Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 122 | Tuesday, September 1, 2020

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NEW HEROES

VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

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Medical frontliners donning personal protective equipment (PPE) wait for the arrival of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) that they will screen and check.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio gives a tribute and expresses her gratitude to the hardwork of all the frontliners in line with the celebration of National Heroes’ Day on Monday. Edge Davao

Sara to frontliners: Your hardwork makes our city stand-up against Covid-19 STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

PRRD kneels, kisses ground of blast site in Jolo to honor fallen soldiers

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resident Rodrigo Duterte honored Sunday fallen soldiers and condoled with the families of victims of twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu.

Wearing a cap and a face mask, Duterte knelt and kissed the ground where the explosions took place. He also offered flowers at the blast site and led the candle-lighting ceremony.

The President, in a speech before state troops, said the gesture was for the fallen soldiers and other victims of the attacks whose lives were “snuffed out for no reason at all.”

“This unfortunate incident is only one of the countless incidents that

President Rodrigo Duterte honors fallen soldiers by kneeling and kissing the ground of the twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu during the candle-lighting and the offering of flowers on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go

NEW HEROES

Sara to frontliners: Your hardwork makes our city stand-up against Covid-19

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio paid tribute to the hardwork of all frontliners on the day the country remembered its heroes on National Heroes’ Day.

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The mayor, who led Monday’s celebration at the Osmeña Park, expressed her gratitude to frontliners.

“As we celebrate our National Heroes’ Day during the time of Covid-19 pandemic, I would like to emphasize our all-out support and gratitude to all the health and non-health frontliners who toil everyday in our hospitals, facilities, checkpoints and wherever they are needed. It is your

hardwork that makes our city stand-up against this relentless virus. Daghang salamat,” Mayor Sara said.

‘Modern day heroes’ She gave emphasis that Dabawenyos can also be modern day heroes by simply abiding by the minimum health protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH), which is to wear the face mask properly, wash hands regularly, and observe social distancing.

“We need to commem-

orate, and pay our respects to all our heroes, all kinds of heroes. Ang heroes karon dili na lang katong nakipag-laban during for Philippine Independence, during the World Wars 1 and 2. Dili na lang kato sila, daghan na kaayo og ginatawag nga Modern Day Heroes, dili lang sa government but from all the sectors nato,” Mayor Sara said.

The presidential daughter has been reminding Dabawenyos to follow the four minimum health measures to prevent the spread of the virus by practicing the health protocols for their and other people’s safety, especially medical frontliners.

She added that the

resident Rodrigo Duterte admitted that addressing the long-running conflict in Mindanao remains an “impossible dream”, saying that fighting seemed to be the best option to pave the way for peace for now.

In a taped speech aired Monday, Duterte appeared before government troops to honor their comrades who have died in the twin blasts which rocked Jolo, Sulu last week, urging them to “think about peace” even as they continue fighting against terrorists.

“If we cannot really agree, then we fight and we fight hard hanggang magkaubusan na (we finish everyone off). Maybe by that time, kung ubos na ang lahat, wala ng giyera (when no one is left, there won’t be war),” he said.

In the meantime, Duter-

te said the best option they had was to fight.

“But if in the God’s time, maybe – kailan ‘yon (when is that)? – we will have a time to talk and to ponder about peace.”

He also vowed support for soldiers but at the same time admitted that it would be difficult to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

“May dalawang taon pa ako, ewan ko kung ano ang magawa ko talaga. But you know when you are into fightingmay galit na ‘yan. Mahirap ito aregluhin kasi lahat may sugat na sa puso (I have two years left, I don’t know what I can really do. But you know when you're into fighting there’s really anger. It will be difficult to resolve because there’s bitterness in their hearts)," he said.

Duterte said it would “take more than a gen-

eration” to solve the decades-long insurgency in Mindanao and expressed hope that future leaders would be able to achieve.

“I hope that anyone of my children would become a politician maski barangay captain lang (even if he is just a barangay captain) that he’d be able also to do something about this problem of the Moro and the Christians,” he said.

Never be complacent The twin bombings will only boost state forces’ resolve to address terrorism in Mindanao, Duterte said.

Duterte told government troops that the only way to honor the “ultimate sacrifice” of their fallen comrades is to continue their fight against terrorism.

He said troops should “never be complacent" when it comes to terrorism,

health workers put their lives on the line, while other people still refuse to follow simple health protocols. “Every time nga dili ta mosunod sa health protocols set by the doctors, we kill someone. Every time you violate the health protocol, you kill a person.”

The mayor also took time to remind Dabawenyos of the four health protocols – Stay Home, Wear Masks, Practice Social Distancing, and Frequent Handwashing with soap and water.

She urged everyone to strictly follow these health protocols against Covid-19 as these not only protect themselves but also other people.

even amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The recent bombings that took the lives of several civilians including those of your fellow soldiers will only further strengthen our resolve to crush the lawless elements behind this cowardly act,” he said.

Duterte also noted that the safety and security of the nation should always remain uniformed personnel’s top priority.

“Right now, our entire nation is dealing with the global health crisis yet enemies of the state will still find the energy to perpetuate the acts of violence and terrorism. Now more than ever our nation needs our Armed Forces to ensure that these terrorists will never succeed in their pointless goals,” he said.

PRRD admits fighting best option for now to achieve peace in Mindanao

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proved that we should never be complacent when it comes to terrorism,” Duterte told soldiers during his speech.

“The recent bombings that took the lives of several civilians including those of your fellow soldiers will only further strengthen our resolve to crush the lawless elements behind this cowardly act,” he added.

Last week’s bombings in Jolo took at least 15 lives and left scores wounded.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet but the military earlier identified as suspects the Indonesian widow of a 2019 Filipino suicide bomber and the wife of an Abu Sayyaf leader.

PH gov't looking at month-long community quarantine schemes

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he government is looking at imposing month-long community quarantine classifications, a Cabinet official said Monday, as President Rodrigo Duterte is set to announce fresh virus restrictions.

The inter-agency task force on COVID-19 pandemic response is already discussing imposing community quarantines for a longer-term period instead of the usual halfmonth period, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

"We're looking into longer-term period ng community quarantine.

In other words, baka hindi na 14 days, baka one month ang duration," Lopez said in a virtual press briefing.

Maybe it's no longer

14 days but 1 month.

Since the start of pandemic lockdowns in March, the government has routinely revised community quarantine classifications of parts of the country every 15 days.

The Philippines employs a 4-level community quarantine scheme ranging from the strictest enhanced community quarantine to the most relaxed modified general community quarantine or MGCQ. The quarantine level dictates the type of business activities allowed in a certain area, as well as travel restrictions.

From Aug. 16 to 31, all parts of the Philippines were placed under two quarantine levels--general community quarantine, and MGCQ.

he city government of Davao continues to conduct coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test on arriving passengers at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport or Davao International Airport (DIA) as part of its response to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson, in an interview Friday, said as of Aug. 29, the city served 667 passengers arriving at DIA. She said DIA is currently serving 11 domestic flights.

Even as DIA wanted to serve more flights, it cannot as of this time as the temporary holding facility at DIA is just enough to serve passengers from the 11 flights.

The Tent City is built at the DIA to serve as holding facility for arriving passengers while waiting for the result of their reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or swab test.

Passengers who have no 48-72hr RT-PCR negative result from the time of departure at their point of origins to Davao City are required to have the swab test upon arrival at the DIA. Result of the swab test usually comes out after three days to one week.

“Right now, there are

140 bed spaces in seven tents, “Tecson said. “These are just enough for now, there is a need to have more spaces in order to be able to have more flights.”

The seven tents are located just outside the DIA. She said data showed from July 20 to Aug. 28, 176 passengers tested positive of the virus. Of the number 18 are from the tent city, since other passengers were tested at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

Passengers who tested positive were immediately endorsed to SPMC for treatment.

Tecson assured that health protocols are strictly being observed at the Tent City.

On August 27, she said the PLDT-Smart Foundation donated personal protective equipment (PPEs), disinfectant tablets, 5,000 face masks, 30 hand sprayers, and disinfectant tablets for the Tent City.

“These will help in the implementation of health protocols inside the Tent City,” she added.

She also confirmed PLDT-Smart Foundation is preparing to install free wifi at the Tent City for the use of the waiting passengers.

The city government is also a recipient of PPEs

Covid-19 test at DIA’s Tent City continues

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VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio leads the celebration of the National Heroes’Day at the Osmeña Park on Monday. CIO

Retrieval operation ongoing for Sto. Tomas treasure hunters T

Army denies ‘demolition’ of tribal school in Bukidnon

By MAYA M. PADILLO etrieval operation continue for the four young treasure hunters who were buried 96 feet underground in a reported treasure hunting site in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte on Sunday morning.

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The operation has been intensified after the composite team of rescuers failed to get signs of life for the four treasure hunting-hopefuls namely Kayl Cantanarez, 18 years old; Gerick Marquez, 23; Dindo Panares, 18; and Rustom Rancho, 18.

According to Mart Sambalud, information officer of the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, the four have been buried for almost 24 hours and with water and mud blocking any passage

of air. They have been presumed dead.

Castanarez, Panares, and Marquez are residents of Kapalong, Davao del Norte while Rancho is a resident of New Katipunan, Sto. Tomas.

The assessment was made by the Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Medical Responders, who convened on Sunday at 11 p.m. after the rescue team failed to get signs of life and added that the trapped treasure

hunters could be dead because of lack of oxygen in the tunnel.

Sambalud said the entrance of the tunnel remains dangerous for rescuers. He added that the engineering team led

by Rey Sagot, municipal engineer of the Local Government of Sto. Tomas, decided to start digging in the other area, which is also within the private property.

According to a statement, the treasure hunters started their operation early Sunday morning. The incident was only reported to the Sto. Tomas LGU’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) around 1 p.m. on the same day when colleagues of the

orghum demonstration farms will soon be established in two more Mindanao provinces next month.

As the agency’s Sorghum Development Program goes full swing, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. and Agusan Del Norte Governor Dale Corvera whose provinces are among the most fertile areas for agriculture, both expressed willingness to explore the potentials of

sorghum as a new crop for their farmers.

“I met with the two governors during a threeday, four-province swing which started Wednesday in Davao Del Norte, Thursday in Davao Oriental and Thursday evening up to Friday in the two Agusan provinces. The two governors offered the areas for demonstration farm which will be planted to sorghum seeds next week,” he said in a MinDA statement on Sunday.

Piñol added that the sorghum seeds are part of

the donation of the Scott Seeds Company of Hereford, Texas for the province of Davao del Norte and MinDA. “The introduction of sorghum as a complementary grains crop to corn is being initiated by MinDA as part of its poultry, livestock, and aquaculture development program for Mindanao,” he said.

Sorghum is a resilient plant that needs less water than corn. Its grains have a high protein content ideal for livestock, poultry and aqua feeds while its stalks

treasure hunters informed the authorities of their activity only after the situation went out of control.

The statement added that the victims were working in a private residential property at Purok 1 Barangay Kinamayan, when the soil softened that caused the tunnel to collapse burying them.

Mayor Ernesto Evangelista of the Municipal Government of Sto. Tomas continue coordinating with the ICS and Emergency Medical Responders and ordered that all assets in the retrieval operation will be available in the area.

A meeting between the Municipal Government of Sto. Tomas and ICS was conducted on Monday.

are excellent silage materials.

Recently, a sorghum demonstration farm in New Esperanza, M’lang town in North Cotabato supervised

by Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol yielded a harvest of 8.4 metric tons and a silage production of 40 metric tons.

Piñol added that MinDA is now negotiating with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) while the Texas Sorghum Seed Producers led by Coby Kriegshauzer of Scott Seed are coordinating with the

Sorghum demo farms to be set up in Agusan Sur, Norte

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he military on Sunday has denied it has a hand in the destruction of a tribal school in a village in San Fernando town, Bukidnon province.

Lt. Col. Silas Trasmontero, commanding officer of the Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB), said they have no part in the incident involving a group of armed men who witnessed said were responsible for the destruction of an elementary school in Sitio Laburon, Barangay Mapute of the said town.

The school, the group Save Our Schools Network (SOS) said, is owned by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI).

According to witnesses, the incident happened at around 7:15 a.m. on August 26, as two teachers who remained in the campus were tending their farm when one of the students alerted them of the situation.

SOS claimed that the teachers saw the group destroying the school buildings and tearing textbooks.

“The teachers were about to take photos of the incident but were threatened by the ‘Bagani’ leader Lito Gambay, who told them to leave as President Duterte will know about this,” SOS said on its Facebook post.

Witnesses pointed to a certain Lito Gambay, a leader of a local “bagani” group, as responsible.

SOS said Gambay was identified by the tribal community as a member of the paramilitary under the

command of the 89IB. Trasmontero said Gambay is not under him and that he did not order the demolition of the school.

Gambay, Trasmontero said, is a former New People’s Army fighter, who surrendered to his battalion last year.

He said Gambay is a member of the “bagani” or tribal warrior tasked to defend his community, but the latter is not under the the command of the 89IB. “He [Gambay] is not part of our battalion. He has no 89IB identification card or a gun issued by the Army,” Trasmontero said.

Trasmontero said he has no paramilitary in his area of responsibility, only the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit.

He added that 89IB has no hand in the demolition of the MISFI school buildings since it was initiated by the tribal community themselves.

Trasmontero said the 89IB has assisted government agencies in building schools for the indigenous communities in at least seven tribal communities in San Fernando and Kitatao towns in Bukidnon.

MISFI schools operating in the area, he said, have already been vacated when the new DepEd-approved elementary schools were finished and the students have enrolled in these government-sanctioned learning facilities.

These schools are located in Laburon, Matupe; Sitios Lugawon, Balao, and Malungon, Barangay Ka-

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VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Airport ground crew walk by a Philippine Airlines (PAL) aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. PAL has been chosen as one of the top 10 airlines when it comes to safety for travel during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Safe Travel Barometer. Edge Davao

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PAL named among Top 10 safest airlines amid COVID-19 pandemic

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hile large traditional retailers announce big lay-offs because of the pandemic, sometimes shedding thousands of staff, coronavirus lockdowns have in contrast given e-commerce a major boost.

Recent data shows a shift to shopping online—according to Kantar consulting group, international e-commerce grew 41 percent in only three months compared with 22 percent growth for 2020 as a whole to date, as the pandemic “transformed” retail habits.

The trend was brought into sharp relief on August 18, when British high street mainstay Marks & Spencer announced it was culling 7,000 staff.

Hours later, in contrast, online behemoth Amazon said it was hiring 3,500 in the United States.

The M&S slimdown is only one part of the picture in the UK, with 2,500 more job losses announced at department store Debenhams, which in April entered administration for the second time in a year.

Hundreds more jobs are also to be lost at other well known British high street chains.

By contrast, Britain’s largest supermarket chain Tesco placed a sizeable

feather in its online cap by saying it was creating 16,000 permanent jobs to deal with strong growth in its online activities.

“It is very clear that the digitization of commerce, [even] if in place for a long time, is accelerating enormously,” said Herve Gilg, managing director and distribution specialist at Alvarez & Marsal corporate transformation services.

The benefits are being reaped by those companies which were already carrying out a sizeable chunk of their activities online.

That troupe is led by Amazon, which doubled its net profits in the second half of this virus-challenged year.

Following was Germany’s fashion and lifestyle e-commerce heavyweight Zalando, which saw its active customer base rise 20 percent in first half 2020 to 34 million.

US giant Walmart, although not an online “pure player,” has also shifted in that direction to benefit from the upswing in virtu-

al commerce in the US and its second-quarter results soared past estimates on an e-sales jump of 97 percent.

E-presence ‘indispensable’ In France, the United Kingdom, Spain and China, the average market share of e-commerce went from 8.8 percent of value (in 2019) to 12.4 percent in second quarter 2020, said Kantar.

It added that in China, online shopping already amounts to “a quarter of expenditure on mass consumer products.”

The trend was already under way before COVID-19 began to batter the global economy.

But the brutal falloff in out-of-home spending has had “a major knock-on effect for non-food commerce dependent on physical sale points,” Gilg said.

The unprecedented development has “made all retail actors understand or else confirm that it is indispensable to have an online presence and to be as competitive as possible there,” says Stephane Charveriat, senior associate director with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

‘Significant investments’ That has meant evolution, which “requires sig-

nificant means and investments,” observes Charveriat. But that need comes at a time when company coffers are relatively bare and money placed aside for online purposes is cash which does not therefore flow to the physical business.

France’s CDCF trade council asked the government in the summer for a “tax credit or accelerated super-amortization mechanism to support digital investment.”

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Thursday responded that “several hundred million euros” would be made available in the form of subsidies and public investment bank support “to help firms digitize” in a bid to compete with the likes of Amazon.

“Clearly, it is a sizeable challenge to confront large platforms,” says Charveriat.

He says French firms must define an internet strategy, be it in the form of alliances with others, in order to compete in the digital marketplace with existing big hitters.

Still, Gilg says the existing physical presence of distribution brands can be a major asset in that regard, for example, catering to visiting international tourists who may want to experience what a brand

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hilippine Airlines (PAL) is one of the top 10 airlines when it comes to safety for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Safe Travel Barometer.

PAL got a rating of 4.2 out of 5.0, tying with China Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, AirAsia and Emirates.

More than 150 airlines were rated for their performance in the pre-flight, actual flight and post flight stages.

The airlines were also given a rating for COVID-19 related hygiene and safety measures they announced to passengers and crew.

Lufthansa topped the list with a rating of 4.5.

It was followed by Vistara, Delta Airlines and Allegiant Air at 4.4.

Alaska Airlines rounded out the top 10 list with

a rating of 4.1.

PAL welcomed the recognition and promised to maintain its standards.

“We are grateful for the unexpected recognition, and honored to be recognized for doing the right thing. PAL shall continue to maintain the highest standards of safety and the protection of the health of our colleagues and all the passengers in our care,” PAL president and chief operating officer Gilbert Santa Maria said in a statement.

Safe Travel Barometer is a subsidiary of VIDEC, a travel industry advisory and consulting firm.

Safe Travel co-founder and chief executive Virenda Jain said the barometer was set “to benchmark travel brands’ initiatives to reduce traveller anxiety.”

Jollibee draws long line as it opens new store in Texas

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newly opened Jollibee in Plano city, Texas drew a long line of cars as customers checked the fast-food restaurant.

According to a Dallas Morning News report, the Filipino store served about 2,000 customers on opening day on Aug. 20, with some people having to wait for hours to get their piece of Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti.

Since Jollibee's open-

ing, the first such store in Dallas-Fort Worth, a line of cars snaking out onto Preston Road in West Plano has been seen regularly.

Customers can only get their orders by calling ahead or through drivethrough because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jollibee earlier opened a branch in Jersey City in July.

The chain operator in September 2019 said it in-

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

MinDA to establish fish center in DavOr

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indanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, said the province of Davao Oriental (DavOr) is set to become one of the 22 recipients of fish centers to be established in Mindanao.

In a statement on Sunday, the agency said Piñol made the announcement during the first-ever Aqua-Fishery Summit on Thursday (August 27).

The project is touted to improve the province’s promising aqua-fishery industry.

Completing the value chain for the fishery sector, Piñol said in the statement that it will be connected virtually to each other and to the market which will facilitate better sales and exchanges.

He added that the City of Mati will be the beneficiary of a fish processing plant that the program will fund.

Support packages will also include the provision of ice makers and blast freezers, cold storage, and fish dryers.

In his speech during the summit, Piñol said that considering Davao Oriental’s vast potentials, it has been included in MinDA’s Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MinFAD) program, making it one of the key players in the fishery sector along with other coastal provinces in the island of Mindanao.

Gaps, issues, and concerns affecting production and business systems in the local fishery were also discussed during the summit.

Provincial Agriculture Office department head Rotchie Ravelo said that among the challenges of the fishery industry are climate change, natural and man-made disasters, weak legislative mechanism, and the so-called

“brown” development that involves the redevelopment of mangrove areas, rivers and beaches into other purposes such as resorts and human settlement areas.

Other concerns raised were the difficult market access and unstable price movements for "bangus" or milkfish and vannamei shrimp produce.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, meanwhile, emphasized the role of law enforcement as he reminded everyone that the task to maintain peace in fishing communities is a shared responsibility by all stakeholders.

He pointed out the role of coastal community-dwelling fisherfolk who have knowledge of illegal fishing activities in keeping the peace in their respective areas.

“There is a need for marginalized fishers to use or be provided with larger fishing vessels that they may be able to compete with other commercial fishers,” Dayanghirang also said. (PNA)

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol announces that the province of Davao Oriental is set to become one of the 22 recipi-

BSP to launch digital retirement account PERA on September 8

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday it would launch the Digital Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) this September to encourage Filipinos to save for additional retirement benefits.

The program aims to encourage Filipinos to invest in a voluntary retirement account that can be a source of supplementary benefit on top of the state-sponsored retirement program using just

mobile phones and other devices, Gov. Benjamin Diokno said in a statement.

“The digital PERA will allow Filipinos to invest in PERA investment products anytime, anywhere using only their mobile phones and other devices. This is firmly in line with the BSP’s thrust to foster digitalization in the financial system and to bring the BSP closer to the people.”

With the program, Filipinos can invest in

long-term retirement saving products while enjoying certain tax incentives, the BSP said.

Digital PERA, which is set to officially launch on Sept. 8, is a project in collaboration with the Trust Officer Association of the Philippines, the BSP said.

The central bank has been advocating for the use of digital platforms to improve financial literacy and engagement in other financial services such as investments.

The BSP earlier

definitely has been accelerated because of the pandemic is our digital communication," he added.

The entire island of Luzon, home to roughly half of the Philippines' 100-million population, was placed on lockdown in March to stem the spread of COVID-19.

During the period, public transportation was suspended while only select businesses were allowed to operate. Those allowed to function faced limited work force due to transport constraints and virus fears.

Coca-Cola is also making sure that it is engaging customers not only on TV and radio but through the "digital space," Everhart said.

The popular beverage maker is also more focused on brands that are more relevant today especially in this time of a pandemic, he said. It is

also looking at more ways to digitize the business, he added.

In terms of operations, running the business remotely and virtually when the COVID-19 lockdown was imposed had been "challenging" in the first few weeks, said Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc president and CEO Gareth McGeown.

But in the last few months, the company was able to recover and regain operations by providing digital tools for its workfrom-home staff while ensuring a work-life balance, McGeown said.

"A couple of hundred people working from home... we're making sure they have the tools to continue doing their jobs and be productive but also managing that work-life balance is a constant challenge," he said.

"We're learning, for me the biggest learning is

launched the National Retail Payment System, which includes PesoNet and InstaPay with the goal of increasing the use of digital payments in the country.

Both services proved to be useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has also supported the Bureau of Treasury's move to tap fintech players in launching Bonds. ph where Filipinos can invest in bonds using a mobile app for as low as P5,000.

Covid-19 pandemic 'accelerates' digitalization of Coca-Cola PH

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he coronavirus pandemic has accelerated digitalization efforts of Coca-Cola in the Philippines in terms of communicating with consumers, partners and in operating the business virtually, officials have said.

Understanding how consumers communicate with brands and how their behaviors shift with lockdowns and quarantines in place are crucial in crafting strategies, Coca-Cola Philippines president and general manager Winn Everhart told reporters in a virtual briefing.

"We acknowledge that your home has become your office, your playground... it has become everything. So a lot of our communication now will acknowledge that interaction in our brand," Everhart said.

"That's where we're already headed.. which

to be able to operate the business remotely, virtually with people working from home," he added.

Coca-Cola products are also available through various channels such as the website CokeBeverages.ph, the company said.

Despite facing a challenging business environment, McGeown said more investments would be coming soon. It recently announced a top up of P1.1 billion for this year earmarked for infrastructure and capacity building.

The company said it has redirected P150 million to relief efforts and donated beverages, personal protective equipment and food packs to cushion the impact of the pandemic to vulnerable Filipinos.

The brand has 20 manufacturing sites and 76 distribution centers in the country.

ents of fish centers to be established in Mindanao.

The project aims to improve the province’s promising aqua-fishery industry. Edge Davao

BIR: Deadline for online sellers to register moved to Sept. 1

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he Bureau on Internal Revenue (BIR) on Saturday said the deadline for business registration of “online sellers” or those conducting digital or electronic business transactions was moved to September 1.

The original deadline was set for August 31 the National Heroes’ Day holiday.

“Under the law, if a due date falls on a Saturday o kaya Sunday o kaya holiday, the due date will be moved to the next working day,” BIR Assistant Commissioner Elenita Quimosing said in an interview.

“Bali ang mangyayari sa September 1 na, imbis na Monday, sa Tuesday na,” Quimosing said.

The BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 75-2020 which extended the deadline stated in RMC No. 60-2020, which was on July 31.

In the latest circular, the taxman said that the July 31, 2020 deadline stated in

the RMC No. 60-2020 “for registration of the business activity and/or updates with no penalty imposition is hereby extended to August 31, 2020.”

The RMC 60-2020, dated June 1, notified “all persons doing business and earning income in any manner or form, specifically those who are into digital transactions through the use of any electronic platforms and media, and other digital means, to ensure that their businesses are registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 236 of the Tax Code, as amended, and that they are tax compliant.”

The order covers partner sellers or merchants, as well as other stakeholders such as payment gateways, delivery channels, internet service providers, and other facilitators.

The BIR also encouraged online sellers to “voluntarily declare their past transactions.”

SSS marks 63rd anniversary, to launch ‘ExpreSSS’ services

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he Social Security System (SSS), on September 1, 2020, will commemorate its 63rd founding anniversary with the theme "SSS@63: Responding to the Times through Express Services."

In celebration of its anniversary, SSS will hold month-long online activities through its Facebook page and YouTube channel, starting with the release of its anniversary video at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday,

followed by the launching of "ExpreSSS," which is the highlight of the celebration.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said the ExpreSSS features enhanced SSS online services that aim to provide members, employers, pensioners, beneficiaries, and the public with a simple, faster, and more convenient means of registration, filing of benefits and loans,

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In paying tribute to all frontliners on National Heroes’ Day: As we celebrate our National Heroes’ Day during the time of Covid-19 pandemic, I would like to emphasize our all-out support and gratitude to all the health and non-health frontliners who toil everyday in our hospitals, facilities, checkpoints and wherever they are needed. It is your hardwork that makes our city stand-up against this relentless virus. Daghang salamat.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

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7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

LIVING

EDUCATION IS THE KEY SM CONTINUES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AMID PANDEMIC FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

CITIZEN COOPERATION, NOT LOCKDOWNS

Even amateur economists CoVid19 outbreak saved the nawill tell you lockdowns will tion from the edge of a civil war. bring down a nation’s economy.

He re-opened the US econInitially, the US heeded omy guided by a firm posture WHO warnings by locking down that the CoVid19 did not pose its entry points from all incom- real threats to the citizens if ing foreign visitors as alarming Americans were to strictly obnews reports cited hundreds of serve health protocols and lived thousands of infections world- normally as they did before. wide.

Initially, chaotic riots and THE SM FOUNDAHowever, the economic looting, causing death and inTION, INC. (SMFI) welrepercussions did not sit well jury and destruction of propcomed over 200 scholarsas erty, occurred in several Demwith government authorities in its college scholarship Americans indignantly marched ocrat-controlled cities which program for this aca-while were trumpeted extensively by to express their freedoms millions lost their jobs. the mainstream media to pordemic year.

American intelligence gathtray the US was in apparent disThe freshmen were awarded ering also decried the doubt- array. their scholarships last August ful pronouncements of WHO Trump, much like PRRD, 15 an online activity atthatincame too late in declaring does not have the mainstream tended by the was SMFIaboard.

The media on his side. the CoVid19 pandemic.

Trump withdrew US America is now surely rescholarseventually will be fully supported funding support of $425M from covering, though rather slowly.

by SM until they finish tertiary WHO whom he suspected was (Just a side bar, in Califoreducation; theywith were rival chosen playing footsy China nia, despite stern warnings from over applicants where, not9,600 incidentally, the vi- from the governor, Pastor John from all over the country. rus originated.

MacArthur defiantly conducted Daisyservice Mae Punoin from Laak, Davao The audacious counter-play a scholar worship his Grace During the online awarding SM de Oro. US Pres. DonaldSM Trump did to Community Church in LA where of scholarships, Investprevent America’s total eco- an overflow crowd of 3,000 ments Chairman the the worshipers fees subsidy. –They also renomic Inc. collapse arisingoffrom wearing no face

Board and SMFI President Jose Sio shared inspiring words to the scholars: “It is important that you should have a foresight of what you want in the future for your life. Because what you do today will determine what you will be in the future.”

Sixty percent of the new scholars hail from provinces all over the country while the rest are from Metro Manila.

Of the 200, 16 are from Mindanao; they will join the more than 30 active scholars in the island, currently taking up FerWhen the President accountancy, civil engineering, dinand E. Marcos launched Bagong Lipunan (New Sociand computer science or inforety), he initiated several mation technology—the topprograms and Perchoices of theinitiatives. scholars. haps one of the most popular slogans during that time was: Support for the youth “Sa ikakaunlad ng bayan, diSM scholars enjoy full It can siplina ang kailangan.” tuition and miscellaneous 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 KAPUSO VIEWERS MINDimpulses (even theINones that ANAO more reasons to wake are nothave inherently sinful) puts up as GMAofRegional TV’s us early in control our appetites (GMA Home with It GMA ratherRTV) than“At vice versa. deposes our Regional TV” lust beginsand a newpermits season truth, virtue, and integrity starting this Monday, August 31. to rule our minds instead.”

Airing weekdays at 8 am via you love football,inthen GMAIfRTV’s local channels you probably know Jerry Lee North, Southern he Rice. Central, To the and uninformed, Mindanao, Home withfootball GMA was an “At American Regional TV” is the who first andplayed only wide receiver unified morninginprogram in Min20 seasons the National Football League.

He isbywidely danao to date.

It is hosted GMA considered to be theRelator greatest Regional TV hosts Rgil and wideChaves, receiver NFL Cyril whoinboth hailhistory from andcountry’s amongsecond-largest the greatestisland.

NFL the players overall.

Joining them is another proud There is an interesting Mindanaoan, Resci as anecdote onAtty. how he Rizada became the show’sIn segment host. such.

Leadership 101: The morning show made its TVto What Every Leader Needs debut June 1 John and has Know,last author C. since Maxwell relates this story: been a dependable companion “People whoas itknew him of local households provides

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 hySM scholar Angelo Entero from Davao giene prevent the virus fromCity. infecting a person.

Hospitals inclination to diagnose a patient with flu as

ceive monthly stipend and are exposed to job opportunities at SM malls during summer or Christmas breaks.

To date, there are over 1,300 SM scholars currently in their studies in universities and colleges all over the Philippines.

SM scholars who have THINK finished their degrees are now ON THESE! employed and helping their families, some of whom are employed under the SM Group of Companies.

SMFI is unfazed by the scholar Dwight fromyourLaak, pandemic challenges and has well say he is natural.

Phys- SM minion than Diamante that over Davao de Oro. long been in gifts ensur-are self...the height of a man’s ically his proactive God-given incredible, yet those alone success gauged his ing that the college scholarship support forisscholars thisby school have not made him great.

The self-mastery; the depth of his program is sustainable and year. real key to his success has failure by his self-abandonresilient. Online applications Since its inception in 1993, been his been self-discipline. this law is the exhave long used to screenHe ment.

SMFI’s...And scholarship program works and prepares -- day in pression of eternal justice. He interested youths; and online has supported over 4,000domincoland day out -- unlike anyone who cannot establish learning tools and platforms lege over scholars and also else in professional football. ion himself will4,000 have no will “During also be used to strengthen technical-vocational scholars. practice in high dominion over others.” school, Rice’s coach, Charles According to Maxwell, in Davis, made his players sprint order for us to develop a lifetwenty times up and down a style of discipline, we have to forty-yard hill. On a particu- accept challenge and elimilarly hot and hungry Missis- nate any tendency that makes sippi day, Rice was ready to us to come up with some exgive up after eleven trips. As cuses. “Almost all our faults viewers the right information and he sneaked toward the lockare more pardonable than the the daily inspiration they what need. he methods we think up to hide er room, he realized At thedoing. same time, “At Home with was them,” French classical writer GMA“’Don’t Regional TV” he celebrates the quit,’ told himFrancois La Rochefoucauld self. ‘Because once diversity and power of theyou voicesget of wrote. into Mindanaoan that modewith of its quitting, In creative writing, disevery various then you feel like it’s okay.’ cipline is a prerequisite. Misegments.

HeIn went back and finished chael Chabon said, “You need “Spotlight”, Rgil and Cyril his sprints, and he has never three things to become a suctalk toasome of thesince.” local personbeen quitter cessful novelist: talent, luck alitiesAnd and newsmakers to discuss a and discipline. Discipline is so, Rice became topics that matterfootball to every Minaprofessional play- the one element of those three danaoan. about Miner -- andInformation was so famous, too. things that you can control, “Even in the off-season, while and so that is the one that you danao’s rich culture and history other players havehas to been focus on controlling, renewed for another take center stage inare the fishing segment or anao lying around enjoying downand you just have to hopeTV and season,” says GMA Regional “Nasayod Ka Ba (Did You Know)?”. time, Rice is working, his nortrust in the other two.” and Synergy Vice President and Meanwhile, Atty. Resci chats with mal exercise routine lasting HeadThis is what author H. Oliver Amoroso. “We owe various celebrities and personalifrom 7:00 am to noon,” Max- Jackson Brown said, “Talthis to our loyal viewers is andlike ties “Biz Talk”. wellinwrote. ent feat without discipline advertisers who supported us “We celebrate the ‘At Discipline -- success that’s ofwhat an octopus on roller skates.

Home with Regional TV’ Season our pilot airing. separates Rice from good to since There’s plenty of Maraming movement, 1 by sharing the good news with salamat po for welcoming into great. Leonardo da Vinci puts but you never know ifusit’s goit this way: will ing to be forward, backwards, our viewers that“You the first andnever only your homes.

As we embark on have amorning greatershow or in lesser or sideways.” unified Mind-do- Season 2 of the program, we assure

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Covid infected because of the idated Third World countries PHILHEALTH guaranteed pay- like us, those in Africa and ment plan of P750K per patient South America, and we cowered has been exposed in the Con- in fear like street dogs scamgressional hearings. pering with their tails between But as you noticed, even their legs. without the vaccine, thousands I agree with DTI Sec. Raof Filipinos reported to be mon Lopez who remarked that CoVid positive have recovered. lockdowns have already served In fact, many do not go anymore their purpose. It is time to fight to the hospital for confinement back and open the economy. when they feel their temperaThe back-to-normal stratetures rise. gy should be the focus as pub(I, for one and my family, lic consumption will stimulate will not go to the hospital for confidence and help restore the treatment of the flu. I fear more vigorous financial posture the to be contaminated in the hos- country enjoyed before CoVid pital rather than getting a sure 19. cure at home.)

Besides, the resiliency of As a result of our continued the Filipinos is a natural virtue blind obedience to the WHO imbedded in his character. He directives, millions of Filipinos will survive the challenges of have lost their jobs, OFWs are time and men. repatriated home and are idle Someone said: “When evand grumbling, economic activerything seems SM Foundation President and Trustee Jose Sio during the Zoom event. to be going ities careened to a halt, children against you, remember that the SMFI hasgoing also built 100 school from Laak, Davao Oro. the stopped to school, fami- airplane takes offdeagainst lies of office workers, laborers wind, not Entero, with it.”also (Email buildings all over the PhilipAngelo an your and transport daily wage earnfeedback to fredlumba@yahoo. pines. accountancy major in UM, ers have gone hungry and unfed. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPThis college scholarship echoed the same message: I WHO successfully intim- PINES!

program is an expression of the vision of founder “Tatang” or Henry Sy Sr.: to uplift lives of families and spread social good communities.

Determined scholars SM scholars expressed their determination to take on challenges head on just to pursue their studies.

“As an SM Scholar, I will inspire my fellow youth to pursue their studies no matter the challenges they face. I will “No be an ambassador of SM success was won without selfdetermination Foundation in my school by and self-discipline,” showing them how I workwrote hard Lailah Gifty inhow Pearls to achieve goodAkita grades, of Wisdom: Great Mind.

WilI stay optimistic despite some liam Cullen Bryant rewrote difficult moments,” said Daisy Thanatopsis a hundred times.

Mae Puno,Gibbon an accountancy Edward rewrote his freshman at the University of Autobiography nine times.

Mindanao (UM).

She comes 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 that spirit,” you we willGraham continue tofurther make said.mornings “One becomes, in some your bright, especially in area,trying an athlete these times.” of God. Practice means to perform, over “At Home with GMA Regional and over again in the face of TV” is the secondsome morning all obstacles, actshow of vilaunched by GMA RTV after Pracsion, of faith, of desire.

“GMA in the tice is Regional a meansTV ofLive!” inviting Central and Eastern Visayas. perfection desired.”

Wolfgang Amadeus MoCoinciding with the new season of zartHome also with said:Regional “It is aTV” mistake “At is the

DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY

want me and my fellow youths to pursue our studies amidst difficulties. I know that we have a bright future if we complete our studies.

I will be like Tatang, passionate and driven, to succeed while helping others to do the same. That means, there’s nothing that will stop you when you are eager to finish your studies, nothing even poverty.

Dwight Diamante, mechanical engineering student at University of Southeastern Mindanao, saidthe he wants to of to think that practice my artTatang--passionate has become easy be like andto me.

I assure you,while dearhelping friend, driven to succeed no onetohas so much care others dogiven the same. to “That the study of composition means that I keep as I. There scarcely famous remindingismyself thatathere is master in music whose works nothing that will stop me when I have not frequently and diliI am eager to finish my studgently studied.” ies,” When he said.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 pilot of “GMA Regionalthe withepisode such determination,” TV Early Edition”, the first unified other said. Paderewski anHiligaynon morning catering swered back: “We show are all born to viewers Western with it. I in just used Visayas. mine.”

Even in the Catch “AtifHome withbeginning GMA Reyou fail, just go on.atDiscipline gional TV”, weekdays 8 am after yourself novia matter hapUnang Hirit, GMA what Network’s pens, you will beGMA ableTV to attain regional channels: 5 what you want. An assistant Davao; GMA TV 35 Cagayan de of American inventor Thomas Oro; GMA TV 8 General Santos Alva Edison was bewildered City; TV 12 out Jolo,that Sulu;he GMA whenGMA he found did TV 9 Zamboanga City; GMA TVhe 50,000 experiments before succeeded withGMA a new 12 Cotabato City; TVstorage 2 battery.City; GMA TV 10 Surigao Tandag EdisonCity;told City;“Results?”

GMA TV 26 Butuan him. TV “Why man, ICity; haveGMA gotten GMA 4 Dipolog lots of results. I now know TV 3 Pagadian City; GMA TV 5 50,000 things that won’t Ozamiz work.” City; GMA TV 11 Iligan City;“... and TV 12 Bukidnon.

A GMA disciplined pursuit of All the freshest news, events,and less will keep us focused and updates about GMA make the greatest Regional impact,” wrote Hiller inon www.

Strive: Life TV are Tim now available is Short, Pursue What Matters. gmaregionaltv.com.

‘AT HOME WITH GMA REGIONAL TV’ AIRS NEW SEASON

8

EDGEDAVAO

UNIQLO / INES DE LA FRESSANGE FALL/WINTER 2020 A Homage to Feminine Freedom from the Epitome of French Chic UNIQLO has collaborated with global fashion icon Ines de la Fressange to create essential wear based on the LifeWear concept of simple, highquality clothing that makes life better. With her belief in designing

comfortable apparel that reveals women’s beauty, the latest collection is inspired by individuals who symbolized female freedom and independence in the 1970s. Jane Birkin, Ali MacGraw, and Diane Keaton became fashion leaders and symbols of women’s liberation during that decade. The Fall/ Winter 2020 collection

salutes their enduring inspiration for women today.

Newly Offering Elegant Silk Dresses and 3D Knits The range includes 100% silk blouses and wrap dresses as wardrobe essentials for sophisticated women. It also captures 1970s Bohemian

culture through its twist pleated skirts and dresses in prints from paisley to polka dot patterns. As befitting the season, the collection also features a range of knitwear. For the first time, the collection includes items made with seamless 3D Knit technology that offer outstanding comfort and vivid patterns.

VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

9 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Smoking: Slow-motion suicide I

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

n the late 1950s, the Philip Morris Tobacco Company created an icon – a smoker who epitomized the fantasy of most smokers at that time. Philip Morris called him the Marlboro Man. This rugged individual was a cowboy, living a life of freedom under the big Montana sky. He was handsome, free, and fulfilled. And, of course, he smoked Marlboro.

This ad campaign worked to make Marlboro the largest-selling brand of cigarettes in the United States. However, those who bought the fantasy and lived the Marlboro life were less successful.

At least two actors who played the Marlboro Man died of lung cancer. One of them, Wayne McLaren, started working on an antismoking campaign after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He starred in a television commercial that showed him in a hospital bed just before he died. In the commercial, his brother says, “Lying there with all those tubes in you, how independent can you really be?”

“Tobacco kills one person every four seconds,” says the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Despite a steady reduction in tobacco use globally, tobacco still kills over 8 million people every year. Another one million die due to second-hand smoke exposure.

A report by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance in 2014 showed the Philippines has about 17 million smokers – or nearly a third of the adult population. Nearly half of all Filipino men and 9% of women smoke. The study said the habit costs the economy nearly $4 billion a year in healthcare and productivity losses.

If you smoke, there’s no way you can escape from its consequences.

The reason why cigarettes harm nearly every organ of the body is due to what it contains. The WHO says there are some 4,000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke.

“When burned, cigarettes create more than 7,000 chemicals,” the American Lung Association states. “At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are toxic. Many of these chemicals are also found in consumer products but these products have warning labels. (But) there is no such warning for the toxins in tobacco smoke.”

Among the chemicals found in tobacco smoke and where these are also found: acetone (found in nail polish remover), acetic acid (an ingredient in hair dye), ammonia (a common household cleaner), arsenic (used in rat poison), benzene (found in rubber cement and gasoline), bu-

tane (used in lighter fluid), and cadmium (active component in battery acid).

Here are more chemicals: carbon monoxide (released in car exhaust fumes), formaldehyde (embalming fluid), lead (used in batteries), naphthalene (an ingredient in mothballs), methanol (a main component in rocket fuel), nicotine (used as an insecticide), tar (material for paving roads), and toluene (used to manufacture paint).

“Smoking causes addiction to nicotine, a stimulant drug that is in tobacco,” says the website medlineplus.gov. “Nicotine addiction makes it much harder for people to quit smoking.” That’s why if you haven’t started smoking, don’t do it!

It’s no wonder why smoking is hazardous to your health. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Estimates show smoking increases the risk for coronary heart disease and stroke by 2-4 times and of developing lung cancer for men by 25 times and for women by 25.7 times.

“Smoking causes diminished overall health, increased absenteeism from work, and increased health care utilization and cost,” the CDC reminds.

Smoking can cause lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs (alveoli) found in the lungs. Lung diseases caused by smoking include COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

“Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD, causing swelling and rupturing of the air sacs in the lungs, which reduces the lung’s capacity to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide,” the WHO says.

One in five smokers will develop COPD – which causes episodes of breathlessness, coughing and mucus production – in their lifetime, and almost half of COPD deaths are attributable to smoking, the United Nations health agency says.

Cigarette smoking causes most cases of lung cancer. “Smokers are up

to 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer in their lifetime, compared with non-smokers,” the WHO says. “Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke at home or in the workplace have a 30% higher risk of developing lung cancer.”

If you have asthma, tobacco smoke can trigger an attack or make an attack worse. “In people living with asthma, tobacco smoking further restricts activity, contributes to work disability and increases the risk of severe asthma requiring emergency care,” the United Nations health agency states, adding that around one in nine asthma deaths can be attributed to tobacco smoking.

Tuberculosis (TB), before it becomes activated, starts with latent TB infection. Latent TB may develop into active disease at any time, particularly when the immune system is weakened. “Smoking substantially increases the risk of TB and death from TB,” the WHO says. “More than 20% of global TB incidence may be attributable to tobacco.”

The CDC also states that smoking causes cancer almost anywhere in the body: bladder, blood (acute myeloid leukemia), cervix, colon and rectum (colorectal), esophagus, kidney and ureter, larynx, liver, oropharynx (includes parts of the throat, tongue, soft palate, and the tonsils), pancreas, stomach, and trachea, bronchus, and lung.

There are other health risks and problems caused by cigarette smoking, according to the CDC. For women, smoking can make

it harder to become pregnant. It can also affect her baby’s health before and after birth. Smoking increases risk for preterm (early) delivery, stillbirth (death of the baby before birth), low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, and orofacial clefts in infants.

Smoking can also affect men’s sperm. Rachel Gurevich, writing for verywellfamily.com, reported: “In April of 2016, European Urology published a meta-analysis on the effect of smoking on semen health. The analysis included 20 studies and just over 5,000 men across Europe. The study found that smoking was associated with decreased sperm count, decreased sperm motility (that’s how sperm swim), and poor sperm morphology (how sperm are shaped). Most notably, the negative effect smoking had on sperm health was stronger in infertile men and in moderate to heavy smokers, compared to light smokers.”

The CDC says smoking can increase a person’s risk for cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens that makes it hard for you to see). It can also cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which damages a small spot near the center of the retina, the part of the eye needed for central vision.

Smoking is indeed one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. “The economic costs of tobacco use are substantial and include significant health care costs for treating the disease caused by tobacco use as well as the lost human capital that re-

sults from tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality,” the WHO says.

The best way for smokers to avoid all those health consequences is to quit now. “Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of health problems,” medlineplus.gov pinpoints. “The earlier you quit, the greater the benefit.”

What happens to those who quit smoking? There are immediate and longterm health benefits. Beneficial health changes that take place: within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop and within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

Here are more health benefits, according to health experts: 2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and your lung function increases; 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease; 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s; 5 years, your stroke risk is reduce to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting; and 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas decreases.

According to the WHO, the following are benefits of those who quit smoking compared with those who continue doing the habit: at about 30, gain almost 10 years of life expectancy; at about 40, gain 9 years of life expectancy; at about 50, gain 6 years of life expectancy; at about 60, gain 3 years of life expectancy.

“People who quit smoking after having a heart attack reduce their

chances of having another heart attack by 50%,” the WHO states.

In addition, quitting smoking reduces the chances of impotence among men. Among women, stopping smoking reduces having difficulty of getting pregnant, having premature births, babies with low birth weights and miscarriage.

Some people try to stop smoking but mostly fail.

Feldman reports: “People who regularly consume nicotine and then suddenly stop experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include: cravings, a sense of emptiness, anxiety, depression, moodiness, irritability and difficulty focusing or paying attention.”

But there is some help.

“Nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum and patches are designed to help smokers quit tobacco,” the WHO said, urging smokers to take immediate steps to quit by using proven methods such as toll-free quit lines, mobile text-messaging programs and nicotine replacement therapies.

As smoking is one of the world’s largest health problems, many countries have already introduced laws to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke in public places. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, a former smoker, bans smoking in public places.

The ban carries a maximum penalty of four months in jail and a fine of P5,000 pesos, both for indoor and outdoor smoking. It also covers existing bans on tobacco advertisements, promotions or sponsorship. (Photos courtesy of WHO)

10 EDGEDAVAO

PRRD... FROM2

He recognized that the ongoing health crisis has made soldiers’ responsibilities “more complicated”, but also noted that their “selflessness” to serve the country and people remain strong.

“Because of this, I am humbled by your commitment, inspired by your patriotism and grateful for a continued support,” he said.

He also vowed to support the Armed Forces in addressing terrorism in Jolo, Sulu.

“Bilang isang Pilipino ibibigay ko sa inyo ang lahat ng suporta na kailangan ninyo para matupad ang inyong misyon dito sa Jolo (As a Filipino, I will give all the support you need to complete your mission here in Jolo). I commit myself to work with you my dear troops to ensure that these terrorists will have

no future in this country,” he said.

He also lamented how Mindanao’s progress has been hindered by the threat of insurgency and extremism.

“Kung wala lang ho sana itong seed of hatred na nakalagay sa isip from generation to generation sana ngayon maganda na ang buhay para sa lahat (If this seed of hatred did not carry on from generation to generation, perhaps life would be better for everyone),” he said.

On Sunday afternoon, Duterte visited the blast site in Jolo, Sulu, and offered flowers in honor of the slain soldiers.

He was also pictured kneeling and kissing the ground of the blast site to honor the soldiers, police officers, and others whose lives were “snuffed out” by the twin blasts. (PNA)

United States Department of Agriculture to support

the Mindanao Sorghum Development Program. (PNA)

has to offer on-site when post-COVID tourism does eventually take off again.

“Apple has shown very effectively how a shop can act as a stage” to show off

its wares, Gilg said, adding that while commercial clicks have their value, retail mortar can provide physical brand “authenticity.”

and other transactions.

"ExpreSSS is a product of our continuous digital transformation efforts over the years, which is also aligned with the call of Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chairman Carlos Dominguez III to expand the use of digital technologies for the prompt delivery of our services," Ignacio said.

She added that the initiative advances the SSS' compliance with the Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 and will help ensure the continuous and efficient delivery of SSS services amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Following the first day of the month-long celebration, the SSS will run an information drive about the ExpreSSS services from September 2 to 30.

Weekly uSSSap Tayo live episodes will be streamed on the SSS Facebook page.

At the same time, webinars will be conducted thrice a week. Registration links for webinars will be posted on the SSS Facebook page.

Webinar topics for the first and third weeks will focus on online services such as loan and SS number applications, Payment Reference Number Generation, Employment Report (R-1A) Form submission, Sickness Notification, Maternity Notification, and Sickness Benefit Reimbursement Applications.

For the second and fourth weeks, topics will be about online benefit applications for Unemployment, Retirement, and

Funeral; and online enrollment of disbursement accounts.

"We encourage our members and their beneficiaries, pensioners, covered-employers, and the public to participate in these activities to keep themselves in the loop as we continuously strive to bring our services closer to them via online services," Ignacio concluded.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 682, s.

2004, signed by the then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, every month of September since 2004 shall be known as "Social Security Month."

The proclamation aims to address the need to stimulate public awareness on matters involving social security protection, encourage Filipinos to take personal responsibility in uplifting their economic and social conditions through active membership in the SSS, and highlight the role of the SSS in developing and promoting a viable, universal and equitable social security protection scheme through world-class service.

For this cause, every month of September, the SSS intensifies its efforts to promote the importance of SSS membership and publicize the programs and benefits it offers and its role in nation-building.

For more information, visit and follow the SSS' Facebook page and YouTube channel at "Philippine Social Security System," or send us your questions through the uSSSap Tayo Customer Relationship Management System (CRMS) at crms.sss.gov.ph.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Worms in Hinatuan Mining to prove successful mine rehabilitation

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inatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) has been invited to France for a poster presentation on a study on the presence of nematodes to prove the healthy condition of the soil in the rehabilitated area at the mine site.

Nematodes are microscopic wormlike organisms abundant in the upper soil layers that are a major component of the soil’s ecosystem. At the mine site, nematodes are like “soil engineers” – the miners’ partners in the restoration of the virility of the soil.

“Despite huge economic contributions, mining is often linked to soil degradation and one of the biggest challenges for miners is to prove the success of our rehabilitation programs in bringing back life in the mined-out areas,” explains Manuel A. Torres, Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement manager at HMC. HMC spends at least P80 Million pesos yearly for rehabilitation programs.

The study by Dr. Joey Genevieve T. Martinez, DSc., Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences (CSM) at the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is to be presented at the International Congress on Nematology in Paris. He used the soil environment at HMC for his academic research to prove that nematodes are ecological indicators of soil condition.

Current indicators of a successful mine rehabilitation are above ground such as vegetation. The study evaluated the effects of mining practices using

soil nematodes as bio-indicators.

Some of the results of the study that will be presented to the Conference in Paris, to be attended by nematologists and scientists from all over the world, indicate that the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil found in the ‘undisturbed areas’ at the mine site are similar to the soil found in the rehabilitated areas.

“In simpler terms this means that the condition of the soil in the rehabilitated are somewhat similar to the areas that have not been mined and this is a proud statement that says a lot about the efficiency of our rehabilitation program,” says Torres.

Engr. Francis Arañes, Jr., HMC Resident Mine Manager, says that the mining company is grateful to Dr. Martinez for choosing HMC to be the focus for his research.

“The study underscores HMC’s successful mine rehabilitation programs and brings the mining company’s name to an international stage within the scientific community ” Arañes beams.

The Philippines is a country well-endowed with mineral resources and mining companies such as HMC – subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) – are mandated by law to conduct rehab

from the United States government.

The City Information Office (CIO), in a report, said Mayor Sara Duterte received from US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim more than 10,800 units of PPEs that include face masks (medical, KN95, N95), face shields, gloves, shoe covers, and surgical gowns during a virtual handover Aug. 26.

“We express our gratitude for the support of USAID to the City Government

of Davao, the City Health Office, the Department of Health and the Southern Philippines Medical Center, as they are the recipients of the PPEs. We thank them for their support to our activities, projects and initiatives against Covid-19,” CIO quoted the mayor.

The PPEs will be distributed to the Davao City’s Rapid Response Team (RAT) and Temporary Treatment and Management Facilities (TTMF).

(PNA)

lagangan; Sitio Langka, Barangay Cabuling, all in San Fernando.

In Kitaotao town, the newly-opened primary schools are in Sitios Salumayag and Kalinawan, Barangay Digongan.

Trasmontero said as August 30, there are 89 students in Laburon, 52 of whom are from the same place and are former MISFI enrolees, and the rest from the nearby sitios Marawi and Baugan. (PNA)

tended to grow its foreign business faster than its local units.

"The long-term goals of JFC are to have 3 strong pillars of growth – Philippines, China and USA. How-

ever, it does not mean that the Philippine business will slow down, the intention is to have its foreign business grow faster than its Philippine business," Jollibee Foods Corp said.

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Earl John A. Gascon, Forester at HMC, says the nematodes are like our friendly army of soil engineers that will lead the way to a successful mine rehabilitation

Rosemarie Macawile, a resident of HMC’s host barangay – Talavera – and a landscaping aide at the mine site, shows of the healthy soil at HMC’s rehabilitated area programs that will establish a sustainable agricultural life for the communities after the mine life.

Earl John A. Gascon, HMC’s dedicated company forester is excited to see the growth of various plants and crops all over the mine’s rehabilitation area but even more proud to share with the communities around the mine site

the news about the study on the nematodes.

“As a forester, I see this as HMC’s legacy. The nematodes, our friendly army of soil engineers, will lead the way in soil rehab so the people in the mining community will enjoy the virility of the mined-out lands for AgroForest and Farming, for many, many years,” exclaims Gascon.

13 from Pascal Siakam on a day where he was slowed big-time by early foul trouble and 12 from OG Anunoby. The Raptors were outscored 51-30 from 3-point range.

Lowry said the toll of the events of recent days and weeks, including the three-day stoppage of play last week in response to the shooting by police in Wisconsin of Jacob Blake, a Black man, is weighing heavily on players.

“Basketball always matters, but in this situation, at this time, it’s taking a backseat,” Lowry said. “Yes, it’s our job and we’re going to go out there and perform at the highest level we can possibly perform at. There’s no excuses, but we have

an obligation right now to use our platform. That’s why we’re still here.”

Toronto has lost four games by more than 15 points this season — three of them against Boston. The Celtics won by 22 on Aug. 7, 18 on Sunday and 16 on Christmas Day. The other was a 20-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 11.

The final moments of the second and third quarters gave Boston big lifts.

Toronto had the ball, down by 12, with 32 seconds left in the first half when Tatum intercepted a pass and got loose for a dunk — followed by a stop at the other end and Walker hitting a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 59-42 halftime lead.

So just a lot of positives this week. Felt like I did a lot of good things today, too.”

Angela Stanford (65) and Nelly Korda (67) tied for third at 16 under. Jenny Shin (68) and Sei Young Kim (69) were 15 under.

Kim made her first LPGA Tour start since January. The South Korean player skipped the Women’s British Open last week.

She’s set to play the ANA Inspiration in two weeks in the California desert.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Two wins in a row for Yuka

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he Philippines’ Yuka Saso became the new toast of the Japan LPGA Tour after she collected her second straight win in a span of three weeks.

Saso overcame an early slip for a closing 71 on Sunday to top the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament in Hokkaido.

The Filipina-Japanese golfer notched her second victory in three weeks on the on the Japan LPGA, finishing at 13 under 275 at Otaru Country Club, two strokes ahead of Sakura Koiwai.

Steadying herself after a shaky start, Saso looked set for a breezy finish, but had two bogeys and a birdie on the back nine before making par on the final three holes.

She had carried a onestroke lead into the final round but slipped with double bogey on the par4 second hole.

Saso got back to even on No. 6, and moved to two under at the turn.

The 2018 Asian Games gold medalist adds to the title she won in the NEC Karuizawa tournament in Nagano.

Sakura was also two-under at the turn, but had three bogeys in six holes on the back nine before finishing birdie-par for 72.

Kana Mikashima fired a 71 for 285 and joint third with Ji-Hee Lee, who shot a 74, and Mayu Hamada who carded a 76.

The No. 2 seed in the Western Conference advanced to a second-round meeting with either Denver or Utah.

The sixth-seeded Jazz were trying to close that series out in six games later Sunday.

Paul George and Ivica Zubac added 15 points apiece for the Clippers, who turned up their defense in this one after winning Game 5 with the best offensive performance in their postseason history, when they shot 63% and romped to a 154-111 victory.

Perhaps it was too much to ask to be that sharp again after a fourday layoff, but they didn’t need to be even while playing most of the game without starting forward Marcus Morris, who was ejected for a flagrant foul

against Doncic in the first quarter.

Leonard also had seven assists and five steals.

The Clippers said he was the first player in at least the last 20 postseasons with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in a game.

The Mavericks had only two field goals in the first six minutes of the third quarter, both by Doncic, and by the time he made the second the Clippers had opened the half with a 20-3 run that turned a six-point lead into a 77-54 lead.

But Doncic kept coming at them, with a 3-pointer and two threepoint plays in the final 1:28 to cut it to 85-74.

He made another 3 that trimmed it to 8882 with 9:27 to play but Dallas couldn’t get any

Filipino-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso poses with the trophy after the final round of the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament at the Otaru Country Club on August 30, 2020 in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Clippers close out Mavs in six

L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Kawhi Leonard had 33 points and 14 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers eliminated Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks from the playoffs with a 111-97 victory on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) in Game 6 of the first-round series.

Doncic capped a superb first postseason with 38 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, keeping it interesting into the fourth quarter even while playing without injured teammate Kristaps Porzingis.

But with Leonard reaching the 30-point mark for his career-best fifth straight playoff game and a strong defensive effort, the Clippers simply had too many answers.

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closer. Los Angeles began putting the ball in Leonard’s hands and he delivered with eight straight Clippers points before consecutive 3-pointers

by Reggie Jackson pushed it to 105-89.

Dallas was in its first postseason since 2016 but quickly learned about the physicality, mixing it up with Morris on multiple occasions.

The Clippers led by two when Morris was ejected for swinging his arm down and striking a driving Doncic in the head or neck area, but the Clippers finished the quarter with a 9-2 surge for a 34-29 lead. The Clippers picked up their defense in the second period, limiting the Mavs to 17 points and 33.3% shooting to open a 57-51 advantage at the break.

Celtics take Game 1 in Eastern semis

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — The Boston Celtics clearly have the formula to create problems for the Toronto Raptors.

Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart each scored 21 points, Kemba Walker added 18 points and 10 assists and the Celtics never trailed on the way to beating the Raptors 112-94 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).

The Celtics improved to 4-1 against the Raptors this season — no other team has beaten the reigning NBA champions more than twice — and both of their meetings in the NBA’s restart bubble at Walt Disney World have been one-sided.

“You got a team like Toronto, the defending champs, a really, really good team and they

know what it takes ... you have to be locked in even more,” Smart said. “And that’s just (what) we try to come out and do.”

Toronto is 0-2 against Boston at Disney, losing by a combined 40 points and not leading for a single moment in those two games. The Raptors are 11-0 at Disney against everybody else.

Jaylen Brown scored 17 points and Daniel Theis finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds for Boston, which is 5-0 in this postseason — though Celtics coach Brad Stevens dismissed any notion that control of the series has been secured.

“We’re not even in the ballpark of doing that yet,” Stevens said. We won one game.”

Kyle Lowry had 17 points for Toronto, which got 15 from Serge Ibaka,

FCELTICS, P10

Murray shoots 50 to extend Nuggets-Jazz series to Game 7

L

Kawhi Leonard was a dominant force with 33 points and 14 rebounds in Game 6.

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — The Jamal Murray-Donovan Mitchell duel will be settled in the first Game Seven in the bubble.

Murray extended his torrid run with 50 more points, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night.

Murray had his second 50-point game of the series to equal Mitchell, who finished with 44 in this one. No player has ever had more in an entire postseason.

They will go at it one more time Tuesday night, with the winner advancing to face the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers finished off the Dallas Mavericks in six games on the same court a few hours earlier.

Denver is trying to become the 12th team to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a series and the first since 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the only one of those comebacks that came in the NBA Finals.

The Nuggets won the opener, but the Jazz won the next three games and were in good shape to finish it in Game 5, holding a 15-point lead in the third quarter.

Murray led the charge back in that game, finishing with 42 points, and then was a sizzling 17 of 24 in Game 6, going 9 for 12 behind the 3-point arc.

Mitchell also hit nine 3-pointers and increased what was the NBA’s top-scoring average in these playoffs at 37.6 points per game.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

GIRL POWER Yuka Saso (left) and Bianca Pagdanganan (right).

Pinay golfers Saso, Pagdanganan stamp class in Japan, US LPGA

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OGERS, Arkansas — While Yuka Saso stamped her class in the Japan LPGA Tour with two straight championship titles, another Filipinas golfer is grinding herself through in the tough US LPGA Tour.

Bianca Pagdanganan, Saso’s teammate in the Philippine national women’s golf team, came up with three birdies in the final four holes to recover from three straight bogeys, carding a 72 to finish in joint 71st at three-under 210 in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Sunday. (Monday, Manila time) Pagdanganan collected $4,329 (around P200,000) for the finish.

Saso overcame an early slip for a closing 71 on Sunday to top the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament in Hokkaido.

The Filipina-Japanese golfer notched her second victory in three weeks on the on the Japan LPGA, finishing at 13 under 275 at Otaru Country Club, two strokes ahead of Sakura Koiwai.

Austin Ernst rallied to win her second LPGA Tour title, closing with an 8-under 63 for a two-stroke victory over Anna Nordqvist.

Four strokes behind Nordqvist entering the round, Ernst had the best score of the day, making 10 birdies and two bogeys at Pinnacle Country Club.

She joined 2014 champion Stacy Lewis as the event’s only American winners.

“I knew I needed a really low score,” Ernst said. “I kind of thought at the beginning of the week that 20 under would win and I think that’s what I got to, so guess I was right on that one. But you knew that out here you needed to attack and you couldn’t be afraid and couldn’t just kind of middle-the-green it all day.”

Nordqvist closed with a 69 after opening with rounds of 64 and 62 to take a three-shot lead into the final day.

Ernst opened with consecutive 65s

to put herself in position to win for the first time in 144 starts since the 2014 Portland Classic. The 28-year-old former LSU player also won the 2011 NCAA individual title.

“It was long,” Ernst said. “A lot longer than I thought it would be. Oh, man, it feels good. I have worked really hard.

I think this break was fantastic for me.

Helped get my confidence back. I had a rough year last year. I played so well in 2018, and, man, just feels so good right now.”

Ernst rebounded from a bogey on the par-4 13th with a birdie on the par5 14th, and took a two-shot lead when Nordqvist, playing in the group behind, bogeyed the 14th. Nordqvist birdied the par-4 16th to pull within one, and Ernst birdied the par-5 18th to push the margin back to two and post at 20 under.

“I think what’s kind of held me back in the past is I won’t hit as many fairways and don’t make quite as many putts, and today I hit the ball really well, really being under the gun all day,” Ernst said.

“Just I’m proud of all the hard work, and it’s nice to see to pay off.”

Nordqvist, the 33-year-old Swede with two major titles and six other LPGA Tour wins, also bogeyed the par-4 12th — her first dropped stroke of the week.

She played the four par-5 holes in 1 over, while Ernst birdied them all.

“I played great this week,” Nordqvist said. “Just felt like it wasn’t really meant to be. On the back nine, hit a lot of good putts. They just didn’t go in. Two bad drives that kind of killed me a little bit. ...

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