Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 140 | Tuesday, September 22, 2020

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HAPPY DAYS Mayor Sara lifts liquor ban but with limitations

STORY ON PAGE 2

A resident drinks beer inside his family’s home at a subdivision in Brgy.

Sasa, Davao City on Monday. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has lifted the almost six months 24-hour liqour ban in Davao City effective Monday. The city government of Davao implemented the 24-hour liqour ban on April 6, 2020 when the city was placed under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to minimize the possibility of transmitting Covid-19 during drinking sessions. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

PRRD to address UN for the first time since taking office

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resident Rodrigo Duterte will address the United Nations (UN) for the first time since he took office in 2016.

Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Borje said on Monday the President will deliver this week the Philippines’ statement for the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which kicked off its 75th session last week. Duterte was represented by his foreign secretaries in the event from 2016 to 2019.

This year’s event will go virtual due to movement restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Other world leaders are also expected to participate in the General Debate which will focus on global solidarity to address the pandemic.

Duterte will also address the US-China tensions in the South China Sea, a portion of which is being claimed by the Philippines.

"The President will articulate principled Philippine positions on peace

and security, which includes terrorism and geopolitical developments in Asia and the Pacific," Borje said in a Palace news conference.

Borje said the President will also talk about the global response to the pandemic, sustainable development and climate change, rule of law, justice and human rights, including the situation of migrant workers and refugees as well as peacekeeping and UN reforms.

Duterte is part of the first set of speakers for September 22 (New York time/early Wednesday, Sept. 23, Philippine time), he added.

“The participation of the President has always been considered since the beginning of his term. But of course, this year takes on special significance,” Borje said when asked why the President decided to participate this year.

“It’s the intensity and the urgency needed to address global issues. The President recognizes that

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PRRD names new Comelec comm

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ommission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sheriff Abas on Monday said the nomination of lawyer Michael Braganza Peloton to the commission will contribute to the government’s campaign to revolutionize the country’s electoral process.

“Commissioner Peloton is a timely addition to the Commission en banc as his vast experience in the field of law and information technology will highly contribute in our thrust to further improve and revolutionize our electoral processes,” Abas said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sept. 17 named Peloton as new Comelec commissioner with the term ending Feb. 2, 2027.

He will replace Luie Tito Guia, who retired from the Comelec in February this year.

Abas said Peloton will be entering at the time the

Comelec is preparing for the country’s next national polls.

“Commissioner Peloton joins Comelec at an exciting and challenging time, as we have already started preparations for the 2022 National and Local Elections in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Abas said.

Abas welcomed the nomination of Peloton in behalf of the Comelec family.

“He will complement the existing members of the Commission en banc as we continue to strive to fulfill Comelec’s mandate in strengthening and advancing our democracy,” he added.

Peloton will join incumbent commissioners Ma. Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon, Socorro B. Inting, Marlon S. Casquejo, and Antonio T. Kho Jr. in the Comelec if the Commission on Appointment confirms his appointment.(PNA)

ALITA, Davao Occidental -- Employees of Department of Labor and Employment-Davao Region recently received flu vaccines as part of frontliners’ health protection.

Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said the department procured these items to cater particularly the provincial employees following the guidelines of the Department of Health.

“DOLE Davao purchased vaccines for its employees in the provinces as part of DOH Memorandum No. 20200056 Interim Guidelines for 2019-nCoV ARD Response in the Workplace,” Domingo said.

“DOLE Davao assures to continue finding ways

to ensure protection of its employees’ health,” she added.

Administering of flu shots to the Department’s employees started last September 9, 2020. Employees of DOLE Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental have received the flu vaccines.

Davao Occidental Acting Provincial Head Engr.

Arce Sinajon said, "we thank the Department for prioritizing the health and safety of the employees regardless of their employment status. We also thank the team for traveling all the way here to deliver the services under the direction of our Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo." (PR-DOLE XI)

DOLE Davao employees get flu shots

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President Rodrigo Duterte will address the United Nations (UN) for the first time since he took office in 2016. The President will deliver this week the Philippines’statement for the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which kicked off its 75th session last week. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

HAPPY DAYS Mayor Sara lifts liquor ban but with limitations

By MAYA M. PADILLO avao City’s liquor ban is finally over. However, don’t roll over.

There are still limitations.

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After months of putting the cork on alcoholic drinks, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has lifted the 24-hour liquor ban at the strike of dawn on Monday (September 21, 2020).

Mayor Sara issued Executive Order (EO) No. 50 Series of 2020 -- an order providing for the lifting of the 24-hour liquor ban in Davao City.

Nevertheless, the lady chief executive made it clear that the lifting of the liquor ban is not a response to the clamor of some residents, but for economic reasons in response to business owners who have lost their livelihood and to the workers who have lost their jobs since the ban was imposed on April 6, 2020.

At that time, the city was placed under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to minimize the possibility of transmitting Covid-19 during drinking sessions.

The maximum allowed selling and serving of liquor per customer in restaurants and fast food businesses shall be a maximum of two individual servings of any alcoholic beverage.

The limitation is stipulated in Section 4 of the executive order in reference to Section 3 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Memorandum Circular No. 20-38 Series of 2020.

However, the closure order on beerhouses and similar establishments whose primary business is

serving of alcoholic drinks such as nightclubs, bars and beer gardens is still in effect.

These establishments shall not be allowed to operate as they are under the negative list of DTI and prohibited to operate during any form of community quarantine.

The lifting of the liquor ban came amidst the dissent of some medical practitioners.

“Dili pabor ang mga doctors sa pag-lift sa liquor ban puero dapat balansehon ang business ug pandemic. Naa man limitation ang servings so puwede ra i-lift ang liquor ban and we suggest diha lang mo mag inum sainyong balay ug dili mag invite ug mga amigo sa ingoing mga balay basin nagdala sila ug sakit,” Mayor Sara said.

Other limitations The mayor also stressed

that the selling, serving, or consuming of liquor and other intoxicating drinks will still be prohibited from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. under Ordinance No. 004-12 Series of 2013, or an Ordinance Amending No. 1627, series of 2014 that regulates the “operation of business establishments selling liquors, coconut wine and other nature wine and other alcoholic beverages” in Davao City.

When the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases through Resolution NO. 67 Series of 2020 placed Davao City under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) until September 30, 2020, the city sees the need to gradually allow business establishments to resume oeprations including businesses in the liquor industry.

Tapanayam at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16.

The report said Triplet and his wife Celsa Maani, 23, were on their way home aboard a black Honda XRM when four men wearing camouflage uniforms stopped them.

According to Sirawai Police, the abductors, armed with three short firearms, forcibly took Triplet while his wife managed to escape and sought the

help of barangay officials.

The perpetrators fled to the hinterlands of Tapanayan, the report said.

Vinluan said the military launched a rescue and manhunt operation, as troops of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, together with other security forces.

“Naval forces are continuously conducting seaborne patrol as well as checkpoint along strategic areas were established to block and capture the per-

petrators,” Vinluan said.

“Coordination with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and MNLF(Moro National Liberation Front) leadership was also realized in order for them to support and provide vital information on the exact location of the group and the victim for future rescue operation,” WestMinCom said in a statement.

Police and the military

Kidnapped Fil-Am is still within Sirawai, says WestMinCom chief

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ilipino-American kidnap victim Rex Triplet is still being held by his abductors within the victinity of Sirawai in Zamboanga dlel Norte, the town where he was abducted, Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, chief of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said.

The Sirawai Municipal Police earlier reported that the 64-year old Fil-Am, a resident of Piacan in the coastal town of Sirawai, was abducted in Barangay

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

Piñol cites Mindanao’s need for stronger local food supply

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iting disruptions in the global food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol pushes for a stronger local production and market network to ensure steady and sufficient supply of food staples in the country.

In his closing statement during the Mindanao Policy Forum, Piñol said that MinDA has already crafted a Mindanao Food Supply and Demand Map, which aims to make Mindanao resilient in case of a calamity that could isolate it from the rest of the country.

“This map will take a look at what certain provinces produce in excess that is lacking in other provinces,” Piñol added. It can also serve as a basis for LGUs in crafting their local food security plans to bet-

ter prepare for calamities.

“In the face of COVID 19 restrictions, people did not eat in restaurants or go to the movies. Their most important concern was the availability of food,” Piñol said, adding that the new normal opens more agriculture and fisheries opportunities as investment areas.

These sectors are also seen to open up more jobs, especially for those displaced by the pandemic.

With the theme “Bouncing Back in the New Normal through Countryside Development and Agricultural Resilience,” this year’s forum focused on innovating the country’s agriculture sector to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve the sector’s resilience to another risk.

It also highlighted the

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DOH pushes for regulation of costs of RT-PCR test

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he Department of Health has moved to regulate the cost on the conduct of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR or swab) test for COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday.

“We submitted a recommendation for an EO (executive order) kasi napapansin natin iba-iba ang pricing sa laboratories on how much a swab test costs,” Vergeire said in an online forum.

“Sana maaprubahan itong recommendation namin,” she added.

Swab tests cost from P4,600 to P8,150. State-

run insurance PhilHealth covers the cost of RT-PCR test of up to P3,409.

Vergeire said that an EO issuance would address the situation since existing laws are not specific on costs of diagnostic tests.

“Bakit EO? Kasi sa batas, ang pricing [na naka-set] ay for medicines lang, hindi kasama ang diagnostic at professional fees. Kaya based on our study, since pandemic naman, we can have this EO to regulate the pricing,” she added.

The country has tested 3.1 million Filipinos for COVID-19 using the RTPCR test so far.

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Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol pushes for a stronger local production and market network to ensure steady and sufficient supply of food staples in the country to fight out disruptions in the global food supply chain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

City plans to publish areas with positive Covid-19 cases

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed plans to publish the areas in Davao City with positive cases of Covid-19.

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“Naay idea nga i-publish na ang mga areas nga naay nag-positive para ang mga tao makalikay na sa maong lugar. Example, City Mayors Office.

Para ang mga tao its either dili na sila muadto and number two, naa silay’s extra precaution nga buhaton kung muadto sila

didto because duna naman gud ta mga patients karon nga nagtrabaho sa mga lugar na ginaadtoan sa mga tao like groceries. It would be good kung masulti nato kung asa ang lugar para ang mga tao mag hinay hinay sila,” Mayor Sara said in a broadcast interview with Davao City Disaster Radio

(DCDR) 87.5 on Monday.

The mayor said the idea is to make the people extra cautious for areas with positive cases.

“Mamahimong specific na siya para dili maadtuan sa mga tao. We expect na kung makabalo ang tao asa ang lugar na naay positive they will be extra cautious,” she said.

The mayor added that this is not a violation of privacy because it is only the area that would be published.

Success stories of OWWA’s reintegration program

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Massage therapists walk by plastic chairs placed along Roxas Avenue near Freedom Park on Monday as the city government of Davao anticipates a protest rally by progressive groups in time for the commemoration of Martial Law. Edge Davao

“Area, meaning place not the barangay, not the purok, kundili ang general location,” she explained.

As of September 21, 2020, total active cases in Davao City per Department Of Health 11-Center for Health Development (CHD) is 241 while total cases is 1, 683, total recovery is 1,380 and total deaths is 62.

Currently there are 50 houses, four compounds, and two puroks on lockdowns.

NE of the core programs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the Reintegration Program wherein returning OFWs are given the necessary trainings and a livelihood undertaking to start with.

In OWWA Davao Region, several OFW returnees have already availed of the program and are now successful in their chosen business.

Here are some of the success stories of program beneficiaries who availed of the agency’s reintegration program: Marilyn Beierly, 45 years old from Tuban, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur worked as a domestic worker in Kuwait for six (6) years.

With her desire to work in another country, she applied in Malaysia. But, her journey in the said country was not as good as she experienced in Kuwait.

She only served one (1) year with her employer.

“I can no longer bare the various jobs given to me by my employer in Malaysia. I worked in long hours

alone with less time to rest.

Until my body gave up and I decided not to finish my contract,” said Marilyn, who also had unpaid salary aside from being overworked while in the hands of her employer..

As a distressed worker, she availed of the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!

Program of OWWA, a package of livelihood support/ assistance intended to provide immediate relief to returning member-OFWs (distressed/displaced) amounting to a maximum Php 20,000.00 as a start up or additional capital for the livelihood project.

OFW Marilyn received the livelihood assistance on March 27, 2020. The amount was used to purchase a variety of goods which she sold in her sari-sari store located within their residence. “I feel blessed when I received the check from OWWA. It really helped me to recover, especially now that we are experiencing a pandemic. The income of the store has contributed a lot in sustaining

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VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

Go recognizes contributions of coops in nation-building

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September 22, allowing visitors from nearby Region 1 to visit Baguio, subject to the minimum health standards.

“Restarting tourism is our priority. Kailangan pong magkaroon na ng mga trabaho ang mga nawalan ng trabaho,” said Puyat.

enator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the continued cooperation and bayanihan among cooperatives in the country as he recognized their role in development and nation-building.

“Cooperatives have become an important force in countryside development and nation-building. Not only have they contributed to the development of the sectors they represent but they have also encouraged the empowerment of their respective stakeholders and communities,” Go said during his speech at a Virtual Forum with Cooperative Leaders on Thursday.

“Mahalaga talaga ang mga kooperatiba dahil tinutulungan nito ang ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng mga kaalaman at serbisyong teknikal at pinansyal na ibinabahagi nito... Magtulungan at magbayanihan po tayo para mas makarating ang ayuda at serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mas maraming Pilipino,” he added.

(Cooperatives are truly vital because they help our fellowmen through knowledge and technical and financial service they impart…Let’s help each other to get the support and service o the government to more Filipinos.)

The senator enjoined the cooperatives to continue helping the country in any way they can.

“For bigger cooperatives who wish to make donations for the public but don’t know where to go, maaasahan ninyo pong tutulungan namin kayo

(rest assured, we will help you). We are willing to assist you to ensure that your donations will reach those who need help the most,” said Go. Due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, Go assured the cooperatives that the government will continue providing assistance to small businesses and vulnerable sectors through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2.

Through the Bayanihan 2, Go also said that there will be a standby fund that will provide low-interest loans for workers and businesses affected by the pandemic coursed through various government financial institutions. He added that even cooperatives may avail such loans.

“Sa Bayanihan 2 Act, may allocation din for loans na kung saan maaaring kumuha ang mga kooperatiba para matulungan ang inyong mga beneficiaries (there is also an allocation for loans where cooperatives avail of to help their beneficiaries),” Go said.

“You may avail of these forms of assistance to strengthen your lending and loaning services in your communities,” he added.

Go also reiterated his call to cooperatives to utilize their Community Development Fund in order to contribute to the government’s efforts to fight the coronavirus disease and help their respective

profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations.

The 2020 IBAs received entries from organizations in 63 nations and territories. Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 250 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process from July through early September.

mitment of the company to its stakeholders in time of the pandemic. The program’s objective was to provide support for customers, especially for critical institutions such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

A key component of the I-REACH campaign is AboitizPower’s collaboration with its partner hospi-

with surgical masks, as well as sanitation and food supplies, in support of their fight against COVID-19.

It also covers a series of webinars to engage customers and keep them informed of the impact of COVID-19, especially on their business operations.

The webinar topics focus on business continuity

A sales attendant refills her display of beverages at a kiosk at SM City Davao’s Annex in the ongoing Food Festival 2020. Edge Davao

DOT aiming to ‘go big’ on domestic tourism T he Department fo Tourism said on Sunday it will concentrate on promoting domestic tourism next year.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the agency is optimistic that the “travel bubble program” which the DOT is implementing in Baguio

City and nearby provinces can be replicated in other areas in Visayas and Mindanao where COVID-19 cases are nil or very low.

“The country’s sum-

mer capital and Region 1 have been designated as pilot areas for the gradual reopening of tourism with a maximum of 200 visitors per day,” Puyat said.

The tourism chief is expected to grace the launch of the Ridge to Reef program of the country’s summer capital on

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European Chamber calls for AboitizPower wins Stevie Award for COVID-19 response boitizPower bagged worldwide – public and The I-REACH campaign tals in Luzon and Visayas to retention of EU GSP+ for PH a Silver Stevie award private, for-profit and non- is a testament to the com- provide healthcare heroes

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European business group here calls for the retention of the Generalised Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+) granted by the European Union (EU) to the Philippines following the recommendation of the EU Parliament to withdraw the preferential trade arrangement.

“The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) strongly calls for the retention of the GSP+ grant in the Philippines. Such a decision will result in massive social and economic repercussions to the Philippines, and will compromise the notable progress that the European Union and the Philippines have built over the years,” ECCP president Nabil Francis told the Philippine News Agency.

Francis said considering the EU is among the largest trading partner of the Philippines, removing the GSP+ will jeopardize jobs generated in both agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

He cited that Philippine exports to EU increased by 27 percent a year after the country qualified for GSP+, and revoking the benefits of GSP+ amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic “will also exacerbate the economic situation

of the country”.

Under the EU GSP+, some 6,274 types of goods enter the EU market at zero tariff.

In the EU GSP+ report for 2018-2019 published early this year, the country’s utilization rate of the preferential trade arrangement is at 73.1 percent in 2018.

The EU Delegation to the Philippines also estimated that around EUR 2 billion (PHP113 billion) or 25 percent of the country’s total exports to EU enter the trade bloc under GSP+.

EU lawmakers released a resolution last week calling on the EU Commission to initiate the procedure to temporarily revoke the granting of GSP+ status to the Philippines over the alleged "seriousness of the human rights violations” here.

Under the preferential trade arrangement, the Philippines must adhere to the 27 international conventions on human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance to continue enjoying the GSP+ benefits.

Maurizio Cellini, head of Trade and Economic Affairs of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, said in an online media conference on

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for its Integrated Response and Awareness towards COVID-19 Hazards (I-REACH) program in the Most Valuable Corporate Response category in this year’s International Business Awards.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations

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Amid the pandemic, AboitizPower continues to engage customers through its Integrated Response and Awareness towards COVID-19 Hazards (I-REACH) campaign, an initiative that won a Silver Stevie in the 2020 International Business Awards.

ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

Alibaba Cloud aims to expand market share in PH by training 50K IT workers

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libaba Cloud is looking to further expand its market share in the cloud computing business in the Philippines by training 50,000 IT workers in its cloud ecosystem within the next 3 years.

The company said it also aims to certify at least 10,000 of these IT professionals as well as help 5,000 businesses in the Philippines on their digital migration by end-2023.

Alibaba Cloud currently ranks fourth globally behind Amazon Web Sevices, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, according to ZDNet. But Alibaba Cloud is the largest public cloud service provider in the Asia-Pacific region thanks to its dominance of the Chinese market.

Demand for cloud computing services boomed as companies accelerated their digitalization initiatives because of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said during its Apsara Conference 2020.

“A lot of digital departments are being accelerated,” said Lancelot Guo, vice president of Alibaba Group.

The company said it has seen a drastic increase in demand for cloud computing for businesses, es-

pecially small and medium scale enterprises. Guo said that SMEs are more vulnerable than large conglomerates to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

“We can see that Philippine SMEs are very eager to embrace cloud technology and we would like to bring our know-hows proven solutions supporting the various business units of Alibaba Group, including Fintech, retail, media and entertainment and logistics to the local customers,” the company said.

It said it is also banking on its familiarity with the Asian market to better compete with Amazon, Microsoft and Google.

“Alibaba Cloud originated from Asia so we know Asia market best,” the company said in a statement.

The company said it is already serving several industries in the Philippines and has even partnered with telco giant PLDT. “Through our partnership with PLDT, Alibaba Cloud provided hybrid

Biz groups warn of more job losses should EU revoke tariff perks for PH

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he Philippines will suffer more job losses should the European Parliament revoke tariff incentives on Manila’s exports over human rights concerns, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) said Sunday.

The European Parliament's threat to suspend Manila’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status will affect up to 20 percent of its exports to EU, according to Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. "Kung 'di mo ihahanap ng kapalit yun, syempre, apektado, lalo ngayong pandemic, hirap na hirap bumalik ang mga kumpanya... Kung talagang mawawala, talagang maraming maaapektuhang trabaho," he said.

(If you cannot find replacement, of course, companies will be affected, especially during this pandemic, they find it hard to get back on their feet... If the status will be removed, many jobs will be affected.)

"Syempre, nakakabahala dahil 9 percent ng ating export eh sa EU. I think, in...

2019, mga 8 billion euro ang trade natin. At out of that, nag-e-enjoy yung GSP preference, mga 1.9 billion euro."

(Of course, it's alarming because 9 percent of our exports go to EU. I think, in... 2019, we had 8 billion euro in trade. And out of that, we enjoyed a GSP preference for some 1.9 billion euro.)

Malacañang, on Friday, dared the European Union to push through with its threat.

It might take two years before the revocation may take effect, Ortiz-Luis said.

"Kung i-a-out ka nila, bibigyan ka ng tsansa na makapaghanda," he explained.

(If they take you out, they will give you a chance to prepare.)

"Lahat tayo ngayon, apektado... Pero ako, I’m very confident na maso-solve yan. Madalas naman tayo tine-threaten d'yan pero may counters din within the EU na nagdedepensa sa'tin," he said.

(We are all affected...

But I'm confident this will be solved. We are often threatened but there are counters within the EU that defend us.)

"Ang trade natin sa EU eh, halos balanced. Hindi lang tayo ang maaagrabyado, sila man. May investors sila rito na maapektuhan."

(Our trade with EU is almost balance. They will also suffer. They have investors here who will be affected.)

The industries of coconut, marine products, semi-conductors, and leather goods might take a hit, Ortiz-Luis disclosed.

"Isa pang malaking epekto sa atin ngayon, yung mga tuna... Malalaking kumpanya 'yan," he added.

(The tuna industry will be another industry here that will be greatly affected... And these are big companies.)

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cloud and security solutions to the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games for its eSports competition, ensuring high-speed connectivity and efficient handling of high data volume online,” Alibaba Cloud said.

Temenos, a Switzerland-based banking software service provider, said last week its core banking product is now certified on Alibaba Cloud.

Financial institutions will be able to run Temenos’ mission-critical core banking applications on Alibaba Cloud and benefit from elastic scalability, cost and operational efficiencies, Temenos said.

Martin Frick, Temenos managing director for Asia Pacific, said they expect traditional banks to “trickle” into the cloud as big banks are concerned about regulators and security risks.

Many neobanks, which are fintech-driven firms, meanwhile are already cloud-driven.

Meanwhile, as the United States continued to raise concerns about data privacy and security with Chinese tech companies, Alibaba Cloud said it is committed to complying with local laws and industry regulations wherever it operates across the globe.

Customers of PLDT, Smart, TNT and Sun Cellular in Mindanao have experienced degraded or no mobile internet and voice services on Monday because of several cuts of their fiber optic transmission lines. Edge Davao

PT&T teams up with Go PH to tackle distance learning

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he Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (PT&T) on Monday said it has inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide internet connectivity for the e-learning platform of community-driven social enterprise Go Philippines.

In an emailed statement, PT&T said the connectivity will assist Go Philippines to cater to the heightened need for connectivity, with the shift to distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“PT&T continues to seek out opportunities where we, in our capacity and industry, can serve where we are needed, in this case, in providing much-needed infrastructure in the education sec-

tor,” said PT&T general manager for broadband services Ricky Peña.

Launched in February, Go Philippines has extended financial services to the education sector, supporting 3,000 scholarships annually.

It aims to provide endto-end assistance to every member of the learning environment, without incurring debts.

“Schools moved quickly to adopt distance learning tools to overcome challenges of the pandemic... Unfortunately, even the best Learning Management System will fail absent quality connectivity,” said Michael Goldsmith, Go Philippines cofounder and chief visionary officer.

At present, PT&T has a network reach of 13,500 fiber kilometers in highgrowth areas, covering some 40% of the total Philippine population.

The company holds a 25-year franchise which allows the establishment, maintenance, and operation of both wired and wireless telecommunications systems for domestic and international communication in the country.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier moved the opening of the school year 2020-2021 to October 5 from August 24, amid the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from DepEd said that there have been over 24 million students that

have enrolled for the upcoming school year as of the first week of September.

However, those from the poor and marginalized sectors have expressed concern over the shift to blended learning, given the difficulty to afford a stable internet connection and the lack of the necessary gadgets.

The DepEd has since rolled out television programs for students, with 27 professional teachers hired to serve as broadcasters.

Last month, one of the segments of the English lessons — particularly for the eighth grade — went viral after netizens pointed out a grammatical error.

OW Telecom Co. Inc., which is planning to go public, on Monday said it has scored an extension of its provisional authority (PA) to operate the country's fourth mobile telecommunications system.

According to NOW Telecom, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued the extension of the firm's PA last Monday, September 14, 2020, to install, operate, and maintain a nationwide mobile telecommunications system.

NOW said the PA is not specific to third generation mobile communications technology (3G), but this can extend to other tech-

nologies such as 4G, 5G, and even outer space.

The extension of the PA, however, is subject to a number of conditions which include the infusion of additional capital of at least P1.9 billion.

This is based on the two-P6.3-billion capital expenditure program for the first two years, as submitted and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

"As the country’s fourth telco, NOW Telecom, an affiliate of publicly listed telecommunications, media, and technology firm Now Corp., is currently setting the stage for its public listing as well as its 5G or fifth generation net-

work rollout," the company said.

NOW Telecom has appointed Unicapital Inc. as financial advisor for a planned corporate restructuring, and to serve as exclusive issue manager and financial planned listing by way of introduction (LBWI).

"We are moving forward with the corporate restructuring of NOW Telecom to take it to the next level," said NOW Group of Companies founder and chief executive officer Mel Velarde.

"NOW Corp and NOW Telecom were the first to introduce 5G broadband speed of up to 2Gbps direct to our existing enterprise

clients. Our next move is to extend said service to the residential and consumer markets," he added.

To recall, NOW Telecom already secured regulatory approval extending its PA in September 2019, after it announced plans to enter the fifth generation (5G) wireless network a month earlier.

Frequencies NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios said, however, that NOW may not have enough frequencies to compete with incumbents Globe Telecom Inc., PLDT Inc., and third player Dito Telecommunity Corp.

"If you talk about mo-

NOW Telecom scores provisional extension to operate as 4th telco

N

FNOW, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

On the lifting of the 24-hour liquor ban beginning on Monday (September 21, 2020) via Executive Order (EO) No. 50 Series of 2020: Dili pabor ang mga doctors sa pag-lift sa liquor ban puero dapat balansehon ang business ug pandemic. Naa man limitation ang servings so puwede ra i-lift ang liquor ban and we suggest diha lang mo mag inum sainyong balay ug dili mag invite ug mga amigo sa ingoing mga balay basin nagdala sila ug sakit.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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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 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

LIVING

FRED C. LUMBA

GLOBE GIVES BACK TO LOYAL CUSTOMERS WITH 0917 NATIONAL G DAY FESTIVITIES 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 SEPTEMBER 17searching or 917in a haystack? does not only signify The huge financial mess Globe’s and origidiscoverediconic – and exposed by a nal prefix, it also whistle-blower - in the marks Philhealth corruption scandal indicts the start of Globe’s an-the culturalcelebration impunity thatthat has been nual in existence and in practice for recognizes gives many decades,and nursed in fact by back to its loyal customthe benumbed indifference of a ers exciting timidthrough and tolerant society.

The Philhealth issue is not rewards and surprises. the tipis of the iceberg, mind This the time whenyou.

Many more earth-shaking Globe and its partners exposes’ in yesteryears and recome cent pasttogether have cometo anddelight gone but its millions of customthe authors of the evil schemes have not been convicted and ers. jailed.

It the appears that they are Given challenging times able to squeeze themselves out of we in, Globe situation aims to make the are discomfiting by sethis year’s G “talented” Day a curing the National services of way to empower and enable its lawyers who smartly navigate the legal waters with a variety customers as they face the newof “swimming” methods and styles. normal. By providing unique Yes, it can no longer be deexperiences rewards, nied that ourand justice and penal

customers will be able to regain control of their lives and recreate better days not just for themselves but for others as well.

“More than our annual tradition, it is our way of recognizing our customers for their loyalty and support” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. “This year’s unusual circumstance does not stop us from making our 0917 celebration more meaningful. Let us come together to create better days with National G Day, “The political scene perpacked with rewards andissurhaps the most public arena prises for all our customers.” where people have expressed Fordistrust this year, digital their in the those who cellead ebration comes many them.

These areinnot easyforms, times in which to be aonleader.”

-- Henry each focusing making and Richard Blackaby, authors customers more productive, of Spiritual Leadership entertained and delighted.

*** And it came to pass that The awaited G Chance God most saw the sufferings of His people in Egypt. He had heard the Raffle them crying out because Globe’s biggest raffle ofof thethe miseries they were experiencing. He wanted to rescue them from their bondage. So, He called a man named Moses to bring God’s chosen people out of Egypt.

“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt,” Moses asked.

Moses was terrified to become the leader. InTRIO theirand book, THE TALENTED Spiritual Leadership, authors “Idol Philippines” alums Lucas Henry Matty and Richard Blackaby Garcia, Juniosa, and wrote: “Leadership. Everyone Enzo Almario, collectively experiences it, or the lack of it, in known as iDolls, are treating their daily lives. Those called to lead can doing so a daunting fans withfind their respective new task. Those expected to follow singles all under Star POP. canLucas experience frustration is offering his ownwhen their leader is unable to lead.” powerful take to Thereand are emotive 850 different defithe 2018ofHimig Handog 5th was nitions leadership.

That whatSong Warren Bennis Ko andNa,” Burt Best “Tinatapos Nanus found when they were originally interpreted by Jona. writing their collaborative book, The fresh version was arranged Leaders: Strategies for Taking by Iean Inigo and transports Charge.

It is no wonder why tolisteners to thehave sad yet hope-time day’s leaders a hard measuring level.

There ful journey up of atheir person going are too many standards to meet! through a failing relationship.

Dr. John C. Maxwell, an Matty, meanwhile, exploresau-

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

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.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

year will begin on September 17. Globe customers will get their raffle codes from the Globe Rewards or Globe at Home apps. They may also use thority on leadership, has writtheir reward points to turn ten a very comprehensive book them into more raffle codes. entitled, The 21 Indispensable At the GofChance the raffle, Qualities a Leader.

In his customers havehetheposed chancethese to introduction, questions: makes people win prizes “What that they can use to want follow a leader?

Why do work,tolearn, and play at home. people reluctantly comply with These exciting prizes include one leader while passionately 5G smartphones, con-of following another gaming to the ends solesearth? like the Nintendo Switch, the What separates leadership successful Segwaytheorists Ninebot,from Samsung leaders lead Mi effectively products,who Xiaomi Box, in

Globe Rewards points, GCash credits, and so much more!

Customers can also use their Globe Rewards points to get 917 lifestyle essentials, “People do shareCommitment: experiences and discount not follow uncommitted leadcodes for Konsulta MD, Pureers. Commitment can be disgold, Health Now, Healthway played in a full range of matters Clinics, Zalora, Grab,hours Lazada, to include the work you choose to maintain, how you Shopee and other partners.

fun by being part of Globe’s online music festival.

The G Music Fest lines-up international band LANY and favorite local acts namely The ever what he reJuans,honored Massiah,for Kiana Valenceived.

Honor has been the reciano, UDD, SB19, Ben & Ben, ward for what he gave.” -- Calvin and December Avenue.

Coolidge, American president Globe customers can stream Initiative: “Success seems to connected with the be music fest for free on action.

Successful keep moving.

September people 26, 4PM through They make mistakes, but GlobePH, Globe’s Facebookthey don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, hopage. tel executive

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

For this year’s National G A volunteer-appointee I Day, myBusiness has the thinkGlobe will do better under also something in store for circumstance because he is not entrepreneurs.

On but September indebted to anyone to the appointing alone.will host 23, Globeauthority myBusiness Therefore,Ghe will have much the first-ever Summit 2020 leeway to hire and fire, whenevUsapang Diskarte: Pivot your er necessary and implement the Businesshe to Success. changes sees to be effective andBusiness efficient.owners will hear least, need not fromAtlocal andPRRD international search in a haystack. experts like Josh Linkner, Napoleon Hill, author of the #1 most booked Think innovation much-acclaimed and Grow speaker, bestRich, said:new “Noyork man times ever achieved selling author and business worthwhile success who did not, at one time other, find himself leaders fromorGoogle, Taxumo, with at least one foot hanging and CIA Bootleg Manila. well over the brink of failure.”

Attendees will learn about Challenges will not stop darbusiness opportunities in the ing us in the face. newItnormal, busi- in is up torunning us if weacower fear take the dare. (Email your nessor amidst uncertainty and feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. how innovation and digital com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPtransformation can help you PINES.

turn a challenge into a business opportunity.

G Summit aims to bring Filipino businesses together into fulfilling the vision of transforming the Philippines into a digitally empowered nation.

“The National G Day is a celebration we look forward to each year because it is our opportunity to give back and say thank you to our customers and partners who have been with us throughout the years,” said Globe Marketing Services himself.”

-- Louis Hub Head JennyNizer Echevarria.

Security: will make “We at Globe“No willman continue to a great leader who wants to do recreate our products, services, it all himself or get all the credit rewards so it for doingand it.” --experiences Andrew Carnegie, industrialist remains relevant, unique esSelf-discipline:“A man withpecially in these extraordinary out decision of character can times.” never be said to belong to himKnow this year’s self…

He more longs about to whatever can National G Dayofbyhim.” downloadmake captive -- John Foster, ing theauthor Globe Rewards app and Servanthood: Globe At Home app.“The true

WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER?

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, the blissservanthood, of young andteachabiliexpresty and vision. sive love in the original song Now, here “Sayaw ng mga Tala,”are writ-some thoughts from various leaders ten bythinkers Daniellefrom Balagtas and the and around produced by Star POP head world: Rox Character: Santos. The “Leadership track tells the is the capacity and will men heartwarming tale oftoarally person and women to a common who has been devotedly in purpose and the character which love withconfidence.” a special someone inspires -- Bernard for so long, until it blooms Montgomery, British Field into Marshal forever.

Charisma: “Howhiscan Finally, Enzo puts ownyou have charisma?

Be more conspin on the 2017 Himig Handog cerned about making others 3rd “Extensyon,” feel Best goodSong about themselves than initially by feel Inigogood you are interpreted making them about -- DanitsReiland, vice Pascualyou.” featuring composer president of leadership developAikee. The song touches on the ment tensions surrounding ex-lovers,

ENTERTAINMENT

work to improve your abilities, or what you your fellow G Music Fest,doAfor Music workers at personal sacrifice.”

Festival Right at Home -Stephen Gregg, chairman of A treat for all music-lovers, Ethix Corporation comeCommunication: together and feel“You the can have brilliant ideas, but if you electric energy and unbridled 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 Discernment: “The first rule of holes: When you’re in one, stop digging.” -- Molly Ivins, American columnist Focus: “What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.” -- Margaret Mead, anthropologist especially when they come Generosity: person was across each other“No again.

Enzo’s

Listening: “The ear of the leader must ring with voices Usapang diskarte forthe your of the people.”

-Woodrow business with G Summit 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 Relationships: “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, American president Responsibility: “When a man points a finger at someone else, hewas should remember that version arranged

by Theo four of his fingers are pointing at Martel.

leader serves. Serves people.

Serves their best interests, and in so doing will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price.” -- Eugene B. Habecker, author Teachability: “It’sEnzo what Lucas, Matty, and allyou learn after you know it all joined the launching season that of counts.”

-- John Wooden, “Idol Philippines” in 2019.BasketLucas ball coach was Vision: proclaimed the runner“Theasfuture belongs up, those Matty who finished the top 12 to seeinpossibilities before theyreached become while Enzo theobvious.” top 20.

-John Scully, Chief Executive They have been releasing covers Officer of songs like “Dalaga,” “HangTo end this piece, here is a gang Dito na Lang,” and Chinese “Mafinal statement from bagal” as the group iDolls philosopher Lao-Tzu: “Tosince lead people, walk beside them ... As the competition’s conclusion. forListen the best leaders, the people to Lucas’ “Tinatapos do not notice their existence.

Ko Na” and Matty’s “Sayaw ng The next best, the people honor mgapraise.

Tala,” on various digital and The next, the people streaming services, fear; and the next,and thepre-save people hate When the best leader’s Enzo’s... “Extensyon” which will work done the people say, ‘We be outison streaming platforms did ourselves!’” thisitFriday

IDOLLS MEMBERS LUCAS, MATTY, AND ENZO RELEASE NEW MUSIC

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

ONLINE VIDEO PLATFORM IQIYI OFFERS STAR-STUDDED PROGRAM LINE-UP INTERNET VIDEO STREAMING SERVICE iQIYI (iQ.com) recently launched a delightful medley of premium original content that viewers can enjoy this September under the most popular genres in the Philippines and across the globe: romance, period dramas, Internet variety, and crime and mystery.

Says Sherwin Dela Cruz, iQIYI Philippines Country Manager: “We are thankful for the support we have continued to receive from our Filipino audience since we first launched our platform a few months ago.

Many have expressed their excitement for the popular releases that will soon be launched on iQIYI PH. Our new titles span diverse genres that we know will appeal to our viewers’ varied interests. We hope that they will delight our viewers and grow to be as well-loved and timeless as popular releases that came before them.”

Filipino aficionados of Asian drama and movies need look no further than iQIYI’s website and mobile application for the most exciting lineup of programs on demand: • Korean drama fans can binge on crowd-favorite Backstreet Rookie starring Ji Chang -Wook and Kim Yoo-Jung; Flower of Evil starring Lee Joon-Gi who plays a violent psychopath who tries to hide his past from the woman he marries; popular Korean drama Love Revolution starring THE BOYZ’s Kim Young-Hoon and Wanna One’s

Park Ji-Hoon in a romantic story of love and friendship between a group of high school students; More Than Friends with Wanna One’s Ong SeongWu in a tale about two young people who have had crushes on each other for over ten years; and 18 Again where Yoon SangHyun in the lead role becomes a teenager again after his wife files for divorce.

• An exciting new release that should not be missed is Let’s Party, the first variety show featuring popular girl group THE 9 from iQIYI’s top-rated Youth With You. • Hopeless romantics will find swoon-worth picks in the September lineup to include Love Yourself, which follows the adventures of four mid-lifers who begin dating again; and My Unicorn Girl, in which a girl cross dresses to join an ice

hockey club and ends up reencountering her nemesis.

• Enthusiasts of period dramas should not miss any of these iQIYI favorites: Dance of the Sky Empire, set in the Tang Dynasty in an era when humans and demons coexisted. Viewers will be taken back in time on a spellbinding journey with a human-demon hybrid (Xu Kai, who starred in Story of Yanxi Palace) who breaks the fragile peace, develops a complicated romantic relationship with a human and eventually becomes a hero to the people; and In A Class of Her Own, in which a poor girl meets the prime minister’s son and disguises herself as a man to gain admission into an academy that only accepts male students.

• Viewers partial to mystery and suspense will be thrilled by Crimson River, which is about

a murder case that repeats itself twenty years later, awakening the painful memories of a peaceful town. iQIYI offers an affordable and flexible subscription plan.

Viewers who prefer to access fresh, exclusive content as it drops can sign up for a Standard VIP account at PHP129 or for a Premium VIP account at PHP249. Older content is available for free via iQIYI’s website at iQ.com or on the platform’s free mobile application which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Founded in 2010 by Chinese multinational technology company Baidu, iQIYI is known globally for its comprehensive library of blockbuster original content composed largely of Chinese dramas. In recent years, iQIYI has steadily introduced

Korean dramas and movies, original Chinese variety shows and Japanese anime on its platform, to cater to its growing millennial following beyond China, especially in Southeast Asia.

Award-winning, multi-genre titles that have premiered on iQIYI include The Golden Eyes, which won global acclaim and the prestigious Golden Bird Prize at the 2019 Seoul International Drama Awards; and Story of Yanxi Palace, a Chinese period drama series that was streamed more than 15 billion times during its run in 2018. iQIYI has also pioneered and produced a number of high-profile Internet variety shows, such as Chinese rap competition The Rap of China which debuted in 2017, and the 2020 Chinese girl group show Youth With You which proudly featured Blackpink’s Lisa among its mentors.

ALDEN RICHARDS, RURU MADRID INSPIRE CANCER WARRIORS ON BRIGHT SIDE

THIS TUESDAY, Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards and Kapuso hunk Ruru Madrid inspire cancer warriors on GMA News TV’s Bright Side, airing on its new timeslot at 9:15 p.m.

Alden is known to have a soft spot for children with cancer.

Even during lockdown, he tried finding means to reach out to these children to bring them joy and hope. Like Alden, Ruru also considers cancer warriors close to his heart because his grandmother has colon cancer. Bright Side also meets cancer warriors who, instead of giving up, even make it a point to inspire and help others.

Meanwhile in Batanes, which remains COVID-free until now, it is said that there is a vaccine against the virus—discipline

and bayanihan. The province closed its border to tourists as early as February and the Ivatans themselves help each other so that everyone has food and livelihood. They came up with a project called “Walang Sayang” where farmers are sup-

ported so that their harvest do not go to waste. They also have Quarantine Resorts to accommodate those who got stranded in the province.

Aside from Batanes, Balangkayan in Eastern Samar also remains COVID-free. With rich

marine resources, Balangkayan’s abundant sea produce keeps its residents secure in terms of food and livelihood. Discipline and bayanihan also help them keep the virus away.

And in Good Eats, COVID-19 survivor Donita Nose joins host

Kara David in a cooking face-off featuring Pork Talong Binagoongan.

Catch these inspiring and feel-good stories on Bright Side this Tuesday on its new timeslot, 9:15 p.m. only on GMA News TV.

EDGEDAVAO

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9

SONY ELECTRONICS INTRODUCES ALPHA 7C CAMERA, THE ZOOM LENS, THE WORLD’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST FULL-FRAME CAMERA SYSTEM

S

ony announced several additions to their impressive imaging lineup — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens and HVL-F28RM flash.

The Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video capabilities and more.

When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest FE 2860mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximising portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness, and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection .

“We are committed to creating the best tools possible based on the needs of our customers,” said Ryo Ochi, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

New Alpha 7C: Uncompromised Full-frame Performance in a Compact Design The new Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP (approx. effective) 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X™ image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, 15-stop wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.

Measuring only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm and weighing just 509g , the Alpha 7C is a similar size and weight to an APS-C camera , with only 1% more weight than the Alpha 6600. The Alpha 7C achieves the world’s smallest and lightest compact body2 through upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilisation and shutter units, and the utilisation of monocoque construction, which is often used in the bodies of cars and aircrafts.

Even in this compact body, the Alpha 7C features a 5-step stabilisation effect that allows shooting snaps without a tripod. Moreover, despite the compact body, the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to shoot for long durations in comfort, allowing you to capture up to an industry-leading 740 images when using the LCD monitor, or 680 images11 when using the viewfinder.

Outstanding Full-frame Image Quality Sony’s new Alpha 7C combines high resolution with low noise for excellent image quality at all sensitivities, offering the user stunning image quality for shooting everyday photography and movies such as nature, portraits, sports, street photography and more. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable to ISO 50-204,800 for low-light environment captures with low noise.

The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output for natural gradations.

Advanced Autofocus Using AI-driven functions, the Alpha 7C’s Real-time Tracking maintains accurate focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. In addition, “Tracking On + AF-On” now is assignable to a custom key and can now be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. Moreover, the intended subject can be specified just by touching it on the monitor when “Touch Tracking” has been turned ON via the menu and is available for both stills and movies. The Alpha 7C’s AF functions also feature Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals to achieve fast and accurate focus . When using Real-time Tracking while “Face/Eye Priority in AF” is ON with a human subject, the

subject’s eye and face is detected and locked on in real-time with extremely high tracking precision.

The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF that locks onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93% of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments.

The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE (autoexposure) by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps17 in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4 . These features make it easier to capture fast-moving subjects.

Expanded Video Capabilities Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160)3, which is then oversampled to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. In addition, the Alpha 7C supports HDR (HLG ) and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fps3 and other advanced video features which offer exceptional video capabilities to capture high quality video footage.

Furthermore, the Alpha 7C features Real-time Eye AF (human) for video shooting. The eye is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability so that the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus operation. Users can also customise AF Transition Speed in seven settings, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity in five settings, in their preferences.

Touch Tracking functionality is also available for movie shooting.

The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor, making it easy to record selfies, overhead shots, low ground-level shots or whatever the user requires. The MOVIE button has been placed on the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. Additionally, the Alpha 7C provides high quality video recordings, not just for images, but also for audio. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking. Headphone and microphone jacks are also provided to accurately monitor recorded sound, and metadata attached to movie footage shot vertically on the camera allows the footage after transfer to the smartphone or similar device, to also be replayed and edited in the vertical position.

Designed for Reliable Operation The Alpha 7C is designed with the user in mind. The touch panel LCD monitor is a large touch-sensitive 3.0 type with approximately 921 thousand dots, providing optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and supporting touch operations. The Alpha 7C also features a high-quality view mode for finer, more natural detail in addition to a 2.35 megadot (approx.) XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF. The Alpha 7C offers functions that simplify operation during and after shooting, such as Fn button customisations and more. It is also dust and moisture resistant to support shooting needs in challenging environments.

To simplify workflow needs, Wi-Fi compatible wireless-communication functions allows images and movies to be directly

transferred to a smartphone or tablet for convenient sharing, viewing or saving. In addition to the conventional 2.4GHz band, support for the 11ac standard allows transfer via 5GHz band (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) so that users can select that stable and highspeed transfer with low interference. A USB Type-C® connector that supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) is also provided, allowing fast transfer of images during PC remote shooting and power supply from external mobile batteries.

New FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: The World’s Smallest and Lightest4 Full-frame Zoom Lens with High Image Quality The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest4 form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the 3 aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realises high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 0.99 foot (0.3m) (wide-angle) to 1.48 feet (0.45m) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.

At 167g and 66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm, along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivalled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the times. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of onthe-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world’s smallest and lightest fullframe camera and lens system1.

Even with its compact size and light weight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistant22 and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.

New HVL-F28RM: Compact Flash with Light Intensity Control Linked to Camera Face Detection5 The HVL-F28RM is a compact flash designed to match Sony’s mirrorless cameras for a compact, manageable system, and offers the type of reliable, stable performance that only a genuine Sony product can provide. When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVLF28RM features a 12% reduction in volume and 7% reduction in weight. This compact, easy-to-use flash unit delivers the capabilities and dependability to meet the needs of both professional and advanced amateur content creators.

The HVL-F28RM offers consistent GN28 light output, optimised light distribution and continuous flash performance that won’t interrupt the user’s workflow, as well as stable radio wireless communication and multi flash radio control. The new flash also features Sony’s newly introduced flash control linked to camera face detection5 advanced technology. When used with a compatible camera, the balance between the light falling on the subject’s face and ambient light is taken into account to automatically adjust accurate white balance so that the subject’s face is rendered with natural, lifelike color. In addition, flash compensation, light ratio, and other detailed flash parameters can be controlled directly from a compatible camera . A camera custom key can be assigned to call up the flash parameter display so that adjustments can be made while looking through the viewfinder and gripping the camera. Flash parameters are shown in the selected camera display language.

A newly developed “Met-

al Shoe Foot with Rugged Side Frame” that also houses the unit’s electrical contacts offers improved resistance to physical shock and impact from all the directions. The Multi Interface foot is fabricated from metal for higher strength.

The HVL-F28RM also features a dust and moisture resistant22 design. When the HVL-F28RM is mounted and locked onto the Alpha 7C, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7R IV and Alpha 9 II, durability to dust and moisture is improved, even when used in challenging outdoor environments.

The HVL-F28RM also features simple, intuitive operation with minimal controls including +/light level buttons, pairing button, test button and lock lever. Plenty of light is available for bounce applications. The flash angle can also be set as required via 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120 degree click stops for easy positioning. The new flash also features a built-in wireless radio trigger for reliable flash triggering when mounted on a compatible camera26 and paired with an off-camera unit. When used as a transmitter, the HVLF28RM can control up to 15 flash and/or receiver units in 5 groups at distances of up to 114 feet (35 meters) for extraordinary lighting control and versatility. The HVLF28RM is powered by two AA (LR6) alkaline or NiMH batteries.

A fresh pair of alkaline batteries can provide power for up to 110 continuous flashes (1/1 manual flash with alkaline batteries)29.

Availability The new Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available in selected countries in Asia Pacific from October 2020.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in selected countries in Asia Pacific from January 2021.

The HVL-F28RM flash will be available in selected countries in Asia Pacific from November 2020.

To find out more about the Alpha 7C and “See What Small Can Do”, visit www.sony-asia.com/microsite/ILCE-7C/. Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at www.sony-asia.com/ alphauniverse/inspire, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α - Alpha.

New content will also be posted directly at the Sony Photo Gallery.

For full product details, please visit: • Alpha 7C: www.sony-asia.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7c • FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: www.sony-asia.com/electronics/ camera-lenses/sel2860 • HVL-F28RM: www. sony-asia.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-flashes-lights/hvl-f28rm A product video on the new Alpha 7C can be viewed here.

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have yet to determine the motive behind the kidnapping as Triplet is not known

to be a wealthy person.

(Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)

There are at least 120 RT-PCR laboratories in the country are processing swab test results.

The Philippines has re-

corded 286,743 COVID-19 cases so far. Of this number, 229,865 recovered while 4,984 died. The number of active cases is at 51,894.

(Philippine time) are National Chess Federation of the Philippines chairman Rep. Prospero A. Pichay Jr., Oceania Chess Confederation president Paul Spiller, Asean Chess Academy Director and former FIDE Secretary General Peter Long, Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al-Tahir, and ACF Technical Affairs and Development Commission chairman Sami Khader.

The organizers thanked Asian Chess Federation

Executive Director Casto “Toti” Abundo for his “great assistance for organizing this online chess seminar”, and Long for “rendering and facilitating the structure and system of the seminar.”

For more details and copy of the prospectus, visit the FIDE Trainers’ Commission website or email to philchesstournament@ gmail.com together with proof of payment and with copy to trainers@fide.com.

(PR)

in his debut in 1984.

“This is one of the best Tours I’ve ever seen,” LeMond said. “They need to put in a final time trial like this every five years. I didn’t think Pogačar would be able to make up that time.

Pogačar, what a talent.”

Pogačar also makes history as the first Slovenian to win the Tour, and the youngest since World War II, at 21. He celebrates his 22nd birthday Monday. “[Primož] Roglič didn’t lose the Tour, Pogačar won it,” said Bahrain-McLaren’s Mikel Landa. “What he did was something incredible. No one expected that.

We’ve seen before he has the guts to do it.”

How many more yellow jerseys will Pogačar win?

Of the “first-winner’s” club since World War II, Robic and Koblet one only once.

The others won two or more.

Jumbo-Visma and Ineos Grenadiers will return next year with stronger, more motivated teams. But the 2020 Tour revealed that one superb rider can surpass the strength of an entire team.

Riders who won the Tour de France in their debut: 1903 — Maurice Garin 1904 — Henri Cornet 1905 — Louis Trousselier 1947 — Jean Robic 1949 — Fausto Coppi 1951 — Hugo Koblet 1957 — Jacques Anquetil 1965 — Felice Gimondi 1969 — Eddy Merckx 1978 — Bernard Hinault 1983 — Laurent Fignon 2020 — Tadej Pogačar

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the Philippines cannot do it alone and the United Nations is the world’s biggest platform."

Early in his term, Duterte threatened to "separate” from the 193-member UN amid criticism from human rights experts over the death toll attributed to his administration's campaign against illegal drugs. The Philippines is a founding member of the UN, which was established in 1945.

“When have you done a good deed to my country?

We are contributing money,” Duterte said in August

2016.

Duterte also raised the possibility of forming another international organization along with China and African and Middle Eastern countries.

Last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on the Philippine government to "revoke the policies" that allegedly resulted in human rights violations under the drug war.

The Palace however maintained that the Philippines has institutions mandated to go after human rights violators.

role of agriculture in improving the country’s economic recovery during the pandemic.

World Bank recently reported that agriculture was the only sector that remained resilient during the pandemic, posting 1.6 percent growth during the second quarter of the year.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies president Celia Reyes likewise noted that Mindanao

has a vital role to play in ensuring food security in the country during and after the pandemic, given that it produces 40 percent of the country’s food requirements and contributes about 30 percent to the national food trade.

The 6th Mindanao Policy Research Forum (MPRF) is jointly organized by MinDA, PIDS, and the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).

and recovery practices, COVID-19 as an accelerator of digital transformation, and the government’s economic outlook and initiatives to support key industries, among others.

Through the campaign, AboitizPower is able to support its customers in their transition to the new normal. With the timely information drive oriented towards key customer concerns such as sanitation and virus prevention, work-from-home best practices, online employee training, and government advisories, customers are equipped to maneuver their way through the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“We are grateful that our customer efforts have been recognized by the International Business Awards. The real victory here is seeing our partners rise toward recovery. This accolade reminds us that we are on the right track and inspires us to do even

better for our partners,” said AboitizPower Head of Commercial Operations Juan Alejandro Aboitiz.

For this campaign, AboitizPower partnered with hospitals such as the PNP General Hospital, Perpetual Help in Binan and Las Pinas, Mary Mediatrix in Batangas, Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu, and Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod. The company is also looking to conduct a roundtable discussion with key representatives from the retail segment in the next run of the webinar series entitled: “The Next Normal: Harnessing insights from customer experiences and challenges to sustain the future of work.”

The I-REACH campaign is one of the many COVID-19 response initiatives of AboitizPower for its various stakeholders. The company, despite the challenging times, endeavors to fulfil the Aboitiz Group’s promise of Advancing Business and Communities.

Aug.13 hosted by ECCP that the EU draws its “overall assessment on the basis of the whole picture” -- looking it in a global perspective and overall situation in the country.

Cellini was commenting on the possible development concerning restoring the death penalty in the country, a human rights issue also flagged by the international community.

“GSP+ also depends on human rights issues, labor issues, environmental issues, good governance issues. We would like to look at the picture from a global angle,” he said.

He added that the EU also considers the good development that sprout in these areas.

Meanwhile, a senior

economist at Kuala Lumpur-based Juwai IQI Global said the Philippines can survive even if the EU decides to halt granting the GSP+ status, “The recent action of EU against Manila clearly indicates that EU has failed miserably in terms of economic outlook and wants to pursue myopic policies which are going to hurt European consumers more than Philippines consumers,” Juwai IQI Global chief economist Shan Saeed said in an e-mail.

“Philippines can find new markets due to government efforts to maintain economic and growth outlook in positive mode despite global macro outlook becomes dubious,” he added. (PNA)

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the needs of my family,” she relayed. She added that, her husband worked as a company security guard, but his income is not enough for them. “I am so grateful to OWWA for giving me the opportunity to recover through the livelihood assistance. Now, that I have my own source of income I can help my husband in providing the needs of our two daughters.,” said Marily who is now the present Vice-President of Tuban OFW Family Circle.

As an active member of OWWA, her daughter, Jelyn Beierly qualified in the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) in 2018. Jelyn was in her fourth year when she availed of the program.

She finished Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English at Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Davao del Sur. She also passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2019. Presently, she accepts tutorial services at home while waiting for her plantilla item in one of the public schools in Davao del Sur. “The scholarship program of OWWA greatly helped me in pursuing my dream to become a teacher. Though I only got one year scholarship grant, it helped to lessen the financial burden of my parents.

I am encouraging other OFW dependents to avail of the scholarship program of OWWA because it will not only help us financially, but they will also help us develop socially and mentally,” said Jelyn.

FLORABEL B. GILLO A 42-year old OFW was able to survive after a distressful experience while working abroad. Florabel Gillo from Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur worked as a domestic worker in Kuwait. She was not able to finish her 2-year employment contract due to maltreatment. “I was not treated well by my employer. If they are not satisfied with my job, they will hit me and will not give enough food,” she relayed. When she can no longer take the treatment of her employer, she asked for assistance from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Kuwait and was able to return home on January 12, 2019.

When she learned about the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program of OWWA, she applied and submitted a proposal on hog raising. Her application was approved and received the livelihood assistance amounting to PHP 20,000.00 on November 20, 2019. She immediately started her hog raising project.

With proper management, OFW Florabel earned much from her hog raising project. Part of the income was invested to sari-sari store and automated vendo car wash. “I am grateful to OWWA because the livelihood assistance given to me served as my way to recover from the bad situation I experienced abroad. With determination and courage, I was able to multiply my income. The income I earned from the store and

the car wash helped me in sustaining the needs of my family,” she said. She added that the income of her husband as a tricycle driver is not enough for them so she finds ways to earn additional income. “I also thank OWWA for their encouragement and guidance.

With its support, I was able to manage my livelihood project well and provided me better income,” she added MELODINA I. ESTOMATA Melodina Estomata, married with four (4) children considered herself as one of the successful beneficiaries of the reintegration program of OWWA – National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

She started her hog raising project in September 2018 after she received her livelihood assistance worth Ten Thousand Pesos (Php 10,000.00) under the Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay of OWWA-NRCO. OFW Melodina worked as a domestic worker in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2016. She was not able to finish her employment contract due to maltreatment. She was assisted by POLO Riyadh and was able to return home in 2018.

Like OFW Florabel, Melodina finds success in her hog raising project. According to her, the income after 2 croppings was invested to sari-sari store and food business. She was also able to buy seven (7) units of computer for her internet shop and ac-

quire a 1 unit of vending machine for PISO net (wifi) installed at their residence in Tuban, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. “I never expect that the financial assistance I received from OWWA –NRCO will provide me better income. With the support of my husband and relatives, I was able to manage my business well,” she said.

Using her skills in cooking, Melodina cooks a variety of foods for delivery to her friends and neighbors on special occasions.

The livelihood assistance granted to her by OWWA greatly helped her in sustaining the needs of her family. “The income of my store and internet shop helped in the education of my children, especially with my eldest son who is now a second year in nursing. I need to work hard for them because my husband could no longer work because of his illness,” relayed the 40-year old mother. She thanked OWWA for giving her the opportunity to earn income without leaving her family. “Now that I have my resources, I will try my best to make this more productive for the good future of my children,” said Melodina who encouraged other distressed workers to never give up and find ways to earn income.

The reintegration program of OWWA has able to help distressed workers recover and find other means to live. It is one way of uplifting their lives and empower them to become successful entrepreneurs.

(PR-OWWA XI)

community members mitigate the socio-economic impact of the crisis.

“As I have mentioned before, I encourage the cooperatives to utilize the Community Development Fund to aid in our efforts to fight the pandemic,” Go said.

“This will also help your respective community members mitigate the impacts of the crisis on your stakeholders,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go expressed his full support for the endeavors of the coun-

try’s cooperatives through legislation.

“I will support, through legislation, the reforms that the Cooperative Development Authority would like to introduce in growing cooperatives, for us to attain sustainable growth,” Go said.

He added that he will look into recommendations and programs to help the cooperatives industry, such as the provision of seed fund the farmers and women cooperatives; capability building on sustainable development for

cooperatives; market development assistance for agricultural cooperatives; executive development program for medium scale cooperatives or Cooperative Development Academy; incentivizing cooperative formation to State Universities and Colleges; local government support to community-based cooperatives; organizing Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles into cooperatives for IP communities; integration of cooperatives to ending local communist armed conflict; decentral-

ization of cooperative development down to the barangay local government units; and creation of National Cooperative Development Training Center.

Go said although the government is always ready to help cooperative members, it does not see them simply as “beneficiaries”.

“We treat you as partners in this fight because we know that you are more than willing and capable to help our communities overcome this crisis,” Go said. (PR)

He hailed the response of the country's Department of Trade and Industry - Board of Investments to the EU resolution, which, according to him, called for understanding and discussions over the issues raised.

While tapping another market for these affected

industries may be possible, Ortiz-Luis said, "Sayang yung opportunity. Hindi ganun kadali na lumipat, mag-develop ng market."

(It would be a wasted opportunity. It's hard to move and develop markets.)

The EU Parliament,

in a resolution adopted Thursday, called on Manila to stop violent operations against drug offenders, renew the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp., and drop charges against Sen. Leila de Lima and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, among others.

The COVID-19 pan-

demic, which dragged the economy into recession, has left some 3.3 million Filipinos jobless, according to the labor department’s records. This is fewer than the Philippine Statistics Authority’s estimate of 4.6 million jobless Filipinos as of July.

bile, tatlo lang. You have one coming in. Of course, NOW is an authorized mobile network operator...

Meron siyang spectrum but of course limited," he said in September 2019.

He said then that most of the frequencies held by NOW are only on the 3,500 megahertz (MHz), the midband of the spectrum which can only cater to a niche market.

"You really cannot

compete. Niche marketing lang 'yan. You are hitting a niche market. Otherwise, hindi talaga puwedeng makipagsabayan ka," he said then.

For his part, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan II earlier said the government plans to reallocate unutilized frequencies to make way for more telecommunicaiton companies to enter the

market.

"We will rationalize that also. It will require getting back frequencies that are allocated. It requires a frequency management policy," he said.

Honasan noted, however, that the agency is focused on the entry of the third telco player before it can develop the envisioned frequency management policy.

Third telco player Dito

Telecommunity missed its July 8 deadline for its technical launch which the company earlier committed to the government, as part of conditions as the third telco player.

The NTC has since given Dito six more months to satisfy its commitments, with the company saying it is on trackto have its commercial launch or the onboarding of subscribers

by March 2021.

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11

P100T more for Chooks to Go President’s Cup 3x3

C Anthony Davis:“In the jersey we wore tonight, it just makes it even more special.”

AD shows ‘Mamba mentality’

L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Anthony Davis has never been this deep in the playoffs, never had the chance to take such an important shot.

It’s nothing new for the Los Angeles Lakers, though.

So when Davis’ 3-pointer swished through the net as time expired to give the Lakers a 105-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time) and a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals, coach Frank Vogel thought of a Laker who had done it before.

“That’s a shot Kobe Bryant would hit,” Vogel said. “To me, AD coming off, just flying to the wing like that, catch-and-shoot with the biggest game on the line of our season, nothing but net, it’s a Mamba shot.”

The Lakers were wearing their Black Mamba jerseys. They were co-designed by Bryant, their Hall of Fame guard who died Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash. Davis said wearing the jerseys that mean so much to the team

made his winner feel even better.

“In the jersey we wore tonight, it just makes it even more special,” he said.

Davis finished with 31 points. He scored Los Angeles’ last 10 points and had 22 in the second half to help the Lakers avoid becoming the latest victim of a Denver comeback.

“Special moment for a special player. Happy to be a part of it,” said LeBron James, who had 26 points and 11 rebounds.

The Nuggets had trailed by as much as 16, but Nikola Jokic scored 11 straight Denver points down the stretch, including a basket that made it 103-102 with 20 seconds to play.

Alex Caruso then missed a 3-pointer and Jamal Murray blocked Danny Green’s shot out of bounds with 2.1 seconds to play. Rajon Rondo inbounded under the bas-

Rookie rider Pogacar wins Tour de France

T

adej Pogačar joins an elite club Sunday of riders who won the Tour de France in their debut.

Since World War II, only eight riders had won the Tour in their first try, and all of them became legends in the sport.

Pogačar joins the likes of Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault who won their first Tour. Both went on to win five yellow jerseys.

Even Merckx, who was 24 when he won his first Tour after waiting to race the Olympics as an amateur, is impressed.

“Jumbo-Visma was racing at full-speed for three weeks, not letliing anything go. They dominated, controlled everything, but they only forgot one guy — this 21-year-old only 50 seconds [sic] away. What an

error of judgement,” Merckx told L’Equipe. “They got caught in their own trap.”

Pogačar also becomes the first rider since Merckx to wear three jerseys in Paris. Pogačar will win the yellow jersey, the King of the Mountains jersey for the best climber, and white jersey of the best young rider in the same edition, while Merckx won the yellow, green points jersey and polka-dot jersey in 1969.

The last rider to win in their first try was Laurent Fignon in 1983, who won two editions of the Tour during his career also marked by his eight-second loss to Greg LeMond in 1989. Jan Ullrich was second in his first Tour in 1996 behind teammate Bjarne Riis, and LeMond was third

FROOKIE, P9

ket and found Davis curling toward the sideline, and the All-Star forward swished it to put the Lakers halfway to the NBA Finals.

Jokic said there was miscommunication on the final play, when it appeared center Mason Plumlee let Davis drift free believing there was going to be a switch. Jokic raced out to him, but too late.

“Great players make great shots and he did it, so he’s a really good player,” Jokic said.

Jokic had 30 points and nine assists, and Murray scored 25 points.

Game Three is on Tuesday night.

James carried the Lakers early, with 20 points in the first half. But they went more in the second half to Davis, who had 37 in an easy Game 1 victory.

This one was much tighter and appeared it would be another huge rally by the Nuggets, who were down 16, 19 and 12 in the final three games against the Clippers, when they erased a 3-1 deficit.

They had climbed

all the way out this hole when Murray scored for an 87-86 lead with 7:26 to play. But Green and Rondo hit 3-pointers and, after a basket by PJ Dozier, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made another 3 to make it 95-89.

It was 100-92 after another 3 by Davis before Jokic answered with nine straight, tipping in a miss

by Murray to give Denver a 101-100 edge with 31 seconds to play. Davis put the Lakers back on top with a basket in the lane, but Jokic backed him down on the other end to put the Nuggets back on top with 20 seconds remaining.

James started 5 of 6 while the rest of the Lakers missed their first 12 shots before Green’s layup 7 1/2 minutes in gave them a 14-12 lead.

The lead was five midway through the second quarter before the Lakers had an 11-0 run that featured a steal and dunk and a 3-pointer by Alex Caruso that pushed it to 52-36 with about 4 minutes remaining in the half.

Denver trimmed it to 6050 at the break.

hooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascariñas announced on Sunday that he just added a stipulation to this year’s President’s Cup. Mascariñas said another P100,000 will be given to the team that will make the final in one of the four legs of the said conference provided that Zamboanga City-Family’s Brand Sardines also makes the final.

“We also have to reward the teams that have taken the time and effort to face them. That is why we raised the stakes for our first conference,” Mascariñas explained.

Zamboanga City has Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol -- two members of the Gilas 3x3 team to the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year -- in it, and both players are using the tournament as part of their training.

The additional pot is seen as a motivator for the other 11 participating teams, namely Uling Roasters-Butuan City, Bacolod-Masters Sardines,

Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Palayan City Capitals, Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes MLV, Porac Big Boss Cement Green Gorillas, Bicol 3x3 Pro, Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, Saranggani Marlins, Pagadian City Rocky Sports Valientes, and a team backed

by Petra Cement, to give Munzon and Pasaol as well as Troy Rike and Santi Santillan the needed intensity to become prepared in the global level.

The old Top 3 prize pool, where the winner gets P100,000, P30,000 for the runner-up, and P20,000 for the bronze medalist, will be implemented if Zamboanga City misses the final.

The President’s Cup is scheduled for an Oct. 2 start at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, where all the teams converge through a bubble.

The other three legs will take place on Oct. 4, 16, and 18, while the grand finals will happen on Nov. 7, where PHP1 million awaits the conference champion. (PNA)

FIDE to hold world-class coaches’ online seminar

C

hess mentors around the world will have a chance to join worldclass coaches’ training and seminar which the International Chess Federation (FIDE) will conduct on Sept.

25 to 27 via Zoom platform.

Dubbed FIDE Trainers’ Online Seminar, the seminar was organized by the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE) with sponsorship and approval from Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and FIDE Trainers Commission (TRG) and would serve as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for participants to become a licensed international coach or trainer.

As many as 40 partic-

ipants from Australia, Fiji, Guam, Japan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taipei, Vietnam and the Philippines have already registered for the three-day online seminar.

Top-notch and renowned lecturers from different parts of the world will share their chess expertise and mastery to all attendees who wanted to become a competent and knowledgeable trainor.

Among the well-known guest speakers who will grace the opening ceremony on Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

FFIDE, P9

Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates Yellow Leader Jersey celebrates after winning the 107th Tour de France 2020. (Getty Images)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 140 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

DAGGER DAVIS Anthony Davis sank a Kobe-like game winning triple.

AD sinks game-winning triple to push Lakers to 2-0 lead

L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Anthony Davis made a 3-pointer as time expired to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 105-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time) and a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Davis finished with 31 points.

He scored Los Angeles’ last 10 points and had 22 in the second half to help the Lakers avoid becoming the latest victim of a Denver comeback.

The Nuggets had trailed by as much as 16, but Nikola Jokic scored 11 straight Denver points down the stretch, including a basket that made it 103-102 with 20 seconds to play.

Alex Caruso then missed a 3-pointer and Jamal Murray blocked Danny Green’s shot out of bounds with 2.1 seconds to play.

Rajon Rondo inbounded under the basket and found Davis curling toward the sideline, and the All-Star forward swished it to put the Lakers halfway to the NBA Finals.

LeBron James had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers.

Jokic had 30 points and nine assists, and Murray scored 25 points.

Game Three is on Tuesday night.

Kobe-like Kobe Bryant’s influence on this Los Angeles Lakers playoff run has been evident from the start. In Game 4 of their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, while wearing the Black Mamba uniforms that he helped design, the Lakers jumped out to an early 24-8 lead. Those are the two uniform numbers Bryant wore for the Lak-

ers. They racked up another win in Mamba gear against the Houston Rockets and attempted to make it 3-0 in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets had other plans.

Despite trailing by 16, they came back to take the lead with only 2.1 seconds remaining. That is when Anthony Davis, in his first playoff run as a Laker, channeled his inner Mamba and nailed the game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

If that looked to you like the sort of shot Bryant would have made, you’re not alone. Frank Vogel made the same connection. He was caught on camera telling his team that Davis’ game-winner was a Mamba shot, and expanded on that to reporters during his postgame press conference.

“We want to embody what Kobe Bryant stood for and honor his memory,” Vogel said. “Obviously there’s certain games where we’re gonna feel it a little more than others, when we have that uniform on, I think we feel it more than others.

That’s a shot Kobe Bryant would hit. So to me, AD coming off, flying through the wing like that, catchand-shoot with the game on the line in the biggest moment of our season, nothing but net, that’s a Mamba shot.”