Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 144 | Saturday, September 26, 2020

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VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

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A local grower displys on the pavement freshly harvested vegetables from his garden at Toril Public Market in Davao City. Some Dabawenyos who lost their jobs due to the pandemic are now engaged in backyard gardening and sell their produce to earn a living.

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40 passengers tested positive, city to test run QR code system STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

TEST RUN

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio officially receives the Containerized RT-PCR Testing Laboratory donated by UNILAB Foundation, Inc. headed by its operating vice president John Dumpit, at the Davao International Airport, Thursday afternoon. CIO

40 passengers tested positive, city to test run QR code system

By MAYA M. PADILLO he city government of Davao will test run QR code system to all plane passengers arriving and exiting at Davao International Airport (DIA) on October 7-11, 2020 and make the system mandatory beginning October 12, 2020.

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The QR code system is part of the improvements that the city will undertake in addressing the influx of arrivals at DIA particularly that on September 21, 2020 flight when 40 passengers from Manila were tested posi-

tive of Covid-19 after undergoing Covid-19 testing being conducted at DIA. “Duna ta’y QR code na implement dinha sa airplane passengers arriving at DIA. Kini siya will be test run on October 7 to 11, because kinahanglan nato

makita kung unsa problema sa system and then after Oct. 11, beginning Oct. 12 mandatory na ang QR code for plane passengers na musulod ug mu exit sa Davao airport. Dali lang ni siya kay anad naman ang mga tao mag-online,” the mayor said.

Passengers must fill up form online, then show ID, boarding pass and RT PCR results. With said system, face to face interview is no longer required.

“Wala na’y face to face interview ug contactless na and atoang fronliners protected na sila. Mao na

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supplies and hygiene kits from DOLE Davao in partnership with Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) and in coordination with Lubogan Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC).

Beneficiaries were

selected through DOLE Davao’s database that determines areas with high child labor cases.

Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said, “this activity is under the Project Angel Tree, a component of the DOLE-CLPEP that provides various as-

siya kinahanglan i-implement sa DIA sa arriving passengers,” she said.

The use of QR code system aims to accomplish accurate and efficient contact tracing.

“Gi-outsource na sa isa ka supplier para sa possible na mahimong program sa atong QR. Medyo nadugay ni siya kay gina-try nato sulbaron ang buhat ug lain laing QR code, sama sa isa ka tao daghan ang pangalan or hulamon ang QR code. Gina-solve nato na ang mga ingon ana nga problema,” she said. sistance to child laborers and their families.”

“In coordination with the barangay, we assist beneficiaries in determining the assistance that fits them. Usually, the parents avail of our livelihood programs.” she said.

DOLE Davao provides school supplies to child laborers he Department of Labor and Employment - Davao recently provided school supplies as part of Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP).

Twenty-three children from Brgy. Lubogan, Toril District received school

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Displaced families sheltered at Los Amigos get cash aid

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he Davao City government has distributed cash assistance to families temporarily sheltered at the Los Amigos Evacuation Area since November last year.

The cash was onetime assistance to the families who are staying at the evacuation center after they were evacuated from the Quiñones Compound, Matina Pangi after the strong earthquake hit the city in November last year. Quiñones Compound, Matina Pangi is a landslide-prone area.

“They were advised for pre-emptive evacuation to ensure their safety

as the place is a known landslide-prone area,” said Alfredo Baloran, the chief of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Baloran said that the displaced families were not able to look for a new place to stay as they got caught up with the pandemic.

City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Chief Maria Luisa Bermudo said that each of 46 families was given P20,000 each to help them to look for a place to stay while waiting for their permanent relocation site under

have assured your governor that we will give attention and support to the subprojects lined up with PRDP.” This was the statement made by Department of Agriculture Secretary William “Manong Willie” Dar at the turn over ceremony for the P26.75 million “Construction of Five Units Warehouse with Solar Dryer” subproject at the warehouse site in Marapat, Davao de Oro. The infrastructure subproject is implemented under the Intensified Building up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) component of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Present at the turnover ceremony were Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, Davao de Oro

Municipal Mayor Lema Bolo and Regional Executive Director of Department of Agriculture Region XI and Project Director for PRDP Mindanao Ricardo M. Oñate Jr., Usec. Roldan Gorgonio, Usec for Admin and Finance, Asec. Noel Reyes, Asst. Secretary for Communications and Media Affairs, as well as members of the five cooperative recipients of the infrastructure subproject.

In his speech, Secretary Dar reiterated the Department of Agriculture’s continued commitment to partner with the leadership of the local governments in Davao Region for the continued growth of agriculture in the country.

While agriculture was the only sector that gained positive growth in the

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Dar visits PRDP subprojects in DDO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

Comelec: ‘No need’ to defer 2022 polls

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he Commission on Elections said Friday it saw no need to postpone the 2022 elections, as suggested by a lawmaker who claimed that voters were afraid to elect their next leaders due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The body is asking for P30 billion to prepare for the presidential elections and mulling measures to protect voters from the respiratory disease, including staggering the polls over 2 to 3 days, said Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez.

“Hindi natin nakikita ang need para magma-postpone ng elections,” he said.

(We don’t see any need to postpone the elections.)

Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo on Thursday floated the idea of deferring the polls, noting that a vaccine against the novel coronavirus will not be available until late next year.

The presidential elections is a “constitutional mandate” that cannot be reset as easily as the barangay or youth council polls, said Jimenez.

“Hindi namin gagawin iyan. Malinaw na malinaw ang mandato ng Comelec at iyan ay magpa-conduct ng election. At medyo ironic naman kung Comelec pa mismo ang magsabing huwag nating ituloy ang halalan,” he said.

(We will not do that.

The mandate of the Comelec is very clear and that is to conduct the election. And it will be a bit ironic if Comelec itself will push for the postponement of the election.)

Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas earlier said the poll body was looking at best practices in South Korea and the US to keep the elections safe.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., meanwhile, lambasted Arroyo’s proposal and said, “You don’t cancel elections for any reason. That’s treason.”

“We are a democracy or a s*** slave colony. Hold elections period. Those brave to stand in line & vote—even if only 12— decide the next President.

Elections=democracy or F*** U. You fucking s***,” he said in an expletive-laden tweet.

Former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, meantime, said there was “no reason to postpone the elections,” pointing out that in order to extend the term of elected officials set to step down on June 30, 2022 is to have a constitutional amendment and ratify it through a plebiscite.

“So you’re going to have an electoral exercise, to postpone an electoral exercise? There is no reason to postpone the elections.

Other countries have had elections already,” he said.

DSWD seeks to ‘repurpose’ unused P10-B SAP funds

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is seeking a “change of purpose” to utilize the remaining PHP10-billion fund from the government’s social amelioration program (SAP) for livelihood aid grant.

“We have met with economic managers and presented the status of the SAP 1 and 2 implementations. They advised that we request a change of purpose so we can use the unutilized fund for the Livelihood Assistance Grant which is part of the recovery phase of SAP,” DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said Thursday.

SAP, he said, primarily aims to support low-income families whose sources of income were affected when the pandemic broke out.

Bautista also clarified that they never declared any “savings” in contrast to other reports.

“Wala po tayong idineklara na savings, dahil patuloy pa po ang SAP distribution. Meron pong available funds na hindi magagamit para sa emergency subsidy dahil nagkaroon ng kabawasan (We did not declare any ‘savings’ because the distribution of SAP is still ongoing.

We have available funds which we cannot use for the emergency subsidy because we previously had it

trimmed),” he said.

In May, President Rodrigo Duterte said five million more low-income families will receive the SAP grant for the second tranche of distribution.

However, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has clarified that only residents of areas placed under enhanced community quarantine will be given aid.

“Upang maisakatuparan, nagre-calibrate ang DSWD ng beneficiaries (To fulfill this, the DSWD recalibrated its beneficiaries),” Bautista explained.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao stated in a Viber message to the Philippine News Agency that they had to recalibrate the list because they need to accommodate the waitlisted beneficiaries who were not included during the first tranche of SAP. “We also adhered to the EO 112 and the memorandum of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea identifying the areas covered by SAP 2,” she said.

As stated in the Executive Order 112, areas covered by SAP 2 include Region III (Central Luzon) except Aurora province, the NCR, Region IV-A (Calabarzon), Benguet province, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Cebu province, Bacolod

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Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol meets with Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib to talk about the proposed “Adopt-a-Tribal Family” Program in Davao City on Thursday. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed by the Mindanao Develop-

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ment Authority (MinDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Davao del Norte provincial government to launch the “Adopt-a-Tribal Family” program in Kapalong town. Photo courtesy of Sec. Manny Piñol

DTI-DC to help monitor alcohol serving limit

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Department of Trade and Industry-Davao City (DTI-Davao City) said on Friday it will voluntarily take part in the monitoring team to oversee compliance to the alcohol serving restrictions in establishments.

Although law enforcement is not part of its mandate, DTI is willing to assist in enforcing the two-serving limit following the recent lifting of the liquor ban in the city.

“Hope mu-comply gyud ta sa two bottles per serving and we will be banking on good practices compliance ng mga owners of these establishments. To strictly enforce that, it is the responsibility of the task force that is composed of various agencies that include the local government unit. Kung kami i-enjoin nila to do the monitoring, then we will cooperate and participate,” said Rachel Remitio, director of DTIDavao City in an interview.

DTI was given authority by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to issue a negative list of

industries which shall remain prohibited even in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). MGCQ is currently the community quarantine classification with the lowest risk in terms of the threat posed by Covid-19.

Based on the DTI Memorandum Circular No. 2044, the following business establishments or activities included in the negative list and are not be allowed to operate under any form of community quarantine are: holding of traditional cockfighting and operation of cockpits; Beerhouses & similar establishments whose primary business is serving of alcoholic drinks; and kid amusement industries such as playrooms and rides.

“The focus of our monitoring is on salons, barbershops and restaurants,”

Remitio said.

Meanwhile, the city government of Davao has imposed a ‘one strike rule’ on establishments caught violating the rule on serving alcoholic drinks and ordered the Vices Regulation Unit and barangay officials to monitor establishments for violations of the Executive Order 50-A particularly on the serving quantities of alcoholic and intoxicating drinks.

The VRU and the Barangay Council will conduct vigorous surveillance of all restaurants, fastfood, sari-sari stores, and other establishments covered by the EO and must move for the closure of an establishment after a single violation is properly documented.

Under the new guidelines, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio clarified the definition of “Serving” as the quantity of item served to one customer.

Based on the guidelines, Dabawenyos and business establishments are allowed the selling and serving alcoholic and intoxicating drinks as follows: beer, two bottles/cans, provided

that one bottle/can is not more than 400ml; cocktail (mixed drink), two shots/ orders of the cocktail, provided that, one shot/order shall not be more than 200ml; liquor (hard drink) and all other drinks with alcohol, two shots/order of the liquor or alcohol drink provided that, one shot/ order should not be more than 100ml.

The guidelines also state that beyond the maximum volume of two serving/order/shots per customer shall not be more than 800ml for beers, 400ml for cocktails, and 200ml for liquor and all other drinks with alcohol.

Other establishments whose names include the word “bar” but the primary business is not serving liquor such as videoke bars, restaurant bars, etc. are allowed to open, however, are also subject to the serving limit by the DTI and Section 5 of the EO. There is no limit to the selling of beer and liquor in wholesale establishments, sari-sari stores, groceries, supermarkets, and other

Ronnie Domingo, Bureau of Animal Industry.

(When we say that 31 provinces were hit, it does not mean that all towns or barangays there have ASF cases. Those are spread out.)

African swine fever causes hemorrhagic fever in pigs that almost always ends in death. It cannot be

transmitted to humans and other animals.

Bulacan province, north of the capital, has the most cases of the disease.

Most of Mindanao meanwhile is ASF-free, said Domingo.

The disease could be spreading through the sale of infected hogs or processed meat products, he

said.

Visayas and Mindanao can augment the pork shortage in Metro Manila due to ASF, he said.

Pork accounts for 60 percent of meat consumption in the Philippines, where the swine industry is valued at P260 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture.

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31 of 81 provinces hit with African swine fever

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hirty-one of 81 Philippine provinces have tallied cases of the African swine fever that has pulled down the supply of pork, the Bureau of Animal Industry said Friday. "‘Pag sinabi po nating 31 provinces, hindi naman po lahat ng bayan o barangay doon ay mayroon. Kalat-kalat po iyon," said Dr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

One of the buildings of Camella Nortpoint Davao is seen from the clubhouse.

CoHo developments in Davao poised as income generating properties

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he outlook for real estate remains bright despite the pandemic, however, the “wait and see” attitude of buyers due to the impact of Covid-19 remains a challenge to property developers.

“Although, our market, middle and upscale, is not so much affected kasi a lot of them still have work. But nandoon pa rin ang thinking na that’s ‘hard earned money ilalabas ko ba ito during this time na may pandemic? Or diyan lang yan muna in case tumagal pa itong,” Marlon Escalicas, VisMin head of CoHo (Condo Homes) by VistaLand, told Edge Davao in an interview.

To entice the market, Escalicas said they are now positioning Camella projects in Davao particularly the Condo Homes (CoHo)

by Vistaland as investments and income generating properties where unit buyers can earn by opening their units for rent.

“Rental is really very promising. It’s worth your money investing in CoHo because it is located in prime locations. Hopefully

that will attract the buyers,” he said in an interview.

CoHo developments in Davao City are The Terraces in Ma-a, The Acropolis in Lanang, The Frontera in Tigatto, Buhangin; and The Evora in Communal, Buhangin which is five minutes away from the Davao International Airport (DIA).

Given its strategic location surrounded by property and key infrastructure developments, CoHo’s premium condominium developments including Northpoint Davao are wellpoised to also appreciate in value. CoHo also provides a business opportunity for its privileged investors

to grow the value of their money.

Units at Northpoint Davao can be offered for rent too “That is why it is a good investment because right now our occupancy sa rentals is almost 100 percent in Northpoint and the rates there range from P18,000 to P20,000 a month. Hindi yan daily, sometimes may one year contract,” Escalicas said.

Most of their projects are located in the prime locations of Davao City, Butuan City, Cebu City, Palawan, and Bacolod City and these make their projects attractive to investors.

“These are prime locations,

sia Group CEO Anthony Francis Fernandes said that while the carrier has long pivoted to the digital space, the global pandemic has compelled it to be aggressive in its digital push.

Fernandes said digital companies are winners in the pandemic, while airlines suffer and continue to face uncertainties.

He said that AirAsia’s strengthened digital will complement well with its core airline business once the aviation sector rebounds and air travel

normalizes.

“Aviation will definitely come back. We just wait for the borders to open,” Fernandes said.

“The frequency may not be as great initially.

We don’t know what the post-COVID world is going to look like; but if you look at domestic, that’s a great snapshot,” he said, noting that AirAsia is launching a new route in the coming week.

AirAsia Group formally launched its new app, AirAsia Digital.

“AirAsia Digital lever-

ages the group’s physical and digital assets, to create an ecosystem of businesses that connect with our customers in their everyday life, transforming the AirAsia brand into a fully fledged digital company - now much more than just an airline,” it said in a separate statement.

The app is intended to develop, incubate, and accelerate companies “that have the potential to maximize revenue or generate new revenue streams sustainably, better manage

AirAsia Group banks on digital foray to help airline business recovery

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irAsia Group Berhad, Southeast Asia’s largest budget carrier, is aggressive on its digital foray as it sees it to help its COVID-hit airline business recover from reduced air travel.

In a briefing on Thursday, AirAsia Group executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun announced that the airline’s AirAsia Digital, dubbed as ASEAN’s “travel and lifestyle app,” will be “another core business” for the company.

For his part, AirA-

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tourist destinations, business centers and chances are people converge in the cities and they would need a place to stay for few days or months. Most of our projects are strategically located at sinasabi namin sa buyer na if you get a piece of these islands which are very prime but at the same time you have an investment. When everything will be normalized, puwede ka mag-bakasyon in Palawan or Cebu in Davao may condo ka doon but in times na hindi ka nagba-bakasyon, you can have it rented and you are earning. Even sa Camella it is the same ang mga houses ngayon are being rented for

AirBnB na rin.”

He said unit owners whose units are available for rent can be managed

by Camella’s own leasing service called Vista Leasing. Maintaining the units is not a problem because the company has its in-house housekeeping service Happy Housekeeping.

“We have our own leasing service that will manage your property kugn wala ka. You just pay certain fee, ang tao na namin ang maglilinis. It will be operated like an AirBnB so deposit ng deposit na lang sa account mo. Ikaw nandoon ka lang sitting pretty but your investment is returning,” he said.

ARTA calls for digitalization in government transactions

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nti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Jeremiah Belgica has reiterated his call to streamline processes in government transactions and use digital platforms amid the new normal.

At the Palace briefing Thursday, Belgica reminded local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) of President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to eliminate overregulation in government

services.

He said with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, government offices should do away with procedural mismatch, long queuing, and gathering people resulting in crowded spaces.

Government offices should also discourage vulnerable applicants to do face-to-face transactions, he added.

The ARTA chief also en-

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

AMRO revises ’20 GDP forecasts for Asean+3

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he Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) has slashed its 2020 and 2021 growth projections for the region, citing the severe impact of the pandemic but expects strong rebound next year due to containment measures.

In a report Thursday, AMRO now projects a -0.3 percent contraction for the Asean+3 this year, a change from the zero-percent growth forecast last August.

For next year, the projection was changed from a recovery of 6 percent to a faster print of 6.7 percent.

Asean+3 includes the 10-member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam plus China, including Hong Kong, China; Japan, and Korea.

For Asean alone, the latest projection is -3.3

percent from -2.6 while the forecast for next year was revised to 6-percent expansion from 5.7-percent growth previously.

AMRO said the region has been severely affected by containment measures.

“Nine of our 14 members are expected to contract this year, some very significantly,” it added.

Economies that are projected to contract this year are Hong Kong, China, -7.5 percent; Japan, -5.9 percent; Korea, -1.9 percent; Cambodia, -4.5 percent; Indonesia, -1.7 percent; Malaysia, -5.5 percent; Philippines, -7.6 percent; Singapore, -6 percent; and Thailand, -7.8 percent.

The regional macroeconomic surveillance

organization, however, expects “a strong V-shaped recovery in GDP (gross domestic product) growth in 2021, particularly for the Plus-3.”

“The region as a whole is projected to expand at 6.7 percent, with all economies forecast to return to positive growth —predicated on the effective containment of the pandemic, both regionally and globally, and on the assumption that exits from policy measures proceed smoothly,” the report said.

For next year, China is projected to grow by 8.1 percent; Hong Kong, 4.5 percent; Japan, 2.9 percent; and Korea, 3 percent.

Brunei is forecast to expand by 3.1 percent; Cambodia, 5.4 percent; Indonesia, 5.1 percent; Lao PDR, 4.6 percent; and Malaysia, 9 percent.

Also, Myanmar’s economy is seen to rise by 6.2 percent; Philippines, 6.6 percent; Singapore, 7.5 percent; Thailand, 4.6 percent; and Vietnam, 7 percent. (PNA)

Lechoneros simultaneously roast two pigs at a vacant lot in Bangkal, Davao City. The Bureau of Animal Industry has disclosed that 31 of 81 provinces of the country, which are mostly in Luzon, have been hit by the African swine fever that has pulled down the supply of pork. Edge Davao

Consumers, biz see gloom continuing in coming months, says BSP survey S

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Several industries 'likely to suffer' if EU scraps PH tariff privileges

he COVID-19 pandemic has caused Filipino consumers and businesses to become very pessimistic in the third quarter of the year, according to the results of a survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The BSP Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) showed the consumer confidence index plunging to a record low of minus-54.5 percent in the third quarter, which was the lowest since the start of the nationwide survey in the first quarter of 2007.

Business confidence in the economy also turned negative in the third quarter, after posting 43 quarters of positive confidence, as the overall business confidence index fell to minus-5.3 percent, the BSP said. This was in contrast to the 22.3 percent con-

fidence index in the first quarter of the year.

Respondents to the consumer survey said they were pessimistic because of the COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment rate and fewer working family members, low and reduced income, and faster increase in the prices of goods.

Citing the same reasons, consumers said they remained pessimistic for the fourth quarter, with the CI at minus-4.1 percent. Consumers also don’t expect to spend much in the fourth quarter.

“The households’ spending outlook index on basic goods and services declined to 26.4 percent for Q4 2020, the lowest CI recorded since Q1 2007, indicating a contraction in consumer spending in the next 3 months,” the BSP

said.

Business owners were pessimistic in the third quarter citing the impacts of the pandemic and community quarantine restrictions.

They also cited the decrease in orders, sales and income, slowdown or temporary shutdown in business operations, and concerns over government policies, primarily on the perceived insufficient mitigation measures to counter the impact of COVID-19.

Businesses are not upbeat either for the fourth quarter, with the business CI declining to 16.8 percent from 42.3 percent in the first quarter, the BSP said.

The gloomy outlook was due to expectations of the continuing negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the volume

of orders, sales, and income, and overall economic activity, in general.

The business outlook on the country’s economy was positive but still less upbeat for the next 12 months as the CI declined to 37.5 percent from 55.8 percent in the first-quarter survey.

The employment outlook was also negative for the fourth quarter and the next 12 months, suggesting that more firms may lay off workers in the coming months.

Consumers were more optimistic for the next 12 months as the consumer CI increased to 25.5 percent from the Q1 2020 survey result of 19.9 percent for the next 12 months.

The more upbeat consumer outlook was for the next 12 months from

nline gaming revenues dropped 50 percent after the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions limited offshore gaming operations, the country's gaming regulator said Thursday.

Online gaming revenues halved after the income of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and their service providers plummeted as much as 80 percent during the pandemic, said PAGCOR assistant vice president for offshore gaming licensing Jose Tria.

The agency's P600 mil-

lion monthly regulatory fees were cut by "almost half" since only 32 out of the 60 POGOs in the country were allowed to resume operations at a limited 30 percent capacity, Tria said.

Only 111 out of the 218 accredited POGO service providers were allowed to operate following clearances from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“Our monthly regulatory fees of around P600-million pre-COVID is now down by almost half. This should have been lower if not for the Minimum Guaranteed Fees which allows

PAGCOR to impose higher regulatory fees than two percent of POGOs’ GGR [Gross Gaming Revenues] following the ‘whichever is higher formula’,” Tria said.

PAGCOR earlier allowed POGOs to resume operations but only after complying with conditions such as completing all pending tax liabilities to the government.

At least 5 POGO licenses were canceled, 5 were suspended while 42 service providers have filed for cancellation of their accreditation following the imposition of stricter quar-

antine and tax rules, Tria said.

The exit of POGOs could adversely affect government tax revenues, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said.

Property consultants have said the alleged exit of POGOs in the country could hurt the office and residential spaces in Metro Manila.

Most POGOs have offices in the Bay area and other hubs in Metro Manila.

Chinese workers appear to spur economic activities in areas where POGOs operate, boosting retail and restaurant businesses.

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PAGCOR: Online gaming revenues drop 50% as pandemic shrinks POGO income

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everal members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday said the agriculture, garments, manufacturing and electronics industries, among others, could suffer if the tariff incentives granted to the Philippines by the European Union is withdrawn.

The EU Parliament earlier called for the review of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) citing alleged human rights abuses and a "deteriorating level of press freedom" in the country, which could lead to a suspension of the perks.

Under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) program, the Philippines can enjoy duty-free entry of over 6,000 products to the EU. The Philippines in return must commit to uphold good governance, labor and human rights, among others.

The Philippines is exporting "huge" amounts of crude coconut oil to the European market, PCCI director for Agriculture and Fisheries Roberto Amores said during a virtual briefing. Exports of canned tuna could also be affected, he said.

Some 6,000 products currently enjoying zero tariffs could also suffer, adding that tariff hikes could be between 15 to 20 percent, Amores said.

"It will be a huge impact for the Philippine export sectors, especially agriculture where we use 70 percent indigenous materials," he said.

"We are already having problems with our com-

petitiveness, due to more competitive cost products like palm oil and soy bean oil...It is a big issue that we should take seriously. Our government should take a positive position to prevent this from happening," Amores added.

Revoking tariff perks can also affect the Philippine garments industry that ship their products to the EU, said PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico.

Shops may close and workers might lose their jobs, he said.

"Once the subsidy is taken out, it means the buyer will have to pay 15 to 20 percent more just for the duties. That might mean a lot of the factories will be closing, and a lot of our garments workers will be out of jobs," Yujuico said.

The manufacturing industry could also suffer a blow if in case the tariff perks are removed, said PCCI member and chairman of semiconductor exporter EMS Perry Ferrer.

The Philippines is one of the two countries in the ASEAN that enjoys GSP+ privileges, Ferrer said.

"So it is very attractive for manufacturers, especially the white goods and electronics, to have that advantage. Revoking it would put us at par with other ASEAN countries where some have lower labor rights. So there is a lot of advantage in maintaining the GSP +," Ferrer said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said there was "no reason" for the EU to remove the perks since the Philippines has been "fairing well" in the mon-

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

On enforcing the two-serving alcohol beverages limit in establishments following the recent lifting of the liquor ban in the city: Hope mu-comply gyud ta sa two bottles per serving and we will be banking on good practices compliance ng mga owners of these establishments. To strictly enforce that, it is the responsibility of the task force that is composed of various agencies that include the local government unit. Kung kami i-enjoin nila to do the monitoring, then we will cooperate and participate.”

Rachel Remitio

DTI-Davao City Director

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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

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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EDGEDAVAO

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

7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

EVENT

FRED C. LUMBA

BDO FOUNDATION REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REBUILD LIVES SPECKS OF LIFE

ARE THERE ANYMORE GOOD MEN LEFT

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

Or is it more like searching in a haystack?

The huge financial mess discovered – and exposed by a whistle-blower - in the Philhealth corruption scandal indicts the cultural impunity that has been in existence and in practice for many decades, nursed in fact by FILIPINOS battle- of a the benumbed are indifference tested for any type timid and tolerant society.

The Philhealth of crisis and the issue fightis not the tip of the iceberg, mind against COVID-19 isyou.

Many more earth-shaking no different.

Even if thisreexposes’ in yesteryears and unprecedented pandemic cent past have come and gone but is far from thestill authors of the over evil schemes have the not availability been convicted sans of and a jailed. It appears that they are vaccine, hopes are still able to squeeze themselves out of high with thesituation presence the discomfiting by seof means to survive the curing the services of “talented” fight. lawyers who smartly navigate theAlegal waters with variety of few months sincea the “swimming” methods and styles. global pandemic reached the Yes, it can no longer be decountry, nied thatBDO our Foundation justice and has penal

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.

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

A volunteer-appointee I think will do better under the circumstance because he is not indebted to anyone but to the appointing authority alone.

Therefore, he will have much leeway to hire and fire, whenever necessary and implement the in an area. game changes heConsidered sees to beaeffective changer in the fight to contain and efficient.

At least, PRRD need is not the coronavirus, the method search in a haystack. seen to boost testing capacity, Napoleon Hill, author of the expedite tests andThink significantly much-acclaimed and Grow reduce the“No costman of RT-PCR kits.

Rich, said: ever achieved Based on extensive worthwhile successresearch who did not, at one timeby orthe other, find himself conducted Philippine with at least one foot hanging Society of Pathologists, pooled well over the brink of failure.” testing is very effective.

Challenges will not stop daris funding ingBDO us inFoundation the face. the pilot It is implementation, up to us if we cower in fear or take dare. your covering thethe costs of (Email automated feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. extractor machines for each city, com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPtraining of health workers on PINES.

NEW PARTNERSHIP TO FUND PROJECT ARK’S POOLED RT-PCR TESTING

already launched a number of initiatives to help various sectors get back on their feet.

Giving its full support BDO Foundation launched the Peso-for-Peso Donation Drive, a fundraising activity that ran from May until July 16, 2020. Proceeds were used to provide test kits and supplies to COVID-19 testing centers in underserved communities nationwide.

Under the drive, minimum donations of P500 and “The political scene maximum donations of upis perhaps the most public arena to P1 million per donor were where people have expressed matched peso in forthose peso by BDO their distrust who lead Foundation. from them.

TheseDonations are not easy times in which be a leader.”

-- Henry BDO andtonon-BDO customers, and Richard Blackaby, authors as well as BDO employees, of Spiritual Leadership poured in via the Bank’s *** e-banking And itchannels—BDO came to pass that Online andthe Mobile Banking, God saw sufferings of His people in through Egypt. He had heard as well as BDO Credit them crying out because of Card, ATMs, and branches. the miseries they werepresident experiencMario Deriquito, ing. He wanted to rescue them of BDOtheir Foundation, from bondage.saidSo, He the initiative partMoses of called a manforms named to bring God’s chosen people out the Foundation’s advocacy of to Egypt. rebuild lives and provide “Who I, that especially I should go support to am hospitals, to Pharaoh and bring the Israelruralout health units Moses all overasked. the ites of Egypt,” Philippines.

Moses was terrified to become leader.

In raised their book, Partthe of the money Spiritual Leadership, authors from the drive funded the Henry and Richard Blackaby donation of close to 10,000 PCR wrote: “Leadership. Everyone test kits for use ofthe 10 hospitals experiences it, or lack of it, in acrossdaily the country.

Thesecalled to their lives. Those lead can find doing agreed so a daunting recipient-hospitals to use task.

Those expected to follow the test kits for frontliners and can experience frustration when people who cannot afford the their leader is unable to lead.” highThere costs of aretesting.

850 different defiThe Peso-for-Peso nitions of leadership.Drive Thatalso was what Bennisofand fundedWarren the donation foodBurt Nanus they were packs tofound 8,000 when underprivileged writing their collaborative book, families in Bacoor, Cavite; Santa Leaders: Strategies for Taking Rosa, Laguna; Jose del Charge.

It is noSan wonder why toMonte,leaders Bulacan; andaCaloocan day’s have hard time measuring up their level. There City. areOn tootop many standards meet! of these efforts,toBDO Dr. John C. Maxwell, an Foundation also supported au-

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

proper swabbing, PCR test kits, and other peripherals.

Apart from Go Negosyo, who spearheads Project ARK, BDO Foundation is in collaboration with the local governments of Makati and Cebu, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, who will be its partner-testing center for the pilot implementation in Makati, and the University of Cebu Medical Center and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for the pilot implementation in Cebu. himself.”

-- Louis Nizer of RTPilot implementation Security: “No man will make PCR pooled testing in Makati a great leader who wants to do covered 6,000orindividuals, it all himself get all the credit mostly market vendorsCarnegie, and for doing it.” -- Andrew industrialist public utility drivers. In Cebu, mancover withpilotSelf-discipline:“A implementation will out decision of character 4,000 individuals, also marketcan never be said to belong to himvendors public utility can self…

Heand longs to whatever drivers.captive of him.” -- John make

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

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

Now, here are some thoughts from various leaders and thinkers from around the world: Character:government’s “Leadership is the Philippine the capacity and will to rally men RapidPass and ReliefAgad and women to a common programs, highlighting the purpose and the character which importance of collaboration inspires confidence.”

-- Bernard between the private Montgomery, Britishsector Fieldand Marshal the national government.

Charisma: “How the can you The Bank, through have charisma?

Be more Foundation, donated 300 concerned about making others smartphones with prepaid than feel good about themselves loadsare andmaking 550 powerbanks you them feel to good about you.” -- Dan Reiland,and vice the Department of Science president of leadership developTechnology in support of the ment RapidPass System. RapidPass

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

-- Stephen Gregg, chairman of Ethix Corporation Communication: “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” -- Lee Iacocca, American automobile executive Competence: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its piped nor its theories will hold water.” -- John Gardner, American novelist Courage: “Courage is rightly esteemed thewhich first of human used QR codes, facilitated qualities… because it is the qualthe quick passage of the vehicles ity which guarantees all of over 500,000 authorized others.”-- Winston Churchill, British frontliners.

The smartphones Prime Minister donated by the Foundation Discernment: “The first rule When you’re servedofasholes: QR scanners at 180 in one, stop digging.”

-Molly Ivins, checkpoints, where there were American columnist special lanes for frontliners.

Focus: “What people say, Additionally, what people do,BDO and what they Foundation alsoentirely provided say they do are different things.”

-- facilitate MargaretoneMead, ansupport to thropologist time passwords to users of Generosity: “No person was ReliefAgad, a web application

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

Successful people keep moving.

They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, hothatexecutive allowed those entitled to tel a cash aid to register Listening: “The online ear of the leader with the voices and to must receivering their financial of the people.”

-Woodrow assistance safely and swiftly Wilson, American president through electronic payment Passion: “Without passion systems directly from banks. man is aormere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits thethrough shock ofpartnership the iron beResponse fore it can give forth its spark.”

Isolate, test, and trace -Henri Frederic Amie, Swiss comprise the backbone of an moral philosopher effective COVID-19 response, Positive Attitude: “The accordingdiscovery to the World Health greatest of my generation is that human beings can Organization.

Many countries alter their lives by altering their who have successfully contained attitude of mind.”

-William the spread of the virus James, psychologist implemented such protocol.

Problem Solving: “The meaNow, of thesuccess Philippines is no sure is not whether you have a tough longer too far behindproblem with the to deal but whether it is the pilot with, implementation of Project same problem you had last year.”

ARK’s pooled RT-PCR testing -- John Foster Dulles, US Secrein two tary of key Statecities in the country, namely, Makati and Cebu.

Relationships: “The most important singlecombines ingredient in Pooled testing swab the formula of success is knowsamples from individuals and ing how tothem get together along with peoexamines using ple.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, a single reverse transcription American president polymerase chain reaction (RT-a Responsibility: “When man fingerofatfive, someone PCR)points test kit.a Pools 10 or else, he should remember that 20 persons are tested depending four of his fingers are pointing on the prevalence of COVID-19at

Foster, author Servanthood: “The true A worthy cause leader serves.

Serves people.

BDO Unibank president Serves their best interests, and andsoCEO Nestor Tan, who be in doing will V. not always also sits asmay trustee BDO impopular, notof always press.

But because leaders Foundation, said thetrue support are motivated by loving concern for the pooled testing project rather desire personal comes than with athe belieffor that it will glory, they are willing to pay the address--the key areas of cost, auprice.”

Eugene B. Habecker, accessibility, and timeliness. The thor Teachability:of“It’s what you implementation the project learn after you know it all that is seen to not only benefit Cebu counts.”

-John Wooden, Basketand Makati but will hopefully ball coach impact the whole countrybelongs as Vision: “The future well. to those who see possibilities before they become “We always believed obvious.” that -John Scully, Executive the fight against Chief COVID is Officer not the public sector’s alone or To end this piece, here is a the private sector’s.from It is aChinese joint final statement initiative by allLao-Tzu: of us working philosopher “To lead people, walkdirection. beside them ... As on the same We are a for the best leaders, the people big supporter of Go Negosyo’s do not ARK notice their clearly existence.

Project because it is The next best, the people honor not about trade-off between and praise.the The next, the people life and livelihood butthe it’s people trying fear; and the next, hate ... When best one leader’s to address boththe because work donewithout the people ‘We cannotisexist the say, other,” did it ourselves!’” he said.

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

BATTLING THE YELLOW STIGMA

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO , B, C, D, and E – these are the types of viral hepatitis known to medical science. Among these five, hepatitis B and C are the most dreaded as both can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.

A

In the Philippines, one in six adult people are infected with hepatitis B, according to Dr. Janus Ong, transplant hepatologist at The Medical City. That’s about more than 8 million Filipinos having the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis C, on the other hand, affects 500,000 to 600,000 people.

All over the world, viral hepatitis kills 1.4 million people annually, reports Dr. Jun R. Ruiz, a gastroenterologist consultant at The Medical City and diplomate of the Philippine College of Physicians in Internal Medicine.

Aside from fighting the disease, many Filipino infected with hepatitis B and C are also battling against stigma and discrimination as these diseases are infectious and associated with sex and drug use.

Among the potentially damaging effects of stigma and discrimination are “reduced self-esteem, diminished mental health, less access to medical care, and fear of disclosing a positive status.”

Generally, all forms of viral hepatitis are associated with the color yellow as the best-known symptom is jaundice, which can make your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow. But not everyone who has hepatitis gets jaundice.

Let’s take a closer look at the two most dreaded types of hepatitis:

Hepatitis B Like most hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is all too easy to catch. It is more common than the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and far more infectious.

Dr. Ruiz says the HBV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, or during delivery from the mother to her child. It is also spread by needlestick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as saliva and menstrual, vaginal, and seminal fluids.

“While 90% of the people who get hepatitis B recover spontaneously with their body’s defenses, the 10% who maintain the infection for six months or longer and who do not produce an effective antibody response are considered chronic carriers,” explains Dr. Ernesto Domingo, a hepatologist at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.

“The HBV can survive outside the body for at least 7 days,” says the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). The incubation period of the virus is 75 days on average, but can vary from 30 to 180 days. The virus may be detected within 30 to 60 days after infection.

Most people do not experience any symptoms when newly infected. “However, some people have acute illness with symptoms that last several weeks, including yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,” the WHO states.

A small percentage of the chronic carriers will ultimately develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. A small subset of persons with acute hepatitis can develop acute liver failure, which can lead to death.

“Hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of liver cancer around the world,” says Professor MeiHwei Chang, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the National Taiwan University Hospital in

Taipei. “Although hepatitis C virus is the most prevalent cause of liver cancer in some countries where HBV infection is not prevalent, HBV is still the most prevalent cause worldwide.”

According to Dr. Ruiz, the people who are most likely to be infected with HBV are the following: sex contacts of infected persons, persons with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, household contacts of chronically infected mothers, health care and public safety workers, and hemodialysis patients.

“Individuals with signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis, and those with chronic liver disease should get tested for hepatitis B,” urged Dr. Ruiz. “In

addition, pregnant women, those requiring immunosuppressive treatment, and persons mentioned earlier should be screened for hepatitis B infection.”

Acute hepatitis B infection does not usually require treatment, Dr. Ruiz says, and most adults clear the infection spontaneously. On the other hand, some patients with chronic hepatitis B may benefit from treatment.

Treatment strategies for chronic HBV include the injectable pegylated interferon or any of the oral nucleos(t)ide analogs (entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine, adefovir, telbivudine). “Most patients treated with oral antiviral agents will require at least four to five years of treatment, and some may need indefinite therapy,” Dr. Ruiz says.

More good news. “Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection against developing hepatitis B infection,” says Dr. Ruiz. “Consistent and proper use of condoms can reduce the transmission of the virus.

Intravenous drug use and sharing of needles should be avoided.”

Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is another liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.

The HCV is a bloodborne virus. “The most common modes of infection are through exposure to small quantities of blood,” the WHO says.

“This may happen through injection drug use, unsafe injection practices, unsafe

health care, transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products, and sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood.”

Ear and body piercing, circumcision, and tattooing may also transmit HCV if inadequately sterilized equipment is used. But you can’t get it by breastfeeding, sneezing, hugging, coughing, or from sharing eating utensils, from food or water, or by casual contact with an infected person.

In both developed and developing countries, high risk groups include injecting drug users, recipients of unscreened blood, hemophiliacs, dialysis patients and persons with multiple sex partners who engage in unprotected sex.

In developed countries, it is estimated that 90% of persons with chronic HCV infection are current and former injecting drug users and those with a history of transfusion of unscreened blood or blood products.

In many developing countries, where unscreened blood and blood products are still being used, the major means of transmission are unsterilized injection equipment and unscreened blood transfusions. In addition, people who use traditional scarification and circumcision practices are at risk if they use or re-use unsterilized tools.

The HCV is sometimes called “indolent” – that is, you can be infected with it for many years without having any symptoms.

“The reasons for this are unclear,” explains Dr. Alan Berkman in his book, Hepatitis: The Facts You Need

FBATTLING, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

LAKERS... FROM11

But the Nuggets missed the last five shots, failing to score in the last three minutes and 28 seconds as the Lakers closed it out.

Anthony Davis made no rebounds in the first half, but came up with a series of crucial offensive rebounds in the second half alongside a strong shooting performance.

However, he gave the Lakers a huge injury scare

in the fourth quarter after landing on a rival’s foot as he came down from a shot.

Davis went down writhing in pain and grabbing his left ankle, but walked it off during an immediately.

Lakers veteran Rajon Rondo impressed with his scoring, but was even more important to the success with his playmaking. His seven assists continued his assault on the all-time

playoff assists list, overtaking Scottie Pippen to move to eighth in the category (on 1,049) after overtaking Kobe Bryant in game three.

But it’s not done yet.

The Nuggets have twice fought back from 3-1 down this post-season. First against the Utah Jazz, then the Los Angeles Clippers.

It’ll take something special to do it again, but don’t write them off.

with the club.

"For a moment I thought he wouldn't stay with us," Barcelona teammate Sergi Roberto said.

"He's our captain, the best player this club has ever had and the best player in the history of soccer.

I couldn't imagine Barça without Leo. It's normal that he may have wanted a

different experience, but he has given it all for this club throughout the years. He has been motivated since he came to the first team.

He is very professional."

Messi stayed but Barcelona will have a new coach as part of the profound changes announced by the club following the loss to Bayern. Ronald

Koeman arrived to replace Quique Setién, and it didn't take long before the Dutch coach said he wanted to revamp the squad. Barcelona will start the season without some of its key players from recent years, including Ivan Rakitic, who rejoined Sevilla, and Luis Suárez, who joined rival Atlético Madrid.

That’s when Casimero started thinking about returning to the Philippines, without making a defense of his title. He was struggling to find the motivation to train for a date that didn’t exist. Neri, with his obligations back home, had to return, and Casimero had tough choices to make.

But Gibbons knew that’d be a mistake, and set out to find another opponent. That meant also finding a replacement trainer, with former WBA bantamweight titleholder Clarence “Bones” Adams stepping in as trainer. Adams had worked previously with Casimero, and has known Gibbons for 30 years, easing the transition. What makes Adams even more fitted for the job is that he understands Casimero’s sense of purpose, given that he himself is married to a Filipino woman, and has three Filipino sons.

“That’s who Casimero is fighting for. He’s fighting for the Philippines, he isn’t fighting for himself,” said Adams.

Now, Casimero is set to face unbeaten Ghanaian contender Duke Micah (24-0, 19 KOs) this Saturday as part of the big Charlo brothers Showtime payper-view doubleheader from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Casimero has fought in ten different countries, but somehow is only now making his U.S. television debut. That lack of exposure has meant that his achievements, which include winning world titles at 108, 112 and 118 pounds, have gone overlooked as his countrymen like Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr. and even Donnie Nietes and Jerwin Ancajas got more attention internationally.

Adams knows that Casimero has been under-appreciated by the casual fans, but says that will change once they get a look at him.

“He’s tremendously underrated, this man has been to 10 different countries, and fought and won.

People here don’t want to go to Canada or Mexico, they’re scared,” said Adams. “This is his coming out party, after this fight everyone should know who he is.”

Getting past this next fight could mean rescheduling the fight with Inoue, if he gets past his October 31 defense against Jason Moloney with his WBA and IBF titles in tow. Other possibilities Casimero is looking at are a bantamweight clash with Guillermo Rigondeaux, or stepping up to 122 pounds to face Luis Nery, who will be facing Aaron Alameda for the WBC junior featherweight title on the same card.

“There are many big fighters for the next fight so I’m anticipating Naoya Inoue, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Luis Nery,” said Casimero of Ormoc City, Philippines. “So next time I fight it will be all big fights.”

Standing in Casimero’s way is Micah, a 2012 Olympian who is now trained by Andre Rozier out of Brooklyn, N.Y. Micah has struggled against limited competition in the past, including getting dropped in his last bout against Janiel Rivera before winning a decision.

Casimero says he hasn’t seen much of the 29-yearold because he has very few fights on YouTube, but Gibbons and Adams have done plenty of scouting for themselves.

“Stylistically he’s a guy like Joshua Clottey, like a lot of Ghanaians with the hands up high, they come right to you, they want to mix it up,” said Gibbons.

“At the end of the day, should Casimero be better? I absolutely think so, should Casimero win? Yes, but again you can’t just go in and think it’s gonna be a walk in the park. Because guys elevate when they’re challenging, because this is Duke Micah’s everything and he knows it.”

Though they’ve had limited time together, Adams has focused on making Casimero a more efficient fighter, getting him

to start earlier by working the body to break down his opponent, instead of head hunting and waiting for the perfect opportunity to present itself later in a fight.

“Casimero, he’s just like Manny Pacquiao,” said Adams. “I’m trying to get that out of him because he likes to wait around a little bit too long. So I’m trying to change it and make him a little bit busier and have the knockouts come a little bit earlier.”

In a twist of irony, Casimero had been sparring with Joshua Greer, Casimero’s former no. 1 contender, who had lost that designation after he was upset by Casimero’s compatriot Mike Plania in June.

Gibbons says that, despite taking some time off from the gym when the Inoue fight was cancelled, Casimero is in far better shape than he was for his last fight, when he knocked out Tete in three rounds. Casimero had arrived for camp in early October of 2019 weighing 144 pounds, cutting down in weight before focusing on strategy. This time, there was no such need for significant weight cuts.

There’s no time to be disappointed about a change in opponent, said Gibbons. An impressive title defense that catches the attention of promoters and TV executives can only be good for securing future opportunities. “[Casimero] knows what’s at stake, he knows it’s only gonna be another 6-7 months before he gets a Rigondeaux, maybe a Luis Nery, he knows it’s just a little bump in the road but he understands that he cannot have a letdown. If you have a letdown, your letdown may be that you don’t get any other fights,” said Gibbons.

“There’s a letdown for a certain minute but that’s in the rearview mirror.

And he’s up here to do business with Duke Micah, that’s the only thing he’s thinking about now, Duke Micah.” (ringtv.com)

ALL EYES... FROM11

(L-R) Edgar S. Sumampal, Al-Haj, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Valentin S. Saludes III, Cotabato Light President and COO and Concepcion F. Balawag, Phd, CESO V, Cotabato Schools Division Superintendent

Cotabato Light donates transistor radios for students in need

T

he need for students to continue their pursuit of education during quarantine has proved to be challenging for many. The shift from face-to-face learning has been a difficult adjustment especially for those who do not have reliable access to the Internet or computers.

Recognizing the challenges brought upon by distance learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) understands that radio-based learning programs are more viable for many of the country’s constituents. AboitizPower unit Cotabato Light also heeded the responsibility of providing for its local youth

through donations meant to assist students based in far-flung areas with little to no Internet access.

The Kaibigans of Cotabato Light gladly lended a helping hand to their local DepEd division office by offering 300 transistor radios for students’ educational purposes, as the school year proceeds amid the new normal.

Cotabato Schools Division Superintendent Concepcion F. Balawag, Phd CESO V, expressed her gratitude for the timely assistance provided by the group during a time where all are experiencing “volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous” (VUCA)

circumstances.

School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) chief Johnny G. Balawag also thanked the distribution utility with some words of appreciation: “Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa Cotabato Light sa patuloy na pagtulong sa DepEd. Isang napakahalaga ito sa ating hangarin ang pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon lalo na sa panahon ngayon.”

With most institutions committing to full readjustments in order to adapt to the new normal, AboitizPower and its business units continue to stand with their local communities to help in any way possible.

concern' explosive was buried along a utility road which could kill a number of people within its fatal radius once triggered,” the Army unit said.

Aside from human rights violations, 71IB said the use of IED is also a violation of the Republic Act (RA) 9851, An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes against Humanity especially on the Use of Weapons prohibited in Warfare such as Landmines.

Prohibited in the said act are "weapons, projectiles, materials, and methods of warfare which are of the nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.”

Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander, said the

"NPA brazenly disregard the CARHRIHL and other related human rights laws by the continuous use of IED".

The 71IB recovered an IED together with two high-power firearms after an armed encounter in April.

The 71IB has operation jurisdiction of the municipalities of Mawab, Maco, Mabini, Pantukan, and four barangays of Nabunturan, all in Davao de Oro, including Tagum City in Davao del Norte.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

ment covers 480,839,941 shares for primary offering, 1,024,433,569 shares for secondary offering, and 225,791,026 shares for over allotment at a maximum price of PHP24 apiece.

From the primary offer, Converge expects to raise about PHP11.07 billion.

Approximately 90 percent of the net proceeds will be used to fund capital expenditures for the purpose of accelerating its nationwide fiber network rollout.

Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore) Pte. and UBS AG Singapore Branch will serve as joint global coordinators and joint bookrun-

ners for the offer, together with Credit Suisse (Singapore) Limited and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. as international joint bookrunners.

Meanwhile, Converge tapped BPI Capital Corporation as sole local coordinator and joint local underwriter and joint bookrunner with BDO Capital & Investment Corporation.

Asia United Bank Corporation, First Metro Investment Corporation, Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners, Inc., PNB Capital and Investment Corporation, and RCBC Capital Corporation will also act as local participating underwriters. (PR)

Army condemns NPA's use of IEDs in DDO

T

he Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) condemned Thursday the communist’s New People's Army (NPA) for using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which are prohibited under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

The condemnation came after 71IB troops recovered three IEDs in Brgy.

Cabuyoan, Mabini town, Davao de Oro province, on September 20.

Each IED weighs around seven kilograms, enough to blow up a heavy vehicle or building once detonated, the 71IB said in a statement.

“The 'to-whom-it-may-

SEC clears Converge's market debut

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the initial public offering of Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. for a maximum of about PHP41.55 billion.

In its meeting on Sept.

24, the Commission en banc resolved to render effective the registration statement of Converge for up to 7,526,294,461 common shares for listing and trading on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange, subject to the company’s compliance with certain remaining requirements.

The registration state-

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“Aside from the department, companies can also assume as sponsors and benefactors and may offer food, clothing, educational assistance or school supplies, and even work or training opportunities.” she added.

During the program, DOLE Davao City Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag ensured DOLE’s commitment in supporting Brgy. Lubogan in its combat to end worst

forms of child labor.

DLPC Corporate Communications Department Head Fermin Edillon offered child laborers’ parents free skills training of their choice.

Lubogan Barangay Captain Levi Fortuna expressed his gratitude for DOLE and DLPC’s support and assured that Brgy.

Lubogan will do its part in protecting the rights of their children. (PR)

similar establishments and the selling of beer or liquor for take-home/take-out, or home delivery.

The guidelines also reminded sari-sari stores that, although, they are allowed to sell beer and other alcoholic drinks, they cannot serve these within

their premises to avoid mass gatherings. They are also prohibited from allowing people to converge, to have liquor drinking sessions (inuman/shotting), conduct meetings and discussions or stand-by within, in front, or around their premises.

costs through increased efficiencies and produc-

tivity, or enhance the customers’ experience.”

couraged LGUs and NGAs to use the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) electronic signature of the Department of Information and Communications Technology for signing digital documents.

“It is actually safeguarded by a technology that is verifiable,” Belgica said, adding DICT’s e-signature cannot be falsified.

He said the PNPKI technology can trace the origin of the digital signature and also needs a password before the e-signature can be put in a document.

“Covid-19 merely accelerated the need for the use of digital platforms,” Belgica said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Dis-

eases (IATF) also passed a resolution to simplify public transactions amid the global health crisis.

Under the general guidelines, government offices should reduce requirements for permits, licenses, and authorizations by retaining necessary procedures and requirements; removing redundant and unduly burdensome processes, procedures, and requirements; adopting processes and procedures, and imposing such requirements that are least costly to the transacting public; and aligning procedures with the National Effort for the Harmonization of Efficient Measures of Inter-related Agencies, or the Program NEHEMIA. (PNA)

itoring of compliance for granting the GSP+ privileges.

The country has been able to explain issues every year, Lopez said, adding that the recent resolution is the 3rd or 4th similar move the EU Parliament has raised.

PCCI's Yujuico said it was unlikely for the EU to remove the perks, however, it should not be taken for granted.

Lopez earlier said the current Philippine exports to EU is about 7.3 billion euros, 2.7 billion of which are eligible for GSP+.

August this year to July next year was due to expectations of an end in the COVID-19 pandemic or return to normal as well as their anticipation that more jobs will become available, incomes will rise, and prices of goods will stabilize.

“The results of CES show they are pessimistic for Q3 and Q4 but are optimistic for next year over the end of the pandemic and return to normalcy.

The weak business sentiment was associated mainly with the continuing negative effects of COVID-19,” said BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno.

“However once a safe vaccine is developed, business sentiment should improve," he added.

The government expects the Philippine economy to contract by 5.5 percent this year, before rebounding to a growth of 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2021.

world.

Following a win in the Tokaido 10 Maribor Open on Sept. 14, delos Santos has now amassed 7,675 points, just behind Garcia

who has 8,125.

Delos Santos defeated Garcia for the gold in the Sportdata E-Tournament World Series on Sept. 9.

(PNA)

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second quarter, Secretary Dar encouraged everyone to continue in their hard work.

“You farmers and fisherfolk are the frontliners who worked hard even during the lockdown,” Dar said.

With two or three months still left before the year ends, Dar emphasized the department’s aim of el-

evating the food sufficiency level of various communities so that even in the midst of the pandemic, there will be enough food for Filipinos.

“We are happy with what is happening in Davao de Oro and we want agriculture in this province to move up,” Dar added.

Secretary Dar also took part in the groundbreaking

and capsule laying at the site of the proposed dairy processing facility at Nabunturan Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (NAFAMCO) which will be part of PRDP’s P18.83 million “Cow’s Milk Processing & Marketing Enterprise” subproject under its Investment in Rural Enterprise and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP)

component. He hopes that this subproject can help in raising the levels of dairy production in the country.

Dar hailed PRDP, which is jointly funded by the World Bank, as being one of the best examples of multi-sectoral, multi-level partnerships of the Department of Agriculture.

(Joseph John Palarca | PSO Mindanao)

the City Housing Office.

“Two weeks ago we had a meeting with them and discussed if they are qualified to be relocated.

They are qualified in the census tagging made by

our City Housing,” said Bermudo.

One of the evacuees Imelda Razari expressed her gratitude to the city government for the financial assistance given to

them.

“Dako gyud kaayo namong ipasalamat sa atong gobyerno nga murag natubag gyud akong kahago, akong paningkamot kay natabangan gyud mi nga

unta puhon makabalay ra gyud mi (We are extremely grateful for the government for responding to our problems and for helping us to have a home in the future).” CIO

City, Davao City, Albay province and Zamboanga City.

Bautista also reiterated the agency’s undertaking of validation and revalidation processes to assess the list from “ineligible” and “duplicate” beneficiaries.

During this phase, the

agency found that some 200,000 beneficiaries were ineligible or unqualified to receive the aid and some 1.1 million are duplicates or beneficiaries who are also receiving financial aid from other government offices.

For the five million additional beneficiaries

ordered by the President, the local government units only submitted 3.3 million families, including 2.1 million from areas placed under ECQ. “Ang naging resulta nito ay ang kabawasan ng mga benepisyaryo sa pagkakaroon ng projected, unutilized funds(This

resulted in the trimmeddown number of our beneficiaries. Thus, we have this projected, unutilized fund),” he added.

On Wednesday, the Senate asked the agency over the PHP10-billion fund that was not exhausted as dole out to the poor.

(PNA)

to Know About All the Forms of This Dangerous Disease. “Some researchers believe that although the virus proliferates rapidly, it can be detected by tests before there are large enough concentrations of it in the blood to produce disease.

The incubation period for hepatitis C ranges from 2 week to 6 months, according to the WHO. Among those that are at increased risk of HCV infection are as follows: people who inject drugs; people in prisons and other closed settings; people who use drugs through other routes of administration; men who have sex with men; recipients of infected blood products or invasive procedures in health-care facilities with inadequate infection control practices; and children born to mothers infected with HCV.

The WHO calls hepatitis C as “a progressive disease.” The rate of progression, however, varies widely from person to person.

In many people, the infection is without symptoms, but others have flu-like symptoms (fatigue, joint and muscular pain, nausea and vomiting) 6 to 8 weeks after the initial infection.

About 10% of patients develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes).

The WHO says that about 80% of patients develop chronic infection after the acute stage resolves, and most of these patients experience no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they’re usually mild and intermittent and may include fatigue, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

Serious liver damage from hepatitis C may take years, so the younger a

person is when infected, the higher the likelihood that they will eventually develop cirrhosis. According to the UN health agency, 20%-40% of people infected with HCV will develop cirrhosis within 25 years. If cirrhosis develops, additional signs and symptoms may include muscle weakness, nausea, weight loss, itching, dark urine, fluid retention, and abdominal swelling.

About 20% of the patients who develop cirrhosis will go into liver failure, require a liver transplant, or develop liver cancer. Alcohol consumption, male gender, and excess iron in the liver are factors that accelerate progression to cirrhosis.

The WHO reports that in 2016, approximately 399,000 people died from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary

liver cancer).

Antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection. As such, the risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer can be reduced but access to diagnosis and treatment is low.

“There is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C,” the WHO states. “However, research in this area is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Ong has this recommendation: “If you want to be tested for hepatitis B or C, consult your doctor for counseling before testing.”

In addition, he offers these tips: “Persons with viral hepatitis B or C should maintain a healthy lifestyle. They should engage in physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. They should try to avoid alcohol and weight gain.”– (Photos sourced from the net)

team in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), recruited him afterward.

Simon instantly became a key player in Hapee’s offense and he developed an individual mini-rivalry with Welcoat’s star, James Yap. However, in 2004, Magnolia acquired both Simon and Yap through free agency and the draft, respectively, and they became the team’s 1-2 punch in the offense.

Behind Simon, Yap, and defensive ace Marc Pingris, the Purefoods franchise won seven championships from 2006 to 2014, capped by a grand slam.

Even after Yap was essentially shipped back to the Welcoat franchise, now known in the PBA as Rain Or Shine in a trade for Paul Lee, Simon would still win a title for Magnolia, ruling the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

“Binigay ko yung 17 years ng buhay ko sa PBA, sa Magnolia Hotshots, at sa lahat ng fans (I gave 17 years of my life to the PBA, the Magnolia Hotshots, and all the fans),” added Simon, who played with the Purefoods franchise throughout his illustrious career that is also highlighted by eight All-Star Game appearances, the 2008 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award, and being a member of the 2014 Mythical Second Team.

He thanked San Miguel big boss, Ramon S. Ang, for giving him the opportunity in sports and business, and his coaches, teammates, and fans in the 17 years he played basketball.

Jersey retirement up Before the start of the season, the Hotshots’ management said Simon’s

number eight jersey would be retired, becoming the fourth Purefoods player to have his jersey lifted to the rafters.

Reacting to the jersey retirement plan, Simon, in an interview on March 8 following the franchise’s season opener against sister team San Miguel, said, “Sobrang honored ako na yun yung gagawin sa akin ng Purefoods (I am so honored that Purefoods would do that for me).”

With his jersey set to be retired, he will join an elite list that includes Alvin Patrimonio, who is currently the club’s team manager, Jerry Codiñera, and Rey Evangelista.

They were key players in the Hotshots’ dominance during the ‘90s.

Except for Codiñera, who still got to play for the TNT franchise, then known as Mobiline, and

FedEx later on, Patrimonio and Evangelista, like Simon, played their entire careers with the Purefoods franchise.

“Nakakatuwa kasi isang team lang kami (I was very happy because we only played with one team),” Simon said about joining Patrimonio and Evangelista in the retired jerseys list.

Simon still got to play in the season opener, making four points in 11-anda-half minutes off the bench but the Hotshots fell to the Beermen, 78-94.

The Magnolia management initially set Simon’s jersey retirement on May 10, when the team was to take on Ginebra in the latest chapter of the “Manila Clasico”, but the pandemic forced the postponement of the season and, in effect, the retirement ceremony.

(PNA)

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All eyes on Messi as Barca starts season

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ionel Messi will be there when Barcelona starts its season on Sunday (Monday, Manila time), just as he has been for the last two decades.

His every move, however, will be scrutinized like never before.

After all, never before had Messi told the club that he wanted to leave, and never before had Messi been forced to stay.

Will Messi still give his best? Will he still be motivated? Will the transfer saga affect him?

Some of those questions may start being answered on Sunday when Barcelona opens its Spanish league season against Villarreal at the Camp Nou. It will be the club's league debut after the first two matches were postponed because of its participation in the Champions League late last season.

The team's last official match was the embar-

rassing 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals in August, one of the worst defeats in the club's history and in Messi's career. The result thrust Barcelona into one of its worst crises ever, and led Messi to make public his desire to leave.

The Argentina great eventually backtracked after Barcelona denied his request to leave for free. He said he didn't want to get into a legal dispute with the "club of his life." But Messi made it more than clear that he would have rather left, and openly criticized club president Josep Bartomeu for not keeping his promise to let him go.

Still, Messi said he would give his best despite having wanted to leave, and there were no signs of any letdown in the preparation matches in which he played ahead of what should be his final season

arateka James delos Santos is not anymore thinking of a possible return to the national team after he was intriguingly excluded from the group that dominated the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last December.

"Honestly speaking, I don't think I would be welcomed back after what happened last year," he said during the online Usapang Sports Forum by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports on Thursday.

Despite winning two SEA Games golds, the world ranked No. 2 in the men's virtual kata category was snubbed from the Philippine squad after what he described as an "unprecedented closed-door evaluation" with only one month left before the start of the karatedo tournament.

The problem between

delos Santos and the Philippine Karatedo Association (PKA) began when he was not included in those funded to go to Japan for a training camp.

"I felt that I was abandoned here in Manila," he said of the initial snub.

Through the help of his sponsors and by shelling out some of his personal savings, he finally got to train in Japan for 50 days.

However, the training went down the drain after the PKA excluded him from the final lineup.

"I felt that it was really unfair," he said.

Ten months after not making the SEA Games team, he insisted that he has moved on from it and is now focusing on overtaking Portuguese karateka Eduardo Garcia as the top male virtual kata player in the

Lakers close K in on West Anthony Davis handled the offense for the Lakers while Lebron James took charge of the defensive end.

FALL EYE, P9

Controversial karateka moves on from SEA Games debacle

A

showstopping Jamal Murray performance wasn’t enough for the Denver Nuggets to overcome a lightning-fast LA Lakers start in game four in the Western Conference Finals, with the Lakers holding on in a tense clash to win 114-108.

Murray’s Michael Jordan-esque lay-up was just one of a series of incredible highlights as he exploded late in the game, keeping the Nuggets in the hunt on the back of a 32 point effort along with eight assists and three rebounds.

But the Lakers’ superior offensive rebounding (12 to 6) and second-chance

points (25 to 6) made the difference as they moved to 3-1 in the series and close in on a place in the NBA Finals.

LeBron James finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, alongside Anthony Davis’s 34 points, five boards and three assists. The Lakers are now 18-1 this season

Casimero’s time is here

A

fter more than a decade of striving in anonymity, John Riel Casimero’s moment had finally come.

He would finally get the major fight he long craved, a unification bout with pound-for-pound candidate Naoya Inoue. It was the fight he’d called for immediately after winning the WBO bantamweight title last November, looking into the television camera and saying “Come on, Monster!” immediately after he knocked out Zolani Tete in the United Kingdom.

And then the pandemic hit in March. Casimero was already in Las Vegas, working on his conditioning with Angel “Memo” Heredia, and maintaining his boxing sharpness with trainer Nonoy Neri, but Inoue couldn’t immediately travel from Japan

because of lockdowns.

Sean Gibbons, now President of MP Promotions, has been with Casimero (29-4, 20 knockouts) through many of his ups-and-downs. He had even had his rib broken after getting sucker punched during the 2012 riot that followed Casimero’s first title win against Luis Lazarte in Argentina.

Still, this period stood out for its difficulty.

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Gibbons. “The first 60 days, we were very optimistic that everything was still gonna work out, hopefully get the fight with Inoue. Then around June we started to realize that things didn’t look good.

“Casimero got very depressed, he missed his kids, his daughter had her birthday coming up.”

FCASIMERO, P9

when that star duo combines for 60 points.

The Lakers opted to start veteran centre Dwight Howard instead of JaVale McGee – a move they also made at the beginning of the second half of the Game 3 loss.

The move paid off handsomely, as the Lakers blasted out of the gates in the opening quarter to lead 37-30 at the first break.

Howard finished with 11 rebounds and 12 points in his biggest minutes of the series.

The pattern of the game saw the Lakers repeatedly go on mini-runs to extend their lead into double digits time and again – but every

time the Nuggets were able to hit back and keep themselves within touching distance, sending the game down to the wire.

An 11-4 Denver run at the end of the third quarter brought the lead back to just three going into the final stanza.

But Denver was caught in foul trouble with Jokic forced onto the bench as he picked up his fifth foul with eight minutes remaining in the fourth. Even when he returned, he went 0-3 from the floor. It was Jamal Murray who stood up down the stretch alongside Monte Morris to keep the Nuggets in it.

FLAKERS, P9

John Riel Casimero (left) and opponent Duke MIcah (right).

FCONTROVERSIAL, P10

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VOL.13 ISSUE 144 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

END OF THE ROAD Nonoy Simon concludes colorful basketball career

T

he most colorful cager out of Davao City’s collegiate ranks has hang up his sneakers for good.

Magnolia guard Peter June “Nonoy” Simon announced his retirement from basketball in a lengthy social media post on Wednesday.

“This is PJ Simon, The SuperSub, Your Scoring Apostle, signing out,” the 40-year-old star said.

On why he is calling it a career after 19 years that go all the way back to the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), Simon said, “It’s time to focus on my family. My wife is pregnant and gusto ko magkasama kami (I want us to be together) as we start a family.”

He added that his situation in Davao amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic factored in making the decision.

“Kinailangan kong umuwi ng Davao nung nagkasakit at namatay ang father ko at nahirapan na rin akong makabalik dahil sa pandemya.

Sign na rin siguro yun na ito na yung tamang time para magretiro (I had to fly back to Davao when my father got sick and eventually died, and I had a difficult time returning due to the

pandemic. It may be a sign that it is the right time to retire),” Simon said.

From ‘overlooked’ to legend He said he was surprised by what his career has gone through all these years.

“Hindi ko inakala na pagkatapos hindi mapansin nung 2001 PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) Rookie Draft na posible pa pala mag-iwan ng sarili kong marka sa liga (I never thought that after I was overlooked in the 2001 PBA Rookie Draft, it would still be possible for me to leave a mark in the league),” Simon said.

He was selected in the fifth round of the 2001 Draft but Sta. Lucia, the team that selected him, did not sign him to a contract, leaving him as a free agent.

Simon eventually found himself joining the Davao Eagles in the 2001 MBA season, where he became their focal point of offense.

His stint with Davao ended right when the MBA met its demise in 2002 but Hapee, then a powerhouse

FEND, P10

Nonoy Simon, a product of the University of Mindanao, has ended a 19-year pro career.