Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 120 | Saturday, August 29, 2020

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Lifting of liquor ban least priority: Sara STORY ON PAGE 2

An elderly “tuba” collector, who is wearing full-face face shield and face mask, on a bicycle waits for his turn to cross a busy MacArthur highway in Matina, Davao City on Friday. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 120 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

Malacañang considering live PRRD briefing to kill failing health rumors

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President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City. Malacañang said it was considering holding

live briefings of President Duterte to disprove rumors of the chief executive’s failing health. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

alacañang said Thursday it was considering holding live briefings of President Rodrigo Duterte to disprove rumors of the chief executive's failing health after he mentioned that he was at risk of cancer.

Rumors of the President's supposed failing health swirled anew last week following claims that he flew to Singapore for medical treatment.

"We’re talking about it," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said when asked about the possibility of holding a live press briefing with Duterte.

"He (Duterte) is a lawyer; he knows his obligation. He took an oath as a lawyer and as president to uphold the laws of the land and the Constitution," Roque added.

In a taped public ad-

dress on Monday, the 75-year-old President said he was told by his doctor he was at risk of developing cancer from Barrett’s esophagus, an inflammation of the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.

Roque, however, had said that the President remains "fit and healthy" for his age.

"The Constitution only says, if there is a serious illness, there is an obligation to reveal to the public the details of his health condition. So susundin po iyan ng Presidente (the President will follow that)," Roque said.

Duterte, in the past, had also mentioned having back pains, migraines, and Buerger's disease, which is linked to blockages in the blood vessels associated with smoking during his youth.

wo committees of the House of Representatives have approved a new bill that aims to revamp the country's rape laws, Agusan del Norte (1st District) Rep. Lawrence Fortun said Thursday.

Fortun, chairman of the Technical Working Group on the bills, said the committees on Revision of Laws and Welfare of Children have approved a substitute bill changing important provisions of existing legislations pertaining to the crime of rape.

Provisions of the substitute bill include changing the age of statutory rape from below 12 years of age to under 16 years old, removing the "forgiveness clause", as well as expanding the definition of rape.

“The committees on Revision of Laws and Welfare of Children practically overhauled our country’s laws against rape, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and other gender-based violence," Fortun said in a statement.

"This is a major victory for women, children and other vulnerable person, regardless of their gender preferences. The reforms are long overdue,” he added.

The substitute bill amended the definition of rape to include certain acts of perversion for sexual gratification, according to Fortun.

He said "grooming when the same results in the acts of rape under the new definition, is likewise punishable as rape."

The bill provides that rape may now be committed against a female, male or other persons, regardless of their gender preferences, and a child, also regardless of gender.

The TWG, according to Fortun, included a provision on presumption of the lack of consent on the part of the rape victim, emphasizing that the "lack of resistance to the commission of rape shall not be construed

House panels OK bill raising age of statutory rape to 16

ALCOHOL CAN WAIT T Lifting of liquor ban least priority: Sara

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed that the lifting of the liquor ban is the least of the city government’s priority.

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On Friday, Mayor Sara said the lifting will be discussed anew by October this year after the planned re-opening of the Roxas Night Market on the third week of September.

Mayor Sara assured those workers affected with the imposition of the liquor ban that the city government will continue to provide food especially rice through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

“Katong mga trabahante na affected kay nagli-

quor ban ta. Muhatag gihatag gihapon ta assistance sa ila,” Mayor Sara said.

Mayor Sara said the reopening of the Roxas Night Market will be prioritized as lots of vendors are affected after its closure in April 2020.

“Ngano mauna ang Roxas Night Market in September? Kay daghan ug naapektuhan ilang livelihood tungod sa Covid and kinahanglan makabalik sila sa ilang livelihood.

Sunod nalang sa nang sa liquor ban. Sa October ang

Morales assures resignation will not exempt him from any probe

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lthough he felt relieved a day after stepping down as president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Ricardo Morales assured the public that he will not be exempted from any probe on the alleged anomalies in the state health insurance firm.

“I feel relieved. I can now focus on my health and my family," said Morales in an exclusive interview on Thursday. "This is what I thank the President for, for allowing me to step down.”

“Of course, my resignation does not, in any way, absolve me if I was involved in any regularities," he added. "I have filed a bank secrecy waiver, we have subjected ourselves to the lifestyle check, and we are open to investigation.”

Morales, who is bat-

tling lymphoma or cancer of the lymph nodes, tendered his resignation on Wednesday amid the ongoing probe on the alleged corruption and fraudulent schemes at PhilHealth.

However, he insisted that the agency has always been a "fertile ground for fraud."

“Fraud is not new in PhilHealth," said Morales.

"Before I was in PhilHealth, it is there now and unless the right thing is done, it’s going to continue. PhilHealth has 35,000 transactions a day, so that is really a fertile ground for fraud.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered an interagency task force to investigate the alleged irregularities within PhilHealth.

The ongoing probe found that there were “centers of fraud” inside the agency.

The Senate Blue Rib-

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atong liquor ban. Hinay-hinayon nato siya,” she said.

She said the re-opening of the Roxas Night Market is in line with the initial information she got that Davao City will remain under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status on September 1 to 30.

“Nakakuha ko ug information nga ang atoang city is MGCQ from September 1 ro 30. In relation to that we are targeting in the third week of September, we will reopen the Roxas Night Market,” the mayor said.

In line with the gradual opening of the city, Mayor Sara reminded the Dabawenyos that there is

still quarantine and to still observe the health protocols.

“Kinahanglan magtinabangay ta tanan mubuhat sa health protocols. Ang atoang mga opisina ug establishments mag-implement sila sa ilang health protocols ug seguruhon nato nga mag-continue ang pag-abri sa atong syudad because kung muabot sa punto mahimong mudaghan kaayo mubalik ta sa ECQ maong kinahanglan mapahinay nato ang pag-spread, “ she said.

“Hinay hinayon nato.

Mag-open ta ug isa and then tan-awon nato kung mudaghan and then magre-arrange na pud ta,” she said.

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Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang says he pushed for the passing of the ordinance condoning Real Property Tax (RPT) payment for this year of the 340 property owners of the Toledo Building of Magallanes Residences. Edge Davao

VOL.13 ISSUE 120 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

NEWS 3

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio graceds the inauguration and blessing of the new 5-storey building of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) located at the back of Davao City Hall Annex building on Friday. CIO

picks Davao City City Council grants condonation Pulong staff to run HoR office of RPT on quake-hit condo units D

By MAYA M. PADILLO nit owners of the Toledo Building of Magallanes Residences can now heave a sigh of relief following the approval of the City Council of the condonation of their Real Property Tax (RPT) payment for this year.

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Councilor Danny Dayanghirang said he pushed for the passing of the ordinance in response to the plea of 340 property owners of the Toledo Building of Magallanes Residences for an extension of RPT payment.

“This is for humanitarian consideration. The fact that their buildings were hit by earthquake and the mandate of the Disaster Committee to the City Engineer’s Office that the buildings were not fit for staying and living and not for human. Dili puwede matirahan so therefore the council grant the request

of the residents,” Dayanghirang said.

Magallanes Residences was among the condominium developments in Davao City owned by Consunji-led firm DMC Urban Property Developers Inc. (DMC-UPDI) that was severely damaged following the series of earthquakes that hit Davao City and some areas in Mindanao in October last year. The other condominiums were Ecoland 4000 Residences, Palmetto Place and Verdon Parc.

The Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) declared Toledo Building

unsafe for occupancy and gave the management to comply with the order to vacate the building after major structural cracks on the beams were noticed during an inspection conducted in January this year.

“The building was severely damaged, declared unsafe, and left inhabitable caused by the series of earthquakes in October of 2019,” Dayanghirang said.

The condonation is also in consonance with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 that authorized local government units to make adjustments on taxes.

“The council approved it last Tuesday (August 18, 2020) and once it was signed by Mayor Sara and it becomes a law,” Dayanghirang said.

The Consunjis have offered owners of units

in the collapsed building buyback options from 125 percent to 150 percent of acquisition cost, from 200 percent as demanded by their clients. For buyers of units in buildings still under construction, the offer is 100 percent refund on all payments made.

Dayanghirang said the city council will also act if unit owners of other condo developments of DMCI will appeal for the same request.

“If they have applications because we cannot act on it if there is no request. All requests will be evaluated and those requests are evaluated by the disaster council and under the law we can reduce or condone real property tax payments for this year only. Because we cannot grant them forever who knows they might be occupying again,” he said.

Davao City on August 25, 2020.

In a social media post, Governor Uy thanked all the residents of the province for contributing towards the attainment of the award, including the provincial office of TESDA, the municipal Public Employment Services Offices, and the Community Technical Education Coordinators.

“Our partnership with

TESDA had gone a long way.

Pinaagi sa ilang tabang, nakaextend kita'g skills training and livelihood assistance sa atong mga kababayen-an through our Provincial Women's Development Council, former drug dependents, former rebels, mga Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), mga kabatan-onan, ug daghan pang gusto makatuon og bag-ong skills para sa il-

ang panginabuhian.” (With their assistance, we have extended skills trainings and livelihood assistance to our women through the Provincial Women's Development Council, former drug dependents, former rebels, Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), youth, and other persons who wanted to learn new skills for their livelihood.)

Davao de Oro wins 2020 TESDA Kabalikat Award

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he province of Davao de Oro bagged the region’s Kabalikat Award 2020 from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The award was received

by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy during a ceremony held at the TESDA Regional Training Center, Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KPVTC),

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avao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte said he has chosen a team from his local staff here to run his office at the House of Representatives following the resignation of his chief of staff and six other personnel.

Duterte’s statement on Thursday came after ACTCIS Rep. Eric Yap admitted that he was the one who asked for the resignation of Pulong’s erstwhile chief of staff, lawyer Sherwin Castañeda, including six other employees.

Yap said it was he who recommended Castañeda and the other personnel to Duterte, adding it was also his responsibility to ask their resignation following complaints of mismanagement.

Duterte said since Yap had already issued a state-

ment, the lawmaker was also the best person to ask about the reason behind Castañeda’s departure.

He clarified, however, that he and Castañeda parted ways amicably.

Pulong said the resignation letters of Castañeda and six others were submitted to Yap on August 10.

Duterte added that he intended the matter to be discreet to protect Castañeda and his staff.

However, he said he was surprised that a website came out with the story and did not even bother to ask his side of the matter.

“I’m almost done filling up the vacant positions with the help of congressman Yap’s staff. Hoping for a smooth transition and a more effective office for the constituents of the first district of Davao City,” Duterte said. (PNA)

Davao City's P200-M Museo Dabawenyo to open in 2021

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he new PHP200-million Museo Dabawenyo is set to open next year, the City Information Office said in a statement on Thursday.

The five-storey building, funded by the Office of the President and the National Museum of the Philippines, is located inside the People’s Park here.

“It is designed with a futuristic durian-inspired exterior. Once open, admission to the museum will be free. The local government unit and the National Mu-

seum of the Philippines will manage the Museo Dabawenyo,” CIO said.

Winnie Rose Galay-Bulig, the officer-in-charge of Museo Dabawenyo, said the museum will not only display local artifacts and history but also a museum of national history.

“What we can see at the National Museum in Manila will most probably be the same as what we have here. We will be expecting more galleries, exhibition areas not only focusing on

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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SoCot tourism industry expecting a rebound

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A display of dressed chicken at Agdao Public Market. The Department of Agriculture is working with several agencies to include chicken in the government’s pandemic aid and reduce its oversupply. Edge Davao

Investment pledges up in Region 11 amid pandemic

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pproved investment pledges registered in Davao Region increased to P2.4 billion in the second quarter this year despite the crippling impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the economy, National Economic Development Authority-Davao director Maria Lourdes Lim said.

Lim said this figure is higher by 79.29-percent compared to the P497 million reported for the same period last year.

In her report during the virtual launch of the Davao Regional Development Plan 2017-2022, Lim said these big-ticket investment projects came mostly from new hotel operator Acacia Hotel Davao and another big player in the export Cavendish banana production.

She said the region, one of the best performing areas in the country, would still manage to sustain positive economic growth owing to the discipline and resiliency of the people to adapt to the “new normal”.

The biggest invest-

ments in the region in 2019 included a new export producer of coconut products in Sitio Pantukan, Barangay JP Laurel, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, amounting to P994 million; new bulk water supply project in Barangay Magdum, Tagum City, P586 million; and a new developer of an economic and low-cost housing project in Barangay Communal, Buhangin, Davao City, P416 million.

Department of Trade and Industry-Davao director Belenda Ambi added that these new investments, despite coming mostly from domestic investors, would help sustain economic growth in the region.

The Davao Region comprises Davao City and the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro. “Despite the COVID pandemic, I think we should still be positive that we can address some of the challenges that we are facing because we are making use of new technologies and I think all government agencies, the local government units, an even the private sector are supporting the growth of Davao Region,” she said.

She said she is optimistic the region would recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Citing the Davao Regional Recovery and Resiliency Program, Lim added that the region adopted emergency, recovery and resiliency stages to cope with the impact of the pandemic.

Under the emergency stage initiatives, she said local governments ensured unhampered movement of agriculture and other es-

sential goods and services, as well as focusing on the immediate provision of social services, establishment of unified regional guidelines on quarantine measures, and strict implementation of health protocols across the region.

From June to December 2020, Lim said the focus of the region was on strengthening health systems and healthcare facilities and improving the status and supply of human resource for the health sector, including “hiring of contact tracers as well as adoption of blended learning by shifting to digital and alternative learning modes as we opened the school year 2020-2021” on October 25.

“For 2021 onwards, this will now comprise our resiliency stage, we now focus on the ‘new normal’.

Hopefully with the availability of a cure or a vaccine for COVID-19, we would have then normalized our business sectors and turning this crisis into opportunities,” she added. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

form beneficiaries (ARBs).

However, monetary authorities said there is low compliance with this law and banks choose to pay the penalties instead.

Part of the BSP’s Sustainable Central Banking program is a scheme wherein regulators coordinate with stakeholders on how the latter can comply with the Sustainable Finance Framework, which provides for a three-year transition period that started last May. Under the Sustainable Finance Framework, banks should extend loans intended for projects that promote the care of the en-

vironment, like solar and wind energy power plants, and those that help address climate change.

Citing sustainability or allocation reports of some banks, Diokno said about 10.6 percent of the end2019 total loan portfolio of banks was allocated for green financing and social projects which, in turn, are in line with the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

To date, domestic banks have issued about USD1.795 billion worth of green bonds and about PHP21.5 billion worth of social bonds.

The BSP has invested

about USD150 million in green bonds as part of its foreign reserves in 2019 in line with the open-ended fund launched by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

Diokno said they increased the investment

by USD200 million earlier this year after noting the “growing significance of sustainability assets in the investment landscape”.

“Green bonds offer institutional investors with a means of accessing sustainable investments in the fixed income market while providing greater transparency on how the funds are

BSP eyes incentives for banks' sustainable finance compliance

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is studying the possibility of providing regulatory incentives to banks that will heed the Sustainable Central Banking program.

“These include our proposal to consider lending for green projects as compliance to the Agri-Agra requirements,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a virtual briefing Thursday.

The Agri-Agra Law requires banks to allocate 25 percent of their loanable funds to farmers and fisherfolk. Specifically, 15 percent should be extended for the farm sector and 10 percent to the agrarian re-

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ourist arrivals in South Cotabato province dropped significantly this year due to the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic but industry stakeholders remain hopeful of a rebound in the coming months.

Argie Asaria, provincial tourism operations officer, said only a total of 192,223 domestic and foreign tourists visited the province as of the end of July, dropping by about 77 percent compared to the reported 829,000 visitors in the same period last year.

He said the arrivals were only recorded in the months of January, February and July as the local tourism industry almost went on total standstill from mid-March to June due to the implementation of heightened community quarantine measures.

Based on data gathered by the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), 153,974 tourists, including 261 foreigners, joined day tours or visited tourism sites for at least a day.

A total of 38,131 domestic and 118 foreign tourists visited and stayed for a night or more in the area.

Asaria said each tourist could have spent at least P500 each while visiting local tourism sites and establishments or an income of around P96.1 million, a huge drop from the estimated PHP414.5 million generated in the same period in 2019.

“The decline has really affected the income of people and establishments within the tourism value chain, and the local government revenues as well,” he said in a media forum in Koronadal City on Wednesday.

He said this specifically affected hotels and resorts, transportation players, travel agencies, restaurants and even farmers.

Despite the situation,

Asaria said the prospects remain bright for the province’s tourism industry amid the prevailing modified general community quarantine.

Since the provincial government allowed the limited reopening of tourism-related establishments last July 16, he said a total of 40 hotels, resorts and restaurants accredited with the Department of Tourism (DOT) have resumed their operations.

He said local tourism sites, among them the seven waterfalls and zipline in Lake Sebu town, have also reopened last Aug. 15.

Asaria said they were continually monitoring compliance of local tourism sites and establishments to the health protocols, specifically the 50-percent capacity ceiling, wearing of face masks and face shields and observance of safe physical distancing.

Their office, in coordination with the DOT and the Provincial Tourism Council of South Cotabato Inc. (PTC), has continued with the implementation of their regular programs and “post-pandemic” preparations, he said.

He said the PTO’s research, planning and development team already conducted workshops in the barangay level as part of the preparations for the reopening of other local tourism sites.

They also continued with the product development planning for the tourism circuits and coordinated with local government units for the implementation of the province’s tourism master plan, he said.

“Although we have a pandemic, our team did not stop providing promotional photos and videos of our tourism sites via Facebook and Instagram,” he said.

Asaria said they sustained their accreditation caravan to help more tour-

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Coca-Cola to pour in 'substantial investment' into Mindanao plants

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oft drinks giant Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. said Thursday it is pouring a substantial portion of its investments in the country into its three production facilities in Mindanao.

In a virtual presser, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines president and CEO Gareth McGeown said the beverage maker’s total $95-million (roughly P4.75 billion) investment in the country for 2020 will go to new production lines as well as increasing the capacity of existing plants.

“We will have substantial investments in Mindanao this year that we haven’t done in previous years,” McGeown said.

Without disclosing specific amounts, the Coca-Cola chief said three production plants in the southern Philippines, particularly in Sta. Cruz town, Davao del Sur; Villanueva, Misamis Oriental; and Zamboanga

City “will be getting extra production capacity.”

“It’s purely based on demand, based on current infrastructure and where we want to invest,” McGeown said.

“We’re really excited to invest again in the facilities in the south,” he added.

Coca-Cola earlier said its capital investment is “imperative” amid the challenges of the pandemic, “especially as we collectively pursue restarting the Philippine economy and uplift Filipino communities amid unprecedented times.”

“We’re optimistic about the future of our business in the Philippines and the future of the Philippines in general,” McGeown said.

Apart from continuing investment in the country, Coca-Cola Philippines has also set aside almost P2 billion for its employee assistance fund, ensuring

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ECONOMY 5

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FATHER AND DAUGHTER. Amid the stress that the COVID-19 pandemic places on families, this father takes time to bring his little daughter to a beach in barangay Badak, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality in Maguindanao to enjoy the sea breeze and sunset on Wednesday (26 August 2020). MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

Employment rate in P R-11 drops to 82.1% T

PH’s strong fundamentals continue to support the peso

he employment rate in Davao Region decreased to 82.1 percent as of 2nd quarter of 2020 amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-Davao Region director Maria Lourdes Lim said.

In her report during the virtual launch of Davao Regional Development Plan 2017-2022, Lim said the current employment figure dropped by 14.8 percentage points from 96.9 percent reported in the same period of last year.

Davao de Oro Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Regional De-

velopment Council chair, acknowledged that the region suffered huge losses in the second quarter due to the lockdowns during the quarantine period to manage the spread of COVID-19.

“We have big losses in our economy because of the pandemic, particularly service and tourism indus-

tries,” he said, adding that small hotels, restaurants, inns, among others, have been shut down as a preventive measure against the disease.

With the region in recovery stage following the shift to modified general community quarantine, Uy added that industries have been slowly opening up while provinces allowed tourism activities to resume at a limited capacity to restart the economy, potentially generating employment.

“We are opening gradually because we still have to maintain the minimum health standards prescribed to us by the De-

partment of Health to minimize the transmission of COVID,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim said the inflation rate in the region was at two percent in the second quarter of this year, which was lower compared to 3.6 percent recorded in the same quarter in 2019.

“This low and stable inflation rate during the second quarter of 2020 was attributed to the decrease of inflation rate particularly of housing water, electricity, and other utilities, including transport and maintenance and furnishing of households,” she added. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

China, Japan, and South Korea– held the 8th RCEP Intercessional Ministerial Meeting virtually.

India was once part of the RCEP, however, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the South Asian country is backing out from the deal as it is not yet ready to commit to the level of liberalizing tariff lines which most of RCEP members want.

RCEP trade ministers have expressed that they want to conclude the FTA

this year amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The conclusion of RCEP negotiation is a good symbol that notwithstanding the current pandemic, many great things can be accomplished, such as the affirmation of an international rules-based system for trade and investment in the region,” Lopez said.

The 15 RCEP members account for 30 percent or 2.2 billion of the world’s population and combined

gross domestic product of USD23.8 trillion.

Initiated by Asean in 2012, RCEP aims to further reduce tariffs on goods for freer movement of merchandise in the Asia Pacific region.

“With RCEP, enhanced market access for trade and investment will be established. This means that the Philippines can improve its export competitiveness in key products—such as garments, automotive parts,

RCEP ministers resolve ‘almost all’ issues: DTI

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rade Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Thursday the 15 trade ministers of participating countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have “resolved almost all remaining outstanding issues” of the mega trade deal.

Trade ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the bloc’s five free trade agreement (FTA) partners –Australia, New Zealand,

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hilippines’ strong macroeconomic fundamentals continue to support the peso, which has remained stable in the last five years and continues to be resilient amid the pandemic.

As of August 19, 2020, the peso has strengthened against the US dollar by about 4.24 percent to PHP48.58 against its PHP50.64 close by end2019, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno told journalists in a virtual briefing Thursday.

The local currency is among the few Asian units that continue to appreciate against the greenback.

The others are the Chinese yuan, the Taiwanese dollar, and the Japanese yen.

Diokno attributed this positive development to the impact of a benign inflation environment, strong and resilient banking system, prudent fiscal position, and sufficient level of international reserves.

He said the favorable credit rating standing of the country, along with the government’s “timely and decisive macroeconomic measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the pandemic”, also contributes to the peso’s strength.

The peso’s performance also benefits the domestic inflation environment as it tempers monetary authorities’ inflation forecasts and addresses inflationary pressures from the rise of global oil prices, among others, he said.

“The prevailing inflation environment, in turn, allows continued policy space to support economic activity as needed,” he added.

Diokno said the peso is expected to be hurt by the drop in remittance inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as well as weaker exports and tourism receipts, but it is seen to remain strong because of favorable investors’ sentiments.

“The peso is also expected to benefit from the gradual reopening of the economy amid ample policy support coming from the fiscal and monetary authorities,” he added.

To date, the local currency is trading at 48-level against the dollar, better than economic managers’ 50-52 to a US dollar assumption for this year.

Diokno said the assumptions set by the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) are primarily for the national government’s budgetary planning and “should not be construed as forecast for the exchange rate.”

“It’s a matter of policy that the BSP does not target a specific level for the exchange rate. This is in keeping with our objective of allowing the peso to be market-determined,” he said.

Diokno further said economic managers’ foreign exchange assumption is based on the full-year average rather than the end

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 120 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

On the new P200-million Museo Dabawenyo funded by the Office of the President and the National Museum of the Philippines set to open next year.

It is designed with a futuristic durian-inspired exterior. Once open, admission to the museum will be free. The local government unit and the National Museum of the Philippines will manage the Museo Dabawenyo.”

City Information Office

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

LIVING

FRED C. LUMBA

IT’S HARVEST MINDANAO AT SM SPECKS OF LIFE

CITIZEN COOPERATION, NOT LOCKDOWNS

Even amateur economists THEtellREGION’S will you lockdowns will BOUNTIFUL HARbring down a nation’s economy.

Initially, US heeded VEST takesthe centerstage WHO warnings by locking in SM Supermalls in down its entry points from all incomMindanao starting this ing foreign visitors as alarming August with a series news reports cited hundreds of of popupsofthat feature thousands infections worldwide. products grown and harHowever, the economic vested by farmers and repercussions did not sit well growers in the region. with government authorities as Harvest Mindanao in Americans indignantlyushers marched the harvesttheir season by bringing to express freedoms while millions lost their jobs. fruits, fresh produce, seasonal American intelligence and lush plants directly to gathering also decried the doubtconsumers from partner ful pronouncements of comWHO munities. that came too late in declaring popupwas markets will theThese CoVid19 a pandemic.

Trump eventually withdrew take place in Davao, CagayanUS funding support of $425M De Oro and General Santosfrom WHO whom he suspected was cities, playingcreating footsy safe withshopping rival China spaces all things where, that not support incidentally, the vilocal. rus originated.

The audacious counter-play US Pres.

All thingsDonald green Trump did to prevent America’s total ecoThe Greenery Plant Cennomic 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 Califorto September nia, despite 20. stern warnings from the governor, Pastor John Succulents, ferns, and lots of MacArthur defiantly conducted apotted worship service his Grace shrubs awaitinplantitos Community in LA where and plantitasChurch here. This popup an overflow crowd of 3,000 is a collaboration between worshipers – wearing noSM 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

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 when they feel their temperatures rise.

(I, for one and my family, will not go to the hospital for treatment of the flu. I fear more to be contaminated in the hospital rather than getting a sure cure at home.)

As a result of our continued blind obedience to the WHO directives, millions of Filipinos have lost their jobs, OFWs are repatriated home and are idle and grumbling, economic activities careened to a halt, children stopped going to school, families of office workers, laborers and transport daily wage earners have gone hungry and unfed.

WHO successfully intim-

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.

The back-to-normal strategy should be the focus as public consumption will stimulate confidence and help restore the vigorous financial posture the country enjoyed before CoVid 19.

Besides, the resiliency of the Filipinos is a natural virtue imbedded in his character. He will survive the challenges of time and men.

Someone said: “When evers were also brought to erything seems to closer be going people inyou, Farmers’ Produce against remember thaton the August intakes the SM Preairplane offLanang against the wind, not with it.”

(Email your mier Northwing 2. The popup feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. market featured vegetables, com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPfruits, herbs, dairy, coffee, and PINES!

ter converts SM’s expansive and Unabia’s Garden, Mindtea from partners Davao City parking lots into gardens that anao Garden Club Inc., City Agriculturist’s Office, Departinspire shoppers bring some Gardener’s Association (Genment of Agriculture XI, Kadiwa green into their living. Plants of eral Santos), and Happy Greens ni Ani at Kita, Restaurant all sizes and shapes are the stars Cactus & Succulents.

Owners of the Philippines; with in this popup that happens the the Association of Davao Orfollowing dates and venues: Fruit frenzy ganic Advocates, Malabog Ag· SM City Davao’s Open ParkSM’s Fruit Market will also ricultural Cooperative, Durian ing on August 1 to September be a one-stop shop for the Industry Association of Davao, 30; abundance of fruits.THINK Favorites ON THESE! Hijo Harvest, Green Bounty · SM Lanang Premier’s Open in a range of varieties will be Kitchen, Cacao de Davao, Eden Parking B on August 10 to offered here: Fresh Produce, Inc. & Emerita November 10 · SM City Davao’s Open ParkPintor, Out of Nowhere, Union · SM CDO Downtown Preing on August 1 to September Market, Marina Tuna, Mandamier’s Sky Park At The Fifth on 30; · SM City Cagayan de Oro’s The partners from the Department rin Tea Garden, and Juice Co. August 24 tothe September 20; Fer- well · SM Lanang (du-Phys- minion Canopy than that over your- of Agriculture and the agriculThethink Juice Bar. When President say he Premier’s is natural.

“No success was won to that the practice of ·dinand SM CityE.Cagayan de Oro’s The ically rian market) Northwing Event · SM City General The ture officesselfof thedetermination LGUs. Marcos launched his God-given gifts are self...the height Santos’ of a man’s without myCatch art the hasseason’s become easy into bounty Bagong Lipunan (New Soci- incredible, yet those is gauged by 21his and self-discipline,” wrote me. assureSM you, dear friend, Canopy on August 24 to SepGrounds on August 24 to alone success Fountain Court on August yourInearest Supermall and ety), he20initiated several pro- have not made the depth of his Lailah Akita in Pearls no given soMindanao much care tember September 28; him great. The self-mastery; to September 20 Farm toGifty shopper be aone parthas of Harvest grams initiatives. key to his success Wisdom: Great Mind.

Wil- to study oflocal. composition as · SM Cityand General Santos’ Per- real · SM CDO Downtown Pre- has failure by his self-abandon- of Fresh and affordable produce by the supporting haps one of the most popular been his self-discipline.

He ment. ...And this law is the exliam Cullen Bryant rewrote I. There is scarcely a famous Fountain Court on August 21 mier’s Sky Park At The Fifth This popup supports farmer from local growers and farmslogans during that time was: works and prepares -- day in pression of eternal justice. He Thanatopsis a hundred times. master in music whose works “Sa ikakaunlad ng bayan, di- and day out -- unlike anyone who cannot establish domin- Edward Gibbon rewrote his I have not frequently and dilisiplina ang kailangan.” It can else in professional football. ion over himself will have no Autobiography nine times. gently studied.” be literally translated as: in “During practice in high dominion over others.”

Plato wrote the first sentence When asked by a fellow order for a country to prog- school, Rice’s coach, Charles According to Maxwell, in of his Republic nine times. pianist if he could be ready to ress, discipline is needed.

Davis, made his players sprint order for us to develop a life- Virgil spent 12 years writing play a recital on short notice, “Why is discipline import- twenty times up and down a style of discipline, we have to his Aeneid.

Jan Paderewski replied, “I am ant?” asked John F. MacArthur forty-yard hill. On a particu- accept challenge and elimiPractice makes perfect, so always ready. I have pracJr. “Discipline teaches us to larly hot and hungry Missis- nate any tendency that makes goes a popular saying. That ticed eight hours daily for 40 operate by principle rather sippi day, Rice was ready to us to come up with some ex- is what discipline is all about. years.” than desire. Saying no to our give up after eleven trips. As cuses. “Almost all our faults “I believe that we learn by “I wish I had been born Analía Boats said.

“HELLO STRANGER” lead stars like other frontliners, are on-call throughout the the impulses (even the ones that he sneaked toward the lock- are more pardonable than the practice,” Vets, Martha Graham, with such determination,” love forup JCto and Tony from Tony Labrusca and JCsinful) Alcantara Sunday (August catch Paderewski Doc Ferds Reccio are not inherently puts er room, he realized what he methods “Big we think hide American pandemic. modernOndancer other30), said. anThailand!

Best chemistry I can make flutter withappetites the release ofwas doing. and Doc Nielsen Donato swered at work inback: another new episode of us in hearts control of our them,” French classical writerever, and choreographer, believes.

“We are all born feel La it from my BL heart,” Bobboe their duet “Kahit Naversa.

AnongItSabihin to beto Wild. rather than vice de“’Don’t quit,’ he told him- Francois Rochefoucauld “Whether itBorn means learn to with it. I just used mine.” poses dance by practicing Even if in the beginning Ng Iba” our underlust Star and Music,permits following self. ‘Because once you get wrote. Bobber commented.

Doc Ferds dancing retruth, virtue, and integrity to into that mode of quitting, In creative writing, disor to learn to live by practicyou fail, just go on. Discipline “Kahit Na Anong Sabihin ng Iba” the success of the recently concluded sponds to a medical rule our minds instead.” then you feel like it’s okay.’ cipline is a prerequisite.

Miing living, the principles are yourself no matter what hapwas originally recorded by the band Filipino boys’ love (BL) series. emergency. A Shih If you love football, then He went back and finished chael Chabon said, “You need the same. pens, you will be able to attain Unit 406 and composed by its lead The song played a huge part in Tzu named Sasha you probably know Jerry Lee his sprints, and he has never three things to become a suc“In each, it is the perfor- what you want. An assistant Gabriel Tagadtad. setting for the enchanting rushed toprecise the Rice. the To mood the uninformed, he been a quitter since.” cessful vocalist novelist: talent, luck Seth mance of awas dedicated of American inventor Thomas Fedelin’s rendition of wasof acts,clinic scenes between Xavier (Tony) and when its was an American football And so, Rice became a and discipline. Disciplinetheissongset physical or eye intel- Alva Edison was bewildered playedofthroughout the “Hello Mico in Black Sheep’s digital professional football play- the onealso popped out after a wide (JC) receiver who played element those three lectual, from which comes when he found out that he did Stranger” series. offering. fight with another 20 seasons in the National er -- and was so famous, too. things that you can control, shape of achievement, a sense 50,000 experiments before he Football League.

Hewho is widely is the one that of you of one’s being, satisfaction succeeded with a new storage Embrace all kinds love while For XavMi loyalists can’t get “Even in the off-season, while and so that house adog.

The conconsidered to be the greatest other players are fishing or have to focus on controlling, of spirit,” Graham further battery. waiting for “Hello Stranger’s” movie enough of the finale scene where Xav dition is serious, and wide receiver in NFL history lying around enjoying downand you just have to hope and said.

“One becomes, in some “Results?” sequel and listen to the solo and duet sang “Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Ng many praising Tony and JC’s chemisSasha needs immediate medical attention. Edison told and among the greatest NFL time, Rice is working, his nortrust in the other two.” area, an athlete of God. Prachim.

“Why man, I have gotten versions of “Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Iba” to Mico, Tony also recorded a try and warm rendition of the song.

Meanhwile, “plantitos” and “plantitas” became popular players overall. mal exercise routine lasting This is what author H. tice means to perform, over lots of results.

I now know Ng Iba” sung by Tony and JC on Star solo version of the comforting track “Suddenly feeling emotional hearterms during the quarantine as many have chosen gardenThere is an interesting from 7:00 am to noon,” Max- Jackson Brown said, “Tal- and over again in the face of 50,000 things that won’t Music’sdiscipline YouTube channel onobstacles, vari- ing as which emphasizes how trust welling this song from the cast of ‘Hello a hobby. result,work.” many insects are attracted to anecdote on how heintegral became wrote. ent without is likeandall some act As of avious digital streaming services.

For is in a relationship.

Stranger.’

Love Malaysia,” theseofurban gardens, can visit—and even polli-of such.

In Leadership 101: Discipline -- from that’s what Ida an octopus on roller skates. sion, of faith, desire.

Prac-where they “... A disciplined pursuit Aziz wrote. details, like Star Music tice on FaceMeanwhile, fans fromNeeds different nate—flowers.

Docthe Nielsen shows their us behavior in these What Every Leader to separates Rice from good to There’smore plenty of movement, is a means of inviting less willuskeep focused and died because the tenderness (www.fb.com/starmusicph), and emerging parts ofauthor the world swarmed the com- great. “ILeonardo right within homes. impact,” Know, John C. Maxwell da of Vinci puts but youbook never know if it’s go- perfection desired.”tiny ecosystemsmake the our greatest relatessection this story: “You never forward, backwards, Amadeus Mo- mornings wrote Tim Strive: Life of theway: two of themwill singing beauti-ing to be follow it on Twitter and InstagramWolfgang (@ ments of the song’s in-studio it this Spend your Sunday with Hiller nature.in Watch Born “People who knew him have a greater or lesser door sideways.” zart also said: “It is a mistake is Short, Pursue What Matters. fully, TonyJC greeting from Ecuador,” StarMusicPH). version uploaded on YouTube, with to be Wild, after AHA! on GMA-7.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY

TONY AND JC DROP SWOON-WORTHY DUET OF “KAHIT NA ANONG SABIHIN NG IBA”

SHIH TZU RESCUE, INSECTS IN URBAN GARDEN THIS SUNDAY IN BORN TO BE WILD

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 120 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

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9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 120 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

A taste of heaven in Davao I

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

t’s the time of the year when durians are all over the place in Mindanao, particularly in Davao Region. In Davao City, the celebration of Kadayawan sa Dabaw is not complete without durian. So much so that people who come to witness the so-called mother of all festivals in Mindanao can eat durian to their heart’s content.

Try walking the streets of Davao City these days and you can smell that stinking odor of durian being sold anywhere – and they’re not too pricey. The fruit, which is covered with spikes, looks as if it comes from hell.

But mind you, to those who love it, durian tastes like heaven. When asked about his favorite fruit, Dr. Hilario Lapeña, a Filipino physician who now works in Canada, replied without much ado: “Durian. Nothing beats it.

I have tasted lots of exotic fruits but I still go back to my all-time favorite – durian. Friends who used to say that they hated it are now converts.”

When ripe, the aril (usually referred to as the “flesh” or “pulp”) is usually eaten fresh. By weight, the edible portion (or aril as experts call it) of the durian fruit is only 26% on the average. Sixty percent of it is the rind while the remaining 14% are seeds.

Durian aficionados have their reason for liking the fruit. If eaten without exaggeration, durian is good for your health. The durian flesh contains many nutrients, including calcium, fat, iron, riboflavin, carbohydrates, copper, folic acid,

vitamin C, fiber, zinc, niacin, protein, carotene, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin and magnesium.

“The fruit is made of soft, easily digestible flesh made of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that when eaten replenishes energy and revitalizes the body instantly,” nutrition-and-you.com says. “Though it contains relatively higher amounts of fats among the fruits, it is free from saturated fats and cholesterol.”

Durian helps maintain blood pressure.

The fruit contains high amounts of potassium and moderate quantity of sodium. Both of these factors make durian a blood pressure optimizing fruit.

Potassium is responsible for all muscle functions in the body including the heart. It regulates heartbeat and ensures a smooth blood pumping operation in the body.

Potassium is also required to maintain sodium level. Sodium is harmful and can create spikes in blood pressure readings. “Durian itself has a very low amount of sodium making it for a safe consumption by patients of hypertension,” notes wiki-fitness.com. “A well balanced blood pressure

in turn does not stress out heart and blood vessels resulting in a healthier cardiovascular system.”

Contrary to popular belief, you will not have a big spike in your cholesterol level after eating a durian. “Durian has good monounsaturated fats that can actually lower your harmful cholesterol levels,” points out an article entitled, Myths and Facts about the King of Fruit. In fact, durian has zero cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in foods containing saturated fats such as red meats, seafood and dairy products.

Durian also improves sleep and allays depres-

sion. The fruit contains amino acids known as tryptophan, (also referred as “nature’s sleeping pill”).

Tryptophan is required to metabolize serotonin and melatonin. Both of these neuro-chemicals are beneficial in improving mood.

Many studies have found tryptophan effective in treating and relieving stress, anxiety, appetite and depression. It is also being used in treating insomnia which sometimes is the direct result of some psychological disturbances.

“Tryptophan slows down the transmissions to the brain thereby calm-

ing it and relieving from incessant thoughts,” the wiki-fitness.com explains.

“When the brain is not busy with interpretations of transmissions, it relaxes and this is what helps in sleeping. A meal rich in carbohydrates is encouraged with a diet that has tryptophan because it releases insulin which clears the amino acids that compete with tryptophan, thereby making it more effective.”

Another health benefit of durian: it improves digestion. Durian is rich in dietary fiber, a good source of roughage which is critical in absorbing fats and making your stools easy to pass. The insoluble fiber in dietary items is specifically helpful in preventing constipation by adding bulk to stools and also softening them simultaneously. “People who suffer from chronic constipation or experience the painful problem of piles frequently can get a lot of relief by adding fibrous fruits like durian in their diet,” wiki-fitness. com suggests.

One myth about durian is that eating it can boost a person’s libido.

Since durian can cause the body temperature to rise, many thought it is an aphrodisiac. It is not. To reduce the burning sensation, some people suggest eating mangosteen. However, there is no scientific research to support this. The habit of eating durians and mangosteen together probably stems from the fact that the two fruits are harvested at about the same time.

Those who are looking for thiamin in their lives, they can count du-

rian in. “Durian contains about 30% of your daily recommended intake in just one serving,” says Joseph Hindy, author of Benefits and Uses of Durian Fruit. “Thiamin can help your body metabolize carbohydrates into energy and it aids in things like muscle and nerve health.”

A serving of durian provides you with 3.6 grams of protein, or 6.4 percent to 7.8 percent of the daily recommended intake of 46 to 56 grams.

A study published in the May 2010 issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology indicates that protein from meat and fish may result in increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome, so getting your protein from fruit like durian may be wise if you are at risk of this condition.

Durian is perhaps one of the most controversial fruits ever. “No other fruit creates such conflicting opinions,” wrote Brash. “Throughout Southeast Asia the green, hedgehog-shaped ‘king of the fruits’ is appreciated as haute cuisine to be savored like wine or truffles. Westerners, however, are confounded by the hype because, well, durians smell like road kill wrapped in sweaty socks and have the texture of rotten bananas.”

Not too many know that American author Mark Twain (of Tom Sawyer distinction) also had its share of durian experience. In his book Following the Equator, he wrote of “a most strange fruit” whose “incomparably delicious to the taste, but

FA TASTE, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO

PRRD... FROM2

as consent."

“Affidavits of desistance or amicable settlement shall be prohibited at any stage of the proceedings for any the offenses punishable under this proposed law,” Fortun said.

“The concept of a closein relationship, otherwise known as sweetheart clause, is included as one of the provisions, to protect young people engaged in consensual, non-abusive and non-exploitative sexual relationship from criminal prosecution for a crime that carries with it the very harsh penalty of reclusion perpetua,” he added.

The so-called "forgiveness clause", which absolves the offender of criminal liability after being forgiven by the victim, is removed from the substitute bill.

“The provision now is that forgiveness and subsequent marriage of the offended party to the offender shall not extinguish the crime of rape,” Fortun said.

The proposed bill punishes both rape and statutory rape with reclusion perpetua.

According to Fortun, the lockdown imposed during the coronavirus pandemic has exposed women and children to a higher risk of sexual and gender-base violence, and reforms in the country's laws are needed to address these problems.

"As a consequence of lockdown and other quarantine protocols, movements are restricted and people are forced to stay at home. In the process, women and children are exposed to a heightened risk of different forms of sexual and gender-based violence," he said.

"Our very own (Department of Social Welfare and Development) has reported increased cases of sexual abuse and exploitation since the pandemic started.

And since the prospects of return to normalcy in the near future are not very bright, this shadow pandemic is a matter of exigency."

"Not only are these reforms imperative and indispensable, they are even most urgent in these times of the pandemic," the lawmaker said.

President Rodrigo Duterte in his weekly report last June 8 to Congress about the government's response to the COVID-19 crisis said thousands of cases of violence against women and children were recorded by the police since the start of lockdowns in the country in March.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) previously called on the Duterte administration to protect the rights of women and children during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

not to the smell.”

“We found many who had eaten the durian, and they all spoke of it with a sort of rapture,” Twain penned. “They said that if you could hold your nose until the fruit was in your mouth a sacred joy would suffuse you from head to foot that would make you oblivious to the smell of the rind, but that if your grip slipped and you caught the smell of the rind before the fruit was in your mouth, you would faint.”

British naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace had the same experience. After a visit with the Interior of Borneo in 1855, he observed the offensive smell of durian in the house; some persons did not even attempt to taste it. “This was also my own experience when I first tried to taste it in Malacca; but in Borneo, I found a ripe fruit on the ground, and eating it out-of-doors, I became a confirmed durian eater.”

Where does the foul odor come from? In the 1912 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science, O.W. Barrett noted: “The chemical body which is responsible for the very pronounced odor is prob-

ably one of the sulfur compounds with some base perhaps related to that in butyric acid; it is not an oil nor a sugar, not a true starch but a substance new to the organic chemist.”

Here’s a timely tip to people visiting Davao and who would like to eat durian. After eating, put some water into the empty durian shell and wash your hands in it.

This technique reportedly removed the smell of the durian in your fingers.

Try anything else -detergents, deodorants or whatever, but all these will be useless -- the smell will remain just as pungent.

The word “durian” comes from the Indonesian “duri” (thorn) and is botanically known as Durio zibethinus. It is native to Indonesia and Malaysia. It also grows in Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In the Malay Archipelago, about 150 years ago, famed Victorian naturalist and evolutionary theorist Alfred Russel Wallace wrote, “To eat durian is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience.”

cers so soon afterward has been disheartening for the entire nation, but especially to the players in a predominantly Black league dealing with a number of other frustrations within the bubble. Having a Black man among the largely-white class of owners that can

relate to their experiences as both players and human beings is absolutely essential in getting the two sides on the same page. There is still work to be done, but for now, the season is on track to resume, and Jordan deserves some of the credit for making that happen.

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JORDAN... FROM11

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MORALES... FROM2

bon Committee on Tuesday recommended the immediate firing of all regional directors in PhilHealth, alleging that some were part of the “mafia” behind the fraudulent schemes.

Morales, who led the agency for more than a year, agreed that there could be a “mafia” operating within.

“Whatever you call it, mafia or collusion, it’s possible that there are people colluding with the agents, "he said.

“PhilHealth pays money out to hospitals," he also said. "The hospitals receive the payment and these are not paid to the employees. If there is a collusion between the hospital and the healthcare provider, that has to be investigated.

That is a source of fraud.”

Morales said that the agency should seek outside assistance to fix and clean up its mess.

“Fix the information system and clean up the database, the membership database, and for these, they would need outside

assistance," he said. "Because PhilHealth does not have it in its resources, it’s personnel to transform the organization.”

“PhilHealth is going to be the biggest GOCC (government-owned and controlled corporations) that we have," he added.

"Spending more than ₱200 billion a year, it cannot perform that task as it is now organized.”

Despite the allegations against the state insurer, Morales assured that PhilHealth has enough money to continue its services.

“PhilHealth, despite everything that has been said about it, is run by responsible people, honest and hardworking," he said.

"And we are supported by the economic managers of the government.”

“We are confident that with the support from the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management, we can sustain the level of support we are giving now to the members,” added Morales.

The awarding ceremony was led by TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, with the assistance of TESDA-XI Regional Director Engr. Lorenzo G. Macapili, DTE. Director Macapili also expressed his gratitude to the governor saying “you are not just a partner of TESDA but you are an asset to value most.”

Aside from the region-

al award, Governor Uy will also receive the National Kabalikat Award during a virtual ceremony via zoom on August 27.

Kabalikat Award is one of TESDA's primary reward mechanisms in giving due recognition and honor to its outstanding partners in the promotion and enhancement of the agency’s programs. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

local history but also national history as well,” she said.

Bulig underscored the importance of the museum in preserving only Davao’s culture and heritage but of the rest of the Philippines as well.

Museo Dabawenyo is currently located at the University Avenue, Juna Subdivision, Matina, and is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The city government, however, encouraged people who wanted to vis-

it the museum to take a 3D virtual tour through bit.ly/2Q0vC92 or at the Museo Dabawenyo Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/museodabawenyo.

The 3D virtual tour will be available online until December 31, 2020.

Museo Dabawenyo is a city-run facility in collaboration with the private sector that regularly holds activities geared towards better historical and cultural awareness, understanding, and integration. (PNA)

used by the issuer,” he said.

Diokno said this type of debt instrument also provides diversification benefits since its returns have lower correlation to other

fixed income assets.

He added they will continue to monitor and assess development in this market for future investments.

(PNA)

that associates were paid during the quarantine, with those part of the skeleton workforce on-site and on the field provided with additional allowances.

Also, together with the Department of Trade and Industry and two of

the country’s leading micro-financial institutions, the company launched a P157-million loan program to support 15,000 microretailers whose enterprises were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the community quarantine.

and agricultural products like canned food and preserved fruits— while encouraging more investments in the country in vital sectors such as research and development, financial

services, game development, and IT-BPO (information technology-business process outsourcing),” lead negotiator and Trade Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty said. (PNA)

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ism establishments get accredited with the DOT. He said they have set a series of enhancement trainings for local artisans, especially women from the Tboli tribe who are into embroidery, mat and basket weaving, among others.

“We invited top fashion designers to train them on how to level up their products,” he said.

Jovic Ferrer, PTC President, said they are currently meetings among their members to come up with

activities that will benefit the tourism industry after the pandemic.

He said they were also linking up tourism workers who were displaced due to the crisis with establishments that have started preparing for another restart.

“Life goes on for every one of us. We have to do things together so that after the pandemic, which we hope happens soon, we can move on with our work,” he said. (MindaNews)

of period trading level.

“So while the daily peso-dollar rate has appreciated in recent weeks a year-to-date average of 50.28 per one US dollar remains within the DBCCC

assumption,” he said.

Diokno said the peso is seen to reflect emerging demand and supply conditions in the foreign exchange market in the near term. (PNA)

enough for us to reach December,” admitted Ramirez in his response to Committee Vice-Chair Jericho Nograles’ inquiry on the PSC’s funds.

The government’s sports arm’s budget was cut P 596 Million from the National Sports Development Fund and another P 773 Million from the General Appropriations Act by the DBM, to aid in the COVID-19 national health crisis.

“Rest assured that we will do our part to get the funding for this Olympics.

All hands are in. Dapat lahat tayo dito. This is the best chance we have,” responded House Youth and Sports Development Head Rep. Martinez adding that they would have to discuss this with the DBM and schedule it the soonest time possible because the athletes “need that budget for the Olympics.”

In the same meeting, CDM Araneta updated on the collaborative effort with the PSC to bring top bets and national athletes targeting Tokyo berths back into training.

“Right now 21 athletes are training abroad, and 65 athletes training here in the Philippines so that’s a total of 86 athletes and four have already quali-

fied so we’re saying that there are still 82 athletes that are training to qualify for the Olympics. At the moment, for those who are in the Philippines we are just waiting for PSC to submit to IATF the training protocols that include the venues and the health protocols that the sports associations have submitted,” shared Araneta.

PSC National Training Director Marc Velasco reported that the PSC is already preparing health protocols and identifying a minimum of six multipurpose venues for this planned training resumption. Velasco shared that Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) President Vince Dizon also offered to cover the RT-PCR testing of the athletes.

“We are working with POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) and the NSAs (National Sports Associations) which would endorse athletes that are going to qualify and will be the only ones allowed to enter the Philsports. We would also have support staff, who will also undergo safety protocols like the testing, to assist. They will be inside the Philsports where we also have adequate medical and health facilities,” said Velasco.

safety amid the pandemic especially the student-athletes.

“The PSC will always push to uphold the issuances regarding sports and physical activity and we are happy that CHED is a steady partner when it comes to sports in universities and colleges,” said Velasco.

Meanwhile, in a meeting earlier Wednesday, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) executive director Rebo Saguisag and Season 83 president Nonong Calano said that UST is set to finish its probe regarding its basketball squad's alleged bubble which took place in Coach Aldin Ayo's hometown of Capuy, Sorsogon.

"The fact-finding committee is wrapping up their investigation and will; be forwarding the result to the rector's office tomorrow,"

Saguisag said.

The committee will then relay the report to the UAAP in their board meeting on Friday.

The league is also waiting for a word from NU regarding its volleyball bubble.

The joint administrative group for sports is set to convene anew on Tuesday next week and is expecting a member of UST's fact-finding committee and a representative from NU to join them to air what really went down in the reported bubbles.

Amateur teams are not yet allowed to practice amid the pandemic according to the joint administrative order on sports training, placing the Growling Tigers and the Lady Bulldogs in danger of getting sanctioned for violation of quarantine protocols. (PNA)

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PSC lobbies for Tokyo Olympics fund boost

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ommittee on Youth and Sports Development congressmen promised their support when the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) lobbied for Tokyo 2021 budget support from the House of Representatives during the committee regular meeting held Wednesday.

In the committee meeting led by Committee Head Representative Eric Martinez, PSC Chairman William Ramirez bared the sports agency’s need for its slashed funds to continue supporting the training and competitions of Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers and hopefuls vying for slots.

“We were one of those government offices who also contributed to the Bayanihan Act. The DBM (Department of Budget and Management) deducted from us. Para sa amin

malaking bagay ‘yun kasi kasama doon ‘yung Olympic budget namin. Hanggang ngayon po bakante ‘yan. It’s an opportunity for us to ask, we need your help,” expressed Ramirez.

After presenting the Olympic budget request of more than P182 Million for Tokyo-bound athletes and hopefuls made by Chef de Mission (CDM) Mariano Araneta to the PSC, the sports agency chief highlighted the push Congress can give to the country’s Olympic dream.

“Rep. Bambol Tolenti-

no has initially supported yung P 180 Million na allowances ng atleta which was approved by the bicam, and to be approved by the President. Thank you sa lahat ng congressman na sumuporta. Pero ‘yung Olympic budget namin, we are hoping again for your support,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez informed the body that “the Philippine Sports Commission is operating on the savings coming from PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation)” and that “when we talk about the elite athletes of the national team, the budget being used is the NSDF (National Sports Development Fund)” prompting PSC to lessen grassroots sports program related to local government units.

“Dito kami naka-focus sa elite athletes. We still have some budget just

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The Philippines’Yuka Saso hit a 67 in the Nitori Ladies tournament on Thursday, her five-under 67 putting her in the hunt in the $1.8 million event in Hokkaido, Japan. Two weeks ago, Saso, a former Asian Games

CHED joins call for assurance of student-athletes' health

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he Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has joined the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board, and Department of Health in pleading to officials of collegiate teams to keep the student-athletes safe health-wise amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“Safety of our students is the topmost concern.” CHED chairman Prospero De Vera said on Wednesday.

De Vera's statement came after the revelation of alleged bubbles involving two collegiate teams.

The case of University of Santo Tomas' (UST) men's basketball team was the most celebrated one as it was unearthed right after CJ Cansino confirmed that he was removed from the squad.

Afterward, reports surfaced that the National University's (NU) women's volleyball team also underwent a training bubble inside its Manila

and later Calamba campuses.

Since the start of the community quarantines, De Vera said he has been advising the college students to stay at home.

However, the bubble reports have put college sports into the limelight anew for the wrong reasons.

That is why PSC national training director Marc Velasco is glad CHED reiterated its call for the college students'

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Jordan intervenes to save NBA season

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File photo shows Michael Jordan, who owns the Charlotte Hornets and heads the NBA Labor Relations Committee.

gold medalist and the country’s brightest hope in women’s golf, won the NEC Karuizawa in Nagano in the ongoing LPGA of Japan Tour. Getty Images photo

harlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan served as an important intermediary between the rest of the NBA owners and its players as both sides grappled with whether or not to continue the season following the shooting of Jacob Blake by Wisconsin police officers, according to ESPN's Jackie MacMullan.

Players ultimately decided to resume the season before speaking with ownership formally.

Jordan spoke with both NBPA president Chris Paul and Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook ahead of Thursday's owners meetings both to discuss the social justice issues at hand and get a sense of what players wanted to achieve by cancelling games and, possibly, the entire postseason, according to MacMullan. Additionally, he told his fellow owners that "right now, listening is better than talking," in dealing with players that are frustrated with what is happening outside of their bubble. Jordan is the chairman of the NBA Labor Relations Committee, and his experience as a player has allowed him to serve as a bridge between the two sides in this unprecedented period.

Owners were report-

edly unanimous in their support of players, though no changes in league policy or further donations have yet been announced. Some players, including LeBron James, reportedly wanted firm commitments from ownership to take more action on the racial equality front. Ownership is not yet known to have made any meaningful new pledges on social justice matters as a result of Wednesday's work-stoppage.

Jordan was famously apolitical during his playing career. He drew significant criticism for his refusal to endorse Democrat Harvey Gant in a 1990 senatorial election against Jesse Helms, a politician consistently accused of racism, and his accompanying suggestion that "Republicans buy sneakers too."

But his stance has softened somewhat since his retirement. His Jordan Brand announced it will donate $100 million to racial justice causes over the next decade in July.

Players entered the bubble hoping to use their platform to enact real social change following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Seeing another Black man attacked by police offi-

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

NBA players decide to continue playoffs following boycott

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layers in the NBA Orlando bubble have decided to resume the postseason, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. However, Thursday’s playoff games have been postponed, following the postponement of all three of Wednesday’s games. There are still many details that need to be discussed, but NBA Executive Vice President Mike Bass released a statement Thursday, stating the expectation is for games to resume either Friday or Saturday.

“NBA playoff games for today will not be played as scheduled. We are hopeful to resume games either Friday or Saturday. There is a video conference call meeting scheduled later this afternoon between a group of NBA players and team governors representing the 13 teams in Orlando, along with representatives from the National Basketball Players Association and the league office and NBA Labor Relations Committee Chairman Michael Jordan, to discuss next steps.”

The walk-out began when the Milwaukee Bucks decided not to play their scheduled playoff game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, in Wisconsin.

The Magic refused to accept a forfeit from the Bucks, and the other four teams scheduled to play on Wednesday decided against playing as well.

Players met Wednesday night to discuss the decision, and further meetings among both players and the NBA’s Board of Governors took place on Thursday as the league and its union decided what to do about the rest of its season. Eventually, the players decided for themselves to continue playing. That included those who initially opposed the decision, such as LeBron James, according to Chris

Haynes of Yahoo Sports. The Lakers and Clippers both pushed to end the season during Wednesday’s meeting, but according to Wojnarowski, several members of the Lakers as well as players on other teams were up late into the night discussing issues within the bubble.

That, combined with the time players had to cool down after Wednesday’s emotional meeting, seemed to lead to the budding consensus to restart the season.

Between the outbreak of the coronavirus and the racial reckoning the nation is currently engaged in, the outside world has posed a number of threats to the conclusion of the season. Several players have endured the virus, and others, including Kyrie Irving, Dwight Howard and Avery Bradley, have expressed reservations about playing once protests against the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police began.

Those concerns intensified following Blake’s shooting, and players were forced to decide how best to use their platforms as celebrities to impact change in the United States. They ultimately landed on playing. No NBA season has ever concluded without the crowning of a champion, and the 2019-20 season, despite all of the obstacles it has had to overcome, will be no different.