Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 141 | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

GRAB AND GO TREATS AT THE WATERFRONT INDULGE P8

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ROLLING OUT

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 12 PAGES

Construction of Mindanao train Phase 1 eyed in Q1 of 2021 STORY ON PAGE 2

A worker conducts grass cutting and gravestone cleaning to prepare the memorial park from relatives who will visit their departed loved ones more than a month before the observance of this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Dabawenyos are expected to troop to the cemeteries and memorial parks earlier than usual following the announcement of the city government of Davao that cemeteries and memorial parks will be closed from October 29 to November 4 as recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Robredo ‘blind and deaf’ to gov't's periodic assessment of pandemic

T

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Davao City on Monday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

ROLLING OUT

Construction of Mindanao train Phase 1 eyed in Q1 of 2021

By MAYA M. PADILLO n official of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) expressed confidence that the construction of the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) will happen during President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

A

MRP Project Manager Clipton J. Solamo affirmed in a text message that construction of the TagumDavao-Digos (TDD) segment is scheduled to start in March next year.

The railway between the cities of Davao and Tagum in Davao del Norte are expected to start running by the fourth quarter of 2021 while the full operation of the railway’s first phase covering Tagum,

Davao, and Digos City in Davao del Sur has a timeline set by the second quarter of 2022—these are all based on the DoTr‘s latest timeline for the MRP. The TDD segment, which will run between Tagum City in Davao del Norte and Digos City in Davao del Sur passing through Davao City, is estimated to cost about P35 billion and will be partly funded by Official Assis-

tance from China.

The project has eight stations with three in Davao del Norte, three in Davao City, and two in Davao del Sur. A 10-hectare depot will be built in Tagum.

Solamo said the project’s groundbreaking will be in Davao City station or Tagum City station.

“We might not have the usual groundbreaking ceremony with hundreds of attendees because of the pandemic and we need to observe the guidelines set by the authorities,” he said.

DoTr already has the shortlist of the project management consultants while the shortlist for the design-and-build contrac-

tor is still being finalized by the Chinese government, which will provide the ODA for the first phase.

Solamo said the railway project is undergoing procurement process as DoTr will follow Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, which prescribes rules and regulations for the modernization, standardization, and regulation of procurement activities, including for project consultants.

The railway is among the first priority projects listed under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration. It has an estimated cost of P82.9 billion for the 102-kilometer first segment.

virtual media forum.

Abanil said the final dry run is important to test the logistics and procedures in broadcasting 26 to 28 episodes per day before the opening of public schools on October 5.

"There will be 130 episodes per week of TV lectures to be aired in major networks for the major subjects. Hindi pa po namin kaya mag-produce sa kasalukuyan sa lahat ng (We can't produce episodes yet for all) subjects," he said.

By January 2021, the DepTV production team aims to produce 220 episodes per week covering all the subject areas in the most essential learning competencies and dub

episodes in all major dialects especially those covering lessons for kinder to Grade 3.

The partner channels that will air the DepEd TV episodes include: IBC 13, Solar TV, Cignal TV, GSAT, PTV4, Planet Cable, Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Gracia LMP, Mabuhay Pilipinas TV, and GMA Network.

"So, how are we able to produce 130 episodes per week? We have trained 107 teacher-broadcasters nationwide, most of them in the NCR (National Capital Region), but we also have representation in the Region 8 and BARRM, and we're in the third batch of training, and around 91

will pass," Abanil said.

He added there are 72 production team members who work on post production tasks pertaining to the episodes.

Abanil also said DepEd has five production studios in Metro Manila.

"We're setting up another one, by next week, these will be six. And we also have 18 public schools for onsite shooting, we do shooting at heritage sites like Intramuros, Luneta Park, National Museum, and Baguio so the learners can see them in the background even if they cannot visit these sites in this time of pandemic," he said.

With face-to-face

Test broadcast of DepEd TV lessons successful: official

T

he first of the fiveday test broadcast of the television episodes of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) blended learning approach on Monday was successful, according to DepEd Director Abraham Abanil.

"Successful po ang aming pag-broadcast kaninang umaga. From September 21, today, up to Friday, September 25 mag-dry run kami ng (Our broadcast this morning was successful. From September 21, today, up to Friday, September 25, we'll have a dry run of) 26 episodes corresponding to one day of TV episodes that we'll be airing on October 5," Abanil said in a

FTEST, P9

he national government is already making periodic assessments of the country's fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this comment after Vice President Leni Robredo batted for periodic assessments of the Covid-19 response than extend the declaration of state of calamity in the entire country until 2021.

Roque said Robredo is simply “blind and deaf” to the fact that the government has been doing what she has suggested all along.

“All you have to do is go to the webpage of the (Department of Health), all she has to do is to consult the regular report being submitted by the Office of the President to the Congress pursuant to the Bayanihan 1 and Bayanihan 2,” he said in a virtual presser.

He thanked Robredo for her suggestion.

Through Proclamation No. 1021 signed on Sept.

16 and released on Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte extended the state of calamity “for a period of one year", or from Sept.

13, 2020 to Sept. 12, 2021, “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant."

Duterte said the extension would allow the national government, as well as local government

units (LGUs), to continue using the "appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and provide basic services to the affected populations".

Under the proclamation, all government agencies and LGUs are enjoined to cooperate and mobilize the necessary resources to “undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of Covid-19.”

Law enforcement agencies, with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were also directed to continue undertaking all necessary measures “to ensure peace and order" in affected areas.

During her weekly radio program on Sunday, Robredo said she could not help but wonder why the President extended the national state of calamity until Sept. 12, 2021.

“Kasi gusto bang sabihin na ganoon katagal iyong emergency situation natin? Kasi kung ganoon katagal, parang nakakatakot para sa atin. (Does this mean our emergency situation will last that long?

Because if it will take long, it is scary for us),” she said.

(PNA)

Pass budget first, House members urged amid speakership issues

D

eputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to swiftly pass the proposed PHP4.506-trillion budget for 2021 amid the brewing speakership dispute over the infrastructure funds allocated for legislative districts.

Villafuerte made the call after Deputy Speaker and presidential son Paolo "Pulong" Duterte confirmed a warning to move to declare the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speakers vacant as congressmen squabbled over purported inequitable budgetary allocations for their respective districts.

Villafuerte said the possible House shakeup could derail the budget's approval, noting that it could result in an impasse similar to what happened in 2018 under then-Speaker Gloria Arroyo when the House failed to pass the 2019 national budget.

The delay in the passage of the 2019 budget forced the government to work under a reenacted budget for the first part of that year.

“Sana pabayaan na muna natin na ipasa 'yung budget para 'wag naman maapektuhan ang ekonomiya (Let’s allow the budget to be passed first so that the economy won’t be affected)," he

said in a radio interview.

Villafuerte said Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has committed to pass the proposed national budget for 2021 quickly so the economy can recover from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Ang alam ko, nag-usap na si Speaker at si Deputy Speaker Pulong.

I think na-settle naman lahat 'yung mga concerns na ipinaparating sa kanya. Even in the same way, kung meron man, aayusin po 'yun, kasi ang talagang objective naman ni Speaker Cayetano 'di ba ano — 'people first, politics later' (What I know is that the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker Pulong have already talked and settled all concerns. All other issues will be settled in the same way because the objective of Speaker Cayetano is ‘people first, politics later')," he said.

Villafuerte noted that House Appropriations Committee chair Eric Go Yap, one of Duterte’s closest colleagues, has also said he is 99 percent sure there will be no change in the leadership and that there will be no call for the vacancy of the positions, especially with the ongoing budget deliberations.

Yap had said in an interview with ANC that Paolo Duterte’s text had been taken “out of context”.

FPASS, P9

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Go’s aid to fire victims in Davao City continues

By MAYA M. PADILLO egardless of the number of beneficiaries, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s distribution of financial aid to fire victims continues.

R

The senator was in Davao City on September 22, 2020 to extend financial aid and grocery packs to 15 individuals with houses totally damaged due to fire happened on September 14, 2020, in Cory Village, Barangay Governor Paciano Bangoy in Dacudao, Agdao.

The distribution of financial assistance, food packs, medicines, vitamins, face mask, and faceshield was held at the said barangay’s covered court.

“Suot lang mo ug face shield. Cooperate lang mo sa gobyerno. Kung naa na vaccine seguraduhon gyud ang mga pobre ang mauna sa vaccine,” he said.

The Senator also gave out bicycles to selected recipients to promote the use of safe alternative modes of

transportation during the current health crisis. However, he also advised them to take extra precaution when using their bicycles.

Representatives from various agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, National Housing Authority, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and City Social Services and Development Office were also present during the distribution.

“Kinausap ko ang DSWD na magbibigay ng financial assistance sa inyo, ang NHA para magbigay ng pambili ng housing materials, at ibang pang mga

ahensya ay tutulong rin.

Hindi po kayo pababayaan sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan,” said Go. Health protocols, such as social distancing and wearing of masks, were strictly followed by attendees and officials present during the distribution of assistance to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Go expressed optimism that the situation in the country will eventually return to normal. He also urged the residents to continue cooperating with the government and showing their concern for their fellow Filipinos so the country can easily bounce back from the health crisis.

“Tulungan lang tayo at ingat po. Itong nangyayari sa atin na krisis, malalagpasan din natin ito. Sana makabalik na tayo sa dating normal, dating normal na pwede natin yakapin ang mga kapatid nating Pilipino,” he added.

Covid-19 vaccine may be available in PH 2nd quarter of 2021 —DOH

A member of the City Engineer's Office's demolition unit takes a breather from dismantling a metal structure of a billboard near Generoso Bridge in Matina, Davao City on Tuesday. Edge Davao

T

he purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by the Philippine government may only begin in the second quarter of 2021 as foreign manufacturers continue development and trials to ensure their safety and efficacy, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

“We need to ensure that all of these vaccines are safe

and they are efficacious before we allow it to be sold or procured by the government,” Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said.

Scientists and medical experts around the world have been working double time to develop a vaccine to end the pandemic, with a promising few entering clinical trials.

A planning activity was also conducted on the Municipality of Sta. Maria last September 17, 2020 together with PNC Matus, MNAO Gracenia Mametes,

Dr. Maria Victoria Rabara, and representatives from different implementing departments such as the accounting, procurement, budget, MSWD, and the

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he would give preference to the vaccines being developed by Russia and China because other countries are asking for advance payment.

“That’s the one thing that’s wrong with Western companies. Kaya sabi ko we will give preference to

FCOVID-19, P9

Dietary supplemental feeding for the pregnant women of Davao Occidental

T

he National Nutrition Council (NNC) under the Department of Health (DOH) is the government agency responsible for the formulation of a conducive policy environment for the national and the local nutrition planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and surveillance using state-of-the-art technology and approaches.

Under the governance of the National Nutrition Council XI, the program of Early Childhood Care and Development for the First 1000 Days of Life (ECCD-F1K) has been an on-going program being implemented in the provinces of Davao Del Sur and Davao Occidental since 2019. The program aims to emphasize the importance of the First 1000 Days of a child’s life which begins from the conception of the mother up to the first 2 years of age. The first 1000 days of life is considered to be the “golden window of opportunity” during which the delivery of health, nutrition and early learning interventions would result to the optimum physical and brain development. To

strengthen the campaign on the importance of the first 1000 days of life, a separate nutrition program known as the “Dietary Supplemental Feeding Program for the Pregnant Women” is currently being implemented together with the ECCD-F1K program in the province of Davao Occidental. This program aims to uplift the nutritional status of pregnant women on their 26th week of pregnancy to ensure the delivery of a healthy baby which will directly affect their development on their first 1000 days of life. The pregnant and lactating mothers are to undergo 90 days of feeding through which hot meals or dry rations are to be prepared by the Local Government Unit of their respective municipalities.

Under the Province of Davao Occidental, only the municipality of Malita has yet started the implementation of the feeding program. About 14 out of 30 barangays and 900 pregnant and lactating mothers have been currently enrolled on the 90-day feeding program.

Given the distances of the

barangays and the sitios from the possible feeding centers, the mode of feeding was decided to be by means of dry ration distribution which in response is being monitored weekly by the nutrition and health workers of the barangays and the municipality.

A coordination and planning activity were conducted on the Municipality of Jose Abad Santos last September 10-11, 2020 together with the ECCD-F1K Provincial Nutrition Coordinator - Mr. Pyke Matus, Dr. Amparo Lachica, Dr. Gene Rose M. Carmona, the Provincial Health Office Staff and the nutrition workers of Jose Abad Santos. The 2-day activity consisted of orientation on the programs under the National Nutrition Council, organization of technical working group, preparation of logistics, and presentation of the implementation plan per barangay. The mode of feeding agreed upon would be a combination of hot meals and dry ration.

The target date for the implementation of the feeding program will be on the 2nd week of October.

Rural Health Unit. A follow-up orientation meeting with the nutrition and health workers is to be conducted on the coming days of the month.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

PLDT-Smart seeks gov’t aid to install, repair over 300 sites

D

Amidst the uncertainty in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas decorations of various kinds are already on display at a mall in Digos City on 21 September 2020. Christmas season is reputedly longest in the Philippines, starting as early as September. MindaNews photo by ERIC SB LIBRE

ue to lockdowns brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), PLDT and its wireless subsidiary, Smart, on Monday asked the government to help in the installation and repair of over 300 telecommunication sites in the country.

In a letter addressed to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), PLDT-Smart said areas currently inaccessible due to the pandemic include Metro Manila and the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Palawan, Iloilo, Capiz, Samar, Misamis Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

“The PLDT Group would like to respectfully appeal to the DICT and DILG to direct LGUs (local

government units) and other concerned sectors to enjoin their immediate cooperation in granting the PLDT Group access to its facilities within their respective areas to conduct critical works,” the letter read.

Aside from the different levels of community quarantine throughout the country, it noted that some LGUs have also imposed further restrictions that impact critical activities such as service restoration, maintenance, installation works, capacity expansion, replacement and upgrade of critical facilities, and other urgent work.

Smart president and chief operating officer and PLDT chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio, in a statement, said that services offered by PLDT-Smart have become essential to many due to the pandemic.

hilippine Airlines said it has refunded about 80 percent of requests and would fulfill all obligations related to canceled bookings due to restrictions imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19.

A total of 60,000 flights were canceled since March affecting 1.3 million passengers which resulted in a "massive deluge of refund requests," the flag carrier said in a Facebook post over the weekend.

The total requests is over $300 million (P15.9 billion), it said.

"We have so far refunded about 80 percent of the more than $300 million (PHP15.9 billion) COVID-related refund requests," PAL said.

"We assure our customers of Philippine Airlines' commitment to fulfill all

refund obligations, and we sincerely apologize for the long processing time many of you have experienced," PAL said.

Loss of revenue hampered "prompt" refund payments, but processing capacity has since "stepped up" to address backlogs, it said.

PAL said it has restored about 15 percent of its domestic and global network.

Its rival, Cebu Pacific earlier said it has also refunded some P2.4 billion in canceled booking requests, equivalent to 50 percent of the refund requests it has received.

The global aviation industry is one of the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, grounding planes worldwide with some airlines reducing staff to stay afloat.

PAL reimburses 80% of P15.9B virus-related refund requests

Senate aims to pass corporate P tax reform bill before Oct. break

T

he bill which seeks to immediately lower the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent from the current 30 percent shall be approved on third and final reading in the Senate before Congress enters recess on October 17, lawmakers in the upper chamber said Monday.

Senate Ways and Means Committee chairperson Pia Cayetano said the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) bill must be passed before the break as the proposed national budget for 2021 will be the priority once session resumes

on November 16.

“If we want the business sector to benefit from this, it does appear that we are pressured to discuss it and pass it before the break, otherwise, the earliest would probably be mid-December or third week of December. That’s

PH brands abroad ‘lifesaver’ for Filipino franchise sector

P

hilippine franchise brands that expanded outside the country have helped the local franchising sector amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) president Richard Sanz said the group’s strategy to bring Filipino franchise brands abroad has now helped Philippine-based stores to keep their businesses afloat amid the strict lockdown measures being implemented here.

“Now, the crisis has shown us the overseas outlets of these Philippine franchise brands have proven themselves to be the lifesavers when the Philippine-based stores were forced to close because of the lockdown,” Sanz said at the opening of the Franchise Asia Philippines 2020 Monday.

He said it has been PFA’s strategy to bring Filipino franchise brands abroad rather than Philip-

pine labor.

“Because of franchising’s power to create jobs and businesses, we should be getting support so that we can help bring our economy back on its feet. More than just creating businesses and jobs, franchising is also an effective instrument in globalizing brands,” he added.

Moreover, Sanz said the Philippines remains an attractive market for international franchises.

Citing a United Statesbased think tank EGS, the PFA chief said the Philippines leads Southeast Asian nations as the best destination for international franchises due to the country’s economic growth, market size, intellectual property protection, ease of entry, ease of starting a business, corruption index, political situation, economic factors, long-term investment level risk, and projected Covid-19 recovery.

“Even now, the PFA Sec-

FPH, P10

the reality there,” she told her colleagues during the session.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri backed Cayetano and said both Houses would be very busy with the national budget towards the end of the year.

“CREATE is a revenue-negative measure which actually helps a lot of businessmen with the dropping of the corporate income tax to 25 percent, which is sorely needed in this time of pandemic,” he said.

“We’re timing it for the next quarterly tax payments for the businesses,”

he added.

The CREATE bill, a tweaked version of the proposed Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act (CITIRA), is still pending debates on the Senate floor.

Last March, President Rodrigo Duterte certified this measure in the Upper House as urgent.

The House of Representatives, on the other hand, already passed its counterpart bill in September 2019.

Zubiri said that aside from CREATE, the Senate also targets to pass the coco levy bill before it suspends session next month.

FPLDT, P10

A Philippine Airlines (PAL) aircraft departs from the Davao International Airport. The airline company has announced that it already refunded about 80 percent of requests related to canceled bookings due to restrictions imposed brought by the pandemic. Edge Davao

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Realizations and lessons learned from COVID-19 And why it’s important to be financially prepared for anything,pandemic or not

W

hen the COVID-19 pandemic quickly swept the world, it became apparent to all of us that our frequent five-minute handwashing and wearing of surgical face masks wouldn’t be enough to keep everyone safe. To contain the spread of the virus, we were told to stay home or stay six feet apart. And just like that, life as we know it came to a near-halt.

Months after Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), and with no vaccine in sight, we can’t say how long till we return to our normal routines. But we can all find comfort in the fact that we’re dealing with this pandemic together, and we’ll overcome it in the same way. Life as we know it might change forever but we can go on, worry-free, if we stay informed and prepare for the future.

Because while the future is uncertain, we can always take steps to prepare today so we can worry less tomorrow. COVID-19 has affected our lives in different ways but the lessons we learned from it are essentially the same. Here are five lessons everyone learned or should learn, especially now that most of us are finally back to work.

1. Health is indeed wealth Your health is your best

asset—both physically and financially. Pandemic or not, protecting your health always comes first. And having good health and being in shape give you more energy to work hard for your family while pursuing your passions. Staying healthy saves you a lot of money too. After all, getting sick is not cheap. You have to pay for medicines, treatment, and confinement.

Costs for COVID-19 treatment can reach millions, and so do other critical illnesses like cancer, heart attack, renal failure, or stroke.

But if you do get sick (and often these illnesses will just strike without warning), there are ways to make sure you are financially prepared. Protection plans like FWD Insurance’s Set for Health ensure that you have the money you need to pay for any medical bills. It allows you to claim up to three times against

major critical illnesses— and if you remain healthy by 75 years old, you’ll get your money back.

2. Good habits are important For years, we’ve been told to wash our hands properly. But we never really took it that seriously.

Until this year. Now, it’s one of the best lines of defense against COVID-19. With most of us being called back to work or allowed to go outside, handwashing

or sanitizing our hands are even more important. Let’s not forget to regularly disinfect and clean our homes either.

Other precautionary measures we learned recently leaving our shoes outside, showering and changing into new clothes immediately, and storing dirty laundry in disposable bags.

3. The importance of a rainy-day fund It’s a good idea to have

a rainy-day fund to cover expenses in case of emergencies. This is all the more relevant today during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the saying goes: hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Financial planning is important, especially if you’re the breadwinner.

Life insurance plans like FWD’s Set for Tomorrow make sure that your family has the financial means to go on, protecting them from unpaid loans and sudden

income loss due to death.

OFWs who work abroad get additional protection, too.

4. Information is key.

This year we’ve seen how the right information can actually save lives. From patients’ travel histories to accurate, science-based news about masks and social distancing. But a lot of information is still out there, and not all of it is checked. So when reading the news, check the source.

FREALIZATIONS, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

On criticisms that the national government was not doing enough in its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response: Now, you might be hearing of critics and ‘yung walang magawa (those who have nothing to do saying), that we are not doing enough. Ano mang enough na gusto ninyo? May ospital, may kama, at may punerarya. Nandiyan lahat. Ano man...? Wala man tayong... Mag --- nag --- saan... Ano pa man ang gusto ninyo (What is enough for you? There are hospitals, beds, funerals. It’s all there. What else? What else do you want?”

President Rodrigo Duterte

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL Layout/Cartoons

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

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

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

SEAFARERS’ MUSIC IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC Despite the pandemic, music plays a special role on Filipino seafarers’ life, whether at sea or on land.

It is an understatement to say that karaoke is a central part of pop culture of Filipinos, including seafarers whether on board or in between contracts.

Karaoke is the clipped compound of Japanese kara (empty) and okesutora (orchestra) that is an interactive entertainment in which an amateur singer sings along with recorded music (or a music video) using a microphone.

Karaoke is indeed a favorite past time of Filipino seafarers as one of the coping mechanisms aboard international and domestic shipping vessels to address stress and boredom.

The sea can’t stop the seafarers in mastering the art of vocal mimicry from contagiously belting out songs like the infamous “My Way.” In between contracts, Pinoy seafarers as well as maritime students converging at the Luneta Seafarers’ Welfare Foundation (LUSWELF) along Kalaw St. show their singing prowess

through a weekly show organized by volunteers.

The annual Boses ng Marino Karaoke Challenge pays homage to the oceans and seas to keep our Filipino seafarers safe in their voyage The activity will be an online jamming session this year due to the COVID 19 pandemic instead of the traditional contest in LUSWELF.under two categories, students and professional seafarers.

There will be three sessions for the online jamming, on September 21 ( Monday) over The Baywatch Live of Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) and on September 23 (Wednesday) and September 25 (Friday) over Bill Visaya News Channel.

The Philippines is considered as the major supplier of maritime labor globally as it is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five complements on board a vessel at any time.

The estimated 519,031 deployed Filipino seafarers in 2019 per POEA data remitted $6.539 billion or around P326.95 billion.

The sea-based sector’s remit-

tance comprise at least 22 percent of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These remittances help spur domestic consumption in the Philippines and a key ingredient in the country’s drive to achieve higher but sustainable growth.

However, away from his family and working on board vessels sailing non-stop for weeks or months the world’s oceans, the Filipino seafarer is physically, mentally and emotionally stressed.

Constantly exposed to fluctuating temperatures caused by variant weather changes of extreme hot and cold as the ships cross ocean boundaries, the risks of his getting killed, injured or ill are high.

Former president Fidel V. Ramos issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring Aug. 18 as National Seafarers’ Day aimed at giving due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. Later, Proclamation No. 1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved

NSD to every last Sunday of September every year.

The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) Philippines was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sectors in activities related to the celebration of said event.

This year’s 25th NSD is set on Sept. 27, 2020 with the theme “Seafarers are Keyworkers. You are not alone. You are not forgotten”.

The International Labor Organization ( ILO) has urged governments to recognize seafarers as ‘key workers’ who ensure the flow of trade and the movement of vital medical supplies, safety equipment, food and other critical goods during the pandemic.

While delivering a key service to society, they face safety and health risks, and, increasingly physical and mental exhaustion.

Travel restrictions have left hundreds of thousands of seafarers stranded at sea, unsure when they will be able to return home.

Many are fatigued and weary because their time at sea has been extended for months beyond the maximum stipulated in interna-

tional conventions.

The Sunday masses during the NSD all over the country are offered to the Filipino seafarers.

Due to the pandemic, the other traditional NSD activities nationwide led by AOS will not be held such as oratorical/art contest, search for the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) and the grand parade participated in by stakeholders.

The memorials at sea, novenas, and masses will push through.

There will also be a yearlong monthly webinar on different seafarer issues.

The NSD coincides with the National Maritime Week celebrated every last week of September spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

(Lawyer Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

HUMBLE YOURSELF “Who wants to share knowledge and make contributions to what is shared by another, is humble. On the other hand, who only wants to leave in evidence to another, correcting and asking what already knows, trying to erroneously demonstrate all the knowledge that appears to possess, is simply a haughty one.” – Jasmina Alexander *** I was reading the book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson, and one of the chapters urged readers to “let others have the glory.” Actually, it’s all about pride and humility.

On pride, the book states: “Our need for excessive attention is that ego-centered part of us that says, ‘Look at me. I’m special. My story is more interesting than yours.’ It’s that voice inside of us that may not come right out and say it, but that wants to believe that ‘my accomplishments are slightly more important than yours.’

“The ego is that part of us that wants to be seen, heard, respected, considered special, often at the expense of someone else. It’s the part of us that interrupts someone else’s story, or impatiently waits his turn to speak so that he can bring the conversation and attention back

to himself.”

So, instead of doing so, why don’t share the klieg lights and state with others. Allow others to perform lead roles, too, instead of having them relegated to supporting parts. Doing so would be a humbling experience, figuratively and literally speaking.

Carlson wrote: “Although it’s a difficult habit to break, it’s not only enjoyable but actually peaceful to have the quiet confidence to be able to surrender your need for attention and instead share in the joy of someone’s else glory.”

Now, I remember what one wise man say: If two goats meet each other in a narrow path above a stream or water, what do they do? They cannot turn back, and they cannot pass each other, for there is not an inch of spare room. Instinctively, they know if they butt each other, both will fall into the water below and be drowned. What would they do?

Nature has taught one goat to lie down so that the other can pass over its body; as a result, each goat arrives at its destination safe and sound.

If you still don’t get it, here’s another one. Perhaps you’ve heard of the story of the big truck which gets stuck under a

low overhead bridge. Nobody knows what to do until a small boy suggests that they let the air out of the tires. This done, the truck now a couple inches lower, grazes through.

The moral is that a bit of deflation can help us all at times.

No man is an island, said John Donne. That’s so damned true. You cannot live alone. God made Eve because He knew Adam needed a companion.

How boring Adam’s life would be without Eve. But in some instances, those who have more in life look down those who have less in life. Unknowingly, those who are poor are oftentimes the savior of those who are rich. Such what came into my mind while reading a chapter of the book, Something to Smile About by Zig Ziglar.

A rich man was hiking in the mountains one December.

He was taken by surprise in a sudden snowstorm and quickly lost his way. He knew he needed to find shelter fast, or he would freeze to death. Despite all of his efforts, his hands and feet quickly went numb. In his wandering, he literally tripped over a poor man who was almost frozen.

The rich man had to make an immediate decision: Should he help the poor man, or should

he continue in hopes of saving himself?

In an instant, he made a decision and threw off his wet gloves. He knelt beside the poor man and began massaging his arms and legs. After the rich man had worked for a few minutes, the poor man started to respond and was soon able to get on his feet. Together, the two men, supporting each other, found help.

The rich man was later informed that by helping the poor man, he had helped himself. He numbness vanished while he was massaging the poor man’s arms and legs. His heightened activity had enhanced his circulation and brought warmth to his hands and feet.

Had the rich man didn’t humble himself and help the poor man, he would have died, too. Whatever the status we have in life – whether you are rich or poor – we are living in the same planet. We exist together, whether we like it or not.

And it came to pass that a stooped old man and a lively young man happened to meet one day. The young man bragged to the old timer, “Why don’t you walk straight, like me?

That’s no way to grow old. It’s all a matter of habit – at least, that’s what I am told.”

The old man gave him a look of pity and replied, “My dear young friend, have you ever examined a grain field and noticed which heads are bent and which ones stand up straight? If you take a good look as harvest time draws near, you will notice that the heads which are empty are standing tall and high. But the heads that make a good harvest are the ones that are filled and bending low.”

“Humility is not renunciation of pride but the substitution of one pride for another,” Eric Hoffer once said. Don’t let the pride outpower you. Humble yourself before others and you get your reward you haven’t experienced before.

In Venus in Arms, author Criss Jami reminded: “Sometimes, it takes a lowly, title-less man to humble the world.

Kings, rulers, chief executive officers, judges, doctors, pastors, they are already expected to be greater and wiser.”

Allow others to share the glory in order for them to shine also. Again, here’s a thought from Carlson: “When you surrender your need to hog the glory, the attention you used to need from other people is replaced by a quiet inner confidence that is derived from letting others have it.”

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

GRAB AND GO TREATS AT THE WATERFRONT FOR MANY OF US, a typical relaxing day is usually done within the four corners of our home, working or studying remotely.

While it is good to enjoy home-cooked meals, sometimes we need a bit of indulgence to break the new norm.

Offering its new and improved Grab and Go menu for you to enjoy, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao partners with GrabFood and FoodPanda to bring its all-time favourite dishes and sweet treats to your home or office.

Starting September, one can enjoy a wide array of dishes such as sumptuous pasta meals, crisp pizzas, trays of food for you to share, freshly baked breads, combination meals and snacks, and a delectable dessert selection, the menu’s offerings are sure to appeal to everyone.

Sweet Indulgence at the Waterfront Waterfront Davao introduces its newly improved Sweet Indulgence series: eight deliciously crafted cakes to satisfy both the taste buds and the eyes. Sweet Indulgence cakes come in eight different

flavours: Blueberry Cheesecake, Mango Float Cheesecake, Tableya Cake, Red Velvet Cake, 4 Flavor Short Cake, Choco Delice Cake, Cassava Cake, and Banoffee Pie. The cakes are available in Solo and Medium sizes, tailor-baked for your perfect dessert experi-

ence.

If you’re looking for something new, Waterfront offers an original mash-up of the cookie and brownie, the Browkie, combining the chewiness of a cookie and fudgey goodness of a brownie , this new innovation is sure to surprise you.

If you’re looking for something to bring home to family and friends: why decide on one flavour when you can have them all? Waterfront Davao’s Bread in a Box brings you all our signature breads in one convenient takeaway package.

Food for Virtual Celebrations Should you be hungry for a more filling meal or snack, Power Meals and Power Snacks offer everything you need to conquer the day.

Perfect for those on the go, the Power Meals and Snacks are crafted to provide you with all the nutrition needed to spark your productivity. They can be enjoyed at home for you and your kids to enjoy if you’re in a work/school-from-home setup, or eaten in the workplace for a mid-day energy boost. Waterfront’s Power Meals are also a good delivery alternative for every virtual party.

For those who want to hone their cooking skills, Waterfront Insular Davao also has a Pasta & Sauce kit available for you to prepare a pasta feast at home. The kit comes with freshly made pasta and a variety of sauces good for a party

of four.

Safe Alfresco Dining at the Waterfront For those who miss the sea breeze, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao,with its al-fresco dining and multiple innovative dining offers, remains to be the perfect place for you to enjoy a meal. If you want to enjoy our Grab and Go offerings but would prefer to dine in instead, the selection is available for you at Pizzaiolo and La Parilla.

Whether it’s a meal or dessert to go, or al-fresco dining you’re after, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao remains at the forefront when it comes to an enjoyable dining experience.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

TEST... FROM2

classes still prohibited due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the DepEd has decided to

implement blended learning approach with TV and radio-based instruction being one of the three

main set-ups with modular and online learning as the other two options.

(PNA)

AN N O U N C E M E NT

To all employees union members/claimants in the case entitled “UIC TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING EMPLOYEES UNION – FFW - VS – THE UNIVERSITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPCION – UIC, docketed as GR NO. 178085 – 178086, for non-implementation of the 5 year salary increase under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), based on the tuition fee increase for school year 1995-2000.

The Supreme Court has decided last June 28, 2017 to affirm and adopt with FINALITY the decision of the Honorable Court of Appeals that affirmed the decision of Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas granting monetary award to the 375 UIC employees union membersclaimants, in the total amount of ELEVEN MILLION SEVENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P11,070,000.00) which is now under execution by the Office of DOLE-XI, Davao City.

For further information and guidance please contact the following Union Officers: 1.

2.

3.

Mrs. Teodora Axalan – Union President - cel no. 09109426496 Mrs. Ma. Linda Cataylo – Treasurer – cel no. 09226951638 ; 09156865234 Dr. Judith Dalagan – Asst. Union Secretary – cel no. 09231190136 Truly yours, ALFREDO C. OLVIDA Union Duly Authorized Representative Region XI, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL ORDINARY REGULAR Service.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-9-021 (2000-XI-00021-DS) MERCEDES S. DIEZ, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2020-9-964 (2015-XI-00964) ALONA E. ENCABO, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2020-8-995 (2015-XI-00995) GLENDO B. MARQUEZ, Petitioner.

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MAGSAYSAY (DAVAO DEL SUR) - DAVAO CITY and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on September 4, 2020. In the petition filed on September 3, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 4th day of September 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 11 with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on June 19, 2021. In the petition filed on September 7, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 8th day of September 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: TORIL (DAVAO CITY) - ASTORGA, STA CRUZ (DAVAO DEL SUR) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on January 4, 2021. In the petition filed on August 26, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 8, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 27th day of August 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Mercedes S. Diez Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Alona E. Encabo Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

x----------------------------------------------------x

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Glendo B. Marquez Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr.

PASS... FROM2

9

“His point was that if there are lawmakers who are unhappy with the leadership, they can always initiate a change in leadership. That depends on the majority which will make the decision,” Yap said.

Under the term-sharing deal brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte, Cayetano would serve as the House Speaker for

the first 15 months, or until October 2020, while Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco would take over and assume the highest position at the House of Representatives for the remaining 21 months or until the 18th Congress ends in 2022.

The House of Representatives immediately suspended its session on Monday after convening

for only 18 minutes amid the alleged coup threat against Speaker Cayetano.

Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu declared the suspension of session until Tuesday following the roll call of members and the first reading of several measures. No motion was raised to declare leadership posts, including the speakership, as vacant.

(PNA)

Is it from a reputable channel, agency, or publication?

Are the statistics and studies from credible research or government organizations? Let’s all be vigilant in spotting fake news.

5. It pays to be prepared The pandemic has showed many of us how extremely dependent we are on our paychecks and daily earnings. With no work or income for more than a month, a lot of us have struggled to make both

ends meet. And this will continue with businesses laying off workers and instituting a “no work, no pay” policy.

That’s why it’s important to be financially prepared and have a financial safety net so you can get through any emergency.

It’s not too late to start securing your financial future today. Save. Invest. Protect.

VUL plans like FWD’s Set for Life allows exactly that.

You get both insurance and investment and pay for it monthly. You get to grow your money and, at the same time, secure your future – and your family’s.

COVID-19 is a call for preparedness for everyone. The pandemic took us by surprise, but we learned some valuable lessons. Now that we know better, we can prepare better—physically, mentally, and financially.

FWD Insurance is one of the few insurance companies that are digitally ready to help you financially prepare for the future. Its financial advisors are available to talk to you about your finances and help you with your financial goals via video chat or whatever channel is more convenient for you.

retariat still gets inquiries from other countries on how to expand here,” Sanz said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said franchising is a “tried and tested” model for entrepreneurship.

“On the part of the government, we’ve been helping the local franchise industry by accelerating the exposure of your various franchise business models worldwide, with the help of our Philippine Trade and Investment Centers,” Lopez said.

He added that with the Bayanihan 2 being enacted into law, the government

continues to create a conducive environment to do business despite the pandemic with the regulatory relief provided by the new law.

Under Bayanihan 2, the Small Business (SB) Corp. has a PHP10-billion fund to offer financial assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises through the Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program.

The new CARES program will also extend SB Corp.’s loan programs to benefit cooperatives and repatriated overseas Filipino workers. (PNA)

REALIZATIONS... FROM5

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2020-8-1958 (2003-XI-01958-1) MATINA APLAYA TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE (MATRANSCO), Petitioner. x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: MATINA APLAYA with the use of FOUR (4) units, which Certificate will expire on February 2, 2021. In the petition filed on August 25, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 26th day of August 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

PH... FROM4

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

LYR LENDING CORPORATION,

Mortgagee,

- versus - EJF-REM CASE NO. 17, 746-20 Sps. EDGARDO L. JUMILLA and MARIA AMERICA A. JUMILLA, as Atty-in-fact of Sps. NILO L. OCTURA and MILDRED S. OCTURA Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended ,filed by the mortgagee LYR Lending Corporationagainst the mortgagors/s Sps. Edgardo L. Jumilla and Maria America A. Jumilla with residence and postal address at Blk. 38, Lot 29,Durian St. Ciudad Esperanza Subd., Cabantian, Davao City as attorney – in-fact of Sps. Nilo L. Octura and Mildred S. Octura, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of June 30 2020, amounted to SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOSO (Php 750,000.00), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on OCTOBER 08, 2020 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies mentioned and described below together will the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-246918 “A parcel of land of the cons. & subd. project (Lot 29,BLK. 38 of the cons. & subd. plan Pcs-112402-001753,xxx,xxx), situated in the Barangay of Cabantian City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of EIGHTY SIX (86) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on NOVEMBER 05, 2020 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, September 07, 2020.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, MATRANSCO Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ORLANDO S. ACOSTA Sheriff IV

10 EDGEDAVAO COVID-19... FROM3

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Russia and China provided that their vaccine is as good as any other in the market,” Duterte had said.

Russia had said it is open to the possibility of producing locally the anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik

V for the Philippines.

The country is participating in the phase 3 clinical trials for Sputnik V. Given the country’s scarce funds, President Rodrigo Duterte also said the government will buy the

cheapestCOVID-19 vaccine that will be available in the market, saying all vaccines have the same effect.

“It’s there. I think it’s Moderna, it is a US company, I think they are ready by September. . . . Sinovac, China

is also ready,” he earlier said.

“Kung sino magbigay ng mura dun tayo pupunta. We know we don’t have much money, kung mahal masyado, we will go for the less expensive ones,” Duterte added.

“Many of our customers have been affected by the pandemic and the lockdowns, and we are here to help them get back on their feet by making sure that our quality services are always available to them,” Panlilio said.

He said the government has been helpful in improving its services, noting that the joint memorandum circular signed by several government agencies in July for the streamlining of building common towers has so far resulted in the is-

suance of 211 building and pre-construction permits.

“The initiative of government to make it easier for us to build more towers quicker will be a big help in terms of improving coverage,” Panlilio said.

To date, he said PLDT-

Smart’s integrated network includes 360,000 kilometers of fiber infrastructure, around 10,000 macro and micro-cellsites, over 20,000 LTE base station, data centers, and partners for international capacity.

(PNA)

tallied a double-double average of 16.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in his last season with the Tiger Cubs, will boost the Fighting Maroons frontcourt come UAAP season 84.

“We are very happy to welcome him to the team and we look forward to working and playing with him. Bismarck is a young man with a great fighting attitude and huge potential.

For me, the one-year wait will be beneficial for him and for the team because we will have enough time

to get to know each other and learn together,” Perasol said.

Lina will join fellow Tiger CJ Cansino and former Gilas Pilipinas U19 teammates Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, RC Calimag, and James Spencer in UP. For Lina, it was a wellthought out and hard decision to leave UST. “It is really hard on my part to leave UST. But all I can say is that I’m really thankful to the UP Fighting Maroons for giving me another home.

“I’m sure the leagues will follow (safety protocols) and I’m sure they don’t want to damage their reputation or to damage the whole industry,” Mitra

said, referring obviously to the PBA, which if given the green light by the IATF, will resume the season by Oct. 9 through its own bubble in Clark, Pampanga. (PNA)

PLDT... FROM4

LINA... FROM11

SUPER... FROM12

DEED OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE ANDALIS GUEVARRA who died on November 11, 2019 at Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc., Brokenshire Heights, Madapo, Davao City and the late ROSITA PAGAORA GUEVARRA who died on January 20, 2020 at HomeSub-Urban, Bago Aplaya, Davao City has been the subject of DEED OF SELFADJUDICATION executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.294; PageNo.60; Book No.186 Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN. 9/09,16,23,2020

DJOKOVIC... FROM11

Pliskova’s title defense was hampered due to pain in her left thigh.

“It was growing worse and worse with every day,” she said.

“This morning I even wondered if I was going to play, but you still want to try,” said the Czech, who “hopes” to recover in time for Roland Garros.

Swept aside 6-0 in the first set, she seemed to recover in the second and had just won her first game when she headed for Halep to call time on her match.

For Halep it was a third tournament win this year after Dubai in February

and Prague last month, to extend her winning streak to 14 consecutive matches.

The 28-year-old Romanian did not compete in the US Open because of coronavirus fears, but said she had felt safe in the Italian capital.

“I want to thank everyone because the tournament went well, and in these conditions it’s not easy,” she said.

“We felt really safe and really good on and off the courts, even though we stayed often in our hotel rooms. We accepted it, because we like to play tournaments.”

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED ABSOLUTE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LOURDES S. ALBOROTO who died on June 5, 2007 at Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED ABSOLUTE SALE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.310; PageNo.63; Book No.186 Series of 2020, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 9/09,16,23,2020

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

11

Beefy DeChambeau wins US Open title

M

AMARONECK, N.Y. — Call him a mad scientist in a tam o’shanter cap. Call him a game-changer in golf. Any description of Bryson DeChambeau now starts with US Open champion.

In a breathtaking performance on Sunday at Winged Foot (Monday, Manila time), on a course so demanding no one else broke par, DeChambeau blasted away with his driver and had short irons from the ankle-deep rough on his way to a 3-under 67.

When his 7-foot par putt fell on the 18th, DeChambeau thrust those two powerful arms into the air. This was validation that his idea to add 40 pounds of mass, to produce an incredible amount of speed and power, would lead to moments like this.

Two shots behind Matthew Wolff going into the final round, he passed him in five holes, pulled away to start the back nine and wound up winning by six shots.

Wolff, trying to become the first player since Francis Ouimet in 1913 to win the US Open in his debut, closed with a 75.

Just under a year ago, DeChambeau closed out his 2019 season in Las Vegas and said, “I’m going to

come back next year and look like a different person.”

He lived up to his word among skeptics who wondered if the smash factor would work at a major, especially one at Winged Foot where the keeping it in the short grass was tantamount. DeChambeau pledged to keep hitting it as far as he could, even if that meant being in the rough.

And it worked. He hit only three fairways on Saturday, six Sunday, and 23 for the week.

Skepticism turned into admiration, with a healthy dose of disbelief.

“I don’t really know what to say because that’s just the complete opposite of what you think a U.S. Open champion does” Rory McIlroy said. “Look, he’s found a way to do it.

Whether that’s good or bad for the game, I don’t know, but it’s just not the way I saw this golf course being played or this tournament being played.”

Louis Oosthuizen birdied the 18th to finish alone

in third.

In the five previous US Opens at Winged Foot, only two out of 750 competitors ever broke par over 72 holes, and that was in the same year of 1984 when Fuzzy Zoeller and Greg Norman finished at 4-under 276.

DeChambeau finished at 6-under 274, a score no one saw coming.

He left nothing to chance, staying on the practice range until past 8 p.m.

— the club turned lights on for him — in cold weather while he pounded driver after driver, trying to find enough accuracy to take him to a title.

The US Open was still up for grabs for a fleeting moment around the turn.

DeChambeau and Wolff each got out of position on the eighth hole and made bogey. DeChambeau was at 3 under, one shot ahead of Wolff. Ahead of them, Oosthuizen and Xander Schauffele were lurking at even par.

Still to play was the back nine, where so much has gone wrong at Winged Foot over the years.

Not this time.

DeChambeau and Wolff blasted drives down the fairway on the par-5 ninth.

DeChambeau rolled in a 40foot eagle putt with perfect pace. Wolff, who had pitch-

ing wedge for his second shot, matched his eagle with a 10-foot putt.

Just like that it was a two-man race.

And then it was a one-man show.

Wolff’s tee shot on the par-3 10th rolled left into the thick collar of the bunker, a spot so precarious he had to stand in the deep bunker and grip halfway down the steel shaft of his sand wedge. He chipped 10 feet by the hole for a bogey to fall two shots behind.

Then, the 21-year-old Californian blinked. From the fairway on the 11th, his wedge was chunky and into the right rough and he had to scramble for par instead of setting up a reasonable birdie chance. DeChambeau from the right rough came up short, but he used putter from off the green for birdie from 15 feet away.

With a three-shot lead, DeChambeau kept blasting away as if he were chasing, not leading, just like he said he would. He saved par from the deep left rough on the 14th, downed another protein shake walking down the 15th, marching along to a major title he that validated his out-ofthe-box approach to the royal and ancient game.

with two breaks to lead 3-0, Schwartzman could not keep the momentum going against the 17-time Grand Slam winner, who notched up his fifth win over the Argentinian.

For Djokovic it was a fifth victory in 10 finals in Rome, but the first since 2015, having finished runner-up three times since including last year to Nadal.

“It’s been a good week, even if I haven’t played my best tennis. I’m satisfied,” said Djokovic.

Top women’s seed Simona Halep lifted her first trophy in Rome, a confidence booster ahead of the French Open, after defending champion Karolina Pliskova retired injured while trailing 6-0, 2-1 in the final.

World number two Halep was competing in her third Rome WTA final, having finished runner-up in 2017 and 2018.

- ‘Without pressure’ Halep said she was approaching Roland Garros “without pressure, smil-

ing,” despite the 2018 winner now being among the favorites.

“It’s just another tournament. I’m not going to put pressure on myself,” the Wimbledon champion insisted.

“I played really well this year. I have three titles already. I played so much on clay. I feel confident.

“I just try to be happy, to take the positives from this tournament, and to go there smiling.”

Djokovic nails 5th Italian Open title

R

OME, Italy -- Novak Djokovic picked up where he left off before his US Open default two weeks ago, winning a fifth Italian Open title on Monday, days before the start of Roland Garros.

The world number one lifted a record 36th Masters crown, one more than great rival Rafael Nadal, after beating Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3 in the final at the Foro Italico in Rome.

“Turning to Paris, I couldn’t ask for a better tournament here in Rome.

Another big title and I’m super pleased,” said Djokovic.

“I don’t think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I think I found my best tennis when I needed it in the decisive moments.”

Djokovic extended his record to 31 wins from 32 matches this year, with his only loss the US Open disqualification for accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball.

Schwartzman had shocked nine-time tournament winner Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals.

But he ran out of steam in a final played under light drizzle, having also spent more than three hours on the court in Sunday’s semi-finals.

Despite a great start,

FDJOKOVIC, P10

Taekwondo NSA expels former Olympian Geisler

T

he Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) has expelled former Olympian Donnie Geisler from the organization amid an ongoing legal battle between them.

"This is to inform you... that Mr. Donald David Geisler III [is] expelled from the Philippine Taekwondo Association and that all rights and privileges granted to him as a PTA member be deemed forfeited and terminated," said Manolo Gabriel, PTA's sanction committee chairman, in a notice given to Geisler, a copy of which was posted in the organization's Facebook page on Monday.

The decision was approved by PTA president Robert Aventajado.

The PTA also declared Geisler, who played in the 2000 and 2004 Olympiads, persona non grata.

The row between Geisler and PTA stemmed from a series of webinars Geisler was putting up amid the Covid-19 pandemic, in which he was holding online taekwondo training.

The problem began when Geisler invited Samuel Morrison and Arven Alcantara to join his online

training on June 6.

Morrison and Alcantara were reprimanded by PTA for joining Geisler's webinar series, which according to the organization was not given approval.

In the publicized notice, the PTA said that Morrison and Alcantara's appearances were supposedly only limited to motivational speeches but Geisler made them also conduct drills for the students.

The row simmered further when the PTA barred its current star, Pauline Lopez, from participating in Geisler's online training, leading to the latter hitting out the organization for its "dirty tactics" of bringing down his passion project.

The drama further escalated on June 24 when Geisler filed a complaint against PTA at the Philippine Competition Commission.

Then on July 6, Geisler sued PTA secretary-general Rocky Samson for libel and cyber libel.

Geisler earlier bared that he has been at odds with the PTA since 2014, way before the online training drama happened.

(PNA)

Lina transfers to UP, applies for VAAS program

F Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the final match of the Men's Italian Open against Argentina's Diego Schwartzman at Foro Italico on September 21, 2020 in Rome, Italy. Clive Brunskill, AFP

ormer Gilas Pilipinas Youth stalwart Bismarck Lina is working on his transfer to University of the Philippines (UP) from University of Santo Tomas (UST), Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol confirmed. “[Bismarck Lina] is already processing his transfer from UST to UP. He’s just working on some papers and documents to complete his transfer,” Perasol said.

Despite coming out of high school, Lina, who was

part of the UAAP season 81 juniors mythical team, will only see his first action with the Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 84.

“Bismarck will also be applying for the varsity program for [UAAP] Season 84. He won’t be eligible for Season 83 since he has to be enrolled for at least two semesters in UP, but the first semester has already started so he has to wait until Season 84.”

The 6-foot-4 Lina, who

FLINA, P10

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 141 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

SUPER LEAGUE

GAB approves East Asia Super League, inaugural season set next year T

San Miguel Beermen previously took part in the EASL Terrific 12 tournament.

he Games and Amusements Board (GAB) expressed its support to the East Asia Super League (EASL) ahead of its inaugural staging late next year.

“We’re very happy that a proposal such as this came in,” GAB chairman Baham Mitra said in a press conference on Monday.

The EASL will pit eight basketball teams from the Greater China region, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines in a home-andaway tournament similar to that of the Union of European Football Associations Champions League.

GAB governs the professional sporting events that are taking place in the Philippines. Thus, it can intervene since the EASL plans to hold home games here.

Blackwater Bossing team manager Jacob Nunez, who is also part of EASL’s organizing team, said in the Aug. 27 edition of the Usapang Sports forum that the league is eyeing the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay as the venue for its Philippine games.

Good thing for EASL chief executive officer Matt Beyer, GAB is willing to help the league become a success.

“For us, it’s an honor to have the vote of confidence from GAB,” Beyer said.

Beyer added that the inaugural staging of the EASL is scheduled to begin on Oct. 20, 2021.

FDO OR DIE, P10

In a related report by ESPN Philippines, Games and Amusement Board chairman Abraham Mitra said he believes the inaugural staging of the 2021 East Asia Super League home-and-away tournament next year is an opportunity for Filipino players to learn from the best players in Asia.

“We’re very happy that a proposal such as this came in,” Mitra said during the EASL virtual press conference on Monday. “We have big, big Filipino superstars in the PBA, but we hope to be entertained and educated and learn from players from the rest of Asia.”

The EASL home-and-away league will feature the top professional squads from Greater China, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. The tournament will have a total of eight teams broken down into two groups that will play from October behind to the EASL headed by its CEO Matt Beyer, which sought the permission of the country’s regulatory board for professional sports to bring the games in the Philippines.

And though COVID-19 has showed no signs of slowing down in the country, Mitra expressed optimism that various professional sports leagues are doing their fair share in ensuring that safety protocols are being strictly observed.

FSUPER, P10