Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 138 | Saturday, September 19, 2020

FOOD CRISIS LOOMS WITH WATER SHORTAGE AGRITRENDS P9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

UNDAS SHUTDOWN

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

Cemeteries, columbarium, memorial parks closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4

STORY ON PAGE 2

Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS)-bound vehicles wait for their turn to board on a ferry at Sasa Ferry Wharf in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City on Friday. Some resorts in the island are considering to temporarily halting operations because of losses due to lack of guests.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

Senator Christopher Go and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea witness the ceremonial turnover of one million face masks between Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman Norman Fulgencio and Presidential Management Staff Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila on Thursday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

UNDAS SHUTDOWN T

Davao City to give 300 laptops in 'Student Siblings' project

Cemeteries, columbarium, memorial parks closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4

I

By MAYA M. PADILLO

f you are planning to visit your departed loved ones, cross out the Undas week from October 29 to November 4.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced on Friday that columbarium, memorial parks, and cemeteries in Davao City are closed from October 29, 2020 to November 4, 2020 based on the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to prevent mass gathering and prevent the spread of

Covid-19.

“Sarado ang cemeteries on October 29 to November 4. Nationwide ni siya and waiting lang ta sa written document. Base ni siya sa IATF to prevent mass gatherings. You can visit anytime sugod karon hangtod October 29 or after November 4 or November 5 onwards,” Mayor

Sara explained.

The IATF has also set a maximum capacity of 30 percent in all cemeteries and memorial parks, private and public, excluding the closed down dates from September 17 to November 15.

All visitors are required during this period to wear face shields and masks, while observing physical distancing. There will also be no age restrictions for those who will visit cemeteries during Undas, meaning those under 21

and over 60 years old are allowed to visit their departed loved ones.

The mayor will also issue an EO and guidelines to cater those who are scheduled to be buried in the said dates.

A security plan was also created for the opening and operating of the memorial parks during Undas.

“Ang ilahang nabuhat na security plan revolves around opening and operating during Undas,” the mayor said.

gap ng bawat benepisyaryo (We will top up their aid to complete the suggested financial assistance per family beneficiary of PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 depending on the maximum subsidy in their respective regions),” DSWD Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje explained.

Paje added that the DSWD will distribute the top-up aid to DOLE and DA SAP beneficiaries along with the SAP 2 aid, which they have previously announced to be completed

by September 2020.

The agency said the move follows the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2 which was signed in June along with other government agencies including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which facilitate the transportation and security of the social welfare officers.

On Tuesday, the agency said there are more than 142,000 beneficiaries of DOLE under the Tulong

Panghanapbuhay para sa Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko (#BKBK) disinfection/ sanitation project, and over 292,000 recipients of DA who are qualified to receive financial support.

“DOLE beneficiaries who received aid during the first tranche of SAP are eligible to receive the topup aid,” Paje added in vernacular.

The circular identified Region 3 except Aurora Province, National Capital

Gov’t social aid recipients to get additional cash

T

he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced Thursday that it will provide an additional P3,000 to maximize the financial aid received by recipients of the social amelioration program (SAP) through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Agriculture (DA).

“Ang top-up ay ibibigay upang mabuo ang kaukulang ayuda na PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 o ang maximum subsidy ng bawat rehiyon na natatan-

FGOV’T, P10

he Davao City government has launched the "Student Siblings’ Laptop Sharing Project" where 300 laptops are given out to pupils enrolled in junior and senior public high schools for their online classes.

The “Student Siblings’ Laptop Sharing Project” is a special project initiated

by Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and sponsored by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Davao City To qualify, the beneficiary should be a junior or senior high school pupil from an indigent family, indigent solo parent, or living with indigent guardians; must have online and offline classes; lives in a dwelling with electricity; and, must have two or more siblings who are enrolled in schools to share the laptop.

Norman Baloro, the spokesperson for the special project, said that interested students may send an email to specialprojects.davaocitygov@ gmail.com to download the application forms, which will put in the designated dropbox outside the Pasalubong Center beside the People’s Park.

These forms must be submitted from September 21 to 23, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Baloro said that priority will be given to those residing in Toril Proper, Buhangin Proper, Bunawan Proper, and barangays under Poblacion and Agdao District since these are urban poor areas with stable electricity and internet connections.

Baloro said that the 300 qualified to receive the laptops will be asked

FDAVAO CITY, P10

UK, France and Germany reject China's 'historical claims' in SCS

F

rance, Germany, and the United Kingdom submitted a note verbale to the United Nations, asserting the 2016 arbitral award which opposed China's vast "historical claims" in the resource-rich South China Sea. The diplomatic notes, dated Sept. 16, came following the numerous communications issued by China in response to Malaysia's submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

The three European

powers collectively said the"claims with regard to the exercise of historic rights over the South China Sea waters do not comply with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provisions" and none less than the 2016 landmark decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration "confirms this point".

In their note verbale, the three nations also called on all claimants to

FUK, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

PRRD asks Congress to pass legislation to help biz sector

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte has asked the leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass additional legislation that would expedite the assistance for the business community affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte made his appeal during his meeting with congressional leaders led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, head of the Senate committee on health, and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Gomez Romualdez also attended the meeting where Duterte discussed the opening of the economy.

“Ang concern ng mga namumuhunan at negosyante na lubhang naapektuhan ng pandemya ay paano masugpo ang red tape at korapsiyon at mapaikli ang mga proseso sa government transactions (The concern of investors and businessmen heavily affected by the pandemic is how to eradicate red tape and corruption and to shorten the process of government transactions),” Roque said in a virtual presser.

Roque said the leaders of both houses of Congress promised to study and address the request of the President.

Duterte met with the Congress leaders a week after he signed into law the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 which provides for a PHP165.5-billion fund to finance the country’s response and recovery interventions intended to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Roque earlier consid-

ered the signing of Bayanihan 2 as crucial in the country’s efforts to re-open the economy, support businesses, and revitalize economic growth which was affected by the community restrictions to contain the virus.

The law’s stimulus package consists of PHP140 billion of regular appropriations and an additional standby fund of PHP25.5 billion.

Under the law, PHP3 billion will be allotted for the procurement of personal protective equipment, face masks, and face shields; PHP4.5 billion for the construction of temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities and the expansion of government hospital capacity; and PHP13.5 billion for emergency employment and compensation of health workers.

A total of PHP4.5 billion will be used to finance isolation facilities, hotel accommodation, food, and transportation of Covid-19 patients; and PHP5 billion for the hiring of contact tracers.

Furthermore, PHP13 billion will be allocated for the cash-for-work program; PHP9.5 billion for assistance to public utility drivers and other programs of the transportation department; PHP6 billion for “individuals in crisis” and other programs of the social welfare department; PHP4 billion for the tourism industry; and PHP4 billion for the education department’s implementation of digital learning.

The Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) is the second installment of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Bayanihan 1), which gave Duterte emergency powers to address the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

The Bayanihan 1 law already expired on June 25.

(PNA)

Customs-Davao unveils customer care center

T

he Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao launched on Thursday the agency’s Customer Care Center to address queries and transactions of clients via a digital platform.

The facility is a onestop-shop center that features services such as centralized document receiving and releasing, gate pass insurance, and other Customs service, according to Atty. Dante A. Maranan, BOC-Davao deputy collector for administration.

Maranan said the main purpose of digital transactions is to eliminate faceto-face interaction between BOC-Davao personnel and the transacting public.

“This is also timely since we are currently having a pandemic and we need to be cautious especially in doing face-to-face transactions,” he said, adding that the center also aims to curb corruption.

The center will be manned by BOC-Davao personnel from Monday to Friday during office hours.

Meanwhile, Nica Chynna Concepcion, BOC-Davao Administration Division chief, said that online transactions have already started since August 13.

“First, we started with the BOC Customer Care Portal System (CCPS) for online transactions and now the customer service facility. It is a transition since we are also checking the loopholes of the platform,” she said.

Concepcion said the CCPS also allows external stakeholders to electronically submit their concerns with the bureau as they can post their complaints, feedback, or suggestions.

“We have uploaded all import transactions and since its inception, we catered to about 150 trans-

FCUSTOMERS, P10

NEWS 3

President Rodrigo Duterte asks the leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives during a meeting at Malacañang to pass additional legislation that would expedite the assistance for the business community affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DPWH on connector bridge: marine life won’t be harmed

By MAYA M. PADILLO n official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured that the preservation and protection of marine environment is the agency’s topmost priority in the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) connector bridge.

A

“We have high regard for the environment. We will protect marine diversity while constructing the SIDC Bridge. In any progressive nation, there can always be a better way to harmonize infrastructure development and care for environment,” said Undersecretary Emil Sadain of DPWH. The statement was in response to the appeal of the Rodriguez family to realign the landing site of the bridge in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) to protect the marine life in the Paradise Reef that the family is allegedly preserv-

ing for a long time.

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 Rodriguezes caimed that based on the scientific findings of Dr. Sotto and her team, the

Paradise Reef is home to rich marine life and corals preserved by them as a de facto marine life sanctuary for almost 100 years.

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

“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 Adapta-

tion Resettlement Earth (CARE).

Meanwhile, Sadain said that DPWH has requested with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for public hearing as a prelude to their Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) application for the project.

The hearing is scheduled on September 28, 2020.

“This hearing is very vital, and is part of the whole process for DENR to issue the ECC,” he said.

On the other hand, Sadain said the ongoing geo investigation survey is in anyway, a prerequisite to the completion of the conceptual design that is indispensable in any bridge engineering.

The conceptual design and documents for the construction of the much-anticipated Davao-Samal connector project is expected to be completed this month.

5 Organic winners receive certificates,checks from DA XI

F

ive winners of the Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Award (ROAAA) 2020 received their certificates and cheques on September 10, 2020, at the DA-XI Regional Field Office in F. Bangoy St., Davao City.

The Department of Agriculture - XI Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate together with Field Operations Divisions (FOD) Chief Marie Ann M. Constantino awarded the five winners, as the three winners from Davao City

have previously received their certificates and cheques from Agriculture Sec. William D. Dar on September 7, 2020.

The winners for the 2020 ROAAA are: · Fairtrade Farmers Coconut Multipurpose Cooperative as the Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Small Farmer Group · Glenn M. Ferrer as the Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Small Farmer Individual · Demosthenes S.

Aquino and Family as the Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farming Family · Vicente Y. Jalalon as the Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Provincial Focal Person · Rizalde J. Palermo as the Most Outstanding Municipal Organic Agriculture Focal Person. · City Government of Davao as the Most Outstanding City · Neptali V. Buhawe as the Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Agri-

cultural Extension Worker (AEW) · Janel N. Juaton as the Most Outstanding Organic Agriculture Young Farmer “We thank you for your efforts in organic farming,” said Director Oñate, addressing the farmer-awardees. “Whatever help we can give, we will give. And above all, whatever we may achieve, we thank God for everything,” Oñate concluded.

(PR-Reicza Olojan, DARFO XI, RAFIS)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

Landbank okays P350-M loan for 5 private schools

F

The House energy committee has approved a consolidated bill extending the lifeline rate, a socialized pricing mechanism granted to marginalized sectors identified by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). Edge Davao

Low influx of tourists may force some Samal resorts to shut down

By MAYA M. PADILLO ome resorts in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) are in danger of shutting down after the low turnout of tourists since the re-opening of tourism sites in the island.

S

Despite gradually opening its tourism sites last month allowing resorts to a maximum of 50 percent capacity, the number of tourists to the island trickled low for fear of getting exposed to the virus. According to a resort organization official, some resorts might be forced to stop operation temporarily if the trend continues.

“If after one month of operation is not viable,

some resorts might stop operation. Everyone is on a wait and see mode to determine if their operations are viable. There are very few guests who come to the resorts due to fear from Covid-19,” said Engineer Pastor Lozada Jr., president of the Samal Resort Owners Association, in a text message.

Lozada also mentioned the requirements set by the Department of Interior and Local Gov-

'Plantliners' among those boosting YouTube watch time during lockdown: Google PH

G

ardening, arts, fitness and games enthusiasts are among those pushing the growth in YouTube watch time and monthly active users as Filipinos seek for "positive" passion outlets while stuck at home, global technology company Google Philippines said.

Gardening watch time on YouTube has grown 4x during the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Philippines marketing head Gabby Roxas told reporters during the YouTube Brandcast event held late Thursday.

Watch time for videos about arts "more than doubled" while those watching strategy game videos "more than tripled," Roxas said.

"As Filipinos spend more time at home, creating that sense of community and connecting with others with the same interest is absolutely critical," Roxas said.

"There definitely is

a boom in watching gardening videos ...During this time Filipinos turn to YouTube to learn more, to stay connected and to stay informed and to dig deeper into their passions, to learn new things," he added.

Google said YouTube now has 40 million adult unique monthly viewers with 18 to 34 comprising 50 percent of the total.

YouTube watch time has also grown by 50 percent year-on-year, Roxas said.

Roxas said the video streaming platform offers a diverse source of contents where Filipinos could harness their "passion points."

Knowledge video watch time grew almost 90 percent, while those watching fitness at home videos grew "more than triple."

"Despite the odds, Filipinos found ways to go into positive habits with the help of videos they're see-

FPLANTLINERS, P10

ernment (DILG) and the local government of IGaCoS for guests to enter the island a bit hassle.

The island has imposed a “No booking, no entry” policy following the issuance of a QR code for tourists entering Samal. The local government of IGaCoS imposed a QR code system to every visitor of the island to monitor movement as well as to make contact tracing more efficient should they test positive for Covid-19.

The resort owners are also required to comply with the requirements set by the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11) to ensure

the safety of the tourists such as the setting up of health protocols.

Mayor Al David Uy of IGaCoS said that Samal only caters to tourists from Davao Region as long as they go through the process.

Lozada also said resort owners don’t receive yet any assistance from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the LGU. In an interview in May this year, Lozada said resort owners are seeking help from the local government, primarily for workers who have been displaced due to the halt in tourism activities.

Currently, the island has a total of 200 resorts.

ive private schools around the country have received a total of PHP350 million worth of loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) to allow them to extend a “study now, pay later” program.

In a reply to questions from the Philippine News Agency, the state-owned bank said seven loan applications are in the pipeline, while seven school-borrowers are completing documentary requirements for the Access to Academic Development to Empower the Masses towards Endless Opportunities (ACADEME) loan program.

The 14 schools have yet to submit the loan requirements, while 34 others have indicated intentions to avail of the lending program.

Landbank has allocated PHP3 billion for the ACADEME lending program in a bid to provide funding for private junior and senior high schools that are accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills De-

velopment Authority (TESDA).

Under the program, private education institutions may apply for the lending program by submitting the promissory notes of their students, or their parents for rediscounting or refinancing.

The schools may borrow up to 70 percent of the amount of the promissory notes on a per semester basis, although this still depends on the maximum amount based on the school’s net borrowing capacity.

The loan program, which is available until June 30, 2021, has a fixed 3-percent annual interest rate payable on the maturity of the sub-promissory notes, but this should not exceed three years.

Earlier, Landbank president and chief executive officer (CEO) Cecilia Borromeo said under this program, students will be given a zero-percent interest loan but its term will depend on the agreement between the school and the student or their parents.

She said they have adopted a 3-3-3 feature for

FLANDBANK, P10

CebPac refunds P2.4-billion worth of canceled bookings

C

ebu Pacific said Thursday it has refunded over P2.4 billion in canceled bookings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and committed to complete the rest of pending requests.

Over P2.4 billion worth of cancelled flight bookings have been refunded, equivalent to 50 percent of the refund requests it has received, the airline said in a statement.

"We remain committed to our customers to complete pending refunds, and will update them once these have been processed.

We are currently halfway through refund requests filed last April," it added.

"Our refund process then was originally not designed to handle this volume of requests, and this resulted in a backlog. We have since then revamped our procedures in order to address this," it added.

Due to the pandemic, Cebu Pacific is currently operating 10 percent of its pre-COVID network, it said.

Cebu Pacific said it would continue to enhance its processes to resolve pending refund requests.

Cebu Pacific refunds over P2.4 billion worth of canceled flight bookings, equivalent to 50 percent of the refund requests it has received, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and committed to complete the rest of pending requests. Edge Davao

ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

DITO says 1st year target on towers completion on track

D

Phoenix introduces Kalinawan Energy Solutions with a pilot run of its gas-powered gensets in Balesin Island Resort

Phoenix powers Balesin Island with LPG venture

P

hoenix Pilipinas Gas and Power Inc. (PPGPI), in cooperation with U.S.based Mesa Natural Gas Solutions LLC, started the pilot run of its gas-fired gensets in Balesin Island Club in Polillo, Quezon on August 31, providing baseload power for the exclusive resort. The gensets are powered using propane-rich LPG provided by Phoenix as part of its energy diversification campaign.

Master-planned by EcoPlan of Miami, Florida, USA, Balesin was designed with the environment in mind and to be in harmony with its natural surroundings. Sustainable initiatives such as water harvesting, 80% water recycling, on-site eco-friendly transportation, organic farming, and switching to glass bottled water and paper straws, as well as programs for community empowerment, have resulted in Balesin being the first and only Philippine resort awarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization

(UNWTO) for innovative tourism and sustainability.

“With Balesin’s gradual return to full operations from the current community quarantine measures, the pilot run will effectively provide cleaner power to the entire island resort.

The aim is to ultimately replicate such solutions later on in industries that are generating and using their own power in the fields of manufacturing, hospitality & leisure, construction, telecommunications, and mining,” said Phoenix President Henry Albert “Bong” Fadullon.

“The gensets can run on

LPG--not only a cleaner source, but also a viable component in the energy mix of the country, which we aim to help diversify,” he added.

Following the signing of the MOA between Phoenix and Mesa late last year, three U.S.-manufactured genset units arrived in the country in June, each with a maximum capacity of 350 kilowatts, and were subsequently transported to Balesin.

The introduction of the gas-powered gensets strengthens the thrust of Phoenix to expand the LPG market in the Philippines and contribute to a more diversified energy mix.

Last year, the company established a conversion deal with GDR taxi, turning its fleet in Iloilo City into auto-LPG powered taxis.

The gensets can run on different types of fuel.

Aside from propane-rich LPG, they can be powered using natural gas, LNG, compressed gas, and wellhead gas. With the use of

such technology, LPG is positioned as a transition fuel to bring cleaner and more efficient fuel such as LNG, making this type of gensets a viable alternative to coal, diesel, and bunker fuel-fed power generation units.

When utilized in partnership with B2B customers, the genset units will not only bring down greenhouse gas emissions but will provide security and consistent supply of power to off-grid users, and will be made available to micro-grids in partnership with power generation companies. Compact and mobile, the units are custom-engineered for use in remote areas, and are expected to cater to the power-generation needs of more communities in the Philippines.

Once the country is ready to receive LNG, PPGPI sees a large market for the gensets among independent power producers and electric cooperatives seeking more viable onsite energy solutions.

Ricafort said foreign reserves “could still post uncharted highs and could breach the USD100 billion mark soon” as trade gap narrows by more than USD1 billion per month relative to 2019 levels since the lockdowns, aimed to lessen transmission of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), were implemented last March.

“Continued growth in the country's BPO (business process outsourcing) sector amid the need for greater outsourcing worldwide (to be) able to make global businesses more competitive amid Covid-19 challenges could also help bolster the country's GIR to new all-time highs,” he said.

The end-August 2020 foreign reserves of the

country are equivalent to about nine months worth of imports and payments of services and primary income, way higher than international standards of about three to four months requirements of an economy.

“Record high GIR may also further strengthen the country's external position, which in turn, fundamentally supports the country's favorable credit ratings as seen recently,” Ricafort said.

Last May, S&P Global affirmed its BBB+ ratings on the country and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) upgraded its rating on the Philippines to Awith a stable outlook last June, the country’s first A-level rating, due to con-

tinued improvement of domestic fundamentals.

Last July, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed its Baa2 ratings on the country.

Ricafort said these rating actions “reflect the Philippines' improved economic and credit fundamentals, as well as improvements in fiscal performance in recent years.”

These improvements, he said, “could help attract more/bigger roster of international investments and international credit/ loans at much lower cost and with better terms into the country, in view of the need to finance Covid-19 programs and other economic stimulus measures needed to help sustain the

RCBC economist eyes above $100-billion GIR this year

P

hilippines foreign reserves, which hit a record-high USD98.954 billion last August, are seen to surpass monetary officials USD100-billion forecast this year due to recovery of remittance inflows and narrower trade deficit, among others.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the rise in the August 2020 gross international reserves (GIR) may be attributed to profits of the government and other Philippine residents’ investments overseas, and proceeds from overseas borrowings “as record low interest rates/financing costs made borrowing more compelling.”

FRCBC, P10

ITO Telecommunity on Thursday said it was on track to complete its initial first year commitment of 1,300 towers by October, as the third telco player appealed to “put some trust” on its existing agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

DITO, set to launch commercially in March 2021, said as of Sept 13 it has completed construction of 859 stations out of its 1,300 towers commitment for the first year which will cover 37 percent of the population.

By the end of the year, at least 2,000 towers and sites will be completed, breaching its 1,300 target, said Ret. Maj. General Rodolfo Santiago, DITO Telecommunity’s chief technology officer.

Espionage and spying concerns have been raised after the memorandum of agreement (MOA), allowing DITO to build facilities inside military camps, was confirmed. DITO is a consortium of Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp and Chelsea Logistics with China Telecom.

In virtual briefing, chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said the MOA could be “immediately terminated” when there is an attempt to obtain classified information.

“I think we should put some trust that this agreement will not be used for spying,” Tamano said.

“There is a specific provision, a provision that says if there is any attempt of use by co-locator, DITO to obtain classified information, that is a ground for terminating the MOA. The moment there is an issue on spying, this MOA can be terminated immediately,” he added.

The memorandum of agreement has passed the scrutiny of the AFP, the Na-

tional Defense and other security experts and were amended accordingly, said Ret. Maj. General Rodolfo Santiago, who is now the chief technology officer of DITO. The MOA in its current form has provisions that safeguards national security including the provision that non-Filipino personnel won’t be given access to military camps, Santiago said.

“There is a specific provision that no non-Filipino personnel will be given access to the camps where we’re going to situate. That’s very, very specific,” Santiago told reporters during a virtual press conference.

DITO was responding to a statement made by Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, head of the Intelligence Service of the AFP during his confirmation hearing that they might add provisions to the approved pact between the telco and the armed forces due to espionage concerns.

Site access will also be fully controlled by the AFP, while Filipino workers, mentored by Chinese advisers, will be engaged in constructing facilities, the telco said.

Santiago added that the AFP might also want to revisit the MOA due to the amendments in terms of payment for its use of military grounds for their towers.

DITO was the first telco to be asked to pay with cash instead of in kind or via offsets, following a new directive from the National Economic Development Authority and the Department of Budget and Management, among others, he said.

However, DITO followed existing MOAs of Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc, he said.

DTI chief favors granular approach in lockdown

A

s community quarantine measures are still implemented in the country for six months, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez favors granular lockdowns than large-scale restrictions.

“The mindset is to move away from community quarantine and have (a) granular approach in lockdown,” Lopez said at a conference of advocacy group Flatten the Fear Philippines Thursday.

The group is composed of concerned doctors and citizens helping the country to “flatten the fear” against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) by presenting clear actionable plans promoting measures to prevent the spread of the virus and early treatment protocol.

Lopez added that instead of putting a city on lockdown, restrictions in smaller areas like a barangay or a building should be implemented.

The area should be imme-

diately isolated and disinfected before reopening.

“Instead of heavy lockdown, we can have the granular lockdown,” he said.

Lopez said the economy has suffered so much due to heavy lockdowns that were implemented at the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

In the second quarter of the year, gross domestic product declined by 16.5 percent.

In April, the unemployment rate dropped to 17.7 percent before easing to a negative growth of 10 percent in July.

“What we are saying in DTI and members of (the) economic development cluster, by now we should be managing the risk after six months in community quarantine,” he said.

The trade chief vowed the government is not opening the economic activities recklessly, adding many workplace pro-

FDTI, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

On the statement of the Rodriguez family who owns Paradise Island Beach Resort that the marine diversity which they claimed they protected foe 100 years will be disrupted by the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) connector bridge:

We have high regard for the environment.

We will protect marine diversity while constructing the SIDC Bridge. In any progressive nation, there can always be a better way to harmonize infrastructure development and care for environment.”

DPEW Undersecretary Emil Sadain

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER V. BACSAL OLIVIA D. VELASCO General ManagerPresident Advertising Specialist General Manager/Finance VP-Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

EVENT

FRED C. LUMBA

GLOBE BAGS MULTIPLE AWARDS AT FROST & SULLIVAN 2020 SPECKS OF LIFE

ARE THERE ANYMORE GOOD MEN LEFT

In a huge population of more than 100 million, would it be exasperatingly hard to find someone to fit the bill?

Or is it more like searching in a haystack?

GLOBE TELECOM— The huge financial mess through enterprise discovered its – and exposed by a arm, Globe Business whistle-blower - in the Philhealth corruptionanother scandal set indicts bagged of the cultural impunity that has been outstanding awards in existence and in practice for from global nursed business andby many decades, in fact consulting firm, Frost the benumbed indifference of a & Sullivan.

Adding timid and tolerant society.to The Philhealth is not its expanding listissue of acthe tip of the iceberg, the mindtelco you. complishments, Many more earth-shaking giant declared the exposes’was in yesteryears and rerecipient of 2020and Philipcent past have come gone but pines DataofCenter the authors the evil Serschemes have Provider not been of convicted and vice the Year jailed.2020 It appears that theyIoT are and Philippines able to squeeze themselves out of Service Provider of the the discomfiting situation by seYear. curing the services of “talented” Frost &who Sullivan Vice navigate Presilawyers smartly the waters with apenned variety of dent,legal Richard Wong, “swimming” methods styles. in his letter to Globe, and “With its Yes, it can no longer be destrong overall performance, nied that our justice and penal

Globe Telecom has earned the 2020 Philippines Data Center Service Provider of the Year and 2020 Philippines IoT Service Provider of the Year. [The award] is the result of many individuals (employees, customers, and investors) making daily choices to believe in the organization and contribute in a meaningful way to its future.

Globe continues to effectively build its credibility as a solutions provider and trusted busi-

system is pockmarked with loopholes, if you know what I am pointing at.

Rumors that we have thugs and crooks in robes in the judiciary are no longer rumors. Many criminal cases involving scions of rich, prominent and politically-connected families are able to buy their way out of a sure conviction because there is a crooked system existing.

One sickening horrific fact is that while we have an extradition treaty with the USA, Filipinos who are facing court suits conveniently escape by taking the first plane out to Uncle Sam’s territory where they enjoy the “fruits” of their labor.

Criminal minds and plunderers are ironically encouraged to push through their sinister plots to engage in pilferage and thievery because they are not scared of the penal laws existing in the country.

The death penalty is being re-introduced only because the increasing surge of criminality is now – again – being felt and expe-

rienced.

Ordinarily, however, the spate of corruption controversies no longer surprise and shake the Pinoy nation.

They have gotten used to these wrong-doings because they have become integral parts of their contemporary life.

But with the grave anti-social effects of Covid 19, Filipinos are now realizing (and recognizing, I hope) that they need to collectively voice out their rightful indignation because these corruption scandals have got to stop as the wrong-doings are negatively affecting the government and the people in a monstrous manner.

Unfortunately, Philhealth appointees have been – one after the other - exiting disgracefully, hounded by issues about negligent and lax management, dereliction of duty, incompetence and such other concerns, even bordering on inutility.

Everybody is agreed that the matter is systemic.

From top to bottom, the culture of corruption has ebbed

ness advisor with its thriving ties, and high-speed internet list of digital services and inter- connections for mission-critical nationally-renowned partners. operations. The telecom compaTHINK To date, Globe has six commer-ON ny THESE! also offers a diverse range of cial data centers spread across digital solutions such as mobile, the country to serve businesses’ voice, internet, Cloud, cyberdata-hosting needs, providing security, and business applicasecure colocation, office ameni- tions that strengthen its IoT’s

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

down to its lowest level that nothing – it seems – can solve or even minimize it to a tolerable level.

Perhaps, PRRD should ask for a volunteer.

Instead of scouting for talented managers and executives that will man and head government offices, the President could ask the nation if there is anyone willing to volunteer and serve the country in a position that has no political backing or support.

In this way, the volunteer-appointee will not suffer from political pressures if he had been otherwise backed or recommended by a powerful politician.

I believe there are still many capable Filipinos out there willing to take up the challenge.

These are the guys who silently do their jobs and accomplish their tasks with noble objectivity and diligence.

Enough of bureaucrats.

Enough of the ‘padrino’ connection. Enough of the old traditional “you and me” brotherhood.

I would strongly espouse this volunteer-ism concept.

We have tried everything possible under the sun but our government remains in bondage to corruption, thievery and illegalities.

A volunteer-appointee I business not the think willenvironments, do better under to mention thebecause challenges circumstance he the is not telecom industry faces, these indebted to anyone but to the appointing authority awards remind ouralone. teams that Therefore, he will have much passion for genuine service pays leeway to hire and fire, whenevoff tremendously.

We hope that er necessary and implement the these achievements changes he sees towill be inspire effective our customers and efficient. to keep partnerAt least, PRRDa digitally need not ing with us to build search in a haystack. transformed nation.”

Napoleon Hill, author of the Apart from theThink awards much-acclaimed and Grow mentioned, Globe Rich, said: “No manalso everreachieved ceived recognition worthwhile successfrom who Frost did not, at one timeas or2020 other,Philippines find himself & Sullivan with atData leastService one foot hanging Mobile Provider well over the brink of failure.” of the Year and will 2020not PhilipChallenges stop darpines Service Provider ing usTelecom in the face. of the continues It Year. is up The to ustelco if we cower in fear or take the dare.services (Email your to pursue enhanced by feedback fredlumba@yahoo. pushing fortoaccelerated network com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIProll-out to lay the groundwork PINES.

presence in the country and empower enterprises in their digital transformation.

“This award comes at the right time for Globe,” shared Peter Maquera, Senior Vice President for Globe Business.

“With the sudden shift in

for first-world internet in the Philippines.

Experience, expertise, and world-class solutions—these are only a few of the things that make us a trusted partner for businesses. Get in touch with us to find out how we can support your journey towards a digital future. Contact your dedicated Globe Business Account Manager or visit our website for more information about our products and services.

ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” -- Calvin Coolidge, American president Initiative: “Success seems to be connected with action.

Successful people keep moving.

They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, hotel executive Listening: “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” -- Woodrow Wilson, American president Passion: “Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.”

-- Henri Frederic Amie, Swiss moral philosopher Positive Attitude: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.” -- William James, psychologist Problem Solving: “The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year.”

-- John Foster Dulles, US Secretary of State ever,Relationships: Lyra admitted that “Theit was most important ingredient in challengingsingle to prepare for their the formula of success is knowsingle’s dance choreography ing how to getinalong by themselves theirwith own people.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, homes. Butpresident with everyone’s American persistence, they were“When able to a Responsibility: man a finger at someone pull itpoints off with the help of their else, he should RM remember choreographer, Cortez. that four of said, his fingers are pointing She “We shared some at

himself.” -- Louis Nizer Security: “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.” -- Andrew Carnegie, industrialist Self-discipline:“A man without of whole character can ideasdecision on how the chorenever be said to belong to himography work out basedcan on self…

Hewill longs to whatever the song.

It’s a powerful so make captive of him.” song -- John Foster, author the steps and routines should Servanthood: go along too. We also“The startedtrue leader serves.

Serves people. practicing at home and send Serves their best interests, and individual New normal in so doingvideos. will not always be style na pomay yungnot kanya-kanpopular, always impress.

But because true leaders yang practice sa bahay.” areThe motivated by loving concern girls recently celebrated rather than a desire for personal their group’s first year anniglory, they are willing to pay the versary--since their debut. Melauprice.”

Eugene B. Habecker, expressed her gratitude to the thor Teachability: “It’s support what you people who trust and learn after you know all that ‘XOXO’ since day one.itShe counts.”

-John Wooden, Basketnoted that they have come a ball coach longVision: way together and their “The future belongs experiences have strengthened to those who see possibilities before they“Magkakaibigan become obvious.” their bond, na -John Scully, Chief pero Executive kami since The Clash mas Officer naging malapit kami sa isa’t isa To end this piece, here is a nang mabuo ang XOXO dahil final statement from Chinese mas nakilala Lao-Tzu: namin ang“To bawat philosopher lead people, walk besidenathem isa at mas malalim ang ... As for the best leaders, the people pinagsamahan namin.” do‘XOXO’ not notice their existence. will be available for The next best, the people honor downloading and streaming and praise. The next, the people beginning September 10 on fear; and the next, the people hate When Spotify, the bestYouTube leader’s Apple...Music, work done the people say, ‘We Musicisand other digital stores did it ourselves!’” worldwide.

WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER?

ENTERTAINMENT “The political scene is per- thority on leadership, has writ-

Commitment: “People do not follow uncommitted leaders. Commitment can be displayed in a full range of matters to include the work hours you choose to maintain, how you work to improve your abilities, or what you do for your fellow workers at personal sacrifice.”

-- Stephen Gregg, chairman of Ethix Corporation Communication: “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” -- Lee Iacocca, American automobile executive Competence: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its piped nor its theories will hold water.” -- John Gardner, American novelist Courage: “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities… because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”-- Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister not perfect or they don’t Discernment: “Thefit in first rule of holes: ng When you’re sa “standards” society.

We in one, stop digging.”

Molly Ivins, want to show them--that it is American columnist okay to be different and each of Focus: “What people say, us haspeople our own beauty.” what do,kind and of what they they were able sayFortunately, they do are entirely different things.”

Margaret Mead, to record--the song before theanthropologist enhanced community quaran“No person tine Generosity: was implemented.

How-was

‘XOXO’ EMPOWERS FELLOW WOMEN VIA DEBUT SINGLE haps the most public arena where people have expressed their distrust in those who lead them. These are not easy times in which to be a leader.” -- Henry and Richard Blackaby, authors of Spiritual Leadership GMA Network’s girl group *** XOXO to spice up the Andis ready it came to pass that local musicthe scene with their God saw sufferings of His people in debut Egypt.single He had heard self-titled under them crying out because of the GMA Music. miseries they were experiencComing from the all-origing. He wanted to rescue them inal TheHe fromsinging their competition bondage. So, Clash, generation called these a mannew named Moses to bring chosen people out divas, God’s composed of Riel, Dani, of Egypt.

Lyra, and Mel, are raring to am I, that should go show“Who the public theirI superb to Pharaoh and bring the Israelvocals impressive dance ites outand of Egypt,” Moses asked. moves.

Moses was terrified to become the leader. theircombook, In their newest In single Spiritual Leadership, authors posed by Kiko Salazar, they Henry Richard Blackaby combineand talent and edgy perwrote: “Leadership. Everyone sonalities with such experiences it, or the irresistible lack of it, in harmony. their daily lives. Those called to lead canrelated find doing a daunting Riel that so they want task.

Those expected to to follow to introduce their group the can experience frustration audience through ‘XOXO,’when “We their leader is unable to lead.” wantThere to show who wedefiare them 850 different really performersThat as well nitionsare of as leadership. was what Warren Bennis and Burt as when we’re not on stage.

We Nanus found when they know that we cannot pleasewere writing their collaborative book, everyone but we’re not going Leaders: Strategies for Taking to stop pursuing our dreams.

Charge.

It is no wonder why toKagaya nga pohave ‘nung day’s leaders a sinabi hard time measuring up their level. There namin sa song “no matter what are too many standards meet! they say, no matter whattothey Dr. John C. Maxwell, an audo, we’re gonna keep on fly-

ten a very comprehensive book entitled, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. In his introduction, he posed these questions: “What makes people want to follow a leader? Why do people reluctantly comply with one leader while passionately following another to the ends of the earth? What separates leadership theorists from successful leaders who lead effectively in the real world?”

Maxwell enumerated the 21 qualities -- in alphabetical order -- as follows: character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem solving, relationships, security, self-discipline, servanthood, teachability and vision.

Now, here are some thoughts from various leaders and thinkers from around the world: Character: “Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.” -- Bernard ing.”

Montgomery, British Field Marshal Dani added that they want Charisma: “How can and you to empower fellow women have charisma?

Be more conencourage them to embrace all cerned about making others kinds of beauty through thethan feel good about themselves song, “We want to inspire you are making them feel peogood about you.”

Reiland, ple who are -notDan feeling goodvice president of leadership developand confident with themselves, ment those who think that they are

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

BDO NETWORK BANK BRINGS ITS EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY SERVICE ONLINE BDO Network Bank (BDONB) has been more than just a business in the communities that it serves. The rural bank has become a valuable member of each community, responding to their financial needs and even beyond.

However, the various lockdowns have put many businesses on hold. As a result, business owners and their employees find themselves struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

A loan as a lifeline As sales dwindle for many businesses due to the lack of customers, loans from banks and financial institutions are necessary to keep them afloat and tide them over until the economy recovers.

This was true for a 51-year old seamstress in Davao City, who was struggling to sustain her sewing and apparel business. She was lucky enough to receive a huge order for washable face masks but she still had a problem. Due to slow business in previous months, she didn’t have enough capital to buy raw materials to produce what her customer ordered.

The seamstress approached several banks and lending institutions, but her loan application was denied, as they were not granting loans during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Feeling hopeless, she thought that she was going to lose the big order from the customer and the earnings that she badly needed.

Fortunately, she was approached by BDONB’s MSME

Matina Team. Said team has been proactively calling up entrepreneurs to find out how the Bank could help, knowing that businesses urgently needed a financial boost during these times.

After talking to the seamstress, BDONB assured her that it can grant her a loan even during ECQ, taking away her distress and despair. As a result, she was able to fulfill her buyer’s order and provide income not only for herself but for her workers and their families. The masks she made also helped the community at large

by providing them protection from the pandemic.

The loan had a ripple effect as it made it possible for the seamstress to buy from her cloth supplier and benefit his business as well.

Walking the extra mile: onsite and online BDONB employees are known in their communities as reliable partners during times of need, often going the extra mile to make transactions and life in general easier for bank clients. For instance, it’s not

unusual for BDONB employees to meet up with clients at the checkpoints to process muchneeded transactions if travel restrictions prevent clients from going to the bank.

However, as the pandemic continues to disrupt the way of life, the face-to-face, physical contact, and reassuring personal touch with the community that BDONB employees are accustomed to will have to be put on hold.

The solution that BDONB now offers to its clients, who are used to the warm, assuring community outreach of the

bank’s employees, is to create its own social media community. This community will be gathered in the official BDONB Facebook Page, which was recently launched by the rural bank.

“BDO Network Bank has been looking forward to an official Facebook page. And for us, this is the best time, as the team is geared up and more forearmed to support an online community. After a year from our rebrand, we deem this is the best follow through to continuously propagate brand awareness and improve our customer engagement,” BDO Network Bank president J. Antonio S. Itchon said.

“More importantly, we are a proponent of driving inclusive economic growth through our relevant financial products and services. We support our clients aspirations and business needs especially in unserved and underserved communities.

By launching our own FB page, we envision to exponentially grow the number of lives that we can change and prosper,” he added.

BDO Network Bank’s Facebook page will serve as its alternative channel in reaching out to the communities it serves. The platform will complement its on ground services such as answering to product inquiries, conducting financial wellness roadshows, and getting customer feedback.

All these can be done on its official Facebook page without the need for face-to-face engagement or visiting BDO Network Bank branches.

Visit BDO Network Bank’s Official Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/ BDONetworkBankPH

ENTERTAINMENT

‘LOVE THY WOMAN’ FINALE LEAVES LEAD STARS EMOTIONAL KIM CHIU, Yam Concepcion, Eula Valdes, Sunshine Cruz, and Ruffa Gutierrez, the lead stars of ABS-CBN series “Love Thy Woman,” joined viewers nationwide as they tuned in to the tear-jerking finale of the series that aired on Kapamilya Channel and Kapamilya Online Live last September 11.

Thousands of live viewers watched the episode on Kapamilya Online Live on both Facebook and YouTube, while its hashtag #LTWTheLastWoman trended on Twitter as they posted praises and comments while watching.

The finale saw the two Wong families forgiving each other, as Lucy (Eula) turned herself in to

the police in order to repent for her crimes. In their emotional goodbyes, she entrusted her daughter to both Kai and Jia, the only family she has left.

The five stars caught the final episode live and talked about it in the online show “Love Thy Chikahan,” where Kim and Yam shared the importance of forgiveness.

“It does not matter who hurt you. As long as you know how to forgive, you will always find happiness within yourself. It takes time to forgive. And in this show, Jia and Dana are blood-related. They are sisters. You shouldn’t turn your back on family,” said Kim. Yam said it is her favorite scene

in the show, saying, “The ego of the characters was gone. They accepted their mistakes and realized their shortcomings. There’s forgiveness. It’s really nice that they were able to forgive each other.”

The stars also turned emotional as they looked back on their moments together, shooting their series in the middle of quarantine and after the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

“Thank you, because we finished strong. To the staff, crew, to everyone who mounted this series in the middle of a pandemic and in the middle of what ABS-CBN was going through. We’re in this together. We’re all here to give entertainment. Thank you to all the ‘Love Thy Woman’ supporters, because you guys took the fear and exhaustion away,” Kim emotionally shared.

Fans can rewatch the hearttugging moments of “Love Thy Woman” on Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Facebook page and YouTube channel and the iWant TFC app (iOs and Android) or iwanttfc.com.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

Food crisis looms with water shortage

AGRITRENDS

9

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

ater shortage, soil erosion, dwindling fish supply and climate change. These are just some of the problems that beset food production in the Philippines today. If these are not addressed soon, the country may face a looming food crisis.

However, the resource that poses the biggest threat to food security isn’t land, it’s water.

“Many well-informed individuals see a future of water shortages, but few have connected the dots to see that a future of water shortages will also be a future of food shortages,”

said Lester R. Brown, the president of the Washington, D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute.

“Water shortages lag only climate change and population growth as a threat to the human future,” said Brown in an exclusive interview with this author. “The challenge

is not to get enough water to drink, but to get enough water to produce our food.

We drink, in one form or another, perhaps 4 liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires 2,000 liters of water to produce, or 500 times as much.”

A closer look at the available statistics proves him right. Agriculture is by far the biggest consumer of water around the world.

In thickly-populated Asia, agriculture accounts for 86% of the total annual water withdrawal, compared with 49% in North and Central America and 38% in Europe.

“Agriculture is where future water shortages will be most acute,” wrote Michael S. Serrill in “Time” some years back.

Rice is a case in point.

“Water has contributed most to the growth in rice production for the past 30 years,” said the Laguna-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Irrigation-farmed rice draws heavily on the resource.

In his book, “Water: The International Crisis,” Robin Clark reports that an average farmer needs 5,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice. “Rice growing is a

heavy consumer of water,” agrees the IRRI report, “Water: A Looming Crisis.”

The IRRI report projected that most Asian countries will have severe water problems by 2025.

This water shortage could seriously threaten rice production in the region.

This is bad news for Filipinos who consider rice as their “deepest comfort food.” Each day, about 31,450 metric tons of rice are being consumed by Filipinos, according to Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol of the Department of Agriculture.

“The link between water and food is strong,” Brown reminded. British author John Robbins, the man behind “Food Revolution,” has managed to document the robust connection of these two resources. To produce one pound of lettuce or one pound of tomatoes, 23 gallons of water is needed.

For one pound of potatoes, 24 gallons of water is needed; 25 gallons for one pound of wheat, 33 gallons for one pound of carrots, and 49 gallons for one pound of apples, according to Robbins.

Meat production also consumes a lot of water.

“Agriculture uses about 70% of the world’s available freshwater, and onethird of that is used to grow the grain fed to livestock,” the Worldwatch Institute reports.

Beef, the meat used in most fast food outlets, is by far the most water-intensive all of all meats. “The

more than 15,000 liters of water used per kilogram is far more than is required by a number of staple foods, such as eggs (3,300 liters per kilogram), milk (1,000 liters), or potatoes (255 liters),” the Worldwatch Institute says.

The US Department of Commerce 1992 Census of Agriculture’s Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey, published in 1994, reported that one pound of pork needs at least 1,630 gallons of water to produce but in contrast one pound of beef requires 5,214 gallons of water.

“Producing beef is much more resource-intensive than producing pork or chicken, requiring roughly three to five times as much land to generate the same amount of protein,” the Worldwatch Institute points out.

Around the world, more than 40% of wheat, rye, oats and corn production is fed to animals, along with 250 million tons of soybeans and other oilseeds. “Feeding grain to livestock improves their fertility and growth, but it sets up a de facto competition for food between man and people,” the institute says.

Global meat consumption and consumption have increased rapidly in recent decades, with harmful effects on the environment and public health as well as on the economy, according to research done by the institute’s Nourishing the Planet project.

FFOOD, P10

10 EDGEDAVAO

GOV’T... FROM2

Region, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), provinces of Benguet, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Cebu Province, Albay Prov-

ince, and cities of Bacolod, Davao, and Zamboanga City for the distribution of SAP 2 aid. (PNA)

to comply with the requirements that will be posted on the Facebook Page of Eskwela Davao.

“We will get and generate the names and we will find those who need it most, especially those who are less fortunate. According to NEDA (National Economic Development Authority), a family can be considered poor when a

family of six persons only has P12,577 monthly income,” he said.

Baloro said pupils and students already enrolled in other scholarship programs and assistance such as the Eskwela Davao, STEP scholarship, CHEDLGU Tulong Dunong Program are no longer qualified for the Laptop Sharing Project. CIO

resolve disputes "peacefully" and in accordance with the principles and rules of UNCLOS. The South China Sea where the Spratly Islands are located is contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and China, which claims almost 80 percent of the waters under its so-called "nine-dash line".

The arbitration case initiated and won by the Philippines in 2016 ruled that these sweeping claims by the Asian power are illegal, a ruling Beijing continues to reject until now.

The Tribunal further ruled that UNCLOS “superseded any historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, in excess of the limits imposed therein."

In a prior diplomatic note dated March 6, 2020, Manila refuted China's claims on the Spratly Islands or the Kalayaan Island Group as "inconsistent with international law, including UNCLOS".

It underscored that the Philippines has "sovereignty and jurisdiction" over the said area as well as the Bajo de Masinloc. (PNA)

actions per day,” she said, adding the system was created in order to promote ease of doing business in a secure manner.

Conception said the

portal can be accessed by clicking the BOC PORTAL button found in the www. customs.gov.ph website or visit https://client.customs.gov.ph. (PNA)

ing on YouTube," he said.

YouTube's creator ecosystem in the country also grew with 1,750 channels breaching the 100,000 subscribers mark, Roxas said.

Brands are also seen creating their YouTube channels to reach consum-

ers and to promote their products and services.

YouTube is Google's video streaming platform.

Roxas said it would continue to mentor creators and to try to keep the growth trend even after the pandemic is contained.

economic recovery.” “(These) could also further help boost the coun-

try's GIR to new record highs, going forward,” he added. (PNA)

tocols have been put in place in different sectors.

“We minimize the risk; manage the risk to

allow the reopening of the economy. We are not opening recklessly,” he said. (PNA)

string. She would go on to lift her second US Open trophy in three years, defeating the woman she was due to play in the "Cincinnati in New York" championship clash, Victoria Azarenka. The run enabled the Japanese to get back inside the Top 3 of the WTA rank-

ings.

In 2019, Osaka made her debut as a No. 1 seed at a Grand Slam event in the French capital. She rallied for three-set wins over Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and Azarenka, before falling in the third round to Katerina Siniakova.

height.

Obiena finished in joint second with Belgium's Ben Broeder, who peaked too at 5.8 meters, but the latter clinched the count-back tiebreaker to take the silver.

Obiena settled for another Diamond League

bronze.

Sweden's Armand Duplantis won the gold in record-setting style, clearing a new tournament-high 6.15 meters.

The podium finishers are expected to grace the Doha leg of the Diamond League next week. (PNA)

DAVAO CITY... FROM2

UK... FROM2

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

LANDBANK... FROM4

this lending program, referring to the PHP3-billion allocation, 3-percent fixed interest rate per annum, and three-year maximum maturity for sub-promissory notes that the schools will submit to Landbank.

Borromeo said the lending program was launched in the first week of May “because we know that there will be people who will have difficulty financing their kids’ education.”

Most schools in the country normally start the school year in June but some do it in September.

For this school year,

however, the Department of Education (DepEd) postponed the school opening to August, then to October, to give teachers and schools additional time to prepare for the blended learning of students which is being adopted to address the impact of the pandemic.

Some schools, on the other hand, have pushed through with starting classes last August.

Meanwhile, another education-related lending program that is in the pipeline is the Interim Students’ Loan for Tuitions towards Upliftment of Education

for the Development of the Youth (I-STUDY).

Landbank has allocated PHP1.5 billion for this program that will be implemented for the school year 2021-2022.

Parents or guardians of students may borrow up to PHP150,000 per student, which is equivalent to one school year or two semesters, but not more than PHP300,000 per eligible borrower.

This loan program has a fixed annual interest rate of 5 percent for short-term loans, or for those borrowing for pre-school, primary, and secondary students’

education, and is payable within one year.

Loans that will be utilized for tertiary education will have a maximum term of three years.

Landbank said it continues to promote this loan program “to provide financial assistance to parents, guardians, or benefactors to send their children to school, as well as assist private schools and downstream industries to sustain and continue their operations.”

“We are looking forward to service qualified availers under this program soon,” it added. (PNA)

“Worldwide meat production has tripled over the last four decades and increased 20% in just the last 10 years,” it said.

“Meanwhile, industrial countries are consuming growing amounts of meat, nearly double the quantity than in developing countries.”

A huge volume of water is also used in aquaculture or fish farming.

“Fish farming is more advantageous than raising livestock. “For every kilogram of dry feed, we get one kilogram of fish meat,” said Dr. Uwe Lohmeyer of the Deutsche Gesselschaft fur Technische Zusammernarbeit (GTZ), a German Technical Cooperation.

“This is far more favorable rate than in the case of say, pigs: to produce the same quantity of pork, a farmer – given the same quality of inputs – has to provide three kilograms of feed.”

It goes without saying that water is indeed the world’s most important resource.

“We’re surrounded by a hidden

world of water,” pointed out Stephen Leahy, a Canadian journalist and author.

“Liters and liters of it are consumed by everything we eat, and everything we use and buy.”

That’s what he calls a “water footprint.” In his book, aptly entitled “Your Water Footprint,” he defines it as the amount of water ‘consumed’ to make, grow or produce something. “I use the word consumed to make it clear this is water that can no longer be used for anything else,” he explained.

According to him, one of the biggest surprises (while writing the book) was learning how small direct use of water for drinking, cooking and showering is by comparison. For instance, he found out that flushing toilets is the biggest water daily use – not showers. While low-flow shower heads and toilets are great water savers, the water footprint concept can lead to even bigger reductions in water consumption.

“For example, green fuels may not be so green from a water consumption perspective,” Leahy wrote.

“Biodiesel made from soybeans has an enormous water footprint, averaging more than 11,000 liters per liter of biodiesel.

And this doesn’t include the large amounts of water needed for processing. Why so much water?

Green plants aren’t ‘energy-dense,’ so it takes a lot of soy to make the fuel.”

Beef also has a big footprint, over 11,000 liters for a kilo, according to Leahy. “If a family of four served chicken instead of beef they’d reduce their water use by an astonishing 900,000 liters a year. That’s enough to fill an Olympic size pool to a depth of two feet.”

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” says Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project. Postel believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human

future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains.

“We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Water covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface and is a major force in controlling the climate by storing vast quantities of heat. About 97.5 percent of all water is found in the ocean and only the remaining 2.5 percent is considered fresh water.

Unfortunately, 99.7 percent of that fresh water is unavailable, trapped in glaciers, ice sheets, and mountainous areas.

“The most important thing we can do to cope with water scarcity is to use water more efficiently in agriculture,” Brown states. “Beyond this, urban recycling of water, still in its early stages, will be one of the keys in dealing with fast-spreading water shortages.”

season," Commissioner Willie Marcial bared the penalties to be slapped to erring players.

While the season is the Philippine Cup in essence, the PBA board moved to adopt the Governors' Cup playoff format for the postseason.

The top four teams after the regular season

will gain twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals, while the Final 4 will engage in two bestof-five semifinals with the winners advancing to the best-of-seven finals.

The result of the only match played so far this season, San Miguel's 9478 victory over Magnolia on March 8, will remain

credited, which means the PBA will restart with the remainder of the regular season.

Two games will be played every day during the regular season, while daily games will also happen in the first two rounds of the playoffs, meaning the "compact" PBA season is expected to end before

Christmas.

In line with the preparation for the season restart, the PBA has sought permission from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to resume scrimmages by Sept. 27.

The teams are scheduled to depart for Angeles

by Sept. 26. (PNA)

CUSTOMERS... FROM3

PLANTLINERS... FROM4

RCBC... FROM5 DTI... FROM5

OSAKA... FROM11

OBIENA... FROM11

FOOD... FROM9

PBA... FROM11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

11

Osaka to miss French Open

W

hen Naomi Osaka clinched the US Open title, there was a chance for her to pull off a unique feat of winning the French Open after the New York major.

That won't happen.

On Thursday evening, the three-time major champion revealed she would not travel to Paris.

"Unfortunately I won't be able to play the French Open this year. My hamstring is still sore so I

won't have enough time to prepare for the clay," Osaka published on her social media accounts. "These two tournaments came too close together for me this time. I wish the organizers and players all the best."

Ahead of her title run in New York, Osaka pulled out of the Western & Southern Open final, also staged at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, due to her left ham-

FOSAKA, P10

Obiena sets season record

F

Jimmy Butler sparkled on both ends of the floor for Miami.

ilipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena set a new season-best en route to capturing another medal in the Rome leg of the IAAF Diamond League early Friday (Philippine time).

Obiena soared to 5.8 meters, smashing his previous 2020 best of 5.74 in a gold medal performance in Ostrava, the Czech Re-

public last week.

He came just one centimeter short of the Southeast Asian (SEA) record 5.81 meters he set in last year's SEA Games in Capas, Tarlac last December.

Obiena attempted to break the SEA record by going for 5.85 meters, but he failed to clear the

he Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) board of governors moved to adopt a "semi-bubble" format for the resumption of its postponed season.

The 12 member teams will travel to Angeles City in Pampanga to converge for the season restart scheduled for Oct. 9.

The clubs will be billeted at the Quest Hotel in the city's Clark district, while all the games will happen at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Sports and Cultural Center.

"We're ready and we're excited," PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas said on Thursday after a meeting

that approved the revised tournament format.

In the semi-bubble, the teams will only travel from the AUF Gym to Quest Hotel and vice versa.

Aside from the strict travel guidelines, other coronavirus disease 2019 safety protocols will be implemented during the semi-bubble.

"Kapag lumabas sila, wala silang sweldo for a month, may fine sila ng 100K sa PBA at suspended sila (If they go out, they will not have salaries for a month, they will be fined PHP100,000 by the PBA, and they are suspended) for five games in the next

Heat rally back to take Game 2 over Celtics T

FOBIENA, P10

PBA to return via ‘semi bubble’

T

he Boston Celtics blew yet another double-digit second-half lead to fall 2-0 behind in the Eastern Conference final to a relentless Miami Heat outfit on Friday morning (AEST).

It is the eighth time in nine post-season games that the Celtics have relinquished the lead in the third quarter, giving Brad Stevens plenty to work on ahead of the all-important Game Three on Sunday morning (PH Time).

That third quarter was

the turning point, with the Heat going on a 20-4 run to take a seven-point lead into the final frame.

The Heat’s outstanding defensive effort, again led by the impressive Jimmy Butler, restricted Boston to just 41 points in the second half as they overturned a

17-point deficit to close out Game Two 106-101.

The Celtics’ frustration at blowing yet another lead was plain to see after the game with reports claiming Marcus Smart could be heard screaming in the locker room as arguements erupted.

Smart was then reportedly seen leaving the locker room saying “y’all on that bulls***!” as tthe screaming continued inside.

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the players, includ-

ing Smart, left promptly, refusing to speak to the media.

After going off for 26 points in Game One, Smart had a more subdued Game Two, making 14 points and four assists, although did take more shots than Jayson Tatum and nearly as many as Jaylen Brown.

It’s unclear yet precisely what led to the blow up, although it is clear that the pressure in Boston is mounting as the Celtics are left with an uphill battle to qualify for the NBA Finals.

Azarenka scores double bagel over Aus Open champ

V

ictoria Azarenka switched with ease from her impressive form on the hard court in the United States last week to clay in Rome sweeping past third Sofia Kenin 6-0 6-0 to advance to the third round of the Italian Open.

The US Open runner-up followed on from her straight sets win over Venus Williams in the first round at Foro Italico, dispatching Australian Open champion Kenin in just over an hour.

The 31-year-old former world number one, who won her first tournament since 2016 in Cincinatti, did not drop a game and faced no break points, hitting 57 winners against to the American’s 29.

“I think my consistency was the key to the scoreline, I think I used my serve smart today,” said Azarenka who next plays Russian Daria Ka-

satkina for a place in the quarter-finals.

Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner in 2012 and 2013, has jumped to 14th in the world after her New York success.

It was the 14th time a women’s grand slam singles champion lost 6-0 6-0.

The Belarusian spent two years o f f t h e court after giving birth in 2016 and became embroiled in a custody battle.

Dutch fifth seed Kiki Bertens also exited in the second round to Slovenian Polona Hercog 6-4, 6-4.

But ninth seed Gar-

bine Muguruza dropped a set before rallying past 16-year-old American Cori Gauff 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-3.

Former French Open champion Muguruza next plays Johanna Konta, the seventh seed, and a runner-up last sea-

German Dominik Koepfer in a match which was interrupted for 45 minutes by an electricity cut.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori lost his second round match to Italian Lorenzo Musetti, ranked just 249th in the world.

T h e

son.

The British player eased past Irina Begu of Romania 6-0, 6-4, with Czech 12th seed Marketa Vondrousova and Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova also advancing.

In the men’s tournament, France’s Gael Monfils, the fifth seed, lost his first match since the coronavirus lockdown, falling 6-2, 6-4 to 97th-ranked

18-year-old won through 6-3, 6-4 against the 35thranked Nishikori, having already eliminated Swiss Stan Wawrinka in the first round.

“This evening I won with my head. I played the important points well,” said the former junior Australian Open winner who next plays Koepfer.

FPBA, P10

Victoria Azarenka in action against Serena Williams during a women’s singles match at the 2020 US Open. (Photo by Simon Bruty/USTA)

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 138 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

BIG EARNER Erik Spoelstra earns an extra $120,000 for every Heat win in either the regular season or the playoffs on top of a $3M annual salary.

Fil-Am Heat coach Erik Spoelstra earns $120,000 for every win on top of $3M salary for 2020

F

il-Am Heat coach Erik Spoelstra earns $120,000 for every win on top of $3M salary for 2020.

The farther the Miami Heat goes in this NBA Playoffs, the more money Fil-Am coach Erik Spoelstra is going to earn.

Spoelstra, the first Asian-American head coach in the NBA, is awarded an amount in 6 figures for each game he has won this season.

Heat have helped him out with a massive incentive.

The Miami Heat have been one of the surprise, best teams in the NBA this season, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

The Heat shocked the NBA world with their immense post-season success, including eliminating the highly favoured Milwaukee Bucks in 5.

This is in large part due to Head Coach, Erik Spoelstra, steering the Heat, not only into Playoff contention, but leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Massive bonus It was reported in January 2020, that the Miami Heat higher ups reward Erik Spoelstra with an extra $120,000 after each victory, whether it be the regular season or the Playoffs.

The $120,000 per win is

on top of the $3 million he is set to earn as his base salary for coaching the Heat. This puts Spoelstra’s 2020 season earnings, well over 9 million dollars.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise however as Erik Spoelstra is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. He coached the Heatles from 2010-2014, helping bring 2 chips to South beach.

Spoelstra also has a higher winning percentage in the Playoffs than coaching legend, Gregg Popovich, as Spoelstra boasts a 62.2% whereas Coach Pop has a 59.9%.

With all of his accolades, it is astonishing that he has not won a single Coach of the Year award yet.

Spoelstra’s Heat in the Bubble playoffs Spoelstra’s Miami Heat have quite literally been steamrolling their competition in these Playoffs, as they have a 9-1 record, the best out of any team in these Playoffs.

The Miami Heat took down the Celtics in Game 1 of the ECF, 117-114, and when asked about their performance, Spoelstra replied, “We can be better.”