amarantos, which means “one that does not wither.”

Like pigeon pea and winged bean, amaranth (kulitis) is cultivated on a

small-scale although it has been touted as “the crop of the future.” The seed is moderately important in the Himalaya. It was one of the foodstuffs of the Incas and was used by the ancient Aztecs in their rituals.

Although the seeds are hardly bigger than poppy seeds, they occur in very large quantities, around 100,000 per plant. They contain protein that is nearly perfectly balanced for the human diet.

The Florida-based Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) gives the following information: “The protein content is 13 to 18 percent, containing high levels of the essential amino acid lysine. Seeds also have high levels of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin B-complex.

Seeds are ground for porridge or flour; they may also be toasted, popped, flaked, or sprouted to use in cooking and baking.”

Globally, amaranth leaves are probably more widely eaten than the seeds. The leaves taste much like spinach and are used in the same manner that spinach is used.

They are best if consumed when the plant is young and tender. Flexible stems up to thumb size can also be peeled, cooked and eaten like asparagus.

The fiber content of amaranth is three times that of wheat and its iron content, five times more than wheat. It contains two times more calcium than milk. Eating amaranth along with corn or rice results in a complete protein as high in food value as fish, beef, or poultry.

Several studies have shown that amaranth seed or oil may be of benefit for those with hypertension

and cardiovascular disease; regular consumption reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while improving antioxidant status and some immune parameters.

Malunggay Although not included in the NAS list, malunggay is the country’s counterpart of the apple of the United States – in terms of keeping the doctor away.

The malunggay leaves are good for curing headache, bleeding from a shallow cut, and can be used as anti-inflammatory, or cure for gastric ulcers and diarrhea.

Nutritionists aver that 100 grams of malunggay leaves yield the following: 75 calories of energy (higher than ampalaya, squash, tomatoes, or carrots), 5.9 grams protein (higher than cauliflower, lettuce, or mustard), 12.8 grams carbohydrate (higher than okra, papaya, or watermelon), 353 milligrams calcium (higher than gabi leaves, mung beans, squash, and sweet potato tops), 3.7 milligrams niacin (higher than other vegetables analyzed). And for thiamin, phosphorus, and ascorbic acid, malunggay is at the top of the list.

In addition, nutritionists affirm that 200 grams of malunggay leaves would give a nutritive value roughly equivalent to four eggs and two glasses of milk. Its iron compound prevents deficiency of red blood cells known as anemia. And being a very rich source of calcium, it aids in maintaining

healthy bones and teeth.

Malunggay is also rich in vitamin A (higher than red and green mung beans, radish, or eggplant), thus helping prevent xerophthalmia, a disease of the eye. Adults are urged to eat malunggay leaves as its vitamin C content is higher than those of ampalaya leaves.

The “miracle vegetable,” as some scientists called it, has been promoted by no less than the World Health Organization (WHO) as a low-cost health enhancer in poor countries around the globe.

“We have always had problems with the classical approach to treating malnourished children,” said a West Africa doctor in Senegal. “This was based on industrial products: whole milk powder, vegetable oil and sugar.

All these things are expensive. When you tell a parent to go out and buy these things – this can be truly costly for him.”

But in the case of malunggay, it’s a different story. “It is locally available and the people themselves can produce it,” the doctor added. “We have done experiments in treating malnourished children with this plant and the results have been really spectacular.”

With malnutrition still prevalent in the Philippines and high prices of common vegetables, these neglected vegetables should be given more importance now not only in rural areas but in the cities as well.

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P5,000 fine for Dabawenyos who violate 14-day quarantine

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Damosa Land redefines real estate experience

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amosa Land introduces Damosa Land 360 - the newest feature in the company’s website (www.damosaland.com) that serves as an online platform for brand new experience of doing real estate.

Damosa Land 360 offers various features that allow users to touch base with one of Mindanao’s premiere property developers even in a virtual space.

“We have always been an advocate for innovation and excellence. So we want to translate that into how we engage with our clients.

We want them to experience a whole new level of doing real estate anywhere they may be in the world,” said Damosa Land Head, Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo.

Making it online, thus, accessible anytime and anywhere, Damosa Land

360 allows anyone to explore Damosa Land’s projects in different perspectives and frames.

Damosa Land 360 banners the company’s very first Virtual Reality (VR) tours. This interactive feature enables the user to see a full 360° view of each of the projects right in their own gadget. Users can navigate through the streets and buildings of properties as well as the interiors of houses or warehouses to be able to fully appreciate each project.

Project updates will also be a main stay in the page as Damosa Land provides still images to reflect

progress of each of its properties in varying levels of development. These images include renders and artist’s perspectives as well as actual construction updates.

Another feature is the Guided Tour, which presents a different frame to the users where it showcases what Damosa Land properties offer. Hosted by its in-house project officers, Damosa Land gives a sneak peek to its residential communities, office space, mixed-use and even industrial developments.

A host of lifestyle videos that showcase Damosa Land in various angles are also available for the audience. The selection ranges from CNN Philippines’ The Final Pitch Season 5, which features Damosa Land and Lagdameo as one of the panel of investors, to a collaboration with Davao’s homegrown chef Patrick

“The vegetables were harvested yesterday and the buyer backed out today, after the sale for Cagayan de Oro did not materialize,” he said.

Leuterio said they are finding ways of offering a higher price for the farmers, without throwing away

their harvest.

He said that the CLEAR program has an initial fund of P500,000 which is tantamount to 15,000 kilos of vegetable.

“Our ears are open. We give assistance to farmer beneficiaries,” he said as the CAO buys the harvest at a

higher price.

He illustrated that if the farm gate price will be at P15.00 and the buying price is P4.00, with the capital at P7.00, the government buys the product at ten pesos.

“The farm products are repacked in our food terminal in Toril and together

with the CSSDO, the goods are distributed to the security personnel, lockdown areas like Barangay 23-C, Barangay New Matina, rehab, home for the aged and the center for the mentally-challenged,” Leuterio said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

possible following the signing of Republic Act (RA) 11480, which authorizes the President to set a different date for the start of the

school year in the country during a state of emergency, or state or a state of calamity.

For now, the mode of

teaching will be blended learning, a combination of online distance learning and distribution of education materials to learners,

due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Face-to-face classes will not be allowed until a vaccine against Covid-19 is developed. (PNA)

through new and ongoing infrastructure projects in support of the “Build, Build, Build” Program.

JICA, the world’s larg-

est bilateral aid organization, is also the Philippines’ leading ODA partner.

Aside from social development, JICA has also been

assisting the Philippines in several other sectors like railways, roads and bridges, maritime safety and security, investment promo-

tion, energy, environment, disaster risk reduction and management, agriculture, and peace and development in Mindanao.

to service the withdrawals of their clients” and affect the public’s confidence in the banking system.

PHP11 trillion, or about 78 percent of the

total PHP14 trillion deposits, has been lent to the public, Lim said, noting that about 70 percent of the depositors are non-borrowers.

“It will also drastically lessen the banks’ liquidity, curtailing their capacity to lend at a time when businesses badly need capital to help them recover from

the pandemic,” he said, adding that this would cause grave damage to the economy and require significant time and resources to recover. (PNA)

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Co, which shows how to prepare a healthy dish with ingredients picked fresh from Agriya’s urban garden. And with local festivities such as Kadayawan coming up, the audience need to watch out for online activities that resemble the vibrant events which Damosa Land is known for.

“We want to make it exciting for our potential buyers and investors to explore our projects even before we formally engage in business with them. We will break through barriers so we can connect with them anytime,” added Lagdameo.

On top of its social media assets, Damosa Land’s website will also serve as channel for interested property seekers to explore opportunities on how to invest in the company through its dedicated chat support.

he Department of Health regional office on Friday welcomed the passage of an ordinance imposing a fine of 5,000 pesos on persons, including locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), who violate the mandatory 14-day home quarantine, saying this will help manage the surge in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city.

In a virtual press conference on Friday, Dr. Cleo Fe Tabada, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of DOHDavao, said despite calls on the people to follow minimum health protocols, there are still those who breach them which resulted to more COVID-19 transmissions in the city.

“Actually, if you look at the intervention, we’ve proposed already several minimum health protocols that should be maintained and should be done by each and every one, of course, also in facilities and in workplaces.

These are simple protocols but we’ve seen several people, not following or breaching these protocols,” she said.

Authored by Davao City 3rd District Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte, the legislation “to penalize all persons violating the mandatory 14-day home quarantine for COVID-19 imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) or any public health authority authorized to impose the same,” was passed last Tuesday by the City Council of Davao.

Tabada believes this

stringent measure would compel people to adhere to the 14-day mandatory quarantine.

“I think the institution of penalties hopefully will increase the number of people who will follow these protocols. So, if we cannot follow minimum protocols, we are quite sure that we will have transmission, so at least if we can meet these minimum health protocols, and it takes implementation of penalties for everyone to follow it, it will really be very helpful,” she said.

Section 5 of the ordinance states this will apply to all asymptomatic returning OFWs, whether sea-based or land-based, subject to arrangements, and rules and regulations imposed by the governing authority; asymptomatic ROFs and holder of permanent resident visas; asymptomatic LSIs; asymptomatic healthcare workers with unprotected exposure, defined as working in a healthcare facility with confirmed COVID-19 within the last 14 days without appropriate PPE; asymptomatic non-healthcare workers who test IgM positive in rapid tests, are required to undergo isolation at home or at a community quarantine facility for 14 days; and other such cases which require mandatory 14-day home quarantine.

The legislation also states that the DOH Center for Health Development Davao, City Health Office, Davao City Police Office, Punong Barangay, and respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Team will handle its monitoring. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

licensed veterinarians to observe farm biosafety and biosecurity measures.

The NMIS has issued guidelines and has been

monitoring the implementation of strategies to prevent and control the transmission of Covid-19 in meat establishments. (PR)

virus vaccine Sputnik V in October, fueling hopes of an end to the pandemic.

Manila, through the Department of Science and Technology, is also looking at the efficacy of several herbal plants such as lagundi, tawa-tawa, and virgin coconut oil as supplementary treatments for COVID-19. "...[W]hile the Admin-

istration continues to conduct information, education, and communication campaign on the use of face masks/face shields as part of preventive efforts to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, government scientists are working diligently to find local treatment for COVID-19 patients," Roque said.

with Fairtex, they are all still my friends. Stamp, Nat, Noelle, and all my teammates, and coach DJ. I don't think that bond can be broken,” said Zamboanga.

Although she’s fixated on training, and possibly competing again in the very near future, Zamboanga can’t help but feel homesick and wanting to return to the Philippines to see her family and friends.

But with travel restrictions abound, and varying levels of quarantine measures, it has been impossible to move around.

Still, Zamboanga is enthusiastic about being able to return to the Philippines later this year.

"Hopefully before this year ends, and Thailand opens its airports, and I can fly back, I can go home to the Philippines. Right now the situation is really complicated. I really miss home,” said Zamboanga.

"This is all just a big test, but one test that everyone can get through. I just want to say, stay strong everyone. God has a plan and we just have to have faith."

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Denice Zamboanga hopes to get a fight in Thailand

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umber one ranked ONE Championship female atomweight Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is keeping busy in Thailand, training and staying ready in case she gets the call to compete in an upcoming card in Bangkok.

Bouts for ONE Championship’s A NEW BREED events through August and September have yet to be announced, and Zamboanga is holding out hope that she can return to the ONE Circle sooner rather than later.

With lockdown restrictions tightening in her native Philippines due to a worsening Covid-19 situation, Zamboanga is left without much of a choice but to stay in Thailand. Accompanying her in the ‘Land of a Thousand Smiles’ is her older brother, Drex, and their friend Fritz Biagtan. Together, they are preparing Zamboanga for a potential upcoming bout.

"Right now I'm just training here in Bangkok with my brother Drex and our friend Fritz Biagtan.

I'm very lucky because I can still do what I love to do,” said Zamboanga.

“I just want to stay ready, because anytime, I can get called up to compete now that ONE Championship is hosting events here in Thailand."

ONE Championship successfully returned to its flagship event schedule with ONE: NO SURRENDER last 31 July. The promotion has NO SURRENDER II and

NO SURRENDER III coming up on 14 August and 21 August respectively, as well as three more shows lined up in Bangkok on 28 August, 11 September and 18 September.

Zamboanga is hoping to appear on at least one of those cards.

"I really want to fight and compete, so I'm just waiting for that call from ONE Championship. Need to stay as sharp as possible, because the World Title shot is just around the corner,” said Zamboanga.

"Right now, I need to work on my speed. Speed is a great asset to have in the ring. Of course, I'm constantly working on my striking skills and ground game. Thankfully my brother is here to help me."

The 23-year-old rising star also recently revealed that she had parted ways with the Fairtex team in Pattaya to pursue her own ventures.

While at Fairtex, Zamboanga had trained with athletes such as ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex, Nat “Wondergirl Fairtex” Nutchakamon, and Noelle Grandjean. But more than training partners, they had become close friends.

She stresses that there are no ill-feelings between her and Fairtex, and that she will always consider the people she made bonds with there as true allies.

"I love my friends at Fairtex. We are very close.

Even though I am no longer

FDENICE, P10

Top-ranked Denice Zamboanga is busy training in Thailand.

Damian Lillard led the way for the Blazers over the Nets.

Lakers’ LeBron responds to Lillard’s recent tear

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he talk of the NBA bubble in Orlando has been Damian Lillard, who has guided his Portland Trail Blazers to the No. 8 seed and the play-in series in the Western Conference against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Behind Lillard, the Blazers went 6-2 in the bubble and he averaged more than 40 minutes per game. Facing their season ending on Thursday night against Brooklyn, Lillard delivered 42 points in the 134-133 victory. The big night was one of his more modest performances, having put up 61, 51 and 45 previously in Orlando.

If Portland wins their play-in game, they’ll be facing LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who comfortably locked up the top seed in the west despite some less than stellar play inside the bubble. James reacted to Lillard’s incredible perfor-

mance and mind-blowing shot-making skills on Instagram.

James reposted a meme with a bunch a crying laughing faces that said, “Imagine taking your girl with you to the court to watch you hoop and a dude does this to you. She will bring this up everything yall argue.” The image showed Lillard pulling up from the logo.

Lillard has blown up in the bubble, adding to his already great season.

But James wasn’t too bad himself in Year 17, landing among the MVP finalist alongside James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

James averaged 34.6 minutes, 25.3 points and 7.8 rebounds to go with a league-leading 10.2 assists. It was the first time his his storied career that he accomplished the feat.

James will likely lose out to Antetokounmpo, who is the heavy favorite, but he’s not worried about it.

“Those awards are always great throughout this time of year, to acknowledge the individuals that’s had great years,” James told reporters last month.

“Not only from a player’s perspective but for a coach’s perspective as well.

So we’ll see what happens.

“I’m not disappointed because things happen.

You control what you can control, and I can’t control that. As far as the MVP race, I think that I’ve shown what I’m capable of doing.

Not only individually but from a team’s perspective, us being No. 1 in the West.

There was a lot of conver-

5,000-m world record ripped

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Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda was the standout star of the first full Diamond League meet winning the 5,000 meters in 12 minutes, 35.36 seconds to break the world record set in 2004.

sation about, ‘LeBron can do those things in the East, but if he ever came to the West what could he do?’ I heard all that.”

The Blazers have to beat the Grizzlies to set up a highly-anticipated matchup with the Lakers.

But if Portland makes it, maybe are predicting that they could upset the purple and gold powerhouse.

“They have the best backcourt in the NBA because both (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson) are injured. You’ve got Nurkic coming off the bench who can do it all,” Barkley said. “Gary Trent has been amazing,” TNT analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said. “You’ve got Zach Collins coming in. You’ve got (Hassan) Whiteside that’s blocking everything.

They are big and strong.

Listen, whoever plays that team, you’re going to have to bring it. Plain and simple.”

ONACO — A world record broken after 16 years. An eighth fastest run all-time in another event. A European record run by a teenager. Several world-leading performances.

Some of the world’s top track and field athletes showed at Monaco on Friday what their sport has missed in the biggest international meeting so far of an outdoor season all but wrecked by the pandemic.

Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda was the standout star of the first full Diamond League meet winning the 5,000 meters in 12 minutes, 35.36 seconds to break the world record set in 2004.

Cheptegei raced clear on a balmy night at Stade Louis II to finish 1.99 seconds inside the 12:37.35

mark set by Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia.

Cheptegei, who is the 2019 world champion over 10,000, took 22 seconds off his lifetime best at 5,000.

“Monaco is a special place and it’s one of these places where I could break the world record,” said Cheptegei, who has trained in Uganda instead of Europe this year.

Noah Lyles shaped as the star attraction, and the American world champion at 200 ran the world’s best time this year to win in 19.76.

“I got high expectations for myself so I’d say the race got the Noah stamp of approval but I wouldn’t say it got the Noah satisfaction stamp,” said Lyles, whose brother, Josephus, was runner-up in 20.30.

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 109 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 16-17, 2020

Dabawenyo cager Alvin Pasaol (6) is not thinking pro just yet.

PBA OR OLYMPICS? Davao’s Pasaol bent on Olympic stint before PBA

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abawenyo high-scoring prospect Alvin Pasaol is on the crossroads.

The former UE Warrior out of Holy Child Academy in Davao is one of the most sought after amateurs in the next PBA Draft.

But is he thinking of turning pro?

Not just yet according to a report on Spin.ph.

The report revealed that Pasaol is “so focused on helping the Philippines earn a spot in the 3x3 competition of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that he’s not even thinking of what’s beyond it.”

That includes whether to declare for the next PBA Draft or not.

“Hintayin ko muna matapos ang OQT bago ako mag-decide,” Pasaol said during Tuesday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. “My main goal is to join the Olympics.”

Pasaol is a member of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3x3 team which is bound to compete in the 2020 Fiba 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Graz, Austria in April next year.

There, he will team up with the Philippines’ No. 1 3x3 player Joshua Munzon, as well as PBA players CJ Perez of Terra Firma and Mo Tautuaa of San Miguel

as they try to secure one of three tickets to the quadrennial meet.

Pasaol has long been considered one of the top amateur players in the country today and the super scorer from University of the East is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after talents among PBA teams.

In the meantime, though, his attention is solely on the 3x3 game.

Pasaol is the second-highest ranked 3x3 player in the country and is a staple of the Chooksto-Go Pilipinas 3x3 League.

And after waging war with Munzon in the local ranks last year, the national team members will join forces in one squad as they aim to improve their cohesion in the upcoming season.

“Sobrang saya ko kasi makakasama ko na si Joshua,” Pasaol said about leaving his Balanga side to pair up with Munzon in Pasig.

“Sad ako kasi iiwan ko na ang Balanga, pero moving forward, we’re prepping for the OQT eh.

Yung chemistry, wala namang problema sa ngayon. Importante sa amin yung communication.”