Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 118 | Thursday, August 27, 2020

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City commences contact tracing as one guest of ‘grand wedding’ party tested positive STORY ON PAGE 2

Locally stranded individuals (LSIs) hop in a bus that will take them to Davao City. Some local government units (LGUs) believed the re-launching of the government’s Hatid Probinsya Program will result to a spike in Covid-19 cases in the provinces. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

PRRD is ‘fit and healthy’: Palace

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President Rodrigo Duterte has no serious illness and continues to be“fit and healthy”despite his age, according to Malacañang. Presidential Photo

resident Rodrigo Duterte has no serious illness and continues to be “fit and healthy” despite his age, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“As of now, he (Duterte) has really no serious condition. And I’d like to say to those who wish the President ill, sorry na lang po kayo (sorry to you) because God has given the President good health,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque made the clarification after Duterte, 75, bared on Monday that his doctor had advised him to stop drinking as his Barrett’s esophagus was “nearing Stage 1 cancer.”

Barrett’s esophagus is

a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine replaces the tissue lining of the esophagus, according to the definition provided by the Washington-based National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases.

People with Barrett’s esophagus, the institute noted, are more likely to develop a rare type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Roque clarified that the doctor’s advice to Duterte was given “a long time ago”, before the former Davao City mayor became president.

“So you are talking of a medical advice that hap-

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City commences contact tracing as one guest of ‘grand wedding’ party tested positive

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government has commenced the contact tracing of individuals present during the grand wedding of the couple from two well-known families in Davao City after one of the guests later tested positive of Covid-19.

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio had ordered the conduct of contact tracing of guests and suppliers as precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus to other members of their family, friends, and guests.

In a live interview with

Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 8.5 on Tuesday, slammed the two families for holding the grandiose wedding despite the city’s strict policy on the holding of parties and mass gatherings. She did not name those involved.

The mayor revealed

that a guest who attended the wedding party tested positive for Covid-19.

“Ang mga datu they think they know everything, that they are above the law, tungod naa sila’y kwarta. So the party happened, guess what? Naay nag-positive. Karon, we do contact tracing nga pwede dili naman unta to mahitabo,” Mayor Sara said.

The mayor also said the City Legal Office (CLO) is looking into possible charges against the families for the violation of the law.

Under Section 5 and 7

of Executive Order (EO) No. 25 issued by Mayor Sara on April 17, 2020, private parties to mark personal or family milestones should be kept low and modest with no more than 25 guests. It also states that the city government can file actions based on Article 25 of the Civil Code and other pertinent laws in cases of thoughtless extravagance in expenses for pleasure or display.

Mayor Sara reminded Dabawenyos, regardless if they are rich or poor, famous, or ordinary citi-

zens, must heed the government advice to keep family gatherings a lowkey affair.

The mayor also recalled encountering similar instances advising people against holding such gatherings but still pushed through resulting in someone getting infected.

“Lami kaayo mosulti og ‘I told you so’ but of course, siyempre dili na ka mosulti kay wala nama’y point ang ‘I told you so’. Mag way forward na lang ta pirmi ani sa inyohang mga kabuang,” she

said.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara through EO No. 25 has cancelled all mass gatherings here until 2021 as the city government declared a period of mourning and vigilance starting April 17 2020 amid the pandemic.

The EO states that all city and national government celebrations, parties, anniversaries and festivities shall be cancelled while commemoration of important dates and legal holidays “should be kept short and must be in somber tone.”

he Department of Education said Wednesday it was eyeing to fund the hiring of displaced teachers as tutors through the Bayanihan 2, government's second coronavirus response measure.

Under the measure, some P300 million is allotted for teachers and non-teaching personnel displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some 440 private schools would be temporarily ceasing operations in the coming academic year due to lack of enrollees, the agency earlier said.

Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said some of the department's regional directors have reported that part of their distance learning delivery would involve the hiring of teacher facilitators.

"I believe there have been partnerships as reported with DOLE on the ground as part of the work assistance to the teachers...

We are also looking to the Bayanihan 2 and we will actively engage the process of the implementation of the Bayanihan 2 programming to hopefully include this in its operationalization," he said.

"It will be on a need basis still and on the part of the private schools we will need also their assistance... for a clear listing of these displaced teachers. I think that will have to come from the private schools association themselves."

Malaluan, meantime, said the number of hours that a student will spend learning would depend on the class programming of the region or his school.

DepEd eyes hiring of displaced teachers through Bayanihan 2

Both Sulu blasts may have been caused by suicide bombers: PNP T

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uicide bombers may have carried out both of the blasts that killed 14 people and injured dozens in Sulu province this week, a police official said Wednesday, contrary to earlier reports.

Authorities initially said a female bomber on Monday blew herself up while authorities cordoned off the town plaza of Jolo after a homemade bomb strapped to a motorcycle exploded.

However, if the bomb had actually been attached to the motorcycle, it should have been blown up to pieces from the blast, said Bangsamoro police chief Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu.

Photos showed the charred motorcycle still standing and in one piece at the blast site.

“Ang tinitingnan pong anggulo ng ating mga investigator, itong 2 pagsabog ay kagagawan ng mga suicide bombers,” Abu said.

(The angle that our investigators are looking at is that the 2 blasts were the handiwork of suicide bombers.)

Police are waiting for DNA test results on the body parts collected from the crime scene to identify suspects, he said.

Military officials earlier said the 2 bombers could have been the Indonesian women that 4 sol-

diers were tailing in Sulu before they were gunned down by policemen in June.

The police wants to be “sure” before making the same conclusion, said Abu. “Ang kanilang mga sinasabi ay intelligence-based lang. Ang sa atin ho bilang sa investigation, we want it to be evidence-based kasi we have to file case,” he said.

(What they are saying is intelligence-based only. As to our investigation, we want it to be evidence-based because we have to file cases.)

“Kung mali po ang magiging resulta ng investigation, maniniwala lang

tayo sa mga information without matibay na basehan bilang ebidensya, kawawa naman iyong mafa-file-an natin na tao.

(If the result of our investigation is wrong, if we readily believe information without strong evidence, the people we file cases against will suffer.)

The Abu Sayyaf group, whose leader Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan was arrested last week, is the prime suspect in Monday’s twin blasts, authorities earlier said.

President Rodrigo Duterte in June approved a new anti-terrorism law that allows the detention of terror suspects for up to

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VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Duterte says it would be best for Morales to resign: DOJ chief

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ustice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte has told him that it would be best for Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales to step down over health issues.

“The President took note last night of Morales’ on-and-off health situation, and stated that it would be best for the latter and for PhilHealth to give up his post during these critical times for the agency,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

He said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea had talked earlier to Morales who said he would understand if he had to be replaced.

Duterte earlier issued a memorandum directing Guevarra to form a task force that will investigate the alleged widespread corruption in the PhilHealth.

On August 10, Morales filed medical leave upon the advice of his doctor due to lymphoma.

The 67-year-old retired Army general was appointed to head PhilHealth in August last year.

After retiring from the Philippine Army in 2009, Morales became vice president and general manager of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Insurance Corp. for a year before becoming president of the AFP Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (PNA)

Clients wearing face masks and face shields maintain safe physical distancing at a utility service provider’s payment center in a mall in Digos City on 24 August 2020 .As of 2 p.m. 23 August, Digos already has 42 confirmed COV-

ID-19 cases (14 admitted, 28 recovered). The city government confirmed today, 24 August, the city’s first case of local transmission. MindaNews photo by ERIC SB LIBRE

Kadayawan Digital Week gets nearly 3M in engagement on social media

By MAYA M. PADILLO rganizers of the recently concluded Kadayawan Digital Week (KDW) said the event was a huge success despite the limited time and resources.

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The event reached almost three million in engagements on Facebook.

The Davao Tourism Association (DATA) has organized a KDW in commemoration for the 35th Kadayawan Festival this year wherein all activities were showcased online.

“We could consider it a success because we Dabawenyos were able to come up with something, with limited time and resources yet produces maximum outputs reaching a

lot of people with almost three million in engagement in FB alone,” said Renato “Gatchi” Gatchalian through FB Messenger.

Online activities that were participated by the Dabawenyos online include Tiktok Indak Indak Kadayawan (open to all residents and use official Kadayawan music), Kadayawan Music Video making competition (using past Tunog Kadayawan song entries), MMK-X or the most memorable Kaday-

awan experience (by posting most memorable photos), #challengeaccepted (in black and white), Best of Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Hulagway Kadayawan (online photo exhibit), Kadayawan Museonline (paintings and artwork exhibit), Kadayawan in Retrospect webcast series, Best of Sayaw Kadayawan (highlights of past Sayaw), Best of Habi Kadayawan (highlights of past Habi), Best of Bantawan Kadayawan (highlights of past Bantawan), Best of Indak Indak sa Kadayawan (highlights of past Indak Indak), Best of Pamulak and Pitik Kadawayan (highlights of past Pamulak and Pitik), Pahalipay Online Paglaum

Concert sa Zoom and the best of “Indak Indak”.

Winners for Globe: Anthony Domingo and Stephanie Rico for Globe’s Online Top Choice, Students Environment Alliance Davao’s “Caloy and Batoy” is the top choice for the Music Video Contest; Kalumon Performing Ensemble’s “Koryo Dabaw” is the top choice for TikTok Choice.

For PLDT and Smart, top choice awards were Icee Vasquez for the Music Video Competition; Evelyn Uy’s 1986 “Apo Duwaling” for the Most Memorable Kadayawan Experience; and Davao United Responders Immediate Action Network group for

Tiktok Indak Indak Competition.

“We made noise apart from each other physically but celebrated and created much noise online without taking health risk and following health protocol of staying home,” Gatchalian said.

He also described the recently concluded KDW has allowed Dabawenyos to learn more about the festival and gave them a chance relive the past and learned from it, shared joy and goodness with everybody through online webcasts digital events even a “Pahalipay” online concerts versus concerts on the streets and through our online competitions.

Martial law proposal in Sulu gets PNP backing

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A grocery store places a “No Face Mask, No Face Shield, No Entry” sign near its main entrance to remind shoppers of its new policy in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force’s (IATF) new advisory to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection. Edge Davao

“The vibrant attitude of our people proved to All that we can achieve anything together. Judging on the quality of the entries submitted and with short notice, we, Dabawenyos can really produce outstanding creations because of pure talent, creativity and resourcefulness.

These same values will help us go through.

This pandemic plus KDW symbolizes hope of a better tomorrow because we found a way of commemorating the true essence of Kadayawan - appreciative and thankful still for nature’s bounty, and harmony in even times of crisis,” Gatchalian said.

he Philippine National Police is backing the proposal of the Philippine Army to impose martial law in Sulu following twin blasts that left at least 15 dead.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana earlier said it was "high-time" for Sulu to be placed under military rule again. Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan has opposed the recommendation.

The PNP said martial law would give security forces "flexibility in maintaining law and order in the province."

"There will be a significant difference of course because we would be able to implement stricter peace and order measures and this is not just about quarantine measures but more on security and we would

need of course the cooperation of the civilian authorities," PNP spokesman Brig.

Gen. Bernard Banac said.

"All these are just proposals and recommendations. This would still be up to civilian authorities. But in so far as security forces is concerned, we think it would be best if we bring back the imposition of martial law in that part of Western Mindanao."

Imposing martial rule will also enhance the implementation of the anti-terror law, which does not yet have a published implementing rules and regulations, Banac said.

"In the absence of the IRR, we think imposing martial law would help a lot in maintaining peace and order and of course respond to the threats of

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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SEC issues framework for corporate debt vehicles

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Pedestrians gather at a stall selling ring light for cellphone, which is being used by students when attending online classes, along City Hall drive in Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

Landbank disburses P46.31-B cash aid S tate-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), the main distribution arm of the government’s financial aid program, has released about PHP46.31 billion worth of subsidies for Filipinos affected by the pandemic.

In a post on its Facebook page, the bank said as of July 1, 2020, bulk of the fund amounting to PHP46 billion benefitted 4.363 million households under the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program.

The PHP191.38 mil-

lion was released to 23,922 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Part of this is a social amelioration program (SAP) for drivers which is in line with the Repub-

lic Act No. 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, providing PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 subsidy depending on what regions they are located.

Beneficiaries that received aid from the program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) came in third, based on those disbursed

by Landbank.

Specifically, 18,061 formal workers from the NCR benefited from the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program

ng subsidy. (It is hard to do illicit things because it’s computerized. There is no cash to be handled.

Nobody can keep the cash so the intended beneficiaries, the employees of small companies, received subsidy,” he said.

The SBWS program extended PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 subsidy to employees of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) whose companies were greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) since it restricted people’s movement and businesses’ operations.

This was implemented using the system of the Social Security System (SSS) and funds were disbursed directly to the beneficiaries’ bank or PayMaya accounts.

Dominguez said they disbursed about PHP41

billion worth of subsidies for the program.

“We used SSS’ system but SSS itself did not pay.

The money came from the national government,” he said.

Dominguez said they learned three lessons from the program and the first is setting a timeline and milestone to determine what could and should be achieved at a particular time.

He said the second lesson is to have regular meetings to update on the progress of the program.

For the SBWS, Dominguez said officials of the Department of Finance (DOF), SSS, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) met two to three times daily to ensure that the system for this program is working.

(CAMP) and they received a total of PHP90.3 million.

About 2,533 displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) received a total of PHP25.33 million worth of aid under the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP).

On Tuesday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III suggested the use of technology in the disbursement of government aids to address graft and corruption and ensure the funds will be given directly to the intended beneficiaries. (PNA)

Dominguez cites importance of digitalization in aid delivery F inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Tuesday highlighted the importance of digitalization in government processes to increase the efficiency in the delivery of government aid, among others.

During the Presidential address aired over PTV 4, Dominguez said digitalization of transactions, distribution of aid through banks and electronic wallet (e-wallet), and close administration of the critical steps of the program are the reasons for the success of the small business wage subsidy (SBWS) program.

“Mahirap gumawa ng kalokohan dito kung computer. Walang cash na hina-handle. Nobody can keep the cash so the intended beneficiaries, yung mga employee ng small companies, ay tumanggap

The last lesson that authorities learned from the SBWS implementation is tapping experts from the private sector to further improve the program.

“Government does not know everything so we brought in people from the private sector,” he said, citing that experts from Microsoft and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), among others, were tapped for this program.

Dominguez also highlighted the importance of management of the program, citing the need to be on top of the situation every day.

“Do not let any problem go big kasi pag malaki na, mahirap ng i-correct (Do not let any problem go big because it’s hard to correct it if it’s already big,” he said.

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the regulatory framework for the creation and operation of new investment companies that will primarily invest in corporate debt papers.

The Commission on August 18 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 23, Series of 2020, which provides the rules on corporate debt vehicle (CDV) to support the liquidity needs of large corporations and medium-sized enterprises in the middle and aftermath of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“CDVs can play a significant role in the survival and recovery of our economy from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic by providing large corporations and medium-sized enterprises the necessary funding to meet their obligations, sustain their operations and preserve jobs,” SEC chief Emilio Aquino said in a statement Tuesday.

A CDV is a closed-end investment company that issues or offers for sale its securities consisting of either shares of stock or units of participation in such CDV to any number of qualified buyers and/or non-qualified buyers not exceeding 19 persons in the Philippines during any 12-month period with the specific objective of investing in the corporate debts of large corporations and medium-sized enterprises.

It may offer different share or unit classes with similar investment objectives but managed as sepa-

rate asset pools, with each class corresponding to a distinct part of its assets and liabilities.

Subscription in a CDV is done only on initial public offering and redemption is at maturity.

However, a CDV offering units of participation can make periodic distribution of income to investors on a pro-rata basis from cash received by such CDV from its interest income after deduction of applicable taxes and expenses.

It may also pay out the value of the underlying investments of each share or unit in a class upon maturity of the underlying investments.

The unit holders of a CDV shall have no voting rights but they are entitled to be notified of any material change to the prospectus, product highlight sheet, and subscription agreement.

Proceeds from the issuance of CDV securities shall be invested in any bonds, notes, commercial papers, debentures and other evidence of indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, of large corporations and medium-sized enterprises operating or deriving income in the Philippines.

A CDV may also invest in corporate debts guaranteed by a large or medium-sized domestic corporation or by the Philippine government and/ or its agencies or by multilateral agencies involving exempt securities under Rule 9.1.2.3 of the 2015 Securities Regulation Code Implementing Rules and Regulations. (PR)

KFC tells customers to hold off on the ‘Finger Lickin’ for now

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entucky Fried Chicken is temporarily suspending its long-time advertisement slogan “it’s finger lickin’ good”, calling it inappropriate in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation where personal hygiene has become top priority to stem transmission.

In an era when face masks and hand-washing have become the norm and health officials are recommending people to stop touching their faces, KFC said the slogan “doesn’t feel quite right.”

The slogan, used on and off by the Yum Brands Inc owned chain for 64 years, will be paused in advertising around the globe from Monday and re-appear when the time is right, the company said in a press release.

The restaurant chain unveiled a short video clip on its KFC UK and Ireland YouTube channel on Monday, showing various KFC chicken buckets with the “Finger Lickin’” words blurred out from its captions.

The ad then ends with the tagline “That thing we always say? Ignore it. For now.”

The move comes after the chain pulled down one of its advertisements in the UK featuring the catchphrase, which showed people licking their own fingers as well as those of their companions after eating its chicken.

The ad, broadcast in March, was widely criticized on social media as promoting behavior that could increase the chance of COVID-19 and the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority received at least 150 complaints, according to the Drum.

It is also another example of a major company being forced to rethink names of brands and taglines, following social media backlash for being insensitive or out of touch with the times.

Consumer goods giant Unilever recently changed the name of its 40-year old “Fair & Lovely” skin cream brand, while soda maker PepsiCo plans to change the name of its Aunt Jemima cake mixes after coming under social media pressure.

“We find ourselves in a unique situation - having an iconic slogan that doesn’t quite fit in the cur-

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

FTC Group of Companies Corporation (FTC-GOCC) signs a leasing agreement with Oriental Food Ventures Inc. as the latter opens their branch of Premier The Samgyupsal in Davao at the ground floor of Aeon Towers’commercial space, on Aug 19, 2020 at the FTC Corporate Office. Present during the ceremony were Oriental Food Ventures’ Owners, Mendrado Canusa V and Architect Louise Prieto while FTC-GOCC was represented by its President and CEO Ian Cruz

and Chief Finance Officer Almira Añonuevo. This is witnessed by the team from FTC-GOCC/Aeon Towers: Engr. Daniel Manalo, Vice President for Operations, Almira Mariano, Marketing Communications Director, Jester Hospital, Project Development Manager and Oriental Food Ventures Inc. owner Dr. Ralphtrin Gel Hermosisima and legal counsel Atty.

Celeste Camello.

Bayanihan 2, infra among key areas in reviving PH economy T

Personnel services to get biggest share in proposed 2021 budget

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he government is continuously working on programs that would help severely affected sectors to cope with the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the head of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said in a news release issued on Tuesday.

“We are starting to see a U-turn in the trajectory of economic activity and manufacturing production.

While we are not yet in the positive territory, we are hoping that we can continue to manage this recovery as best as we can,” acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in his presentation during a webinar host-

ed by Globe MyBusiness Academy, in partnership with the Alumni Association of Xavier School and Chinoy TV, last week.

Chua said the government’s recovery program comprises three big areas: the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), the “Build, Build, Build” program, and the 2021 budget.

Under Pillars 1 and 2 of the government’s phased and adaptive recovery approach, PHP655 billion has been allocated to help people cope with the pandemic and improve the country’s health care system.

This includes the ramped-up spending to protect some 18 million low-income households and 3.1 million workers of small businesses.

“Moving forward, we are optimistic that the Bayanihan 2 will help the country bounce back from the crisis with its improved provisions on the health care system, public transport, and restoring consumer demand,” he said, adding that the government would also provide equity support

to distressed firms that are deemed strategic and allow banks to dispose of bad loans and assets so they can serve more businesses.

In addition, Chua said the government is focusing on enhancing the productivity of the agriculture sector, as it also plays a crucial role in the country’s economic recovery.

“There’s no way for the Philippines to complete its structural transformation if we don’t make the agriculture sector productive. We have already taken huge steps through the Rice Tariffication Law and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. We can also do more through our infrastructure and logistics programs,” he said. (PR)

“I think we would be in a better position to really create a big market for EVs if (the) government would be the first one to include or incorporate it in its procurement policy,” she said.

The trade official added it is the best time to recommend to legislators to mandate government agencies to include EVs as alternative mode of transportation in government procurement as there are deliberations in Congress.

“Now that there are deliberations with respect to the legislations, that would be directed to the future of EVs. We have this opportunity to include this among the different incentives

that we are discussing both at the Senate and the House (of Representatives),” Aldaba said.

She added passing a law will be a quicker way to stimulate the local EV industry.

DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III said the department has been promoting the use of EVs in government offices by allotting a percentage of their vehicle purchases to EVs. He added the DOE is planning to use more EVs next year.

Aldaba underscored the importance of supporting local manufacturers by building the domestic in-

dustry.

She said the DTI is crafting an EV investment scheme to provide more subsidies and fiscal support for local manufacturers and assemblers of EVs and production of strategic parts, such as auto electronics.

The program also aims to provide incentives to buyers of EVs to encourage consumers to purchase locally-produced EVs. Aldaba said as the practice of physical distancing will continue due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, more people will use personal vehicles rather than

Inclusion of e-vehicles in gov’t procurement eyed

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olicies requiring government offices to buy electric vehicles are being eyed to jumpstart the local e-vehicle (EV) industry, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said on Tuesday.

In a pre-event press conference for the 8th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), Aldaba said DTI is in close coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and the Department of Transportation to identify and provide policy support to the local EV industry.

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he biggest share of the proposed 2021 budget will be for personnel services, to go towards the additional hiring of health care workers, a salary hike for government employees, and the increased pension of military and uniformed personnel.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday submitted to Congress the proposed P4.506-trillion spending program for 2021, themed "Reset, Rebound, and Recover: Investing for Resiliency and Sustainability."

According to the DBM, personnel services will have the biggest share of the proposed 2021 budget, accounting for 29.2% or P1.32 trillion.

"This level considers the huge additional hiring of health workers under the Human Resource for Health Program of the Department of Health (DOH), the second tranche implementation of the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, and the increased pension requirements of military and uniformed personnel," the DBM said.

The Salary Standardization Law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, authorized the increase in the salaries of over 1.4 million government employees in four tranches starting January 2020 and ending in 2023.

Duterte also signed into law a measure hiking the monthly old-age pension of living war veterans from P5,000 to P20,000. Those who previously did not receive pensions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would also be

entitled to the P15,000 increase in the monthly oldage pension.

Personnel services will be followed by capital outlays, accounting for 20.4% or P920.5 billion, owed mainly to the increase in infrastructure programs of the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with 14.7%, and Transportation (DOTr) with 42.6%.

Meanwhile, Maintenance, Operating, and Other Expenditures (MOOEs) will amount to P699.4 billion, debt burden with P560.2 billion, support to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) with P157.5 billion, and tax expenditures with P14.5 billion.

"Every peso of the P4.506-trillion FY 2021 NEP (National Expenditure Program) went through numerous budget hearings and consultations with the agencies," the DBM said in a statement.

In terms of sectors, the bulk of next year's proposed budget will be for social services following the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country. "[T]he bulk of next year's proposed budget will be provided to the social services sector amounting to P1.664 trillion, equivalent to 36.9%," the DBM said.

The amount includes funding support for programs related to health, social protection, and education.

The economic services sector will receive the second-highest allocated with P1.347 trillion or 29.9%, followed by the general

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

On the staging of a grand wedding of a couple from two well-known families in Davao City where one of the guests later tested positive of Covid-19:

Ang mga datu they think they know everything, that they are above the law, tungod naa sila’y kwarta. So the party happened, guess what? Naay nag-positive. Karon, we do contact tracing nga pwede dili naman unta to mahitabo ... Lami kaayo mosulti og ‘I told you so’ but of course, siyempre dili na ka mosulti kay wala nama’y point ang ‘I told you so’. Mag way forward na lang ta pirmi ani sa inyohang mga kabuang.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 116 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

FOOD

FRED C. LUMBA

GOING ‘SOLO’: FLIPPING FROM DINE-INS TO TAKEAWAYS SPECKS OF LIFE

CITIZEN COOPERATION, NOT LOCKDOWNS

Even amateur economists will tell you lockdowns will bring down a nation’s economy.

Initially, the US heeded WHO warnings by locking down its entry points from all incoming foreign visitors as alarming news reports cited hundreds of thousands of infections worldwide.

However, the economic repercussions did not sit well with government authorities as Americans indignantly marched to express their freedoms while millions lost their jobs.

American intelligence gathering also decried the doubtful pronouncements of WHO that came too late in declaring the CoVid19 was a pandemic.

Trump eventually withdrew US funding support of $425M from WHO whom he suspected was playing footsy with rival China where, not incidentally, the virus originated.

The audacious counter-play US Pres. Donald Trump did to prevent America’s total economic collapse arising from the

CoVid19 outbreak saved the nation from the edge of a civil war.

He re-opened the US economy guided by a firm posture that the CoVid19 did not pose real threats to the citizens if Americans were to strictly observe health protocols and lived normally as they did before.

Initially, chaotic riots and looting, causing death and injury and destruction of property, occurred in several Democrat-controlled cities which were trumpeted extensively by the mainstream media to portray the US was in apparent disarray.

Trump, much like PRRD, does not have the mainstream media on his side.

America is now surely recovering, though rather slowly.

(Just a side bar, in California, despite stern warnings from the governor, Pastor John MacArthur defiantly conducted a worship service in his Grace Community Church in LA where an overflow crowd of 3,000 worshipers – wearing no face

masks and observing no social distancing – attended. He was to be fined $1,000 for every infraction but a court eventually acquitted Pastor MacArthur.)

The fact remains that if Trump completely surrendered America’s fate to the WHO and pursued a lockdown policy as the Philippines is doing for almost six months now, the USA either would have been plunged into a civil war that it did not desire or the POTUS would have declared martial law to prevent the former from happening.

Truth to tell, the infectious level of CoVid19 is not as deathly threatening as dengue. Parents will tell you that they fear the latter disease more than CoVid19 which is nothing more than a common flu.

Simple traditional cures like gargling with salt and hot water, ample taking of Vit C and regularly observing correct hygiene prevent the virus from infecting a person.

Hospitals inclination to diagnose a patient with flu as

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

Covid infected because of the PHILHEALTH guaranteed payment plan of P750K per patient has been exposed in the Congressional hearings.

But as you noticed, even without the vaccine, thousands of Filipinos reported to be CoVid positive have recovered.

In fact, many do not go anymore to the hospital for confinement THE PANDEMIC has when they feel their temperabeen catastrophic for tures rise.

Davao’s (I, forrestaurant one and mysecfamily, tor, but for playersfor will not go tosome the hospital of theofflu. more –treatment and many usI fear – there to be contaminated in theuphoshave been bite-sized pital rather than getting a sure sides to the lockdown. cure at home.)

As a result of our continued A number of Davao blind obedience torestaurants the WHO directives, Filipinos have changedmillions up up theofentire have lostmodel their tojobs, OFWs operating deliver the are repatriated home and are idle service effectively, while maximisand grumbling, economic activing margins.

It’sto much more than a ities careened a halt, children new menu. stopped going to school, families of office laborers It hasn’t beenworkers, easy though. and daily wage Whiletransport the new vertical is help-earners have gone hungry and unfed. ing bring needed money WHOmuch successfully intimthrough the door, there is a need to evolve from premium dishes for cheaper ones, while maintaining the same quality and taste.

Such is the story of The Lobby Cafe at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Escandor Street, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland.

As Davao City foodies flipped from dine-ins to take-aways, The Lobby Cafe also flipped its business on its head, chopped and changed to takeaway dining to cater Dabawenyos’ need for good

idated Third World countries like us, those in Africa and South America, and we cowered in fear like street dogs scampering with their tails between their legs.

I agree with DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez who remarked that lockdowns have already served their purpose. It is time to fight back and open the economy. food amidst the confines of the The back-to-normal stratelockdowns and quarantines. gy should be the focus as pubThe Lobbywill Cafestimulate has startlicWhile consumption ed re-opening its doors to dine-in confidence and help restore the vigorous posture customers, financial it still recognizes thethe country enjoyed CoVid need of most people before to stay tucked 19. at home or at work without moving Besides, the resiliency of about. the Filipinos is a natural virtue Since the outbreak of the coro-He imbedded in his character. will survive the challenges navirus, Dabawenyos have been of time and advised to men. stay inside and to miniSomeone said: “When evmize humanseems contact.toOne erything beof the going biggest challenges that creates against you, remember thatisthe getting food.

So ordering delivery airplane takes off against the wind, with it.” (Email is still anot viable option.

And theyour vifeedback fredlumba@yahoo. able optionto is to order meals that’s com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPright for one’s consumption.

PINES! Solo, to be exact. Hans Solo going solo? That’s the start of something new. Boxed and delivered.

The Lobby Cafe offers a selection of delectable meals for everyone to choose from. And yes, Solo meal starts at a very affordable price of P150. Deliveries are available through accredited food service providers in Davao like Foodpanda.

Message The Lobby Cafe through its Facebook page or phone (0917) 146 4304.

“No success was won without self- determination and self-discipline,” wrote Lailah Gifty Akita in Pearls of Wisdom: Great Mind. William Cullen Bryant rewrote Thanatopsis a hundred times.

Edward Gibbon rewrote his Autobiography nine times.

Plato wrote the first sentence of his Republic nine times.

Virgil spent 12 years writing his Aeneid.

Practice makes perfect, so goes a popular saying. That is what discipline is all about.

“I believe that we learn by practice,” Martha Graham, American modern dancer and choreographer, believes.

“Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same.

“In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit,” Graham further said. “One becomes, in some area, an athlete of God. Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart also said: “It is a mistake

to think that the practice of my art has become easy to me. I assure you, dear friend, no one has given so much care to the study of composition as I. There is scarcely a famous master in music whose works I have not frequently and diligently studied.”

When asked by a fellow pianist if he could be ready to play a recital on short notice, Jan Paderewski replied, “I am always ready. I have practiced eight hours daily for 40 years.”

“I wish I had been born with such determination,” the other said. Paderewski answered back: “We are all born with it. I just used mine.”

Even if in the beginning you fail, just go on. Discipline yourself no matter what happens, you will be able to attain what you want. An assistant of American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was bewildered when he found out that he did 50,000 experiments before he succeeded with a new storage battery.

“Results?” Edison told him. “Why man, I have gotten lots of results. I now know 50,000 things that won’t work.” “... A disciplined pursuit of less will keep us focused and make the greatest impact,” wrote Tim Hiller in Strive: Life is Short, Pursue What Matters.

DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY When the President Ferdinand E. Marcos launched Bagong Lipunan (New Society), he initiated several programs and initiatives. Perhaps one of the most popular slogans during that time was: “Sa ikakaunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan.” It can be literally translated as: in order for a country to progress, discipline is needed.

“Why is discipline important?” asked John F. MacArthur Jr. “Discipline teaches us to operate by principle rather than desire. Saying no to our impulses (even the ones that are not inherently sinful) puts us in control of our appetites rather than vice versa. It deposes our lust and permits truth, virtue, and integrity to rule our minds instead.”

If you love football, then you probably know Jerry Lee Rice. To the uninformed, he was an American football wide receiver who played 20 seasons in the National Football League. He is widely considered to be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history and among the greatest NFL players overall.

There is an interesting anecdote on how he became such. In Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know, author John C. Maxwell relates this story: “People who knew him

well say he is natural. Physically his God-given gifts are incredible, yet those alone have not made him great. The real key to his success has been his self-discipline. He works and prepares -- day in and day out -- unlike anyone else in professional football.

“During practice in high school, Rice’s coach, Charles Davis, made his players sprint twenty times up and down a forty-yard hill. On a particularly hot and hungry Mississippi day, Rice was ready to give up after eleven trips. As he sneaked toward the locker room, he realized what he was doing. “’Don’t quit,’ he told himself. ‘Because once you get into that mode of quitting, then you feel like it’s okay.’

He went back and finished his sprints, and he has never been a quitter since.”

And so, Rice became a professional football player -- and was so famous, too.

“Even in the off-season, while other players are fishing or lying around enjoying downtime, Rice is working, his normal exercise routine lasting from 7:00 am to noon,” Maxwell wrote.

Discipline -- that’s what separates Rice from good to great. Leonardo da Vinci puts it this way: “You will never have a greater or lesser do-

minion than that over yourself...the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. ...And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.”

According to Maxwell, in order for us to develop a lifestyle of discipline, we have to accept challenge and eliminate any tendency that makes us to come up with some excuses. “Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we think up to hide them,” French classical writer Francois La Rochefoucauld wrote.

In creative writing, discipline is a prerequisite. Michael Chabon said, “You need three things to become a successful novelist: talent, luck and discipline. Discipline is the one element of those three things that you can control, and so that is the one that you have to focus on controlling, and you just have to hope and trust in the other two.”

This is what author H. Jackson Brown said, “Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates.

There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.”

8 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

EVERYDAY, REINVENTED:

THE NEW COROLLA CROSS AFTER COMMEMORATING ITS 32ND ANNIVERSARY this month, leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) marked another milestone by introducing the very first hybrid crossover in its lineup, the new Corolla Cross.

Designed as the stylish urban vehicle, the Corolla Cross combines Toyota’s signature “QDR” (quality, durability, and reliability) with style and functionality. Its hybrid electric variant further realizes Toyota’s vision of sustainable mobility and makes self-charging hybrid technology more accessible to Filipinos.

In addition to its hybrid technology, the Corolla Cross also features two of Toyota’s most advanced car technologies today, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).

“Guided by our philosophy of making ever-better cars, Toyota took the best of a trusted model, the Toyota Corolla, and turned it into a sleek and modern crossover,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto during the online launch of the new vehicle. “The Corolla Cross is designed to move you in comfort and style, whether you’re seeking adventure, doing business, or simply spending time with people you love,” he added.

First revealed in its global premiere last month, the Corolla Cross is the latest addition to Toyota’s global bestselling Corolla series. Since its launch in Japan in 1966, the Corolla series has sold a cumulative total of 48 million units or more, in more than 150 countries and regions around the world.

Commanding Identity and Striking Design

rpm with the 16-Valve DOHC, 4-Cylinder, In-line, Chain drive with Dual VVT-I engine.

The Corolla Cross’ exterior starts strong with its imposing double trapezoid front grille which gives the vehicle a wide and stable appearance. Exclusive to the hybrid variant are LED Light Curtain Daytime Running Lights and a subtle blue accent to the bi-beam LED headlamps which perfectly complements the blue Toyota logo.

Sleek defined lines run from the side to the front of the aerodynamic cabin and the subtle “Double C” character lines along the vehicle’s side profile exudes a sophisticated impression.

Truly made for the urban setting, the high approach angle combines the strong stance with functionality, with great capability on speed bumps and inclines. The overall look of the vehicle emphasizes the spacious utility ready for the customer’s dynamic lifestyle, whether it be the weekday job or the weekend getaway.

Elegant Interior and Exceptional Ride Experience Consistent with its sophisticated exterior, the Corolla Cross gets a classy minimalist interior which comes in leather for the hybrid variant. The wide and spacious

cabin space gives abundant head clearance for easier ingress and the slim seatback gives ample legroom for backseat passengers. The thinner pillars and rear quarter window add to the roomier atmosphere of the Corolla Cross and provides more outward visibility.

The hybrid variant also has a retractable tonneau cover for the rear trunk space for privacy, and the spacious trunk has comfortable loading height for ease of access.

The driver gets accessibility and control all throughout the ride with features such as Smart Entry and Push Start System, power adjust with auto fold for the side mirrors, power windows, and speed-sensing door locks, and for the 1.8 V hybrid variant, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 8-way power adjust driver’s seat. Convenient steering wheel switches enable the driver to adjust Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features and 7” multi-information display for the 1.8 V hybrid, and audio, and phone connectivity features for all variants. Apple Carplay and Android Auto is compatible with the 1.8 V Hybrid’s display audio.

Conscious Performance and Sus-

tainable Mobility TMP positions adoption of hybrid electric vehicles as the perfect transition to vehicle electrification in the country. By popularizing hybrid technology and making it more accessible, TMP takes another step forward in line with Toyota’s global commitment to push for sustainable mobility as outlined in its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

With its competitive price point, established Corolla legacy, and strong and sophisticated design, the Corolla Cross is the perfect road companion for customers who are looking for a stylish, functional, and efficient crossover.

The hybrid variant is powered by a 1.8L engine with Atkinson Cycle designed for the Hybrid system, and gets 1,798 cc displacement which gives of 142 max. torque @3,600 rpm, and an electric motor which helps in providing a 120hp total system max output. Three available driving modes (Eco, Power, and EV) also give the driver more control.

The 1.8 G CVT variant gets 1,798cc displacement, 138hp total system maximum output, and 172Nm maximum torque @ 4,000

Pricing The New Corolla Cross is available in two variants and four colors. Customers may check out the vehicle at any of TMP’s 70 dealerships across the country. They may also see more information about the car, calculate payments, or submit inquiries direct to their preferred dealer via https://toyota. com.ph/corollacross.

Priced competitively at Php1.65M, TMP further commits to its vision of making responsible and sustainable technologies more affordable and accessible for more Filipinos. TMP will also be making the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant available through the Balloon Payment Plus financing plan.

“We understand customer apprehension on hybrid technology: affordability, maintenance, and resale value – that’s why we are offering the Corolla Cross hybrid with Balloon Payment Plus – lower monthly payments, inclusive of periodic maintenance, with guaranteed future resale value.” says TMP First Vice President Sherwin Chualim “Owning a hybrid vehicle is made easier and more affordable, and customers are guaranteed a hassle-free experience from buying, owning, and future reselling of their vehicle.” he continues.

For more information on the New Corolla Cross, visit TMP’s official website at www.toyota.com. ph and follow the official social media pages at ToyotaMotorPhilippines (Facebook and Instagram), @ToyotaMotorPH (Twitter), and Toyota PH (Viber and Telegram).

More information about hybrid electric vehicle technology can be found at www.toyota.com.ph/ hybrid.

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

Report: Melatonin may help save lives of Covid-19 patients

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Second of Two Parts)

I

t is common knowledge now that the first human cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were first reported in Wuhan City, China in December 2019.

“While some of the earliest known cases had a link to a wholesale food market in Wuhan, some did not,” said a document released by the World Health Organization (WHO). “Many of the initial patients were either stall owners, market employees, or regular visitors to this market.”

COVID-19 is caused

by SARS-CoV-2, a distant cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

It was identified in early January and its genetic sequence shared publicly on January 11-12, 2020.

“The full genetic sequences of (the virus) from the early human cases and the sequences of many other viruses isolated from human cases from China and all over the world since then show that SARSCoV-2 has an ecological origin in bat populations,” the WHO report said.

“All available evidence to date suggests that the virus has a natural animal origin and is not a manipulated or constructed virus.”

All available evidence for COVID-19 suggests that S A R S - C o V- 2 has a zoonotic source.

“Since there is usually limited close contact between humans and bats, it is more likely that transmission of the virus to humans happened through another animal species, one that is more likely to be handled by humans.

This intermediate animal host or zoonotic source could be a domestic animal, a wild animal, or a domesticated wild animal and, as of yet, and has not been identified.”

The COVID-19 virus is transmitted from one person to another via droplets, contact, and fomites. “It is transmitted when one individual talks, sneezes, or coughs producing ‘droplets’ of saliva containing the COVID-19 virus,” says the Department of Health (DOH). “These droplets are then inhaled by another person.”

According to the United Nations health agency, other people can catch the COVID-19 virus by touching infected objects and

surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

The WHO says COVID-19 transmission usually occurs among close contacts, including family members and healthcare workers. As such, it is very important to maintain a distance of more than one meter away from any person who has respiratory symptoms.

Unlike the dengue virus, COVID-19 virus cannot be transmitted by a bite of a mosquito. “To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes,” WHO says.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry c o u gh , and

tiredness.

The less common symptoms include aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, and a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers and toes.

Right now, there are no specific anti-viral treatments available for COVID-19. Management involves the treatment of the symptoms, supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.

However, there are some testing and trials conducted in various parts of the world. In the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved the clinical trials on the use of melatonin as a sup-

plementary treatment for COVID-19.

Studies abroad have confirmed the use of melatonin in combating COVID-19. “A body infected with the novel coronavirus suffers from excessive inflammation, oxidation, and exaggerated immune responses, which contrib-

ute t o acute lung respiratory distress syndrome,” said Dr. Rafael Castillo, a cardiologist, magazine editor-in-chief, and columnist.

Dr. Castillo and an international panel of 21 other experts are involved in the MAC19 PRO (Melatonin as Adjuvant treatment in Covid-19 pneumonia Patients Requiring hOspitalization) – an initiative to avert healthcare exhaustion in the country.

The expert panel recently came up with a series of recommendations for the use of high dose melatonin early in Covid-19 patients who develop symptoms, especially in those with high-risk features like being senior of age (60 years or older), hypertensive, diabetic, smoker, obese, with

chronic lung or kidney diseases.

The expert panel advises not to wait for the results of Covid-19 confirmatory tests which may cause a four- to five-day delay in treatment. If the patient presents already with typical Covid-19 symptoms and chest x-ray findings, treatment should be started immediately to prevent the disease from getting worse.

In a feature he wrote for Health and Lifestyle magazine, Dr. Castillo cited a case of a father of a physician who was confirmed to have COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but was able to survive. “Her father was about to be intubated and hooked to a breathing machine because his pneumonia was getting worse,” Dr. Castillo reported. “After being given high-dose melatonin, however, his condition improved after three days and nine days later, he was discharged.”

“Since melatonin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating hormone, it is said to be protective against severe viral-induced diseases like SARS and COVID-19,” he added.

The Manila Doctors Hospital teamed up with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) in conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to validate the initial favorable effects observed with high dose melatonin. This RCT is being conducted by another sub-group in the MAC19 PRO research program headed by renowned pulmonologist, Dr Camilo Roa, Jr. PCHRD is a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“We are aiming to build on the use of melatonin as a commonly

available supplement to support our fight against COVID-19,” PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya said in a press statement. “If the project proves to be successful, we may be able to de-escalate COVID-19 cases better, and possibly reduce the mortality rate of the infection.”

Melatonin is a natural hormone that the brain produces in response to darkness. “It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep,” explains the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH).

“Being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production.”

The website, wedMD. com states that levels of melatonin usually start to go up in the evening once the sun sets. They drop in the morning when the sun goes up.

“Melatonin dietary supplement can be made from animals or microorganisms, but most often they’re made synthetically,” NIH says. “Melatonin supplements may help with certain conditions, such as jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery.”

In the first of this twopart series, we reported on the objectives of the initiative and their rationale for recommending high dose melatonin. Now, we are giving you the specific recommendations based on the MAC19 PRO Consensus Report: Recommendation 1: For protection of healthcare frontliners: Melatonin (3mg/capsule) 6 mg to 18 mg/day OD HS depending on degree of exposure, and with prescribed HCW protection. If one fears that there might have been a breach of protection and the frontliner is compromised, we

recommend increasing to 36 mgs/day in 2-3 divided doses for 10 days, then back to 6-18 mgs OD HS. OUT-PATIENT CARE Recommendation 2: For protection of the elderly and those with high-risk features: Melatonin (3mg/capsule) 6 mg to 12 mg/day OD HS depending on degree of exposure Recommendation 3: For suspected, asymptomatic but with strong or prolonged high-risk exposure to a COVID (+) patient: Melatonin 3mg 3 caps 3x daily for 10 days then 2 caps (6 mgs) at bedtime subsequently Recommendation 4: For asymptomatic or mild COVID: Above patients (in #1) if confirmed COVID positive (+) with still NONE or mild symptoms (NO hypoxemia), NO lung findings on chest x-ray: increase dose to 4 caps 4x daily for 14 days, then 3 caps 3x daily for another 14 days, then 2 caps (6 mgs) at bedtime subsequently.

IN-PATIENT CARE (HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS) Recommendation 5: For symptomatic COVID or COVID-suspect on admission to hospital, with hypoxemia but no Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Even if still unconfirmed but if with moderate symptoms (WITH hypoxemia, but NO ARDS – ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to oxygen support given (PFR)>300): Give 100 mgs ASAP initially then 4 mg/kbw/day (200 mg to 400 mgs/day) in 3-4 divided doses for 1 week, then reduce to 2 mg/kbw/ day (100 mg to 200 mgs/ day) in 3-4 divided doses for another week, then further reduce to 1 mg/kbw/ day (50 mg to 100 mgs/ day) in 3-4 divided doses for another 2 weeks (total

FREPORT, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

DCWD SM Lanang Premier, Felcris Centrale collection centers open on August 31 avao City Water District’s SM Lanang Premier and Felcris Centrale collection centers are open on August 31, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM despite that this day was declared as a regular holiday in observance of the National Heroes Day.

D

However, DCWD’s Matina office and Bajada and Toril sub-offices are closed and their regular operations will resume on September 1. Meanwhile, DCWD’s NCCC-VP Mall collection center remains closed until further notice.

Further, the due date

for water bill payment in Zone 4 falling on August 31 is moved to September 1, 2020.

All transacting customers are reminded to follow the MGCQ guidelines, to wear face masks at all times, and to go through the mandatory temperature check,

disinfection, and foot bath.

Paying customers are also advised to bring a copy of their water bill for faster transactions and prepare the exact amount to limit contact with tellers.

In addition, the DCWD management assures the general public that the op-

erations of its technical departments and Call Center/ Central Information Unit will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer service support.

For any queries and updates related to DCWD’s services, customers may

contact DCWD through the 235-3293 (DCWD), 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 hotlines or DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) chat support. (Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin)

pened many years ago even prior to the presidency.

And I think the reason why he precisely stopped drinking was to prevent (it) from developing into Stage 1 cancer. And that is the context of what the President said,” he said.

Duterte is “reaping the harvest” of heeding his doctor’s medical advice because until now, he continues to enjoy good health, Roque said.

“He is fit and healthy for a person his age,” he said.

“And that’s why he doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he has no vices as president because he wants to be in good and healthy condition.”

‘Very transparent’ Roque said Duterte has no plan to hide anything about his health.

The 75-year-old Chief Executive, he said, remains “very transparent” when it comes to the real status of his health.

“I don’t think the people should worry about lack of transparency because the President himself will say what his condition is,” Roque said. “As far as the President’s medical condition is concerned, take note that it comes from his own mouth. So it is not as if he’s trying to hide anything.

He’s very transparent.”

Apart from Barrett’s esophagus, Duterte previously acknowledged that he has Buerger’s disease, a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and

legs.

The President also has myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that weakens skeletal muscles responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body.

He is also battling chronic back pains and migraines.

In October 2018, Duterte announced to the public that the supposed “growth” found in his digestive tract tested negative for cancer.

No need to worry Under Article 7, Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution, the President is mandated to declare the real condition of his health “in case of serious illness.”

Roque assured that the people would be informed should Duterte learn that he is seriously ill.

“The President is a lawyer. He knows what the Constitution provides, in case he has a serious illness. He would have to divulge his medical condition to the public. And I assure everyone that as officers of the court, the President and I will divulge any serious illness to the public pursuant to the Constitution,” he said.

Asked how healthy Duterte is, Roque said, “He’s healthy as any 75-year-old could be in the Philippines.

And that is the reason why he regularly delivers his messages to the people so that they would know and see him and judge for themselves.” (PNA)

This after Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo earlier said students may spend up to 7 to 8 hours studying at home or attending online classes, as an adjustment to the new academic calendar.

"A big part of the distance learning delivery modality would involve self-directed learning.

While there will be a definite time period, there will be a lot of self-based learn-

ing that will be happening at home," he said.

The agency is currently conducting dry runs in preparation for the school opening on October 5, he added, "These dry runs we are doing are informing the regionwide how it is being done by example and of course there will be a lot of learning by doing in the first quarter, Malaluan said.

24 days without charge.

Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque condemned the "dastardly attacks" and issued condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed.

"We call on the residents of Jolo to stay vigilant and report suspicious per-

sonalities and unattended items in their areas," Roque said.

The Philippine Coast Guard issued a "red alert" for Sulu and several other areas in the restive south as it assists the military and police in responding to the incident.

terrorism," he said.

"We are one with AFP in implementing a lockdown in entire Jolo so even at this point we can prevent movement and assist in the investigation of the incident. We are tightening the security in and around Jolo."

The PNP will send teams from its crime laboratory and bomb data center to help with investigation, he added.

Banac described as "unfortunate" Jolo Police's killing of 4 soldiers that were on the trail of the 2 suicide bombers in Monday's attacks.

"We didn’t want this to happen also and our cops just responded on the situation at that time but it turned awry," he said.

"Justice must be served for the death of the 4 Army personnel and we don’t want this to affect our strong relationship with the AFP. They are our partners in our fight against terrorism so we need to gather our forces together and continue on our fight against terrorism."

The 9 policemen involved are facing murder and planting of evidence charges before the Department of Justice.

rent environment,” KFC’s global chief marketing of-

ficer, Catherine Tan-Gillespie, said in a statement.

taking public transport.

This and the increase in logistics needs due to booming e-commerce will also stimulate the growth for the local EV industry, she said.

“Looking into the future, I think this is really going to be the direction. As well as the pandemic, the concern for more sustainable policies and programs, more people understand the need for us to protect the environment. It would

fit well in terms of policy direction in terms of (the) EV industry we are trying to build,” Aldaba said.

Meanwhile, the 8th PEVS will be held on September 24 to 26.

With the theme “Moving Forward to an Electrified Mobility in the New Normal”, the virtual summit aims to focus EV adoption as well as challenges and opportunities of the industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (PNA)

Dominguez said they have incorporated these lessons in the proposed Bayanihan 2 law.

“As much as possible, lahat ng tulong sa tao give it through the banks, through Lhuiller so no cash is handled. As little as cash as possible. So walang

mangungupit, walang mawawala. (As much as possible, all the aid should be given through the banks, through Lhuillier (pawnshop) so no cash is handled, as little as cash as possible. So there will be no filching, nothing will be lost),” he added. (PNA)

of 4-week treatment), then reduce to a maintenance dose of 2 caps (6 mg) at bedtime.

Recommendation 6: For COVID or COVID-suspect on admission to hospital with mild ARDS (PFR less than 300 but more than 200): Even if still unconfirmed for COVID but if with moderate symptoms and mild ARDS: Give 150 mgs ASAP initially then 6 mg/kbw/day (300 mg to 600 mgs/day) in 3-4 divided doses for 1 week, then reduce to 3 mg/kbw/ day (150 mg to 300 mgs/ day) in 3-4 divided doses for another week, then further reduce to 1 mg/kbw/ day (50 mg to 100 mgs/ day) in 3-4 divided doses for another 2 weeks (total of 4-week treatment), then reduce to a maintenance dose of 2 caps (6 mg) at

bedtime.

Recommendation 7: For COVID or COVID-suspect on admission to hospital with moderate to severe ARDS (PFR less than 200): Even if still unconfirmed for COVID but if with severe symptoms and moderate to severe ARDS and NOT INTUBATED yet: Give 200 mgs ASAP initially then 8 mg/kbw/day (480 mg to 800 mgs/day) in 3-4 divided doses for 1 week, then reduce to 4 mg/kbw/ day (200 mg to 400 mgs/ day) in 3-4 divided doses for another week, then further reduce to 1 mg/kbw/ day (50 mg to 100 mgs/ day) in 3-4 divided doses for another 2 weeks (total of 4-week treatment), then reduce to a maintenance dose of 2 caps (6 mg) at bedtime. – (Photos taken from the net)

public services sector with P724.2 billion, debt burden with P560.2 billion, and defense with P210.6 billion.

Top Departments The Department of Education (DepEd) will have the biggest slice from the proposed budget, with an allocation of P754.4 billion.

The allocation includes support for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (P47.1 billion), and Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan Program or BELCP (P16.1 billion).

The DepEd is followed by the following departments: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - P667.3 billion Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - P246.1 billion Department of National Defense (DND) - P209.1 billion

Department of Health (DOH) - P203.1 billion Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - P171.2 billion Department of Transportation (DOTr) - P143.6 billion Department of Agriculture (DA) - P66.4 billion Judiciary - P43.5 billion Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) P27.5 billion "Summing up to P2.564 trillion, the budget of these top ten departments accounts for 56.9 percent of the proposed budget, and 86.9% of the total proposed budget for National Government Agencies," the DBM said.

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier said the Philippines will sustain its P3-trillion borrowing program in 2021, with bulk or 75% to be financed from local sources.

which included six technical and a flagrant-1 foul.

Leonard scored 22 points and Paul George scored 18 to help Los Angeles take a 76-52 lead at halftime. The Clippers shot 61% in the first half and led by as many as 27 points.

The Clippers continued the onslaught in the second half, bumping the lead to as many as 45 points.

TIP-INS Mavericks: Doncic was issued a technical foul in

the second quarter. ... G Tim Hardaway Jr. was called for a flagrant-1 after winding up and hitting George in the face on a drive. ... Assistant Stephen Silas took over as coach after Carlisle was ejected.

Clippers: Shot 67% from the field in the first quarter. ... Hardaway and Los Angeles’ Marcus Morris were called for double technicals in the second quarter. C Ivica Zubac was called for a technical in the third.

her One muay thai women's atomweight belt against Allycia Rodrigues.

The other major bout will pit Rodlek Jaotalayong against Kulabdam Sor.Jor. Piek Uthai in the final of the

One Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament.

The winner will challenge Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the One muay thai bantamweight championship. (PNA)

Interestingly enough, Chooks 3x3 announced last month that it would hold a season bubble as well at Inspire, which could pose an arena conflict with the PBA should it ultimately decide

to hold a bubble there too.

The PBA board will convene sometime in September to determine if the season would push through by mid-October or not. (PNA)

PRRD... FROM2

REPORT... FROM9

DEPED... FROM2

BOTH SULU... FROM2

INCLUSION... FROM5

PERSONNEL... FROM5

MARTIAL... FROM3

KFC... FROM4

DOMINGUEZ... FROM4

CLIPPERS... FROM11

UNBEATEN... FROM11 BUBBLE... FROM12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Giannis Antetokounmpo was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), becoming the fifth player to win that award and MVP in a career.

The Milwaukee Bucks All-Star, who was MVP last year and is the favorite to repeat this season, ended the two-year reign of Utah center Rudy Gobert as Defensive Player of the Year.

Antetokounmpo received 75 first-place votes from a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters, finishing with 432 points.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis was second (200 points; 14 first-place votes) and Gobert (187 points; six first-

place votes) third.

Antetokounmpo joined Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Kevin Garnett as players to do the MVP-Defensive Player of the Year double. H e was runner-up for the defensive award last year.

He led the Bucks to the N B A’ s best re-

cord and helped them limit opponents to 101.6 points per 100 possessions, the league’s top defensive rating, as of March 11. Voting was conducted on games through then, before the season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

At 6-foot-11, Antetokounmpo is able to handle a matchup with any frontcourt player, especially because the Bucks also have 7-footer Brook Lopez behind him at center.

Milwaukee allowed only 96.5 points per 100 possessions with Antetokounmpo on the court, giving him the lowest defen-

sive rating among the more than 300 players who averaged at least 15 minutes per game.

The Bucks were holding opponents to an NBAlow 41.3% shooting from the field when the season was suspended and Antetokounmpo often ended up with the shots that were missed. He was leading the league with 11.5 defensive rebounds per game, while also averaging a little more than a steal and block.

He became the first Bucks player to win Defensive Player of

Nuggets stave off elimination

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Jamal Murray scored 33 of his 42 points in a second half where he played every minute and the Denver Nuggets avoided elimination by beating the Utah Jazz, 117107, on Tuesday night in Game Five.

The Nuggets trail the sixth-seeded Jazz, 3-2, with Game Six on Thursday (Friday, Manila time).

Murray was unstoppa-

ble down the stretch in nearly matching his 50-point effort in Game Four. He hit 17 of 26 shots and had eight assists, including a pass to Nikola Jokic for a 3-pointer with 23.6 seconds remaining that sealed the win.

The dynamic tandem of Murray and Jokic clearly weren't ready to leave the NBA bubble just yet. Jokic had it going early as he scored 21 of his 31 points in the the first quarter.

Murray took over late.

With the game tied at 101, Murray scored nine straight for Denver to help the Nuggets gain some separation. The trailed by as many as 15 in the third quarter.

Donovan Mitchell finished with 30 points while wearing a pair of bright, multicolored shoes. The sharpshooter is averaging 37.6 points over the five games.

Reserve Jordan Clarkson added 17 points and Joe Ingles found his rhythm with 13. Ingles had a combined two points in the previous two games.

The Nuggets turned in their best third period of the series when they needed it most. Trailing 63-54 at halftime, they outscored the Jazz 28-23. Utah has dominated the third quarter by a 142-92 margin before Tuesday.

11

the Year since Sidney Moncrief, who earned the first two that were awarded in the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Paul George scored 35 points, Kawhi Leonard added 32 and the Los Angeles Clippers rolled past the Dallas Mavericks, 154-111, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) to take a 3-2 lead in their firstround Western Conference playoff series.

Montrezl Harrell added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who set a franchise record for points in a playoff game. Los Angeles can clinch the series

on Thursday.

Dallas' Luka Doncic, who hit a game-winner at the buzzer in Game Four to cap off a 43-point triple-double, was held to 22 points on 6-for-17 shooting.

Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis sat out with right knee soreness.

It was the second straight game the 7-foot-3 Latvian missed.

Dallas coach Rick Carlisle was ejected in the third quarter of the testy game,

Unbeaten fighter Denice Zamboanga looks to further build up for a possible showdown with One women's atomweight champion Angela Lee at One: A New Breed at the Impact Arena in Bangkok on Friday night.

Zamboanga, currently at 6-0, will take on Watsyapinya Kaewkhong of Thailand in one of three fights in the card.

A win by Zamboanga, the number one ranked women's atomweight right now, will further cement her bid to challenge Lee for the latter's title belt in the near future.

On the other hand, Zamboanga's brother Drex will make his One debut against Detchadin Sorsirisuphathin.

Drex Zamboanga, the reigning bantamweight champion of the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), is set to enter untested waters in his showdown against Sorsirisuphathin.

Zamboanga looks to build a winning streak a year after knocking out Seung Hyun-Cho to keep his URCC belt, which actually snapped a three-fight skid.

The other Philippines vs. Thailand clash will feature KC Carlos and Wondergirl Fairtex in a muay thai clash.

In the headliner, Nong Stamp, Denice Zamboanga's former stablemate at the Fairtex camp, defends

FCLIPPERS, P10

Unbeaten Pinay battles Thai opponent at One: A New Breed

Fil-Am Jazz reserve Jordan Clarkson (00) added 17 points. Some fans are suggesting he should wear a jersey social justice theme PEACE written in Filipino or“Kapayapaan.”

FUNBEATEN, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 118 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

The PBA is eyeing a campus-type venue for the resumption of the season.

BUBBLE WRAPPED

PBA season to resume under 'bubble' setup

T

he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is considering a bubble option just for its 45th season to finally resume amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas said he believes the bubble is the only way for the league to push through with all of its remaining games after a long delay caused by the quarantine measures imposed to contain the outbreak.

“My own feeling as chairman is that we do not have a choice. May model na eh (A model already exists). The model is the NBA (National Basketball Association). We should just go ahead and look forward to the time na maglalaro na tayo (when we could already play), whether it’s the NBA way or a more innovative way,” Vargas said during the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

Vargas named three potential venues for the PBA bubble.

“We’re looking into Inspire (Sports Academy), yung sa NU (National University) sa (the one in NU) Calamba, and Araneta (Coliseum) kasi may mga hotels naman (because there are some hotels) beside that. We’re even looking to as far as Clark,” he said.

Vargas bared that his team, TNT, would hold its practices inside Inspire in a bubble format.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial disclosed two more possible venues for the PBA bubble.

“Kahapon, pinagalaw ko na si Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro. Nagtanong na kami sa mga lugar tulad ng Batangas at Subic (Yesterday, I asked

Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro to inquire about places in Batangas and Subic),” Marcial said.

He specified that the league is looking at an undisclosed school in Batangas and a golf course in Subic as possible venues.

Only Subic, a metropolitan area in Zambales, and Clark, a metropolitan area in Pampanga that has been stretched to Capas, Tarlac through the New Clark City complex, are under the most lenient Covid-19 quarantine, the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Actual professional games are allowed in MGCQ areas, according to the Games and Amusements Board.

The other three venues are in areas under the regular GCQ. The NBA bubble currently taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando is effective so far in keeping the players away from Covid-19 as no one has tested positive for the illness since its start last month, even though some players departed the bubble for personal reasons but returned quickly.

Three other local leagues, the Philippines Football League, the ChooksTo-Go Pilipinas 3x3, and the National Basketball League, have already made known their intention to hold bubbles for their respective seasons.

FBUBBLE, P10