Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 137 |Friday, September 18, 2020

EDGEDAVAO REALIGNMENT NOT REJECTION LAKERS UP NEXT: MURRAY

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VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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President Rodrigo Duterte poses for posterity with Senate President Vicente Sotto III following a meeting at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Wednesday evening. Sotto said the President is willing to abolish the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. due to alleged corruption within the state insurer. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Rodriguez family not opposing Davao-Samal bridge but wants landing site realigned

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Mindanao major recipient of ‘Build, Build, Build’ projects

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A drilling rig conducts geotechnology survey for the Davao-Samal connector between Paradise Island Beach Resort and Lanang Beach Club. The Rodriguez family, who’s property will be affected by the bridge, reiterated

that the family is not opposing the project but only wanted that another location in Samal Island be considered. Edge Davao

REALIGNMENT NOT REJECTION Rodriguez family not opposing Davao-Samal bridge but wants landing site realigned

By MAYA M. PADILLO he Rodriguez family has finally spoken and asserted they are not opposing for the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Bridge, however, appeals to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Hong Kong-based consultant Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Ltd. for the realignment of bridge’s landing site in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) to protect the marine environment that they are preserving for a long time.

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“We do not oppose the bridge project but for the choice and for selection of the alignment of the said bridge, we were not informed of this proposed alignment prior to August

2019. Despite our meetings with DPWH and Arup to make our concerns clear only Arup decided that this proposed alignment is final with little regard to the ill effects on the white sand

Skycable to air DepEd lessons in Davao

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tudents in Davao will have more ways to learn their lessons at home when classes open in October as SKY and the Department of Education partner for the airing of government-developed educational video materials.

The partnership is SKY’s response to the National Telecommunications Commission and the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration’s call to cable and broadcast operators to support the DepEd by offering airtime or a channel for the government’s distance education program.

Under the agreement, SKY will dedicate a channel which will air a total of 80 hours of lessons per week with each grade level allotted an hour of lessons per day.

The company is also in

continuous talks with the Department of Education for other potential beneficiary cities around the country.

“Children’s education should not be sacrificed, specially during an unprecedented time such as this. Sky Cable is pleased to partner with the Department of Education and Local Governments to provide access to education allowing children to learn from their homes through Cable Television,” Antonio Ventosa, Sky Cable president and chief operating officer said.

SKYcable Davao and the Department of Education will announce more details in the coming weeks regarding airing schedules and lessons for specific grade levels that are covered in the curriculum.

beach, rich sea life, and undersea flora and fauna,” said Atty. Ramon Rodriguez Lucas, corporate secretary of Paradise Beach and Island Resort (PIBR), in a Zoom conference on Thursday.

The family has commissioned scientists Dr. Filipina Sotto, Dr. Cleto Nañola, and Joey Gatus to do a study of the ecosystem and biodiversity around the area of Paradise Reef, an area that will be hit by the bridge. Based on the study, there are three sites (stations) considered feasible for the landing site of the bridge: Lomos (station 1), Bridgeport (station 2), and the Paradise Island Beach Resort (PIBR, station 3).

The study also recommended that in the event station 2, the old shipyard now Bridgeport is not feasible, station 1, which is actually a portion of El Paril Beach Resort known now as Lomos beach, is offered for donation by the Rodriguez family, owners of PIBR, to be used as a compromise for the final landing site of the bridge.

Lucas said the donation is their family’s way of supporting the construction of the bridge and not to delay it.

“We recommend the landing sites and why not even consider that? Why would Arup not want that?

Until now we don’t know

FREALIGNMENT, P8

ven amid the coronavirus disease health crisis, Mindanao has become the forefront of the government's Build, Build, Build (BBB) program, widely considered as a key initiative for the country's economic recovery.

“Mindanao is at the front and center of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program. The Department of Finance has been able to secure financing for some infrastructure and peacebuilding projects in the region even amidst the pandemic,” Finance Sec. Carlos G. Dominguez said during the 29th Mindanao Business Conference here last Thursday (Sept. 10).

Dominguez was the keynote speaker of the twoday business event, which was streamed online.

For instance, Dominguez noted even at the height of the pandemic, the government in June this year signed a loan agreement with the government of Japan for the second phase of the Davao City Bypass Construction project.

This project involves the construction of a 45.5-kilometer four-lane bypass road that will begin in Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City, to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City.

Once completed, the bypass road will reduce the current travel time in the area from an hour and 44 minutes to just about 49 minutes, according to the Finance chief.

Dominguez said the project also includes a 2.3-kilometer mountain tunnel that directly connects Barangay Matina Biao and Barangay Waan in Davao City, reducing the travel time between the two points to less than five minutes from the usual 44 minutes.

Using Japanese technology, the bypass road and tunnel is scheduled to start this year and will be operational by 2023.

Dominguez said that aside from the bypass road project, another ongoing big-ticket infrastructure initiative is the construction of the PHP26-billion Davao City Coastal Road that is expected to ease traffic congestion in the city's downtown area.

The initial 2.7 kilometers of the Davao City Coastal Road Project will be open for public use in the middle of the month, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

DPWH-Davao Region

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PRRD wants PhilHealth abolished or privatized

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is willing to abolish the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. due to alleged corruption within the state insurer, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said Thursday.

Sotto said he was summoned to a meeting with the President Wednesday evening where they discussed the Universal Health Care Act, the PhilHealth Law as well as possible amendments to the Anti-Red Tape Law. "He said he wanted

PhilHealth abolished or privatized but I said it might be better to wait a few months and see how the new admin performs,” Sotto said. "I explained that PhilHealth is an insurance corp and not a Health entity."

Sotto was referring to former National Bureau of Investigation director Dante Gierran who has been appointed by Duterte as the new PhilHhealth president and chief executive officer, weeks after retired

FPRRD, P9

MOA Signing: SKY represented by its General Manager, Jerico D. Marcos with Reynaldo Guillena, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of Davao. Witnessed by Basilio Mana-ay, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (right). PR

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Random bomb drill tests city’s security, safety units

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he unannounced bomb drill that took place on Wednesday was made to test the operational readiness of the city’s security and safety units, according to the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC).

Led by PSSCC and Task Force Davao, the city government of Davao conducted a bomb drill along Roxas Avenue. The simulation exercise included an explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED).

In a phone interview, PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay said based on his observations the 450 participants composed of personnel from different security and auxiliary units including the Philippine Navy, Central 911, Task Force Davao (TFD), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and Philippine Coast Guard, showed readiness and acted appropriately in incidents like bombing.

“In terms of readiness nakita ko yung galaw at maganda naman ang coordinations at yung pag-manage sa bomb incident. Maganda tingnan.

We have to review the operational readiness of the units and inter-operability of the units in responding certain incident,” Sumagaysay said.

He said he is planning to conduct another bomb drill to fine tune the units’ preparedness.

Sumagaysay said it’s always been a practice of the city cluster to conduct drills, which stopped due to the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“Naputol lang because of the pandemic. Yes it is unannounced to measure the operational readiness of the security and safety units natin. Maganda naman at di nila nalilimutan ang security protocols in responding to IED explosion. Very thankful ako sa mga units na nag-participate,” he said.

Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay says the unannounced bomb drill that took place on Wednesday aims to test the operational readiness of the Davao City’s security and safety units. Edge Davao

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Jollibee opens first store in UK, targets 50 in Europe in 5 years

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A food delivery rider drives pass an outlet of Jollibee along Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City. The popular food chain has opened its first store in Liverpool in the United Kingdom and eyeing 50 restaurants in Europe in the next five years. Edge Davao

Innovation in gov’t crucial for PH resilience, economic recovery

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nnovation in government is needed to recover and build resilience from crises, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a statement on Wednesday.

Noting risks to the country’s growth outlook, Chua said the task ahead requires innovative and creative solutions that can effectively balance health and other objectives.

“What this crisis has made apparent is the need for us to innovate governance and the importance of effective coordination if we hope not just to outlast

but also build resilience against adversities such as this. Government must be the one to provide the direction and impetus for innovation to prosper. We must set the example by recalibrating our systems and processes to suit the needs and demands of the new normal,” he said during the virtual opening ceremony of the 6th Annual Public Policy

Conference (APPC) of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Tuesday.

Chua added this can be done through the use of new technologies in developing tools that can make the delivery of public services more effective and efficient.

“The task ahead requires innovative and creative solutions that can effectively balance both Covid and other objectives. That is why, the government’s response is a phased and adaptive recovery approach that prioritizes health as well as the recovery of con-

sumer confidence towards opening up more of the economy,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of effective coordination and dynamic multi-stakeholder partnerships to maximize all available resources to respond to the pandemic.

“Building strategic partnerships with different sectors is an effective way to address resource constraints and tap all available wealth of ideas, technologies, expertise, and networks.

These are crucial for governance innovation to happen especially in the new normal,” Chua said. (PR)

Monitoring Iodized Salt in Davao Region

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odine deficiency is the main cause of brain damage in childhood.

It results in impaired cognitive and motor development which affects a child’s performance at school. In adulthood, it affects productivity and the ability to find a job. Iodine-deficient people may forfeit 15 IQ points, and nearly 50 million people suffer from some degree of iodine deficiency-related brain damage. It is particularly important that pregnant women receive enough iodine in their diet, as iodine is a key nutrient in the fetal development process, especially with respect to the brain.

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy not only results in loss of IQ points in the brain of a fetus, but also in low birth weight, prematurity and increased perinatal and infant mortality.

– World Health Organization Last September 16, 2020, the agency spearheaded the 2nd Regional Bantay Asin Task Force

Meeting via Google Meet. It was participated by partner agencies in the region: DILG, NCIP, FDA, DOH, DSWD, DTI, and POPCOM. The meeting was focused on the demonstration of how to use the WYD Iodine Checker (a hand-held instrument that quantitatively measures the salt iodine content on the basis of a colorimetric method, and compared its performance with iodometric titration) facilitated by Ms. Ariene Lobredo Lariba Marketing Supervisor, and Ms. Flerida Ann Deniega of Salinas Food Corporation through a video presentation. They also entertained questions from the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force regarding the technicalities of the WYD Iodine Checker. The said equipment will be use during salt monitoring in the region.

Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC XI, emphasized the importance of adopting strategies and new tech-

omegrown food chain Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) has opened its first store in Liverpool in the United Kingdom, with the company eyeing 50 restaurants in Europe in the next five years.

Opened on September 3, the Liverpool store is only the second branch of the food chain in the UK following the one in Earl's Court in London, and the third store in Europe.

Jollibee Liverpool's first customer, the company reported, was a blogger who lined up as early as 2:00 a.m. on the opening day.

"Our Liverpool opening has shown that Jollibee has a great potential to appeal to the local customers in the European market, and not only to Filipinos," said Dennis Flores, JFC president for Europe, Midle East, Asia, and Australia (EMEAA).

According to Flores, 40% of the customers during the opening week were new to the brand, which increased to 50% the following week, showing positive reaction to Jollibee.

Moving forward, Flores hinted on the possibility of opening more in the United Kingdom and Europe in general, banking on the British market which spends some €1.2 billion on quick-service chicken annually.

"Our efforts to reframe the brand in Europe by adapting the store design and communication assets to align better with the local target audience are showing results as seen in the great reception by the locals in Liverpool," he said.

"We will reach out to them further by opening even more stores in mainstream locations such as Leicester," he added.

Jollibee Group chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong said the next Jollibee store in Leicester before the end of 2020,

with over 50 restaurants on track to be opened in the next three to five years.

"Our customer base around the world continues to grow as we tap local consumers within each market - expanding it from Filipinos living abroad to a wide, more mainstream market," he said.

"The Liverpool store is showing how Jollibee is appealing to local communities and not just for Filipinos, and we are grateful for their warm welcome and the love they are showing for our food," he added.

Jollibee's Liverpool location currently offers exclusive menu items such as Asian Slaw, Tropical Burger, Mango Coconut Sunday, and the Asian Chicken Tender Rice Bowl.

Jollibee in August also opened its West Plano store, the first in the Greater Dallas and North Texas area, marking the 45th store in the United States.

The company currently has over 270 international branches including the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

JFC has eight wholly-owned brands which include Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, and Smashburger.

Aside from these, it has three franchise brands -- Burger King and Panda Express in the Philippines and Dunkin' Donuts in certain territories in China.

It also holds 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24 brands.

JFC likewise has investments in Titan Dining LP, the ultimate holding entity of Tim Ho Wan Pte. Ltd.

Heirs of tycoons rise among PH wealthiest

nologies in implementing the ASIN Law at the local level. This includes the organization of a Regional Bantay Asin Task Force which shall be composed similarly of sectors included in the TWG-NSIP at the national level.

The National Nutrition Council plays a vital role in the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition in the country, particularly iodine deficiency disorders, through the

cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization and as the advisory board on it as stated in the Section 3 of the Republic Act No. 8172 - "An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN)”.

As targeted in the PPAN 2017-2022, the Region aims a 19.9% form 24.6% for children 6 to 12 years old, and 19.9% from 41.9 for lactating mothers by 2022, both for Iodine Deficiency Disorder.

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eirs of Philippine conglomerates rose among the country's wealthiest this year following the deaths of their predecessors.

The children of mall and banking tycoon Henry Sy ranked first with a fortune worth $13.9 billion despite a decrease of P3.3 billion, according to Forbes.

They unseated property tycoon and former Senate president Manny Villar from the first spot.

Lance Gokongwei and his siblings replaced on the list their father John Gokongwei Jr. who died in November 2019. They ranked fourth as they debuted with a net worth of $4.1 billion.

The wife of San Miguel’s Eduardo Cojuangco, who passed away in June,

ranked 16th with a net worth of $1.15 billion.

Soledad Oppen-Cojuangco shares the fortune with their four children Carlos, Luisa, Margarita and Mark, said Forbes.

Here is the full list of the country's top 10 richest: Sy siblings; US$13.9 billion Manuel Villar; $5 billion Enrique Razon Jr.; $4.3 billion Lance Gokongwei & siblings; $4.1 billion Jaime Zobel de Ayala; $3.6 billion Andrew Tan; $2.3 billion Lucio Tan; $2.2 billion Ramon Ang; $2 billion Tony Tan Caktiong; $1.9 billion Lucio & Susan Co; $1.7 billion

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

ECONOMY 5

Dennis Uy, MVP eyeing oil exploration deals in WPS

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ycoons Manny Pangilinan and Dennis Uy are looking to explore areas in the West Philippine Sea for oil deposits, the Department of Energy revealed Monday.

Dabawenyo tycoon Dennis Uy is looking to explore areas in the West Philippine Sea for oil deposits, the Department of Energy revealed. Contributed photo

The agency opened bids for four nominated areas under its Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program, which covers possible petroleum deposits near Recto Bank, an area subject of the country’s territorial row with China.

Uy’s Udenna Corporation submitted bids for nominated areas 7 and 8 identified by DOE. The area is also called Reed Bank, an oil-rich sea feature within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone that China is also claiming despite the ruling of an international arbitral tribunal which negated Beijing’s sweeping claims.

Pangilinan’s PXP Energy applied for Area 6, which covers a different section in the disputed waters. All bids were found compliant with the DOE’s legal, technical and financial requirements.

Its subsidiary, Forum En-

ergy, holds the rights to drill the adjacent area under Service Contract 72, which it secured in 2012 in partnership with the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

This was put on hold as the government is now looking into a joint oil and gas exploration deal with China in the disputed waters. However, the two camps have yet to finalize rules on how they will carry out the new agreement.

Meanwhile, the bid submitted by Troika Giant Power Corporation for Nominated Area 5 covering the Mindoro-Cuyo Basin also passed this stage. Bids are charged ₱200,000 per area.

Following the acceptance of application documents, the DOE will then review a company’s qualifications before it is chosen as the area contractor and is awarded a petroleum service con-

President Celia Reyes said it is crucial to implement reforms in agriculture to be able to maintain these gains and withstand the adverse impacts of future shocks and hazards.

Mindanao is known for its strong agriculture-based economy, with a third of the region’s land area devoted to agricultural activities.

"Agriculture will be our backbone as we speed up efforts in rebuilding Mindanao's economy post-pandemic,” MinDA Chair Emmanuel Piñol said.

Based on the data of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization in the Philippines, the region “supplies over 40 percent of the country’s food requirements and contributes more than 30 percent to national food trade”.

“Given Mindanao’s strength on agricultural production, the region will play a key role in sustaining food productivity and availability as the government continues to undertake measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic,” Reyes pointed out.

Piñol urged government agencies, local government units, and the private sector in Mindanao to “focus [their] efforts on the region's agriculture and fisheries sectors over the next five years to counteract the economic slowdown”

brought by the coronavirus outbreak.

More topics related to the possible contributions of the region in strengthening the sector as well as the challenges and constraints it may encounter will be presented during the MPRF. The forum will start with a presentation titled “Innovating Governance: Building Resilience Against COVID19 and other Risks: Focus on Agriculture” by PIDS Senior Research Fellow Sonny Domingo.

This will be followed by a discussion of various topics such as the “Socio-Economic Impact of COVID19 Pandemic in the Philippines/Mindanao” by Dr. Enrico L. Basilio, “Rapid Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security, Rural Livelihoods, and Agricultural Market Chains in Mindanao” by Dr. Roehlano Briones, and “Enhancing Internet Connectivity and Social Inclusivity in the New Normal Using Satellite Technology for a Better-Connected Agriculture Development in Mindanao” by Dr. Rogel Mari Sese.

Panelists were also invited to share their insights and provide recommendations on how Mindanaoans can move forward and bounce back from the pandemic.

Among those who will be joining the panel discussion are Hon. Khalid Dimaporo, Chair of the

tract by President Rodrigo Duterte, according to DOE guidelines.

Uy has been aggressively expanding his fuels business, having begun with his retail brand Phoenix Petroleum. In October 2019, he signed a deal with Chevron Philippines which allowed him to take a 45 percent stake in the Malampaya consortium, which extracts fuel reserves off Palawan province.

Pangilinan’s PXP Energy was also eyeing Malampaya and offered to take over the operations of the gas facility, but was rejected by DOE. The search for additional oil reserves proves crucial for local supply.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier said back that the Malampaya reservoir – which is located near Recto Bank – is only good until 2027.

Once the petroleum exploration and production contract expires in 2024, full control and ownership of the Malampaya natural gas and oil facilities will be turned over to the national government.

Global recession not as Innovate agri sector to ensure food security, deep as expected: OECD boost resilience amid pandemic and other crises

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he global recession this year will not be as deep as expected as a result of countries' efforts to counter the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the OECD said on Wednesday.

But the recovery next year will also be more modest than anticipated, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said, projecting a contraction of 4.5 percent in global economic output this year and a return to growth of roughly 5.0 percent in 2021.

In its previous set of forecasts in June, the Paris-based OECD had been expecting the global economy to shrink by 6.0 percent in 2020 and return to growth of 5.2 percent next year.

"After the initial bounceback in many activities following the easing of confinement measures, there are some signs from high-frequency indicators and business surveys that the pace of the global recovery has lost momentum since June, particularly in many advanced economies," the OECD said.

It pointed out, however, that "the economic outlook remains exceptionally uncertain, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to exert a substantial toll on economies and societies."

In the second quarter of 2020, global output more than 10 percent lower than at the end of 2019, "an unprecedented sudden shock in modern times," the OECD said.

The extent and timing of the pandemic shock dif-

fered across the major economies, but all experienced a sharp contraction in activity as necessary containment measures were implemented.

Prompt and effective action Global trade collapsed, declining by over 15 percent in the first half of 2020, and labor markets were severely disrupted by reductions in working hours, job losses and the enforced shutdown of businesses.

"Without the prompt and effective policy support introduced in all economies to cushion the impact of the shock on household incomes and companies, the contraction in output and employment would have been substantially larger," it said.

Looking at individual economies, China was expected to be the only one to expand in 2020, with projected growth of 1.8 percent.

India, on the other hand, would see its economy shrink by 10.2 percent.

The United States, the world's biggest economy, would fare better than the global average, with a projected contraction of 3.8 percent this year.

Germany would perform better than the eurozone as a whole, with its economy set to shrink by 5.4 percent, compared with a contraction of 7.9 percent for the single currency area.

The French economy was set to shrink by 9.5 percent, Italy's by 10.5 percent and Britain's by 10.1 percent, the OECD predicted.

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nnovating the country’s agriculture sector is necessary to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve the sector’s resilience to other risks.

This is the key message of this year’s 6th Mindanao Policy Research Forum (MPRF), which is jointly organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU). The virtual forum, which is slated for September 18, will be hosted by AdDu through its University Research Council.

The 6th MPRF carries the theme “Bouncing Back in the New Normal through Countryside Development and Agricultural Resilience” to underscore the significant role of the agriculture sector in sustaining food production and in improving economic recovery during crises like the novel coronavirus outbreak.

A report recently published by the World Bank noted that the country’s agriculture sector has exhibited resilience amid the pandemic. It grew “by 1.6 percent in the second quarter of the year” and the only sector that thrived during the period.

While this is good news for the sector, PIDS

Committee on Mindanao Affairs; Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije, President, Central Mindanao University; Mr. John Carlo B. Tria, President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.; Dr. Hussein S. Lidasan, Dean, University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning; and representatives from the National Telecommunications Commission/Department of Information and Communications Technology, as well as from farmers’ groups. Secretary Piñol will close the forum.

Launched in 2015, the MPRF is part of the Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) celebration led by PIDS every September, as mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 247. The DPRM aims to promote nationwide awareness of the significance of policy research in crafting evidence-based policies, plans, and programs.

This year’s DPRM theme is “Bouncing Back Together: Innovating Governance for the New Normal”, or in Filipino, “Makabagong Pamamahala para sa Sama-samang Pagbangon sa New Normal” to highlight the importance of innovating governance across all sectors of society to be able to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and other possible threats.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

On the operational readiness of the city’s security and safety units for terror attacks: In terms of readiness nakita ko yung galaw at maganda naman ang coordinations at yung pag-manage sa bomb incident. Maganda tingnan. We have to review the operational readiness of the units and inter-operability of the units in responding certain incident.”

Angel Sumagaysay

Head, Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

PRRD IS NO SUPERMAN, NEITHER IS LENI SUPERWOMAN This thinking bares exactly how mortals react to questions and issues of basic human concerns. We are like kids amazingly looking up to Marvel super heroes to carry us off to safety.

While great expectations of our current leaders to perform better public service than their predecessors are increasingly demanded by their constituencies, in our country the emerging low turnout of potential national leaders of excellent credentials is too exasperating.

Let’s face it. The contemporary situations and circumstances that the Filipinos are in right now require a leader with “superhuman” qualities to solve them.

Unfortunately, our people are still politically illiterate and immature in much the same way that they are financially ignorant.

These two premises define why so much poverty continues to reign in our lives and why Filipinos exist day-to-day with more of our countrymen looking forward to a day when Lady Luck finally smiles at them.

Good luck (suwerte) is often relied on instead of the cultivation and development of inherent

positive life-improving attitudes and values.

Filipinos rely too much on government assistance. (I think they have been taught by the nauseating eco-socio-political system prevailing.) Financial dole outs (4Ps), subsidies and anything that is welfare-centered government initiatives are resorted to because of the seeming helplessness of the people who are mostly poor.

John F. Kennedy’s immortal words ring and reverberate: “Ask not what the government can do for you. Ask what you can do for the country.”

I wonder if this is taught in the school system. It was long ago when the subject Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) was taken out of the curriculum. Now it is back.

The myriad of problems and chaotic circumstances the country is dealing with now – including huge corruption issues in many government agencies and instrumentalities – does not require a superman (or superwoman) of a leader to solve them.

We need only to look within ourselves – a soul-searching if it

is – because the SOLUTIONS to these ills and maladies lie within ourselves.

Let us not look outside of our horizons for solutions.

Why should we look to China to help us solve our domestic woes?

Why should we look to America to bail us out of our local issues?

Why should we look for help elsewhere when the problems started within us and within the country?

NOBODY CAN TEACH US TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS EXCEPT OURELVES. NOBODY BUT US WILL SOLVE OUR WOES. Let us cease looking up to Duterte as the be-all to erase our domestic troubles.

We are in deep sh-t because we assume PRRD is Superman in civvies.

Hey, he is no Clark Kent in disguise.

And neither is Leni Robredo who, with her perpetual nagging and faultfinding, has been vainly trying to convince us – THE ELECTORATE - that she can do a better job than the ex-Mayor of Davao

City.

No, no, no. She is so utterly presumptuous.

We should stop her in her tracks. Her political opposition stance is a hypocrisy in itself.

She cannot even correctly apply her mathematical “genius.”

These trying times are telling us Filipinos to collectively bond with each other because abnormal socio-economic political developments will shake us more before we can even say “soon.”

The chaos and confusion created by Covid 19 among the people is just the tip of the iceberg.

Even our government seems unable to determine what level of quarantine standard – MGCQ, GCQ, MECQ, or ECQ – should ideally apply.

We have been in lockdown for 6 horrible months.

Mind you, more negative developments from around the world – in the US, in the Middle East, in Asia – will directly or indirectly affect our way of life.

(If Turkey’s war-freak attitude in the Mediterranean does not stop, a likely border conflict with Greece, or Syria or even Israel, could erupt any moment.)

Filipinos should promptly realize the need for constitutional reforms because the 1987 Constitution has been rendered infirm by the manner our lives have been constricted.

Look, while we were then ranked second to Japan in economic status after the Second World War, the Philippines slowly slithered down the economic ladder to where we are currently situated, being outraced by Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and even war-ravaged Vietnam.

I keep hammering on this because only Filipinos can solve the problems the Philippines is facing right now.

I say: LESS POLITCAL FAULTFINDING AND MORE POSITVE GOVERNMENT ACTION AND RESPONSE. Filipinos must resolve to seek constitutional reforms particularly in the area of economics that will open up our country to the entry and influx of foreign investments to generate income and livelihood opportunities.

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

HOW DO YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART? During my college days, one of my favorite American singers was Kenny Rogers. One of the songs I liked was “A Love Song.”

The memorable lines go this way: “Why do people cry when they hear the word goodbye in a love song? Tears are sure to fall when you know they gave it all in a love song.”

Another stanza has these words: “Each of us know there’s no guarantee we’ll ever find love. And in the songs that we share, the heartache is there to remind us.”

More often than not, a broken heart is real. Some people have a hard time moving on after love has ended. There are those who still long that love will rekindle again for both of them. For some it may happen but for most, it won’t.

Helen Reddy’s song comes to mind: “I can’t say goodbye to you no matter how I tried.

You’re such a part of me without you, I would die. Deep in the heart of me, I know that you and I were meant to be together, I can’t tell you goodbye.”

Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz once wrote: “Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn’t work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes.”

For many people having a broken heart is something that may not be recognized at first, as it takes time for an emotional or physical loss to be fully acknowledged. “Human beings are not always aware of what they are feeling,” Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson points out. “Like animals, they may not be able to put their feelings into words.”

This does not mean we have no feelings. Well-known psychologist Sigmund Freud once speculated that a man could be in love with a woman for six years and not know it until many years later. Such a man, with all the goodwill in the world, could not have verbalized what he did not know. He had the feelings, but he did not know about them.

It may sound like a paradox—paradoxical because when we think of a feeling, we think of something that we are consciously aware of feeling. As Freud put it in his 1915 article The Unconscious: “It is surely of the essence of an emotion that we should be aware of it. Yet it is beyond question that we can ‘have’ feelings that we do not know about.”

Even the Holy Bible has a passage on the subject: “Insults have broken my heart and left me weak, I looked for sympathy but there was none; I found no one to comfort me” (Psalm

69:20. In this verse, King David explains that insults have broken his heart, not loss or pain. It is also a popular belief that rejection, major or minor, can break an individual’s heart.

This heartbreak can be greatly increased if rejected by a loved one or someone whom you respect.

So, how do you mend a broken heart? Having been broken-hearted several times over, I can say I am an expert on the subject. Here’s what you can do: Accept it. No matter what you do, it is the end of a beautiful relationship. If there is a beginning, there is always an ending.

You cannot control the feeling of the other person. When it comes to love, two hearts must combine to beat as one.

If there’s only one that beats, then it is not love at all. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, be glad that you were part of the other person’s life before.

It’s not the end of the world.

Just because you won’t see the person you loved the most anymore, the world hasn’t ended.

The fact is: the wind will continue to blow, the sun to shine, and the sea waves to rush to shore. Your friends and enemies may talk about the failed relationship you had but that’s part of life and growing up. You are still in control of your life. You

can even sing the Every Brothers’ song: “I’m through with romance, I’m through with love.

I’m through with counting the stars above.”

Move on. It’s okay to think of your beloved for a day or a week. But after that, move on.

Count your blessings. That person may not be the right person for you. I have known a lot of people who said, “I should have not married early in life.” Or you might be singing the song of Ogie Alcasid: “Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko.”

The break up might be a sign that someone out there is much better than your previous love.

Find another love. It might be easier said than done. I am sure you have heard it before: “I won’t find another love but you.” What they really meant is that they won’t open their heart again for a new love. Instead, listen to your heart. Love will find a way. “I believe for everyone who goes astray,” Tom Jones sings, “some will come to show the way.”

These rules are not foolproof. There are those that despite what they do, they continue to be brokenhearted.

And although “heartbreak” is usually a metaphor, there is a medical condition—appropriately known as broken heart syndrome—where a traumatizing incident triggers the brain

to distribute chemicals that weaken heart tissue.

Broken heart syndrome is clinically different from a heart attack because the patients have few risk factors for heart disease and were previously healthy prior to the heart muscles weakening. The recovery rates for those suffering from “broken heart syndrome” are faster than those who had heart attacks and complete recovery to the heart was achieved within two weeks.

The symptoms of a “broken heart” can manifest themselves through psychological pain but for many the effect is physical.

Although the experience is regarded commonly as indescribable, the following is a list of common symptoms that occur: a perceived tightness of the chest, similar to an anxiety attack; stomach ache and/or loss of appetite; partial or complete insomnia; anger; shock; nostalgia and apathy (loss of interest).

Other symptoms include feelings of loneliness; feelings of hopelessness and despair; loss of self-respect and/or self-esteem; medical or psychological illness (depression, for example), suicidal thoughts (in some cases); nausea; fatigue; constant or frequent crying; a feeling of complete emptiness; the thousand-yard stare; and in extreme cases, death.

8 EDGEDAVAO

REALIGNMENT... FROM2 why. They always tell us ‘we are looking at so many criteria and environment is just one of the factors’.

I mean you cannot make environment as one of the factors it is the main factor because you can build the bridge in four or five years but you cannot rebuild a coral reef even in 100 years,” Lucas said.

Lucas added that by simply realigning it a kilometer away from the Paradise Reef would not have same environmental catastrophe.

“Why wouldn’t you consider that? Is there any political reason why you have chosen this and not that?

Unsa ba gyud? I think the public can demand those answers from DPWH and Arup. They (DPWH, Arup) maintain until recently, that their study indicated the damage will be minimal and easily be mitigated. We were disappointed as our concerns are not properly addressed. As a result our family was compelled to seek the help of a marine and environmental scien-

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

tists to make a comprehensive study on the impact and to enable us to make an informed decision and assessed the situation and not based on speculations,” Lucas said.

The study entitled Biophysical Assessment on the Affected Reefs of the Proposed SIDC connector Bridge off the North-Western part of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) provides comprehensive information on the status of the marine resources in the said three assessed sta-

tions to recommend to the DPWH, DENR, and LGUs the best option for the proposed SIDC connector landing site with paramount consideration on environmental impact. It also concluded that in constructing the bridge’s landing site where the main bridge and its approach viaduct will be constructed must be given utmost consideration as it is inevitable that during construction of the bridge, the benthic communities will be irreversibly and irreparably destroyed.

“All the family’s want is to protect and preserve Paradise Reef for the sake of public interest and the common good for the present and future generation of Samaleños, Dabawenyos and for humanity itself.

They are doing it against all odds, against powerful vested political interests, and even personal attacks against their family,” said Atty. Julito “Sarge” Sarmiento, CEO and Founder, Enya, Climate Change Adaptation Resettlement Earth (CARE).

Scientific findings Based on these scientific findings and comparing them with both the Arup 2019 and JICA 2016 studies, Dr. Sotto’s team concluded that station 3’s Paradise Reef is home to rich marine life and corals preserved by the Rodriguez family as a de facto marine life sanctuary for almost 100 years.

No Writ of Kalikasan filed Sarmiento affirmed the Rodriguez family has not filed any legal case not even a Writ of Kalikasan despite all the pronouncements of DPWH and Arup that the landing site proposal is final.

“The family has reached out to DPWH and Arup. It reached 13 months of lobbying to DPWH and Arup.

It reached 13 months of lobbying to DPWH and Arup that we now come and partner with the media for the truth, facts, and the science to come out.

For the family, the Writ of Kalikasan will delay substantially the construction of the bridge, but they don’t want to delay it,” he said.

According to him, the family was appealing to DPWH and Arup even before they made the final design and the detail for them to consider the second best alignment in their own Feasibility Study and make their own environmental study of that second best alignment.

“Despite this persistent effort to talk with DPWH, to engage them and let them know the truth and get the public support, through all fora. And yet the DPWH would really not do its part in terms of realigning the bridge. And they are themselves asking for the delay of the bridge and no matter how difficult it is for the

family that there will be a delay because a Writ of Kalikasan will certainly delay it, if there is no other option, the last resort of the family is to file a Writ of Kalikasan that would delay substantially the construction of the bridge, which the family of course does not want to happen,” he said.

Short documentary film A short documentary titled “Alang KaNemo” was also launched during the Zoom conference. It follows a group of marine biologists and environmental advocates as they conduct an environmental assessment of the potential landing sites of the Samal Island - Davao City Connector Bridge, primarily on the side of Samal Island. Their report aims to provide a scientific basis for recommending the best location for the bridge, a recommendation that goes against the findings of a multi-million dollar consultant.

“The campaign will compel for the realignment of the bridge from Paradise Reef,” Sarmiento said.

ECC hearing A geo investigation survey in the Davao City side for the construction of the Davao-Samal connector project by Arup is ongoing.

Lucas said they already received notice from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Manila about the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) application hearing of the Arup on September 28, 2020.

“There will be a hearing and all the issues of the environment including the pre-construction services should be threshed out,” Lucas said.

Sarmiento said the DPWH and Arup and local contractor have been trying to ask permission to enter the property for geo technical services and survey but the Rodriguez family has been asking questions as the family is concern about the impact on the environment.

“We are waiting for the reply of DPWH and Arup with respect to the impact on that and what are the compliances that they have done environmentally to allow them to conduct these kinds of services especially within the family’s property and outside,” Sarmiento said.

spokesperson Dean Ortiz said “a few minor works are ongoing on the initial phase that runs from barangay Bago Aplaya in Talomo to Barangay Bucana.”

Currently, Ortiz said the coastal road has already attracted joggers and bikers.

DPWH has earmarked PHP2.6 billion for the project’s initial phase that started in 2017, Ortiz added.

Dominguez said the two big infrastructure projects form part of the Duterte administration’s thrust to position Davao City as the center for agriculture and industry.

He also expressed optimism that the discussions at the recently-concluded Mindanao Business Con-

ference would contribute to the recovery efforts of government amid the disastrous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am optimistic that by putting our minds together, we can find the best path to come out of this crisis stronger and more resilient than ever,” the Finance chief said.

He also acknowledged the move of Congress to pass the 2021 national budget.

“The timely passage of the 2021 national budget is crucial to our economic recovery. This will provide us with the tools necessary to rebuild the economy and decisively defeat Covid-19,” he said. (PNA)

MINDANAO... FROM2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Motormall Davao Corporation (HINO Davao), a leading Dealer of Brand new Trucks and Buses here in Mindanao needs a qualified candidate for HR and Admin Head position.

19th City Council 18th Regular Session Series of 2019 PRESENT: Councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan - Temporary Presiding Officer Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Ralph O. Abella Councilor Nilo D. Abellera Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Councilor Augusto Javier G. Campos III Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Jonard C. Dayap Councilor Alberto T. Ungab Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod ABSENT: Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic - On Vacation Leave ORDINANCE NO. 0103-19 Series of 2019 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AND SIGN, FOR AND IN BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO, THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO, BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO AND THERMA SOUTH, INC., FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF TWO (2) INTEREST-BEARING CURRENT ACCOUNTS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD FUND (DLF) AND FOR THE REFORESTATION, WATERSHED MANAGEMENT, HEALTH AND/OR ENVIRONMENT FUND (RWMHEEF) IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC2018-08-0021 ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AND SIGN, FOR AND IN BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO, THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO, BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO AND THERMA SOUTH, INC., FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF TWO (2) INTEREST-BEARING CURRENT ACCOUNTS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD FUND (DLF) AND FOR THE REFORESTATION, WATERSHED MANAGEMENT, HEALTH AND/OR ENVIRONMENT FUND (RWMHEEF) IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC2018-08-0021 ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.” SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – Section 455, (b) (l) (vi), of the Local Government Code of 1991, provides: “For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code, the City Mayor shall represent the City in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts and obligations and such other documents upon authority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance”; SECTION 3. AUTHORITY – The City Mayor is hereby granted legislative authority, to enter into and sign, for and in behalf of the City Government of Davao, the Memorandum of Agreement to be entered into by and between the City Government of Davao and Therma South Inc., for the establishment and administration of two (2) interestbearing current accounts specifically for Development and Livelihood Fund (DLF) and for the Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health and/or Environment Enhancement Fund (RWMHEEF), in accordance with Department Circular No. DC2018-08-0021 issued by the Department of Energy.

SECTION 4. SEPARABILITY CAUSE – If for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVITY – The provisions of this Ordinance shall take effect upon approval.

ENACTED, November 12, 2019, by a majority vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

cns/ray

31 JAN

APPROVED : ________________, 2019

PRRD... FROM2

general Ricardo Morales tendered his resignation.

While the Philhealth issue was discussed, the President did not mention the name of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who is accused of having a hand in the PhilHealth anomalies.

"I was ready to talk about it but he did not bring the name up," Sotto said.

The Senate on its adopted Committee of the Whole

report, has recommended that Duque, PhilHealth’s ex-officio chairman of the board, be replaced by a more competent official, and be charged criminally and administratively by the Department of Justice.

Duterte has refused to fire Duque, saying negligence is not enough reason to fire the health chief.

"Kung hindi ka corrupt (If you are not corrupt), wala ka namang, you don't

have any reason to resign," Duterte said.

Despite the non-mention of Duque's status, Sotto disclosed that he was able to discuss with the president, his filed Senate Bill 1829 amending the Universal Health Care Act. The bill proposes the appointment of the Secretary of Finance as ex-officio chairman of the PhilHealth Board replacing the DOH Secretary.

enough to open the floodgates. From there, Rafa looked like Rafa. He hit forehand winners down the line, crosscourt, and inside out.

He tracked down drop shots and flicked them away. He stood as far back as he could to return serve, a much-de-

rided tactic that now has a successful disciple in Dominic Thiem. Nadal slid out to his forehand side and shorthopped hard-hit balls into the open court.

He swung a crosscourt forehand pass by PCB on the dead run. He also missed a

forehand return on a break point, the way he has some many times in the past, but he finished the first set with two aces. Nadal’s timing wasn’t off, and his speed wasn’t diminished. He even hit a down-the-line backhand winner.

Denver also rallied from double-digit deficits in its last two games to stun the Clippers.

“We were right there.

There’s no excuses,” Leonard said. “We should have finished it off. Like I said, the last three games pretty much mirrored each other.”

Jokic insisted the

third-seeded Nuggets weren’t feeling any pressure. He said Game 7 was just another game. After all, this was Denver’s fourth straight Game 7 dating to the playoffs last season.

“Honestly, you could just see the difference in the two teams. That team’s been together,” Rivers said. “We ha-

ven’t. And you could see it as the games went on.”

Denver’s plans were to enjoy the moment — briefly, anyway, before getting ready for the Lakers.

“You have to celebrate the moments,” Malone said.

“This is a moment. It’s my birthday. We’re going to go party.”

RAFA’S... FROM11

9

LAKERS... FROM11

Minimum experience required: 1. Must be a graduate in Business Administration major in Human Resource Management.

2. At least three (3) years Supervisory experience.

3. With knowledge of Administrative practices and interpersonal relations techniques necessary in the discharge of functions; and 4. With knowledge on laws, rules and principles governing Human Resource and Administrative management.

Interested individuals should send their updated resumes to mncmalaki@hinodavao.ph

LA NIÑA... FROM10

ocean and the atmosphere in the tropical Pacific,” NOAA explained. “Changes in the ocean impact the atmosphere and climate patterns around the globe. In turn, changes in the atmosphere impact the ocean temperatures and currents.”

In the tropics, global climate variations in La Niña tend to be opposite of those of El Niño. “If you expect drought in the country with El Niño because of reduced rainfall and less typhoons, there will be more than normal rainfall and the normal but ‘stronger typhoons’ during a La Niña episode that will cause floods and devastation of farms and property,” explains Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, an academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology.

How does La Niña affect the country’s weather?

PAGASA has this answer: “Effects of La Niña could be manifested in above the normal rainfall conditions in major parts of the country, particularly along the eastern sections. This is mainly due to more intense northeast monsoon and tropical cyclone activities.”

Whether La Niña will happen or not sooner, it would be best for everyone to start preparing for its occurrence. “It is better for the national government to prepare for another extreme weather event,” Anthony Joseph R. Lucero, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, was quoted as saying.

Effects of La Niña could be manifested in above the normal rainfall conditions in major parts of the country, particularly along the eastern sections. Meteorologists say La Niña intensifies the northeast monsoon, causing more typhoons.

“The Philippines has the highest occurrence of tropical cyclones around the world,” Lucero said during the Climate Forum for Agriculture a few years back. “We are known to have the most number of tropical cyclones.”

Each year, 19 to 21 cyclones pass the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“Our tropical cyclone comes one after another,” he pointed out. However, only six to nine out of those typhoons make landfall.

But with La Niña, typhoons are expected to be more common and disastrous.

“Potential adverse impacts of the developing La Niña include floods and landslides over vulnerable areas with varying magnitude,” the

weather bureau warned.

“All concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of the developing La Niña,” urged Dr. Vicente B. Malano, PAGASA administrator. “(We) will closely monitor these conditions and regular updates and advisories shall be issued as appropriate.”

Floods are among the most destructive calamities man has to cope with. In fact, a really big flood can result in millions, even billions of pesos of damage to road and bridges, buildings and other economic infrastructure, in the loss of agricultural crops and livestock, loss of productivity in industry, commerce and trade - not to mention the incalculable loss of human life. Remember the Ormoc tragedy in Leyte? More than five thousand people perished from flash floods, injuring 292 others with 1,264 missing.

“With too much rain and floods, agriculture production especially in flood-prone areas will be adversely affected with physical and economic losses,” Dr. Guerrero said. “Floods will wash away crops, hasten soil erosion and increase crop spoilage due to poor storage and distribution problems.”

Dr. Guerrero admitted that Filipino farmers cannot do anything against the onslaught of La Niña except to prepare and plan for it.

“Planting in flood-prone areas should be avoided to avert crop losses,” he stressed.

“Drainage and flood-control structure should be renovated beforehand.”

Health-wise, people are likely to suffer from La Niña.

During floods, food-borne and water-borne diseases accelerate, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

“Flooding can contaminate the public water through the disruption of water purification and sewage disposal systems, rupture of underground pipelines and storage tanks,” said the disaster management unit of DOH. Using contaminated water can cause a wide spectrum of illness, among them: acute gastroenteritis, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis A. Malaria and dengue fever, infections transmitted by mosquitoes, are also expected to rise after heavy rainfalls due to an explosive increase in breeding sites.

Because of these projected economic and health problems, the weather bureau said that flood damage

mitigation and protection is a concern not only during the disaster but should be practiced before, during and after the occurrence of a flood. As such, it has issued the following flood safety rules: Before the flood, a person must know how often his location is likely to be flooded.

He should keep abreast with the flood warning system (issued by PAGASA) in the community and keep the family informed about it. The head of the family must be kept informed of daily weather conditions. He must designate an evacuation area for his family and the livestock. In addition, he must assign family members instruction and responsibilities according to an evacuation plan.

In addition, people are advised to keep a stock of food which requires little cooking and refrigeration before the flood. The following must be kept: a transistor radio and flashlight with spare batteries, emergency cooking equipment, candles, matches, first aid kit and water.

When warned of flood, everyone must watch for rapidly rising flood waters.

The family should listen to the radio for emergency instructions. If the head of the family finds it necessary to evacuate, then he must move them to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters. However, it is wise to turn off electricity at the main switch in the building before evacuating. “Also lock your house before leaving,” PAGASA said.

During the flood, the PAGASA advised to avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

It cautions not to attempt to cross rivers of flowing streams where water is above the knee; beware of water-covered roads and bridges; avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements; eat only well-cooked food; and drink only bottled, boiled or treated water.

After the flood, the weather bureau recommends to re-enter the house with caution using a flashlight. “Be alert for fire hazards like broken wires,” it cautions. “Do not eat food and drink water until they have been checked for flood water contamination.”

The PAGASA also suggests reporting broken utility lines (electricity, water, gas and telephone) to appropriate agencies/authorities. “Do not turn on the main switch or use appliances and other equipment until they have been checked by a component electrician,” it warns.

10 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

La Niña: The (not so) cool flipside of El Niño

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

he inevitable has come. While people are scared of being infected with the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), La Niña has arrived without much fanfare, according to the latest bulletin of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations.

In its August 2020 bulletin, WMO stated: “Current observations show below-average surface and sub-surface water temperature in the tropical Pacific, suggesting a likely tendency towards further decreases in sea surface temperature, possibly reaching La Niña thresholds during September 2020.”

Since March 2020, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been continuously monitoring the possible development of La Niña.

“Current conditions and model forecasts show that there is more than 50%

chance that a weak La Niña will develop in either late October or November 2020, which may last through the first quarter of 2021,” the country’s weather bureau said in a press statement issued on July 16, 2020.

Last September 10, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the arrival of La Niña, which has “a 75% chance of hanging around through the winter.”

“La Niña’s arrival could impact weather around the globe, potentially causing more frequent and stronger hurricanes for the few months of the Atlantic hurricanes,” CNN reported. “It

can also mean wetter conditions for northern Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, drier conditions for western South America and cooler conditions for western Africa.”

Scientists can’t help not to mention El Niño when talking about La Niña. “El Niño and La Niña events are caused by, and contribute to, naturally occurring climate variability,” WMO explains.

“They disrupt the normal patterns of tropical precipitation and atmospheric circulation and are considered to be the opposite phases of air-sea interactions collectively referred to as the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO).”

El Niño and La Niña occur every two to seven years and typically last for 9 to 12 months. Dr. Kevin Trenberth, an American distinguished senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, warned: “El Nino extremes are greater, while La Nina lasts longer.”

La Niña is the exact opposite of the phenomenon called El Niño, which was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America as the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean, occurring near the beginning of the year. El Niño means “the Little Boy” or “Christ Child” in

Spanish. The name was used for the tendency of the phenomenon to arrive around Christmas.

La Niña, on the other hand, means “the Little Girl.”

It is sometimes called “El Viejo,” “anti-El Niño,” or simply “a cold event” or a cold episode.

To simplify, meteorolo-

gists explain: El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the ENSO cycle, with La Niña sometimes referred to as the cold phase of ENSO and El Niño as the warm phase of ENSO. “El Niño and La Niña result from interaction between the surface of the

FLA NIÑA, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Lakers up next: Murray

L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Nikola Jokic picked out two birthday presents for his coach. He just didn’t know which one he would be wrapping.

“Before the game I told him, ‘Coach, I’m going to give you a really good present — I’m going to get you home or I’m going to get you to the conference finals,’” the Nuggets center said.

Michael Malone was thrilled with the present he received.

Denver’s dynamic duo of Jamal Murray and Jokic led another stunning turnaround as the Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2009.

Murray scored 40 points, Jokic had a triple-double by the third quarter and Denver again overcame a double-digit deficit to shock the Los Angeles Clippers 104-89 in Game Seven on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Denver became the first team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 series deficit twice in the same postseason. The team beat Utah in

Game 7 in the first round.

“Those guys stepped up on the biggest moment,” said Malone, who turned 49 on Tuesday. “You find out a lot about people in these moments. Man, did we pass the character test or what?”

Even more history: The Nuggets are the third team in the US major pro sports to rally from a pair of 3-1 deficits in the same playoffs, joining the 1985 Kansas City Royals and 2003 Minnesota Wild.

Denver will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference finals. They’ll be the underdogs, of course. That’s fine with Murray.

“It’s fun to silence everybody,” said Murray, who scored 25 in the first half.

They certainly quieted the noise around the Clippers, who hoped the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George would lead them to their first-ever conference finals — and be-

yond. But LA’s stars fell flat.

“It hurts. It hurts. But we move on,” George said.

“Year 1 together, first run together, of course we wanted to win this. But we’ve been very optimistic about us being together and building something going down the road.”

Leonard finished with 14 points on 6-of-22 shooting, while George had 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

The Clippers fell to 0-8 alltime in games where they could clinch a trip to the conference finals.

This marked the third time that coach Doc Rivers was on the losing end of a series where his team led 3-1. It also happened when he was with Orlando against Detroit in 2003, and with the Clippers against Houston in 2015.

“I’m the coach and I’ll take any blame for it. But we didn’t meet our expectations, clearly,” Rivers said.

The Nuggets celebrated in style after the game,

“It’s fun to silence everybody”-- Jamal Murray.

dumping water on each other and jumping around in the locker room.

“This is a really interesting team,” Jokic said. “We don’t have many superstars.”

That’s

debatable.

The 7-foot Jokic had a monster game with 16 points, 13 assists and 22 rebounds, which were the most by a Nuggets player in an NBA playoff game. He broke his record of 19 that he set last season and shared with Marcus Camby.

In a familiar trend, the Nuggets found themselves down by 12 in the first half.

They also trailed 61-54 with 10:50 let in the third when they caught fire. The Nuggets went on a 35-13 run to build a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter.

They led by as many as 20.

FLAKERS, P9

PH clubs dismayed over AFC Cup cancellation

T Rafael Nadal, who will play either Milos Raonic or Dusan Lajovic next, won 6-1, 6-1, in 73 minutes against countryman Pablo Carreno Busta.

Rafa's return makes tennis a little bit normal

A

mong the top male players, Rafael Nadal had been the most circumspect about making his post-shutdown return.

Asked about the prospect of returning to the tour in the early summer, he instead talked about how he wished he could just do something as simple as get together with his friends and family.

Nadal had, after all, seen what the virus did to his native Spain, and what it continues to do even now.

Unlike like most of his colleagues, Rafa didn’t play exhibition events during the

lockdown, even those in his home country. Faced with the choice of whether to defend his 2019 US Open title, he decided against making the trip to New York.

So the sight of Rafa on court in Rome was a heartening one, a small sign of normalcy in an abnormal time. Even more heartening—for his fans at least— he looked and played like his normal self. During the coin toss, he leaped just as high in the air as he always has.

The only difference was the bight yellow mask he wore, to match his bright yellow

shirt. Nadal was a little more tan, a little more clean shaven, maybe a few pounds lighter. He was back on his favorite surface, at a tournament he has won nine times.

He was ready.

The same could not be said for Nadal’s opponent and countryman, Pablo Carreno Busta. Coming in, there seemed to be three possibilities for PCB in this match: He might be sharp after his semifinal run at the US Open; he might be weary after multiple five-setters and a trans-Atlantic flight; or he might not be prepared

11

to make the shift from hard courts to clay.

The answer turned out to be a combination of the last two, because after a few decent games at the start of the match, he put up only token resistance down the stretch. It probably didn’t help that PCB was 0-5 against Rafa, and had managed to win just one set in those five matches.

Nadal saved a break point in his opening service game, then broke with a crosscourt backhand winner to go up 3-1. That was

FRAFA’S, P9

he general managers of United City and Kaya-Iloilo are “very disappointed” that the Asian Football Confederation Cup has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, depriving both sides of the chance to advance further in the continent’s club competition.

Both local clubs were among those still in contention in the ASEAN Zone when play was scrapped by the Asian football body, citing the imposing logistical challenges for completing the remaining matches of the tournament, last Sept.

10.

United City, which took over the slot of Ceres-Negros FC as part of the club’s buyout, paced 4-team Group G with 7 points on 2 wins and a draw while Kaya-Iloilo was running second in Group H with 5 points after posting a win and 2 draws.

The group winners would have advanced to the knockout stage.

Three years ago, the Busmen bagged the first AFC ASEAN Zone championship after beating Singapore’s Home United 2-0 at the Panaad pitch in Bacolod, on Aug. 9, 2017 for a 3-2 aggregate victory.

United City and Kaya-Iloilo still had three matches remaining in their respec-

tive groups of the homeand-away, double-round series, which was supposed to be held separately in Vietnam beginning Sept. 23 until the Vietnamese withdrew their hosting due to the rise of the virus infections there.

“The staging of the remaining matches of the AFC Cup was no longer a sporting issue but a health issue, a pandemic issue that is beyond our control,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr., who is also on the AFC Executive Committee.

Araneta added that even under the centralized, or “bubble,” set-up both local clubs would have incurred extra expenses, “because they need to undergo an extra 14-day quarantine before they can compete at the competition venue abroad due to the high COVID-19 cases we have here.“ “Once they return home they will also require another additional 14 days of quarantine before being released once again,” he added.

Araneta said the AFC was trying to salvage the situation so the tournament could be resumed in December because “we (the AFC) will have new commercial partners next year. But if it is not feasible then it has to be cancelled.”

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 137 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

BUBBLE WRAP

PBA players support bubble proposal P

A gym member works out with face mask on inside the Arcadia Fitness Gym in Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland. Arcadia strictly enforces health protocols for all gym users.

layers from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) expressed their support for the proposal to continue the league’s postponed season inside a bubble.

In a dialogue with Commissioner Willie Marcial on Wednesday, the players said they are fine being secluded in only one place just for the PBA’s 45th season, which has been stalled for six months now, to finally resume amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Lahat sila willing maglaro sa NBA (National Basketball Association) type bubble or semi-bubble. Ayaw nila ng closed-circuit (All of them are willing to play inside an NBA type bubble or semi-bubble.

They do not want a closed-circuit system). They requested to do away with it,” Marcial said.

The NBA is so far successful in implementing the bubble system inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida as

none of the league’s players has contracted Covid-19 at the moment.

Marcial will bring the players’ plea to the PBA board of governors on Thursday in its meeting.

Also to be discussed will be the location of the proposed bubble.

Last week, three undisclosed venues made the shortlist, and on Thursday, the board will tackle which among the three will officially host the bubble.

The schedule of the games will likely be tackled too in the PBA board meeting.

Marcial bared that the possibility of a compact schedule is now gaining traction.

“We’re looking at finishing the eliminations in one month, then the quarterfinals in four to five days, then best-of-five (semifinals) and best-of-seven (finals),” Marcial said.

With Marcial’s proposed schedule, it is likely that the games will be played daily.

(PNA)