Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 152 | Tuesday, October 6, 2020

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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EALA MARCHES TO SECOND ROUND IN FRENCH OPEN SPORTS P11

LET THE CLASSES BEGIN

VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

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DepEd 11 officially opens new academic year, pins hopes on distance learning STORY ON PAGE 2

Department of Education 11 (DepEd-11) officials and Davao City National High School (DCNHS) teachers join the nationwide simultaneous flag-raising ceremony to welcome School Year 2020-2021 during the National School Opening Day Program held at DCNHS grounds along F. Torres Street in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

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VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte scores the highest approval rating among the five highest government officials amid the COVID-19 pandemic garnering 91%, according to the results of a recent Pulse Asia survey released on Monday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

LET THE CLASSES BEGIN DepEd 11 officially opens new academic year, pins hopes on distance learning

By MAYA M. PADILLO lasses in the elementary and secondary levels formally opened on Monday in the Davao Region under the distance learning approach.

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The regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) marked the school opening with a virtual kick-off program entitled “Oplan Back to School” with a promise to deliver quality education

through the new normal learning modalities.

Reynaldo Guillena, City Schools Division Superintendent, said schools in Davao City Division have prepared learning continuity plans to ensure that

education will continue and the safety of the students will be prioritized in the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic. He assured that the quality of education remains sound and exceptional despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“Over the past several months, we continue to define our learning continuity plan for the safe opening

opening of classes on Monday despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a pre-recorded message, the President commended the Department of Education (DepEd) and its partners for guiding all stakeholders ahead of the opening of School Year 2020-2021. “[T]he school opening is a momentous occa-

global health crisis due to COVID-19,” he said. “Indeed, nothing can get in the way of the instruction and formation of our learners, not even a pandemic.”

The school year was supposed to start on August 24 but was moved to October 5 to allow the government to address “logistical limitations” faced by areas that were then placed under modi-

remaining gaps” in the preparations.

“May this school year be marked with strong hopes and optimism that effective learning will take place even amidst the odds and challenges,” Duterte said.

“Together, let us work to achieve a more informed, enlightened, inspired citizenry starting with our children. I wish

of classes. The long wait is over. This learning continuity plan includes key features of K12 curriculum adjustment on various modalities delivery and corresponding feature on parent/guardian training for home schooling,” Guillena said in his speech.

The modification, policies and practices, according to Guillena, are necessary steps in adopting to

There will be no faceto-face classes and sessions will not be limited to online sessions alone, according to DepEd, which tapped television, radio and modular systems to ensure the delivery of lessons.

Around 24.7 million students enrolled in public and private schools this school year, the DepEd said.

the new normal.

“Whether we make it happen on modular or online learning or any learning modality on that matter we are here to cultivate the heart and mind of our students. As we continue education in various platforms in the new normal setting, let us remember to bring hope during this challenging times,” he said.

Bernabe Alicaya, pub-

lic schools district supervisors (PSDS)-Cluster 4, said the department’s basic education learning continuity plan vis-a-vis the Brigada Eskwela and the Oplan Balik Eskwela are instruments in making it sure that Dabawenyo learners will be learning amidst this pandemic, safe and healthy.

“The way we respond

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Duterte: Covid-19 pandemic can’t get in the way of students’ learning Swab tests conducted by 'trained, resident Rodrigo sion because it is push- fied enhanced community you all the best in your ac- skilled' individuals, DOH says Duterte praised the ing through despite the quarantine and “fill in the ademic journey.”

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he Department of Health (DOH) on Monday assured the public that persons conducting nasal swab tests for COVID-19 in the country are "skilled and trained" to conduct such tests to avoid any untoward incident.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the department has strict standards in hand-

ing out licenses to facilities conducting the tests.

"Ang DOH, sinisiguro na maging ligtas ang mga specimen collection na ginagawa natin. Kasama yan sa standards ng paglilisensya na ginagawa natin," she said.

Vergeire gave the assurance following reports of an incident in the United States where a COVID-19

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

NEWS 3

More than 90% of learning modules distributed as classes reopen: DepEd

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ore than 90 percent of printed learning modules have been distributed to teachers and schools, the Department of Education said Monday, ahead of public schools’ class opening.

“Sa monitoring po natin sobra na ng 90 percent ito...Sangayon sa mga commitment ay napamigay na,” Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said.

Students may also switch to other modes of learning and may still use textbooks, he added.

“Pwede ring gamitin ang aklat pero kung gusto natin ng learning resource na talagang angkop sa distance learning, module ang gagamitin. Pero dahil nga hindi naman lahat matatapos o mabibigay, sinasabi natin pwede ring gamitin ang aklat,” San Antonio said.

(They can also use textbooks but if we want a learning resource appropriate for distance learning, we will use modules.

But again, not everything can be distributed on time so they can also use textbooks.)

“Kung book po mas may dagdag na effort silang gagawin eh distance learning nga at nasa panahon ng pandemya ang gusto natin ay mabigay din sa mga bata yung pinakaangkop na learning resource hanggat kaya natin.”

(Textbooks will require more effort from students and since we’re experiencing a pandemic we want to give children the most appropriate learning resource as much as possible.)

The agency, meantime, suggests for classes to be suspended during the onslaught of typhoons even if face-to-face classes remain prohibited, San Antonio

PRRD gets 91% approval amid Covid-19 pandemic: Pulse Asia

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resident Rodrigo Duterte scored the highest approval rating among the five highest government officials amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a recent Pulse Asia survey released on Monday.

The survey, conducted on September 14 to 20, showed Duterte having a 91% approval rating, up from his 87% rating in September 2019. It also showed 5% disapproved of him while 5% were undecided.

Vice President Leni Robredo’s approval ratings went down by a hairline at 57% in the latest survey from 58% in the previous one. A vocal critic of the Duterte's administration's efforts to address the pandemic, she has a 22% disapproval rating and 21% undecided rating.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, got the second highest approval rating with 84%, compared with 6% disapproval and 10% undecided.

Speaker Alan Cayetano's approval rating, meanwhile, went down by 10 percentage points to 70% compared from his rating from nine months ago. He has a 10% disapproval rating and 19% undecided.

The speakership row involving Cayetano and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco was not among the key issues when the survey was conducted.

Lastly, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta scored a 44% approval rating in his debut appearance in the Pulse Asia survey.

The Pulse Asia nationwide poll was conducted on 1,200 respondents aged 18 years old and above. It has a 2% margin of error at 95% confidence level nationwide.

The margins of error for Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are all at 5.7%.

Among the key developments that dominated the news headlines immediately prior to and during the conduct of the interviews for this survey are the following the resignation of PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ricardo Morales, the release of the initial findings of the Task Force PhilHealth, the findings of the Senate Committee of the Whole in connection with its investigation into the alleged PhilHealth irregularities, and Duterte's decision to place Metro Manila under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Also among the key developments are the signing into law of the “Bayanihan to Recover as One” Act, the reported irregularities in the procurement of COVID-19 testing kits, medical equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE), the extension of the state of calamity in the Philippines due to the pandemic, the deferment of class opening in public schools from August 24 to October 5, the “white sand” beach project in Manila Bay, and the release of American soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton, killer of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

said.

“Ang class suspensions po ang mayor at governor ang gumagawa. Ang sina-suggest po namin sa araw ng bagyo dapat wala namang pag-aaral,” he said.

(Mayor and governors decide class suspensions.

We suggest that there should be no learning during storms.)

Only “physically fit” teachers may go to their schools to manage their classes if they do not have equipment at home, San Antonio said. The DepEd has also allowed teachers to take home school equipment, he added.

The agency also follows government’s guidelines on minimum public health standard and swab tests, San Antonio reiterated.

As of Wednesday last week, 24.6 million learners enrolled in public and private schools, and in the Alternative Learning System for School Year 2020 to 2021. The figure is 88.8 percent of the total number of students last year.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones claims victory over the destroyer, Covid-19, as she officially declares the start of School Year 2020-2021. Edge Davao

IP leader, 2 others killed in Surigao del Sur ambush

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n indigenous peoples (IP) leader and two other companions were killed on Sunday afternoon in an ambush by suspected communist rebels in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Initial report from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said Datu Hawudon Jumar Bucales, of the Manobo tribe, along with seven others were reportedly traveling to Brgy. San Isidro when they were allegedly ambushed by around 20 fully armed men believed to be members of the Communist Terrorist GroupNew People’s Army

(CTG-NPA) at around 1:30 p.m.

The report added that also killed in the ambush were Alberto dela Peña and Artemio Moldes, both members of the Manobo tribe, while two others identified as Ronald Acevedo and Oluver Rosaldo were wounded.

Bucales is the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur. He supported the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, saying it will help IP communities ward off continuing harassments, extortion, and killings perpetrated by communist rebels.

Bucales previously released statements against the NPA and other party-list groups and led the closure of Lumad schools in Surigao del Sur. Last month, he and Datu Rico Maca challenged Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat to go to Surigao del Sur and conduct an investigation on the killings done by the NPA to the members of her tribe.

Bucales joined NCIP Chairperson Allen Capuyan and NCIP 13 Regional Director Marlon P. Bosantog in the inter-agency visits of IP communities in Region

the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Ordinance, and also to regulate the local tourists who go there for swimming and leave their wastes behind,” she added.

She said brand audits involve counting and documenting the product brands that are polluting the environment, which would be used as a tool to hold consumer good companies accountable for their contribution to the global waste problem.

She said results showed how widespread and damaging is the impact of “throwaway plastic business model” on the environment.

“The result of this brand audit shows that there is an alarming increase of waste in one of the most important watersheds in Davao City — the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed,” she said.

She said various groups also participated in the activity, including Break Free from Plastics, Ecowaste

Coalition, ad Sustainable Davao Movement, Bantay Bukid and Bantayo Aweg volunteers, and officials of Barangay Tawan-Tawan.

She said results of the audit show that Rebisco ranked first among the top 10 brands that contributed the most number of waste, with 220 pieces, which comprised 13-percent of the total waste recovered.

This was followed by W.L. Foods with 131 pieces; Universal Robina Corporation with 120; Coca-Cola with 108; Nestle with 95; NutriAsia with 81; Oishi, Regent, Unilever and Monde Nissin with 65 each; and Monde Nissin Corporation with 62.

Golle said other wastes recovered were from the brands Procter & Gamble, Zest-O, Colgate-Palmolive, Philip Morris, San Miguel Corp, Selecta, and Johnson & Johnson.

A total of 67-percent of the total waste were food wraps and packages; 12-percent detergent, shampoo and chemical

13 last August and September.

He also joined the opening ceremony of the Department of Education schools that replaced lumad schools and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur, which he personally dismantled and closed in 2017.

Last Saturday, a relative of Datu Rico Maca, also one of NTF-ELCAC’s supporters, identified as Ariel Guinsod Maca, was also killed.

These are already the 11th and 12th IP killings by the suspected NPA rebels in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur since March this year. (PNA)

Plastic waste polluting Davao City’s next source of potable water: Envi group

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Davao City-based environmental group warned on Sunday that assorted solid waste, including single-use plastics, are polluting the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed in Baguio District, the next source of potable water for the city.

Chinkie Golle, Executive Director of the Davao City-based environmental Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) told MindaNews on Sunday that she was alarmed that a total of 1,713 pieces of assorted solid waste, mostly food and household product packaging, bottles, glass, cigarettes, face masks, and plastics, were recovered during a river clean-up drive and brand audit at the watershed last September 26.

“We raised this issue during the Watershed Management Council meeting last week. We need to remind the barangay local government units to strictly implement and monitor

sachets/pouch follows; 10-percent plastic bottles and cups; and residual; and the rest were cans, sanitary napkins, diapers, cigarette butts, plastic bags, glass bottles, gloves, face masks, slippers, straws, and others waste.

She urged the local government authorities to impose regulations and ensure to implement proper waste management in the area.

Golle renewed calls for the enactment in the City Council of the proposed ordinance banning single-use plastics and full implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance in accordance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The group recommended the use of more eco-friendly alternative packaging for products such as biodegradable or paper-based sachets and push for initiatives on bulk selling and refilling stations

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Cotabato City residents are treated to a view of the sunset along the year-old Bai Walk in barangay Kalanganan, about 12 kilometers from the town center and a meters away from the city’s Grand Mosque. (MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ)

Businesses still below 100% Oil exploration up in the air as prices dive capacity despite relaxed rules T

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he first week of October signals the beginning of peak season for flower shop owners in the run-up to the All Saints holidays in November, but the pandemic is bringing rot and decay – literally – to plants and sales.

Flower shops and plant gardens count among those small industries allowed by the Department of Trade and Industry to run on full capacity since Saturday (Oct. 3), from just 50% when the city was under strict quarantine.

At the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, giant monstera, caladiums, aglaonema and other air purifying plants sell easily to plantitos and plantitas (plant parents) who made growing indoor plants a hobby during the months-

long lockdown.

But roses and Malaysian mums, which used to be most in demand at this time of the year, start to see their petals fall.

“Lahat ng sementeryo, parang hindi yata magoopen kaya konti lang itinitinda namin na halaman na bulaklak kasi naglaglagan pag matagal na,” said flower shop owner Lani Aclan.

[Translation: All cemeteries, I think, won’t open their gates during the All Saints holidays so there are

very few pots of flowers on display because they only rot if not sold soonest.]

She was referring to a government order to padlock all cemeteries from October 29 to November 4 as local executives try to contain the coronavirus outbreak. Outside that week-long ban, cemeteries are open but foot traffic will be highly regulated.

Even a boost from flower shops’ most loyal patrons – the funeral parlors – is unlikely, because there’s too few funeral visits.

Redentor Dela Cruz, whose aunt was scheduled for burial Sunday, narrates that they did not buy wreaths anymore although there had been some donors.

“Sa ngayon, hindi pina-

he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging employers to shift to a cashless payment of wages and other benefits, but the private sector says this may not be applicable for all.

According to Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, all employers are encouraged to shift to a cashless basis in

line with safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Ang mga employers po gaano man po tayo kaliit o kalaki ay bigyan po natin ng tuon 'yung payroll system natin using the digital technology, using digital wallets or e-payments," she said.

This was supported by the Employers Confed-

eration of the Philippines (ECOP), but noted that such a scheme is not suitable for all workers.

"Marami tayong daily workers na isang kahig, isang tuka na cannot maintain balance in the bank.

Basta bigyan mo ng sampung piso, igagasta 'yung sampung piso," said ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.

payagan yung matagal na pagburol, mga tatlong gabi lang… Nililimitahan lang kami sa 15 eh. Bawal po kasing magburol sa bahay,” Dela Cruz said.

[Translation: For now, the wake is limited to three days. Only 15 people can enter the funeral room at a given time. Home funeral services are banned.]

Funeral staff across Quezon City said they cut headcount and jobs lost during the lockdown won’t come back, yet.

Without customers, it will take time before small businesses can return to normal despite the DTI’s go signal for them to operate at 100% capacity.

But to big businesses like mining, the timing of the government directive "Not everybody is using smartphones. Marami sa mga telepono ng mga empleyado just for texting, hindi naman mga smartphone.

Bibilhan mo pa ng smartphone," he added.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed that majority or 71% of Filipino adults still did not have any financial accounts in 2019.

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DOLE wants all employers to shift to cashless payment of wages

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he coronavirus pandemic that has slammed oil demand and prices is forcing energy majors to tighten their belts on exploration, even if finding new deposits remain essential to their existence.

While the sector is increasingly diversifying into greener energies such as electricity and wind power, its core business remains oil and gas.

"Questions abound over whether it is still profitable to look for oil given subdued demand growth prospects and a low-price environment," Stephen Brennock, analyst at oil brokers PVM, told AFP. "The answer seems not, judging by the recent spate of massive hydrocarbon asset writedowns.

"Set against this backdrop, I don't expect a rebound in drilling in the medium-term.

"Instead, oil majors will be forced to beef up their green energy portfolios in order to survive," Brennock said.

Slashed projects Compared to pre-virus plans, the energy sector has slashed exploration projects in UK North Sea waters by 70 percent and by 30 percent off the coast of Norway, according to research group Westwood.

US oil giant ExxonMobil

has cut its total exploration plans by 30 percent, or an investment reduction of $10 billion (€8.4 billion).

European rivals ENI, BP and Equinor have carried out similar moves, which have in turn hurt subcontractors including French oil services group CGG, which expects revenue to slump 40 percent this year.

In the United States, more than 30 oil exploration and production companies have this year filed for bankruptcy, according to Texan law firm Haynes & Boone.

If oil prices remain stuck around the current $40 per barrel level, a further 150 such companies could be lost by 2022, estimates research group Rystad Energy.

"Drilling programs will be hampered in the nearterm, in particular in US shale areas but also elsewhere, because of immediate cost-cutting measures," said JBC Energy analyst Raphaela Hein.

"In the past, we have seen that massive capital expenditure cuts to majors' budgets did not really impact their future production.

"As such, we think that they will continue to look for new fields—maybe to a slightly lesser extent... and keep production within

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AboitizPower leads players in proposing clean energy projects

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boitiz Power Corp. is at the frontline of a phalanx of solar power applications now being presented before the Department of Energy (DOE).

Energy officials estimate the proposed capacity installations to reach a high as 13,217 megawatts.

The proposed projects include “ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) installations; solar rooftop ventures; or floating solar developments – and these are on-grid and off-grid installations,” according to news reports.

Reports also say that a substantial share of the solar projects will be located In Mindanao.

These are proposed to be located in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat,

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Camiguin.

The surge in applications for clean energy projects dovetails government’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) policy, which will be implemented next year. Under the policy, the energy department “auctions the initial capacity that shall be absorbed in the supply portfolio of the distribution utilities,” reports say.

Along with AboitizPower, the other large firms with pending applications are Ayala’s AC Energy, the Lopezes’ Energy Development Corporation and First Gen; Manila Electric Company; Vivant Energy of the Garcia group; the Yuchengco’s PetroSolar Corporation; Absolut Distillers; and Citicorp.

BSP says savings, deposits in PH rise as pandemic causes drop in spending

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Benjamin Diokno said Monday, the “uncertainty” caused by the pandemic is pushing Filipinos to save more as most of them stay holed up in their homes.

Total deposits increased by 3 percent, bringing the total by end of July to P14.3 trillion, Diokno said. However, he said the savings surge was unlikely to become “sustainable.”

“People are saving because they’re not spending, they’re holed up in their homes and maybe because they are uncertain of the future and they tend to save more during uncertain times,” Diokno said.

“I don’t think this is sustainable, as you know a big part of our gross domestic product is consumption so when things normalize, I think spending would pickup,” he added.

One of the world’s longest lockdowns was imposed in the Philippines in mid-March, forcing businesses, offices and schools

to shut. The restrictions have been gradually eased to jumpstart economic recovery.

Lending, meanwhile is likely to “normalize” starting this quarter moving forward as the economy gradually and continuously reopens, Diokno said.

The BSP earlier encouraged consumers to spend in order to stir economic activity and to take advantage of record-low interest rates.

The benchmark interest rate was kept unchanged at 2.25 percent during last Thursday’s monetary board meeting since the prevailing policy remains “appropriate” Diokno earlier said.

The 4th quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth is seen to be “much, much” better due to normalizing conditions, he said.

The Philippines fell into recession after the second quarter GDP dropped 16.5 percent due to the impact

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Debt cancellation needed to help poorest countries: WB president

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he COVID-19 pandemic could trigger a debt crisis in some countries, so investors must be ready for granting some form of relief that could also include debt cancellation, World Bank President David Malpass was quoted as saying on Sunday.

“It is evident that some countries are unable to repay the debt they have taken on. We must therefore also reduce the debt level. This can be called debt relief or cancellation,” Malpass told Handelsblatt business daily in an interview.

“It is important that the amount of debt is reduced by restructuring,” Malpass added.

He pointed to similar steps in previous financial crises such as in Latin America and the so-called

HIPC initiative for highly indebted countries in the 1990s.

Rich countries last month backed an extension of the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), approved in April to help developing nations survive the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen 43 of a potential 73 eligible countries defer $5 billion in “official sector” debt payments.

Amid warnings the pandemic could push 100 million people into extreme poverty, Malpass renewed his call for private banks and investment funds to get involved too.

“These investors are not doing enough and I am disappointed with them. Also, some of the major Chinese lenders did not get enough involved. The effect of the

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Only private cars and motorcycles ply the streets of Digos City morning of 4 October 2020 as the local government imposes a “Limited Movement Sunday” on October 4 and 11 Passenger tricycles are prohibited and malls and public markets are closed on these Sundays. As of October 3, the total

number of COVID-19 cases in Digos has reached 92 with 62 recoveries, 28 active cases and two deaths. Of 92, 15 cases were recorded from September 27 to October 3. Mindanews photo by ERIC SB LIBRE

Pope Francis says free market, ‘trickle-down’ policies fail society

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ope Francis said on Sunday that the COVID-19 pandemic was the latest crisis to prove that market forces alone and “trickle-down” economic policies had failed to produce the social benefits their proponents claim.

In an encyclical on the theme of human fraternity, Francis also said private property cannot be considered an absolute right in all cases where some lived extravagantly while others had nothing.

Called “Fratelli Tutti” (Brothers All), the encyclical’s title prompted criticism for not using inclusive language after it was announced last month.

In Italian, Fratelli means brothers but it is also used to mean brothers and sisters. The Vatican said it was taken from the “Admonitions,” or guidelines, written by St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century to his followers and could not be changed.

The pope says in the first line of the 86-page encyclical that St. Francis had “addressed his brothers and sisters” that way. In the document, he uses the term “men and women” 15 times and speaks several

times about defending the rights and dignity of women.

Encyclicals are the most authoritative form of papal writing but they are not infallible.

The encyclical, which Francis signed in Assisi on Saturday, covers topics such as fraternity, immigration, the rich-poor gap, economic and social injustices, healthcare imbalances and the widening political polarization in many countries.

The pope took direct aim at trickle-down economics, the theory favored by conservatives that tax breaks and other incentives for big business and the wealthy eventually will benefit the rest of society through investment and job creation.

“There were those who would have had us believe that freedom of the market was sufficient to keep everything secure (after the

pandemic hit),” he wrote.

Francis denounced “this dogma of neo-liberal faith” that resorts to “the magic theories of ‘spillover’ or ‘trickle’...as the only solution to societal problems.”

A good economic policy, he said, “makes it possible for jobs to be created and not cut.”

‘Empire of money’ The 2007-2008 financial crisis was a missed opportunity for change, instead producing “increased freedom for the truly powerful, who always find a way to escape unscathed.”

Society must confront “the destructive effects of the empire of money.”

Francis repeated past calls for redistribution of wealth to help the poorest and for fairer access to natural resources by all.

“The right to private property can only be considered a secondary natural right, derived from the principle of the universal destination of created goods,” he said.

A Vatican official said the pope was referring to those with massive wealth.

The pope wrote that the belief of early Christians - “that if one person lacks what is necessary to live with dignity, it is be-

cause another person is detaining it” - was still valid.

Those with much must “administer it for the good of all” and rich nations are obliged to share wealth with poor ones. But he said he was “certainly not proposing an authoritarian and abstract universalism.”

Some ultra-traditionalist Catholics have accused Francis of secretly backing a perceived plot for a “OneWorld Government,” a debunked conspiracy theory.

Without naming countries or people, Francis condemned politicians who “seek popularity by appealing to the basest and most selfish inclinations” or who enact policies of “hatred and fear towards other nations.”

Addressing racism, a key issue in the United States following the Black Lives Matter movement, Francis said: “Racism is a virus that quickly mutates and, instead of disappearing, goes into hiding, and lurks in waiting.”

He repeated calls for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the death penalty, positions which have been assailed by conservative Catholics, particularly in the United States.

utilization care and its low COVID-19 mortality rate.

"Ibig sabihin talaga po namemaintain naman natin yung disiplina sa pagkontrol at pagsunod sa minimum health standards. Kaya naman tayo ay confident sa gradual reopening na hindi po lalala ang sitwasyon," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(It means we're really maintaining our discipline in controlling and following minimum health standards. That's why we're confident in a gradual reopening that won't worsen

the situation.)

"Hindi ho talaga mako-compromise yan. Kaya po tayo tumuloy sa pagbubukas dahil malinaw po na susundin ang minimum health standards."

(It will not be compromised. That's why we pushed through with the reopening because it's clear minimum health standards will be followed.)

Should a spike in virus cases occur, localized or granular lockdowns will be imposed and intensive contact tracing efforts will be done, Lopez said.

"Doble, tripleng ingat pero di naman kailangan nakakulong dahil ang ekonomiya malaki na ang binagsak, maraming nagugutom, maraming may ibang sakit, ayon po yun sa pag-aaral ng NEDA. Base sa statistics mas malaki pa ang namamatay na hindi COVID-related," he said.

(We will double, triple our care but we don't need to be locked up because our economy has taken a big hit, many are hungry and many are suffering from other diseases, ac-

DTI says 'confident' in allowing biz to operate at full capacity

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he Department of Trade and Industry said Monday it was "confident" in allowing several businesses to operate at full capacity as the economy continued to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency earlier allowed "labor-intensive" services to operate at 100 percent capacity while restaurants' dine-in services may resume from 50 percent of its capacity, said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Lopez cited the country's improving critical

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On the opening of the academic year 2020-2021 and claiming victory over Covid-19 pandemic:

Today we opened our schools. Today we claimed victory over the destroyer Covid-19. Let our classes begin. We are absolutely ready to open schools even as we are battling Covid-19 the destroyer. Arawaraw may bagong krisis, bagong problema at bagong pagkukulang, paghihintayin ba naming kayong mga mag-aaral more than 24 million of you? Hindi maaring pababayaan kayo mga mag-aaral. Iginagapang ng mga magulang ninyo ang inyong edukasyon. Nasa ibang bansa sila naghihirap para mapag-aral kayo. Dugo at pawis ang binubuwis ng manggagawa makapag-aral lamang kayong mga bata. Tama na yung debate kung magbubukas ba o hindi, tama na yung mga maraming usap-usapan. Let the classes begin!”

Secretary Leonor Briones Department of Education

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

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

7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

UP AND ABOUT

FRED C. LUMBA

FEARLESS AND BEAUTIFUL SPECKS OF LIFE

ARE THERE ANYMORE GOOD MEN LEFT

NÉW LOUNGE CELEBRATES ITS 3RD YEAR

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 NÉW Lounge urges you the to cultural impunity has been be Fearless and that Beautiful! in existence and in practice for Now is the time to regain many decades, nursed in fact by your confidence in this of a the benumbed indifference new We society. all should timid world. and tolerant findThe ourPhilhealth rhythm issue as weis not the tip of the iceberg, navigate our way mind into you.

Many more earth-shaking becoming courageous exposes’ in yesteryears and rewhile being careful, not but cent past have come and gone only to survive, but to the authors of the evil schemes have notThe been convictedmay and thrive. pandemic jailed.

It appears they are be limiting, but that so does able to squeeze themselves out of any change that has ever the discomfiting situation by sehappened.

Change gives us curing the services of “talented” an uncomfortable lawyers who smartlyfeeling navigate theuncertainty, legal waters with variety of of buta despite “swimming” methods and styles. this, it is only a matter of Yes, it can no longer be detime before we adapt and nied that our justice and penal

learn ways how to manage the challenges of the new world. The brand accepts that the losses this season were inevitable, but the fight doesn’t stop there, they are committed to rise even stronger.

The brand is breaking the odds by continuing with the expansion plans for the year, shifting the focus on building more branches outside Metro Manila to accommodate more clients from across the country.

In addition to Davao City, “The political scene De is perPampanga and Cagayan haps the most public Oro, NÉW Lounge is morearena where people have expressed than thrilled their distrust to inannounce those whothat lead they areThese opening theireasy newest them. are not times in whichattothe behealth a leader.”

Henry branch club-- of the and Richard Blackaby, authors iconic luxury hotel, Shangriof Spiritual La’s MactanLeadership Resort & Spa, *** CebuAnd thisitOctober 5, 2020. came to pass that “The may have God sawpandemic the sufferings of His people in Egypt. plans, He had heard halted numerous but them crying out because of the over the course of the imposed miseries they were experiencand later on lifted quarantines ing. He wanted to rescue them in the their country, it is now time to from bondage.

So, He go on with ournamed lives. Self-care called a man Moses to

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

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

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.

their passion and always look forward for better times ahead.

Together with NÉW Lounge, they represent empowered women who equip themselves with confidence to see and realize that their purpose will never be dimmed by this pandemic. ever Thehonored brand is for alsowhat takinghe received.

Honor has been the opportunity to carve the its reward for what he gave.” -- Calvin name in stone, that president as long as Coolidge, American thereInitiative: are individuals whoseems value “Success to be connected with will action. self-care, NÉW Lounge be Successful keep moving. here to stay.people The demands of They makeindustry mistakes, but they the beauty seemingly don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, hochanged overnight and with tel executive that,Listening: the brand “The is more earthan of the leader must ring this withchange. the voices ready to address of people.” may -- Woodrow Thethe pandemic have Wilson, American president limited how we all expressed Passion: “Without passion ourselves through beauty, man is a mere latent forcebut and the eyes have gained a whole possibility, like the flint which

new spotlight in making sure that we still have avenues for self-expression. After all, with all the masks and face shields that we wear every day, our eyes are the only thing that the world could see on us.

The remaining months of 2020 are still full of hope and himself.”

-- Louis Nizer new opportunities despite the Security: “No man limitations. Look past will fear make and a great leader who wants to do beall empowered thecredit it himself orto getshow all the whole world you could be for doing it.” --that Andrew Carnegie, industrialist Fearless and Beautiful until the Self-discipline:“A day that we can freelyman movewithout decision of character around without having to can never be said to belong to himdistance weartoa whatever mask. can self…

He or longs To know more make captive of about him.” New -- John Foster, Loungeauthor PH’s products and Servanthood: “The at true services, visit their website leader serves.

Serves people. www.newloungeph.com. To Serves their best interests, and download media pleasebe in so doingthewill not kit always click on this popular, maylink. not always im-

WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER?

thority on leadership, has writCommitment: “People do ten a very comprehensive book not follow uncommitted leadis self-love, it is important to NÉW Lounge’s ambassadors entitled, The 21 Indispensable ers. Commitment can be disbuild the core have come Qualities of astrength Leader. that In you his played in a together full rangetoofshow matters need - and thathe is from loving us what it means to behours you introduction, posed these to include the work questions: makes our people choose you yourself. As“What we celebrate Fearless to andmaintain, Beautiful.how Sirene want to follow a leader?

Why do work to improve your abilities, 3rd Anniversary, we make our Sutton, Jessica Yang, Winwyn people reluctantly what you do for your fellow stand crystal clear: comply You canwith or Marquez, Rachel Peters, one leader while passionately workers at personal sacrifice.” be courageous without Katarina Rodriguez and the of following another to thebeing ends of -Stephen Gregg, chairman reckless, youseparates can love lead- Ethix newestCorporation addition to the brand’s the earth?and What ership successful Communication: yourselftheorists withoutfrom holding your roster of beautiful Lash“You dolls,can leaders who lead effectively in have brilliant ideas, but if you guards down as you continue Ms. Universe Philippines 2019 the real world?” can’t get them across, your ideas living in a pandemic.” says - Gazini Ganados, came out to Maxwell enumerated the 21 won’t get you anywhere.” -- Lee NÉW Lounge Founder andorder Iacocca, spark thatAmerican much needed hope qualities -- in alphabetical automobile CEO, Rachellecharacter, Bravo. charis- executive among Filipinas to never lose -as follows: bring God’s chosen people out ma, commitment, communiCompetence: “The soci- awaits the shock of the iron beof Egypt. cation, competence, courage, ety which scorns excellence in fore it can give forth its spark.”

“Who am I, that I should go discernment, focus, generosity, plumbing because plumbing -- Henri Frederic Amie, Swiss to Pharaoh and bring the Israel- initiative, listening, passion, pos- is a humble activity and toler- moral philosopher ites out of Egypt,” Moses asked. itive attitude, problem solving, ates shoddiness in philosophy Positive Attitude: “The Moses was terrified to be- relationships, security, self-dis- because it is an exalted activity greatest discovery of my genercome the leader. In their book, cipline, servanthood, teachabili- will have neither good plumbing ation is that human beings can Spiritual Leadership, authors ty and vision. nor good philosophy. Neither its alter their lives by altering their Henry and Richard Blackaby Now, here are some piped nor its theories will hold attitude of mind.” -- William wrote: “Leadership. Everyone thoughts from various leaders water.” -- John Gardner, Ameri- James, psychologist animated video THE newly laborers, couriers, media The universal track is experiences it, released or the lack of it, in Sam, andthe thinkers from around the can novelist Problem Solving: “The meastraight out of a comic book workers, Courage: “RISE” music video advocates“Courage of genderis rightTarsier sure Records’ biggestis not whether their daily lives. Those called to world: of success lead can findInigo doing so a daunting also features Character: “Leadership equality, is ly esteemed theoffirst youfar,have a tough problem to featuring American purveyors pressof human release so an exciting task. Those thesinger capacity and will to rally men qualities… because it is the qualdeal with, but it is the Pascual andexpected Sam to follow R&B Eric Bellinger, freedom, and many more. collaboration that hadwhether its can experience frustration when Manila-based and womenproducer to a common pur- The itymusic which guarantees all othsame problem you had last year.”

Concepcion—a fitting video seeks worldwide release two weeks their leader is unable to lead.” pose and the character which ers.”-- Winston Churchill, British -- John Foster Dulles, US Secrevisual to are the850 crossartist to inspire to rise ago as ABS-CBN continues There different defi- Moophs, inspiresMalaysian confidence.”

-- Bernard Primeviewers Minister tary of State cultural collaboration Avi, and BTS’ “Black above theDiscernment: villains of today championRelationships: Filipino nitions of leadership. That was Zee Montgomery, British Field Mar“The to first “The most what Warren Bennis and Burt Swan” shal composer Vince of holes: When you’re in to important by ABS-CBN’s Tarsier such rule as climate change, talents the worldsingle stage ingredient in Nanus found when they can you stop digging.”

-- Molly Ivins, the as formula of success Records—honors the were Nantes,Charisma: all clad in“How superhero racial,one, gender, and social and serves a gateway for is knowwritingheroes their collaborative book, suits have charisma?

Be more conAmerican columnist ing how to get along 2020 who are battling various ‘2020 inequality, recession, international artists to the with peoLeaders: Strategies for Taking cerned about making others Focus: “What people say, ple.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, lending for the oppression, and the Charge. Itaishand no wonder why to- monsters.’ feel good about themselves than what people do, and what Philippines. they American president world’s battle against The are artists dedicate thefeel good COVID-19 pandemic, Watch theResponsibility: “RISE” music “When a day’s leaders have a hard time you making them say they do are entirely different measuring their level. There video about you.” -- Dan Reiland, vice things.”

-- Margaret Mead,video an- on man points and a finger at someone this year’supbiggest to everyday heroes vividly illustrated in lifelikeYouTube are too many standards to meet! that president of leadership developthropologist else, he should remember that threats. include medical animated scenes set in stream the song on various Dr. John C. Maxwell, an aument Generosity: “No person was four of his fingers Aside from Inigo and professionals, food industry various countries. digital music platforms. are pointing at

ENTERTAINMENT

press. 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 Scully, Chief Executive Officer To end this piece, here is a final statement from Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu: “To lead people, walk beside them ... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.

The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ... When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!’”

INIGO, SAM’S “RISE” MUSIC VIDEO A TRIBUTE TO 2020 WORLD HEROES

8 INdulge!

VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

UP AND ABOUT

URCOMMUNITY MART BRINGS WELL-LOVED URC PRODUCTS CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES IN SPITE of the limitations of the times, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) continues to reach out to communities in different and safest ways possible.

The food manufacturing company has been bringing its quality products closer to Filipino families through its URCommunity Mart.

URC has been utilizing its food truck to make its well-loved goodies more accessible to Pinoys. This October, URCommunity Mart will visit the following barangays in Davao City: Barangay 37 D, Quezon Blvd.

(October 3, 2020); Barangay 76 A, Bangkerohan (October 4, 2020); Barangay Wilfredo Aquino, Agdao (October 5, 2020); and Barangay Leon Garcia, Agdao (October 6, 2020). URCommunity Mart will be stationed near the said Barangays’ gym or hall from 7am to 4pm.

Through this roving store, consumers can enjoy bundle packs of household food essentials and delicious treats such as Great Taste Coffee, Magic Flakes, Payless Xtra Big, Cream-O, Cloud 9, and C2.

Shoppers can even save up to P67 when purchasing URC’s special bundles.

URC also ensures the consumers’ and its staff’s safety by implementing strict health and safety protocols,

such as social distancing, wearing of masks, and disinfecting products for sale.

Get more updates on the URCommunity Mart’s next stop through URC’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/ urcphilippines) and website (www.urc.com.ph).

URC is one of the largest food and beverage manufacturing companies in the Philippines, producing popular brands such as C2 Cool and Clean, Great Taste, Nissin Cup Noodles, Jack ‘n Jill Chippy, Piattos, Maxx, Magic Crackers and Cloud 9.

Getting your favorite quality URC products closer to you is now made possible by URC’s roving store.

URCommunity Mart ensures health and safety of its staff and consumers by disinfecting its products, and encouraging the practice of social distancing and wearing of face masks.

ENTERTAINMENT

DANIEL PADILLA TO HOLD DIGITAL CONCERT ON OCTOBER 11 KMJS EXCLUSIVE: OFW GETS A SURPRISE GIFT FROM EMPLOYER BOX OFFICE KING Daniel Padilla gears up for his upcoming virtual concert, “Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience,” ready to take his fans to a gig like no other and highlight his exciting evolution as a concert performer throughout the years.

Produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Events and Daniel’s own production house, Johnny Moonlight, “Apollo” is exclusively happening on KTX.ph this October 11.

It will be Daniel’s first-ever digital show featuring his musical journey from the time he headlined his first solo concert “Daniel: Live!” in 2013 to his last major gig “D4” held in 2018, to be narrated through some of his music, favorite classics, and today’s hottest hits.

Joining the “Mabagal” singer as a special guest is Jose Carlito led

by band frontman and Daniel’s brother JC Padilla.

“Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience” is the first of many exclusive virtual gigs Star Events is coming up to give Kapamilya fans extraordinary musical experiences online with their favorite performers in place of live events.

The concert is part of ABSCBN’s latest digital entertainment experience offerings for

Kapamilyas after the successful launch of Kapamilya Online Live. It also follows the feat of previous KTX.ph virtual events such as “Hello Stranger: The Finale Fancon,” Jed Madela’s “New Normal,” JaMill’s “Tayo Hanggang Dulo,” and K Brosas’ “20k20.”

Grab your tickets to “Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience” via ktx.ph. Tickets are sold for only P499 to experience this one-of-akind pre-holiday show.

THIS SUNDAY, watch the exclusive feature of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) about a Pinay domestic helper in Dubai who got the biggest shock of her life. The reason? Her employer gifted her with cold cash to fund her son’s studies and the construction of their house in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, get to know Gerald, Panabo City’s “Boy Tumbling,” who became viral because of his advanced tumbling skills.

A dedicated teacher from a remote town in Surigao del Sur swims his way through a river just to distribute modules to his students.

KMJS also investigates a case in Quezon City where an elemental allegedly photobombed a video.

After getting lost in Divisoria more than three decades ago,

Maribel never stopped searching for her family. And now that someone is claiming to be her mother, will their DNA test finally confirm their blood relations?

And watch the story of Matt and Steph who hatched one of the most romantic love stories – thanks to the duck egg that Matt once gave to Steph.

Catch these stories and more in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho this Sunday after The Clash on GMA Network.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

AGRITRENDS

9

It’s lanzones time once more

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO ance is an American from Hawaii who is married to a Filipina. The couple is blessed with three two daughters and one son. When his wife was pregnant with their second child, she craved for lanzones but Lance didn’t know what it was so he bought her a lychee. She complained that it was not the kind of fruit she wanted.

L

Last year, the family finally visited the Philippines. While in the country, Lance saw a vendor selling what he thought was grapes. He bought some and tasted it. It was only later that he knew it was lanzones. His comment: “Very good. Now, I can say why my wife could tell the difference.”

“Delicious and juicy.”

These are the two common adjectives usually used to describe the fruit of lanzones, known in the science world as Lansium domesticum.

“Lanzones is one of the most profitable and sought-after fruit crops that our farmers could grow in their farms,” says Jethro P. Adang, director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. “The fruit is very saleable and is not as perishable as other fruit crops like papaya and atis.”

Lanzones is one of the minor fruit crops grown throughout the country.

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) identified Sulu, Laguna, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Batangas, Davao City, and Zamboanga del Norte as top producers.

Most of the fruits produced are consumed domestically. However, the country also manages to export lanzones – although miniscule – to Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, United Arab of Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Italy.

According to the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) of the Department of Agriculture, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are the possible competitors for the export markets of Philippine lanzones.

Lanzones, specifically duku and longkong are commonly grown in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. In Thailand and Malaysia, lanzones are also available from August to October, the same time it is also abundant in the Philippines. Secondary fruits of lanzones in the Philippines may occur during January to April.

The Kabacan-based Southern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (SMIARC) has classified four commercially important varieties: duku, paete, Jolo or Mindanao type, and longkong.

The fruit of duku,

whose tree is usually shorter than other varieties, is sweet with delicate flavor. Fruits are round and pericarp is thick with no latex. Paete fruit is elongated and smallest among the four varieties.

This is grown mostly in Luzon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin Island.

The Jolo or Mindanao type is round and larger than paete. This is widely grown in southeastern and southwestern Mindanao. The longkong, originated in southern Thailand, is sweeter, tastier, and seedless; the peel has no latex.

In the town of Mambajao in Camiguin, the harvest of sweet lanzones fruit is celebrated every

year in October with a weekend of street dancing, parade, and pageants.

This festival includes an exhibit of agri-cottage industry products, barangay beautification, indigenous sports, tableau of local culture, grand parade of the lanzones, which is the golden and extra sweet fruit found in the entire province.

Perhaps, part of the mystique of lanzones is a legend that originated in Paete, told and retold in Filipino children’s books, a variation of which made it to Dean S. Fansler’s Filipino Popular Tales. The legend states: “Once upon a time the fruit of the lanzones tree was very poisonous.

Its very juice could make a man sick until he dies.

One day a very religious old man was passing through a forest to attend the fiesta of a neighboring town. When he reached the middle of the thick forest, he became very hungry and tired and felt he could go no further. No matter where he looked, he could see nothing but the poisonous lanzones.

So, he lay down on the soft grass.

“Hardly a moment had passed when a being from heaven approached him and said, ‘My good Christian pilgrim, take some of these lanzones fruits, eat them, and you will be much relieved.’ At first the old man would not do it but the heavenly being pinched the fruit with her fingers and handed them to the pilgrim. He then ate and soon his hunger was removed. After thanking heaven, he continued on to his pilgrimage. Ever since that time, lanzones have been good to eat. All fruits still bear the marks of the heavenly being’s fingers.”

Lanzones is mainly a fresh table fruit that’s easy to serve and convenient to eat. But unlike mangosteen or durian, lanzones may not last long.

“Under ordinary room conditions, lanzones fruits remain marketable for not more than four days,” says the technoguide produced by the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Peeled fruit can be conserved in boiled sugar syrup. It is a good fruit to candy because of its size, transparency, and flavor.

Good wine has reportedly been made from lanzones.

But there are other uses of lanzones aside from its fruits. The wood of the tree is clear brown and not fine-grained.

Elastic and long-lasting, it may be fashioned into tools and small decorative objects for the home.

The cortex of the tree has medicinal value and in Malaysia and Indonesia is used to treat dysentery and malaria. In Java, Indonesia, the bitter seeds are milled and used to treat fever.

Research conducted by this author showed that resin from the bark may be prescribed for flatulence, swellings, and as an antispasmodic. Dried fruit rind may be burned to drive away mosquitoes; and inhaling the smoke reportedly has a soothing effect on tubercular persons.

Lanzones can be propagated by seeds or asexually through marcotting, inarching, or grafting.

“We prefer cleft-grafting over the use of seedlings,” says the Bureau of Plant Industry. “It’s the most practical method, and the trees bear fruits earlier.”

Although generally undemanding, lanzones does not grow well in very dry areas. It will also not tolerate extremely alkaline soils. The best soil type for the tree is one that’s well-drained, slightly acid to neutral, and with high organic matter content.

Sensitive to poor drainage, lanzones cannot last for more than a few days in soil that is saturated with water. In areas with a high-water table, its roots rot rapidly.

Lanzones grown from seeds start flowering at age 12 to 15 years. Marcotted trees bear fruits in two to four years.

The fruits are harvested five to six months after flowering. A sharp knife is used to detach fruit clusters. The fruits should be packed in kaings lined with used newspapers, dried banana leaves or foam.

10 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

LET THE CLASSES... FROM2

to the public health emergency as articulated by the basic education learning continuity plan is our way in addressing the needs that our learners would be benefited. After all, it’s not limited all the physical structures of the schools but it’s on the preparations on how the learners will be learning in the middle of this pandemic,” he said.

Alicaya said this new academic year’s learning continuity plan not only for the delivery of some materials but also on the promotion of the different modalities such as the television, radio broadcast and online classes.

“The Oplan Balik Eskwela is our instrument to make it sure that our learners are all enrolled and will be given the opportunity to be in our schools either in the model printed way, online, television or radio broadcast so that their learning process will be according to the context of their resources, on their environment and their demographics,” Alicaya said.

Deped admits that the learners may find difficulty with the new system.

However, the teachers and school heads will assist them in any queries and difficulties that they may encounter.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Briones officially opened the academic year 2020-2021 yesterday (Oct. 5) claiming victory over Covid-19 pandemic.

“Today we opened our schools. Today we claimed victory over the destroyer Covid-19. Let our classes begin. We are absolutely ready to open schools even as we are battling Covid-19 the destroyer,” Briones declared the opening in a recorded speech aired.

Briones said there are no reasons for the more than 24 million students nationwide to wait longer for the opening of classes.

“Araw-araw may bagong krisis, bagong problema at bagong pagkukulang, paghihintayin ba naming kayong mga mag-aaral more than 24 million of you? Hindi maaring pababayaan kayo mga magaaral. Iginagapang ng mga magulang ninyo ang inyong edukasyon. Nasa ibang bansa sila naghihirap para mapag-aral kayo.

Dugo at pawis ang binubuwis ng manggagawa makapag-aral lamang kayong mga bata. Tama na yung debate kung magbubukas ba o hindi, tama na yung mga maraming usap-usapan. Let the classes begin!”

Briones said.

nasal swab test ruptured the lining at the base of a woman's skull, causing cerebrospinal fluid to leak from her nose and putting her at risk of brain infection.

The patient, according to reports, had an undiagnosed rare condition and the test she received may have been carried out improperly.

Aside from being skilled and trained, those

conducting the tests are also required by the DOH to wear protective personal equipment and use the proper medical tools, according to Vergeire.

"Lahat ng gumagawa [ng swab test], skilled and trained for doing this, tapos kelangan nasa appropriate environment, kelangan po nakasuot ng PPE tsaka tama yung ginagamit na kagaamitan kapag ginawa yan," she said.

is like hitting gold.

“Allowing mining to restart 100% is definitely welcome,” Mike Toledo, Managing Director for Public Affairs of the conglomerate of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, said

in a phone interview.

“The demand for gold, the price of gold, has really gone up. That augurs well for Philex,” he added, referring to large-scale miner Philex Mining Corp. led by the Pangilinan group.

of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns.

This year, the economy

is seen to contract by 5.5 percent, according to government estimates.

aid measures is therefore less than it could be,” the World Bank head said.

Malpass warned that the pandemic could trigger another debt crisis as some developing countries had already entered a downward spiral of weaker

growth and financial trouble.

“The enormous budget deficits and debt payments are overwhelming these economies. In addition, the banks there are getting into difficulties due to bad loans,” Malpass added.

cording to NEDA's study.

Based on statistics, more die of illnesses that are not COVID-related.)

The agency also continues to encourage work from home setups, Lopez said.

"Ang ibang improvement na pinapagawa natin, pinapa-stagger natin, kinakalat ang office hours para hindi magsabay-sa-

bay ang transportation at di magkahawahan," he said.

(Among improvements we called for are staggering office hours so workers won't overcrowd transportation and lessen chances of infection.)

The Philippines as of Sunday reported 322,497 cases of COVID-19, with 5,776 deaths and 273,079 recoveries.

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Department of Education 11 (DepEd-11) director Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero (front) leads the opening of new academic year in a virtual kick-off program entitled “Oplan Back to School”at the Davao City National High School along F. Torres Street in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

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or “refilling” sari-sari store.

“IDIS and other NGO’s also urge the public to properly dispose of their garbage and avoid using single-use plastics. Such small efforts are a big help to conserve and protect the

environment,” she said.

The 12 billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) of the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., a joint venture between Aboitiz Equity Ventures and J.V. Angeles

Construction Corporation will tap the watershed for the next water source of the city, which will have the capacity to supply over 300 million liters of water daily upon its completion in 2021.

The Davao City Water District is in-charge of the water supply distribution to the customers while Apo Agua is responsible for the water extraction and treatment. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

their long-term plans.

"Of course this will contribute to ensuring their survival," she added.

Hein however said that Arctic projects appeared to be "economically unviable."

This despite the vast area forecast to have 13 percent of the world's oil reserves and 30 percent of its undiscovered natural gas.

In July, Russia's Gazprom Neft and Anglo-Dutch giant Shell announced a partnership to explore in the Arctic.

'Markets don't believe' While oil prices rebounded strongly after briefly turning negative in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the world's main oil contracts Brent North Sea and West

Texas Intermediate have failed to build on those gains—and last week fell heavily to under $40.

"Markets right now do not believe there is a future for oil," said SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop.

"For how long we'll have reduced drilling depends on the oil price," he added.

Even so, the admin-

istration of US President Donald Trump in August approved oil and gas drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, angering environmentalists in the process.

While the oil price crisis is making the realization of such projects unlikely, "political will may still trump" that, said Hein of JBC energy.

Zverev said after losing 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-3 to Sinner.

Asked if he was concerned that he might get sick, 19-year-old Italian Sinner said: "He's not positive

or whatever. We have got tested quite many times, and obviously we were not that nearby.

"It's like we always had the distance. I don't think

that I will have fever in the next days, or I hope so."

Tournament organisers said that two players in the junior girls' tournament had tested positive for

COVID-19 and had been removed from the draw.

In total, approximately 3,000 tests have been carried out since September 17, organisers said.

way to honor what coach Louie did for the past three years."

The Fuel Masters reached the semifinals of the All-Filipino conference for the first time ever in

franchise history last year after emerging as the no. 1 seeded team at the end of the eliminations.

But they were overpowered by a strong and experienced champi-

on San Miguel Beermen during their best-of-seven semifinals series, 4-1.

Robinson will be hardpressed to duplicate the same thing given the small window of opportunity

with which he assumed the team head coaching job.

"Sa amin with Phoenix, lahat simula pa lang. Yun ang nakikita namin," he said. (PBA website)

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VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

11

Eala marches to second round in French Open

Filipina junior netter Alex Eala wiped out a huge deficit to win her first round match in the 2020 French Open.

T

he Philippines’ Alex Eala made a grand 2020 Roland Garros debut on Monday (PH Time) after she scored an impressive come-frombehind win and moved to the 2nd round of the French Open juniors tournament in Paris, France.

Eala, a prodigy of the world-renowned Rafa Nadal Academy, rallied from 0-4 down in the first set against Hungarian foe Natalia Szabanin before hacking out a 6-4, 6-1 victory to advance to the second round of the tournament.

The word no. 4 Filipina teen tennis sensation will face Germany's Mara Guth, who ranks world No. 56 in the juniors circuit, in the next round.

Guth downed Sarah Iliev of France

in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. The 15-year-old Eala was placed in Section 4 alongside three more seeded players.

However, two of them already got the boot in Round 1.

Seventh seed Maria Bondarenko of Russia fell to unseeded Tara Wurth of Croatia, 7-6, 4-6, 5-7, while 12th Alexandra Yepifanova of the United States lost to Linda Noskova of Czech Republic, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6.

Eala won a total of 66 points to Szabanin's 42 points, while

converting 7-of-9 break points.

She hopes to continue her momentum from her title romp in the 2020 Australian Open juniors doubles tournament, which she ruled together with Indonesian Priska Nugroho.

Eala will kick off her 2020 French Open juniors doubles tournament with American partner Elvina Kalieva on Monday.

The 3rd seeded duo will face the Italian pair of Lisa Pigato and Eleonora Alvisi.

Bron blames self in Game 3 loss

Sick Zverev said he's 'up to date' with virus checks

G

erman Alexander Zverev has said he played with fever and breathing difficulties during his fourth-round French Open defeat to Italian teenager Jannik Sinner on Sunday, raising questions about the COVID-19 protocols at the clay-court Grand Slam.

Zverev appeared to be in discomfort and was seen coughing on court during the match, and called for the doctor and trainer.

The French tennis federation (FFT), who run the tournament, told Reuters Zverev was most recently tested for COVID-19 on September 29 and the test returned a negative result the following day.

Zverev, 23, was up to date with his testing and

was notified to undergo a routine test on Sunday, the day of his fourth-round match, the organisers added.

Organisers said Zverev did not consult with the Roland Garros medical service before his match against Sinner.

Zverev said he had been ill since his thirdround win against Italian Marco Cecchinato on Friday and had a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.

"It was nothing wrong but I am completely sick after the match with Cecchinato in the night. Yeah, what can I say? I'm completely sick," a masked Zverev said during his virtual post-match news conference.

"I can't really breathe,

Phoenix looks forward to team's own restart

D

avao-based PBA franchise Phoenix is looking to pick up from where former coach Louie Alas left off.

With so little time to work with, interim mentor Topex Robinson takes it as a challenge to turn things around for the Fuel Masters with just a week to go before the official restart of the PBA Philippine Cup. Robinson takes over a core that was recently orphaned by Alas after management opted not to give the veteran coach a contract extension.

Indeed, it's going to be an uphill climb, according to Robinson, although the

good thing is Alas was able to lay down the foundation for the franchise prior to his exit, something which the new man at the helm of Phoenix hopes to carry on for the season resumption.

"It's a challenge obviously for me stepping in for what he started, and the way for me to honor that is to make sure that the competitive team that he build would produce not just winning, but the character that he established in this team," said Robinson in his guest appearance in the Saturday sports show The Chasedown.

"That would be the

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as you can hear by my voice. I had fever, you know, as well. It was 38.

It was 38 in the night or in the evening."

French government guidelines state that a person with COVID-19 symptoms - a body temperature above 38degC, a cough, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, loss of smell or taste - needs to isolate for seven days and immediately make an appointment for a test.

The 23-year-old Zverev also played in Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour event in the Balkans where multiple players, including the Serbian world No.1, contracted the virus.

"To be honest, I warmed up today. I shouldn't have played,"

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L

ebron James powered into the lane, looking to take another step toward an NBA title.

Instead, he took too many steps.

James was whistled for traveling, ending a possession that could have given the Los Angeles Lakers a fourth-quarter lead.

A couple minutes later, he did it again.

In the time of the game when he usually turns it up, James turned it over on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time), part of a sloppy performance by the Lakers in a 115-104 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

“It wasn’t about effort, it was just about execution,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said.

Knocked off track early by Anthony Davis’ first-quarter foul trouble, the Lakers wasted a chance to take a 3-0 lead, which has never been blown in NBA playoff history.

They never got control of Jimmy Butler or of the basketball in Game 3.

Los Angeles committed 20 turnovers that led to 21 Miami points, with James committing a game-high eight of them.

Lebron James rued committing what he called were‘silly turnovers.’

“Just silly turnovers,” said Davis, who had four in his limited first-quarter stint.

“Offensive fouls, miscommunication on some passes, but we’ve just got to be better overall. I mean, we’ll be fine.”

Davis took only nine shots and finished with 15 points, less than half of his performances in the first two games, when he scored 34 and 32.

“You have to be able to adapt and adjust,” Vogel said of Davis’ foul trouble.

“It probably had a small factor on our offensive rhythm but we’ve just got to be better overall on both ends.”

James had 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, but the NBA assist leader’s turnovers contributed to the Lakers never having sustained momentum.

“You just can’t turn the ball over versus that team,” James said, “and I take full responsibility for that.”

They fell behind by 13 points in the first quarter, even with James cutting short his usual early rest because Davis had to the go to the bench with a couple quick fouls.

The Lakers stayed behind most of the way until

early in the fourth quarter. But Miami went back ahead for good right after James’ first travel and Butler wouldn’t let Los Angeles come back again, finishing with 40 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds.

James and Davis had been putting up numbers like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant through the first two games of the series.

With Miami short-handed, the only intrigue seemed to be which of the two Lakers superstars would win the NBA Finals MVP award.

Now there’s much more intrigue than that.

But the Lakers never lost again after their defeats in each of the three previous rounds, finishing each series in five games. They can still do that now.

James said the Lakers don’t feel concerned because they know they can play a lot better, adding that this team learns quickly from its mistakes.

He vowed to cut down on the ones he made.

“I’ll be a lot better with the security of the ball and the turnovers and the things of that nature,” James said, “and we as a team will be a lot better defensively with our game plan.”

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VOL.13 ISSUE 152 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020

WHAT SWEEP? Heat makes it a series after cruising to Game 3 win

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AKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Jimmy Butler is not ready to go home.

A triple-double later, he joined NBA Finals lore — and the short-handed Miami Heat might have made this title matchup a series after all.

Butler finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists, and the Heat beat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-104 on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time) to get within 2-1 — doing so with starters Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic still unable to play because of injury.

It was the third 40-point triple-double in finals history, Butler coming up with the game of his life when the Heat needed it most. He was 14 for 20 from the field, and after the Heat surrendered a double-digit lead early in the fourth he made sure this one wouldn’t get away.

“Win,” Butler said. “I don’t care about triple-doubles. I don’t care about none of that. I really don’t. I want to win. We did that. I’m happy with the outcome.”

Game Four is on Tuesday night. Tyler Herro and Kelly Olynyk each had 17 points for Miami, which got 13 from Duncan Robinson and 12 from Jae Crowder.

LeBron James had 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, while Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris each had 19 points off the bench. Anthony Davis managed 15 for the Lakers.

Whenever the Heat looked ready to pull away and grab control of Game Three, the Lakers always found a way to find their best gear.

A 13-point Heat lead in the early going? The Lakers had the lead back in less than five minutes.

A 14-point Heat lead after a 10-0 run to start the second half? The Lakers scored the next eight.

A 12-point Heat lead late in the third?

It took the Lakers less than five minutes to put together a 20-6 run, taking the lead back at 91-89 with 8:55 left on a layup by Rajon Rondo.

But the rest of the way was all Miami, Butler simply unwilling to let his team go down 3-0. The only other time Miami was down 2-0 in a finals was 2006, when Dwyane Wade took over and led the Heat all the way back.

This time, it was Butler — another Marquette guy — in that role.

“I think we realized that we belong,” Butler said.

It was 22-9 Miami after eight minutes, with the Heat coming out desperate to make this a series and the Lakers looking nothing like a team on the cusp of a title — with nine turnovers in the same time span it took them to score nine points.

Games change quickly, and the Lakers had the lead back with 10:09 left in the half. Kyle Kuzma’s three-point play made it 29-28 Lakers, and Alex Caruso’s 3-pointer gave the Lakers their biggest lead of the half at 37-33 to cap what was an 28-11 run.

The Heat answered with an 11-0 burst to take the lead back. Davis got his third foul with 5:28 left and Miami up by five, but the Lakers weathered his absence and went into the break down just 58-54.