Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 145 | Sunday-Monday, September 27-28, 2020

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Davao airport’s rehab proposal undergoing ICC evaluation STORY ON PAGE 2

A physically challenged person carries boxes of grocery items on his lap while his companion pushes his wheelchair during the distribution of assistance from the different national government agencies initiated by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go in General Santos City. The physically challenged person volunteered to carry the food assistance for a group of visually challenged persons. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

An empty Davao International Airport during the lockdown. A Department of Transportation (DoTr) official bared that the unsolicited proposal to modernize the Davao International Airport (DIA) by Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corporation is undergoing evaluation at the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) Secretariat of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). Edge Davao

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China hopes PH will ‘implement consensus’ to drop arbitral ruling

Davao airport’s rehab proposal undergoing ICC evaluation

By MAYA M. PADILLO n official of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) disclosed that the unsolicited proposal to modernize the Davao International Airport (DIA) by Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corporation of Dabawenyo businessman Dennis Uy is undergoing evaluation at the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) Secretariat of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

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Transportation Undersecretary for planning Ruben Reinoso bared this development in an email interview on Saturday.

However, Reinoso added that at the moment they cannot give a timeline for the completion of the

evaluation.

Chelsea Logistics was awarded Original Proponent Status for its proposal that includes the development, operation, and management of DIA over a concession period of 30 years.

Reinoso said Chelsea has revised financial proposal for the project due to the pandemic and that DoTr has accepted the revised proposal and correspondingly endorsed it to NEDA-ICC for their consideration and approval.

“I cannot disclose it (revision details) due to its proprietary nature as mandated by law,” he said when asked to cite some revisions done in the proposal.

NEDA-ICC issued clearance to the unsolicited proposal to modernize DIA in December last year, which gave Chelsea the green light to commence negotiations with the DOTr on the terms of

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commander, said soldiers belonging to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion discovered the bomb-making factory around noontime in the interior of Sitio Tapok, Barangay Salman of the municipality.

Recovered from the makeshift factory were one

round of 105mm unexploded Howitzer cannon ordnance, a 60mm mortar projectile, bomb-making components, and propaganda materials.

“The troops immediately coordinated with the EOD team for proper dispositive action,” Uy told reporters

its plan to modernize DIA, which is the primary gateway to Mindanao.

The rehabilitation aims to increase international traffic thus the proponent plans to partner with an airport operator with an international network to facilitate new route development by working with the government to develop new routes.

The proposed developments for DIA include a parallel taxiway, reconfiguration and expansion of the passenger terminal building, land-side and air-side improvements, and introduction of new airport information technology (IT). here.

On Sept. 22, soldiers also overrun a lair of the BIFF in Barangay Saniag of the same municipality.

Uy said military operations against the BIFF radicals in the province are ongoing "without letup".

(PNA)

BIFF bomb-making factory discovered in Maguindanao overnment troops discovered on Friday a bomb-making factory of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the Maguindanao town of Ampatuan, an Army official said.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division

eijing continues to reject Manila’s arbitration win in the South China Sea dispute and hopes the Philippine government will stick to the consensus of setting aside differences, a Chinese ambassador said Friday.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian made the statement in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s widely praised speech at the United Nations General Assembly where he said that the arbitral ruling – which recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights to areas within its exclusive economic zone that China contests – is now part of international law and cannot be diluted, diminished, or abandoned.

“We firmly reject attempts to undermine it,” Duterte said.

In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled that there was no legal basis for Beijing's historic "nine-dash line" claim over most of the South China Sea. It said China violated the Philippines' rights to some areas by interfering in fishing and petroleum exploration and building artificial islands there.

China has never recognized the landmark decision.

“China’s position on the so-called arbitral ruling has been very clear: We do not accept and we do not recognize this so-called ruling,” Huang said in a forum hosted by the Association for Philippines-China

Understanding on Friday.

“As it has been agreed by our two presidents…

We should close the old chapter and shelve differences,” he added.

Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping “agreed to disagree” on the ruling to pursue dialogue and cooperation. Duterte himself announced in September 2019 that the Philippines will set aside the arbitral ruling to make way for the planned joint oil and gas exploration with China in disputed areas.

“We hope that both sides will implement the consensus between our two leaders... to maintain the sum momentum of cooperation between our two countries,” Huang said.

In a media briefing on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made it clear that although Duterte raised the arbitral decision before the 193-member United Nations, the ruling will remain on the shelf consistent with government policy.

“The President has been consistent. We will move on matters that we could move forward on, including trade and investments, and we will for the time being, set this aside because I don’t think the resolution of the territorial dispute is forthcoming in our lifetime,” Roque said.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario appealed to the Duterte administration to get the

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VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

SAP digital payment distribution in Davao Region nears completion

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bout 77% or 292,106 second tranche and waitlisted beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in Davao Region have already received their emergency subsidy as of September 11 through our partner payment centers.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has earlier forged a memorandum with financial service providers (FSP) to facilitate the distribution of the subsidy through electronic disbursement.

“This figure was reported to us by Starpay who is our sole financial service provider in Davao Region.

Through the help of our payment centers, we expect to finish the distribution before the end of September,” Regional Director Raquel E. Nuñez said.

To date, 407,607 family beneficiaries in Davao

Region were endorsed to Starpay as qualified beneficiaries for SAP. Of this number, 99.63% or 406,082 have already been informed of their beneficiary reference numbers (BRN).

“We continue to receive grievances especially those that were now excluded in the certified list or have not received any message from Starpay. These beneficiaries are encouraged to approach the assigned DSWD staff in their respective barangays for clarification on their concerns,” Director Nuñez added.

The SAP beneficiaries include the second tranche beneficiaries in Davao City, waitlisted beneficiaries in Davao Region, and Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Drivers endorsed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Frances Mae Macapagat/PIA

100 additional tablets offered for Davao City indigent pupils

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dditional 100 tablet units are offered for junior and senior high school pupils under the “Student Siblings’ Tablet Sharing Project” initiated by Mayor Inday Sara Duterte to help indigent school pupils in their online classes.

The 100 Lenovo tablets sponsored by the International Department of the Communist Party of China in Beijing are additional units to the 300 earlier given by the Consulate Office of the People's Republic of China in Davao City for the same project.

Norman Baloro, the spokesperson for the special project, said that the school pupils who were not earlier selected to receive the laptop have another chance for the second round of assessment.

He said the same criteria for the selection of the beneficiaries still apply.

“The tablet sharing

project will have the same criteria as the Laptop sharing project, so we will get the 100 beneficiaries there. We will take the next qualified 100 after the first 300 who qualified for the laptop” he said.

Baloro said close to 2,000 junior and senior high school pupils sent their applications for the “Student Siblings’ Laptop Sharing Project”.

The names of the 300 qualified applicants for the Student Siblings’ Laptop Sharing Project are already posted on the official Facebook page of Eskwela Davao.

The beneficiary should be a junior or senior high school pupil from an indigent family, indigent solo parent, or living with indigent guardians; must have online and offline classes; lives in a dwelling with electricity; and, must have two or more siblings who

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Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte will be the acting mayor from September 28 to October 5 as Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio filed for a week-long leave of absence due to personal reason. Edge Davao

Baste takes the reins as Sara goes on week-long leave

By MAYA M. PADILLO ice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is taking the reins as acting city mayor effective September 28, 2020 until October 5, 2020 as Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio filed a leave of absence for one week due to medical reasons.

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“Mag-leave ko karong Sept. 28 to Oct. 5. Naa ko’y kinahanglan nga i-assist na tao for medical reasons ug kinahanglan ko mag-out of town. Nag-istorya nami sa atoang vice mayor and nakita naman niya kung unsa ang trabaho sa mayor kay nagdako siya nga ang iyahang amahan mayor ug karon as vice mayor nakita niya ang trabaho nako as

city mayor, so he knows how to do it already,” Mayor Sara said in a broadcast interview with Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Friday.

The mayor assured that even though she will be out of town for medical purposes, she will be continuously present online to meet deadlines for her office.

By law, if the city mayor is absent for more than three days, the vice mayor will serve as acting city mayor.

The mayor tasked her brother to assume the duties and responsibilities of said position as mandated by law and to oversee the overall operations of all city government’s departments and offices as well as perform such other duties directed to him from time to time.

This is not the first time that the vice mayor was appointed as acting city mayor. In July 2019, Baste was appointed acting city mayor as Mayor Sara took a 60-day medical leave.

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P40B needed for printing of school modules per school year: DepEd

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Passengers of a private vehicle ignore social distancing as they comfortably sit side by side along Matina, Davao City. Edge Davao

“Ayaw mo pag-panic because I shall return. Like I said, mag-panic lang mo kung nag-panic nako,” the mayor said.

The mayor also reminded Dabawenyos to still observe health protocols such as stay home, wearing of face mask and face shield, distancing, and frequent hand washing with soap and water as the city is still under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

“Duna gihapon ta’y MGCQ kinahanglan mahinumduman sa mga tao kung duna’y quarantine dapat stay home, mugawas lang ka kung mu-trabaho ka ug kung naa kay

he Department of Education (DepEd) said about P40 billion is needed per school year to be able to print self-learning modules as education sector shifts to its new normal.

During the Senate hearing on the proposed 2021 budget of the department, Sen. Francis Pangilinan asked DepEd how much budget is needed to be able to produce printed modules.

Education Usec. Annalyn Sevilla said assuming that the pandemic will continue, they will be needing P20 billion for the first two quarters of the upcoming school year, and P40 billion for its last two quarters and the first two quarters of school year 2021-2022.

Under the proposed P605.74 billion budget of DepEd, P15 billion was allotted for this purpose, with another P5 billion un-

der unprogrammed funds.

The department added since the school year was only rescheduled from August to October, there were already printed modules good for one to two weeks that were already distributed to learners.

However, Education Sec. Leonor Briones said they intend to rationalize this to gradually lessen dependence on printed modules, despite being it being the preferred mode of learning for students and parents.

"We are gradually going to face that out because aside from the horrible impact on the environment, baka (maybe) we will be having books but no trees.

It's more expensive to produce printed material than to transmit by radio or TV or by other means," she explained.

The health crisis led to implementation of alter-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

A worker conducts a routine inspection of the cacao seedlings at a nursery in Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City in this undated photo. A Davao City-based premium dark chocolate makers has been recognized by the Great Taste Awards, the world’s largest food and drink awards organized by the United Kingdom-based The Guild of Fine Food. Edge Davao

Davao-based chocolate maker M feted in Great Taste Awards

GCash to start charging fees for bank transfers starting Oct. 1

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hree Filipino premium dark chocolate makers, one of which is based in Davao City, have been recognized by the Great Taste Awards, the world’s largest food and drink awards organized by the United Kingdom-based The Guild of Fine Food.

According to The Guild of Fine Food website, Rosario’s Delicacies, owned by couple Emmanuel and Mary Grace Belviz from Calinan, Davao City, clinched a one-star Great Taste Award for its unsweetened dark chocolate out of 12,777 products from 106 countries.

The award-giving body described the “unique cocoa liquor tablets” as having “deep rich mahogany

color,” which “made a very smooth and velvety drink.”

“An authentic chocolate product that has a genuine raw chocolate flavor and smooth texture. When lightly sweetened, the chocolate flavor is mellow and lasting with gentle liquorice notes,” it added.

Two other Filipino bean-to-bar chocolate makers, Calamba, Laguna-based Auro Chocolate and Metro Manila-based

Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory, which source raw cacao beans from Mindanao, were also recognized for their wide array of dark chocolate entries.

For Auro Chocolate, the company won a two-star award for 85% Mana–Single Estate and one-star awards for 42% Milk Chocolate, 77% Dark Chocolate, 85% Regalo-Single Varietal, Peanut Hot Chocolate, 55% Dark Chocolate, and 55% Dark Chocolate with Arabica Coffee.

Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory bagged twostar award for Theo & Philo 60% Dark Chocolate with Ginger and Mint and onestar award 90% Dark Chocolate, 70% Dark Chocolate, and Hot Chocolate.

Early this month, Davao

City had been officially declared as the “Cacao Capital of the Philippines,” being the largest cacao producer in the country.

The city produced 2,289 metric tons (MT) or at least 34.15-percent of the total 6,703 MT of dried cacao beans last year based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Davao del Norte came second highest with 1,372 MT, followed by Davao del Sur with 1,163 MT, Davao de Oro with 572.57 MT, and Davao Oriental with 561.57 MT, according to PSA. The region’s combined cacao production comprised 78.96 percent of the country’s total production of 8,488.60 MT last year.

(Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

in order to meet the domestic demand.

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lopez said it was a challenge for the country to import products such as face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) as other countries are prioritizing the needs of their respective markets.

Before the Covid-19 outbreak in the Philippines, the country only had one manufacturer for medi-

cal-grade face masks with a capacity of 2 million pieces per month. The country was also reliant on imports in sourcing PPE coveralls.

But the DTI and BOI have pushed for local production of these critical products amid the pandemic by repurposing the facilities of manufacturers.

Lopez said the country can now produce 56 million face masks in a month.

“We had to be self-reliant. That was the idea. We

have to build our own capacity,” he said.

He stressed that while industries are building the domestic capacity, there is also a need to encourage buyers to source products from local manufacturers.

“We are working on localization and we welcome a lot of import products at almost zero duties. But once we are able to encourage local manufacturers and if the capacity is here,

DTI pushes for product localization to save jobs

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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the country must be less reliant on imports particularly for products that are essential during the pandemic.

In his keynote speech at the Bayanihan: Rebuild Industries and Save Jobs in Laguna and Cavite on Friday, Lopez said the DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) targets to build local capacity of many products

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obile wallet provider GCash will start charging fees for bank transfers on its platform, it said based on notifications users received on the app.

"Starting Oct. 1, 2020, a fee will be charged per transaction," the notice said.

GCash allows users to send money to its partner banks and financial institutions.

Bankers Association of the Philippines head and president of BPI Cezar Consing earlier said many banks would resume charging for on-

line transactions using InstaPay, among others by October.

InstaPay lets banking clients transfer up to P50,000 per transaction, which is credited instantly to the recipient’s account in any local bank.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier urged banks to waive online transaction fees to encourage Filipinos to use online banking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several banks would waive fees for InstaPay and PesoNet until the end of the year, the BSP said in an update in August.

Entry-level, comm'l vehicles to drive Philippine car market

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ntry-level vehicles and those that are used for businesses will drive the Philippine car market until the end of the year.

KIA Philippines president Emmanuel Aligada, in a virtual media launch of the new Stonic on Friday, said the new sales target of the industry for this year is possible to be achieved with a strong interest for entry-level cars and commercial vehicles.

“There’s strong interest in entry-levels, as I have said before. Those who are very conscious and very concerned about safety on travelling as the economy has opened, and therefore the entry-level vehicles are

the ones that getting a lot of interest. Plus of course, that those are used for the businesses, the commercial vehicles,” said Aligada.

He mentioned that the industry’s original target for this year was 420,000 units. But due to the challenges brought by the pandemic, the carmakers now eye 275,000 units by end2020, down by 35 percent from the original target.

He noted that the auto industry had a slight decline last month as the government decided to revert Metro Manila and four other nearby provinces to stricter community quarantine measures.

The industry expects

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ECONOMY 5

VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

FTC-GOCC welcomes Kimchee Tea. FTC-GOCC President & CEO Ian Cruz (center) signs a leasing agreement with Kimchee Tea Owner Kamille Jun Alquizar at the FTC Corporate Office on September 22, 2020. (From left) This ceremony is witnessed by Jester Hospital, ALPI Project Development Manager, Almira Mariano, Marketing Communications Director and Almira Añonuevo, Chief Finance Officer.

panel approves FTC-GOCC signs lease with House P4.1-T budget for 2021 Kimchee Tea at Aeon Towers A

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he iconic Aeon Towers has a new locator.

Aeon Towers’ commercial space, on September 22, 2020 at the FTC Corporate Office.

Present during the ceremony were Kimchee

Tea’s millennial owner Kamille Jun C. Alquizar while FTC-GOCC was represented by its President and CEO Ian Cruz.

This is witnessed by the team from FTC-GOCC/Aeon Towers: Almira Mariano, Marketing Communications Director, Almira Añonuevo,

Chief Finance Officer and Jester Hospital, Project Development Manager.

Kimchee Tea started in 2018 with different flavors of tea-based drinks at 149 Batulao Road, Central Park, Bangkal, Davao City and is now expanding to Aeon Towers.

he Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund on Friday announced it has granted a 60-day grace period on all loan payments, in accordance with the provisions of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. Apart from a 60-day grace period, Pag-IBIG Fund is also offering a special loan restructuring program for home loan borrowers in an effort to provide its members financial relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We heed and support President Duterte’s call to help our fellow Filipinos who are experiencing financial hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that this pandemic continues to impact jobs and businesses in the country,” Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said.

“And so the Board has immediately approved the implementation of the 60day grace period following the signing of the Bayanihan 2 law and our Special Housing Loan Restructuring Program to provide further financial relief to our members,” del Rosario said.

The Housing chief chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Del Rosario added that under Pag-IBIG Fund’s guidelines, the granting of the 60-day grace period will be applied automatically to all loan payments on the agency’s Multi-Purpose Loan, Calamity Loan, and Housing Loan which fall due from September 15 until November 14, 2020.

The grace period will give borrowers payment reprieve without incurring any penalty, and interest on interest.

“Under the Bayanihan 2 law, the grace period covers loan accounts with up to 3 months in arrears. But under our approved Pag-IBIG guidelines, we will cover loan accounts with up to 9 months in arrears so we can help more borrowers, specifically those whose incomes were affected when community quarantines were first declared in midMarch,” the Housing chief said.

“And while the accrued interest is payable until December 31 under the Bayahihan 2, Pag-IBIG Fund will allow payment of accrued interest on a staggered basis during the remaining term of the loan, thus providing for an even longer and easier payment term for our borrowers,” del Rosario added.

The Special Housing Loan Restructuring Pro-

gram, meanwhile, aims to further help Pag-IBIG Fund housing loan borrowers save their properties from foreclosure.

Under the program, borrowers whose finances have been affected by the pandemic may renegotiate the terms of the loan and secure a more affordable payment term.

Borrowers can soon apply for the restructuring program online by visiting the Virtual Pag-IBIG until December 15, 2020.

“Under Bayanihan 1, we granted a grace period to 4.77 million borrowers and approved nearly 300,000 applications under our three-month payment moratorium program. And now, this added grace period and our Special Housing Restructuring Program will help our member-borrow-

ills payment collection chain CIS Bayad Center Inc. said Friday it saw an exponential growth in digital transactions as lockdowns forced many customers to go online in settling their bills.

In a statement, Bayad Center said the rise in digital transactions or online payment is in line with its expectation that digital transactions in the country will continue to grow in the context of the “new

normal” where shifting activities online provides a greater sense of security and continuity, as well a path to economic recovery.

As of August, the company said online payments recorded a year-on-year growth rate of 130% compared to the same period last year.

Likewise, digital transactions account for about 34% of the 10 million transactions monthly from a 17% contribution before

the lockdown period.

“This trajectory resonates with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) move to make e-payments account for 20% of the overall financial transactions in the country and reach 50% by the year 2023,” Bayad Center said.

The ongoing pandemic is considered as a catalyst and driver to achieving this goal earlier, according to the company.

Bayad Center said it

continues to strengthen its onsite-to-online (O2O) platform to give customers wider options in doing financial transactions.

The company said it has 39,000 payment touchpoints and more than 1,900 billers to date.

Bayad Center said its service portfolio covers not only bills payments but also domestic and international remittance, insurance sales, medical

FTC Group of Companies Corporation (FTC-GOCC) signed a leasing agreement with Kimchee Tea as the latter opens milk tea shop at the second floor of

Pag-IBIG grants 60-day grace period on loan payments, offers restructuring

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Bayad Center: Dramatic growth in digital transactions amid COVID-19

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fter two weeks of budget briefings, the House Committee on Appropriations on Friday approved the measure proposing the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.

House panel chair Eric Yap confirmed the development.

“Yes, approved na po sa committee level [ang] FY 2021 GAB (General Appropriations Bill),” he said.

The approval of the budget bill was made during an executive meeting of the House appropriations committee earlier in the day, he added.

The proposed 2021 national budget is 9.9% higher than this year’s appropriation of P4.1 trillion.

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado, in submitting the 2021 National Expenditure Program to the House of Representatives last month, said next year’s budget will sustain the government efforts and effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the focus of next year’s appropriations include “government

spending on improving our healthcare systems, ensuring food security, creating more jobs by investing on labor intensive projects, enabling a digital government and economy as well as helping communities cope in these trying times.”

“Hence, the theme of the FY 2021 NEP is ‘Reset, Rebound, and Recover: Investing for Resiliency and Sustainability,’” he added.

Among the departments, the education sector composed of the Department of Education, State Universities and Colleges, the Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will receive the biggest chunk of the budget, with a total of P754.4 billion.

The Department of Public Works and Highways follows with P667.3 billion, the Department of the Interior and Local Government with P246.1 billion, the Department of National Defense with P209.1 billion, and the Department of Health with P203.1 billion.

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Credit card interest rate cap 'eases burden' of Pinoys hit by pandemic

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he cap on credit card interest rate will help reduce the burden of Filipinos reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bankers Association of the Philippines said Friday.

Credit card policy reform is crucial especially during this difficult time, BAP said in a statement.

"We support this initiative by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This will help ease the burden of every household including businesses affected by the pandemic," BAP managing director Banjamin Castillo said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday said it would put a cap on in-

terest rate that banks were allowed to charge for credit cards at 24 percent per annum starting Nov. 3, equivalent to an interest rate of 2 percent per month.

BSP Gov. Benjamin Diokno earlier said high credit card interest rates in the country that goes up to 40 percent were "unacceptable."

The interest rate cap for credit cards is unlikely to hurt the income of banks and card issuers, the central bank said.

BAP also lauded the BSP for its "decisive and aggressive" actions. The BSP earlier brought the overnight borrowing rate to its all-time low of 2.25 percent.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

On Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as acting city mayor effective September 28, 2020 until October 5, 2020: Mag-leave ko karong Sept. 28 to Oct. 5. Naa ko’y kinahanglan nga i-assist na tao for medical reasons ug kinahanglan ko mag-out of town. Nag-istorya nami sa atoang vice mayor and nakita naman niya kung unsa ang trabaho sa mayor kay nagdako siya nga ang iyahang amahan mayor ug karon as vice mayor nakita niya ang trabaho nako as city mayor, so he knows how to do it already. Ayaw mo pag-panic because I shall return. Like I said, mag-panic lang mo kung nagpanic nako.”

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

LIVING

FRED C. LUMBA

A NEW WAY TO SHOP ONLINE WITH SPECKS OF LIFE

DAVAO DELIVERY 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 the benumbed indifference of a timid and tolerant society.

The Philhealth issue is not the tip of the iceberg, mind you.

Many more earth-shaking exposes’ in yesteryears and recent past have come and gone but the authors of the evil schemes have not been convicted and jailed. It appears that they are able to squeeze themselves out of the discomfiting situation by securing the services of “talented” lawyers who smartly navigate the withsix a variety of WElegal arewaters already “swimming” methods and styles. months into the Yes, it can no longer be depandemic, and while nied that our justice and penal

there are still new cases of COVID-19, many of the city’s residents are easing themselves slowly and carefully into the “new normal”.

While we all know the protocols for minimising the risk of getting infected, personally, the absolute best way to minimise risk is to shelter or work at home as much as possible. This is made even easier with the surge of online delivery services and one of the newest ways to get essential political scene peritems“The delivered straight to is your haps the most public arena doorstep is Davao Delivery. where people have expressed Davao Delivery is a Davaotheir distrust in those who lead based online them.

Thesemarketplace are not easythat times in which to be a leader.” --highHenry is dedicated to delivering and Richard demand retail Blackaby, products toauthors the of Spiritual Leadership safety and comfort of your own *** home.

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Those expected to follow www.davaodelivery.com, register, can experience frustration when and start shopping. What sets their leader is unable to lead.”

Davao Delivery apart from may There are 850 different defideliveryof services is the ease nitions leadership.

Thatofwas what how toWarren look for Bennis the itemand you Burt Nanus found when they want. Everything is catalogedwere writing book, visually their undercollaborative its corresponding Leaders: Strategies for Taking purveyor.ItEvery is easy Charge. is no item wonder why toto see and detailed price, day’s leaders havefrom a hard time measuring up their quantity, volume andlevel. size. There areLooking too many to meet! forstandards spaghetti noodles Dr. John C. Maxwell, an aufor pasta night? Go to Felcris

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 changes he sees to be effective and efficient.

At least, PRRD need not search in a haystack.

Napoleon Hill, author of the much-acclaimed Think and Grow Rich, said: “No man ever achieved worthwhile success who did not, at one time or other, find himself with at least one foot hanging well over the brink of failure.”

Challenges will not stop daring us in the face.

It is up to us if we cower in fear or take the dare. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

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: “Leadership is the capacity Supermarketand andwill use to therally easymen and women to a common search bar on the side. Need purpose and the character which a new setconfidence.” of noise-cancelling inspires -- Bernard earphones for Netflix Montgomery, British and Field Marshal chill? Head over to Metro Plaza Charisma: “How can you and browse through its wide have charisma?

Be more selection audio accessories. concerned about making others Aftergood checking the items,than feel aboutout themselves payment can be done delivery you are making themonfeel good about you.”via -- credit Dan Reiland, or securely or debit vice president of leadership developcard. The minimum amount of ment purchase is Php500.

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

-- Stephen Gregg, chairman of Ethix Corporation Communication: “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” -- Lee Iacocca, American automobile executive Competence: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its piped nor its theories will hold water.” -- John Gardner, American novelist Courage: “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities… because it is the qualDavao Delivers currently ity which guarantees all ofothservices the following areas ers.”-- Winston Churchill, British Durianburg: Agdao, Bajada, Prime Minister Bangkal, Boulevard, Buhangin Discernment: “The first rule of Cabaguio, holes: When you’re in Proper, Cabantian, one, stop digging.”

-Molly Ivins, Cat. Grande, Catitipan, American columnist Communal, Dacudao, Damosa, Focus: “What people say, Diversion Road, Gen. what people do,Ecoland, and what they Douglas Highway, say they McArthur do are entirely different things.”

-- Margaret Mead, anLanang, Maa, Matina Aplaya, thropologist Matina Crossing, Matina Pangi, Generosity: “No Poblacion, person was Pampanga, Panacan,

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

Successful people keep moving.

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

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

-- John Foster Dulles, US Secredelivery charge is normally tary of State Php99 for the first three Relationships: “The most important single ingredient in kilometers and an additional the formula of additional success is knowPhp15 for each ing how to get peokilometer, but thealong site iswith offering ple.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, a flat delivery rate of Php100 American president promo.

Responsibility: “When a man points a can finger Customers alsoatbesomeone rest else, he should remember assured that their delivery that four of his fingers are pointing fleet comes fully equipped and at

himself.” -- Louis Nizer Security: “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.” -- Andrew Carnegie, industrialist Self-discipline:“A man without decision of character can never be said to belong to himself… He longs to whatever can make captive of him.” -- John Foster, author Servanthood: “The true leader serves. Serves people.

Serves their best interests, and in so doing will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price.” -- Eugene B. Habecker, author Teachability: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” -- John Wooden, Basketball coach Vision: “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.”

-John toScully, Executive trained ensureChief the products Officer get to you in perfect condition, To end this piece, here is a on time and with health final statement from Chinese protocols in place, including philosopher Lao-Tzu: “To lead people, beside them sanitisingwalk the products you ... As for the best leaders, the people purchase before delivery. doAside not from noticethetheir existence. current The next best, the people honor purveyors, Delivery and praise.Davao The next, the people promises addnext, more the purveyors fear; andtothe people hate ... offer Whenmore the items best in leader’s soon to more work is done the people ‘We categories for one to shopsay, safely did it ourselves!’” from home.

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

Psoriasis: More than just a skin problem W

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO hat do singer Cindi Lauper, pro golfer Phil Mickelson, and comedian Jon Lovitz have one thing in common? They are attestations that psoriasis doesn’t strike only ordinary people but famous personalities as well, that’s what.

Pop icon Lauper never thought she would have it but she saw the signs of psoriasis in 2010. It first flared on her scalp. Now, she’s living with it and taking treatment.

Lovitz, former TV’s Saturday Night Live member, thought it was only a rash.

But the doctor told him that he actually had plaque psoriasis. After trying – and failing – many different medications, he has his psoriasis under control.

Mickelson suffers from psoriatic arthritis, where his joints ache, feeling like he’d sprained a wrist on one hand and somehow jammed a finger on the other. His right ankle hurt too. But it didn’t stop him to take fourth place in the 2010 US Open.

Around the world, more than 125 million people are affected with psoriasis, a long-term scaling disease of the skin. Nearly 3% of the world’s population is living with psoriasis.

More than one-third of patients with plaque psoriasis suffer from its moderate-to-severe forms.

Studies have shown psoriasis to affect 2%-3% of the total population. In the Philippines, about one to two million patients have psoriasis and about 20%-30% have moderate to severe psoriasis.

“Psoriasis has always been on the list of the top 20 diseases in the country,” says Dr. Francisca de la Cruz-Roa, one of the country’s leading dermatologists. “It often appears in the late teens to adulthood.

It rarely occurs in children.”

Despite this fact, psoriasis is not getting a recognition it needs. “Psoriasis continues to be a public health problem not only because there is no known cure, but also because there is a severe lack of recognition and awareness, a lack of correct diagnosis, and a lack of understanding about the nature of the disease by patient, the health provider and the public at large,” wrote Anthony R. Roda in a magazine feature published by the Department of Health (DOH).

Psoriasis appears as red, raised scaly patches known as plaques. These lesions commonly appear on the elbows, knees and scalp. “Normally, a skin cell matures in 21-28 days and during this time, it travels to the surface, where it is lost in a constant invisible shedding of dead cells,” explains a fact sheet from DOH’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

“In patches of psoriasis, the turnover of skin cells is much faster, around 4-7

days, and this means that even live cells can reach the surface and accumulate with the dead cells.

Nail changes are present in 50% of people and some people can develop psoriatic arthritis,” it further explains.

Actually, there are five types of psoriasis, the RITM states. The most common is plaque psoriasis, which Lovitz has. It appears as raised red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. Oftentimes, the plaques show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.

About 10% of people who get psoriasis develop guttate psoriasis. It appears as small, dot-like lesions and often starts in childhood or young adulthood. It can be triggered by a strep infection.

Inverse psoriasis shows up in very red lesions in body folds, such as behind the knee, under the arm or in the groin. It may appear smooth and shiny. Many people have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body at the same time.

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules (blisters of non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, nor is it contagious. Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body but occurs most often on the hands or feet.

The severe form is called erythrodermic psoriasis as it leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. It can cause severe itching and

pain, and make the skin come off in sheets. Generally, it appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis.

Oftentimes, doctors can diagnose psoriasis by looking at the affected skin’s appearance. In some instances, a biopsy may be taken to determine the exact type and also to rule out other skin disorders.

“Psoriasis is not just a skin problem. It goes beyond the skin,” Dr. Deanna Ramiscal, head of the Photodermatology Unit, Dermatology Center at St. Luke’s Global City, was quoted as saying by Health and Lifestyle’s Mylene C. Orillo.

“Psoriasis is uncomfortable and at times disfiguring with symptoms being difficult and frustrating to treat,” the website, health-tourism.com states.

“Psoriasis has periods of flare-ups and remissions

over a lifetime. Psoriasis has no cure but therapies and treatment are given to relieve symptoms.”

Aside from being an autoimmune disease, some forms of psoriasis are also considered systemic diseases as they increase the risk for diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic diseases.

One good thing about psoriasis is that it’s not contagious and infectious. Until now, there are no known causes but there are socalled triggers. Among the environmental factors that may trigger the attack or flares of psoriasis include cold and dry weather, sore throat, alcohol, smoking, some drugs for hypertension, psychological disorders, trauma to the skin, and stress.

The effect of psoriasis on patients’ quality of life is similar to diseases such as cancer (lymphoma), heart attack, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and depression. A number of international studies also demonstrate that people with more severe forms of psoriasis have a significantly reduced life expectancy.

“Apart from shorter life expectancy, people with psoriasis bear the social stigma brought about by lack of information and misconceptions about psoriasis,” Orillo wrote. As a result, psoriasis has a negative effect on the self-image and emotions of the patients.

Some studies have also found out that 75% of those with psoriasis “feel unattractive” while 54% “feel depressed.” About 31% of people who have psoriasis have financial distress and another 8% are restricted to working at home. In fact, there are reports that some even tried to commit suicide.

As stated earlier, there is no known cure for psoriasis yet. But there are available treatments, which include topical (applied to the skin to relieve itchiness and restore moisture) and systemic (where oral and injected medicines are given).

“Oral medications have a lot of side effects,” reminds Dr. Ramiscal. “They don’t just go to the skin.

They also affect other organs of the body (that is, liver, kidney, and also the bone marrow).

These drugs affect the immune system.”

Phototherapy is resorted to if the case is severe

and tropical treatments do not work; it involves using certain types of ultraviolet light and exposing the skin to them.

At the WHO’s World Health Assembly in 2014, psoriasis was recognized for the first time as a serious non-communicable disease. All member states recognized that “incorrect or delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment options, and insufficient access to care causes needless suffering for millions of people with psoriasis worldwide.”

Until now, there is no known cure for psoriasis.

However, there are many things you can do about it.

But the hitch is, what works for someone else may not work for you. So, you have to keep on experimenting.

Here are some strategies: Accept your situation.

Since you have it already, try to focus your attention on how to manage the disease and prevent it from getting serious. “If you have a positive attitude towards your skin problem, you will be able to handle it better,” says Dr. Tham Siew Nee, a consultant dermatologist at Gleneagles Medical Center in Singapore.

Apply emollients. People with psoriasis tend to have dry scaly patches. As such, emollients top every dermatologist’s list of over-the-counter treatments. “Repeated studies have shown that with the application of emollients alone, up to about a third of the psoriasis patients improved in their skin condition,” explains Dr. Tham.

“Emollients improve the integrity of the skin and soothe irritated and inflamed skin.”

Spice up your body. Oftentimes, people with psoriasis take a bath more than once using warm water.

Unfortunately, this leaves their skin drier than ever.

Apply bath oil in the tub to “moisture and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Tham. “Oatmeal bath is also soothing.”

Soak up the sun. Many patients with psoriasis are advised to undergo specific ultraviolet light treatments.

While experts recommend a special lamp or tanning booth, you can play under the heat of the sun. “However, the intensity of the heat varies from day to day and from time to time,” reminds Dr. Tham.

Get help from your kitchen. Feeling itchy, look no farther. Go to your kitchen and dissolve that baking

FPSORIASIS, P10

VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

9 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

Jessie D. Dumanig, Agriculturist at Cagdianao Mining, says sorghum is an exciting alternative to rice, it has less sugar content so it’s healthier plus easier to grow which means good income for the farmers.

Cagdianao mine finds inspiring alternative to rice

I

n mining communities, the challenge has always been growing value crops in lateritic areas where the soil naturally lacks enough nutrients for them to propagate.

So, imagine the excitement at Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC), when sorghum, an ideal alternative to rice, starts propagating in a mined-out area.

The excitement about sorghum is shared by farmers from all over the world who think sorghum adds optimism for the industry, that despite the pandemic that stifled many commodities, exports and revenue are strong for grain sorghum.

At CMC, with operations in barangay Valencia, Dinagat Islands, value crops are successfully grown in lateritic soil such as – onions, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce and radish; and fruits such as papaya, dragon fruit, etc.

But not without aggressive intervention, applying scientifically-proven agricultural processes to improve the soil nutrients in mining areas. The growing of sorghum in CMC’s mined-out area is the company’s most recent accomplishment.

CMC, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), proudly claims that the company has its very own and dedicated agriculturist in Jessie Dagami Dumanig – a proof that as a mining company, CMC takes agriculture very seriously.

The idea of sorghum growing came to Jessie’s immediate boss, Marine Bi-

ologist Phoebe Jean G. Alac, CMC’s Environmental Manager, who started looking for seedling for other value crops when the availability of seedlings for rice became hard to come by due to the pandemic.

“The uncertainty the pandemic has brought to the communities compelled farmers to re-assess their farming techniques to ensure food security for their family, so the circulation of the seedlings became a bit controlled and were kept in smaller groups. We had to look for alternatives, and sorghum is perfect,” Alac explains Sorghum seeds are easily available and there is an abundance of supply available to anyone.

“We want alternatives to rice and sorghum saved the day. Sorghum is rich in fiber, protein and calcium, it’s good for the heart and bones and easy to grow and can be planted all year round with less water requirement,” Dumanig excitedly shares.

The Department of Agriculture is currently campaign for farmers to grow crops with market potential to raise their incomes and to address the threat to food security.

“Especially because of the pandemic, CMC has stepped up its efforts to

protect food security by encouraging the people in the mining communities to consider high-value crops.

Sorghum is good because it can withstand heat and the dry season plus it is in demand even in international markets so we are promoting this in the communities” says Engr. Arnilo C. Milaor, Resident Mine Manager for CMC.

Milaor says CMC is introducing sorghum to the communities by showcasing how the mining company is growing them its mined-out areas.

“Sorghum has no season, its grows all year round, it does not need special irrigation, the rain is enough, our only problem are the birds who love to feast on them,” says Milaor.

Dumanig is also introducing to the communities the concept of calendar farming.

“This basically means farmers would shift from being supply-oriented to demand-driven, planting and harvest will be paced accordingly to ensure continues supply of rice and/or sorghum grains plus there be income from other crops because the soil is healthy enough to yield the entire year,” explains Dumanig.

CMC is excited to promote sorghum in the communities.

“It has less sugar content compared to rice and corn, so it’s healthier. It will be in-demand soon when more people learn of its benefits, so that means good income for the farmers,” shares Dumanig.

CMC is introducing sorghum to the communities by showcasing how the mining company is growing them its mined-out areas.

10 EDGEDAVAO DOLE... FROM2

support of more countries so the ruling will be raised more emphatically in next year’s UNGA. The Palace maintained the Philippines stands to lose to China if the issue is

put to a vote in the United Nations. This has been the stance of the Duterte administration despite the latest move of major European powers to back the country's arbitration win.

are enrolled in schools to share the laptop.

Priority is still given to less fortunate families and pupils who haven’t enrolled in other scholarship programs and assistance from the government.

Baloro said that their office will announce the

qualified pupils for the Tablet Sharing Project next week, and will distribute the tablets on October 1, 2020, Thursday, 3:00 p.m. at the Peoples’ Park. Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte is expected to attend the handover of the gadgets.

CIO

our recommendation is to use the local supply of the manufacturers,” the trade chief said.

He underscored that buying from Philippine-based manufacturers will help in saving local jobs.

“Rather than import where we save the jobs

abroad, if we buy local, we save the jobs here and we generate jobs locally for Filipinos. That’s the reason we wanted to build production capacity, relying less on imports. We build the capacity so that capacity will supply and meet the demand for a growing economy,” said Lopez. (PNA)

recovery this month as lockdown measures have been eased, added Aligado.

“With about a little over three months left for the year, it looks like we will be able to hit that 275,000 target by the end of the year,” the executive said.

Meanwhile, KIA Philippines unveiled its eleventh car model in the country, the compact crossover KIA Stonic.

With a starting price of PHP675,000, Stonic’s market is the young and active millennials.

KIA Stonic will be launched here on October 15 and will be available in KIA dealerships nationwide.

From 30 dealerships at the start of the year, KIA Philippines eyes to end 2020 with 38 networks nationwide. (PNA)

ers – especially those who are currently experiencing financial difficulties – even more,” Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Acmad Rizaldy Moti said.

“But we also would like to encourage our borrow-

ers who are capable of paying, to continue paying their loans. Better collections will allow us to keep offering loans at low interest rates to more members,” Moti added.

reimbursement, ATM cash withdrawal, loan disbursement and more.

“As the pioneer and market-leader in the bills payment collection industry, we aim to further contribute to building a more robust digital finance ecosystem in the country,” Bayad Center president and CEO Lawrence Ferrer

said.

“We continue to expand our biller network and collaborations with banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintech companies, as well as government agencies to deliver services that are responsive to the changing needs and lifestyles of Filipinos,” Ferrer said.

Completing the top 10 agencies with the highest budget allocation are the Department of Social Welfare and Development with P171.2 billion, the Department of Transportation with P143.6 billion, the Department of Agriculture with P66.4 billion, the Judiciary with P43.5 billion, and the Department of Labor and Employment with P27.5 billion.

The 2021 GAB was approved by the committee even as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has yet to finish its budget briefing.

The PCOO’s budget briefing was earlier suspended after members

of the Makabayan Bloc slammed Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, who also serves as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, for “red-tagging” the progressive lawmakers.

Yap said the PCOO’s budget would now be deliberated in the plenary.

The committee report for the 2021 GAB will be referred to the plenary on Monday morning, with the sponsorship taking place in the afternoon of the same day, he added.

Yap earlier said that the House is targeting to submit the 2021 GAB to the Senate for its own deliberation and approval by October 14.

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VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

Aga, Alice’s int’l psycho-thriller movie ‘Nuuk’premieres on SKY pay-per-view

A

ga Muhlach and Alice Dixson’s international psycho-thriller movie "Nuuk" will bring the scares to SKY subscribers as it airs on SKY PayPer-View until September 30 The movie that marked Aga and Alice’s big screen reunion after 28 years was featured at the 5th Danish Film Festival last year.

Shot in Greenland and produced by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, “Nuuk” follows the

story of a widow, Elaisa (Alice), who struggles to move on from her husband's death. But she gets a new lease on life when she meets a kababayan, Mark played by Aga. She, then, finds comfort and love from him. Find out where their love will take them.

Joining "Nuuk" in the line-up is Alice's "When The Love is Gone" where she plays Audrey, Emman's (Gabby Concepcion) wife. In this film,

Emman has been seeking intimacy from Audrey. As he tries to put his focus on his upcoming triathlon, he crosses paths with Cassie (Cristine Reyes), the girl that might solve his problems with his wife.

Viewers can also catch Aga's "Of All the Things" with the Asia's Songbird, Regine Velasquez. Aga plays Emil Arellano, a man settling to manage a notary public after failing the bar exam. He meets Berns (Regine), who tries her

best to change Emil's outlook in life and encourages him to pursue his dreams.

Watch these 3 films in high definition and commercial-free on SKY PayPer-View for only P99 until September 30. SKY subscribers with SKYcable, SKY Fiber with HD Cable TV, and SKY Fiber with AllIn Box subscription can avail of this 3-in-1 movie bundle by visiting mysky. com.ph/moviesppv.

To know more about SKY, visit mysky.com.ph.

he Social Security System (SSS) added a new facility on its website to allow retiree-pensioners to file their Pension Loan Program (PLP) applications online.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said the new facility, found under the E-Services tab of the My.SSS member portal at www.sss.gov.ph aims to provide retiree-pensioners with a safer, faster, and more convenient means of filing their pension loans.

“Through the SSS’ continuous digitalization efforts, the PLP was made available online since last September 15, 2020. Qualified retiree-pensioners can easily apply for the program without visiting our branches, which is either

difficult or restricted, particularly for senior citizens, because of the COVID-19 situation,” Ignacio added.

Retiree-pensioners who may use the said online method for application are those who have met all the qualifying conditions of the PLP and have registered My.SSS web accounts, current and active mobile numbers, and disbursement accounts may be a valid SSS Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card enrolled as an ATM card or an SSS-issued Union Bank of the Philippines Quick Card.

The SSS is working towards the addition of Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) participating banks among

the PLP disbursement channels.

To file a PLP application online, a retiree-pensioner must log in to his/her My.SSS account, proceed to the E-Services tab, click “Apply for Pension Loan,” choose the preferred loan amount and term, agree to the terms and conditions of the program, and print or download the PDF copy of the Disclosure Statement.

The retiree-pensioner will receive an email confirmation of his/her pension loan application.

Pension loan proceeds are credited to the retiree-pensioners disbursement account within five working days.

Under the PLP, retiree-pensioners may opt to avail of a loan of three,

six, nine, or 12 times their basic monthly pensions (BMP) plus the one thousand additional benefit granted in 2017, but not exceeding the maximum amount of P200,000.

To qualify for the PLP, the retiree-pensioner must be 85 years of age or below at the end of the month of his/her preferred loan term; must have no deductions, such as outstanding loan balance, benefit overpayment payable to the SSS, etc. from his/her monthly pension; must have no existing advance pension under the SSS Calamity Assistance Package; and must be receiving his/ her regular monthly pension for at least one month and his/her status of pension is “Active.”

importante nga gawason sa inyong balay sama sa tambal, pagkaon, or kinahanglan ka muadto ug bangko or pera padala. Kung mugawas ang face mask dili kalimtan, ngano magface mask man ta? Tungod

kay ang mga laway o droplets mao na ang nagdala sa virus nga ang pangalan Covid-19. Distancing minimum ug one meter ug dili na mapababa sa one meter kay according sa mga doctors dili kaabot ang pisik o

lagpot at least one meter.

Frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol kay ma-useless ang atoang face mask kung ang atoang kamot ang naggunit sa kagaw,” she said.

The mayor also

thanked the city government employees for their honesty and hardwork.

“And sa gabii kinahanglan magdungan ta ug ampo nga duna’y miracle na mahitabo nga mawala na ang Covid,” she said.

native modes of learning to do away with the usual face-to-face setup. School year for basic education students will resume on October 5 after it was moved from August 24 due to President Rodrigo Duterte's order for a six-week postponement due to the

pandemic.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the zero allocation for DepEd's special education (SPED) program despite the country having about 439,000 SPED students.

Under the 2021 budget

of the department, budget for SPED was totally slashed from a P300 million budget in 2020.

Sevilla explained that the budget was used for the government's COVID-19 response so they were not able to use it this year as well. Briones also assured

that schools have funds to cover SPED students.

However, Gatchalian appealed to revive the budget that will solely be used for these students since "it will be very difficult for them to fight for these funds" if they will rely on schools' regular funds.

soda. Apply it in itchy areas. “Baking soda has an anti-inflammatory effect and also helps get rid itch,” says Dr. Joyce Lim, a visiting consultant dermatologist at the National Skin Centre in Singapore.

Don’t go on binge.

“Those with severe pso-

riasis may need to take tablets, some of which are potentially toxic to the liver,” explains Dr. Tham. “We usually discourage them from drinking to keep their liver healthy.”

Cover the cracks with cream. If your skin is cracked because of pso-

riasis, use cream. “Apply the recommended creams regularly to keep the condition under control,” says Dr. Tham.

Avoid injuring the skin.

“Do not scratch the skin to avoid injuries,” advises Dr. Tham. “In some people with psoriasis, injury to the

skin can aggravate psoriasis.”

Don’t worry; be happy. Psoriasis has been observed to flare up when a person is under some form of stress. “Avoid stress – both physical and mental,” advises Dr. Lim. (Photos sourced from the net)

family out of poverty with his own sweat. Nothing can change that.”

The 36-year-old Kelly is looking to get his career back on track, after dropping three of his last four contests. The man they call “The Ferocious” continues to work hard in the gym, training with his brothers at the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City, while waiting

for the call to compete.

ONE Championship has recently resumed its flagship event schedule, and as more Asian countries begin to ease restrictions due to Covid-19, the higher the chance Filipino athletes could once again appear on the cards.

For Kelly, he will always hold Pacquiao in the highest regard, with Pacman’s

legacy already etched in stone. Pacquiao will always be a hero and inspiration to the Filipino people.

“Manny Pacquiao, for me, and for many fans around the world, is the greatest boxer of all time.

We Filipinos are so proud of him. His name will forever be etched into the pages of history,” said Kelly.

“Personally, he has in-

spired me a lot, not just because he is a tremendously talented boxer, because he is. But also because, to me, he’s a hero. He came from literally nothing in life to make it to the pinnacle of boxing -- the absolute highest levels. It’s such an inspiring story. He proved that there is no dream we can’t achieve if we pour ourselves into it.”

Online application for SSS pension loan now available

T

BASTE... FROM3 P40B... FROM3

PSORIASIS... FROM8

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VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020

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McGregor teases on Twitter: I’m fighting Pacquiao next

M

ixed Martial Arts star Conor McGregor directly announced Manny Pacquiao is next in line for him.

The 32-year-old Irish spilled the bean on his Twitter account on Saturday.

“I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East,” said McGregor, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight title holder.

But in an interview with ESPN, Audie Attar, manager of McGregor, said the fight isn’t a done deal yet, but mentioned it could either be held late in December or

by January of next year.

McGregor had an unsuccessful attempt at box-

ing three years ago when he faced undefeated Floy Mayweather in a 12-round, non-title bout in Las Vegas that turned out to be a blockbuster event both in gate attendance ($55 million) and pay-per-view buys (4.3 million). McGregor lost by technical knockout in the 10th round.

But the result doesn’t seem to deter McGregor, who now turns his sight at the 40-year-old Pacquiao, who just last February signed a deal with Paradigm Sports Management, the same promotional outfit that handles the Irishman.

“It will be a true honour to have faced two of the greatest boxers of the modern era,” added McGregor.

Nothing left to prove for Manny: Team Lakay featherweight Kelly

Anthony Davis handled the offense for the Lakers while Lebron James took charge of the defensive end.

Boston stays alive

L

AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics clearly are not ready to see the world that exists outside the NBA’s restart bubble.

And a big second half extended their stay at Walt Disney World.

Tatum had 31 points and 10 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 28 points and the Celtics staved off elimination by topping the Miami Heat, 121-108, in Game Five of the Eastern Conference finals on Friday night (Saturday, Manila time).

The Heat lead the series 3-2, with Game Six on Sunday.

Daniel Theis had 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Celtics, who trailed by 12 early but took control with a big third quar-

ter. Kemba Walker scored 15 points, Marcus Smart added 12 and Gordon Hayward had 10 for the Celtics.

Goran Dragic scored 23 points before fouling out with 4:27 left for Miami, which got 20 from Duncan Robinson. Jimmy Butler scored 17, Tyler Herro and Jae Crowder each had 14 and Bam Adebayo 13 for the Heat — which could get nothing to fall from 3-point range.

Miami was 7 for 36 from beyond the arc, now shooting 24.8% on 3’s in its last 13 quarters — after shooting 38.3% in the playoffs before that

AFF Suzuki Cup rescheduled to Q2 2021

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he Asean Football Federation (AFF) announced on Friday that the AFF Suzuki Cup would be held from April 11 to May 8 next year.

“The AFF hopes that the announcement of the 2021 tournament dates will provide some clarity in planning for our commercial partners, including sponsors and media broadcasters, at a time of uncertainty,” AFF president Khiev Sameth said in a statement.

The AFF Suzuki Cup was initially scheduled near the end of 2020 but the pandemic has forced the rescheduling of the event.

With the AFF opting to keep the home-andaway format of the group

stages instead of holding a bubble, the organization ultimately decided to push the supposed 2020 edition of the Suzuki Cup to 2021.

“While we are well aware that the fight against the global pandemic is not over, we are cautiously optimistic for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 to take place in its full format as we hope to deliver the best of Asean in the tournament next year,” Sameth added.

The AFF Suzuki Cup will be the first known tournament for the Philippine Azkals next year.

With the Suzuki Cup and the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers postponed to 2021, the national team has not had the chance to play in 2020. (PNA)

drought.

Brown made back-toback 3’s in the fourth quarter to turn an eight-point lead into a 103-89 margin with 8:05 left.

He turned a blew a kiss to the Heat bench after the second one, reminiscent of something Herro did during his 37-point barrage in Game Four.

The opening minutes didn’t go according to plan for Boston, which missed 11 of its first 12 shots, committed four turnovers in that dismal stretch to make matters even worse, and got into a 17-5 hole very early.

But they weathered all that and, even after shooting only 40% in the first half, Boston trailed 5851 at the break — never leading, but never letting Miami get too far removed from view.

The Heat scored the first basket of the third quarter. The next few minutes were all Celtics.

They went on a 13-0 run over a stretch of only 3:06 to turn a nine-point deficit into a 64-60 lead, and the game changed just that fast. A separate 7-0 burst followed, Walker connected on a 3-pointer with 4:26 left for a 7767 edge - Boston’s first double-digit cushion of the night - and the Celtics eventually led by 14 before settling for a 92-83 lead going into the fourth.

“In all sincerity, first time I’ve seen Celtics basketball in the last few games,” Stevens told his team during a time-out.

And it was good enough to ensure that Friday wouldn’t be the last time he’d see Celtics basketball this season.

B

oxing’s only eight-division world champion, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, is at the tail end of his career. Experts are convinced the fiery Filipino fighter is but one bout away from retirement, although Pacquiao and his Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach have a few opponents in mind that the 41-year-old veteran wants to face.

Roach says Pacquiao most likely will not fight in 2020, but that a ring return next year is more probable.

Naturally, talks and speculation of Pacquiao’s next dance partner have circulated the newswires.

If it were up to ONE Championship featherweight contender Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, however, he would rather have his childhood hero ride off into the sunset.

“I think retirement may be on the table for Manny. He’s already done everything he could in the ring. He was the greatest at his peak. There are a lot of young, hungry fighters coming up, and boxing is a young man’s game. There’s nothing left to prove,” said Kelly.

Pacquiao was last seen in the ring in July 2019, when he lifted the WBA ‘Su-

per’ World Welterweight Title from the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman by split decision.

Following that fight, names rumored to be in the Pacquiao sweepstakes include former world champions Danny “Swift” Garcia and Amir Khan, and former sparring partner Shawn Porter, in addition to marquee talent Errol Spence Jr., and pound-for-pound best Terence “Bud” Crawford.

While he is certainly confident Pacquiao can continue to perform at a high level against the rising young stars of boxing, Kelly says it will only end badly for the Filipino legend, win or lose.

“I totally understand why he continues to fight, and he’s just an even bigger hero for continuing to carry Philippine boxing on the global stage. But if he wins, critics will say he’s just fighting for the money.

If he loses, they will say he’s already old,” said Kelly.

“We all come into sports wanting to be great.

We want to be heroes for our people. But Manny is a legend because he was able to achieve that. He did it through hard work and sheer willpower. He is my inspiration. He brought his

The AFF Suzuki Cup was initially scheduled near the end of 2020 but the pandemic has forced the rescheduling of the event.

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12 SPORTS

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VOL.13 ISSUE 145 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2020 The PBA has assured its commitment to the Gilas Pilipinas Men program.

UNWAVERING

PBA stays committed to Gilas Men program

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he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has assured the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) of its support to the Gilas Pilipinas Men program for the next two windows of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) despite a potential conflict in schedule.

“Ang PBA team owners at ang PBA ay nananatiling committed na suportahan ang Gilas (The PBA team owners and the PBA remain committed to supporting Gilas),” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said on Friday.

On Thursday, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases granted the PBA a provisional approval for its season to restart, although a person privy to the situation told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the Games and Amusements Board and the Department of Health may still need to inspect the “semi-bubble” the league has set up at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The PBA is set to resume on October 11.

Meanwhile, the FIBA ACQ will hold its own bubble on November 27 and 30 in a yet-to-be-disclosed location.

The November window will happen at the projected time of the start of the league’s playoffs.

Marcial acknowledged that

SBP president Al Panlilio has yet to reach out to the PBA for the possibility of lending players to the November window.

However, he added that the PBA would commit to the February window, which, like the November window, would happen inside a bubble.

“Ang binanggit sa amin ni SBP president Al Panlilio ay (What SBP president Al Panlilio told us is) February, and we’re committed to that. Walang pagbabago sa commitment ng PBA sa SBP at Gilas (There will be no change in the PBA’s commitment to the SBP and Gilas),” Marcial said.

With this development, the PBA may open its 46th season by March at the soonest.

Gilas Men is placed together with South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand in Group A of the FIBA ACQ. The top two teams from each of the six groups after the three windows will enter the FIBA Asia Cup outright, while the third placers will collide in another qualifying tournament to determine the last four teams. (PNA)