Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 112 | Thursday, August 20, 2020

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SPORTS TOURISM MAKES A CAUTIOUS COMEBACK

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VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

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Davao airport requires face shield to employees, tenants, security personnel STORY ON PAGE 2

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A motorcycle driver and his backrider traverse along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. The National Task Force for Covid-19 has released new protocols for motorcycle pillion riders or “backriding” in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) wherein riders living in the same house do not need to use a motorcycle barrier. But in Davao City riders were advised to continue using barrier until the city government issued new guidelines. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

Inday Sara’s trust fund for SPMC workers depleted

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio distributes token to the Deputy Mayors of the 11 tribes of Davao City during the opening of the Kadayawan Week. The city government of Davao has bared that the trust fund which was established from the one-year salary of Mayor Sara worth

P2.1 million as assistance for the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) health care workers who contracted coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already been depleted. Edge Davao

he trust fund of the local government here that was established using the one-year salary of Mayor Sara Duterte at P2.1 million as assistance for the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) health care workers who contracted coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already been depleted.

In her live interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5), Duterte said that a total of 55 frontline health workers from the SPMC received the cash aid from the local government.

The local government distributed P50,000 each to the first batch, then later reduced to P30,000 to apportion equally the remaining funds for the second batch of beneficiaries.

Last April, the local chief executive announced that she was donating her one-year salary to frontline health workers who tested positive for COVID-19 to help them get through the

pandemic.

Duterte said additional eight SPMC workers received cash aid worth P30,000 each from a donor since the funds were depleted last month.

“I thought, at that time, that the P2.1 million was a big amount. But with several health workers who tested positive, it was just a small amount as a trust fund for them,” she added.

As of August 13, the SPMC reported a total of 137 employees who tested positive for COVID-19 with three deaths.

SPMC officer-in-charge Ricardo Audan said of the total infected personnel, 66 percent came mostly from non-COVID-19 facilities while only 34 percent from areas devoted for COVID-19 treatment.

“Most likely, it’s because when you are in COVID-19 area, you are very particular, you are more careful compared to non-COVID areas,” he added. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

o sustain the recruitment of interested young cadets amidst the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is conducting its entrance examinations for enlisting cadets while also maintaining the necessary health safety protocols for COVID-19.

The said entrance exam is the first stage in PMA’s selection process of qualified recruits to study at the premier leadership training academy of the Philippines. The said exam will be held at 44 examination centers throughout the country where three (3) will be located at the regional urban centers of Davao, Tagum, and Mati.

The PMA Offi-

cer-In-Charge Major Julesther Cañada for the Davao, Tagum, Mati, and Butuan testing centers highlighted that the PMA has made specific adjustments to the entrance exam this year to abide by the required health safety standards.

“Because of COVID-19, we have allocated four (4) days for the entrance examinations instead of one (1) day so that the examinees will be assigned a respective schedule to maintain social distancing at the examination centers,” Cañada said.

As of writing, the PMA has already accepted 766 applicants from Davao City, 253 applicants from Tagum City, and 49 applicants from the City of Mati. Cadet application

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PMA adapts new normal in 2020 cadet recruitment

Davao airport requires face shield to employees, tenants, security personnel

By MAYA M. PADILLO side from passengers, the management of the Davao International Airport (DIA) has required all employees, concessionaires, and security personnel to wear face shield within the airport premises.

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“For Davao International Airport we took the initiative of requiring all persons na musulod sa atong airport premises kasi in my mind very ironic ang pasahero lang ang ga-face shield so for the protection of everybody and for the well-being of everybody, we issued an airport advisory requiring all persons entering the airport premises to wear face shield aside from the passengers,” said Engr.

Rex Obcena, manager of DIA, in a virtual presser.

Obcena said DIA has implemented the wearing of face shield to inbound and outbound passengers at DIA after the Department

of Transportation (DOTr) issued a Memorandum Circular requiring all passengers in any mode of public transportation to wear face shield. This is on top of the mandatory face mask as an added protection to minimize the risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus.

The directive applies to all public transportation throughout the country, involving the aviation and airports, railways, road, and maritime sectors.

DoTr emphasized that the foremost rationale behind this additional protocol is to protect and ensure the health and safety of the people from this dreaded

virus that has already infected millions around the world.

“Nag-patuman nata sa memorandum circular sa DoTr the mandatory wearing of face shields aside from the face mask for inbound and outbound air passengers,” Obcena said.

Obcena assured that all health protocols issued by the city government of Davao are being implemented and observed at the airport.

He said DIA is fine tuning protocols for the general aviation or non-commercial flights and will be coming up with a clearer guidelines for the general aviation aircraft especially those coming outside of Davao Region and Mindanao.

“Katong mga eroplano nga gikan sa Luzon and Visayas. We require all especially those coming from outside Mindanao be sub-

he National Task Force for COVID-19 on Tuesday released new protocols for motorcycle pillion riders or "backriding" in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Under the new rules, riders living in the same house do not need to use a motorcycle barrier.

However, those who do not live in the same house must have an approved backpack-like shield designed by ride-hailing company Angkas.

The pillion rider or "backrider" must also be an authorized personnel outside of residence (APOR), while the driver may or may not be an APOR. The motorcycle must likewise be privately owned and not for hire.

Both the riders must have face masks and fullface helmets that must be worn all the time while riding the motorcycle.

Meanwhile, local authorities in areas under modified general commu-

nity quarantine (GCQ) have the discretion to adapt or implement similar guidelines based on their local situation.

In July, the Inter-Agency Task Force on the government’s COVID-19 response allowed last week back-riding on motorcycles but only for couples living on the same household.

The IATF approved the recommendation submitted by Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap. Yap’s prototype is a protective shield mounted in between the rider and

jected under the RT-PCR test here in the city. It’s just a matter of polishing the guidelines in coordination with concern stakeholders for a clearer communication,” he said.

Presently, DIA has two flights per week per airline per destination and to date approved destinations are the following: Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo. For Manila, there are six flights per week and also Cebu; Clark has two flights per week.

“Because of the requirements particularly on health and the social distancing affects the number of passengers na masulod lang sa eroplano. Right now we are looking at 70 percent of the load capacity on the average. Medyo controlled pa but we are very hopeful as we go along we will improve more on our system and our facilities so that we can add more flights,” he said.

the passenger to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Aside from Yap, the IATF also approved other designs for the barrier including that of George Royeca of Angkas.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night downgraded the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the National Capital Region and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal to GCQ until Aug.

No more barriers for motorcycle riders living in same house

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FPMA, P9

DOH XI brings BIDA campaign to Davao City barangays

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he Department of Health (DOH XI) has brought the campaign BIDA Solusyon Kontra COVID-19 to the tricycle drivers in Barangay Monteverde and the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in Barangay Leon Garcia today.

In a social media post, the DOH XI highlights the proper dissemination of information and education of key members of the community such as the barangay health workers in Barangay Leon Garcia and tricycle drivers in Barangay Monteverde in the proper manner of minimizing the risks of contracting COVID-19.

“The DOH Davao Region is joining the tricycle drivers of Barangay Monteverde and Barangay Health Workers of Barangay Leon Garcia for

promoting BIDA,” DOH XI stated in a recent post on social media.

The said campaign seeks to raise awareness of the health safety standards of BIDA which clearly states the observance of wearing masks, frequent hand sanitation, physical distancing, and the importance of accurate information based on facts.

The promotion of the said health safety standards will guarantee to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 in communities in both barangays. This is because the proposed precautionary measures will stop the chain of transmission in communities.

“The tricycle drivers and BHWs have given their commitment to observe BIDA Soluston Kon-

FDOH XI, P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

The newly-installed billboard near Bankerohan bridge in Davao City says the difference between life and death is a disciplined Dabawenyo (DC is Davao City) who wears masks and face shields, washes hands and observes physical distancing. The public health education billboard is a project of the Southern Mindanao chapters of

the Philippine Society for Microbiolaogy and Infectious Diseases, Inc. and the Philippine College of Physicians.

MindaNews photo by GREGORIO C. BUENO

Progressive groups file complaint over ‘red-tagging’ posters N

P77.4B disbursed to families in second tranche of SAP: DSWD

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region reported that on August 13, 2020, several personalities belonging to progressive groups in Davao City were informed by its community-based paralegal volunteers that a new

set of posters were seen posted outside of Sta. Ana Church along Sta. Ana Avenue crossing Chavez Street, in Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao Public Market, Dumanlas and along J.P Laurel Avenue.

This led to the filing of a supplemental complaint addressed to Jose Luis “Chito” Gascon, chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The posters bore the pictures, names and organizations of known progressive leaders pre-

viously tagged in the first wave of posters escalated in the city but this time it includes five new personalities: Bishop Hamuel Tequis of United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), who was allegedly branded as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP); environmental activist and Gabriela-SMR chairwoman Dra. Jean Lindo; Meggie Nolasco, executive director of Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Com-

ing poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs, and semen originating from Australia.

The order stemmed from official report submitted by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment to the World Health Organization on July 31, 2020 that there was one outbreak of H7N7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Lethbridge, Victoria affecting birds on July 24 as confirmed by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

With this, Dar directed the immediate suspension

of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance to domestic and wild bird and their byproducts from Australia.

“All incoming poultry shipments with SPS import clearance issued on or before 6 August 2020 will be allowed provided that frozen poultry meat has a slaughter/process date of 21 days prior to the start of the HPAI outbreak (on or before 3 July 2020),” he said.

“All shipments will be subject to veterinary quarantine rules and regula-

tions,” he added.

Moreover, Dar ordered a stoppage and confiscation of all shipment of the said commodities, with the exception on heat treated products, into the country by all DA Veterinary Quarantine Officer/Inspections at all major ports of entry.

He said the the memorandum is in effect and shall remain enforced unless revoked.

Earlier, the DA issued a temporary ban on the importation of poultry meat from Brazil due to reports of COVID-19 contamination detected in a sample of frozen chicken wings.

eaders of progressive groups which included a Bishop and a medical doctor filed blotter reports at the Sta. Ana Police Station on Monday regarding another incident of red-tagging posters in Davao City.

The groups are up in arms over “Wanted” posters printed with their images posted around Davao City, describing it as another episode of vilification plot against activists and progressive leaders in Davao City.

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PH bans poultry importation from Australia due to bird flu

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of fowls and their byproducts from Australia due to the outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu in the said country.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar issued Memorandum Order No. 40 series of 2020 on August 14, a copy of which was distributed to reporters on Wednesday.

Based on the memorandum, a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, includ-

early 13 million families have already been provided with the cash assistance from the second tranche of the government's Social Amelioration Program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said Wednesday.

As of August 18, the total amount disbursed to 12,930,324 qualified families already reached P77.4 billion, according to the DSWD. The agency said it continues to distribute cash

aid to qualified beneficiaries across the country, including the waitlisted families.

According to the DSWD, waitlisted families are set to receive P16,000 corresponding to two tranches of the SAP while original family beneficiaries who already received their first tranche last April to May will receive their second tranche of P8,000.

The government had targeted to finish the distribution of SAP's second tranche by August 15.

Learjet 60 just dropped 2 pax in Davao Saturday: CAAP spox

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he Learjet 60 aircraft that landed at the Davao International Airport last Saturday, just dropped two passengers from Singapore, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio said Tuesday.

"The aircraft had a male and a female as passengers and left a few minutes after dropping them off, after seeking clearance from the CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine)," Apolonio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

He said the Learjet 60 that came to Davao is operated by a Singapore-based aircraft charter company.

There were rumors

claiming President Rodrigo Duterte went to Singapore over the weekend after a medical jet reportedly took off from Davao City.

"It was not a medevac (medical evacuation) or air ambulance since there was no medical team inside it," Apolonio said, noting that it was a chartered flight.

Malacañang has already belied the rumor.

In his late-night public address, Duterte said if he would want to leave, he would not keep it a secret and would not use government funds.

"I do not have to hide it. I am not stupid to use government funds. Malalaman ng tao yan (People will eventually find out)," he said. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

28 LGBT groups benefit from Davao City’s ‘Negosyo Ta ‘Day

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A hawker peddles full-face fqce shields along Chavez Street in Davao City. Davao City Council has passed a resolution urging the Department of Trade and Industry to strictly monitor the price of face shields in the market.

he members of the 28 LGBT associations in Davao City are benefitting from the city government’s “Rainbow Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day”, a sustainable livelihood program for the sector to earn basic entrepreneurial skills.

The city government’s Rainbow Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day has P8.4 million budget offered for loans to 840 beneficiaries at a maximum amount of P10,000 each member of the 28 identified LGBT associations. Each LGBT association has at least 30 members.

Since the program started in October 2019, the city government has been extending the assistance in 28 batches. On Monday, August 17, the 15th batch received assistance at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Norman Baloro, the focal person for Rainbow Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day, said that the program is similar to Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day for women that is aimed at giving beneficiaries extra

income and training so they can be equipped with basic entrepreneurial skills.

“This program aims to help our LGBT sector to become productive for themselves, and even for their family and community. At the same time, this is also essential because we also help them to become self-reliant and independent,” Baloro said.

According to Baloro, the loan is payable at P417 per month for 24 months with zero interest. Beneficiaries will start paying the loan two months after receiving the money.

Beneficiaries will undergo the two-day mandatory training on sustainable livelihood program or the Basic Business Management Training (BBMT), including on financial literacy.

Baloro said that the beneficiaries who already received P10,000 started businesses such as sari-sari stores, bigasan or rice retailing, and beauty salons.

CIO

hree Philippine-based firms made it to the list of Forbes Asia’s “Best Under a Billion List” which recognizes 200 top-performing small and midsized listed companies in the Asia-Pacific region that have sales under $1 billion.

Filipino firms Asia United Bank, Crown Asia Chemicals, and Vivant were included in the list of top 200 firms after selecting from around 18,000 companies in the region based on track record for debt, sales and earningsper-share growth and other criteria, Forbes said.

“Companies on the list have scored above their peers in a composite selection that incorporates their track record for debt, sales and earnings-per-share growth, measured over both the most recent one- and three-year fiscal periods, as well as their one- and fiveyear average returns on equity,” Forbes said.

Asia United Bank Corp

is a commercial bank that was founded in October 1997 and is headquartered in Pasig City, Philippines. It has a market capitalization of $461 million, with sales of $319 million.

Crown Asia Chemicals Corp manufactures plastic and synthetic resins and compounds for industrial use. The company was founded in February 1989 and is headquartered in Quezon City, Philippines.

It has a market cap of $24 million, with sales of $28 million.

Vivant, meanwhile, is a power firm founded in May 1990 with headquarters in Cebu. It has a market cap of $279 million, with sales of $70 million.

The performance of the firms on the list, however, is based on the latest available full-year annual results as of July 7, 2020, and so does not fully reflect the impact from the global pandemic-led recession, Forbes said.

Hiring of health officers in 3 PH firms make it to Forbes Asia's 'best under a billion' list biz establishments pushed T

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o promote health and well-being in the workplace, the presidential assistant for the Visayas urged local government units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu to pass an ordinance requiring all establishments to designate health infection and prevention control officers (HIPCO).

Assistant Secretary Jonji Gonzales of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) on Tuesday said Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino is pushing for the healthy work environment amid the fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Gonzales said he explained the procedures in appointing HIPCOs in one of the Presidential Communications Operations Office’s (PCOO) briefings hosted by

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.

He said the measure is to ensure that establishments that are reopening will comply with the minimum health standards set by the Department of Health as a countermeasure against the spread of Covid-19.

HIPCO’s primary job is to oversee the compliance of health infection protocols in an establishment or workplace, he added.

They are tasked to sub-

New electricity consumer connections down 15% due to COVID-19, says NEA

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he National Electrification Administration (NEA) said Tuesday the new electricity consumer connections in the first half of 2020 declined 15% due to mobility restrictions amid the lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement, the NEA said electric cooperatives recorded 209,781 additional consumer connections from January to June this year based on the figures submitted to the agency’s Information Technology and Communication Services Department (ITCSD).

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong said the figures in the first semester are 15% lower than the 281,246 consumer connections reported by power cooperatives in the first six months of 2019.

The 209,781 additional consumer connections during the period also make up for about 46% of the NEA’s 460,000 target for the year.

Masongsong attributed the decline in new service connections to the community quarantine restrictions imposed by both the national and local governments in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from the NEAITCSD showed that for the first quarter, electric cooperatives delivered 134,435 new consumer connections.

In the second quarter, however, new connections were only at 75,346.

On a per island basis, Luzon registered a 43% reduction in new electricity connections, while Visayas and Mindanao registered a decrease of 41% and 47%, respectively.

With restrictions on movement in place combined with non-availability of electrical construction materials due to the coronavirus pandemic, Masongsong said, “this year’s target of 460,000 additional consumer connections may not be reached.”

mit business monitoring reports, health contingency plan, observance of proper hygiene, decontamination, and contact tracing.

“We are pushing for this because we believe that safe workspaces could translate to safe communities,” Gonzales said, adding the measure will “help keep our LGUs from suffering against (the) increase of cases and even temporary closure of businesses”.

In Cebu City, business establishments that will not comply with the pre-operation requirement may be issued show-cause orders and may face suspension or revocation of business permit.

Earlier, Mayor Edgardo Labella issued an executive order requiring businesses to hire or appoint a HIPCO. Other requirements include the submission of a

business monitoring form, a health contingency plan and a statement of management responsibility in maintaining workplace health standards.

All of these requirements may be sent online to the city’s Business Processing Licensing Office.

While they submit all the documentary requirements, businesses through its designated HIPCO will also be asked to constantly monitor the health of its employees and provide Covid-19 testing to those who will manifest influenza-like symptoms.

The city government will order immediate suspension of business operations in the event that an employee would test positive of Covid-19 while other employees will be subjected for mandatory swabbing and contact tracing. (PNA)

These young Bangsamoro women, aged 21 to 30, will not surrender to a COVID19-induced economic recession as they attend a bread and pastry class Tuesday (18 August 2020) in an unused classroom in Barangay Mabalas in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. They are among 180 scholars of the

BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education supported by the Islamic Relief Worldwide-Philippines. The women hope to get employed or establish their own businesses after finishing the vocational course. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

5 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

Eradicating tuberculosis at all cost

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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enator Christopher “Bong” Go, one of the senators from Davao Region, has recently filed a bill that would strengthen the national program that would finally eradicate the deadly tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines.

In a press statement obtained by EDGE Davao, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography filed Senate Bill No. 1748 which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10767, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Plant Act. “The proposed measure will provide for the creation of a TB registry and monitoring system which will address the issue of the underreporting of TB cases, a gap identified in the 2016 National TB Prevalence Survey,” the press statement said. “The registry will record the personal information of all TB patients, the TB type and the treatment received, among others.”

In addition, the bill seeks to expand the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s benefit package for patients, adults and children alike, to include the coverage of multidrug resistant TB and extensively drug resistant TB. Last year, the Department of Health and the World Health Organization issued a joint call for the elimination of TB by 2030.

In the Philippines, TB remains a major public health issue as it infects an esti-

mated one million Filipinos.

In fact, it is the third highest documented prevalence rate – after South Africa and Lesotho.

“TB is preventable and curable,” pointed out Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, “yet many Filipinos continue to die from this dreadful disease. We are making this a priority under the Duterte Administration to finally put an end to TB.” In the past, TB has been glamorized as an “artist’s disease.” After all, it has affected such famous people as Manuel L. Quezon, Antoine Watteau, Amadeo Modigliani, Carl Maria von Weber, Frederic Chopin, Anton Che­khov, Henry David Thoreau, Paul Anka, William Somerset Maugham, and Mahatma Gandhi.

TB had been on the decline for years, and scientists thought they had it beat. Now, it has staged a comeback. “Tuberculosis is humanity’s greatest killer and it’s out of control in many parts of the world,” deplores the United Nations health agency.

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an acid-fast bacillus first identified by German medical scientist Robert Koch in 1882. It is an obligate para-

site infecting humans, other primates and other mammalian species in contact with humans. However, humans are the only reservoir of the organism.

TB is not a modern-day disease. It has existed since at least 2000 B.C., as shown

by TB tubercles found in mummified bodies. References to TB can be found in the writings of ancient Babylonia, Egypt, and China.

According to Wikipedia, the term “tuberculosis” was first used in 1839, and it is derived from the Latin word tubercula, meaning small lump, referring to the small scars seen in tissues of infected individuals. TB reappeared in Europe and the United States in epidemic form in the 19th century.

Aerial route Tuberculosis infection is transmitted almost entirely by the aerial route. “TB is transmitted from person to person, usually by inhaling bacteria-carrying air droplets,” writes Maria Luisa Padilla in Encarta Encyclopedia. “When a person sick with TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, small particles that carry two or three viable bacteria surrounded by a layer of moisture and released in the air. When these particles are inhaled, bacteria lodge in the lungs and multiply.”

A less common route of transmission is through the skin. Pathologists and laboratory technicians who handle TB specimens may contract the disease through skin wounds. TB has also

been reported in people who have received tattoos and people who have been circumcised. A person may become infected with TB bacteria and not develop the disease. His or her immune system may destroy the bacteria completely. In fact, only 5-10 percent of those infected with TB actually become sick.

The four most familiar signs of TB, according to health experts, are chronic cough, mild fever in the after­noon and sweating at night, chest and back pain, and progressive weight loss. In more serious or advanced cases, the symp­ toms are spitting blood, pale and waxy skin, and a hoarse voice.

The disease can occur in two stages: primary and secondary. “In primary TB,” explains Padilla, “a person has become infected with the TB bacteria but often is not aware of it, since this stage of the disease does not produce noticeable symptoms. Macrophages, immune cells that detect and destroy foreign matter, ingest the TB bacteria and transport them to the lymph nodes where they may be destroyed or inhibited.”

Not contagious in early stage TB is not contagious in the early stage. “About three weeks after initial infection,” Padilla continues, “bacteria may be inhibited, destroyed, or allowed to multiply. If the bacteria multiply, active primary TB will develop.”

Symptoms of carriers include coughing, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. A chest X-ray may show shadows or fluid collection between the lung and its lining.

If the bacteria are inhibited, rather than destroyed, the immune cells form a mass known as granuloma or tubercle. In effect, the immune cells form a wall around inactive bacteria.

“As long as the immune system remains strong, the TB bacteria remain walled off and inactive,” Padilla maintains. “The tubercle gradually collects calcium deposits to form what is known as a Ghon focus. These initial tubercles in the lung usually heal, leaving permanent scars that appear as shadows in chest X-rays.”

At this primary stage of TB, the disease does not progress, but bacteria may remain dormant in the body for many years. If the immune system becomes

weakened, the tubercle opens, releasing the bacteria, and the infection may develop into active disease, known as secondary TB. In the secondary TB, the formerly dormant bacteria multiply and destroy tissue in the lungs. They also may spread to the rest of the body via the bloodstream. Fluid or air may collect between the lungs and the lining of the lungs, while tubercles continue to develop in the lung, progressively destroying lung tissue. Coughing of blood or phlegm may occur. At this secondary stage, carriers of TB can infect others.

TB drugs In the past, TB was considered the world’s deadliest disease. Then, in 1944, 21-year-old “Patricia” with progressive, far-advanced pulmonary TB received the first injection of streptomycin. She improved dramatically during the ensuing five months and was discharged in 1947.

“Patricia” was evaluated in 1954 and found to be healthy and the happy mother of three children.

“This injection began the age of modern anti-TB treatment and led – until recently – to dramatic reductions in TB in industrialized countries,” the WHO says.

Other anti-TB drugs are thiacetazone (first introduced in 1946), isoniazid and pyrazinamide (both first tried in 1952), and ethambutol (used for the first time in 1961). The most recent one, rifampicin, was released in 1966.

Thought they had defeated the disease and so medical scientists shifted their research priorities to other diseases. It is a matter of time that new antibiotic-resistant TB strains have emerged. “The disease, preventable and treatable, has been grossly neglected. And no country is immune,” deplores Dr. Arati Kochi, manager of the WHO’s TB program.

The current resurgence of the disease has been traced to the poor management of TB programs. Until 50 years ago, there were no new medicines discovered to cure TB. Today, up to 50 million may be infected with drug-resistant TB, the United Nations health agency claims. “There is no cure affordable to developing countries for some multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains,” it points out.

Drug-resistant MDR-TB is caused by

inconsistent or partial treat­ ment, when patients do not take all their medicines regularly for the required period because they start to feel better, doctors and health workers prescribe the wrong drugs or the wrong combination of drugs, or the drug supply is unreliable.

“From a public health perspective, poorly supervised and incomplete treatment of TB is worse than no treatment at all,” the WHO admits. “When people fail to complete standard treatment regimens or are given the wrong treatment, they may remain infectious.”

The organism responsible for TB mutates and develops resistance to anti-TB drugs. People they infect will have the same drug-resistant strain. MDR-TB, the UN health agency warns, “is more difficult and more expensive to treat, and more likely to be fatal.”

Poverty has been cited as the major reason for the resurgence of TB. “Overcrowded, impoverished dwellings are its breeding ground, and TB thrives on immune systems weakened by other chronic infections and by malnutrition,” said The Stop TB Initiative Report.

“Even before the cause of TB was discovered in 1822, thus paving the way to effective drug treatments, the rates of disease were falling in many developed countries because of an improvement in peoples' standard of living.”

Another contributing factor is overcrowding and the constant movement of people. Most urban centers in Asia, particularly the Philippines, are crammed with people. On the other hand, global trade has increased six-fold and the number of people travel­ling in airplanes has increased 17-fold since 1960, the WHO reports.

A third factor is the acceleration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). “HIV and TB form a lethal combination, each speeding the other’s progress,” the WHO says.

TB is here to stay – and it must be eliminated at all cost now. “There is nothing a person can do to not get TB,” laments the WHO. “You can change your behavior to lower the risk of AIDS, but you cannot stop breathing.” – ### (Photos and illustrations from the net)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

On malicious and baseless reports claiming President Rodrigo Duterte was airlifted from Davao City to Singapore over the weekend due to a medical emergency:

Ang Pangulo po ay nagtatrabaho lang. Nasa Davao po siya at ginagampanan po niya ang kanyang tungkulin bilang Pangulo. In fact, halos ay wala nga pong pahinga ang ating Pangulo dahil nga mino-monitor niya ang sitwasyon (The President is just working. He is in Davao and he is doing his task as the President. In fact, our President hardly rests because he is monitoring the situation).”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

FIRST MASS ON SAMAL ISLAND Until the arrival of the Jesuits in 1868, Christianization of areas north of the gulf of Davao was inexistent. Earlier, the Recollects penetrated regions in the eastern seaboard of Davao, but their efforts to convert indigenous tribes and Moros to the faith were limited.

The first batch of Jesuits to set foot in Davao on October 7, 1868, was comprised of Fr. Juan Bautista, superior of the Davao mission, Fr. Domingo Bove and Fr. Ramon Pamies, and Br. Antonio Gairolas, a lay brother. At the time the Recollect parish priest was Fray Francisco Lenguas.

Barely had the group taken over from the Recollects when the Jesuit missionaries decided to make their first outreach in the island of Samal whose residents were instrumental in providing Jose Oyanguren, conqueror of Davao, the needed information that led to the fall of Datu Bago’s enclave at the mouth of Davao River.

The Samal sortie was joined by the governor and other officials and was met by a large crowd on the shore. Politely welcomed, the visitors were led to

the datu’s residence where they disclosed the agenda to teach the children how to reach and write, introduce them to the Christian faith, and, on a voluntary basis, be baptized. The third plan was strongly opposed.

Not wanting to agitate the crowd further, the governor proposed that the people in the locality build a house for the priests, but the opposition only heightened. The people thought the request as another form of forced labor, which they opposed in the past.

With temperature rising, there was no other option but leave the island and return to Davao. Fr. Miguel A. Bernad, S.J., in The Evangelization of the Davao Region (2004) reported that there was a change of heart among the natives: “But the people of Samal were like the younger son in the Gospel parable, who first refused to obey his father told him to go and work in the farm, but later did so. So the [residents of] Samal, after having registered their refusal, proceeded to cut timber for the construction of the priests’ house.

“Two months later, on 17 December 1868, the Fathers returned to Samal, this time intending to stay. They lived at first in a nipa hut, while the house was under construction.

They toured the island, undertook some kind of census (padron) and persuaded some of the people to live together in a village.

“Toward the end of February 1869, enough of the house was finished to provide two rooms, one as living quarters, another for a chapel. In the latter, on 24 February 1869, the first Mass on Samal Island was celebrated.”

With tension gone, the priests thought the residents had finally accepted their plans.

But this was not so. After the celebration of the Mass, the people left, leaving the settlement abandoned and the construction of the house unfinished. The culprit was the governor’s order requiring the residents to start paying tribute. It was only after the priests had convinced the people to return with the help of a retired public official that they went back to the village. As a re-

sult, three villages were formed.

Fr. Bernad wrote: “When the Fathers’ house was completed and sixty families had built their huts, a solemn inauguration of Casalucan village was held. The governor, other officials, and some residents of Davao came, as well as a brass band. The multitudes gathered. High Mass was sung in the morning and a procession held in the afternoon. The band provided music and there were fireworks. But the best parts of the feast were the slaughter of two young bulls and a free dinner for all.”

While everything seemed right, the governor committed again another gaffe after he revived the subject of paying tribute. Sarcastically, the datu offered to the governor gold and silver and asked how many persons would be covered by the quantity of minerals presented.

After weighing the minerals and told how many would be covered, the datu gathered the gold and silver and left, with the village people in tow. Once again, the community was emptied.

Although the residents lat-

er returned to their settlement, another blunder was committed when some members of the community were asked to cut timber in Davao. Finding tribute and forced labor as inconsistent with the stance of the Samal people, the priests decided to leave the island and accepted the reality that their first attempt to evangelize Samal ended in failure.

To address the knotty issues, the missionaries later decided to conduct house-to-house visits in areas where the people built their dwellings. They also learned that while the government was helpful in the pursuit of missionary engagements, the policies it adopted were key obstacles in the fruitful conversions of Moros in the island.

With the state closely working as part of the evangelization efforts, the people viewed such participation as a form of colonization. Espousing this method of evangelizing people in domiciles later bore fruit. Though this was arduous and backbreaking, the strategy succeeded. Without coercion, the conversions expanded.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SWEAT THAT SMALL STUFF More often than not, people don’t pay attention to those small things. They think of big things instead of concentrating on minute details.

“What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution,” Swiss moral philosopher, poet and critic Henri Frederic Amiel once observed.

And what did Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, say? “A small leak,” he pointed out, “can sink a great ship.”

But do people in the modern world still believe in that saying? I don’t think so. Take the case of sleep. People these days are sleeping less and less.

And the price – nothing except that the person is getting bigger, literally. The less a person sleeps, the higher his body mass index tends to be.

Recent studies have shown that people who sleep five hours a night were found to have 15 percent more ghrelin (a hormone that boosts hunger) in their bodies and 15 percent less leptin (which suppresses it) than those sleeping the required eight hours.

In addition, people taking

less time in sleeping are in grave danger. A large-scale study concluded that people who sleep six to seven hours a night lived longer than those sleeping less than 4.5 hours.

Now, there’s truth to what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “It has long been an axiom of mine that little things are infinitely the most important.”

In other words, we should sweat the small stuff.

Look at water, which covers more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface. But only 2.5 percent of that water is freshwater.

And 99.7 percent of that fresh water is unavailable, trapped in glaciers, ice sheets, and mountainous areas. This means that about 0.3 percent of the planet’s freshwater is shared by all inhabitants.

Unknowingly, it’s those small stuff that make this world a better place to live: a long distance call from your daughter now living in the United States, a small talk with your best friend whom you have not seen since high school graduation, a thank you note from one of your students, a special pen from your boss as his way of appreciation for a job well done, a sudden hug from your five-year-old niece.

Never neglect the little things, urges motivational author Og Mandino. “Never skimp on that extra effort, that addi-

tional few minutes, that soft word of praise or thanks, that delivery of the very best that you can do,” wrote the American author who is known for the bestselling The Greatest Salesman in the World. “It doesn’t matter what others think, it is of prime importance, however, what you think about you. You can never do your best, which should always be your trademark, if you are cutting corners and shirking responsibilities. You are special.

Act it. Never neglect the little things.”

British religious writer Mary Ann Kelty seems to agree when she said: “Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great talents and accomplishments.”

Yes, it’s the small things that matter. I am reminded of a true story that happened to Retired American Brigadier General Robinson Risner. He was a prisoner of war for more than seven years. He was in solitary confinement for five of those years.

He suffered from cold, heat, malnutrition, and lack of fresh air. He was totally deprived of any human comfort. He jogged in his cell by the hour. When he became frustrated he had to scream, he stuffed his underwear into his mouth to muffle the scream. He would not give

his captors the satisfaction of knowing his frustration.

One day, in depths of despair, General Risner lay down on the floor and looked all around his small rectangular-shaped cell. He put his eye next to the cinder blocks, hoping there would be a crack in one of them. Fortunately, there was a minute opening and he saw a single leaf. Later, when he was released, he told the press that seeing “that evidence of life outside” was a “tremendously uplifting and life-changing event.”

“Inch by inch,” said Robert H. Schuller, “it’s a cinch.” We don’t count to one hundred immediately without starting from number one. A child starts to walk with a single step. A Persian proverb pinpoints, “Do little things now, so shall big things come to thee by and by asking to be done.”

Everything is this world are small stuff. And they all matter.

Consider this anecdote which was featured in the book, The Dog Ate My Homework: Personal Responsibility -- How We Avoid It and What to Do About It: At one time, Vincent Barry (the author of the book) witnessed an argument between a shopper and a produce manager. While the shopper (a mother) was carefully selecting grapes, her son was also eating some of the fruits. The manager

gently informed the child that the grapes were for sale, not sampling. The mother sprang to her child’s defense. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she said indignantly. “It’s such a small thing.”

Barry wrote his observation: “I wondered where she’d draw the line between ‘small’ and ‘big.’ Perhaps at the point of peeling -- as with oranges. The only distinction the child made was between what he wanted and what he didn’t. And he wanted those grapes.

Whether the mother corrected her son in private, no one knew. “But her public message was clear and direct: stealing ‘small stuff’ is OK; indeed, it’s not really stealing at all,” Barry concluded.

Saying “I’m sorry,” “I need you,” or “I love you” seem trivial. Unknowingly, we rob the recipients the joy of hearing those small words. An unknown poet penned these words as a reminder: “Far too many times we let unimportant things into our minds; and then it’s usually too late to see what made us blind.

“So be sure that you let people know how much they mean to you. Take that time to say the words before your time is through. Be sure that you appreciate everything you’ve got.

And be thankful for the little things in life that mean a lot.”

Again, sweat that small stuff!

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 23rd Regular Session Series of 2020

19th City Council 20th Regular Session Series of 2020

PRESENT: Councilor Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor ABSENT: Councilor

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

PRESENT: Louie John J. Bonguyan - Temporary Presiding Officer Sebastian Z. Duterte Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Bonifacio E. Militar 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 Jaffar U. Marohomsalic

-

On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0307-20 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES IN PUBLIC PLACES DURING THE COMMUNITY QUARANTINE AND/OR UNTIL AFTER THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS LIFTED

Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES IN PUBLIC PLACES DURING THE COMMUNITY QUARANTINE AND/OR UNTIL AFTER THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS LIFTED”.

SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms shall be defined as follows: (a) Face Mask- shall mean a protective device that is firmly fastened over the face and covering at least the nose, mouth and chin which serves as a protection or barrier against possible infection from a disease such as the COVID-19 and other airborne pathogens. These shall include surgical masks, cloth masks, bandanas, washable mask, N95 masks among others; and (b) Public Places- means all places, fixed or mobile, that are accessible or open to the public or places for collective use, regardless of ownership or right to access, including but not limited to, schools, workplaces, government facilities, establishments that provide food and drinks, accommodation, merchandise, spas, professional services, salons, barbershops, entertainment or other services. It also includes outdoor spaces where facilities are available for the public or where a crowd of people would gather such as, but not limited to, playgrounds, sports ground or centers, church grounds, health/hospital compounds, transportation terminals, markets, parks, resorts, walkways/sideways, entrance ways, and the like.

SECTION 3. MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASK - All persons within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City shall, at all times, wear face masks in public places during the Community Quarantine and/or until after the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted as part of the precautionary and safety measures adopted by the City Government against COVID-19 to control and prevent the transmission of such infectious disease.

SECTION 4. PENALTY - Any person caught in violation of this Ordinance shall be penalized as follows: (a) First Offense - P 500.00 (b) Second Offense - P 2,000.00 (c) Third Offense - P 5,000.00 or 1 month imprisonment or both.

SECTION 5. CITATION TICKETS - A citation ticket shall be issued to violators of the provisions of this Ordinance. The Citation ticket shall state, among others, the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed and the corresponding administrative penalty.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other appropriate enforcers as commissioned by the City Mayor shall have the power to apprehend violators of this Ordinance and issue citation tickets.

The City Mayor may deputize Barangay Officials or representatives of the private sector, nongovernment organizations and government organizations in the strict implementation of this Ordinance, as the need arises.

SECTION 6. NO CONTEST PROVISION - A person liable or violator of this Ordinance who is apprehended or cited for violation and who does not wish to contest the violation and is willing to pay voluntarily the administrative penalty imposed upon him/her prior to the filing of formal charges with the proper court shall be allowed to pay a penalty of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) with the City Treasurer’s Office to avoid being criminally prosecuted within three (3) days from apprehension.

Otherwise, the case shall be prosecuted in court. The no contest provision can only be availed once.

All proceeds from the payment of the herein penalty imposed shall accrue to the City’s General Fund.

SECTION 7. ENFORCEMENT - The Davao City Police, Task Force Davao, City Health Office, as well as the barangay officials and other law enforcers and City officials to be determined by the City Mayor, shall implement this Ordinance.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - The provisions of these Rules are hereby declared separable, and in the event that anyone or more of such provisions are declared invalid, the validity of all other provisions shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE - All ordinances, resolutions, rules or regulations which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least three (3) newspapers of general circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, on the 7th day of July 2020, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

ATTESTED: LOUIE JOHN J. BONGUYAN City Councilor Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq

Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Sebastian Z. Duterte - Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera 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. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar 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 ORDINANCE NO. 0278-20 Series of 2020

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING RELIEF TO MITIGATE THE ADVERSE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING RELIEF TO MITIGATE THE ADVERSE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)”.

SECTION 2. AUTHORITY – Section 192, Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that “Local Government Units may, through ordinances duly approved, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions as they may deem necessary”.

SECTION 3. INCENTIVES/RELIEF - Any person firm, or entity conducting business in the City of Davao is hereby granted the following incentives/relief in view of the COVID-19 pandemic: 1. Proportional Reduction of Garbage Fee for Calendar Year (CY) 2021; 2. Deductibility from Gross Sales/Receipts of the Items provided under Section 5 hereof; 3. Waiver of Rental Fees for those Real Properties under the City Economic Enterprise Closed during Community Quarantine (CQ) and Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ); 4. Suspension of Implementation of Final Tranche of Increase in Real Property Payment.

SECTION 4. PROPORTIONAL REDUCTION OF GARBAGE FEE FOR CY 2021 - Business establishments which were mandated to close during the period of CQ and ECQ may avail of proportional reduction in the annual garbage fee imposed under Section 293 of Ordinance No. 0291-17, Series of 2017.

The garbage fee shall be reduced based on the number of months the establishment was closed, provided such closure is within the period of CQ and ECQ. The proportional reduction of the amount of garbage fee is considered as advance payment and shall be applied only during the renewal period for CY 2021.

SECTION 5. DEDUCTIBILITY FROM GROSS SALES/RECEIPTS - The following shall be deductible from the CY 2020 gross sales/receipts of business establishments and shall be applied during the CY 2021 renewal: 1. Waived rental fees granted by lessors to lessees, provided that a duly notarized Certification from the lessee evidencing such waiver is submitted; 2. Monetary value of contributions of establishments utilized as quarantine facilities; and 3. Monetary value of donations made to the City Government of Davao as aid to respond to COVID-19 situation; The gross sales/receipts less the aforementioned deductible amount shall be the basis for the computation of business taxes for CY 2021.

SECTION 6. WAIVER OF RENTAL FEES - Rental fees for real properties under the City Economic Enterprise which are mandated to be temporarily closed during the period of CQ/ECQ shall be deemed waived.

SECTION 7. SUSPENSION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL TRANCHE OF THE INCREASE IN REAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT - The implementation of the final tranche (3/3) of the increase in real property tax payment as provided for in Ordinance No. 0257-17, Series of 2017, otherwise known as “An Ordinance approving the Schedule of Market Values of All Lands and Base Unit Construction Cost as Basis in the 2018 General Revision of Real Property Assessments in Davao City and to Take Effect Beginning Calendar Year 2019” due on calendar year (CY) 2021, shall be suspended and moved to CY 2022.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ENACTED, June 9, 2020, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED:

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

SEBASTIAN Z. DUTERTE Vice Mayor Presiding Officer cns/ray

23 JULY

APPROVED : ________________, 2020

15 JULY

APPROVED : ________________, 2020

to the nt for supnd its eace.

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EDGEDAVAO

ISSUE 107 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 2020 VOL.13VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20,14, 2020

NO MORE BARRIERS.. FROM2 PH BANS.. FROM3

Philippines (ISAFP).

31.

Col. the NuevaMortela, Ecija, on Batanother Quezon, hand, is Iloilo a member gas, City, of theCity, Philippine Military Cebu Lapu-Lapu City, Academy City, “Tanglaw Mandaue TalisayDiwa” City, of 1992. He Cebu has been Minglanilla, and servConing the Army years. solacion, Cebufor are34 also un-

Before was appointed der GCQhe until August 31, as Commander of last the Satur701st was announced Brigade, he was assigned day. as the Chief TheArmy restAssistant of the Philipof Staff for Training and pines, meanwhile, will stay Education G8. Karen Lou under modified general Deloso community quarantine.

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned on the following schedule listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

DAVAO Sasa Maa Sandawa Matina Ulas Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DATE PAWNED

Oct. 01, 2019 to Jan. 2020

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION

August 28, 2020 (Fri) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM Bldg., Sandawa Rd. SIR New Matina, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT 8/14,17,19

9

munity Learning Inc (STTICLCI); Kharlo Manano, former secretary general of the children’s rights group Salinlahi based in Manila; and Marites Rafiola of KMP-SMR. The police blotter identified the complainants as Jay Apiag, 32 years old, human rights worker and a resident of Malvar, Barangay 7-A Davao City; Carl Anthony Olalo,

34 years old and a resident of Purok 1 Brgy 14B; Jean Suzanne Adrales Lindo, 59 years old and a resident of Villapark Subdivision in Buhangin; Jong Latiban Monzo, 28 years old and a resident of Madapo Brgy. 8-A; Maria Eugene Miran Nolasco, 35 years old and a resident of Madapo Brgy 8-A and Hamuel Tequis, 65 years old and a resident of Madapo

Brgy 8-A. The posters had a heading “Wanted” along with the images of the said leaders and messages like “Human Rights Violators”, “Berdugo”, and “Pumapatay ng Tribu”. The posters had no signatories.

The complaint stated that the posting of new posters is another chapter of attacks against their end is extreme alarming

as these posters, which second of its kind, come into sight in just less than a month since the Anti-Terror Act came into being.

The complaint also alleged that these series of smear campaign has gradually created a detrimental atmosphere on human rights defenders, development workers, and cause-oriented groups.

is still open for qualified applicants aged 17 to 21 years of age, with a minimum attained education level of Grade 12 and with a minimum height requirement of five feet for both males and females.

The PMA is prepared by the significant turn out of applicants for a cadetship in Region 11 due to preparations made in the

screening of applicants to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in test centers.

“While at the exam proper, we will require all examinees to bring medical certificates, and a health declaration from their respective barangays, wear facemasks or face shields and all applicants will undergo a tem-

perature check as they enter the premises of the examination centers,” Cañada said.

The PMA entrance examinations are scheduled to be conducted at the three testing centers in Region 11 during September 2 - 5 for Davao City, September 9 – 12 for Tagum City, and September 16 – 19 for the City of

Mati.

“We are inviting all young adults, 17 to 21 years old to take the Philippine Military Academy entrance examinations to be conducted starting September 2 to October 5 – starting with Davao City, Tagum City, Butuan City, and Cagayan De Oro City,” Cañada added. (PIA XI/ KPLCaro)

tra COVID-19 within their respective communities,” the post by DOH XI added.

The targeting of the

DOH XI with the said information campaign is timely due to the possible easing of community

quarantine restrictions in Davao City in the coming month.

As of Tuesday, DOH XI

reported a total of seven (7) newly documented COVID-19 cases in Davao City. (PIA XI/KPLCaro)

were able to help."

The Magic led most of the game.

Orlando used an early 15-2 run to build a 51-33 lead midway through the second quarter behind 16 points from Vucevic.

Milwaukee made sev-

eral runs in the second half, but the Magic had an answer every time.

The Bucks trimmed the lead to six in the fourth, but Ross had a dunk and a layup off hard cuts to the basket and Augustin and Vucevic added 3s to push

the lead back to 14. Evan Fournier, who went scoreless for three quarters, delivered the knockout punch with three 3-pointers in the final five minutes.

The challenge for the Magic will be to maintain their intensity. A year ago

they beat the eventual NBA champion Raptors to kick off their opening-round series, but lost the next four.

"We came out with a huge victory," Vucevic said.

"Again, it's just one game.

We've got to move on."

PMA.. FROM2

DOH XI.. FROM2

MAGIC STEAL.. FROM11

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

LIVING

SPORTS TOURISM MAKES A CAUTIOUS COMEBACK

WITH THE GRADUAL LIFTING OF THE COMMUNITY QUARANTINE in some major cities and provinces in the Philippines where more activities are allowed, the recovery of sport tourism in the country is slowly moving forward into preparing for the revival of sports activities. Whether it’s competitive or non-competitive sports, the country is encouraged to proceed with safety protocols in mind despite the threat of Covid-19.

Addressing the tourism sector in the country in his fifth State of the Nation address on July 27, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte mentioned that national and local government agencies must work hand in hand to bring back the country’s tourism glory through coordinated policies.

Duterte said in his speech, “In the same manner, the tourism and recreation industries, which are among the hardest hit by the pandemic, count on our full support. While we slowly try to put the fun back in our local travels, the national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) must harmonize their policies to boost tourism (while) ensuring everyone’s well-being. We enjoin our people to help boost the economy by traveling locally once the necessary systems are in place.”

With all things considered, professional sports in the country is finally granted permission to resume training on the condition that provisions of the GAB-PSCDOH Joint Administrative Order (JAO) are followed. The JAO serves as a guideline on how to safely reboot the operations of professional sports in the country and states the allowable professional sports activities per risk severity level.

In high-risk areas (ECQ and MECQ), only non-contact sports or individual exercises shall be allowed. In moderate risk areas (GCQ and MGCQ with modifiers), championship and nonchampionship combat sports fights, such as boxing, MMA, Muay Thai scheduled abroad involving a GABlicensed athlete may be permitted.

Basketball and football may be allowed to resume training in GCQ areas, while a maximum of 10 players may be allowed to resume physical conditioning activities in MGCQ with modifiers areas. Boxing training is allowed in moderate areas provided that the fighters shall have no Covid-19 symptoms

in the past 14 days and in low-risk areas (MGCQ without modifiers), practice and actual games may be permitted provided that the provisions of the JAO are strictly observed.

Following Duterte’s initiatives in reviving tourism and recreation in the Philippines and with the JAO signed, sports institutions and local organizers are proceeding to make headway in attracting the recovery of sports tourism in the country.

Chairman of Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) Charles Lim shared in a statement that the PSTA alliance will focus on noncontact adventure sports involving individuals and small groups enjoying golf, biking, sailing, tennis badminton, squash and similar sports. This is based on the thrust of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to begin with domestic tourism in the country.

Lim further mentioned that the activities will have to be approved by the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) in full compliance with the DOT in tours as well as resort and hotel operations. He urged the various national sports associations to seek approval for a JOA. Taking the lead in the game, Ironman has activated its five principles on the return to responsible racing. The following guidelines are expected: regular disinfection and wearing of standard personal protective equipment; rigid scanning and testing days prior to event; overall decrease in participants; touchpoint minimization; and education of athletes to self-reliance.

General manager of Sunrise Events of the Ironman Group Princess Galura expressed, “From the standpoint of local organizers and local government units, it’s best to work with a big organization and brand like Ironman to jumpstart

Dr. Martin Camara (center), CEO of Clinics of Intercare and all-round sportsman is shown here with the Jiu Jitsu team at the 2019 SEAGames.

Heeding the call of President Duterte’s pronouncement on the resumption of tourism, sports tourism figureheads such as Princess Galura of Sunrise Events Inc. of the Ironman Group and Charles Lim of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards are fervently but cautiously supporting the recovery of sports tourism in the country. the economy. It will give confidence to participants and constituents as Ironman will also ensure that we do everything to ensure safety.”

The iconic Ironman triathlon is a mainstay annual event in Cebu, Subic and Davao.

As discussions and preparations to resume sports events in the Philippines are underway, the center of attention is shifted to the nation’s athletes. The off-season has been running for far too long and it’s hight time athletes start gearing up for the new normal.

Maintaining fitness during an off-season can be quite an overwhelming job for athletes as keeping their competitive levels high require a lot of effort and attention.

To help out athletes in their preparation, Chief executive officer and director of Clinics of Intercare Dr. Martin Camara, shares his favorite tips on keeping the body in shape in an off-season.

Dr. Camara is known as an active member of the sports community. One of his many notable involvements was when he sat as co-chair in medical commission with the Philippine Olympic Com-

mittee from 2005 to 2018. He is also a triathlete himself who participated in a number of marathons and competitions. The 2013 Xterra World Championship, the 2013 IronMan 5150 Century Tuna, the TCS New York City Marathon and the 2012 Xterra Philippines were just a few of them.

According to Dr. Camara, the ancestral approach to training is based on the theory that the human body is naturally designed to perform low-level physical activities to a great extent with occasional bursts of extremely high intensity activities, which build endurance without significant physical and metabolic damage.

For athletes seeking to maintain fitness, this approach requires preservation of muscle endurance and aerobic capacity with activities like running, treadmill, indoor or outdoor cycling, rowing, kettlebell swings, squats, jumping jacks, mountain climbers and squat thrust; the maintenance of ideal ratios of strength and muscle mass through a seven-minute program designed by the ACSM Health and Fitness Journal and a super slow

workout for muscle endurance; an increase in mitochondria density with all-out sprints; the continuance of stamina or endurance work through running, hiking, and other similar exercises.

Based on the work of Ben Greenfield—one of the most influential personalities in health and fitness in the United States and author of the books “Beyond Endurance” and “Boundless”, these workouts simply put the basic principles of strength and conditioning to practice. To support this approach, Dr. Camara added, “The point of the exercise is to stress one’s cardiovascular and muscular system and cause adaptations to those tissues for them to become stronger and more resilient.

Too much and one will injure. Too little and no adaptation or changes occur, leading to a plateauing of one’s fitness or race performance.”

This changeover within the sports tourism industry is a chance to promote great sports and recreation activities in different host cities throughout the Philippines.

Moreover, this also sheds light to Selrahco’s Sports Tourism Forum (STF) where it creates awareness of the benefits of sports tourism across all regions. In fact, STF was instrumental in promoting Cebu, Clark, and Subic as sports hub since 2004 for this program is committed to establishing a particular city or province in the Philippines as an ideal sports venue.

In this case, PSTA prompts local government units, tour operators, resorts and hotels and event organizers to coordinate closely in order to elevate sports tourism in the country no matter how small the scale is.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

11

ALA Boxing closes shop after 35 years

A Lebron James was left to rue the Lakers’breakdowns in Game 1.

Lakers bow to Blazers in Game 1

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — After sinking a deep 3-pointer midway through the final quarter, Damian Lillard did a little dance and teammate Jusuf Nurkic pointed to his wrist.

This was Dame Time, playoff edition.

“Every game since we’ve been here has been a playoff game. So that prepared us for a game like this,” Lillard said. “It’s only one win. I’m happy to be here competing in the playoffs again, but we’ve got to move on to the next one.”

Lillard had 34 points and the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled LeBron James’ first playoff appearance for the Los Angeles Lakers with a 100-93 victory on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) in Game 1 of the teams’ playoff series.

James had 23 points, 17 rebounds and 16 assists, becoming the first player

to have as many points, rebounds and assists in the playoffs. It was his 24th postseason triple-double and his assists were a career playoff high.

“We had a couple of breakdowns, which you can’t have down the stretch, especially against a team like Portland,” James said.

Jusuf Nurkic had 16 points and 15 rebounds for Portland, which led by as many as 16 points in the first half. The Lakers, making their first playoff appearance since 2013, narrowed the advantage to 5756 at the break and stayed close the rest of the way.

Trailing 78-75 going into the final period, the

Lakers tied it at 78 on Kyle Kuzma’s 3-pointer. James’ layup gave Los Angeles the lead, and Kuzma added a pair of free throws and another layup to extend it to 84-78.

Lillard’s 3-pointer tied it again at 87 with 5:46 to go and CJ McCollum’s floater gave Portland the lead.

Lillard said afterward he danced after his 3 because the song Blow the Whistle was played in the bubble arena, which Lillard called the “East Oakland anthem.”

After Danny Green’s layup tied it again for Los Angeles, Lillard nailed another 3-pointer. Anthony Davis’ dunk got the Lakers within 95-93, but Gary Trent Jr. made a 3-pointer that put Portland up 98-93 before Nurkic dunked to seal it.

Anthony Davis had 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers.

Portland won the first

play-in postseason NBA game since 1956, beating Memphis 126-122 on Saturday to make the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. The Blazers were among three teams with losing overall records to make the bubble playoffs.

No team below .500 had advanced to the postseason since 2015.

The Blazers were without forward Zach Collins because of inflammation in his left ankle. Wenyen Gabriel started in his place.

Portland led by 33-17 in the first half after Nurkic’s dunk. The Lakers got within 40-38 but couldn’t pull in front until Davis’ dunk off of James’ pass made it 50-49 with just over three minute left in the half. But it was short-lived.

The game was delayed for a time in the first half when the Lakers’ rim got tilted and had to be adjusted.

pillar in modern-day boxing bids goodbye.

The ALA Boxing shook the local fight sports community on Tuesday night when it announced that it would close shop after honing some of the best Filipino pugs for the past 35 years.

“After 35 years, ALA Boxing (ALA Promotions and ALA Gym) would like to say farewell and thank you to our supporters from all over the world,” the statement read.

A brainchild of Cebuano sportsman Tony Aldeguer, ALA became one of the premier local boxing stables, grooming the likes of Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie Nietes, Rey Bautista, and AJ Banal among others.

However, two major twists of fate over the past few months led to the company’s shutdown.

“The pandemic and the closure of our longtime broadcast partner ABS-CBN has affected the overall situation and the future of the company,” it said.

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) factor is a given, the ABSCBN not being granted a franchise by the House of Representatives turned out to be the “haymaker” on ALA as the network has made the stable’s flagship fight card series “Pinoy Pride” available on national television, leading to huge dividends.

The ALA Boxing made possible Bautista’s big night in his native province of Bohol, where

about 30,000 people watched him live.

It also brought world title bouts to Cebu, such as the Z. Gorres-Fernando Montiel bout at the Cebu City Sports Complex and the Banal-Rafael Concepcion showdown at the Cebu Coliseum.

The ALA also helped promote Nonito Donaire’s previous bouts at home, highlighted by Pinoy Pride 30: D-Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City in 2015 and another fight card back at the Cebu City Sports Complex a year later.

“All these memorable events and accomplishments would have not been possible without all of you, the past and present ALA boxers, the trainers, the office staff, the media, the fans, the boxing organizations, sponsors, and our boxing family from all over the world,” the boxing company said.

“We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all your support for the past 35 memorable years.

We cannot ask for more.”

Meanwhile, Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra called the ALA Boxing closure “a big dent to the boxing world in the Philippines.”

“The closure of ALA is sad news for the sports industry,” Mitra said.

“Their group will be sorely missed. We hope that new promoters with similar dedication in the boxing industry can fill in for ALA’s absence.” (PNA)

Magic steal playoff opener from top-seeded Bucks, frustrate Giannis Antetokounmpo

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — The Milwaukee Bucks' hopes of winning their first NBA title since 1971 got off to a rocky start.

Nikola Vucevic scored a playoff career-high 35 points and had 14 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic stunned the top-seeded Bucks, 122-110, on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) in the league's fanfree Disney World bubble.

Terrence Ross scored 18 points, Gary Clark added 15 and D.J. Augustin had 11 points and 11 assists for the eighth-seeded Magic, who were 14-point underdogs.

Orlando took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, an intriguing result given that the Bucks can't rely on home-court advantage in these pandemic-altered playoffs.

"We don't care what other people have to say," Vucevic said. "We focus on ourselves and we came out and played a great game on both ends of the floor."

Giannis Antetokoun-

mpo finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Last season's MVP was held without a field goal over the final 11 minutes and seemed to get more frustrated as the fourth quarter went on.

"You have to really be ready for what they do," Vucevic said. "Especially us against a team like Milwaukee where we have to make sure we know their stuff and we are prepared for everything. Tonight, we definitely were on top of that. We did a good job executing the game plan."

The Bucks came into the postseason as the favorites to win the NBA title. But they went 3-5 in seeding games in the bubble, and that sluggish play carried over into the postseason.

George Hill said the Bucks needed to do some "soul searching."

Antetokounmpo didn't go that far, saying the Bucks' energy level was fine, but that they need to make more shots.

Milwaukee made 43% from the field and was 14 of 42 from 3-point land.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee but was held without a field goal over the final 11 minutes and seemed to get more frustrated as the fourth quarter went on.

"There's no magic wand to point and things are going to change," Antetokounmpo said. "You've got to come out, play hard, play even harder, play together and have fun."

Milwaukee swept the

season series against Orlando, winning four games by an average of 17 points, but struggled with the Magic's stingy defense, which caused 16 turnovers and repeatedly clogged the lane, forcing

Antetokounmpo to settle for jump shots.

The Bucks' frustration was evident when center Brook Lopez stomped on a chair — and then kicked it — in the bench area during a timeout.

"Obviously, our main focus was try to make it hard on Giannis, to protect the paint," Vucevic said.

"We did that as a team.

Gary (Clark) did a great job fighting him and we

FMAGIC STEAL, P9

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 112 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

ATHLETE’S AID

PSC hopes athletes’ allowances will be included in Bayanihan 2

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he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) hopes that national athletes and coaches will also be considered in the passing of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, its chairman, Butch Ramirez, said Tuesday.

House of Representatives Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Congressman Bambol Tolentino have already inquired about adding some more funds for the athletes’ allowances in the budget under the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or the Bayanihan 2 bill, Ramirez said.

“The good speaker of the House (Cayetano) and Congressman Bambol Tolentino, the concurrent president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, have initiated a move to put some money for the elite athletes. At the moment, we are hoping and praying that it will come to us,” he said during the

online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

Recent developments, especially the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, have affected the PSC’s funds for the national athletes and coaches.

Due to the pandemic, the PSC has already shelled out almost what is left of its National Sports Development Fund coming from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

The PSC also had to realign some of its budget in the fight against Covid-19, forcing the cancellation of some of its scheduled events this

year.

Ramirez said the recently exposed payroll-padding scheme of Paul Ignacio has also prompted the PSC to temporarily halt the release of allowances.

The PSC has since made changes to its management to prevent another padding from happening.

Senate Committee on Sports chairman Christopher Lawrence Go also called for the immediate release of the athletes’ allowances.

According to Ramirez, the PSC has now begun handing out allowances again, although in a reduced manner due to the pandemic.

“We are committed that once we have the money from Pagcor or the general appropriation, ibabalik namin yung normal allowances na tinatanggap nila (we will bring back the normal allowances that they receive).” (PNA)

ATHLETES’ ALLOWANCE. Philippine Sports Commission chairman William“Butch”Ramirez discussed the country’s sports developments during the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday (Aug. 18, 2020). Ramirez said he is hoping that funds for the allowances of national athletes and coaches would be included in the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or the Bayanihan 2 bill. (PSC photo)